Hubert John Deacon – jeweller and watchmaker

Image of Hubert John Deacon published courtesy of Deacons website

I’m sure the name Deacon will be familiar to many, but did you know Hubert John Deacon was also a leading figure in the Baptist Church, Swindon.

The jewellers at 11-13 Wood Street was founded in 1848 by George Deacon who was later joined in business by his two nephews Hubert and Joshua.

Hubert John was born in Trowbridge in 1846 and joined the business in the late 1860s, during what was a period of considerable expansion for the family firm.

In the online company history Hubert is described as an entrepreneurial figure. He was the first President of the Swindon Chamber of Commerce in 1893 and was responsible for supplying Swindon’s first public clock on the Town Hall. He also brought the plot of land on which Deacon Street was built and named in his honour.

By 1881 he and his wife Susan had moved in over the Wood Street shop where they lived with their six children, cousin William Nash who was a watchmaker apprentice, Ann Shackleton, a jeweller’s shopwoman and two young servant girls. The Deacon children would eventually number ten. The youngest, a daughter was named Dorothy Decima.

Hubert was succeeded in the business by his only surviving son George. Today the family firm is in the hands of Richard Deacon and his sister Sara, the 6^th generation

Image of Deacons store published courtesy of Deacons website

Death of Mr H.J. Deacon

50 Years a Resident in Swindon

Public Activities

The death took place on Thursday at Margate of Mr Hubert John Deacon, who was associated with the public life of Swindon for over half a century. Mr Deacon, who was 81 years of age, had been in delicate health for some time, and succumbed to an attack of bronchitis.

For many years Mr. Deacon carried on business as a jeweller and watchmaker in Wood Street, a business that was established by his uncle, Mr George Deacon, nearly a century ago. On the death of his uncle, Mr. Deacon succeeded to the business. His son, the late Mr. George Deacon, entered the business, but died at a comparatively early age, and it is now carried on by the widow, Mrs Mildred Grace Deacon, under the style of Deacon & Son.

The late Mr. Deacon first married Miss Lay, of Harwell, Berks, who predeceased him soon after they celebrated their golden wedding when they resided at “Grovelands”, Springfield Road. They had a family of two sons and eight daughters, and two daughters survive. Deceased married again when he went to Margate to reside.

An ardent worker for many years in connection with the Baptist Church in Swindon, Mr Deacon was a member when the old church was in existence at the corner of Bridge Street and Fleet Street. He took a prominent part in the scheme for building the Tabernacle 40 years ago, and gave liberally to the church funds. On the retirement of the late Mr. W.B. Wearing as superintendent of the Sunday School, Mr Deacon succeeded to that post, which he filled with success for many years. He was also a member of the Baptist Union of Great Britain and Ireland.

Interest in Public Work

Mr Deacon was associated with many enterprises in the town, notably the Swindon Permanent Building Society, of which he became successively vice-chairman and chairman, and witnessed a wonderful advance in that society as the town grew.

The public work and interests of the town always commanded his attention, and his greatest interest. He was for a number of years a member of the Local Boards, and afterwards of the District Councils of Old and New Swindon, and was also one of the first members of the Corporation, when Mr. G.J. Churchward was Mayor. He also devoted some years to Poor Law work as a member of the Swindon and Highworth Board of Guardians.

Of the Swindon Horticultural Society he was a great supporter, and his lovely garden and grounds at “Grovelands,” which he frequently lent for social gatherings in connection with churches in the summer months, were evidence of his love for flowers.

Mr. Deacon also interested himself greatly in the Victoria Hospital, with the establishment of which he was associated, as well as with its opening in Queen Victoria’s Jubilee year. For some years he was vice-chairman of the committee of management. He was one of the founders of the Old Swindon Traders’ Society, which was the forerunner of the Swindon Chamber of Commerce. Of the latter body Mr. Deacon was the first President. He was also a former chairman of the Swindon Plate Glass Insurance Society and for some years chairman of the Southern Laundry Company.

