a hamlet and civil parish 

Below is a personal recollection of Don written by Dave Thompson, a former member of Capel History Group

Don Foreman: Ever a gentleman

Don's interests were wide-ranging - from the history society to the cricket club, working on the Spa Valley railway to helping tend the church grounds at St Thomas's, monarchists to freemasonry, scouting to amateur dramatics.

And quite a bit more too, not least his comprehensive cricket reports in the parish magazine plus monthly quizzes on Capel's past.

I'll remember him as a great conversationalist and for his ever immaculate turn-out, splendid head-wear (feather and all) and as the only man I knew who invariably doffed his cap on meeting a lady.
There are fond memories too of him waving sixes and fours cards whenever a Capel batsman hit a boundary down at the Rec and a trademark raucous laugh that could likely halt traffic at 30 paces.

Don and I first met many years ago walking homewards on Capel Fete day. His engaging nature led me into the Capel History Group and from then we got to be good pals, the cricket club and a few beers at the pub among various mutual interests.

A picture taken by Dave when out walking with Don in Capel in early 2021. Don has his trademark plastic bag to collect any rubbish that he should stumble across
A picture taken by Dave when out walking with Don in Capel in early 2021. Don has his trademark plastic bag to collect any rubbish that he should stumble across

I left Capel in March 2021 so our exchanges since then had been by phone. It was clear he was waging such a tough battle, conversations invariably starting with difficulty and concern. But Don liked nothing better than moving on to village affairs and memories, sometimes with a touch of the Victor Meldrews thrown in !

Ever a gentleman. Sadly missed.