HUNDREDS of people gathered to say farewell to Andy Chilton – a “pillar of the community” in Wincanton.

Navy veteran and community stalwart Andy sadly passed away at Wincanton Community Hospital on April 1 after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He was 73.

A Celebration of Life Service was held on Monday (April 28) at Yeovil Crematorium, with hundreds paying their respects.

Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, Andy joined the Royal Navy at the age of 15, serving for 35 years before retiring as a senior Warrant Officer Stores Accountant in 2001.

In 2000, Andy and wife Dee moved to Wincanton, getting involved in a range of social activities with neighbours and friends.

He gave much to the Wincanton community, including setting up and running the South Somerset Community Acceptable Transport Scheme (CATBUS), supporting people in the town and surrounding area, a role he relished for 16 years.

He grew the service from scratch into being an invaluable asset that continues to be treasured.

Even after retiring from that post, Andy continued to be a pillar of the local community, both military and civilian, volunteering and maintaining close links with the Balsam Centre, Growing Space, Wincanton Live-at Home Scheme and CATBUS organisations, as well as the Wincanton Royal British Legion branch, the Wincanton Armed Forces Breakfast Club, and latterly the new ‘Got Your Six’ hub in Wincanton.

“Anyone who walked through Wincanton with Andy, or visited the local shops, cafes and pubs with him, would tell you it was rare not to be stopped for a chat by somebody else,” said a tribute.

“Always ready with a genuine big smile, a supportive listening ear, and a bit of cheeky banter, he will be sorely missed by many.

“He will be remembered as an all-round ‘good guy’ local, even though he never lost his Geordie accent, and a much-loved and loving family man, manager and friend to all.

“Andy’s life was an adventure well-lived and enjoyed to the full. Andy will be sadly missed by his wife, Dee, and each of their respective children and grandchildren, as will his many contributions to the wider Wincanton town and surrounding villages community.”