Neil Golding (Passed away 28 Feb 2026)
Donate in memory of
Neil
Prospect Hospice
£760.00
+ Gift Aid of £177.50
In partnership with
Tribute to Neil Golding
I recently had to dig through my PC archives to figure out exactly when I first met Neil. It turns out our paths crossed in the early 2000s when I was "persuaded" to join the Parish Council.
Stepping into the Council back then, I was the first woman among five men. While a few eyebrows were raised and some looks were a bit hesitant, Neil didn’t blink. From day one, he was a true "gent." As Chair, he possessed that rare, quiet authority—the kind that involves actually listening to everyone’s views with genuine kindness and courtesy, rather than just waiting for his turn to speak.
Neil’s dedication to Wilsford and Charlton was legendary. He was the "go-to" man for everything the rest of us tried to avoid—trimming hedges, clearing ditches, and navigating the endless bureaucracy of local government. He had a chronic inability to say "no" to anyone in need.
Eventually, we swapped roles—I took over as Chair and he became Vice Chair. I’d like to think that gave him a chance to finally breathe, though knowing Neil, he probably just used the "free time" to clear another mile of ditches/hedges.
Whether it was physical changes in the villages or the headache of new national regulations, Neil handled it all with his trademark calm. He was the steady hand on the tiller, never ruffled, always capable, and consistently one of the genuinely "good guys" you’re lucky to meet in a lifetime.
I had the immense privilege of seeing him shortly before Christmas. I was strictly informed by him that, due to his illness, I could only stay for five minutes as he tired easily. However, once he realized I had arrived armed with ice cream, my "visiting permit" was miraculously extended to twenty minutes. It was a classic Neil move—practical, sweet, and showing that even at the end, his priorities were perfectly in order.
Both villages owe Neil a great debt for his public spiritedness, his constancy, and his sheer kindness. I like to think he’s already found a comfortable spot in the Great Beyond—likely setting up a CSP&W Parish Council in heaven. Though, knowing Neil, he’s probably already volunteered to fix the gates and tidy up the celestial hedges.
God bless you, Neil. You’ll be missed.
donated £320 in memory of Neil
This is the sum of all the very generous donations given to Prospect Hospice by those who attended Neil’s funeral
We the family are so grateful to you all for supporting us by attending the funeral and for your generosity to a charity that supported us and enabled Neil’s wish to be nursed and die at home in calm and comfort and surrounded by family.
Report
donated in memory of Neil
In memory of Neil, from staff, members and board members of the National Federation of Builders
Report
donated in memory of Neil
Never to be forgotten
Report
donated in memory of Neil
Goodbye old friend,gone too young
Report
donated £50 in memory of Neil
A dear man
Report
wrote
It was with great sadness I learned of Neil's passing. I first met Neil at school and latterly in Devizes mostly in connection with sport and or girl friends! He was indeed a charmer, quick in mind and a doer. My Mum said Neil was her favourite which says it all! I'm sure he'll be busying himself wherever he is. My condolences to his family and friends.
Report
wrote
Neil was one of the good guys with a strong moral compass who was always
straightforward, kind, and thoughtful with a fabulous dry sense of humour.
Neil and I bonded over gardening and looking after one another’s homes while on well-earned holidays. As time progressed, we got to appreciate one another with a fondness and trust.
I would usually see Neil on one of his many dog walks, he would always stop for a natter on the topic of the day, life, the world the universe…
I will miss so very much my chats with Neil.
God bless you Neil.
Report
Comments