Ledbury’s former town crier William Turberfield, better known as Bill The Bell, has died at the age of 91.
Mr Turberfield, who served in the role for 18 years, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 3, his family said.
His daughter Helen Turberfield said he was “the most altruistic man I’ve ever met” and was a devoted husband and father to wife Enid and children Helen, Mark, John and Sara. He also had six grandchildren and a great grandchild.
“He was never bothered about money, he never really thought about himself,” said Helen. “And he was like that in the town - always there to welcome people.
“And he knew he didn’t have long left so he told us all every day how much he loved us. We love him so much and he’ll be greatly missed.”
Mr Turberfield had fond memories of visits to Ledbury with his wife and children in his younger years and talked about settling there, so after retirement they took up residency in May 2000.
Quickly becoming part of the community, he became the Town Guide, member of the local Poets Society and soon after, the Town Crier.
He was devoted to Ledbury and would spend his Saturdays popping into the town in his regalia to greet local traders and visitors.
On other occasions he was representing Ledbury internationally and at Town Crier competitions as a member of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers.
He would also attend Wootton Bassett for the repatriation of fallen soldiers who had served in Afghanistan.
In 2018, he retired from active duties, becoming an honorary member of the Guild.
Mr Turberfield had a variety of occupations throughout his life mainly in health care, serving as a paramedic in the RAMC (Royal Army Medical Core), an SRN (State Registered Nurse), theatre nurse, sales representative for Glaxo (baby food), mental health nurse and before retiring, a charge nurse.
On Monday, October 2 at 1.15pm, his final journey will take him through the streets of Ledbury, starting from the Homend proceeding through Ledbury High Street to St. Michael & All Angels church for a service at 1.30pm.
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