FRIENDS have gathered to remember a former Dursley Operatic and Dramatic Society (DODS) chairman, director and the driving force behind the restoration of Kingshill House.

Robert Littleford, popularly known as Bob, was a key figure in getting the Georgian building back to its former glory after it was left derelict up until 1990, with boarded-up windows, blackened walls and a shabby interior.

Now it is a successful local arts and community building in Dursley.

Mr Littleford died on September 27, 2012 at the age of 73 and a year on those close to him wished to have something made to remember him by.

Earlier in the year the DODs ran a special performance of Under Milk Wood by Dylan Thomas in memory of Mr Littleford, who was a big fan of the story.

The event, as well as celebrating the life of Mr Littleford, helped raise over £300.

Funds from the performance along with generous donations from individuals have resulted in the gift of a wooden bench for the garden at Kingshill House, adorned with his name.

Chairman of the charity now running Kingshill House, Andrew Telford, said he thought it was a fitting tribute.

“One of the things his wife was keen about was the look of the place and the garden, so we thought a bench in the garden would be very nice,” he said.

“Bob was pivotal from the outset. He looked after all aspects of the house, so he was a very important person in just keeping the house going and in good order.”

Originally from Birmingham, the former employee of Berkeley Power Station lived for many years on Hopton Road in Cam.

His work at Kingshill House earned him the prestigious Leslie D Gale Award in 2009, which is awarded every year to Dursley’s most contributing community figures.

The bench is planned to be placed in the garden of Kingshill House.