The farming community in the Devizes area has been shocked by the death in a car crash of popular local farmer Austin Meatyard.

Mr Meatyard, 71, from Keevil, died after a collision between his Land Rover and a silver Ford Transit van belonging to Southern Electric.

The incident took place at the Bulkington junction with the road between Seend and Worton at 7.30am on Tuesday.

His wife of 47 years, Rita, and children Karen, Helen and Rodney are distraught at his death and yesterday paid tribute to the “lovable rogue” they had lost.

Mrs Meatyard said: “He was a real country character. He enjoyed playing skittles, but otherwise his family was his life.”

Long-time friend Esmee Smith said: “He was a lovely man and a unique character, and he will be sorely missed.

“His farm and his family were his life. He didn’t want to retire. He just wanted to carry on farming.”

Mr Meatyard was born into a farming family from Sturminster Newton, Dorset, and moved to Wiltshire in 1952 to work on a farm at South Marston, near Swindon.

When he and Mrs Meatyard were married in 1961 they moved to their present home at Keevil.

Mrs Meatyard said: “He went to Frome market every week and was well known there.

“He was also known at Chippenham market, where he used to go until it closed.”

His daughter Helen said: “He always dressed in a very distinctive country style. He was every inch the Wiltshire country character.”

Mr Meatyard loved his dogs and had a special relationship with animals. Mrs Meatyard remembered an incident five years ago when a wild pigeon flew on to his shoulder while the couple sat on their terrace.

Mrs Meatyard said: “When it was rested enough it flew away. It was amazing.”

The Wiltshire coroner has been informed of the death and an inquest is due to open tomorrow.

As well as his wife and children, Mr Meatyard leaves six grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been made.

Although traffic tends to speed along the straight stretch between Worton and Seend, it is not a noted accident black spot. More accidents take place at the other side of Seend, between Seend Fork and Caen Hill.

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