Harry Robertson was born in Tewkesbury at 80 Church Street on the 2nd December 1930, a second son to Jock and May Robertson. Sadly Harry passed away on 12th October aged 86 after a lengthy battle against illness. He will be fondly remembered by a vast number of local townsfolk; his genial and friendly character was well known to many, as the attendance at his funeral on 26th October at the Abbey showed.
Harry attended Tewkesbury Grammar School from 1941-46, enjoying the camaraderie of his fellow pupils and taking the opportunity to play as many sports as possible, though his favourite was always cricket. Harry was of course a long-serving member and supporter of the Old Theocsbrians, and it was a rare year when he wasn’t on the committee. On leaving school Harry first worked as a postman, enjoying the outdoor life and cycling to rural locations to deliver the mail in all weathers.
Later on Harry worked behind the counter at Tewkesbury Post Office where he continued to get to know the majority of the town population and his queue tended to be the longest.
When duty called, Harry completed his National Service in the army and was stationed in the UK, only venturing onto foreign soil for a long weekend in Germany. On his return to the town Harry soon joined the RBL Tewkesbury and this was just the start of a long association with the branch.
Once Harry retired from the Post Office he then worked for a number of years on race days at Cheltenham Racecourse, managing the incoming monies from entrance fees and ensuring all was organised. He was equally popular in this role and received a great send off when he retired again on reaching 80 years old.
Harry was a true gentleman of Tewkesbury, liked by all and loved by his extended family, young and old. He was the Standard Bearer for Tewkesbury BL for 50 years and was honoured recently with the 65 year Bar to the RBL poppy appeal medal. Estimates of his Poppy Appeal collection over the years vary, but it is thought to be in six figures – Harry was always good at ‘getting the money in.’
Over the years Harry’s contribution to local life was recognised in a more formal manner, when he was honoured for his long service and efforts by Tewkesbury Borough Council at a formal ceremony.
As well as loving the horses, Harry was also a great cricket enthusiast and would gladly drop everything to go and umpire for the town team on the Swilgate, having moved with his wife Joan to a house overlooking the field a few years ago.
Harry spread laughter and joy everywhere he went in and around Tewkesbury – his community spirit was second to none and we will all miss that glint in his eye when he told one of his stories, as well as his infectious laughter. RIP Harry Robertson, you will be missed by Tewkesbury.
Compiled by Andy Taylor