Former Rowde resident Douglas Drew, who wrote about his life, has died, aged 98. Mr Drew’s book, Magic Moments, featured his childhood growing up in Rowde, his working life and marriage to his beloved wife, Hazel.

He wrote the book in 2011 when he was 95. It is a fascinating story about an ordinary man who grew up in poverty and worked hard to look after his family. The title of the book was a tribute to his wife, to whom he was married for 70 years. Hazel died in 2010, aged 93.

After leaving school at 14 Mr Drew’s first job was as a milkman in Rowde and Bromham. At 15 he was responsible for a horse, called Joe, and cart and delivered milk to 140 customers a day. He went on to work at Fortt Brothers, a grocer’s shop in Devizes Market Place, followed by a shop in Bath.

It was while he was delivering to customers that he met his wife, Hazel, who was a maid at Hillworth House, Devizes. The book tells of special times picnicking on Roundway Hill.

He was medically discharged from the Army due to having asthma and went on to work for Short Bros aircraft factory in Swindon and he and his wife lived in Moredon, Swindon. They moved to Covingham, Swindon, in 1964 and Mr Drew later worked for the Home Office’s supply and repair depot in Swindon and went on to run the paint shop.

He was awarded the Imperial Service Medal for meritorious service when he retired in 1979. There are copies of Mr Drew’s book in Rowde Village Shop. Proceeds go to Cancer Research UK.

Alan Watters, editor of the Rowde Parish Magazine, said: “He was a really charming man and was full of fun, even at 98. Not long before he died he had said he wanted to make it to 100.

“ He loved to visit Rowde, he loved the area and loved life. He certainly loved his wife, the book was dedicated to her.”