David Jelfs 1938 – 2011
On Sunday 27th May, a beautiful wooden bench was unveiled on the Cotswold Way just below Broadway Tower in memory of David Jelfs, long standing Cotswold Warden and legendary countryside volunteer.
David became a Warden in 1973 and gave thousands of hours of devoted service to the countryside until he sadly passed away on July 4th 2011. He was enthusiastically involved in many voluntary activities including conservation workparties, dry stone walling, guided walks and also served as a voluntary lengthsman for the Cotswold Way, looking after the Broadway area, one of the finest slices of countryside in England. His commitment and zeal were an inspiration to all who met him, and there are very few people who enjoy the Cotswolds that do not owe him a huge debt of gratitude.
The bench was installed by a workparty from the North District of the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens with support from Worcestershire County Council and the Cotswold Way National Trail. The site was chosen as it is next to an expertly restored dry-stone wall in which David was heavily involved, and also as it is the perfect place to just sit and absorb one of the most spectacular views in the Cotswolds, over Broadway and indeed his own home where he spent many happy years with his family and his wife Frieda.
