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John 'Skip' Papworth, MBE

John Papworth, universally known to everyone in Kelvedon, young and old, as ‘Skip’, can truly be described as the village ‘character’. It is difficult not to bump into him because his regular involvement with community life makes him highly visible.

Skip was born in Kelvedon and attended school entirely in the village, leaving at the age of 14. He has lived here for his entire life. He has also worked only locally, initially for Skingles general store (long gone), subsequently for a local builder for almost 50 years. He is now formally in retirement. He can recount many memories of local events from his boyhood and wartime.

For most of his life, he has been associated with scouting (the source of the name ‘Skip’ which seems to have stuck) both as a scout and scout leader. He attended the first post-war World Jamboree in France in 1947. In 1999 he received the Silver Acorn (awarded for specially distinguished service for a period of not less than twenty years) in recognition of his work undertaken for the scout movement.

For many years, Skip could be seen pumping the church organ and stoking the furnace of St Mary’s Church, where he also wound the clock three times a week for 21 years. Fortunately, none of these tasks have to be undertaken manually today. The more observant may have once spotted him sporting the uniform of the Civil Defence Corps and a Fire Service Auxiliary. Others suggest that Father Christmas, who visits seasonally, bears a remarkable resemblance.

He is a keen amateur photographer and is often to be seen taking photographs at village events. In recent years, he has held four exhibitions of his work.

Skip voluntarily started to fulfil the self-defined role of Town Crier for Kelvedon, Feering and Witham in 1986, a post he still occupies. Demands for him to attend events have mushroomed since and he makes appearances locally and much further afield. He regularly travels to compete in Town Crier competitions.

Although ‘retired’ from work, Skip can routinely be seen in one of his many continuing local roles that include:

• Hall caretaker
• Lucky sweep at weddings
• Odd job man
• School Crossing Patrol
• Scouting
• Town Crier
• Window cleaner

The pinnacle of his life came in 2005 when, in recognition of his outstanding long term work in our community and in response to a publicly initiated request, Skip was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list, “For services to the community in Kelvedon, Essex.”

This award is richly deserved.

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