Bowls was his only out-door sport, though he did not play that extensively. He was a member of the Westlecott Club, and was instrumental in its formation.

In various other spheres the deceased did good work in the town.

Extracts from the North Wilts Herald, Friday, January 28, 1927.

This is the last resting place of Hubert, his wife Susan, their daughters Honoria Edith and Winifred Elsie and their son also named Hubert John. Susan died in Swindon in 1920 aged 73. Hubert died in 1927.

Who would live in a house like this?

Come and take a peep behind the shutters and find out what was going on in these desirable residences.

Frampton Villa, Devizes Road.

Read all about William Edwin Morris – a man of inexhaustible energy

The Limes, Croft Road

Read all about Mrs Ormond passed away two years ago

Mannington Farm

Read all about The Old Congregational Church

Oxford House, Victoria Road

Read all about No Place Like Home

The Rev George Hunter and his daughter Edith

The Rev George Hunter was buried in Swindon on June 14, 1916. The inscription on his headstone reads ‘For 55 years a Primitive Methodist Minister.’ Born in South Cave, Yorkshire in 1834 the Rev George Hunter married Mary Thompson and had two daughters. Rosanna and Edith. This is her story.

In 1911 the widowed George was living with his daughter Edith here in Swindon at 75 Morris Street, Rodbourne.

Edith married shortly after her father’s death in 1916. Perhaps her role as her father’s housekeeper had prevented her from marrying when she was younger and then his age and infirmity had been an obstacle when she was older.

Edith was 46 when she married widower Charles Edward Hall. Charles was born in Hook in the parish of Lydiard Tregoze. He was a boilermaker in the Works. His first wife Emma died in 1915 and a year later Charles married Edith. When Charles died in 1935 he was buried in grave plot D951 with his first wife Emma Jane.

Although Edith would never have children of her own, she became stepmother to Charles and Emma’s son Arthur Edward Hall, who by the time of her marriage to his father had already made his mark on history. You can read his story here published tomorrow.

George died in 1916 aged 82 and is buried here with his two daughters. Rosanna who died in April 1930 and Edith who died in 1941.

Rev George Hunter – Primitive Methodist Minister

George Hunter was born in 1834 in South Cave, Yorkshire. At just 9 years of age he was working as an agricultural labourer to help support his widowed mother. At the age of 17 he converted to Primitive Methodism and spent the rest of his long life in God’s service.

George was described as ‘a splendid visitor, and a true friend and practical helper in cases of distress’ who ‘in the pulpit was earnest, simple, practical and good. He aimed not at display. He preached not to please the ear and tickle the fancy, but to touch the heart and reach the soul. His sole ambition was to save souls.’

He married Mary Thompson and the couple had two daughters, Rosanna born 1868 and Edith Mary born 1870.

In his retirement he made his home in Swindon with his younger daughter Edith where he continued to assist with the work of the Primitive Methodist church. He lived at 75 Morris Street, Rodbourne, where he died in 1916. A long obituary was published in the North Wilts Herald of which the following is an extract.

Death of the Rev G. Hunter

55 Years in the Primitive Methodist Ministry

The Rev. George Hunter, who was for 55 years a Primitive Methodist minister, died at his home, 75 Morris Street, Swindon, on Sunday. He was born in Yorkshire in 1834 and was 82 years of age. The greater part of his ministry was spent in the South of England, and when he retired from active service five years ago he came to reside at Swindon, and for some time continued to assist in Church work.

The funeral took place on Wednesday afternoon. The first portion of the service was conducted at the Primitive Methodist Church, Regent Street, by the Rev. S.A. Barron, who also committed the body to the earth at the Cemetery.

The Funeral Address was delivered by his old friend the Rev. J.H. Cotton …

As a pastor George Hunter had few equals. He knew his people, sympathised with them in their sorrows, advised them in their difficulties, comforted them in their sickness, and encouraged them as they drew near the eve of the great change. In the sick room nothing was more striking than his beautiful sympathy and tender handling of stricken souls. He could not refuse to help in a case of need, and often had made the widow’s heart dance with joy. Twenty years ago he heard friends talking about Mr Hunter’s kindness to the aged poor. In many circuits he would long be held in affectionate remembrance, though the majority of those who benefited from his ministry preceded him into the Great Beyond.

