Bill Longmore was known for his unwavering enthusiasm and commitment to sports and the community, but many don’t know his whole story. Discover his fascinating life from policeman to philanthropist.
Introducing Bill
Who was Bill Longmore?
Throughout Bill’s life, he used his position to influence and drive numerous initiatives aimed at improving people’s lives, fostering stronger and safer communities, and encouraging participation in sports and other activities.
Immerse yourself in Bill’s remarkable journey and uncover the story of his life from his distinguished 30-year career in the Staffordshire police to becoming the first West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner.
Discover Bill's Story
Bill (pictured in the tie) with his family, and Bill with his old teacher Stan Hill.
1938 – 1956
The Early Years
Bill was a true Black Country man, born in Vicarage Road, Amblecote in 1938, eldest son of Morgan and Winnie who had three other sons and a daughter (see photograph of family with Bill wearing a tie).
Whilst at school he excelled in all subjects, and some years later one of his teachers stated that Bill was the brightest student that he had taught over a 40-year period.
Attracted by a newspaper job advertisement for police cadets he applied and was successful and at seventeen started his two year in house course with Staffordshire Police.
1957 – 1987
Staffordshire Police
Bill joined Staffordshire Police in 1955 and was accepted as a police constable in August of 1957. He spent the early part of his career in Burton on Trent where he became known for his enthusiasm to help others, a willing volunteer, and a strong work ethic. He quickly achieved promotion and used his position to influence and drive forward many initiatives to improve people lives, developing stronger and safer communities, and encouraging participation in sport and other activities to divert young people away from crime and disorder.
Throughout his career he rose up through the ranks, finishing his career at Cannock in 1986 in the rank of Superintendent.
Bill with his family receiving the ‘Christopher James’ award from Chief Constable Charles Kelly.
Bill turned his hand to business; specialising in timber, shed and fence manufacturing.
1988 – 1998
The Businessman
On leaving the police Bill bought a factory and turned it into a timber mill, manufacturing garden sheds and fencing. He later sold it at a profit and then spent some time helping others run their businesses whilst contemplating other business opportunities.
He then bought another factory specialising in better quality timber buildings, and concrete products including garages. The business was very successful and operated from four sites within the Midlands. Bill once again sold his business retiring in 1998 and moved to Hanwood.
1998 – 2012
Moving to Hanwood
Bill came to Hanwood, Shropshire in 1998 after buying an old farmhouse together with outbuildings that were used to house machinery from the business. From the outset he quickly set about getting involved in village life and offered his services to the community by taking on various key roles:
- Parish Councillor
- Chair of the Village Hall
- Chair of the Bowling Club
- Hosted an Annual Village Flower Show
- Introduced the Community Games
Bill presenting awards at a Hanwood Bowling Club competition.
Bill’s West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner election winning speech.
2012 – 2016
The First West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner
In 2012 Bill decided that he would stand as an independent candidate to become the first Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for West Mercia Police. There were three candidates, one from the Conservative party and the other from the Labour party. Bill stood on the mantra of keeping politics out of policing, and with his business acumen, his proven track record of community work and his many achievements in promoting sport, he won the election quite comfortably on 12th November 2012.
2017 – 2018
The Cock Inn and Great Hanwood Community Interest Company
Bill’s greatest legacy was saving The Cock Inn and the bowling green. Bill had the foresight to protect the premises by registering it as a community asset in 2014. When it was threatened with a sale to housing developers and with the potential of Bill losing his beloved bowling club, he stepped in by setting up the Greater Hanwood Community Interest Company and provided the funding for the company to purchase The Cock Inn and bowling green.
This has since been gifted by his widow Ursula to the village as a lasting legacy in the memory of Bill. GHCIC is managed by a team of shareholders who work for the benefit of the community and any profits made are given back to the community in the way of grants to promote and enhance community life.
The Cock Inn public house in Hanwood, Shropshire.
The Legacy
The Bill Longmore Foundation
At the Bill Longmore Foundation, we firmly believe in the transformative power of sports. Through our annual awards program, we seek to recognise and reward the exceptional talents and dedicated efforts of athletes, teams, and organisations that have made a significant impact on the sporting landscape in Shropshire and Staffordshire.
Find out more about who we are and what we do.
The Foundation
The Award
Learn more about Bill’s legacy.
Each year the Bill Longmore Foundation recognises individuals, clubs and groups from Staffordshire and Shropshire through our award programme.
