Mike Gidman

The village were very sorry to hear that Mike Gidman had passed away very peacefully on 31^st March aged 75.

Mike, a retired Flight Lieutenant, was justly proud of his military service and he and Mary had moved home with the RAF seventeen times before his work brought them to Helmdon over thirty years ago. On his retirement in 1976, as a keen amateur wood-turner, he purchased a lathe and spent many hours working at his craft. His generous nature ensured that his main hobby contributed to many local craft fairs and evidence of his craftsmanship adorn Helmdon Church.

He and Mary were engaged to be married within a week of meeting, and their common love of the air service he as a fighter pilot and she in the WAAF, ensured a partnership that was blessed for nearly fifty years.

Our sincerest condolences to Mary and all the family m who have any happy memories of a fine man.

From Talkabout Spring 1995.