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Tributes paid to farmers who died in RTC after travelling home from agricultural show

"He was a generous, thoughtful man who had a smile, a joke, a kind word and a helping hand for everyone"

clock • 3 min read
Gloucester farmer Andrew Carless died in a road traffic collision alongside his uncle and renowned dairy farmer Dennis Smith. They had travelled home after attending Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show.
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Gloucester farmer Andrew Carless died in a road traffic collision alongside his uncle and renowned dairy farmer Dennis Smith. They had travelled home after attending Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show.

Families have paid tribute to farmers who died in a collision on the A303 in Somerset last month.

Avon and Somerset Police confirmed three people had died following a road traffic collision between a Skoda Yeti and a van near Whitelackington on August 15 after attending Shaftsbury Show.

Claire Stride, dairy farmer Dennis Smith and his nephew Andrew Carless, have been named by police following the incident.

READ NOW: Family pays tribute to farmer killed in Tiverton collision

Two occupants in the van had attended hospital, with one sustained a suspected life-changing injury.

Mr Smith, a long-term show competitor, had written a piece for ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Guardian in 2019 where he invoked his passion for judging stock and how he 'loved the moment when a cow enters the ring'.

The families have now issued tributes in memory of their loved ones.

Andrew Carless – ‘a generous, thoughtful man'

Andrew, 44, was born and raised in Gloucester and had a passion for rugby and the countryside.

His family said they took great comfort that Andrew had spent the day doing what he loved the most, spending it with relatives at the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show, including his uncle Dennis.

They added: "As well as his wife, Tina, who he married in 2016, Andrew leaves behind his two daughters, 15-year-old Hannah and 13-year-old Beth, his mother, Violet, sister, Rachael, and father, Keith; and a close-knit and loving extended family of in-laws, nephews and nieces, cousins and more.

"He was incredibly proud of his family and loved to talk about them to everyone he met.

"He was a generous, thoughtful man who had a smile, a joke, a kind word and a helping hand for everyone. 

"He loved a pint of cider at The Farmer's Club, cooked a great roast dinner and enjoyed having a family Sunday drive out to a good farm shop for a frothy coffee and a fresh cream eclair.

"Andrew also adored his labradors and was rarely seen without one of his dogs at his heels. 

"He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him."

Dennis Smith

Dennis' family said he enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a renowned dairy farmer and cattle breeder.

He was also a well-respected judge of dairy cattle at many shows across the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The 71-year-old who retired to Corfe, Taunton remained incredibly busy even during his retirement.

He enjoyed horse racing, countryside walks most days as well as socialising with friends old and new.

They said: "He adored his three grandchildren, who equally adored him.

"He left behind his two daughters, brothers, sister, son in law, two granddaughters, grandson, nieces and nephews, in laws as well as many many great friends.

 "As a family we keep hearing him referred to as a legend. He was certainly a legend to us."

Claire Stride

Claire Stride and Dennis Smith

The 64-year-old, from Devon, was a huge lover of animals according to her family.

They said: "Claire was sociable, fun, charming, and the most loyal friend to many.

"She was famous for her crossword wins.

"She was fluent in Greek, loved to craft, and made legendary preserves.

"Claire always had a pet of some sort and loved horse racing.

"Claire and her twin brother Shaun reunite in the heavens above.

"She is survived by her adoring parents, sister, and other family members, friends, and, very importantly, her beloved cat, Bird."

READ NOW: Tribute paid to Carmarthenshire farmer killed in road traffic incident

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