THE town group which campaigns and promotes Melksham’s railway is mourning the death of its former chair, Peter Blackburn. He chaired the Melksham Railway Development Group (MRDG) from the mid 90s, leading it through the journey of its development to the service still used today.
He was also a key board member of the TransWilts Community Rail Partnership, which became the Melksham Transport User Group, where he remained chair until earlier this year, when ill health forced him to retire.
Melksham town councillor, Graham Ellis said, “Peter was a true gentleman and a rare friend, who quietly gave so much and enriched our lives and town without seeking personal attention or reward.
“He welcomed me as an upstart in 2005 and it’s been an honour and pleasure to work beside him over all these years.
“I will miss seeing him helping at so many of our events, chairing our meetings, or just popping in on one another to chat over anything from transport to political life, shipping, the Federation of Small Businesses or hockey – such was the diversity of Peter’s life.
“Our condolences to his wife Margaret and their three sons, who all meant so much to him.”
