Regular reviewer for the Gazette dies (From Gazette Series)

Regular reviewer for Gloucestershire Gazette, Donald Hollins, dies aged 86

4:30pm Monday 18th March 2013 in News By Daniel Chipperfield

A REGULAR reviewer for the Gazette has died at his home in Dursley.

Donald Hollins, who produced many critiques over the years for the paper on anything from books to shows, died at his home in Downham View on Monday, March 4, aged 86.

Described as a real gentleman, the education officer wrote reviews for almost 10 years for the paper as well as for the Wiltshire and Gloucestershire Standard and the Stroud News and Journal.

The former magistrate was born in London and spent much of his life in Kent before moving to Dursley in 2002 where he would join the board of the Stouts Hill Club in Uley.

A keen watercolourist, Mr Hollins also enjoyed literature as well as church architecture.

His daughter Clare Dunkel, from Woodchester, said he had a few underlying health problems but did not suffer.

"He was a real gentleman, totally dignified and a great lover of the arts," she said.

"He wasn’t one for a lot of fuss but I hope he is remembered for the things he was passionate about."

He leaves behind his wife Susan and his three children Chris, Clare and Richard as well as grandchildren Alexandra, William and Lotte.

Mr Hollins’ memorial service will be held on Friday, March 22, at St James’ Church in Dursley at 12noon.