TRIBUTES have been paid to a well known 'kind and selfless' Evesham figure.

Wyndham Edwards was a local builder for many years and was known for helping those less fortunate.

His daughter Patricia Edwards said: "He was a kind, selfless man and was always helping someone, bringing home those less fortunate, giving them a meal. Many years ago there was a homeless man, Curly a real character in Evesham, he was often invited to the Edward’s Christmas meal, although Wink’s wife made him go to the bathroom first to clean up. He never forgot his roots, always visiting his family regularly in Wales with his family."

Mr Edwards was born on November 19 1925 In Deri, South Wales to Winnie and Reginald. He was the youngest of four brothers and one sister. His father was in the First World War on the front line as a stretcher bearer. Wink as he was known started work at the age of 14 years at Groesfaen Colliery in Deri. During the war his brothers joined the RAF and he continued to work at the Pit.

After the war he and his elder brother and several friends relocated to Evesham and worked at Twyford Farm. Many probably wouldn’t know that Wink played the clarinet and was busking for a time in London. On his return to Evesham he met his wife Rose.

Ms Edwards said: "It was love at first-sight."

The couple courted for three years and married May 10th 1952, they had a double wedding with his brother Albert and Bridie. Wyndham (Wink) and Rose went on to have two sons Cliff and David and a daughter Patricia.

Mr Edwards then went into the building industry, working at Espley-Tyas for many years and then became self employed working up and down the country. He also worked at GR Hughes working at local schools.

He supported the Welsh Rugby and often went to Cardiff to watch them play, loved horse racing and loved to read, the spare bedroom was his library full with hundreds of books. He played snooker and pool in the Evesham league for many years winning many trophies. He also played darts.

Ms Edwards said: "He was always a fit, healthy man whose main priority in life was his family. He was a family man, a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather."

"Everyone who met Wink loved him young or old, he was one of those people you never forgot and would go out his way to make you welcome and always had time for you, he wanted everyone to be happy. A remarkable man and genuine gentleman, a good listener, caring and loving. Quite a character in Evesham where he was a regular at Weatherspoon’s with his pint and a newspaper studying the racing pages so he could pop next door to the bookies."

He celebrated the Queens Diamond Jubilee and was invited to attend the ceremony at Worcester Cathedral. He was delighted the invitation was in Welsh.

Mr Edwards was a keen gardener growing all his own vegetables, he enjoyed cooking for his family and friends, he cared for his wife Rose who has not been well for several years.

Mr Edwards passed away peacefully at home with his family on Wednesday 7th October aged 94.

The funeral takes place on 21st October at 12.00 at The Vale Crematorium. Although there are restrictions inside the Crematorium, guests are allowed outside as long as social distancing is adhered to.