Obituary: Terry Stevens

Terry Stevens, one of Verwood Pantomime Society’s longest serving and most popular members died on Wednesday, 17 December aged just 72.

Terry was best loved in his favourite role of pantomime dame, which he played on numerous occasions to packed audiences at the local memorial hall.

As well as performing on stage during his 25 years with the Society he also directed on several occasions and held the offices of chairman and secretary too.

This January is the Society’s 25th anniversary production, ‘Cinderella’ at the Verwood Hub and Terry was busy planning for his new position of joint front of house manager. The Society has decided to dedicate the show in his memory.

Born in 1936 in Waltham Forest, Terry grew up in London and moved to Verwood in 1976 with his wife Eileen. He was then the manager of Eversons, (the Mace grocery store) near the junction of Ringwood Road and Vicarage Road.  After the opening of the Safeway store in the town the shop closed and Terry became produce manager at Bookers wholesale catering store in Bournemouth from where he retired approximately ten years ago. Sadly Terry's wife, Eileen died around the same time.

Many people will know Terry for his links with several of the local clubs and organisations within the town. He was once a member of the Verwood Tennis Club, was compere for the Viewpoint concert in the 1980's, a   commentator for the Verwood Carnival, at which he was also seen riding in the camel race and deputy chairman of the Verwood Memorial Hall committee.

Those who knew him well will tell you that he just loved to entertain people.

Terry appeared in several productions by Verwood Amateur Dramatic Society before moving to the Pantomime Society in 1984 where he played the baron in their first production, ‘Mother Goose’.

The following year saw him in his first role as a dame: Widow Twanky in ‘Aladdin’ for which he studied tapes of the famous dames of the period  including Billy Dainty and Danny La Rue. He also idolised Max Miller and performed many tribute concerts locally.

In recent years Terry had volunteered at Bournemouth Hospital and Verwood Heritage Centre.  He was also a regular volunteer usher at the Verwood Hub since its opening.

He will be remembered as a much loved true gentleman who gave so much pleasure and will be sadly missed by all those who new him.