your comments
Rhonwen (nee Baker), Tyllwyn
I was friends with Moira for many years during which time Mr Randall played a huge part. He would take us to parties, collect us, and in the meantime entertain us, although at my young age I did not appreciate this!! I have since appreciated his humour and feel that he has had a part in forming the person I am now, together with the love and friendship that Moira and I had (and still have). I am glad that Moira has those memories of her father, and that I do too (to a lesser degree, of course. What a wonderfull man, and his legacy lives on, for me in the form of his daugher Moira. God bless you all, your friend forever, Rhonwen.
Glyn Walters
Like everyone else who met this talented butmodest man, I cannot understand how is achievements have not been recognised. His distinguished war record, his work for several charities, apart from his beloved poppy appeal, his ability to make people laugh, his sheer zest for life, made this ordinary man, extraordinary.
Roy Nancarrow
Young musician Malcolm Bevan was one of the many talented people from the Ebbw Vale/South Wales area who were inspired by the late Bill Randell. I remember one of the pieces which Malcolm and I performed together - in charity shows - was the theme from motion picture "The Legion's Last Patrol". Bill, like Malcolm's father - the late Idris Bevan - were entertainers who were way before any of the acts we are now subjected to on the 'X Factor.' They both learned their craft in the days of 'live' theatre.
Malcolm Bevan ex Ebbw Vale now Notts
I did a number of shows as a young musician with Bill. I share all the feelings outlined above. He had me in stitches every time he performed and his routines were original. Bill never wanted to know how good he was - it was written on everyone's faces. Although the times I was with Bill were for charity, it was not until after I left Ebbw Vale that I realised the extent of his good work. My father (Idris Bevan) rated him as one of the best entertainers of his kind. I agree.
Mathew Parker from Ebbw Vale
Bill was my great-great uncle. It was a pleasure to be related to him and his wife Mary. Both always took a great interest in what I was doing in and out of school. It is a shame that such a great man has left our community, but he will always be remembered.
Katherine, Newport, Shropshire
I've only just found out that I'm related to Bill Randell "the Great Randello" and what an honour it is to read all about him. Such a shame that I couldn't find him sooner so that I could introduce myself and get to know the man behind the name...
Robert Tarr, Cyprus (Formally Ebbw Vale)
Bill was a great man. He should have been awarded something for his efforts and tireless times he contributed to various charities and of course the Poppy Appeal, just to name a few. I knew Bill very well as did my close family - sister Lesley Tarr, and my late parents Zelda & Glyn Tarr, of Gibbons Villas, Ebbw Vale. In Oct 2003 my wife Alyson and I were in Ebbw Vale, one particular evening it was a very cold, wintery evening, frost on the ground. Alyson noticed she had lost one of her earrings, it was 3 golds from Dubai. They were expensive and she was very upset. We covered our tracks the following morning which led us to the Dug Out - we were looking through the wet, cold, wintry leaves and slush outside on the path when Bill came on the scene. He asked what the problem was and we explained we were looking for the earring. We had to leave that day to fly home to Cyprus. Bill said "do not worry, I will find it". A week later we got a call from my sister to say that Bill had found the earring - it had been stood on but it was repairable. For that alone we have a lot to thank Bill for. He also performed at my parents Golden Wedding at the Dug Out. He will be sadly missed. RIP Bill.
Moira and Stephen, Ebbw Vale
May we thank everyone for their kind messages that we are still receiving. Thank you all once more. Love from all the family.
Sarah & Nick Randell from Ealing
Wonderful to read about Bill, The Great Randello. We didn't know him, just stumbled over him while Googling. As Nick's grandfather was from Wales, we can help wondering if we're related.
Carol West, Ebbw Vale
I have just logged on to the website and have read with tears in my eyes, all the tributes to Bill. When I go into town I still miss him. We used to have lovely chats and he was in the process of trying to help me to find something about my great grandfather. He was always willing to help. I do hope that Blaenau Gwent Council has a memorial of some kind to this wonderful man. I just hope that his family are in some way coming to terms with the loss of both their lovely parents and that the feeling in the community has helped them through their grief.
