The grave of a former Walford resident, who left his considerable fortune to support the local primary school, has been given some loving care thanks to the current school pupils, staff and governors.

In 1961, a Trust was set up for Walford Primary School following the death of Mr Robert Pashley, who lived at Kerne Lodge. Mr Pashley loved fishing and was well known as ‘The Man of the Wye’. One of his other interests was Walford School.

For many years, Mr Pashley provided the means to hold a school Christmas party, where he presented each child with an orange and he always provided a fresh salmon, caught by himself, for school outings. When he died, in July 1956, Mr Pashley left his considerable wealth in a Trust for the pupils of Walford School.

Recently, a member of the local community informed Mrs Joyce Thomas MBE DL, a governor of Walford Primary School, that the grave of Mr and Mrs Pashley in St Michael and All Angels Churchyard was in a poor state of repair. Mrs Thomas informed the Headteacher and very quickly, the Eco Council put a plan together. A working party, led by Mr Cook, the site manager, put the school’s value of respect into action and on completion, enjoyed the satisfaction of doing something to be proud of.

Members of the Eco Council, Amber, Joe M, Molly and Oliver said: “We were all sad to hear that Mr Pashley’s grave had not been cared for. We know that when we show respect for someone, we are showing that we value that person. Everyone at Walford appreciates what Mr Pashley did for us all and we are really pleased to do something kind for him.”

Mr Paul Deneen OBE JP DL, Chair of the Board of Governors said: “Robert Pashley (1880 – 1956) gave much to the community of Walford and he was a great benefactor and supporter of the local school. We are grateful that Mrs Joyce Thomas, who is a governor at Walford and who is also Chair of the Robert Pashley Trust, has taken a particular interest in honouring Robert Pashley’s memory.”