Heartfelt tributes have been paid to Sam Raphael who has died peacefully in the town after a short battle with lung cancer at the age of 81.

Sam is survived by his wife Diana, his children John, James and Robert and grandchildren Lauren and Alexander.

Sam was born in Rutherglen, Lanarkshire, on January 1 1939, the only son of John ‘Jack’ and Agnes Raphael and was educated at The Rutherglen Academy. On leaving school Sam began work at Templeton’s Carpet Factory as an apprentice turner.

An enthusiastic footballer who played for a local team in Rutherglen, Sam completed his National Service at NATO in Fontainebleau, Paris, where he continued his commitment to football playing for NATO. During this time he was ‘borrowed’ by the local RAF team.

While stationed in Paris, Sam met Diana Huxley from Hampton Ferry who was enjoying a family holiday at the time. They were married two years later, in 1961, at Evesham Methodist Church.

Sam and Diana lived in Scotland for two years, while Sam completed his apprenticeship, after which they moved to Evesham to become partners in Diana’s family business at Hampton Ferry, where they have lived and worked ever since.

In 1966, while operating the ferry boat, Sam dived in to the Avon and saved a young girl from drowning. He received a Royal Humane Society Award for his bravery.

Sam’s love of football continued after moving to England when he began playing for local team Bretforton Old Boys.

After hanging his boots up at the age of 48, Sam became secretary of Bretforton Old Boys FC and treasurer of Bretforton Sports Club.

He was instrumental in the transformation of Bretforton Sports Club from a shed in the corner of the recreation ground to the purpose-built sports club that exists today. Sam was proud of becoming the Sports Club president and would often reminisce with stories of the ‘Bret Boys’.

His son Robert said: “Dad supported three football teams; Glasgow Rangers, Bretforton Old Boys and Aston Villa. If all three teams won on any given weekend, it was always cause for celebration.”

Sam was a keen angler and fished for Evesham Ex-Servicemen’s Club for many years.

In 1990 his wife Diana became Mayor of Evesham for the first time and Sam became her consort.

“Sam loved Evesham, and, while always remaining a patriotic Scotsman, made Evesham his home,” Robert added.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic there was no public service or wake.

Friday 14th February 2020

2020 Valentine Dinner supports Mayor's Charities

Raphael's Annual Valentine Dinner Party raised £170 for The Mayor of Evesham's Charity Appeal this year, supporting Evesham Guides, Shopmobility and Caring Hands in the Vale.

Hampton Ferry's Easter fundraising supported Evesham Shopmobility this year.

Our annual Good Friday Afternoon Tea, an evening of annimated Snail Racing and our Family Funday on Bank Holiday Monday all supported this worthy cause.

How lovely to take a tour of Evesham Riverside Shopmobility today with their Chairman Liz Griffin and Manager Denise Moss. Even nicer to be able to hand over £1,000 towards unlocking their new automtaic doors. 

Saturday 1st December 2018

Not even 'storm Diana' could stop Hampton Ferry's Annual Christmas Fayre and Lights switch-on Night.

Hundreds of people turned up for mulled wine and mince pies, Avonbnank Training Band and The Church of the Latter Day Saints Choir entertained, while happy customers supported the charity and craft stalls supporting Help for Heroes.

Father Christmas gave out some early Christmas presents while Frosty the Snowman got up to mischief by starting a snow-ball fight in the beer garden.

All in all a great time was had, and most importantly, £1,000 was raised for this years charity Help for Heroes.

Photo: Frosty the Snowan with Diana Raphael by Pamela H Photography

Sunday 29th July 2018

The 10th anniversary of the Hampton Ferry Show went ahead despite the weather – which ironically during this scorching summer – tried to put a dampener on things.

Friday 14th July 2017

A warm summer evening on Friday, 14th July finally brought crowds of people back to Hampton Ferry by Evesham's riverside to see the re-opening of Raphael's Restaurant.

Following a fire in the storeroom of the restaurant on Wednesday, 8th February, 2017, although the building structure was safe, it has taken several months to repair, redecorate and refurbish the interior.

Now, like the phoenix that rose from the ashes Raphael's Restaurant is stunningly elegant with it's interior designer decor and now has a dining deck outside for those who want to enjoy the stunning scenery overlooking the river whilst enjoying their meals or sipping a glass of something cool.

The celebrations were due to start at 5 p.m. but such was the excitement that people started to arrive much earlier and there was something for everyone to enjoy. A barbeque was sizzling away nicely in the garden, complimentary drinks, fun and games with a bouncy castle for the children along with an opportunity to see around the newly fitted kitchen and Carvery all added to the event.

At 8 p.m. John Raphael welcomed everyone to the Restaurant thanking all who had been involved in the mammoth task and introduced Councillor Richard Jones, Mayor of Evesham asking him to cut the ribbon for the official opening aided by Mrs Diana Raphael and Robert Raphael.

"The Hampton Ferry has been part of the Family life since 1929 when it was started by Mrs Diana Raphael's parents Ernest and Eileen Huxley" said Robert Raphael, "I am so proud, so very proud. The support and help that we have received from Family, Friends and our amazing staff has been incredible. Now Raphael's Restaurant has evolved again and we are able to continue in the tradition of serving our wonderful customers, the Fishermen, the Runners, the Caravaners and many more".

