THE family of John and Judith Woodget has spoken of how they will forever cherish the wonderful memories of the afternoon they all spent together hours before a fatal crash.

The popular Lockeridge couple, who were devoted parents to Matthew, Lucy and Sarah and doting grandparents to Theodore, Maxwell, Sebastian and Miles, were driving home after spending the afternoon enjoying a barbecue in the sunshine with family and friends in Surrey.

This week, senior coroner Graham Short concluded it was likely Mrs Woodget, 65, had been suffering from fatigue and fell asleep at the wheel of the car seconds before it crashed into a lorry in July.

The court in Winchester heard how they suffered fatal injuries and Mr Woodget, 64, died at the scene.

Mrs Woodget, 65, died the next day surrounded by her family at Southampton General Hospital.

“We were lucky to have spent a lovely last weekend with them,” daughter Sarah Woodget said,

“They drove up to my sister Lucy's house in Surrey on Friday night, stopping off to see the Melissa Cole exhibit on the way. Mum, Dad, Lucy and I met in London for a haircut and long leisurely lunch in Soho.

“This was a regular family tradition we enjoyed a few times each year and was always a cherished opportunity to meet up and spend some quality time together.

“The next day was the family barbecue in Surrey. Mum and Dad mingled with family and friends some of whom they have known for years as they were regularly involved in our social events.

“Dad proudly introduced their puppy to the guests who loved meeting him. Mum was angelic, dressed in white, chatting happily and enjoyed holding a newborn giving the baby’s Mum some time to relax.

"They were glowing with health and happiness.”

The deaths of Mr and Mrs Woodget, who lived at Dene Farm, left the village in shock and friends described them as ‘pillars of the community’.

Mrs Woodget had her own garden design business and was an active parish councillor, campaigning on traffic issues, as well as a school governor at the Kennet Valley Primary School.

While Mr Woodget, who loved vintage cars, was a successful businessman. He was a chairman at Intel in Swindon and chair of the Devizes based charity Wiltshire Community Foundation.

Fyfield and West Overton Parish Council is planning to plant a tree and plaque in memory of them on the Dene in Lockeridge.

Miss Woodget added: “John was an eternal optimist, Judith always compassionate, together they formed a perfect partnership.

“Both were role models who saw the best in others. They were tolerant and loving and always encouraged each other and others to be their best selves.

“Their sudden, tragic and untimely loss illuminates how temporary our time on earth is and how we should strive to make life count taking inspiration from John and Judith. They will be forever and deeply missed.”

The inquest report can be read here.