A man who is fondly remembered by many in the Nascot area of Watford as their go-to builder or handyman for any jobs they needed doing has died aged 89.

Alan Darvill, who lived in Maple Cross and latterly St Joseph’s Care Home in Tring, was a master builder and the fourth generation to work in the family business, James Darvill & Son, where the quality of his work earned him scores of clients.

Alan contacted the Watford Observer in 2009 to reveal more about the history of James Darvill & Son.

He said: “The business goes back to 1888 when my great grandfather started the firm. He died in 1937, I was five at the time. It followed down through the generations. But after 128 years it closed unfortunately. I’d been there since 1949.

“He came in with next to nothing. In 1904 he built Christ Church in north Watford.

“He built class houses in The Avenue and Alexandra Road. He also built a bungalow in Southend and did quite a bit of work in Gerrards Cross.

Watford Observer:

Alan and Anne Darvill on their wedding day

“During World War One we lost some staff and after the war very little building went on and he went on to house maintenance. There was nothing too big or too small.

“During World War Two, staff got short again but it carried on until I retired six years ago. There was a builders’ yard in Nascot Street, that was the headquarters of the fire precautions during the war.

“They met up there and did their patrolling, very much on the same basis as in The Avenue.”

Born on February 24, 1933 in Watford, Alan attended Chater Primary School and Watford Grammar School for Boys.

A keen sportsman, he played cricket, represented West Herts Hockey Club for 40 years, was a founder member of Denham Sailing Club and also sailed at the Ruislip and Broadwater clubs.

Alan’s hobbies also included photography, embroidery and marquetry.

Alan’s son Ralph said his father was “scrupulously honest in business and always a committed member of any clubs or societies he was involved in, often using his building skills and physical labour”.

Ralph also recalled how his father was very committed to the Nascot Residents Association in the 1980s and 1990s.

Alan was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2015 and he died on June 22 through complications from that condition.

Predeceased by his wife Anne who died in May 2020, Alan leaves children Graham and Ralph and grandchildren Emma, Katie, Jamie and Patricia.