Geoffrey Harold Gulliver

Geoff was born to Harold and Hilda and was the eldest of the four children. He attended Helmdon School from 1943-49, most of the time, and then continued his education at Tettenhall College in Wolverhampton.

On leaving school in 1954, Geoff joined his father at Hill Farm and was taken into the partnership in 1958, followed by brother Phil ten years later. Geoff loved his cows and all the livestock on the farm and was very subdued when the farm was sold in 1992.

However, this was not the end for Geoff as he was involved in so many things over the years in Helmdon. He had been an assistant scoutmaster, served on the Parish Council, involved with Helmdon Fellowship, the Carnival and Sports Club. He had also played football and cricket for the village, the latter he played for 50 years. In addition, he had also served on the South Northants Cricket League Committee and the Helmdon Cricket Cup Committee. He was a keen Stamp Collector and was an active member of the Northamptonshire Philatelic Society and Brackley Branch. He was also an excellent card player and organised whist drives for various groups as well as having a weekly Bridge game.

As you can see, Geoff was keen to get involved, not just sit back and let someone else do it. He really was a people person.

Rose and family have been overwhelmed by all of the cards and donations received in Geoff’s memory. The donations amounted to £1600 which was shared between Diabetes UK, Cancer Research and Macmillan Nurses, a wonderful tribute to a man who liked to help others. Geoff loved Helmdon and his home “Barnstones” and he had his wish to remain there till the end of his days. As was typical of Geoff he planned his own funeral saying that “any complaints could be sent to him”; his sense of humour remained with him until the end.

In the memorial service Reverend Will Adams said “Thank God for Geoffrey Gulliver”, Geoff would have added “and Helmdon”.

From Talkabout Autumn 2007