At an October meeting of the Wargrave Local History Society, Maureen Prince spoke about her father, Alfred Beckford, who was a well-known figure in the village.

Mr Beckford was born in November 1894 at Jessamine Cottage in Tag Lane, Hare Hatch, and attended Piggott School (now junior school) as a child.

He was one of the first members of Wargrave Scouts, which was formed in 1909.

Alfred Beckford in his school daysAlfred Beckford in his school days (Image: Wargrave History)

At the age of 14, Mr Beckford left school and began a hairdressing apprenticeship at Charlie Lunn’s shop in Wargrave High Street.

He also learned how to make umbrellas and parasols, which were his first present to his fiancée.

In February 1916, Mr Beckford was called up for military service, joining the Royal Signals Corps of the Royal Engineers.

After the war, Mr Beckford returned to hairdressing and worked in Christchurch, Staines, and Maidenhead before returning to Wargrave.

He married Dorothy Taylor at St Nicholas Church, Taplow, in 1923, and they lived at Holt Cottage, where their daughter Maureen was born in 1939.

Mr Beckford returned to work at Charlie Lunn’s shop and continued to run the hairdressing business after the premises were sold to someone else.

He also sold tobacco, fishing tackle, and sweets from the shop.

Alfred Beckford by the street shopAlfred Beckford by the street shop (Image: Wargrave History)

Over the years, Mr Beckford became well known as a hairdresser, with clients such as Lord Trenchard (founder of the RAF), the actors Robert Morley and Wilfred Hyde White, Sir Ernest Cain, and Colonel Trimmer Thompson of Crazies Hill.

He was involved in many aspects of village life.

During World War II, he worked as a volunteer firefighter and was in the Home Guard.

He was a founder member of the Wargrave branch of the Ancient Order of Foresters, and in due course, Alf took charge of the welfare aspect.

He also joined the Wargrave Rifle Club, winning his first prizes aged 19.

He represented the club in competitions at Bisley, winning various trophies.

Alf was a founder member of the Wargrave Branch of the British Legion and served on the committee for many years.

He was presented with a silver tankard in 1950 in appreciation of his work, and in 1963 he was further recognised by the award of a British Legion gold badge.

For many years, Alf served on the Wargrave Parish Council and as a school manager for the Piggott infant and junior schools.

He retired in 1966 but continued cutting hair for his customers at Holt Cottage.

He died aged 92.