TRIBUTES have been paid to a man who played a pivotal role in the modernisation of an historic organisation.

 

Former Durham Freemen chairman John Heslop, who was instrumental in getting woman admitted to the historic body, died suddenly while on holiday in Spain at the age of 71.

 

Paying tribute, his daughter Kate Luther said: “My father will be very sadly missed.

 

“It was a big shock. We as a family are devastated.

 

“But we want to celebrate his life. He was was a very special man held in high regard by a lot of people.”

 

Mr Heslop was admitted a Durham Freeman to the Curriers Company in February 1987, was appointed Warden in December 2001 and chairman, in succession to Alan Atkinson in January 2006.

 

During his decade at the helm of the freemen he strengthened links with the cathedral, while the eight guilds gave tens of thousands of pounds to charities and projects.

 

Membership also rose from from 80 to more than 230.

 

But, perhaps, one of the major changes of Mr Heslop’s stewardship was the freemen’s unanimous backing for the admission of women in 2012, ending 700 years of tradition.

 

Mr Heslop saw through the balloting procedures and their acceptance.

 

His daughter, who was one of those who became a freeman, said: “That was something he was really proud of. It was a massive achievement. We are are very proud of him.”

 

Mr Heslop attended the Durham Johnston Grammar School and went on to train as a science teacher.

 

He was a teacher at Wingate Secondary School (later to become Wellfield Comprehensive) for 21 years, before becoming deputy head at Haughton Comprehensive, in Darlington.

 

Mr Heslop is also survived by his son Kris and two grandchildren by his daughter. His funeral service will be held at Durham Town Hall at 10.15am on Friday May 5.