As the evening wore on and the daylight began to fade, Raphael's Restaurant took on a new glow as the outside lights twinkled and those seated on the dining deck stayed to the end enjoying the evening air and those inside danced to the wonderful music of Aimee Vee who entertained into the late hours.

When asked, "What's next?" Bryn Walling, Manager of Raphael's said, "Now we are looking forward to all of our usual events starting with our traditional Sunday Carvery. We shall still be serving all of our delicious breakfasts, lunches and evening meals every day as well as our amazing selection of cakes. Then the Hampton Ferry Show is on 6th August, Evesham Scarecrow Festival will be on 15th September with the Hampton Christmas Fayre on Friday, 1st December for the switching on of the Christmas Lights.

He continued "In such a wonderful setting as this we can, of course, offer an amazing wedding and party venue.

Photos: Steve Turvey Words: Lynda Carson

Thursday 1st December 2016

Hampton Ferry's annual Christmas Fayre and Lights Switch-on night took place today drawing hundreds of people on a beautiful clear frosty night.

The event was helped along by Avonbank Brass Band and members of the choir from Evesham's Church of the Latter Day Saints.

Father Christmas himself paid us a visit and handed out gfts to children (of all ages!).

Guests enjoyed mulled wine and mince pies and the Deputy Mayor Cllr Richard Jones and Father Christmas carried out the lights switch-on countdown.

Fund raising stalls in aid of The Mayor's Charity Appeal raised £575.00 for Wallace House Community Centre.

Photos: Fran Webb and Bryn Walling

Thursday 17th November 2016

Purple for Pancreatic Cancer

Hampton Ferry turned purple to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer and raise funds for research today. Our Afternoon Tea and Purple lights switch-on raised an awesome £557.00 for this worthy charity.

The ferry house was one of hundreds of iconic buildings around the world taking part, including Evesham's own Almonry Museum and Bell Tower.

Hampton Ferry hosted Evesham’s first weekend long Scarecrow Festival recently (17th - 18th September 2016). Good weather helped to attract hundreds of visitors.

Saturday was filled with a Scarecrow Building Workshop for children with creations including Dennis The Menace, Simon DeScarecrow, a guitar playing Elvis Presley look alike and a very Elegant Marilyn Monroe.

Saturday drew to a close with a hoe-down barn dance with local entertainer Henry Carson.

On Sunday an impressive display of thirty-seven scarecrows entered the day long King of the Crows Competition.

Boys and girls from United Dance Academy and Bell D’Vain Clog Dancers entertained the crowds along with the vintage singer Betsy Harmony.

The King of the Crows Competition:

1st Place ‘Ditzy Dorris’, a rather drunk looking scarecrow made by regulars from The Golden Cross in Harvington.
2nd Place – ‘The Gruffalo’, made by children from Alphabet House Playgroup
3rd Place ‘Farmer Crow’, a tractor driving scarecrow made by staff from Raphael’s Restaurant.

The event was a great success and raised over £600 for local dance group United Dance Academy. Planning for next year’s festival is already underway. Details can be found on the website: www.eveshamscarecrowfestival.co.uk

Sunday 7th August 2016

Hampton Ferry's 8th Annual Show

Thousands of people flocked to enjoy the Hampton Ferry Show in glorious sunshine. Visitors to the show were treated to a host of entertainment, including music from Evesham Community Choir and displays by the town's United Dance Academy. There was the chance to learn circus skills, make your own pedal-powered smoothie or take part in various sport activities organised by Wychavon Sports Trainers and The Wallace House Games. Fran Webb, who organised the event, said: "The weather has been perfect and even more attractions have been included this year to ensure visitors have a great day out.

"This is a free show and can be enjoyed by all the family." Also providing music on the day was Boogie Bounce Xtreme, BL3ND and Eve Linton and Some People. The fun continued into the afternoon with a novelty dog show organised by Evesham Dogs Trust. This year’s surprise visitor 'Darth Vader' toured the showground and proved to be the perfect goalkeeper in the penalty shoot out. A range of charity stalls raised an impressive £850 whilst other stalls offered crafts, make up and henna and glitter tattoos. Hampton Farm Shop’s mini farmers market and the Chill Out Team’s holistic therapies proved to be very popular additions to the show.

www.hamptonferryshow.co.uk

Monday 30th May 2016

Wet Noses and Wagging Tails

It was all wet noses and wagging tails this bank holiday at Hampton Ferry when we hosted a Fun Dog Show in aid of Sue Ryder Hospice. Hotly contested categories included ‘Best Paw Shaker’ and a Fancy Dress competition.

Sue Ryder Hospice was chosen by Hampton Ferry staff member Sue Walling whose brother Wilf was cared for by their Hospice in Cheltenham. “I was so grateful for the care they gave my brother” Sue says, “It will be nice to give something back.”

The event raised £500 for this worthy charity.

Sunday 10th April 2016

2016 Blossom Trail Bikeaway

Monday 28th March 2016

Easter Family Funday 2016

A soggy Easter did not stop festivities at Hampton Ferry this year. On Good Friday we hosted our Afternoon Tea with a great turn-out for this annual event and The Easter Family Funday held on Bank Holiday Monday raised over £250 for Wallace House Community Centre.

Because of the weather we brought as many stalls indoors as we could, the Easter Bunny came and judged the Easter bonnet parade and the colouring-in competition.