'Legend of Helston', 'Alfred the Great' and 'the most delightful person' are just some of the ways that one of Helston's most community-minded residents has been described after his death at the age of 82.

As his partner of 36 years, Deirdre Childs, says: "What can you say about a legend? He was the most delightful person and happy person to be around. He loved Helston."

Alfie Merritt died last Friday (May 13) having been diagnosed with a brain tumour in May 2021.

However, he "outlived all expectations", continuing to enjoy life to the full until March this year, when he was unable to get out anymore and was nursed at home by Deidre and her daughter Kate, who flew over from New Zealand to provide support.

Alfie has two sons, Daren and Wayne, but also took on Deirdre's daughters Dianne and Kate "as his own", she said, adding that he lived for his family, including his eight grandchildren.

Deirdre told the Packet: "He just lived life to the full, right to the very end. He parted this life with a smile on his face. One of the carers said, 'I'm caring for Alfie Merritt, The Legend'. He was Alfred the Great.

"He did so much for charity. It was wonderful to be part of his life."

Popular Helston resident and retired shopkeeper Alfie Merritt has died

Popular Helston resident and retired shopkeeper Alfie Merritt has died

Alfie moved to Helston in the early 1970s and is perhaps best known for his shop in Trengrouse Way, A&C Merritt's – a favourite with schoolchildren at St Michael's School for spending their 'tuck money' on sweets during the 70s and 80s, and famous for Alfie's home-cooked ham and bacon.

He employed many local people, including Helen Nelson, who worked for him after school as a teenager and then later full time for eight years, until she had her son.

She said: "We have continued to be friends ever since.

"He always put on a grand dinner and dance for his staff every Christmas, with The Johnny Austin Showband as entertainment.

"Alfie was a very thoughtful and kind man and has paid for a local family to go on holiday with their disabled family members for years. He was worried right up until he died about who would fund that when he was no longer here.

"He did a huge amount of fundraising for various organisations around the town and was a real character, and so well liked by all who knew him."

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Among his long list of achievements, Alfie was president of Helston Round Table in the 1980s and later was made a life member.

He was one of the founders of The Extravaganza, with Greg Nicholas, raising thousands of pounds for charity at the Show Field and bringing the horse Red Rum to Helston, as well as one of the Wombles!

He was president of Helston Cricket Club for 11 years and organised several charity matches to raise funds, in addition to fundraising for the scrummage machine Helston Rugby Club.

In the 1980s Alfie fundraised for the first Pegasus bed at Helston Cottage Hospital, and also carried out walks for Mencap.

He was an avid collector for Helston Town Band and for many years could be seen walking alongside the dances on Flora Day shaking his collection tin.

In later years he got together with friends on Friday nights at the Royal British Legion and latterly at the Godolphin Club, where they played snooker and cards, with Alfie often making sandwiches for 'the boys', and he was a regular visitor to The Blue Anchor.

His funeral will be held at St Mary's Catholic Church in Helston on Tuesday, May 31 at 2.30pm, which is open to all. This will be followed by a private cremation in Camborne, and a wake at the Godolphin Club.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made for the Brain Tumour Trust and Helston Town Band.

People can leave their tributes to Alfie at https://alfiemerritt.muchloved.com/