TRIBUTES have poured in following the death of a much-loved councillor and community stalwart.

Malcolm Woollard, who had lived in the same house, in Chestnut Close, Buckhurst Hill since 1937, lost his year-long battle to cancer, at the age of 79 last week.

A familiar face in Buckhurst Hill, Mr Woollard was a former parish council chairman and district councillor, although he will perhaps best be remembered for his work saving and refurbishing the Roding Centre, in Loughton Way, which last year was renamed the Woollard Centre in his honour.

His nephew Paul Hicks said: “He was one of those people who excelled at everything from a small boy. He was extremely clever and he mastered everything he did and was able to speak on it with immense authority.

“My mother used to tell me: ‘If you put yourself out a quarter as much as your uncle you would be clever.’ We have many memories of him here.”

Mr Woollard was born in Cambridge, but moved to Leyton at an early age, and then to Chestnut Close, Buckhurst Hill, at the age of six, where he lived for the rest of his life.

He was a committed member of Woodford Operatic and Amateur Dramatic Society for more than 55 years designing all their programs and often taking the leading role in their productions.

A keen sailor for many years, Mr Woollard owned his own boat. He never married, but was always busy with community work and was a long-term councillor at both parish and district level.

Chairman of Buckhurst Hill Parish Council Joyce Darby said: “Malcolm Woollard was a well respected district and parish councillor who passed on his extensive knowledge of the English language and the conduct of Parish Council meetings to officers and fellow councillors.”

Fellow councillor Peter Spencer said: “His passion and commitment to the community of Buckhurst Hill will long be remembered and the impact of his dedication to his work as a councillor will be felt for many years to come.

Mr Woollard’s funeral will take place at St John’s Church, High Road, Buckhurst Hill, at 11am, on Thursday July 9.