Death of Mrs E.J. Sparkes
We regret to record the death of Mrs Gertrude Sparks, wife of Mr E.J. Sparkes, a well-known tradesman of the town.
The deceased, who had only been ill for a short while, passed away on Wednesday morning last, despite every care and attention.
Mrs Sparkes, who was 44 years of age, was for some years head teacher at Barkway Council Schools, where she was much esteemed by her pupils.
Much symapthy is extended to the husband and other members of the family.
Death of Mr A.T. Stapley
We regret to announce the death of Mr A.T. Stapley.
At the time of his death, the deceased was living at Brandon, Suffolk, where he was very popular.
His wife, who resided at Buntingford, went to Brandon on hearing of his illness, and was with him up to the time of his death, which occurred on Friday last.
Mr Stapley was a man with a generous and jovial disposition, and was for a time a professional entertainer. He was at one time in business in Buntingford, and was Bandmaster of the Town Band.
An accomplished pianist, he was much sought after at all local concerts, dinners, &c., and he used to stage a professional concert part at the Annual Conservative Fete. He loved the entertaining business, and his jolly personality made all his items a success.
Known to his many friends as "A.T.," he was always willing to help any local cause. On occasions when a speaker has failed to arrive at a political meeting he has hastily organised an impromptu concert and kept everyone happy.
Some of his screamingly funny songs were "Three nice girls," "What shall we do with the children" and "The Galloping Major."
He will be remembered by the members of the Town Band as a smart and efficient conductor, and although he severed his connection with the band some years ago, he has followed their activities with a keen interest, and when the band was rehearsing for the last Crystal Palace Contest he made a special visit to hear the test piece played.
Some three years ago he played the piano at a dance held at the George Hotel, and few who were present will forget the enthusiasm he created and the deafening applause which greeted him.
Much sympathy is extended to his widow and mother, both of whom reside in Buntingford.
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Wyddiall
Death of Mr W.D. Bye
We regret to record the death of Mr W.D. Bye, who passed away on Wednesday of last week.
The deceased, who was 67 years of age, had lived in Wyddiall for the past 30 years. He was taken ill just before his wife's death in November last, and although he underwent a serious operation he did not recover his healt.
The large company present at the funeral at Wyddiall Church on Saturday afternoon showed the high esteem in which he was held by his fellow workers and villagers.
The immediate mournes were - Mr H. Bye and Miss A. Bye (son and daughter), Mr W. Bye and Mrs G. Smith (son and daughter), Mr and Mrs F. Bye (son and daughter-in-law), Mr G. Smith and Mrs H. Bye (son-in-law and daughter-in-law), Mr B. Woods and Mrs W. Bye (son and daughter-in-law), Mr W. and Miss H. Coxall (brother and sister-in-law), Mr W. Bye and Mrs Bentley (brother and sister), Mrs R. Catley and Mrs E. Catley (sisters), Mrs W. Coxall (sister-in-law), A. Bye, H. Catley and J. Bentley (nephews).
Amongst others present were: Lt.-Col. Sir Charles Heaton-Ellis, Mr W. May, Mr T. May and Mr H. May and many employees. Fellow employees from the farm on which the deceased was employed acted as bearers.
Funeral of Mr Stanley F. Keen
The funeral of Stanley F. Keen, whose death at the early age of 18 years was reported in this Paper last week, took place at Layston Church on Saturday afternoon, the service being conducted by the Vicar, the Rev. A. Howard.
Members of the Buntingford Independent Foresters' Society carried out the duty of bearers, the deceased being a junior member of that Society. His employer, Mr A. Jackson, kindly lent his car, and the evidences of sorrow were marked by the number of people present and the beautiful floral tributes.
Mr and Mrs C.F. Keen (father and mother), Mrs W. Whiting and Mrs P. Deards (sisters), Mrs R. Saunders (aunt), Mr P. Deards and Mr J. Gibbs (brothers-in-law), and Miss Jackson.
The wreaths were as follows:
From Mum and Dad
Maggie and Will
Nellie and Percy
Vera and Phyllis
Mr and Mrs A. Jackson and Family
Mr and Mrs and H. Jackson and Mrs James Harradence.
Mr G. Hagger
Mr L. Bradford
His pals - J. and L. Plumb, C. and B. King, R. Fish, J. Ward, J. Oakley, C. and M. Worboys
Mrs Parker
Mr and Mrs French
Mr and Mrs A. Dray
Mr and Mrs Arthur Dray
Miss E. Cutts
Mr and Mrs L. Smith
Mrs Patmore and Mr Hummerstone
Mrs Pateman and Family
Mr and Mrs Haddock
Mrs Brewington
Mrs Prior and Family
Mrs Horth and Reg
Mrs G. Bradford