John Tidmarsh, a much-loved and respected Hambledon resident who has given years of volunteer service across the village, died on Saturday morning (Feb 27th).
A familiar figure behind the Post Office counter since the shop became a community venture, John and his wife Annie were among the most liked and valued residents, and a huge debt of gratitude is owed to them both.
John’s death from cancer after a short illness came almost a year after that of his beloved wife Annie. She also died from cancer, on March 5th, 2020.
He had spent 10 days in the Royal Surrey County Hospital, where he was diagnosed with liver cancer, before returning home to die peacefully, surrounded by his family. Clearly, he and Annie were not meant to be parted for very long.
His daughters Jo and Rosie have plans for a little website to celebrate their lives and this will suffice until a thanksgiving celebration can be organised. More will follow on this.
A longstanding and active member of the Hambledon community, John served in the shop for many years, most notably behind the Post Office counter right up until his recent illness.
During 30 years in Hambledon, he chaired the Village Hall Committee, volunteered to show visitors around the National Trust’s Oakhurst Cottage, ran the bric-a-brac stall at the Village Fete, manned the car park at Vann and generally helped out whenever and wherever he could.
He will be missed. His family said he was content with his 85 years and was always very clear that he was ready to ‘meet his maker’ and be reunited with his beloved wife.
Posting on a village WhatsApp group, Rosie said: “We would like to thank Hambledon for giving mum and dad so much joy, and especially for helping Dad cope with losing Mum”.
Meadow Cottage will remain a Tidmarsh home, with Rosie and her family moving in properly this year.
Hambledon villagers send their love and sympathy to Jo, Rosie and their families, and are immensely grateful for all John and Annie did to add to the richness of life in our small village. They were big characters in their own right, friends to many, and they leave a gap at the heart of our community life.