Farndon remembers village bobby in street naming ceremony

A new street has been named after a village bobby who served the local community for 25 years. The plaque on Maddocks Close in Farndon, Cheshire, was officially unveiled during a ceremony attended by the family, friends and former colleagues of the late PC William Cedric ‘Dave' Maddocks.

Redrow Homes agreed to name the street at their new Lawes Chase development after PC Maddocks - who was given the nickname Dave during his days playing rugby for the Royal Marines - when locals highlighted his contribution to Farndon.

Det. Ch. Insp. Dave Finlay and local land owner John Pridding were discussing PC Maddocks over a pint in the pub when they came up with the idea.

John, a lifelong villager who previously owned the land on which Redrow is building, said: "Dave was always very well thought of in the village and nothing was too much trouble for him. We thought this would be a nice tribute."

Over a hundred people turned up for the launch, among them Dave's widow Margaret, their three children and seven grandchildren.

Margaret, who now lives in Chirk, near Wrexham, was delighted at the tribute and said: "All of us, my children and the grandchildren who are old enough to understand, thought it was a marvellous idea. It's a great honour to see the family name and to think that it represents their dad and granddad. The kids are really proud. I think Dave would be quietly pleased too.

"I'm truly grateful to everyone involved including Dave's former colleagues, Redrow, John and also Cliff Fairbanks, another villager who also played a big part in getting this agreed but unfortunately passed away earlier this year. It was so lovely to see so many friends again at the unveiling."

PC Maddocks, who died in 2004 aged 64, was a popular member of the community in Farndon. He was based in the village from 1971 until his retirement in 1996, when he moved with Margaret to Chirk, near Wrexham, to become the curator of Stretton Water Mill.

After officially naming the new street, Margaret and guests retired to Redrow's show home at Lawes Chase for refreshments and also a raffle organised by John Pridding with prizes donated by local businesses, which raised £111 towards a new defibrillator for the local heath centre in Farndon.

Maddocks Close is part of Redrow's 45-property Lawes Chase venture, which is situated off Townfield Lane and is made up of apartments and detached, semi and mews housing.

For more information log onto Redrow.co.uk.