A service to celebrate the life of a “gentleman” who lived in and loved Spalding and was a very active member of the community is to be held next week.(January 12)
George Hastings died at his home on December 19, aged 88.
Mr Hastings – the last mayor of Spalding Urban District Council and the first chairman of South Holland District Council at its formation in 1974 – was formerly a senior partner at Calthrops Solicitors in Market Place for more than 25 years.
He was known to thousands of people through a long string of memberships and associations.
Friend and proprietor of Calthrops’ neighbour Revills Jewellers, Nick Revill, said: “George was a gentleman.
“He always had an appetite for life and fun, with a wonderful sense of humour and a ready smile.
“As a family friend he was a big influence on my life, always encouraging and provoking thought. In my childhood, I remember many happy days in his company, and was always aware that he had time for people.
“In his work as a solicitor he had a sharp and focused mind which brought clarity to situations and helped guide many individuals and growing businesses.
“George always had a love of Spalding and devoted an awful lot of time to the local council. His influence there helped shape and guide it through what were probably the town’s most successful years.
“George will be sadly missed by all those who were lucky enough to have known him.”
District and county councillor Angela Newton, who was working for Mr Hastings at Calthrops in the 1970s, said he proved to be the perfect “captain” for the new district council.
“His wisdom and guidance played a big part in new and old members gelling so well and working together for the benefit of our district. God forbid anybody to mention politics,” she said.
“In addition to being a great leader and team player, he valued all the staff. Under his chairmanship, he not only held meetings and social events for business people, charity workers and members from the voluntary sector, he also held an event each year when he invited all members of office staff and manual workers to have a chance to meet them all and to say thank you.”
Mr Hastings leaves behind widow Jean, three children, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Daughter Sarah Prior said: “Dad was a very loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who was passionate about the town he was born, worked and lived in.
“He taught us all to take an active part in anything we belong to or were involved in and not to be frightened to question or challenge.
“We have been overwhelmed by the number of cards and messages all members of the family have received and it is very clear from the words in these how he influenced and touched the lives of so many.”
The service to celebrate Mr Hastings’ life is at Spalding Parish Church at noon on Thursday, January 12.
Mr Hastings’ roles….
Formerly:
- Chairman of governors at Spalding Grammar School and Ayscoughfee School
- Governor of The Garth School, Gleed School and Spalding High School
- Chairman of Spalding Town Husbands for ten years and longest standing member at 48 years
Sat on boards/committees of:
- Quadring Workshop
- The Growing Place
- Lincoln Cathedral Preservation Council
- St John Ambulance (awarded Member of The Order of St John)
- Spalding Town Centre Partnership
- Spalding Gentlemen’s Society
- Welland and Deepings Drainage Board
Member/ former member of:
- Welland Yacht Club (life member)
- Spalding Motor Club (chairman)
- River Welland Boat Users’ Association
- East Elloe Motor Club (president)
- RNLI Spalding branch
- Spalding Shipwreck Society
