January 30, 2018 10.52 am This story is over 73 months old

Tributes to man who created two-metre wide model of Humber Bridge

A fantastic model.

Tributes have been paid to a Barnetby man whose passion for the Humber Bridge led him to create a two-metre wide model of the structure.

Roly Chafer, 88, died earlier in January 2018, one year after donating his model to the Humber Bridge Board.

The model, which was made mainly using matchsticks, has pride of place in the board’s reception area.

Roly donated the two-metre model, which he completed in 2000, after he moved to smaller accommodation and his family was worried that it would have to be thrown away.

The Humber Bridge Board has made a donation of £50 towards Lindsey Lodge Hospice in Scunthorpe in memory of Roly, whose funeral took place at Woodlands Crematorium on January 19.

The model of the Humber Bridge created by Roly Chafer, who has passed away

Humber Bridge chief executive Kevin Moore said: “We were so pleased to be offered this fantastic model to display in our reception area.

“It was a joy to meet Roly, his sister-in-law, Freda, and his care worker.

“Our hearts go out to his family and care team at their sad loss.”

Roly’s care worker, Su Skipworth, of the Leonard Cheshire charity, said: “Roly loved the bridge. After his visit, he was overwhelmed and I remember him telling staff at the home that he’d met the ‘top man’ and managers and they’d given him some books about the bridge.

“The day gave him so many memories.”