Tributes paid to Ludgershall man who died at age 87

Anthony (Mo) Maurice Betteridge was a former artillery paratrooper who attended many occasions as the flag bearer representing the troop, even using his mobility scooter up until his passing.

He was 87-years-old.

The funeral will be held on Thursday, November 17.

Maurice was an ex-fire officer in the MoD Fire Service and served as a firefighter at Ludgershall Fire Station for many years.

He was also a member of the Royal British Legion and has even gained awards for the highest poppy sales.

He was a training officer and serving brother for St John Ambulance for many years, and was awarded the highest award medal, The Order of St John. 

Maurice was a Ludgershall town councillor for many years until very recently when his health deteriorated. 

A committee member of the Mission Hall and Memorial Hall in Ludgershall, Maurice was also a member of Ludgershall Link Scheme. He drove patients to hospital appointments and even took them to loved ones’ funerals if they had no transport. 

In 2019 Maurice was awarded the Freedom of the Town, in Ludgershall, presented by the town mayor, for the appreciation of his services and dedication to the town over many years.

Maurice’s daughter-in-law Tracey said he was a man loved by everyone in Ludgershall.

“We will deeply miss him. We want to make his funeral a big local event as he was most definitely a pillar of the community and a well-respected individual.”

Maurice moved to Ludgershall from New Milton in 1977.

He was married to Yvonne for 60-odd years until her death four years ago.

He is survived by his daughter Linda and son Nigel. His elder son Anthony, unfortunately, died in a motorbike crash in 1997.

Maurice being presented with The Lifetime Achievement Award by former Andover Advertiser reporter Jo Steele in 2015 (Image: Newsquest)

The funeral will leave from his home at 15 Deweys Lane at 10am on Thursday, November 17.

Flag Bearers representing, The Para/Artillary Regiment, St John Ambulance and Royal British Legion, and a fire engine from Ludgershall Fire Station will be in attendance from the house to Ludgershall Church.

A full service will be held at 10.30am in Ludgershall Church with the Flag Bearers in attendance. The Last Post will be played by a Military Bugle Player, the town mayor will speak, and an announcement of his lifetime achievements will be read out. 

There will be a short service at Charlton Park Crematorium, followed by a final farewell with light refreshments at The Queens Head Ludgershall.