Welshpool hotel stunned at sudden death

Staff and customers at a Welshpool hotel have been left stunned by the sudden death of a regular - just as they were organising his surprise 90th birthday celebrations.

Charlie Hibbert (left) rarely missed a night at the Westwood Park Hotel and mine-host Richard (Tich) Turner, his partner Diane, staff and customers were getting ready to surprise the former sailor with a party on October 31.

But Charlie has died at his home at Belle Vue, Gungrog Road of suspected heart failure, leaving all his friends stunned.

"You could set your clock by Charlie's arrival at 9.26pm every night," said Mr Turner. "He was such a character and amazingly alert for a man of 89. His tales of life as a stoker on the convoys during World War 2 were legendary at The Westwood and he will be sadly missed.

"He was remarkably fit and able for a man of his age with a very sharp wit. It is good to know that he did not suffer and that his death was peaceful and in his sleep. But it is also very sad that he did not reach the 90 milestone. He will be very badly missed in The Westwood."

Charlie was a native of Manchester and moved to Welshpool 10 years ago. A widower for over 50 years he was the father of three sons, though two predeceased him recently. He leaves a son Jack Hibbert.

A funeral service takes place at Shrewsbury Crematorium on Friday, October 15 at 2.30pm followed by refreshments back at The Westwood.