I have just been informed of the sad passing of James Evans, the renowned auctioneer of Morris, Marshall and Poole of Welshpool and I must, through the advantage of your letter column, pay tribute to a wonderful gentleman that conducted the selling of livestock and machinery, and also property, throughout mid Wales.

I shall never forget an occasion at one of the annual sheep sales that took place at Builth Wells when auctioneers nationwide were invited to conduct the sales of various breeds of sheep and James arrived to sell a breed of animals from the north of England hardly known to him but he conducted his business without problems and was warmly acknowledged.

A massive crowd had gathered around the ring and I was approached and asked by a visitor did I know the auctioneer.

I was pleased to inform him that the gentleman was our local auctioneer, based in Welshpool, he then replied that he travelled the length and breadth of Britain and never seen business so well conducted.

I am sure that all the persons who have known James through the years will testify to his wonderful qualities and extend their sadness at the passing of such a gifted person.
George Jones, Kerry