David Leader was not only Leader by name but as all who knew David, he was a leader by nature.

Ever since he and his family arrived in Broadwindsor David became fully involved with the community in all aspects be it helping at the school, maintaining the sports ground and the common in Hursey.

His wonderful ability to encourage others to join in was infectious which meant that he was always well supported in any project that he took on and there are many in which he participated.

I will list some and I apologise for any that I miss - the formation of the Community Land Trust in 2016 by the parish council and chaired by David has turned out to be a landmark project which has now after many years of extremely hard work come to fruition with construction recently starting for 15 much-needed affordable houses for local people. The campaign to take on and save The White Lion as a community pub, again chaired by David raised an incredible amount of money in just a few days and I am sure that those who contributed so generously did so because David was leading the project.

Another passion of David's was climate change and with that in mind the Comrades Hall has recently received the 'Leader' treatment with the installation of a new heating system and solar panels.

David was also actively involved with the introduction of wildflower verges in Broadwindsor as well as leading working parties on Hursey Common and other areas to ensure that Broadwindsor was well maintained and looked its best.

He was above all the most generous and well-loved gentleman, respected not only by those who have known David since his arrival with Elaine, Ryan and Rosie in Broadwindsor but also by his colleagues in the Metropolitan Police force who worked with him prior to his retirement. His ability to encourage others to do their best and to defuse situations seems to have been in his D.N.A.

The parish council will sadly miss this inspirational councillor and his updates at our meetings on the many and various issues he was involved with. We all send our deepest condolences to Elaine, Ryan and Rosie and all their family and friends.

Rowland Hibbard, chairman of Broadwindsor Group Parish Council, on behalf of the council.