TRIBUTES have been paid to a community stalwart who has died following a short illness.
Brian Wheelwright, 79, had been involved in the Worcester Talking News (WTN) for over 20 years as a sound recording engineer.
The group provides spoken recordings of the Worcester News to listeners who are visually impaired or blind.
Elizabeth Hill, 68, editor at WTN said: “He had such a lovely smile that would light up the room and he was a real gentle giant, willing to do anything that was needed to support the community.
“His only motivation was to give something back and he was so pleased with how a couples of hours recording would mean so much to the listeners.
“I’ll miss him very much and his kind-hearted nature.”
Worcestershire born, Mr Wheelwright had family roots in Malvern.
Son-in-law and WTN volunteer Duncan Wynn, 60, said: “He was the sort of man who just got on with things.
“We used to call him Mr Gadget as he was always interested in the latest technology.
“Brian had an immense sense of curiosity - a real scientific brain.
“He started with the group at a time when tapes had to be edited with a scalpel and spliced together, not like now where it’s all on data pens, where files can be uploaded to our podcast site.
“It was not unusual for him to have cut fingers as the cutting of tape during the editing process could be tricky, resulting in blood splattered around the place.
“When digital recording came along, he picked this up quickly and enjoyed digital editing just as much - and his fingers loved it too!”
“His attitude was always positive and with a group such as ours, this had a superb impact on everyone and that in turn rubs off on the listeners.
“It was wonderful to know him as a father-in-law and friend.”
Mr Wheelwright died on April 16 at New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton from heart failure.
The funeral will be held on Thursday May 2 at 11am at Vale Crematorium, Fladbury.
Mr Wynn said donations can be given to the British Heart Foundation and the Worcester Talking News.
WTN has existed since 1978 and provides free recordings.
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