Gordon Greenall 1945 - 2014

A true Campdonian of the old order

Growing up with his family in Berrington Road, Gordon experienced a childhood free to roam the neighbouring countryside where he readily absorbed  both country lore and nature which he drew on so expertly in the poems he wrote several decades later. Passionate about our Cotswold customs, characters & traditions he became a prolific poet publishing his work in four poetry books that he sold in aid of charities near to his heart. (The first he dedicated to his beloved mother, Emily.)

Educated at St. James Primary & Campden Grammar schools, on leaving school at sixteen he was unable to fulfil his ambition to join the police force due to poor eyesight. Instead he tried his hand at carpentry before joining the Fire Service at both Long Marston Army Camp and Campden, where he rose to station chief.

A great raconteur and wit, Gordon told the tale of the fire brigade arriving at a thatched cottage fire in Cider Mill Lane, where the elderly resident oblivious that her home was on fire, offered to make the men a cup of tea!

Gordon’s hobby, besides creative writing, was collecting antiques and for a while ran an antique shop with his partner, Pat. In retirement he threw himself with enthusiasm into the life of Campden, and besides Meals on Wheels, United Charities, the Voluntary Help Group and the Family History Group, he was photographer for Chipping Campden History Society.