Charlbury station master was top tap dancer

Born in Wheatley, Mr Padbury became interested in dance at an early age, first attending the Vera Legge School of Dance in Oxford.

Later he attended courses in London and around the country, often travelling great distances to improve his technique in tap and modern jazz.

At the same time, he worked full-time in commerce, before becoming station master of Charlbury station, which he proudly kept in immaculate condition.

He began teaching tap in Witney for Marinel Cope’s School of Dancing, which he took over and turned into the John Padbury School of Dancing, based first at the Corn Exchange, Witney, and later also at branches in Headington and Cumnor.

Many of his former pupils went on to success in dance teaching, or working in the entertainment and leisure industry; notably Simon Green who appeared in several West End productions and Royal Variety Performances.

Mr Green is currently starring in and staging the acclaimed revues at Blackpool’s Funny Girls venue as Betty Legs Diamond.

During his many years as a teacher, Mr Padbury entered pupils for Association of American Dancing exams, and national competitions in the British Arts Awards with many successes, particularly in tap sections.

His dance school was well known locally for appearances at functions, cabaret and pantomime in Witney and Oxford.

He was an early member of the Oxford Gang Show, both as scout leader and choreographer.

However, due to dance teaching commitments, he had to decline an offer by Ralph Reader to set routines for the London productions.

Mr Padbury was well known for his excellent footwork and appeared in many of the Young Stage Spectaculars in London, and cabaret in England and abroad, winning many awards.

A funeral service was held on March 16 at Oxford Crematorium. More than 200 family and friends attended to celebrate Mr Padbury’s life and achievements.

His family has thanked everyone for their support and for the floral tributes and donations.