Shropshire businessman and former High Sheriff dies, aged 76

Nicholas Bishop still lived at Shipton Hall, near Much Wenlock, the home where he was born.

Mr Bishop was a well respected High Sheriff back in 2002 but about 10 years ago he was diagnosed with Alzeheimer’s disease.

And although he coped well around his Grade 1-Listed Elizabethan country home, set in the Corvedale Valley, as his condition deteriorated, he needed extra care.

He was, for a short time, in a local care home.

Today his wife Jane paid tribute to him, saying: “He was a keen sportsman who was incredibly fit.

“He was a good skier, went out with the Wheatland Hunt and was a good sailor. He also did the Transatlantic Race before we were married.”

Just weeks ago, BBC TV featured a programme called A Vicar’s Life in which local clergy, including their own vicar of Much Wenlock, Reverend Matthew Stafford, took part.

Jane said: “Nicholas was pictured in the film but couldn’t really take part.

“I was interviewed and it showed Matthew visiting his parishioners.

“I felt anything we could do to highlight the condition of Alzheimer’s and how it affects people, so much the better.”

Mr Bishop also spent some years as a Deputy Lieutenant of Shropshire, and Lord Lieutenant Sir Algernon Heber-Percy paid special tribute to him in the county role.

For many years the family had franchises in Wolverhampton Motor Services.

Mr Bishop also set up his own business finding particular cars for customers.

The couple had two children, Ben and Alexandra.

Jane said: “Ben was married last May to Stephanie Doig from Kenya and they live in a cottage nearby.

“But he is a helicopter pilot based in Cardiff and flies for the police.

“Alexandra has just become engaged and lives in Hampshire.”

Mr Bishop’s funeral is tomorrow at noon in Holy Trinity Church, Much Wenlock.