Tributes have been paid to South Cerney vintage show organiser John Keedwell who died last month.

John, who was born in 1944, was the driving force behind many community events in the area.

Chairman of the Stroud Vintage Transport and Engine Club Martyn Slater announced the news of John's passing, as well as issuing a tribute.

"It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I report the passing of our great friend and rally manager John Keedwell after a relatively short, but bravely fought battle against cancer.

"John had been involved with the motor trade for all his life and with the local preservation movement for more than thirty years.

"Although I attended the early rallies in Stonehouse and often bought and sold items at our auctions, it was John that got me involved with the organisation of our show each year.

"It started when I was offered free tickets to attend the rally in exchange for delivering some equipment to site.

"The following year it was the offer of a free camping pass in exchange for helping to set up and strip down!

"I often teased him that it would have been better for me if I had paid for those tickets!

"But in all seriousness it’s been a blast!

"John has made it so much fun and has taught me, and many of us an awful lot about how to get things done without shouting and hollering or getting stressed or upset and excited!

"He commanded respect, and did not suffer fools gladly and I was often in awe of how he dealt with a potential volatile situation in a calm and measured way and it is largely down to him that we are able to stage such a successful fantastic show with relatively few volunteers.

"In the current issue of vintage spirit, our club is praised for keeping our entrance fee the same for ten years running.

"The correspondent makes the comment that this must be down to good housekeeping and again we have John to thank for this.

"We all always knew that John did an awful lot but it is only now that we are coming to realize just how much he was doing!

"Every supplier we use is sourced by John and he negotiates every deal we do with them.

"If you stop to think that every item we need would generate possibly three to five phone calls alone, not mention any face to face negotiation, one starts to realize just how much time he needed to put in to make an event the size and scope of the Gloucestershire Vintage and Country Extravaganza happen.

"After the Little Vintage Show on the second week in May, John became unwell and on a holiday to Scotland, he spent just about the whole week in his hotel room.

"On his return, he was diagnosed with a chest infection and given tablets to ‘try’, these did not work and when the second lot did not either, he was sent for an X ray and subsequently MRI scan.

"He was diagnosed with terminal cancer at the end of June.

"I cannot comprehend how John processed this news but he appeared to face it head on and laugh in the face of adversity.

"The first reaction for many of us after getting over the shock of the news was “what now?”.

"John, still having the club at heart to his last days, told me categorically and unequivocally that the show must go on and not falter on his account.

"He has been an inspiration to us all over recent months and upheld his sense of humour until the end.

"Over the coming months, I am sure we will regale each other with many stories recounting the good times we have had in his company!

"On a personal note, I have spent more time with John in the last ten years in the daytime than I have with my wife so you can imagine what a blow this has been to me.

"A life-long transport enthusiast and preservationist, John’s influence, support and encouragement benefited many preserved transport and heritage events.

"In addition to our event held at South Cerney, he was the driving force behind the Little Vintage Show in addition to supporting Frocester Steam Rally, The Lister Tyndale steam rally, the Greater Gloucester Steam Rally plus various Military Rally’s across the Southwest during his time as area Chairman of the Military Vehicle Trust.

"Very much a supporter of his local community, the Slimbridge Fete, Slimbridge Horse Show, Thornbury Carnival, Sharpness vehicle gathering, July 4 American vehicle celebrations, Northleach show plus various vintage vehicle road runs all benefited from the “JK influence”.

"John lost his fight at 11am on Friday, September 27, 2019.

"He died peacefully at home with his wife Mandy holding his hand.

"I want to pay tribute to a kind quiet man with a wry sense of humour and sometimes cutting wit whose legacy is the success of the many events and who will cast a long shadow over so many lives for a long time to come."

John's funeral will take place on Friday, October 18, at 2pm, Westerleigh Crematorium, Westerleigh Road, Westerleigh, Bristol BS37 8QP, followed by a pig roast and some drinks back at the little Vintage show field until late.

For all those that knew John - please try to attend to share your memories and anecdotes of John and catch up with friends.

The dress code, stipulated by John and Mandy is as he would have dressed at the rally field, 'laid back casual' such as jeans, and sandals! No Black.

Donations in lieu of flowers to Sue Ryder Leckhampton.

A non-religious ceremony will be carried out by Peter Simper.