Despicable act of vandalism in Moreton Road.

On Friday 6th September, probably during late evening, the seat installed along the Moreton Road to commemorate the late Kenneth Tattersall’s 80th birthday, was deliberately wrecked by a person or persons unknown. Whilst the plaque on the seat states that it was a birthday present from his two much loved dogs it also served as a memorial to a much respected villager with a distinguished war record. The seat marked the limit of his daily walk with the dogs right up to his death in 2013. It had become a valued feature for the many pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists who regularly use this little lane. For this reason, with the permission of Janet Tattersall, consideration is being given to ways of raising funds for the replacement of the seat so as to perpetuate his memory in a place he greatly loved in his declining years. See more details on the next page (click on “Read the rest of this entry”).

 

The newly installed seat in June 2003……

 

……being a present from the dogs Bugsy and Jaunty!

 

Kenneth emerging from Madam’s Close with the dogs.

During the war, Kenneth served in 161 Squadron RAF, a highly secretive unit performing missions as part of the Royal Air Force Special Duties Service. It carried out flights for the Special Operations Executive and the Secret Intelligence Service. Its primary role was to drop and collect secret agents and equipment into and from Nazi-occupied Europe. As a Flight Lieutenant, Kenneth received the Distinguished Flying Cross in recognition of gallantry and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations.

 

Kenneth in 1944

 

Kenneth and Janet moved to Sulgrave in 1972. They always took a full part in village activities and institutions, with Kenneth serving as both County Councillor and Parish Councillor. For many years he and I were fellow Governors for the then Sulgrave School – he being an excellent chairman and myself correspondent (secretary).

 

Kenneth with grandson William at the Sulgrave wedding of his grand daughter Camilla in 2011……

 

…..with his wife Janet….

 

…..and daughter Susie.

 

My family also has cause to treasure the little area of verge occupied by the seat. In 1999, a tree was planted near to the seat to mark the many year’s service by my father, Sidney Wootton (then 87) as District Councillor.

 

Sidney Wootton with Kenneth Tattersall behind.

The Memorial Tree.

Colin Wootton

 

 

 

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One Response to “Despicable act of vandalism in Moreton Road.”

  1. Harry Mason says:

    I’m Kenneth Tattersall’s (Grandpa’s) youngest grandson (Harry) and I was saddened to hear about this news. So, if there is a collection or somewhere to put some money in the pot, then do please let me know. A very nice and thoughtful article about Grandpa and lovely photographs to match.

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