TOUCHING tributes have been paid to a charming, witty and beloved historian known to many as the “pope” of Daws Heath.

Bob Delderfield, 83, passed away on June 18 after a short illness to the shock of friends and relatives.

Bob was known across the Castle Point area as a “go to source of information” on south Essex history, archaeology sociology and a wide range of subjects.

He has been praised as commanding an incredible charm and dry wit that made him a favourite in the local history lecture circuit, who encouraged his peers at every opportunity.

His daughter, Lynn Delderfield paid tribute to her dad who “embraced life fully” and will be “greatly missed by all.”

She said: “Dad was incredibly active, right up to his sudden passing.

“He was a member of so many local groups and organisations that I have honestly lost count. he loved cinema, theatre, and live music, and was passionate about cricket, cycling and ice hockey.

“In his younger days he played for Stanford Le Hope Cricket Club, and in his later years he spent most winter weekends in the stands watching his beloved Romford Raiders Ice Hockey Club.

“Dad embraced life fully and was never happier than when he was discovering something new, an example of this would be his most recent birthday when I took him to Twenty One in Southend to see Masal, an electronica and harp duo based in Leigh on Sea, who he thoroughly enjoyed.

“Since dad passed I have received countless cards, letters, emails, and calls all saying the same thing: that dad was loved by his friends and his community, and that he will be greatly missed by all.”

The Hadleigh and Thundersley Community also paid tribute to “a hero”.

A spokesman said: “We were proud to have Bob Delderfield on their multi-talented editorial Team.

“Bob was locally famous, it seemed that everyone professed to knowing him and he was the unofficial “pope” of his beloved Daws Heath community, the “go-to source” for any information or advice about local history.

“His commanding presence, his trained voice and his dry wit and immense charm made him a firm favourite on the local history lecture circuit.

“We have lost not only a hero, but a great pal, who encouraged us at every opportunity and was never slow to roll his sleeves up and pitch in with enthusiasm.”