The number of people whose lives were affected for the better by former Mayor of Swindon Brian Ford was shown by the attendance at his funeral.

Mr Ford died suddenly just weeks after stepping down from Swindon Borough Council having served as a member for Wroughton from the days of Thamesdown Borough Council.

And as well as his family and friends, members of the council, past and present, The Mayor of Swindon and Sir Robert Buckland, MP for South Swindon from 2010 were among those who packed the chapel at North Wiltshire Crematorium in Royal Wooton Bassett.

Paying tribute to Mr Ford’s love of golf, members of his club Brinkworth Gold Club gave his cortege a guard of honour as it approached the channel holding putters in tribute, while Tina Turner’s Simply the Best was played.

Celebrant Sophia Best gave a brief biography of Mr Ford’s life, his career in grocery retail in Wiltshire and the south west, and then more latterly financial advice, his love of travel, especially the village in Spain where he had a home,

Mr Ford’s son Richard paid tribute to his father. He said: “He could get on with anyone and was decent, kind and hardworking.

“He was not one for hugs or saying “I love you” – but he showed that he loved us in everything he did, in the advice he gave me, in being the backstop to my entire life.”

Mr Ford reflected on his father’s sense of humour which he said was: “quite sarcastic but never cruel” and also on his innate honesty: “He would just tell you what he thought. He wasn’t unpleasant, just honest.”

That theme was picked up by Sir Robert Buckland who spoke about Mr For’s long career in public service and politics. He said: “Brian would never let you in any doubt of where he stood on something, not about where you stood. In short, he could be difficult.

“But that was his honesty. And he was pragmatic. He wanted to get things done, he wanted to make a difference and help people.”

Mr Buckland said Mr Ford’s sudden passing had robbed Swindon of a powerful and experienced voice when it came to considering matters such as how to improve social care for the elderly, something he had dealt with a lot as cabinet member for adult services at Euclid Street for several years before 2023.

After a hymn, I Vow to Thee, My Country and Mr Ford’s daughter Alex reading the poem Not How He Died.. But How He Lived, the huge congregation filed out to the music Cavatina.