TRIBUTES have been paid after the death of Hugh Charman, Stokesley Society’s President, who died in hospital on June 14.

Mr Charman was a founding member of the society in 1965, became secretary in 1968, and served as chairman from 1974 until 2011.

As a tribute to his long and dedicated service to the Stokesley Society, Mr Charman was elected to the honorary position of society President and remained a constant presence in the society’s work.

He was instrumental in delivering many projects undertaken by the society. Most notable was the campaign to establish a conservation area in the town ensuring the period townscape has been protected and maintained: a fitting legacy for his love of Stokesley.

Mr Charman was the inspiration behind numerous publications over the years, instrumental in restoring the old mill wheel and Kent Gate, campaigning successfully to have the town’s overhead power cables placed underground, introducing unified and harmonious street furniture, and re-establishing and promoting neglected footpaths leading from the town.

He was also the guiding light behind the society’s successful bid for Heritage Lottery Funding (2011-14), which resulted in a series of research workshops and in the publication of a set of leaflets about aspects of the town’s history. Amongst other spin-offs from this venture was the setting up of a Stokesley Heritage website, and more recently a proposal to erect a number of interpretation panels around the town to explain its heritage to residents and visitors alike.

The committee said: “Mr Charman was a good friend, whose wide knowledge and experience, ideas, insight and sage advice were a constant source of strength to the society and through it, to the town.

“Our thoughts are with Sue and family. He will be sorely missed.”