John Holding, whose house, Briar Lea on the Badsey Road, is just within the parish boundary of Aldington, and whose orchards stretched across to Knowle Hill in Bengeworth parish, was a well known figure in the Evesham district and further afield. Hi strenuous efforts in organising the local Poppy Day Appeal over a period of more than 30 years brought him high esteem in the Royal British Legion, and his unflagging services to the sport of Hockey, as player, club secretary and, lately, elder statesman, won the gratitude of many. He had strong links with Badsey and will be remembered with affection by many parishioners not only for his work with the Legion but also for his efforts on behalf of the Flower Show, and, when it existed, the local branch of the NFU.
