Soldier became pillar of Ryedale community (From Gazette & Herald)

Soldier became pillar of Ryedale community

TERRY ADAMS, former company secretary and accountant at Castle Howard, and a pillar of the Ryedale community, has died suddenly while on holiday in the Maldives with his wife. He was 69.

Mr Adams, who lived at Coneysthorpe and worked at Castle Howard for 38 years, died after suffering a heart attack.

Born in Bournemouth, he was stationed in York during his National Service in the Army and he and his wife liked the area so much they decided to settle here.

Mr Adams began his employment at Castle Howard as an accountant and in 1962 was appointed company secretary. He retired from full-time work in 1998, but continued working part-time.

The church played an important part in his life. He was church warden at Coneysthorpe Parish Church for 25 years and for many years was church treasurer and covenant secretary.

He did the paperwork and helped with fundraising for Coneysthorpe Parish Church restoration fund and was in charge of Coneysthorpe cemetery.

Mr Adams was a governor at Amotherby School for 33 years, both his sons having attended the school. He was secretary/treasurer of Coneysthorpe Village Hall for over 35 years, during which time he ran a youth club.

He was also a keen cricketer, playing as a wicket-keeper and opening batsman in the Bournemouth League before moving to North Yorkshire. He played for York Railway Institute in York and District Senior League's top division and was in the team which won the Myers and Burnell Cup. He also played for Castle Howard Cricket Club. During his National Service, he attended cricket trials for the Army.

Mr Adams was founder of Coneysthorpe Table Tennis Club, playing in and organising teams in both the Ryedale League and York and District League. He played for York Veterans in the Yorkshire League and gained his York table tennis badge.

He was treasurer and awards secretary, and a vice-president, of Ryedale Table Tennis League.

One of his proudest accolades in table tennis was being the first recipient of the player's award, in 1976-77, voted on by players in the York and district league.

He leaves a widow, Jill, and two sons, Stuart and Tim.

The funeral service will take place tomorrow at All Saints' Church, Slingsby.

Updated: 09:41 Thursday, March 27, 2003