THEATRE performer, operatic society member and charity supporter, Colin Evans of Westbourne, has died at the age of 75.

Mr Evans previously lived in Romford, working for Plessey, a British-based international electronics, defence and telecommunications company.

He met his first wife while living in the area and the couple moved to Wimborne together after Mr Evans was transferred to Poole for work. Together the couple had three children, Jackie, Helen and Trev, and in turn he welcomed five grandchildren and two great grandchildren, all of which he loved dearly.

During his working life, he was employed by the national chain of restaurants and cafes, Fortes, which had two bases in Bournemouth in the Moon in the Square site in the town centre and on Westover Road.

He joined Bournemouth Operatic Society, which is where he met his second wife, Julie, and together the couple celebrated 40 years of marriage, enjoying holidays abroad, canal boat trips and parties and celebrations with their friends.

Mr Evans was also a member of the Brownsea Open Air Theatre group, who create a Shakespeare production each year which is performed outdoors on the National Trust property. The registered charity is estimated to have raised £235,000 for the National Trust since the first show in 1964.

The charity also has a sister group called the Castle Players drama group, which Mr Evans was a popular member of, who have been performing plays in Lytchett Matravers in Poole since 1973.

He also sang as part of the Dorset Police Male Voice Choir and was on the fundraising committee for The Friends of Dolphin, which provides boat trips for people with disabilities.

His funeral will be held on Monday, April 4, at Bournemouth Crematorium at 12pm with donations from friends and loved ones going to Forest Holme Hospice Charity, based in Poole.