Obituary: Ken Woodford (From Witney Gazette)

Obituary: Ken Woodford

8:00am Friday 4th January 2008 in Witney

A MAN of the land who was born, lived, and died in the Witney area has died at the age of 85.

Tributes were paid at a service of thanksgiving in the town's High Street Methodist Church for Ken Woodford.

He was one of West Oxfordshire's best-known farmers, retiring at the age of 75, but continuing to help other farming friends and neighbours.

Mr Woodford was born at Osney Hill Farm, between Witney and North Leigh, where his family had farmed as tenants since 1900.

He went to The Wesleyan School and The Grammar school, in Witney, and was due to go to Reading University to read English, but the outbreak of the Second World War put paid to this, and he remained on the farm to help with the war effort.

Due to the war, farming clubs were formed, and Mr Woodford was secretary to the North Leigh club.

At one meeting, George and Frank Henderson, who had become well-known for their book The Farming Ladder, were the speakers, and a life-long friendship began, through which Mr Woodford met his wife Phyl. They were married for over 50 years.

He was active in many aspects of Witney life, notably the Witney Toast Masters, Round Table, 41 Club, Rotary Club, and Probus.

He was also involved in the formation of the Witney farm discussion group, and for more than 25 years read for the Witney Talking Newspaper.

He was a life-long Methodist, and more than 200 people attended the thanksgiving service.

He leaves his wife, daughters Caroline, Louise, Sara, and Amanda, and eight grandchildren.