A LASTING tribute to a popular Whitchurch business owner and former proprietor of The Herald has been installed in Jubilee Park.

Sam Eccleston was a member of Whitchurch Rotary Club for many years, including a role as president and in recent years as the club's media officer, as one of many roles he held.

Sam, who was 89 when he died, had a special fondness for Jubilee Park, and when major donations were received by the Rotary Club at his funeral, it was decided there would be a lasting feature in his memory.

Last week, Sam's daughter Jan Wynn and great-granddaughter Kimi Wynter Benoit were joined in the park by Rotary president Ian Fawcett and town mayor Councillor Bev Duffy to officially open a set of goalposts.

"Following his funeral the donations were given to Whitchurch Rotary, where Sam had been a member for many years, for them to use for young people," said a Rotary spokesman.

"The goalposts in the Jubilee Park was chosen as his father Rupert and Sam overlooked the park during working at The Herald; in fact, Rupert bought his retirement home overlooking the park.

"Sam recognised the importance of exercise and fun having being involved with Whitchurch Rugby Club for many years.

"After discussion with the family the Rotary decided that bringing the goalposts back on the park would be a lasting tribute to Sam.

"The family would like to thank the Whitchurch Rotary Club and the Whitchurch Town Council for making it possible for making Sam's wishes come true."