WATCHET was saddened this week, following the death of one of the town’s most popular characters, Richard “Dickie Dido” Binding, who died in Croft House, Williton, on June 29 aged 80.

Over 100 posts on social media remembered Dickie as “a legend and a lovely man” who made a major contribution to the town’s activities from tourism and sport, to twinning and entertaining foreign visitors - and an outstanding seven decades of service to Watchet brass bands.

Dickie joined Watchet town band as a euphonium player when he was only 12. He was a member of the band which won two major trophies at a national contest in Bristol and also played regularly with West Somerset Brass after its formation in 2008.

Now both bands will show their appreciation of his massive contribution over so many years by playing at his funeral on July 28.

“I’ve known Dickie all my life and played with him in the band for years, and he was simply the best,” said Roy Chave, of the town’s Esplanade Club. “Music was a major part of his life and his euphonium went with him when he moved to Croft House a few months ago.”

Dickie spent his working life as a printer at Protective Papers Ltd, Watchet/Williton, starting as an apprentice, and in his younger days was a first team centre-back for Watchet Town football club, later becoming a devoted supporter and attending home and away games until he became ill.

Watchet "legend|" Dickie Binding ( )

“He was incredibly enthusiastic and never stopped talking during a game!” a friend said.

He was also an enthusiastic bird-watcher and at one time had a boat in the harbour.

With his wife Marilyn, Dickie regularly visited the French town of Saint-Renan, both with the brass band and as leading members of Watchet Twinning Association.

Eric Clavey, a lifelong friend, recalled: “Dickie loved visiting France but he didn’t like drinking wine so it was always arranged by our hosts that there would be a special supply of beer just for him!”

The Binding family also entertained groups of Austrian students who regularly visited the town and the organiser of the exchanges visited Dickie in Croft House shortly before his death.

Tributes on social media remembered Dickie as “a true Watchet man who will be greatly missed. An absolute gentleman” and “a wonderful character and a real Watchet legend who made every moment fun and enjoyable.”

Another commented: “We will all miss a great character. His cheeky smile, contagious laugh, zest for life and love of music will be sorely missed. Dickie was a lovely man.”

Dickie leaves his wife Marilyn, daughter Daisy May and son Sean. The funeral will be at 12 noon on Friday, July 28, at St Decuman’s Church, Watchet, followed by burial in Watchet cemetery.