Remembering Edward Widgery

Not one for the studies, Edward favoured the roar of vintage cars over the textbooks. He may not have had a degree, but he most certainly had a PhD in enjoying life.

He was a huge lover of art and music and read constantly; he has left behind a library of roughly 35000 books. Subjects including flight, militaria , vintage cars, ships, WWI and WWII, the Battle of Britain and books on art, poetry and music. He loved Handel and jazz, especially the organ and trumpet. His interests were widespread, and he was an expert on many of them.

He spent many years in the territorial army including serving in the Queens Own Warwickshire and Worcestershire Yeomanry; driving tanks was a high point and visiting the battlefields across Europe.

He had many vintage cars over the years and other vehicles including tanks lorries and jeeps. He started and ran his own extremely successful business ‘Hereford Vintage Auctions’ and made friends all over the world and loved the charm and nostalgia of a bygone age. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him.

He bravely fought uncomplainingly against illness for several years but finally died on 1st September 2025, in Hereford County Hospital, aged 78.

One of his last trips was to the last No.1 reunion and he loved every minute and talked about it constantly. Once when caught out in Malvern in his Lagonda, a teacher said “Widgery you are banned from all school reunions”. Another teacher remarked, “Widgery, I saw you today in your Lagonda. I hope your essay will be handed in with the same speed.”

He will be remembered for his enduring resolve his fighting spirit wonderful sense of humour and love of life. He will be sorely missed by his family and all who knew him. He was an extremely brave man and will remain in our hearts forever.

Edward’s funeral will be held at Hereford Cathedral Lady Chapel on 2nd October at 1:30pm.