A RESPECTFUL round of applause and minute’s silence from friends and loved ones of Ashley Heath marked a final farewell outside BBC Wiltshire’s headquarters.
The much-missed TV and radio presenter died in January at the age of 55 after spending decades covering countless events and breaking news stories around the county.
Colleagues who became good friends with him during his 15 years at the radio station stood at a safe distance outside the Prospect Place base while other mourners lined up on the pavement opposite them as the hearse and small cortege arrived.
Clapping briefly filled the air along the side street before a quiet moment of reflection. The procession then proceeded to the North Wiltshire Crematorium for the funeral service, with a few tears and waves from those who gathered to say goodbye.
After a few hellos and condolences, his former colleagues returned to work,
Friends and relatives who could not attend the service for pandemic-related reasons which limit the number of people allowed to be there rushed home to watch it online.
Ashley Heath came to Swindon from Runcorn in the early 1990s to produce and present news, sport and feature programmes on homegrown TV channel Swindon Cable.
He continued to work there until it closed in 2000.
The keen Peter Gabriel fan went on to become a big part of BBC Wiltshire’s radio broadcasts and proved adept at adapting to any situation.
He covered Remembrance ceremonies, royal events and even got the chance to interview his idol.
In his spare time, Ashley appeared in several productions with the Old Town Theatre company based in the Arts Centre, where he met his wife Nancy.
For many years, he was the organiser of the Swindon One-Act Play Festival.
Near the end of his career, Ashley bravely battled a brain tumour for years. He allowed doctors to film his surgery for a video which is now used to reassure other patients going through the same treatment - and he still came to work until ill health forced him to retire.
Ashley died in Prospect Hospice on January 25 with Nancy by his side.
She told the Adver: “He was a consummate professional and a great laugh. He was friendly, kind, open and honest. He loved people and he loved Swindon.”
Tributes from politicians, notable Swindon figures and fellow broadcasters poured in after his death. Read them here.
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