TRIBUTES have been paid to Brian Barry, chairman of the Vale of Evesham Civic Society (VECS).

Mr Barry died aged 83 at Worcestershire Royal Hospital on August 24 and is due to be laid to rest tomorrow morning.

Before his retirement, Mr Barry had a career in public service and was highways manager for Hereford and Worcester County Council.

Secretary of the VECS David Way said that Mr Barry’s knowledge of the workings of local government was of great benefit to the group, which he represented on the Market Towns Partnership.

“During his time as chairman, the civic society thrived and became an important opinion-forming body in the town,” he said.

In addition to his civic society activities, Mr Barry was a governor at Swan Lane First School and also on the committee of the Simon de Montfort Theatregoers group.

Mr Barry was married to the late Doreen, had two sons, Peter and David, and was also a much-loved grandfather.

Mr Barry was chairman of the VECS for about 15 years and was “passionate” about his work. “He had a great interest in the town and the future of the town,” said Mr Way.

“He worked with Lew Hammond (former Market Town Partnership manager) to promote and improve the Evesham riverside and was very proud of what they achieved. He will be a hard act to follow.”

Mr Barry’s funeral service was due to take place at St Peter’s Church in Bengeworth, Evesham, at 11.30am tomorrow.