HEARTFELT tributes were paid to the memories of two former shipmates at a special commemoration by members of the
Pershore and District Branch Royal Naval Association (RNA) and Pershore Naval Social Club.
Friends and family of Ted Annis and Eddie Bick came out in force on Sunday (May 3) as they crowded into the chapel at Pershore Cemetery to commemorate their loved ones who passed away at the end of last year.
Mr Annis who founded the Pershore and District Branch and set up Pershore Naval Social Club, passed away in November and was closely followed by Mr Bick, who was also a loyal and dedicated member of both the branch and the club.
Coun Chris Parsons welcomed members to the service and spoke of the memories he had of Ted whilst they served together at Pershore Town Council.
Tributes were also shared about Ted’s achievements during his lifetime with the branch which was part of his legacy in the town, along with the Commemorative Garden in Abbey Park which was built due to Ted’s sheer determination.
Terry Brimmell, who took over the role of Chairman from Ted, gave a vote of thanks on behalf of the branch to Pershore Town Council and thanked them for all the help and support they had given the branch in organising the commemorations.
He spoke of his delight at all the recent renovations to the 19th century chapel, which he described as a great asset to Pershore.
Close friend of Mr Bick, Alan Hitchman, thanked everyone who paid tribute to his friend, describing him as “one of the kindest people I’ve ever met.”
Prayers were led by RNA Chaplain Canon Richard Etheridge before the congregation went outside to watch the benches named in their honour be formally blessed and dedicated.
Canon Richard Etheridge blessed Ted’s bench. (s)
