TO the rest of the world he was the most famous record producer who ever lived.

To people in and around Coleshill, he was a friendly local who lived with his wife, Judy, in a Grade II Listed former rectory.

Sir George Martin, who has died aged 90, moved to the village about 40 years ago at the height of his early fame as The Beatles’ producer.

Like the band members he remained an object of fascination among diehard fans, and would politely ask interviewers to say only that he lived near Highworth.

Although he guarded his privacy he was no recluse. He was an occasional customer of local pub The Radnor Arms.

At the Radnor Arms licensee Alan Watkins and manager Janine Greenwood remembered him as a kind, friendly and unassuming man.

Janine said: “We want to say how sad we are – he was a valued customer.”

Sir George, she added, had visited on several occasions, but not recently as he had been ill.

“He was a gentleman,” she added. “He was lovely.”

Sir George also took an interest in community life. In 1998 he agreed to switch on the Christmas lights in nearby Highworth, and the Swindon Advertiser was there to record the moment.

A smiling Sir George signed autographs and took time to praise the music provided by Highworth Silver Band.

“I thought there was a good turnout, and the band were very good,” he said.

“They have a lovely sound – they play very sweetly and nicely in tune, but I would not have liked to be playing in that cold weather!

“I’ve never done this before, and I don’t run around much here, although I’ve been here for over 30 years.

“I like to keep a low profile, but this event is important and Highworth is our local town, so it is important to take part.”

Less than a year later, Sir George was invited to Faringdon to open a new piano showroom called Pianoforte. Owner Stephen Dash had once lived near Sir George and Lady Judy.

Sir George, a carpenter’s son from North London, recalled: “When I was a kid we didn’t have a great view in our house, but we did have a piano and I can’t remember a time when I would not make some sort of music with it.

“If I hadn’t had that piano, who knows, I may not have made music my career and might have been a garbage collector or something.”

In 2000, aged 73, he attended a four-hour jazz concert organised by a Coleshill friend in aid of Prospect Hospice and the local All Saints Church.

Sir George stayed the distance to enjoy all the music in spite of a downpour. “We won’t let a bit of rain put us off.”

Three years later he supported a Swindon Advertiser campaign for Macmillan Cancer Relief, saying: “There are not enough words to express my admiration for the work of the Macmillan nurses.

“I have personally witnessed their tender care of dear friends and relatives who were terminally ill, and best of all have seen the serenity and peace of mind they bring to all their patients.”

Sir George and Lady Judy opened their beautiful garden in Coleshill to visitors in aid of good causes.

The legendary record producer was also a supporter of the Royal International Air Tattoo.

Stars praise music mogul who was ‘a gentleman to the end’

TRIBUTES poured in from across the world following the death of Sir George Martin, the record producer known as the fifth Beatle.

The 90-year-old helped The Beatles achieve global success as the head of the Parlophone record label after hearing their demo tape in 1962.

His manager Adam Sharp paid tribute to him as “a true gentleman to the end”.

Mr Sharp said: “The family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and messages of support.
“In a career that spanned seven decades he was an inspiration to many and is recognised globally as one of music’s most creative talents. He was a true gentleman to the end.

“The family ask that their privacy be respected at this time.”

Ringo Starr paid tribute to Sir George for his “love and kindness” to the Fab Four through the years.
He tweeted: “God bless George Martin peace and love to Judy and his family love Ringo and Barbara. George will be missed.”

He captioned a picture of the Fab Four and Sir George with the phrase: “Thank you for all your love and kindness George peace and love.”

Sean Ono Lennon, son of John and Yoko, posted a picture of Sir George on Instagram with the caption: “R.I.P. George Martin. I’m so gutted I don’t have many words. Thinking of Judy and Giles and family. Love Always, Sean.”

Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted: “Sir George Martin was a giant of music - working with the Fab Four to create the world’s most enduring pop music.”

Singer Lenny Kravitz wrote on Twitter: “The legends are really going home! Visionary producer of TheBeatles, George Martin (1926-2016).”

Singer Josh Groban said: “Every time I record at abbey road I geek out and play with the mics sir George Martin used. What an ear, what a life, what a legacy.”

Television presenter Piers Morgan said: “RIP Sir George Martin. The 5th Beatle, producer extraordinaire & a musical genius.”

Sir George studied at Guildhall School of Music and played the oboe professionally in London before joining the recording industry.

During his career, which spanned seven decades, he was awarded two Ivor Novello awards, six Grammys and in 2008 was the recipient of the Grammy Foundation’s Leadership Award.

In 1965 he was nominated for an Academy Award for his work on the music in A Hard Day’s Night and in 1984 he received the Brit award for outstanding contribution to music, having been named best British producer at the first Brit awards in 1977.

In 2012, the BBC filmed a documentary about his life, Produced By George Martin.

Up until his death, he continued to write music, work with charities and advise broadcasters, according to the website for the independent music publisher he set up in 1969.
His son, Giles, is also a producer and has worked at Abbey Road studios, where Sir George helped the Beatles perform the world’s first live global broadcast.

Culture Secretary John Whittingdale said: “Very sad news of the loss of Sir George Martin, the elder statesman of British pop music and creative genius.”

Sir Roger Moore, who starred as James Bond for over a decade, wrote on Twitter: “How very sad to wake to the news Sir George Martin has left us. He made my first Bond film sound brilliant!”

The actor’s first 007 movie, with a score by Sir George, was Live and Let Die in 1973.