Loss of the last founder

It is with sadness, that we pay tribute to Horace Dilley, the last remaining co-founder of the Biggleswade Christmas Lights who died on Tuesday 10th November 2009

Horace was first elected as an officer of the Biggleswade Chamber of Trade on the 3rd March 1938 and played an active role ever since. He served as Secretary to the Chamber from then until 1986. He continued as Chairman after that and finally as President. His dedication and commitment to the commercial life of Biggleswade went far beyond what anyone could reasonably expect, and he engendered respect and friendship in everyone he met.

Along with Horace Gale he was instrumental in organising the first Christmas lights over forty years ago and worked tirelessly to ensure their continuation and improvement. Even though less involved more recently he was keen to be closely informed about the preparations for this year’s celebrations.

He remained actively involved in the work of the Chamber, guiding the members through the years, and regularly brought his experience to bear in assisting those more recently involved in business in Biggleswade. Because of his involvement in so many other aspects of life in and around Biggleswade and his consistently cheerful nature, he helped to smooth the path through a number of difficult situations for the Chamber. His combination of common sense and good humour coupled with a willingness to persist in finding the right solution to problems served its members well. He will be sadly missed.