Family pays tribute to former Holbeach and Fosdyke councillor whose thanksgiving service raised £1,066.60 for British Heart Foundation

The family of a former parish councillor have paid tribute to his commitment to charity and community work.

Terry Harrington, who lived in Holbeach and Fosdyke, was still raising money after his death on March 14, at the age of 84, as his thanksgiving service made a total of £1,066.60 for British Heart Foundation and Fosdyke Church.

He was married to Ann and had two children Wendy and Susan and went on to marry Jill and had a step-daughter Sarah.

Originally from Brandon in Suffolk, Terry was born in 1939 and attended Hive End School at Chatteris and Warboys School.

Terry joined the Royal Signals in 1952 and went onto break the the army world record for the 800 metres while serving in Germany.

Jill said: “One of the things that was dear to his heart was the lighting of the beacon at Wignal's Gate, for which he was co-ordinator.

“He would have been delighted to see it lit again on May 8 by the Royal Observer Corps Assocation.

“He also cherished the day that we attended a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.”

With an interest in horticulture and agriculture, he undertook a farm management course after leaving the army and moved to Holbeach in 1969. He went onto work as an agronomist.

Jill said: “Terry became interested in the area and went on to become a parish and district councillor and a churchwarden at All Saints Church in Holbeach.

“He also served on various charities, one being the South Holland Crime Prevention Panel.

“He was chairman of the Holbeach in Bloom committee and had great pride in making Holbeach look beautiful with his helpers.”

Terry’s hobbies and community work was wide ranging - from being part of the Millennium Lighting Committee to forming the Holbeach Drama Group and Young Players in 1980.

Jill added: “It gave youngsters the confidence to perform in pantomimes and concerts at school and care homes.

“Terry arranged cricket matches and was a member of Holbeach Lawn Tennis Club.

“He was also instrumental in purchasing Coubro Chambers as a parish council office.”

Terry was given Honorary Freedom of the Parish in 2015, a South Holland Pride Award in 2009 and was instrumental in setting up Hallgate Cemetery in Holbeach.

He was also a churchwarden at Fosdyke Church.

Do you have memories of Terry Harrington? We would love to hear from you. Email news@lincsonline.co.uk to share them with us.