TRIBUTES have been paid Evesham’s longest serving town crier, thespian and community champion, John Raphael, whose death was announced last Friday.
John, who served the town from 2003 until retiring from the position in May 2025 died at Heartlands Hospital in Birmingham from a cardiac arrest following complications from diabetes. He was 63 years old.
He was well known for being involved in the family business at Hampton Ferry where he managed the cafe, caravan park and fisheries.
John Raphael officiates at a VJ Day commemoration. Picture credit – Peter Stewart
Evesham Town Council said it were very sorry to hear about his death.
“As our longstanding town crier, John became one of Evesham’s most recognisable and warmly regarded figures.
“He served with quiet pride, good humour, and deep affection for the town. He will be remembered not just for the voice that carried through our streets, but for the kindness and sincerity behind it.
“He will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time,” said Jo Adams, town clerk.
John Raphael. Picture credit – Peter Stewart
John was born in Glasgow to Diana and Samuel Raphael in 1961 and moved to Evesham as a baby where he attended Hampton First School and Prince Henry’s Grammar School.
His grandparents, Ernie and Eileen Huxley, had previously moved to Hampton Ferry in 1929 to run a market garden and the ferry, which has been a link between Evesham and the village of Hampton for 800 years.
A keen footballer he played with his brother James for Bretforton Old Boys Football Club, a team their father Sam had also proudly represented.
He had a lifelong interest in amateur dramatics, becoming a member of Evesham’s Arts Centre Theatre Company, Evesham Operatic and Dramatic Society and Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society.
John’s love of the stage led him to being accepted as a mature student to the world renowned Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff. After graduation John lived in Cardiff and London for a while, before returning to his beloved Evesham.
He was a dedicated performer who gained great pleasure from entertaining others and with support from former teacher and friend, Lauri Griffith-Jones, founded the Evesham Youth Theatre Company.
It was so successful that John had to found a second company for adults to accommodate members who did not want to stop performing after leaving school. The Cafe Society met weekly and put on a number of shows for local charities.
John’s local theatrical performances included him taking on the role of Evesham philanthropist John Martin at Worcester Cathedral in 2014 to celebrate the charity’s tercentenary commemoration service.
John portraying John Martin at Worcester Cathedral. Credit JDA Media
In 2015 he portrayed Simon de Montfort at the inaugural Battle of Evesham Festival in front of the then Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow.
John, like his family, actively contributed to community life and was known for his charitable fundraising and being a member of many organisations including Evesham Twinning Association.
In his role as town crier, where he proudly compered for Avonbank Brass Band during their 60th anniversary tour of New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.
He was a founder member of the Asum League of Darts and after many years of organising club fixtures was made honorary president, after retiring earlier this year.
Brother Robert, retiring mayor of Evesham, said: “John was the kindest and most generous person I have ever known.
“He was always concerned about the welfare and comfort of others before himself, and was never happier than when he was organising everyone.”
John is survived by his mother, Diana Raphael, other brother James and son, Alexander.
The funeral is on Monday, August 18, 4pm at The Vale Crematorium with mourners asked to wear colour.
Donations to Diabetes UK in his memory in lieu of flowers are welcomed.