Roy Nancarrow
Suggest that Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council erect a memorial plaque containing a photograph of Bill Randell in the Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. When working in Beaufort Brickworks, Bill used to take bags of coke - for the boiler - down to this venue. In later years Bill entertained crowds in the theatre - located above the ballroom which was a former Billiard Hall supervised by another well known character/personality called:- 'Punch' Norris.
Moira Wathan (Bill's daughter) Ebbw Vale
I would like to thank everyone who has left messages for the family since mam and dad passed away. We have drawn so much comfort reading them. Dad was such a character and although it has been nearly four months since he passed away, I am still receiving cards, letters and emails from his old comrades, friends and even strangers who only perhaps knew dad by sight or when he was selling poppies in the town. He has, with mam, left a huge void in our lives and we all miss them so much. Thank you from Bill and Mary's family.
Louise Rankine
I was in 1158 squadron atc cadets - Bill was such a friendly gentlemen who always has a smile he never forgot a face and always spoke whenever he saw me in the town. He will be sadly missed - God bless you Bill and his family xxxx
Richard Wathen, Ebbw Vale
A great man who will be sadly missed but not forgotten. A true entertainer. If there were more people like him, the world would be a much better place. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Bernice Robinson, Brynmawr
I could never thank Bill enough for the help he gave to me in getting my father's army number and all other details. Ebbw Vale will be a sadder place without Bill - I had only known him for 42 years but will always remember him with fond memories and would like to let his family know how much he was loved by everyone that knew him. God bless Bill and Mary - nothing can ever part them again. Thank you Bill from everyone that knew you.
Miranda Smith, Stafford
My children always used to enjoy seeing Bill in town he always took the time to stop and talk to us. He was a lovely man.
Neil Palmer, County Durham
I had known Bill for many years - I have only just found out the sad news by looking on the internet. Bill and Mary were close freinds of my late parents, Evan and Ivy Palmer late of Cwm Hir. Bill was a regular visitor to the badminton club in Glanarafon, where my father was chairman. I only wish I had known sooner of his death as I would have travelled from my new home in Co Durham to his funeral. I agree with all the other people who have made comments about awarding him with honours - he will be sadly missed by everyone.
Moira Wathan, Ebbw Vale
May I on behalf of all the family publicly thank relatives, friends and neighbours for their kind expressions of sympathy received following the sad and untimely loss of our dear parents Mary and Bill. We were truly blessed to have such wonderful parents and the memories that we have will stay in our hearts forever.
In Gods Garden together. All our love - Jeff, Jenny, Alan, Stephen, Julie, Moira and David.
Jenny
I have a copy of the book that Bill wrote naming the locals killed in both wars. It is very special when you see the names of some of your family. Bill must have spent a lot of time doing this - wouldn't it be nice if someone wrote a book about him? In his funeral service it was a pleasure to see so many people smiling and nodding in agreement with what was said about him. I bet we were all remembering something he had said or done and made us laugh. Bill will be sadly missed.
Richard Howells, Ebbw Vale/Cardiff
Will be sadly missed!!! What a loss to our town, although a smile will always appear on my face when The Great Randello is mentioned!!! An Ebbw Vale Legend!!!
Alyson Dale, Ebbw Vale
What a loss Billy Randell is to our community, I missed Bill selling the poppies this year. Bill loved entertaining and I hired him to perform at my daughter's birthday party many years ago. The kids were enthralled as he taught them to juggle. Rest in peace Bill, reunited with your beloved Mary. My sympathy to Bill's family.
Ivor Gibson
I knew Bill from a boy - the most sincere man I knew who will be sadly missed. Always very helpful, a man that deserved some sort of recognition - more than he has had. My deepest sympathy to all the family - a man I was so proud to have known.
Jenny
Such a sad loss to the family and all who knew Bill. He was a great help to my grandchildren when they had WW2 projects at school.
Steve Pennells, Ebbw Vale
Ebbw Vale has lost a great and lovely man - my prayers and my thoughts are with the family at this time. I along with lots of other people are better for knowing Bill and will treasure my memories for ever. In my father's house there are many mansions, and if there is a stage in that mansion I am sure Bill will take some moving off there. Bless you my friend at peace now, sleep sweet evermore.
