TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular Bridgwater Operatic Society stalwart after it was announced he passed away last week.

Alan Calaminus, a former teacher at Chilton Trinity School, died at Weston Hospital on June 8 at the age of 70.

Alan was involved in Bridgwater Carnival and had been a member of Bridgwater Operatic Society since 1982.

He was also involved in the Highbridge Festival of the Arts,Burnham-on-Sea Pantomime Society and Burnham Carers Group.

His brother, Michael Calaminus, described him as a 'kind and generous' man who always took an interest in people.

He said: "Alan was a people person and took a great interest in the people around him.

"Wherever he went he got involved with people and he was fun and loved a good laugh.

"He lived in Somerset all his life and we would always meet people who recognised him. He was very highly thought of by people."

Alan was also a preacher at St Peter's Church in Weston-super-Mare from 2000 and he took an active part in the church for a number of years.

Michael said Alan became involved with the brain injury association, Headway, in 2011 after they supported him through an operation to remove a brain tumour and he sang in their choir

Bridgwater Operatic Society also paid tribute to him and said he will be remembered for his 'great love of people.'

"Rest in peace Alan, you have been missed in our world since your illness and we remember you for your great love of people, your artistic theatrical talents and your great faith. Sleep well friend," the society spokesman said.

Dave Croker, chairman of Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Committee said: “Alan had a connection with the Bridgwater Carnival over 27 years starting out as a procession judge in 1991 a role he carried out until 2017 apart from a few years when he had to stand down on health grounds. In 1995 & 1996 he judged both the procession and the Carnival Concerts. His knowledge of entertainment presentation will be missed.”

Pat Hollinghurst, former headteacher of Chilton Trinity (1999-2012) where Alan taught, said: “Alan Calaminus was the heart of Chilton Trinity both spiritually and socially. He was deeply committed to enabling young people to challenge themselves, find and nurture their talents and share their gifts with others.

“He made a real difference to our school community. He gave unstintingly of his time to provide learning opportunities both in and outside the classroom - most notably through the countless productions he staged - ably assisted by Tony Pomeroy, Jan Davis and Tom Flitton, the gifted piano-playing headteacher before me.

“Over the years I came to understand that the truly remarkable feature of the productions at Chilton Trinity was how inclusive they were.

“Alan’s ability to find the ‘right‘ show for each group of students and encourage and enable every single child who wanted to participate was inspirational.

“I was blessed to have worked and learned with him and know that his joyful spirit will be missed.”