Burnham champion will be much missed
A stalwart of Burnham village life, Paul Sherriff, passed away on Monday, October 31 at the age of 72. His daughter, Lucy Sherriff, has paid tribute to her late father.
For more than 50 years, Paul Sherriff was the heart and soul of Burnham.
He dedicated his life to building a community, bringing the village to life for its thousands of residents.
Born on August 1, 1950 in Hertfordshire, he moved to Huntercombe Lane North in the early 50s with his sister Diane and parents George and Clare.
He attended boarding school until 18, and worked with his father at estate agents Raffety Buckland before deciding to raise the capital to open his own estate agent’s office in Burnham High Street, in the late 70s.
He later merged with his friend Michael Mountford and Sherriff Mountford was born.
Thanks to his unrivaled knowledge of estate, a genuine desire to help the community, a booming laugh and twinkle in his eye, Paul was at the helm of Sherriff Mountford for nearly 40 years, expanding it to three offices in the area.
Not only did he become a trusted, respected businessman, building a steadfastly loyal clientele, but he devoted endless time and energy to Burnham village.
Every November, Paul would personally visit each shop in the village, asking for donations for the Christmas Lights.
Each year there would be a lack of funds to put up the lights, but every time, thanks to his charm and tenacity, Paul managed to pull it off.
As a result of his work, the High Street would be abuzz with activity on its late night Christmas shopping events, with Sherriff Mountford the hive, serving warm mulled wine and homemade mince pies.
Paul was among the 10 High Street traders who set up Burnham Beeches Roundtable, which then went on to become 41 Club.
He was a Royal South Bucks Agricultural Association member for many years, and an integral member of the historical Salt Hill Society, where he was made an honorary life member.
He was also chairman of the Property News, as well as chairman of Burnham High Street Association. In addition, Paul was governor of Eton End School, where his first wife Judith had taught.
One of his biggest achievements was the revival of Burnham Market.
He tirelessly campaigned the local council to bring a market back to the high street, persevering against bureaucracy and health and safety red tape to finally reintroduce food stalls to the village in 2009.
When Paul wasn’t working six days a week he would nurture and tend to his beautiful English garden, which was his pride and joy.
In 2014, he retired from Sherriff Mountford to enjoy spending more time with his family and friends, and exploring the world.
However, his retirement from work didn’t last long; he was soon called upon to help relaunch Burnham Youth Club.
He was appointed chairman of the club and set about with the enthusiasm he gave to every Burnham project, calling in favours and raising money.
He was so passionate about the cause that Go Fund Me, the international fundraising platform, selected the project from millions of others as their monthly beneficiary. In total Paul, along with a number of dedicated Burnham residents, raised thousands of pounds for the club and enabled it to stay open.
Paul was incredibly supportive of his seven children, and proud ‘Papa’ to six grandchildren. In his later years, he travelled the world with his wife Karen, visiting his children in Colombia, Japan, New Zealand, Australia – to name a few.
Paul’s service of thanksgiving will be on Monday, November 21 at St Peter's Church, Burnham.