Representatives of Suffolk's biker community joined residents of a park home estate to pay tribute to a former warden who was the 'life and soul' of the site and loved motorcycles.

A memorial featuring a miniature motorbike encased in glass on a plinth was unveiled at Marshmoor Park near Great Bricett to reflect Kelvin Buckles' favourite passion.

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The 66-year-old died in September when the motorbike he was riding collided with a lamp post less than a mile away from The Wheelhouse pub at Naughton.

East Anglian Daily Times: Kelvin's brother Jason and sister Sarah Cox with his memorial at Marshmoor ParkKelvin's brother Jason and sister Sarah Cox with his memorial at Marshmoor Park (Image: Newsquest)

Approximately 20 people braved wet and windy conditions to pay tribute to Mr Buckles as the bike statue was unveiled near to a pond at the centre of the estate, along with a bench with a gold memorial plaque.

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Mike Ratcliffe, chair of the Marshmoor Park residents association, revealed the memorial and gave a moving and amusing speech about Kelvin, describing how he 'changed his motorbikes at the rate most of us change our socks'.

East Anglian Daily Times: Kelvin's siblings Jason Buckles and Sarah Cox with his new memorial bench Kelvin's siblings Jason Buckles and Sarah Cox with his new memorial bench (Image: Newsquest)

He said Charsfield-born Kelvin arrived at the park in February 2004 and also had a passion for cats, owning one of his own, which he let run around, although this sadly later died.

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When he found a new cat, he found he was allergic to it, although he was never without the company of cats as Mr Ratcliffe's own pets would visit every day for treats.

In March 2012, Kelvin became the park warden and then park manager until June 2016.

Mr Ratcliffe said he carried out these duties with 'great diligence and enthusiasm,' while his attention to detail were instrumental in keeping the park in the state the residents expected.

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East Anglian Daily Times: Marshmoor Park resident Audrey Owen with the memorial to KelvinMarshmoor Park resident Audrey Owen with the memorial to Kelvin (Image: Newsquest)

He added: "He took his role very seriously and often went beyond the call of duty.

"Residents with various problems always knew they could call on him when needed."

Mr Buckles also provided 'invaluable assistance' to two of the estate's residents and had seven different models of air rifle, regularly practising his shooting skills at a homemade rifle range nearby.

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Park resident Audrey Owen described how Kelvin would provide help to anyone on the estate who needed it and would often visit people's homes to check they were alright.

She added: "The atmosphere on the park certainly changed when Kelvin died. He was the life and soul of the park. His loss had a very big effect."

East Anglian Daily Times: The bike memorial to KelvinThe bike memorial to Kelvin (Image: Newsquest)

She said he loved trips to the beach and would visit Sizewell, Southwold and Aldeburgh among other places.

Mr Buckles' brother and fellow bike enthusiast Jason, 54, said his sibling had owned about 300 motorbikes during his lifetime, with his favourite models being Triumph and Royal Enfield.

He joked about how 'quiet' Kelvin, who attended Charsfield Primary School and a high school in Framlingham, would turn up for a coffee and say 'I have got to go, I have got lots to do'.

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The engineer, who worked at Hubbard Products at Otley and Portico, also enjoyed holidays in Cornwall and Jason said his ashes would be taken to that county.

Of the crash, Jason said: "It was a shock. The only bit I could take away was that he did not suffer."

Kelvin's sister Sarah Cox, 54, who also attended the unveiling, said: "He had an enormous amount of friends and respect for people that he came across, despite living on his own. Everyone was touched by his passing."

Biker Peter Willimott said Kelvin attended bike shows across Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex, including events at Peterborough, Alexandra Palace in London and Battlesbridge in Essex.

He added: "Kelvin was very reliable. He would always turn up. He was a good friend and we had some good times."

He said his death had been a 'shock' as he had only been talking to Kelvin the day before.