EDITOR'S CHOICE MOM CALLS FOR MORE SPEED CAMERAS Mom calls for more speed cameras CRUDWELL RESIDENTS CELEBRATE FRUITS OF SUMMER Crudwell residents celebrate fruits of summer MARLBOROUGH JAZZ FESTIVAL Marlborough jazz fest hosts newcomers and old favourites Marlborough Jazz Fest: Red Hot Rhythmakers WOOTTON BASSETT SCHOOL PROM Wootton Bassett prom Wootton Bassett prom ABBEYFIELDS SCHOOL PROMS Year 11 Year 11 VOTE Are there enough NHS dentists in Wiltshire? Yes No GET OUR NEWS BY E-MAIL Just register

Most read Comments 1 Fire crews tackle Swindon blazes 2 Hundreds mourn Devizes stab victim at funeral 3 Gazette roadshow in Chippenham 4 Award for travel firm 5 Swindon impress despite defeat 6 Gabriel talks about WOMAD 7 Tree festival takes root 8 Our first job is avoiding relegation 9 Oliver leaves audience wanting more 10 Redknapp expects tough Swindon test Today | 7 Days 1 Avebury Residents’ Pack launched 2 Camera opponent was banned for speeding 3 Devizes Wetherspoon to open in August 4 Police issue statement on speed cameras 5 Voters turn out in force to reject BNP 6 Row takes its toll 7 Fears over new homes in Chippenham 8 Mum stands up against muggers 9 Fire in Phelps Parade 10 Squatter found with knife

Comment | Read Comments (1)

William Bodman

POPULAR farmer's son William Bodman was killed in an accident on the notorious stretch of road between Caen Hill and Seend Fork.

Mr Bodman, who would have celebrated his 24th birthday tomorrow, was pronounced dead at the scene after his Peugeot 306 was in collision with a Fiat Punto coming in the opposite direction.

The accident happened at around 6.25pm on Sunday.

Both cars left the road and the two occupants of the Punto were airlifted to the Royal United Hospital, Bath.

Police said they had both escaped serious injury. It is understood Mr Bodman was being followed by a second Peugeot driven by a friend.

Mr Bodman's father, Martin, who owns Wick Farm in Potterne Wick, near Devizes, said the first they knew of the incident was when they got a phone call from one of Mr Bodman's friends.

He said: "He told us there had been a crash on Caen Hill so we went straight over there.

The police wouldn't let us through but they confirmed it was William.

"We think he must have been on his way to Frome as he's got friends over there. He loved his cars and he loved his scramble bikes."

Mr Bodman said the family was devastated by his death.

He said: "He was a thoughtful, good-natured boy who loved his work. He was very quiet at school but lately he had come out of his shell and he was a valuable member of the family business.

"He lived life to the full and got on well with everyone. People used to phone up and speak to him, without knowing he was my son, and tell me what a nice young chap he was."

Mr Bodman had three sisters - Lucy, Laura and Kate - and a younger brother, Henry.

A post mortem examination was due to be carried out yesterday.

Mr Bodman was educated at Urchfont Primary School and Lavington School and took an agriculture course at Lackham College before working full-time for the family business, J&M Bodman builders.

This was the latest fatality on this stretch of road. Last month special constable Dermot Hackett escaped serious injury when his Saab convertible was in collision with a Renault Clio.

The Clio driver was taken to hospital with a triple neck fracture. A year ago Tim Gasson was killed when he lost control of his car.

Leave your tributes for William Bodman below

8:49am Thursday 8th May 2008

Print

Email this

Comment