AFFETSIDE character Arthur Scowcroft loved nothing more than walking the fields around his home in search of fuel for his pipe.

The 82-year-old countryman had learned to smoke at the age of 13 after falling under the influence of Irish labourers who came to help with hay making at his father's Top o'th' Knotts farm.

As well as tobacco Arthur used to pick and dry herbs to put in his pipe, creating a unique aroma when he lit up.

So after his recent death his family decided to scatter his ashes over the fields he loved and on his parents' grave at Affetside.

Arthur lived all his life in the village until seven years ago when he became ill and he and his wife, Clara decided to move to Halliwell, Bolton to be nearer their daughter.

The couple, who have seven children, 18 grandchildren and three great grandchildren, lived next door to the Pack Horse pub on Watling Street where Arthur used to pop in each evening to enjoy a pint and his pipe.

But not everyone appreciated his taste in smoking material.

Adored

"My house used to smell like an opium den at times," joked his widow, Clara.

He was adored by the villagers and one regular at the Pack Horse even immortalised him several years ago in a Lancashire dialect poem, which now hangs on the wall of the pub.

Arthur met Clara when they were both 14 and she came to stay on her aunt's neighbouring farm and the couple married at 21.

He was a keen boxer in his younger days, taking a turn in the ring when the travelling fairs arrived, much to the anger of his father, and was a good dancer.

Arthur left farm work after the birth of his second child and went to work at Bradshaw Bleach Works then Websters timber merchants before retiring.

After leaving work he became interested in folk music and used to travel to festivals with his son, Keith entertaining audiences with his renditions of popular ballads of his day.

Ideal

"Few ever would have matched his impact and I fear we will not see his like again," said Keith.

"He was far from the modern concept of an ideal father, but given the choice I would have the same again. "

His funeral was held at St Matthew's Church, Halliwell with cremation following at Overdale Crematorium.

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