Friends of Thatcham man tell of shock

Friends of Adrian Hunt have paid tribute to him after his body was found near the Thatcham Discovery Centre on Monday

THE DEATH of a popular Thatcham man has left friends and colleagues deeply shocked.

The body of 50-year-old Adrian Hunt, who lived at Somerton Grove, was found by a man on his way to work near the Thatcham Discovery Centre off Muddy Lane around 5.20am on Monday morning.

Police said the death was not being treated as suspicious and an inquest will be held at a later date.

For many years Mr Hunt was a regular customer at The King's Head in Thatcham Broadway where friends expressed their shock and devastation at his loss.

Manageress Julie Hunt said: “He was a lovely man and very popular here - quick-witted, kind-hearted and more than just a customer. He was a friend to us. He loved his weekend racing and would always be in charge at the TV remote control.

“He was the sort of man who would do anyone a good turn. He loved his music, especially soul and Motown and was always smiling. It's very hard to take in and Saturdays wont be the same here without him. Some of his friends are speechless.”

She said that she, her husband Simon and friends of Mr Hunt were planning for a memorial plaque to be placed at his favourite corner of the pub.

Meanwhile colleagues at seating provider Arena Seating in Membury have expressed their grief.

Sales director Daniel Withey said: “We're a close-knit family here and we're all feeling pretty raw at the moment. I worked with Adrian since he joined us in 1992 and he had an enourmous knowledge of the events industry and had worked at Wimbledon, Henley regatta, Silverstone grand prix and international events.

“He gave fantastic service to the company and had a brilliant sense of humour.”

Members of Mr Hunt's family said they were too distressed to talk but expressed gratitude for the tributes paid by his friends.