Sir, I was saddened to read in last week’s Wantage and Grove Herald of the death of Jack Loftin, a real gentleman. I first met Jack as a sports reporter through my involvement with local football, and we met many times over the following decades.

His knowledge of local issues and people was unsurpassed, and I always read his articles in the local paper with interest. I also taught at King Alfred’s for over 30 years, and soon discovered that he had a genuine interest in the school and education in general.

In recent years, I always looked at the ‘letters’ in the Herald, hoping that Jack had contributed to them. His articles were always interesting and informative, often with an element of humour.

I am sure that many other local people would join me in saying ‘Thank you, Jack’ for your huge contribution to local life over many decades. He will be greatly missed.

Des Williams

Larkdown

Wantage