Obituaries 2006

Obituaries 2006
Obituaries Index │ Fallen Heroes

Nina Britton 1921 - 2006
The funeral of Mrs Britton, who lived in Radwell, was held on 28 November at St Marys Church, Felmersham followed by cremation. The Revd Ian Brown (former Chaplain at Bedford School) conducted the service, assisted by Rev David Mason.

Daphne Joan Everest 1921 - 2006
Daphne was born in Tilbury, her mother died early. Her Father worked for a Clergyman; the Revd Paget Wills; and they moved here during the war and lived in a vicarage. While living locally Daphne met and married Jack. Originally Jack worked on a farm at Ravensden, but in 1950 Jack and Daphne moved into the house in Bailey’s Villas that was to be their home for the rest of their lives. There were no children, and Jack died in 1992.
For thirty years Daphne was the village post lady, delivering post to Felmersham and Radwell in all weathers on her trusty bicycle. She was also an excellent seamstress, she would tackle everything from wedding dresses to furniture covers and alterations.
Daphne loved dogs, and until recently there was always one around, Jack Russells were a favourite. She was also an avid collector and reader and was well known in the village, taking part in village life. - Rev David Mason

It is with regret that I read of the passing of Daphne Everest. Growing up in the '60's we all relied upon her to get the mail to our doors early in the morning. A feat she accomplished without fail every day. If the mail didn't arrive, then we knew something was wrong. If it wasn't due to inclement weather, then everyone knew to look out for Daphne and help. Fortunately, that was very seldom the case since she was one of the most reliable people on the Felmersham scene.

The other thing she was remembered for by the youngsters of my period was the fact that for many years she had a domesticated fox. All the kids of my era would wonder at the fact that this fox lived in the house with Daphne and Jack. Many of us never saw a fox in the wild, but we had the benefit of seeing one for real right upon our own door-steps there in Felmersham.
Andy Hensman - Eaton, Colorado, USA

Colonel Peter Francis, RE - 2006
It is with a sadness that I send this message, to those who still live in Felmersham and to those of you who have family of our age (late forties) who have now moved away but still remember Peter.

Peter sadly died on June 18th 2006 in Germany, he had problems with cancer and was, in his normal way coping, but he actually died from a blood clot problem, causing him to not regain consciousness. I knew he was ill but our last telephone conversation went "well it's sorted just need to get really better, plenty of rest" etc. that was in September of 2005.

His Mum & Dad (Jean & John Francis) lived in Marriotts Close, his Dad died a while ago, whilst his mum still lives somewhere near Warminster, he had two sisters Jenny & Anne.

I met Pete in 1970 I had moved to the village from Harrold with my Mum & Dad (Kath & Ken Booker), Peter & I were 13 he was smart enough to go to Bedford Modern School, (which now forms the facade of the Harpur Centre in Bedford). He passed numerous 'O' and 'A' levels and went to Southampton University reading Civil Engineering. On completion he was accepted at Sandhurst Officer training, made his way through the various ranks and was a full serving Colonel in the Royal Engineers, at the time of his death.

At the time I first met him there were loads of 'us kids' of the same age, doing the rounds, getting up to the usual mischief and being a part of the Village life, then becoming old enough to play for the cricket team, Sundays down the packed Sun playing "killer" skittles and darts, (never the same once the skittle table went out the back by the new fangled pool table), me being the one who, even now only shaves every other day enjoying the fact that it was Peter who was asked for proof of age prior to my 21st (he was already 21!), in what he classed as his pub, (Post Kath Lovell). Took him a while to live that one down. He was to be my original best man but was posted to Canada, my son (Allan) was a page boy at his wedding. It was always contact through Birthdays, Christmas cards and odd timed telephone conversations. Peter's family and mine did all meet up too rarely but it was, as I remember just an extension from our early days, only now we were both married and had children of our own.

Back in 1991 he married and is survived by his family Hayacinth and his two children James and Katie.

Peter's funeral was held at 2.00pm the 10th of July 2006 in a small village church outside of Warminster, (Longbridge Deverill), it was a military funeral attended by his family and friends, and military work colleagues, from all over, apparently his last posting had something to do with NATO Headquarters in Brussels. Eulogies were read out by his previous best man Col. Graham Gibbs and his brother in law Glen Suarez, his children read a list of their memories of Peter and his son read a poem. His hymns were "Jerusalem", "He who would valiant be", "I vow to thee my country" and "The day thou gavest, Lord, is ended".

It is an odd feeling that while we were never in constant contact, we always had a bond, a familiarity borne out from our early encounters, there is a phrase that I have been told here where I now live in Penzance in Cornwall that is "they're never dead while you still talk about them" it could for all I know be a universal phrase, I know it's one I hold true of my Mum and certainly one that I will keep for Peter. - Nigel Booker.

Marjorie Gwendolyn Rootham 1911 - 2006

Marjorie was born on 15 June, 1911 at College Farm, Radwell, where she was to spend the rest of her long life. It was the hottest day of the year. Her Mother’s name was Amy Florence nee Peck, and her father was Reginald Joseph Rootham, formerly of The Green, Harold whose father had a building firm.
Marjorie attended Radwell chapel, and walked daily to school in Felmersham. One her earliest memories was being held up at the garden gate to see the horses from her grandfather Peck’s farm at Radwell being taken away to the world war, never to return. Edna, Marjorie’s sister was born in 1915.
Marjory loved farming, and rode her old pony up and down the harvest fields and meadows at the side of the working horses who were pulling the binder and the hay mower driven by her father. On market days they drove the pony and trap into Bedford for shopping, and for her father to attend to business at the cattle market. Corn was taken by wagon and horses to Sharnbrook Mill.

Marjory and Edna later attended the Girls Modern School at Bedford, travelling to Sharnbrook Station by bike, and then taking the train to Bedford. Marjory was very good at Maths and English, but hated French. She left school at 16 and worked on the farm, having her own poultry business. Marjorie drove her first car when she was 16 (no test needed then) and continued enjoying driving until, in her late 80’s failing eyesight and immobility from arthritis prevented her from having her licence renewed..
Marjorie worked hard on the farm all her life in all weathers. On one occasion on her own she lifted a heavy set of harrows that had fallen on her Father’s leg, and took him to the doctors. She also undertook lambing in a small flock of sheep and milked cows. After her Father died she ran a successful pig enterprise, often building pig pens, laying the concrete herself. Marjorie drove the tractor, bailing the hay and straw. She also reared Christmas poultry.

Marjorie with her father, chickens and dogs
at College Farm

In later years she had calves and chickens, selling eggs at the door. Marjorie helped with meals on wheels and attended the Women’s Institute, of which her mother had been a founder member. She made very good jam and cakes to which visitors were treated at tea time (4.30 on the dot). Marjorie enjoyed observing the comings and goings of Radwell which she viewed through her window or at the garden gate.
Marjorie enjoyed showing small children round the farm, and the company of her sheep dogs. There were many cats around the farm, but only one, Titch, was ever allowed in doors.
In her later years Marjorie was troubled by failing eyesight and increasing immobility caused by arthritis. She lived a full and busy life.
- Rev David Mason (details given by Janet Barbour, Marjorie's niece)
More on Marjorie - A Radwell Farming Family

If you wish, you can record the death of someone dear to you by writing a short obituary for insertion into this section. The person may have died some years ago, the only qualification is that they must have spent some of their life living in the parish of Felmersham or Radwell.