Tributes to Les Phillips who has died aged 84

Community stalwart Mr Phillips died last week at the age of 84 and will be sorely missed by his family and the community he played a huge part in.

As well as serving for many years on Dorchester Town Council – of which he was mayor a record four times – and West Dorset District Council, he was involved in, and headed, a wide range of community organisations, and was a dedicated fundraiser.

Indeed, Mr Phillips, who was awarded an MBE in 2000, was running a fundraising draw for the Durnovaria Silver Band (of which he was president) just a few days before his death.

His family said Mr Phillips, who was married to Vonty, and had two children and four grandchildren, dedicated his life to his family, helping others and wanting to do his very best in whatever he did.

Relatives said they have been 'absolutely astounded' by the comforting messages from well-wishers since his death.

Mr Phillips, who had lived in Dorchester since 1936, did his National Service with the Royal Horse Guards, part of the Household Cavalry.

Shoeing horses was his trade for more than 50 years and he became a master farrier, working all over Dorset.

In younger days working as farrier

His family said in a statement: "He was a born organiser, an excellent motivator and totally unselfish. At a time when most of his contemporaries were taking it easy and retiring he seemed to add to his already busy schedule.

"He always made the time to listen to people and had the ability to communicate well with people from all walks of life."

They added: "His main interest in his council work was housing, but he was also deeply committed to helping all sectors of the community and spent many years helping the youth of the town."

Mr Phillips supported many different organisations including Dorchester Football Club, Dorset County Show, Dorchester Youth Club, the Dorset Association for the Disabled, Dorchester Stroke Club, South Dorset Leukaemia Society, Dorchester Garden Produce Association, and Dorchester-Lubbecke Society.

He was heavily involved in Magna Housing and its Careline service, dressed up as Father Christmas for the Christmas Cracker, served as a school governor and organised student exchanges at various schools and colleges.

With wife Vonty meeting Prince Charles

Town crier and councillor, Alistair Chisholm, said: "I just remember there was hardly a Saturday that you could travel down South Street without seeing Les shaking a tin for a good cause.

"I would say that it was the range of different organisations that he played a significant part in that made him such a wonderful person.

"Anyone who found themselves in need, Les would help them."

He added: "He made a massive contribution to the town, he was interested in everything happening in the community.

"He was the epitome of a fine Durnovarian. He will be sorely missed."

Mr Phillips became chairman of the Dorchester Town FC Supporters Club in 1959 and later became a lifelong vice-president.

Recently, when members of the club were struggling for numbers to sell tickets on the door to a home game, Mr Phillips was there.

Matthew Lucas, director and chairman of Dorchester Town FC, said: "We are in debt to what Les has achieved for us.

"Les was very much seen as 'Mr Dorchester' and we feel very privileged to have known him and had his support."

With the Household Cavalry at Dorset County Show

Mayor of Dorchester, Susie Hosford, said Mr Phillips will be remembered and missed by people of all ages and from all walks of life.

She said: "He made a huge contribution to Dorchester over a great many years.

"He was well known for his tireless support of many charities and local organisations.

"He will never be forgotten."

Graham Colls, chief executive of Magna Housing, said: “Leslie was very active in Magna from its formation in 1993 until just a few years ago. He served on several boards and was both chairman and latterly president of Magna Careline until we sold it in 2014.

“He was incredibly proud of what Magna achieved and had many stories to tell of the early days when he played his part in a very direct way of making sure that the housing needs of people in Dorchester and west Dorset were met.

“Staff had a genuine fondness for him and Magna was able to do a better job due to the goodwill he generated and his great knowledge of what other organisations were doing to improve people’s lives in the area.

“On top of his many voluntary activities, he worked full-time and had many high profile clients. He made me a lucky horseshoe when I came to Magna. I still have it.

“Our thoughts are, of course, with his wife, Vonty, and the rest of his family.”