Editor's Note
The messages below were posted before Bill's death. We're leaving them here as a mark of respect but if you'd prefer us to remove any message that you posted please let us know.
Jonathan Whitmore, Abergavenny
I was recently in Nevill Hall hospital in the same ward as Billy and it is an experience I shall never forget. Billy kept us entertained with jokes and stories all one afternoon in spite of feeling poorly himself. Laughter rang down the corridor! I'm sure it speeded the recovery of us other patients!
Steve Pennells from Ebbw Vale
As a past secretary of Ebbw Vale Royal British Legion I know Billy Randell very well and have worked alongside him for many years and I will treasure these memories for the rest of my life. The impact that Bill makes on people is outstanding and I am sure that he made the same impact on the Queen when Bill went to the garden party at the Palace. I remember when I was raising the money to put a headstone on the grave of John Henry Williams VC, Bill was the one that stood by me and did all he could to help and that I thank him for.
I am blessed with a great friend from Ebbw Vale in the name of Billy (Randello) Randell. Ebbw Vale has a man to be very proud of, as I know his family are.
Bless you Bill.
Idris Gordon & Louie Nancarrow
Billy Randell commenced his entertainment career during his service, in the British Army during World War 11. he served with the famous comedian, former 'Goon Show' member, the late Spike Milligan.
He practised and refined his Comedy Juggling/other routines, in the Top Beaufort Arms, The Rise, Beaufort, Ebbw Vale Monmouthshire, South Wales - then the headquarters of the 'Beaufort Centrals' football team. He also entertained the team members at various function they organised. He was always a hit with the children - of team members - when he used to entertain them at their annual Christmas parties.
During his career he has raised many, many thousands of pounds for various charities and is well known in the district as the organiser of the annual Poppy Appeal for the Royal British Legion.
Bill has never forgotten his background and remained friends with the late Joe Carini until his death. The 'Carini Family' of Beaufort, Ebbw Vale, were the main sponsors of 'Beaufort Centrals' football club.
It is time that Bill's hard working - efforts on behalf of the Royal British Legion and other charities - were given some form of recognition.
It would indeed be a change if this hard working, talented local man was honoured nationally and less recognition was afforded to failed politicians and the like.
Roy Nancarrow - Ebbw Vale Gwent.
Brilliant inventive entertainer who has brought joy to many generations of people throughout the country. Started his comedy juggling career when he was a supporter of Beaufort Centrals Football Team. First time I can remember seeing Bill perform was on stage was in the 'Market Hall' Brynmawr, Breconshire, South Wales. A stage show was organised to celebrate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth 11.
I have had the pleasure of providing musical backing to the 'The Great Randello' many times during his lengthy career.
It annoys me when Maggie Jones - the Blairite Puppet who lost New Labour the seat for Blaenau Gwent in the 2005 General Election has been awarded a Peerage in the New Years Honours List There is something wrong with the world when William ('Billy') Randell - who has served the community for years via his Charity Entertainment and Poppy Appeal activities has still not received any form of honour from the Queen.
Derek Woodman from Ebbw Vale
This man should have some honour from the Queen for his tireless acts of charity and collecting for the British Legion poppy appeal!!!!!
Thomas Trevor Jones from Blaina
The number of times I have been on parade with Bill was always a sheer joy. I have been asked many times where is your brother Bill. Yes we have the same colour hair, I have the bigger waist line and enjoy the banter. Unfortunately we are not brothers. I must thank the IT tutor from the Routes project at Blaina Library John Preston.
Carole West from Ebbw Vale
When I was a PTA secretary at a local school, he helped raise nearly £2000 for special needs equipment and playground facilities. I've seen him perform at the annual Remembrance Concert in Ebbw Vale Leisure Centre and he's had the audience crying with laughter. The town has received many body blows - the hardest being the total closure of the Corus works - but through it all, Bill has managed to keep us smiling in the face of such adversity. Although he and his wife were invited to a Royal Garden Party, has has never recieved an honour in the Roayl Birthday Honours list. This is an oversight we in Ebbw Vale have been trying to put right for many years. We all feel it would be a fitting tribute to a man who served King and country during World War II, and still continues to serve the Queen, country and Ebbw Vale.
Charity fund-raiser and perfomer
