TRIBUTES have been paid to renowned local historian and ‘true gentleman’ Gerry Woodcock, who sadly died last week at the age of 78.

Mr Woodcock was well-known in Tavistock for his extensive knowledge of the town’s history and as a former teacher at Tavistock College.

He was born in Leicestershire and studied history at Cambridge. He taught in Yorkshire before coming to Tavistock in 1966 to work as head of the school’s history department. He later became head of the sixth form and continued this position until his retirement in 1995.

For many years he wrote about and lectured on aspects of the history of Tavistock and wrote 27 books in the series Tavistock’s Yesterdays, as well as a number of other publications.

He leaves behind his wife, Norma, children Mark and Dinah and four grandchildren.

Mayor of Tavistock Cllr Mandy Ewings said: ‘Gerry was always prepared to help where he could and was particularly helpful to the town council providing wording for the many blue plaques which are situated around the town. He had written a booklet on the town hall portraits, offered advice on new street names and on four occasions he had served as a loyal consort to Norma when she was mayor.

‘He was always keen to meet people and took an interest in the work they were doing. This was rewarded when he was made an Honoured Burgess of the town in 2007. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.’

Mr Woodcock had also been involved in the establishment of Tavistock Museum and the town’s history society.

Alex Mettler, friend and chair of Tavistock and District Local History Society, said: ‘Gerry was a founder member of our society together with a group of local enthusiasts, in 1984, since then he has been chairman, committee member and, in latter years, president. In all these roles Gerry gave wise counsel, leadership and mentor skills for our society, both at committee and personal level.

‘His knowledge of Tavistock and its history was second to none and this knowledge was always freely shared with those many people seeking to know more about our town and its history. Gerry led many walks and has given countless lectures on Tavistock, all delivered in his usual, easy-going style tinged with humour. Our heartfelt condolences go to Norma, his children and grandchildren.’

Sue Davies, who helped set up the museum, said: ‘In 1985, Tavistock’s Mayor Robin Fenner had the idea to start up a society with two aims; one to provide monthly lectures on topics of local interest and the other to set up a museum in a room in the council offices in Drake Road.

‘He felt that many people who retire to the area would enjoy learning about local history and that a town of Tavistock’s size and importance should have a museum. Gerry, with his extensive knowledge of the area, was an ideal person to be involved in such a project and so he became a committee member. He supported the idea of a town museum and would often bring in items which came his way as the result of his researches for his popular books on local history.

‘When chairman of the managing committee he was, like any good teacher, always patient, courteous, enthusiastic and encouraging and the society grew and prospered under his leadership. When the history society and the museum became separate organisations, he continued to bring in items of interest and was always willing to give the museum the benefit of his vast store of knowledge and experience. With his generous nature he supported the museum with profits from the sale of his books going to museum funds.

‘For all these reasons, those of us who valued his friendship and admired his qualities of kindness, generosity and zest for learning will mourn his passing and always remember him with great affection.’

Friend of Mr Woodcock Ted Sherrell said: ‘As a teacher at Tavistock College, Gerry inspired countless students towards aspiration and ambition. As a local historian he has no equal — generations to come will, rightly, treat his manifold writings on the history of Tavistock and the area as the definitive works.

‘He was a man of learning and wisdom, of compassion and integrity — truly a gentleman. Our community has lost a fine friend — assuredly one irreplaceable.’

A funeral service for Mr Woodcock will be held at St Eustachius’ Church in Tavistock this Saturday, (September 24) at 11am. Donations in his memory will be to the Tavistock Memory Café and Parkinson’s UK by retiring collection or sent care of Morris Bros, Lakeside, Tavistock, PL19 0AZ.

Mr Woodcock will also be remembered at the town council’s civic service this Sunday.