Visitors' Book

DALLIMORE, Will (1949-2025) – tribute to a one-off Badsey character

Early Life

William Edward Thomas Dallimore, known as Will, was born on 8th September 1949, the fourth child of George and Myrtle Dallimore.  His mother was supposed to have given birth at Evesham Maternity Hospital, but he was actually born in the car at the gates.  The hospital’s address is Waterside, as it is by the River Avon.  Was it a sense of humour on his parents’ part that gave him three forenames, the initials of which spelt WET?!

Outing to Hereford

A successful trip to Hereford was organized by Shirley Tutton. We were split into groups and whilst one group had a guided tour of the Cathedral, another group visited the Mappa Mundi exhibition and the Chained Library, and then swapped. This was followed by a buffet lunch in College Hall with access to parts of the cathedral not normally seen. After lunch there was free time to explore the cathedral further or to visit the Christmas Market.

Badsey Cricket Club - winners of the Morganite Cricket League

In about 1989, Badsey Cricket Club entered the Morganite cricket league and won it the first year.  There was a special presentation evening at which the cups etc were presented by Damian D'Oliveira of Worcestershire Cricket Club.  D’Oliveira was a South African-born English cricketer who played for Worcestershire between 1982 and 1995.

With thanks to Dave Raines for providing copies of these photos.

Badsey Recreation Club - new Clubhouse opened 1973

For a number of years, The Badsey Society has held the majority of its talk at Badsey Community Sports & Social Club (formerly known as Badsey Recreation Club, and still affectionately referred to as “The Rec Club”, and before that known as Badsey Cricket Club).  

David Raines, a former Chairman and Secretary of Badsey Recreation Club in the 1970s and 1980s, and also a former Captain of Badsey Cricket Club, has sent us this interesting information documenting the story of the new clubhouse which was opened in 1973.

SANDYS, Baroness (1764-1836) – an owner of Wickhamford Manor who might have become Queen of England

Mary Sandys was born on 19th February 1764 and baptised at Easthampstead, Berkshire.  She and her brothers, William (b. 1761) and Edwin (b. 1765), were children of an equerry to an uncle of King George III.  They grew up as part of the extended royal circle including the future King George IV.  

Badsey Cricket Club - players' photos

David Raines, a former Captain of Badsey Cricket Club has sent us these lovely slides of former players of the club, ranging from 1923-2008. 

David first played while he was at school in the late 1960s.  The club was very successful in his day and boasted many good players.  It was later renamed as Badsey Recreation Club, in order to reflect the wider range of sporting activities then envisaged.

In May 2011, David was invited back to open the refurbished club and to celebrate 60 years since the club moved to Ballards Park.

DALLIMORE, Will (1949-2024) – “A Will to make us Smile”, a poem by Brian Smith

By the death of Will Dallimore on 27th December 2024, Badsey has lost a real village character – he was truly a one-off.  A full appreciation of his life will appear shortly but, in the meantime, here is the poem composed and read by Brian Smith at Will’s funeral on 21st January 2025.  Brian and Will were partners in crime, working together on a number of projects and appearing at various events.  Working with Will was a laugh a minute.

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