DEATH OF MR ARTHUR F SADLER
After an illness lasting for some twelve years, the death took place at Evesham Hospital on Sunday morning of Mr Arthur Franklin Sadler of 11 Belmont Terrace, Badsey, at the age of 72 years.
The sixth son of the late Mr & Mrs Thomas Sadler of Bullybrook, Badsey, he was born in the village where he lived all his life. He was a market gardener on his own account. On May 29 1909 he married at St Lawrence’s Church, Evesham, Miss Annie Grove.
He will be remembered for his prowess as a footballer, and was considered one of the best full-backs the district has seen. For many years he was a member of the Badsey Rangers football team, being captain for several years, and he helped them to win many trophies. Nicknamed “Shaddy”, he was captain of the team when they won two cups on one day in separate matches. He wound over twenty medals with the team, including three for the Worcestershire Junior Cup and three for the Evesham Hospital Cup. He also assisted Evesham at football, but his first love was his local village team. After his playing days were ended, he was on the Rangers’ committee, being chairman for some years, and he retained his interest and support for the club until his illness.
Another hobby on which he was very keen was pigeon flying, and with his brothers gained fame and respect in the name of Sadler Bros. Mr Sadler flew his pigeons in the Worcester Flying Club, winning eleven trophies in eleven years until the club ceased to function at the outbreak of the last war. He was his brothers competed with the Evesham Flying Club and also the Midland Federation and met with many successes. His cheerful disposition won him many friends and he was very well known and liked in the sporting world.
He is survived by his wife, one son and two daughters, with whom sympathy is expressed. The funeral took place at Badsey on Thursday afternoon.
We are grateful to Geoff Brooks for supplying a copy of this article.