Respected Westborough farmer and South Kesteven councillor enjoyed a 'long and fulfilling life'

A well-respected rural farmer with a strong sense of community has died, aged 93.

Albert Victor Kerr, known as Vic, spent his life in the rural villages near Newark, serving as a councillor and living a traditional farming life.

He was born on February 25, 1928 at Hill Farm, Westborough, the second son of Fran and Bert Kerr.

Vic was educated at Dry Doddington school before moving to Barnby Road School, Newark, and later The Magnus School.

His son, John Kerr, said: "I'm not sure how motivated he was at school but he kept the teachers amused and on their toes. If he got into trouble there was always his older brother on hand to get him out of scrapes."

On leaving school he settled into work alongside his father at Hill Farm, a physically hard and demanding job in the post war years as mechanisation was in its infancy.

Nevertheless, Vic did find time for a social life which revolved around the local Young Farmers clubs. He served as chairman to both Foston and Grantham clubs before helping to set up a new club at Claypole, aided by fellow farming families the Allens, Arnolds and Jeffries.

In 1952 he married Betty Harrison, a farmer's daughter, and moved to Manor Farm, Westborough. Children Gillian, John and Susan completed their family.

Vic had a deep and long lasting interest in the local community. He became chair of the parish meeting in Westborough from 1956 until the Parish Council of Westborough and Dry Doddington was formed in 1974. He served on the parish council until 2018 when he failed to get his nomination entered in time and had to stand down.

Vic took his role of councillor to another level at the age of 65 when he was persuaded by Reg Pacey of Dry Doddington, who had served in South Kesteven District Council himself, to stand for election onto the district council. He was duly elected for the Loveden Heath Ward, where he served for 15 years.

He enjoyed visiting the different village parish council meetings and helping people with a variety of issues, advising them on which council department to refer to. He served on the planning committee, enjoying the meetings in Grantham and site visits that were involved, however, John recalls he frustrated the planning department by refusing to have a computer and so having to have all the relevant papers printed out and posted to him.

A stalwart of Westborough village hall, he served as treasurer from 1963 to 2004 and organised a weekly whist drive for many years. He was disappointed when the numbers attending dwindled and the events were no longer viable.

Sport was a large part of Vic's life. He played Rugby at school and although not able to continue playing when he left school to work on the farm, for fear of being injured and not being able to work, he was a regular spectator at Newark Rugby Club. He also helped form Claypole Badminton club.

John said: "Im not sure how good he was but enjoyed the social aspect and having a good chat to fellow players."

Vic loved farming and being part of the rural community. He could always be found not too far from his Land Rover with bags of barley in the back ready to feed his cattle. He loved his weekly visits to Newark Cattle Market watching his cattle being sold and catching up with fellow farmers.

John added: "When the Land Rover became too much for him, and the repair bills too much for me, he took to his electric scooter to check up on what was happening in the fields and stopping to chat to anyone who had time to pass the time of day with him.

"The last few years have not been easy for dad slowly loosing his independence, however he always kept his sense of humour and a bottle of Harvey's Bristol Cream close by to welcome any visitors to Manor Farm.

"The family were all touched to see the flag flying at half mast in Westborough in respect for him when he passed. A true village person who lead a long and fulfilling life."