A STALWART of socialism in the Tamar Valley, who worked tirelessly on behalf of the area he loved so much, died last Friday in Derriford Hospital after an extended period of ill health.

Godfrey Smale, who was 77, was born on January 25, 1935 in Gunnislake.

He worked at Devonport Dockyard for 40 years, an engine fitter by trade, and was a committed member of the trade union movement.

Godfrey became involved in local government as a member of the Labour Party in the 1970s and served on Calstock Parish , Caradon District and Cornwall County councils.

He became leader of the Labour group at county level — his major achievement was in helping deliver Objective 1 status for Cornwall in 1990, which brought hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of European funding into the county for regeneration projects.

Godfrey was awarded the MBE for his services to local government in 2005 — but would not go to Buckingham Palace for the presentation due to his wife Winifred's failing health. Instead, he received his award at St Anne's Church in Gunnislake from Lady Mary Holborrow, the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, enabling Winifred to attend — and many from the local community.

His citation stated: 'Well known in the village and the wider community, Mr Smale is greatly respected for his unselfish dedication, understanding, wisdom and willingness to give up his time to help and support others.'

Godfrey was a passionate supporter of education and played lead roles in the county council's policy and provision in this field. He was very involved in local schools, served on governing bodies and championed the cause of small rural schools threatened with closure.

He was chairman of Caradon District Council from 1999 to 2001 during a challenging period of restructuring and represented the county council on the board of Calstock Development Trust. He was a member of the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Advisory Forum, and trustee of the Woodland Centre Charity, a centre for the elderly and disabled.

In addition to his work for local government, Godfrey was heavily involved in sport locally — as president of Gunnislake Football Club he encouraged and supported generations of youngsters to take up sport, he loved cricket and played a lead officer role in Callington and Gunnislake Ladies' Darts League.

His citation further stated: 'He has dedicated his whole life to the people of Tamar Valley and Cornwall, and despite increasing health problems, he continues to fight for the rights and benefits of all in the village.

Godfrey's brother Ken Smale said: 'He was into everything you could possibly think of — he was that kind of person.

'He knew everybody and got things done. He used to boss me around but he always did what he thought was right and was totally incorruptible — a socialist through and through.'

Godfrey Smale's funeral will be held at St Anne's Church in Gunnislake on Friday, June 8 at 2pm.