Ian Shapter

Sadly, we have to announce the death of our Vice President, Ian Shapter.

Ian was an early recruit in the 1980s to the groups that purchased the locomotive 3850 and Dinmore Manor and following his retirement from the Army he became involved in the hands-on work as well as serving for many years as a Director of Dinmore Manor Locomotive Ltd

When the 2874 Trust was first conceived in 2014 Ian, along with the late Malcolm Temple was instrumental in ensuring the concept became a reality.  He continued to serve as a Trustee until increasing mobility issues required a more background role but he continued to give us the benefit of his wise council for as long as he was able and kindly agreed to serve as our Vice President.  We will miss his input.  A Devon man who never lost his deep love of the  county, his funeral is expected to be in Dawlish.  Our thoughts are with Ann and the family.

Outlined below is Ian's career in his own words - as you can see, a very full and varied life.  

A Regular Army officer from 1953 to 1987 retiring as a Brigadier.  Serving in the operational areas of Aden, Borneo, Yemen, Oman and Northern Ireland (twice). Awarded Mention in Despatches in 1972. Seven years with Special Forces. Secondments by Foreign Office to Nigeria and to the Office of the President of Kenya.

A second career from 1987 to 2000 as a Crown Servant based in Liverpool. Appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for County of Merseyside. Selected as a Non Executive Director of the North West Region of the  NHS with the task of Lay Chair dealing with complaints against the NHS. Hobbies of Bee Keeping, canal narrow boats and lecturing on the impact of the Longbow in the medieval period (1337-1453)