TRIBUTES have been paid, and sad farewells said, after two stalwarts of the Basingstoke heritage community lost their jobs because of Hampshire County Council cutbacks.

Alan Turton, the curator at Basing House, and Sue Tapliss, curator of The Willis Museum, have both left their posts after being made redundant – and their departures will leave a big hole.

The importance of Alan’s role, and his contribution, was recently recognised at the A Place to be Proud of Awards, held at Festival Place last month, when he received the Arts and Entertainment Award.

For more than 24 years, the Civil War expert has shared his knowledge with thousands of visitors to Basing House and given numerous talks to various schools and local history groups.

Known for his fascinating tours around Basing House, he brought the history of Basing House alive, enthralling visitors with his encyclopaedic knowledge of the Tudor and Civil War period of the once magnificent house.

Barbara Applin, from Basingstoke Archaeological and Historical Society, which over the years has carried out digs at Basing House, said Alan’s departure is a great loss.

“He has done a great deal of re-enacting – not just the Civil War, but for other times and periods. He always looked the part because he dressed up beautifully. He’d always have the right costume and just looked absolutely right – he’s a real character.”

Full of admiration for Alan’s knowledge about Basing House, Barbara said: “If he says something, you know it’s based on actual facts. He can give the most wonderful talk about the Siege of Basing House, without any visual aids – he can describe it all, minute-by-minute, with all the excitement and horrors of the siege that lasted several years.”

There was also plenty of praise for Sue, who last week clocked off for the last time at The Willis Museum. Among those who will miss her is Derek Anthony, chairman of The Friends of The Willis.

Derek said: “Sue has accomplished so much as curator of The Willis Museum. On every floor, there have been major renovations, improvements and works done under Sue’s expert leadership.”

Derek was speaking at a cream tea party held at the museum in Market Place, where staff and colleagues, volunteers and members of Basingstoke Archaeological and Historical Society, Basingstoke Heritage Society and The Friends of The Willis gave Sue – who has been curator for 10 years – a good send-off.

At the tea party, Sue thanked everyone who has contributed to the museum.

She said: “Basingstoke is truly a place to be proud of – you have some great stories to tell and I am really proud that The Willis has been an integral part of telling those stories, to this generation and to future generations, and I hope that it will continue to do so for many years.

“I have been proud to serve the community and the museum. None of this would have been possible without the support of the Friends and all the volunteers who have given their time so freely.”