TRIBUTES to Peter Bateman in this week’s SNJ are revealing.

Clearly a much loved great-grandfather, grandfather, dad and husband, his death will be deeply felt by those close to him.

The sincere tributes from members of the Stroud community, provide a profound insight into the lasting impact that Peter's life will have on this town.

Words such as ‘legendary’, ‘gentleman’ and ‘father figure’, can sometimes be bandied about too freely.

However, just a glance at the list of Peter’s qualities and accomplishments provides irrefutable evidence that this ‘father figure of retailing’, will always be woven into the town’s history.

The community that Stroud is today and how it flourishes in the future, are built upon Peter’s time spent driving the its development; as president of the local chamber of trade, serving on the Town Council, or as part of the highly-regarded family business.

To paraphrase his son Andrew’s touching tribute: Stroud was his heart, and he will always be at the heart of Stroud.

Peter's funeral will be held at noon on Wednesday, November 29, at St Mary's Church, Painswick.

The funeral cortège will be passing Batemans Sports at 11.30am on the day.