A GLIMPSE OF OUR JIMMY

By Pete Penfold, April 2021

Each year the High Sheriff of Berkshire presents awards that recognise and celebrate the work of individuals, community groups and voluntary organisations. The last year has been dominated by the pandemic and the award categories reflect the focus the High Sheriff had on supporting the exceptional work done by so many to support those in need in their communities during the crisis.

This year James Dacre Bracey, Jim to most of us, was nominated for an individual award by St Michael and All Angels Church. Unfortunately, Jim did not receive an award, probably due to the focus being on the pandemic support activities, but he did receiver a letter of commendation from the High Sheriff.

Lambourn certainly recognises the exceptional work and support that Jim contributes to his community, not just in the last year but for the last 50 years.

Collating information about Jim’s commitment and contribution to the community has been humbling. Here follows just a glimpse of his value to our community.

When looking around Lambourn, it’s hard to see an area that has not benefited from Jim’s generosity, his deep knowledge, his time, his resources and always his commitment. Not always a conventional thinker but one that always thinks about the problems of Lambourn and its inhabitants, and how he can help in any practical way.  

Jim Bracey is a man that can always be relied upon to support his local community.

Jim was born in the Lambourn Valley, and apart from schooling and a period of farming experience in Australia, he has lived and worked here all his life, running his farm and road haulage business.

One of his many interests led him, in 1974 to become a founder member of the Lambourn Vintage Machinery Society, actively involved with both the annual spring working show and the ploughing match. Regularly exhibiting his steam engine and competing in the ploughing match is only part of the story. Jim, generous as ever, also helps other members with moving show ground equipment and their exhibits.

A Parish Council member since 1993, Jim can always be relied on for sound views on practical issues (land management, buildings, racing, traffic and transport). He regularly provides free labour and equipment for many of the Parish Council maintenance tasks.

For many years he has worked on behalf of West Berkshire Council and Lambourn Parish Council gritting the local roads, but Jim goes way beyond his formal responsibilities, ensuring that the roads where nurses, careers and the vulnerable live are kept clear and accessible. And when conditions get seriously bad, Jim brings out his own snow ploughs and big machinery to keep the village moving.

The list goes on!

Jim enjoys the Lambourn Carnival, serving as a committee member and has been a keen supporter since it started. He has always provided transport for the parade, in fact there have been times when it looked like all the floats were mounted on Jim’s vehicles or trailers!

Jim’s farming and transport business has always provided local employment opportunities. On the other hand, he is also known for his generosity in providing jobs for those that struggle to find work elsewhere. He has helped others by allowing temporary caravan sites when they have been unable to find alternative appropriate accommodation.

He has always encouraged youngsters by providing opportunities and experiences for them on the farm, and with his lorries. On occasions this has even led to helping them gain qualifications, setting them on the road to a better life. Jim’s support for youngsters also includes many years as a regular volunteer at the ‘Teens Café’ held every Friday evening at the Memorial Hall.

Jim, quietly and without any publicity, supports those in need with gifts of food and supplies, as well as practical help like laying and lighting fires for our elders, and supporting fellow farmers.

Many in the valley will have benefitted from Jim’s care and support.

Whilst recognising the importance of community, Jim is a keen supporter of local business and traders, using local shops, market and suppliers whenever possible. Not only is he particularly keen to help small traders by using their services, but has provided premises and equipment, typically well below market rates, and on very flexible terms!

In the early 1990’s Jim’s unique mix of kindness and adventurous spirit, resulted in his co-organising and leading a couple of convoys of lorries to drive to Bosnian, delivering humanitarian aid during the war there. His stories of the orphanages showed how terrible the situation was in this stricken country.

More recently, although Jim is not an active member of the Church, he was there when help was needed. He willingly transported four of our historic bells which were cracked, to Newmarket to be welded and thence to the bell hanger’s works in Bridport saving large transport costs. All the time complying with the restrictions presented by Covid.

Thank you, Jim, for all that you do and have done for Lambourn over so many years and in so many ways. You are a very special person, and we are lucky to have you in our community.

Pete Penfold                                                                                                 April 2021