Daisy Sadler, horsewoman and Banbury area legend who has died aged 80, will never be forgotten
Daisy Sadler, a much-loved horsewoman and personality in the Banbury area, has died aged 80.
Daisy, or Sue Halkyard as she was known before marrying Autofarm founder Josh Sadler, died peacefully at home in Lower Tadmarton last Friday. She had been suffering from a long-term respiratory condition.
She was possibly known best for her travels in her wagon pulled by two heavy horses. In 2018, she went on a 1,000 mile journey from the farm to The Kelpies, near Edinburgh.
The five-month trip not only raised £27,000 for the Brain Tumour Charity but saw Daisy win Horse and Hound magazine’s ‘Inspiration of the Year’ award.
Whether it was driving her 1929 Austin 7 car, ‘Chumley Carruthers’ - a wedding present from Josh in 1973 (in which she achieved great success in the motorsport discipline of trialling) or her magnificent Gypsy Wagon and Brabant horses - a feature of many local shows, weddings and children’s parties, Daisy was a popular and prominent member of the Oxfordshire community and will be deeply missed.
Originally from Bowness in Windermere, Daisy and Josh moved to the farm in Lower Tadmarton in 1997
One of Daisy’s lesser-known good deeds was offering shelter, holidays and respite breaks on her farm for less fortunate people.
Family friend Nick Bailey said: “She gave those holidays for around 10 years. She encouraged them to help around the farm; others there were for respite. She also did some work with BYHP – taking in homeless youngsters from Banbury. She seemed to always want to help.”
“She bought a Reliant three-wheeler to have more practical wheels to ferry older people around who couldn’t get into the Austin 7.”
Mr Bailey said: “We deeply mourn the loss of such an incredible, kind and loving lady who stoically continued fighting her illness until the very end.”
Many tributes have been paid to Daisy on social media where she is described as one in a million, good natured and cheerful, one of a kind who will never be forgotten.
Josh thanked the NHS and local community for their support during this difficult time. He requests no flowers but donations to Age UK or The Brain Tumour Charity are welcomed with grateful thanks.
Funeral details will be announced in due course on the Tadmarton Facebook page.