Farmer Alan Robin Latham, who lived in Pewsey Vale most of his life, has died at the age of 78. He was born in an orphanage in Finsbury, London, on February 19, 1935, and was adopted by Harry and Emmeline in May 1937. They moved to Wild’s Farm, Hilcott, Pewsey, from Lacock 16 years earlier and Mrs Latham travelled from Woodborough Station to London to visit the orphanage with the brief to select a strong-looking boy, preferably with dark hair. She chose Alan and came back with him on the train to Woodborough that day.

Mr Latham attended Woodborough Primary School and from there passed the 11+ to go on to the Grammar School in Devizes.

At 16 he achieved outstanding final examination results but his father had a stroke and he was forced to abandon his studies and take over the running of the farm.

On October 29, 1960, he married Janet Susan Merson, of Woodborough who met when she was eight. The couple had four daughters – Alison Jenkins, Susan Parrack, Claire Cook and Elizabeth Bawcutt, and nine grandchildren. Each followed Alan through Woodborough Primary School.

Married life was centred on the farm, St James’ Church in North Newnton, and the Conservative Party, of which Janet was a staunch supporter, and a wide circle of friends and relatives. Mr Latham enjoyed going to the theatre as well as the occasional visit to an art gallery.

He was extremely well read and particularly enjoyed The Daily Telegraph crossword, palindromes and word play. He enjoyed watching all types of sports, including cricket, tennis and golf, all of which he was good at. His great passion was football and he was a loyal supporter of Swindon Football Club.

He enjoyed shooting and was a staunch supporter of Tedworth Hunt, hosting meets. The funeral will be at St James’ Church, North Newnton, on Tuesday at 3pm. There will be a celebration of Mr Latham’s life at a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers the family ask for donations to the British Heart Foundation or Royal Agricultural Benevolence Institution.