THE FAMILY of a long serving market trader have paid tribute to the ‘much loved’ character.
John Beddow, know as the Bag Man on Redditch Market, suddenly passed away in June at the Alexandra Hospital.
The 65-year-old originally set up his stall on Royal Square – where the market was before the Debenhams extension to the Kingfisher Shopping Centre was built – before eventually moving to Church Green where he stayed until the end of his 39-year career.
His wife, Sue, said he thrived on the hustle and bustle of the town and the camaraderie of the traders and customers.
“Everyone who knew him thought highly of him and considered him a gentleman, kind and always thoughtful towards them,” she said.
“He always had a beaming smile, a hearty laugh and a loud booming voice you could hear from one end of Church Green to the other.”
She added he was also well known for having golden oldies like Rod Stewart and The Beatles blasting out from his CD player and for his many catch phrases including ‘shall I pop it in a bag?’, ‘thank you, thank you’ and ‘what are you like?’.
“His passing has left a huge void outside the church where he stood, with many customers still wondering why he’s not there.
“Especially as he never missed a day in all the years he worked on the market, standing in all weathers and conditions.
“John will always be remembered with affection by all the market traders, customers, neighbours, his friends and family.
“A true gent and a wonderful husband and father.”
