4th August 1943 – 28th May 2026
Early Life and Character
Sue Meadows began life on the Dumbleton Estate in Great Washbourne. From an early age, she was recognised as a bright and capable child. Her intelligence was later measured as being within the top 2% of the population, leading to her membership of MENSA.
A Lifelong Commitment to Sport and Volunteering
Sue first became involved in local sport through her family and the sport of judo. Like many parents, she began by watching her children from the sidelines, before becoming increasingly involved in organisational roles at both local and national level. In 2025 Sue’s many years of service Judo saw her awarded the Presidents Award, which was a very proud moment for her.
In 1985, Sue was diagnosed with bone cancer, which led to the amputation of one of her legs. She subsequently underwent chemotherapy, which was thankfully successful. Despite these immense challenges, Sue remained strong-minded and continued her voluntary work with organisations including Help the Aged, Worcester Hospital Guide and British Schools Judo, where she had a particular interest in Adaptive Judo. Rugby and football were also important parts of her sporting life.
Service to the Wychavon Parish Games
Sue’s wide-ranging interest in local sport became the catalyst for her active involvement with the Wychavon Sports Council Games, the forerunner of what is now the Wychavon Parish Games. In 1991, she was elected to the WSCG committee and took on the role of Publicity Officer.
Never one to remain on the sidelines, Sue became secretary in 1992. She worked alongside former chairmen including Gary Robinson, George Frazer-Barker, Richard Preece and Ken Rowe to help establish what became affectionately known as the “friendly games”.
In 2001 Sue was awarded the Wychavon Sports Council, Sports Personality of the Year Award for her service to sport across Wychavon. Although Sue didn’t seek recognition, those who were involved in sporting activities across the district clearly appreciated what she did for a combination of the sports that were involved.
Over the years, Sue was instrumental in guiding this unique organisation through difficult periods. She served as secretary for 35 years, playing a vital role in sustaining and shaping the Wychavon Parish Games throughout that time. It is impossible to measure the number of hours she devoted to the Games. She never sought reward or recognition; she simply did whatever was needed to support those who organised the Games and, above all, those who took part each year.
In 2016, Sue’s years of dedicated service were recognised through the Community Recognition Awards, where she received the Lifetime Achievement Award. It was a richly deserved honour, reflecting the many activities and causes to which she had devoted so much of her life. While this was a local community award, her contribution was also recognised nationally in 2026, when the British Judo Association presented Sue with its prestigious President’s Award for her commitment to judo.
What made these honours especially meaningful was that recognition was never her motivation; Sue would have continued serving her community and making things happen, whether or not anyone applauded her for it.
Leadership, Determination and Legacy
During my time as Chairman, Sue and I had many conversations about how to keep the Parish Games going. After the Covid pandemic, we both recognised that rebuilding interest would be a challenge. Sue’s hard work and determination helped ensure that the Parish Games continued. Her motivation was always rooted in what she believed was best for the organisation she loved and was immensely proud of. It is therefore fitting that she should be remembered as the “Mother of the Wychavon Parish Games”.
We all owe it to Sue to build on what she did so much to create: the spirit and camaraderie at the heart of the Wychavon Parish Games. Sadness is the order of the day, but I am sure Sue will be watching over the Games. As she rests in peace, she would surely be telling us that the sun will shine again — and that we must keep going.
Doug Langdon
Chairman Wychavon Parish Games Association
July 2026
