Au revoir to Gordon Holmes

By Robin Yeadon, Chair of Twyford Together

After 23 years living in Charvil, Gordon and Penny Holmes have moved to their new home in Bromyard, Herefordshire.

With typical modesty, Gordon kept a low profile and liked to think he slipped under the radar, so I suspect many RG10 readers may not be aware just what a significant driving force he has been in the area over the years. This is our opportunity to set the record straight!

Age Concern Twyford & District Day Centre

I first met Gordon at a ‘Twyford Village Partnership’ (now Twyford Together) business networking meeting at La Fontana many years ago. On that occasion he enthusiastically explained his role at Utility Warehouse.

A few years later he took over as the Day Centre Manager for Age Concern Twyford & District. He set about the role in a similarly committed manner, helping to upgrade the centre into a popular place for the elderly to go and enjoy all the activities on offer.

In my role as a trustee, I have witnessed his dedication and drive to make the day centre the best it could be. His successor, Debs Heffernan, said:

Gordon is a person who always sees the good in people. He was an incredibly special manager, always respecting his staff members and volunteers. He was inspirational, caring, and supportive.

Patrick Heather, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, said:

We were very fortunate to have Gordon as our Centre Manager and equally so when Gordon returned as a trustee. He was influential in guiding the centre during the lockdown and involved in its successful re-opening. I wish him and Penny many happy years over in Bromyard.

Twyford Twinning Association

Gordon was involved in Twinning Twyford with Cuincy, France.

Marielle Patterson (centre) had this to say about Gordon:

Meeting Gordon Holmes for the first time in his capacity as the then Deputy Chairman of Twyford Twinning Association, after being persuaded to get involved myself, was a pleasure. He is the kind of person that puts you at ease straight away and makes you feel welcome.

Three years on, the Twinning Association is growing in numbers despite the past year curbing our activities. Gordon has been the driving force behind the many initiatives to date: the inaugural charter signings here and in Cuincy, football, art, concerts, school visits and always the stalwart manning the stand at village events.

They say you should give a busy person another job: well, Gordon had three! Deputy Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer. He will be a hard act to follow and we wish him and Penny all the best as we bid them 'au revoir!'

Twyford Rethinks Its Plastic (TRIP)

Gordon was a founding member of Twyford Rethinks Its Plastic (TRIP), which was set up to reduce the use locally of single use plastics. He was largely responsible for Twyford being awarded ‘Plastic Free Community’ status by Surfers Against Sewage last year.

Gordon encouraged businesses to reduce their plastic use and now Twyford can boast several local businesses who are Plastic Free Champions!

Rural Pie Co, Twyford - Plastic Free Champion

Other volunteering and fundraising

In addition to all of the above, for many years Gordon has been involved in all sorts of charity events and has helped to raise thousands of pounds for many deserving charities. Gordon was particularly fond of fundraisers that involved a passion of his, golf, having been a member of Hennerton Golf Club in Wargrave for many years.

Most recently Gordon has served as the Secretary of Twyford Together; his help has been invaluable to me and others at Twyford Together.

So, au revoir Gordon – we are all indebted to you for everything you have achieved for our community, and we wish you and Penny many years of happiness in your new home.

Twyford Together news update

We're busy planning a few events, Covid permitting, so keep up to date by following our Facebook page @twyfordtogether.

Thanks to everyone who donated to our crowdfunding page in memory of Gordon Storey. Your generosity raised over £3,000 for local charities. One of those that Gordon supported most, Age Concern Twyford & District, recently held a private event for family and guests to hang an iconic picture of him in the day centre.

We hope to arrange a get-together at Buratta's this summer for representatives of local businesses, charities and sports clubs.

Look out for news of the return of the Twyford Charity Family Fun Run in October.

Photo: ABL Photography

The Twyford Christmas Fayre committee is already planning this year's event for Friday 3 December.

www.twyfordtogether.org