David Wood, who once worked at The Evesham Journal, The Worcester News and other local newspapers, talked entertainingly to us about his experiences of working in the newsroom. On one occasion he interviewed Norman Wisdom in the bath!
It was rather challenging during the first hour of the Flower Show when we were coping with holding down exhibition boards in the gusts of wind, dealing with flying coffee cups, and pushing the books back when it started to rain. But we survived, the weather calmed down, and we had some interesting chats with people. Thanks to Jane Neill, the exhibition included a lovely display of WI memorabilia. Many thanks also to Ross Davis and Dave who were extremely helpful at the end of the show in helping to dismantle the gazebos and exhibition boards.
Thanks to Shirley Tutton, we had a successful trip to Tewkesbury. In the morning, John Dixon, President of Tewkesbury Historical Society, took us on an industrial historical tour from the Abbey Mill to Healings and King John’s Bridge. After lunch, members were free to explore the town on their own.
Who’d organise an outdoor event in a British summer?! On the evening before and on the morning of the event, we nervously kept a check on the weather forecast before finally deciding what to do – whether to hold the musical soirée which had been planned for some time in the back garden of the Tuttons’ home, or to abandon to the church. Depending on which weather forecast you believed, there was a 30% or 40% chance of rain on Friday evening.
“Mr & Mrs Bertram Jones were the gift to Badsey of Hitler’s blitz.” This was the final sentence in the obituary in the August 1968 parish magazine for Mrs Ellen Marie Jones. She was the widow of Bertram Jones, a master ivory carver from Hackney, London. They had been bombed out of their home during the Second World War and had sought refuge in Badsey, where they remained for the rest of their lives. Bertram’s family for several generations had been involved in the ivory trade. This is his story.
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Still make their own shoes
Mr R Caswell of Badsey, near Evesham, learned to nail on horses’ shoes (in his father’s business) while still at school, and was frequently left to get on with the job by himself.
Mr Caswell, and his second son David, often shoe as many as 11 horses a day, and although ready-made shoes can be bought, the Caswells refuse to debase their craft and still make their own shoes.
He is also a craftsman in wrought iron, and has made many examples of chandeliers and gates, with tools which he has created himself.
EXTENSION OF BADSEY CHURCHYARD – Parish Meeting Approval
A special parish meeting to discuss the question of the transfer of land belonging to the parish for incorporation into the extension of St James’s churchyard, was held at the Council School on Monday evening. Mr C A Binyon, Chairman of the Parish Council, presided, and about 30 parishioners were present.
EVESHAM – MAINTENANCE CASE
Joseph Hartwell, labourer, Sharps Row, Badsey, was summoned for failing to support his mother, whereby she became chargeable to the Evesham Union. Defendant did not appear. Mr R R Smith, relieving officer, said defendant had offered 1s per week. Defendant as ordered to pay 1s a week and costs.
EVESHAM RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL – HOUSING MATTERS
With regard to housing schemes, the Surveyor reported that 16 houses were completed at Badsey and that the tenants were chosen. A commencement had not been made with the additional houses.
