CIVIC leaders, business colleagues, family and friends packed St Peter s Church, March, today for a celebration of the life of Councillor Peter Skoulding. The 78 year portfolio holder for finance on Fenland District Council died earlier this month at his

CIVIC leaders, business colleagues, family and friends packed St Peter's Church, March, today for a celebration of the life of Councillor Peter Skoulding.

The 78 year portfolio holder for finance on Fenland District Council died earlier this month at his Mill Hill Lane home.

A private funeral service this morning was followed by a service of celebration for his life conducted by the Rev Anthony Chandler.

Cllr Skoulding, who was born in Norfolk but moved to Fenland at the age of 13, and been in local politics for nearly half a century. In a formidable career he had been chairman of Fenland District Council, Mayor of March, and a long serving member of both town and district councils.

But although he built a successful business and "over the years quietly supported a number of people and organizations" it would be as a family man he would be best remembered, said the Rev Chandler,

"His family remained the most important part of Peter's life," said the vicar.

Some of Cllr Skoulding's grandchildren spoke movingly of the role he had played in their lives, bringing them together for family holidays, travelling with them, and encouraging them to swim and play sport.

Rev Chandler outlined Cllr Skoulding's early business success, growing carnations in greenhouses, and how he later built a portfolio of interests that ranged from the former March Cabaret Club and the Oliver Cromwell Hotel, to nursing homes, housing development, and a wind turbine.

He possessed, said the Rev Chandler, vision and business acumen and "led and thrived on the buzz".

As his widow, Joan, sons John and Robert, daughter Cindy, family members and grandchildren left the service the congregation sat and listened to one of Cllr Skoulding's favourite tracks......Frank Sinatra's My Way.