Joe Calder: Kidderminster Horsefair 'legend' dies aged 92

Joe Calder, who has a twin brother named Harold, was well-known as a horse dealer in Kidderminster and across the country.

The two were also known for working in the scrap iron business, which Mr Calder did well into his 80s.

Joe Calder died at Worcestershire Royal Hospital on August 17 at the age of 92.

He was born at Kidderminster Hospital and initially lived at Seagreen Cottage in Astley Burf with parents John and Rose Calder. He later moved to Hall Street in Kidderminster where he met his wife Nina, who died in 2002. 

Joe and Nina Calder (Image: Family handout) They married in 1952 and had six children, Joseph Jr, David, Mary, Henry, Robert and Laura.

Mr Calder moved to the Horsefair in the early 70s, firstly living in Churchfields and then moving to Eddy Road.

He completed his national service with his twin brother and worked at the British Sugar Factory during the campaign.

Joe Calder in the army (Image: Family handout)

Mr Calder was well across the country for his horse dealing, particularly at the famous Appleby Horse Fair in Cumbria which he attended many times.

He had many livestock over the years and had a few acres at Clensmore, where he would spend hours breeding animals, particularly horses.

Mr Calder with his horse Bella (Image: Family handout)

He was known for driving around Kidderminster in his "iconic" black pickup truck, which he treated "like a Rolls Royce" and became recognisable around town.

Mr Calder was also in the crib and domino teams at the Peacock, his favourite pub, for many years.

Mr Calder in the Old Peacock pub (Image: Family handout)

The grandfather of 10 and great-grandfather of eight has been remembered for his "bubbly personality" by his family. The family has said he was well known across Worcestershire and the Black Country for his horse dealing.

His daughter Mary Perry said: "He had a good life. He did what he wanted to do with his life.

"He was very much into his horses. They were his life. He used to have loads - he had 21 at one point.

"He was happy-go-lucky. He used to like a drink on a Sunday afternoon with his twin Harold.

Joe Calder (left) with his twin brother Harold (Image: Family handout)

"They were always together. They did everything together, absolutely everything. He is missing him.

"He was a legend of the Horsefair, everybody knew him.

"He will be sorely missed".

Joe Calder (Image: Family handout) His daughter Laura Calder said he had thousands of friends all over the country.

She added: "He was well-liked everywhere he went - from one end of the country to the other".

A funeral service for Mr Calder will take place at St Mary's Church, Kidderminster on Friday, October 18, at 1pm.

A horse-drawn hearse will lead the funeral procession from Eddy Road on the day.

There will be flowers placed on Mr Calder's beloved black pickup truck.

The funeral will be followed by a burial service in St George's Churchyard, Kidderminster.