Sadly we lost three long term residents of our villages over the winter:
Ralph Gordon ALDRIDGE.
Passed away peacefully on October 26, 2016 at The James Paget Hospital, aged 91 years. Much loved and sadly missed by all his family and friends.
Beryl Jean WILLARD.
Passed away peacefully on December 22nd 2016 at Beech House Residential Home, aged 78 years. Beloved wife to Frank, a loving mother to Mark and Carl, a grandmother and great grandmother, she will be sadly missed by all who knew her.
John Alan Roy POPE.
25/06/1921 - 18/12/2017
David Cask wrote this eulogy:
Alan Pope
(known affectionately as Popey)
I first met Alan in 1984 when Sylvia and I moved into our newly built house, next door to where he lived at St Millicent. We had moved from Essex as I was transferred with my job. At the time the village and the local area seemed very strange to us. He and his late wife, Margaret, were among the wonderful people who helped us find our feet in the village.
Here is Alan as I knew him:
Alan was at the time the Caretaker of the Village Hall, a hut that had stood the test of time for a hundred years. He did a marvellous job with its upkeep.
Popey recounted to me that he had served in the RAF in WWII as a Spitfire pilot fighting against the German fighters. He used to talk to a certain postman who had a similar interest in planes as he did. The people in the village used to pull his leg about their yarning together, saying that they thought this was why their post was often late in arriving!
He and Margaret had lived at Valley Farm, Walpole before moving to St Millicent. Margaret kept a herd of Jerseys while Alan kept the land. He even told me he once picked brussel sprouts.
Alan's knowledge of wild birds was unbeatable. He played table tennis and carpet bowls and followed cricket, especially Test matches, the results of which he used to discuss avidly with our neighbours. He took a great interest in the village of Walpole and its activities.
In his latter years he cut down on his activities but was a great friend and neighbour until he moved on to be in better care.
Rest in peace, dear Friend.
From Sylvia, David and your friends in the village of Walpole.