From giving a guided tour to royalty and building many of the Flambards exhibits still seen today, to being bowler, choir member, flower judge and Flora Day committee member, he was a man involved fully in the life of Helston.

Now Samuel John Clifford Thomas - known to all as Clifford - has been remembered, after his death aged 90 on May 9, with his funeral held last week.

Clifford was born at Park View Road, Helston to parents Ernest and Margaret and had twin sisters Betty and Mary, June, a brother Morley and step-sister Loveday.

At 12 months of age he moved three doors down the road where he continued to live until his death. He attended church school and worshipped at St John’s Mission church.

As a young man he was taken on as an apprentice carpenter by Matt Tresize and during this time he completed his National Service.

He went to work for the Ministry of Defence at RNAS Culdrose, later becoming a foreman in the married quarters, overseeing repairs. He received his long service medal before taking early retirement.

Rather than taking life easy, however, he took a job at Flambards theme park, building many of the exhibits.

He met his future wife Gloria in 1959 at Mrs Pascoe’s ballroom dancing classes, held at the Guildhall.

They were married at St Michael’s Church in Helston in March 1962 and made their home at Park View, where they enjoyed 58 happy years together.

Son Kevin was born in 1963 followed by daughter Julia in 1965. He loved seeing his family increase with the arrival of grandchildren David, Katie, Margaret and Amy and great grandchildren Chloe, Jacob and Hannah.

Being a true Helstonian he loved Flora Day and truly believed it was better than Christmas.

As a youngster he took part in the ‘Mock Mayor of St John’s’ and the children’s dance. He also played the baritone in the band.

He had the honour of leading the Morning and Evening Dances before taking part in the Midday Dance, making a four with his sisters and cousin.

As a member of the Morning and Evening Dance committee he was once called upon to save the day when one lady’s partner failed to turn up. As Clifford was already dressed in grey trousers and white shirt he was hastily given a Flora tie and took his place in the dance with moments to spare. Later that day he went on to take part in the Midday Dance as well.

In latter years he took great joy in watching his children, grandchildren and nephews and nieces dancing. He would also wander along to Cross Street to join in with the traditional Cornish singalong.

Clifford had many interests and hobbies with the main one being bowls, the game he introduced to his new bride shortly after their marriage.

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As well as being a key part of the Helston team to county level he held every post in the club and was instrumental in the building of the new pavilion, putting his carpentry skills to good use. He was the green keeper for many years, diligently keeping the green in perfect condition.

He was delighted when Gloria, along with his twin sisters, quickly became good enough to make the county team and won through to the national finals - even more so when Gloria became an international player.

One of his proudest moments was accompanying Gloria, as part of the England team, to a garden party at Buckingham Palace to celebrate England’s sporting success.

In July 2010 the club was visited by the Duke of Kent and, as the oldest serving member, Clifford was given the honour of teaching the Duke the rudiments of the game.

His other love was gardening and flowers especially. He grew many dahlias to exhibition standard, showing locally and as far away as Plymouth and Exeter, winning many trophies along the way.

He later became a judge and attended many shows in this capacity, including Helston Harvest Fair.

Another of Clifford’s passions was singing and he was a member of St Keverne Male Voice Choir as a tenor.

More recently he and Gloria attended the Helston Active Plus group, Helston Memory Cafe and the Singing for Dementia group at Carleen, making many new friends.

Clifford was lovingly nursed through all his illnesses by Gloria and remained cheerful and uncomplaining, always managing a smile and a wink.

His family have thanked Dr Vyvyan and the staff at Meneage Street Surgery for their care of Clifford, as well the other healthcare professionals who helped with his care in the time before his death.

His funeral took place on Tuesday, May 26 and as he left his home he travelled through the town and past the bowling club, where many friends and fellow bowlers waited to pay their respects.

A private family service, led by Rev Danny Reed, was held at Treswithian Downs Crematorium with a memorial service to follow at a later date.

Donations in his memory can be made via Pendles Funeral Service in aid of The Kosel Dementia Trust and Meneage Street Surgery.

Family mourners: Gloria, widow; Kevin and Crystal, son and daughter-in-law; Julia and Nigel, daughter and son-in-law; David, Katie, Margaret and husband Nick, Amy and partner Aaron, grandchildren; Jane and John, Brian and Gwen, Peter, Ann and Sarah, nephews and nieces.