CEDRIC BLOOR

CEDRIC BLOOR (1925 - 2012)

This page is a tribute to my uncle Francis Cedric Bloor- my dad's next youngest brother.

(All photos from Uncle Cedric's own collection, apart from the last one, which was taken by Graham Dygutowicz just before Christmas 2011).

Uncle Cedric was  born at West Hallam in November 1925, but his family moved to number 134 Station Road, Stanley when he was a baby and Cedric was to live in the same house for the rest of his life. He never married.

 

  

Cedric attended Stanley School and then Scargill School at West Hallam

  

Cedric was enlisted into the RAF towards the end of the 2nd World War, and worked as a medical orderly in India and Japan. He was discharged in 1947, then studied for matriculation for two years at University College, Shakespeare Street, Nottingham, before starting work at Stanton Ironworks in 1949. He retired from there in 1984.

 

Cedric was a committed Christian and during his life he held virtually every position in St Andrew's church except vicar (he would have undoubtedly made a good clergyman but his family were unable to afford the fees to send him to Bible College. He did, however, complete several courses from the London Bible College in the early 1970s, and preached on many occasions). His Christian service, however, was conducted mainly in practical ways such as visiting the sick and elderly in the area, and helping them with shopping etc, as well as regularly giving money to missionary societies. He was one of the recipients of the Royal Maundy Money in Derby Cathedral in 2010.

 

   This photograph was taken at a family party just before Christmas 2011. Cedric had lived with prostate cancer for several years but had always remained active. He never drove a car (although he did ride a moped when younger), but walked a lot when visiting people, even though he was quite unwell sometimes. I like this photograph because Uncle Cedric looks happy and at peace, although not long after this date he was taken into hospital as the cancer had spread to his bones. He spent most of the next few months in hospitals in Derby and Ilkeston, getting progressively more frail until he passed away on May 5th 2012. His funeral was held at Stanley Church, and the church was full, with several people having to stand outside. This, and the fact that almost £1000 was raised in aid of the church at the funeral and in a collection in the village shop, is tribute to how well he was thought of in the village.

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