A LONG-STANDING friend to the furniture trade was celebrated with a special presentation at the Compleat Angler in Marlow earlier this year.

David Healy was presented with the National Supporter of the Year 2006 Award by Jonathan Seddon-Brown, chief executive of The Furnishing Trades Benevolent Association.

Mr Healy, the proprieter of his own carpet and furniture business, which traded in Thame High Street prior to his retirement, has been a committee member for more than 30 years, and spent time as the High Wycombe and District Area president, and honorary secretary. However, since his retirement the committee looked set to vanish permanently due to lack of members.

Ray Chapel, a committee member and past area president, said: "The award was in recognition of all his efforts. It's a shame now that the local committee has disbanded, but historically the High Wycombe committee has probably raised more money than any other - not lately, certainly, but in the past."

Mr Healy supported a number of fund-raising events, including dart matches, golf and cricket competitions. For 27 consecutive years he organised the Furniture Charity Auction at Hughenden Village Hall, which raised tens of thousands for the charity.

Mr Chapel said how sorry he was to see the committee wind down. He said: "I'm very sad to see it go. I think the chances of the committee being reformed locally are probably nil."

The Furniture Trades Benevolent Association was a charity formed in 1903 by the industry itself to help furniture workers facing personal or financial hardship. It is the only charity dedicated to helping those involved with furniture, furnishing, carpeting and allied industries.

The event was held on February 21.