Eric Payne was Sibford! He was born in this small Oxfordshire village and lived here throughout his life. Having attended the village school and worked as a farm hand all his working life, he retained just a few sheep to keep him out of mischief! He was a familiar figure and was often seen with his crook and his beloved sheep dog at his heels, walking through the village stopping and talking to everyone he met. His duties and loyal service as Churchwarden for almost 40 years meant that he knew all the village families and was known and loved by everyone, old and young alike.

He was Scoutmaster to the village Troop from 1943 to 1946, with his wife Mabel, ran the village post office and loyally served on the Parish Council, many years as Chairman. He was one of the kindest, caring, Christian men you could have the privilege to meet. His genuine understanding of people and of rural village life gave him a depth of wisdom that benefited all those who worked with him. He had a wealth of stories, which he was happy to share at any time. He was loved and respected by all those who knew him — village life was enriched with Eric at its heart. He will be sorely missed by us all.