The great sorrow of Mr Hunter’s life was the passing away of the devoted wife who for over 35 years had lovingly shared his ministry. That was in 1900, during his second term at Stewkley. His elder daughter had to look after an aged aunt at Exeter; but the younger, since her mother’s death, had devoted herself to her father beyond all praise. During the coming years it would give to her deep and abiding satisfaction to know that she gave herself so lovingly to bring joy and comfort into her father’s life during his declining years. To these ladies in their intense bereavement and sorrow their sympathy went that day.

Advancing years ripened and mellowed Mr Hunter’s character, and considerably broadened his views. He was not sure that he was a man of the eventide after all. He often felt while in contact with him that he was a man of the morning. He passed away, after a brief illness, in the full confidence that death would be to him the gateway to a deeper, richer, and fuller life. To him, indeed, there was no death.

The Rev. W.L. Taylor said he knew Mr Hunter for a very long time. He often met him in the Brinkworth District and other circuits in which he laboured. He had that day seen some documents relating to his coming into this part of the country in 1861; and the people who had known Mr Hunter were thankful to the Hull Conference that day for having sent him. His work was a great success in the agricultural districts and his labours were equally successful in the industrial circuit in South Wales in which he spent a short period of his ministry. He asked the daughters of Mr Hunter to accept, in the sorrow which had overtaken them, the sympathy of the circuit he represented.

Extracts from the North Wilts Herald, Friday, June 16, 1916.

Rev George Hunter died aged 82 years at his home, 75 Morris Street. His funeral took place on June 14, 1916 when he was buried in grave plot C2016.

You can read more about the Rev Hunter and his family here:-

Charles Edward Hall of 75 Morris Street

William Rowland Bird – chief chemist at GWR Works and scout leader

Members of the 18^th Scouts join us every year for our Remembrance Day Service at Radnor Street Cemetery. I wonder if they know that a very significant man in the history of the scouting movement in Swindon is buried in the cemetery.

William Rowland Bird was born on August 19, 1865 and baptised at St. Andrew’s Church, Chippenham in September 1865. His parents were Robert, at that time employed as a Switchman with the Great Western Railway, and Frances. William was the eldest of their five children and spent part of his childhood at 13 Atchley Street, Bristol, but by 1891 the family had moved to Swindon and a home at 73 Albion Street.

William started work in the railway works aged 14. He later transferred to the laboratory where in 1900 he was appointed chief chemist.

William never married. In 1901 he was living at 125 Goddard Avenue with his unmarried sister Edith. By 1911 it looks as if the rest of the Bird family had moved in as well! William shared the house with sister Amy, brother James and his wife and two children, an aunt and a servant.

William’s life was equally fully. He was appointed Scout Master of Swindon Troop 2 in 1909 and the following year hosted Baden-Powell at a scout rally in the GWR Park. He served as Scout District Commissioner for North Wilts (including Swindon) from 1910 until his retirement in 1945 when he was appointed vice president of Wiltshire County Scouts. And that wasn’t all! He was one of the founding members and secretary of the Swindon and District Football League. He was a referee and a member of St. Mark’s Young Men’s Friendly Society. He gave lectures at the Mechanics’ Institute on a variety of topics and in 1920 was a member of the Swindon Museum Committee.

In this 1915 image District Commissioner W.R. Bird is seated 2nd on the left

Former chief chemist at GWR dies

A former chief chemist and superintendent of the GWR laboratory at Swindon, and for many years Boy Scout District Commissioner for North Wiltshire, Mr William Rowland Bird (85), of 125 Goddard Avenue, Swindon, has died.

A native of Chippenham, Mr Bird came to Swindon as a boy and entered the service of the former Great Western Railway Company when he was 14 as a fitter and turner. He attended the Mechanics’ Institute evening classes and won the Gooch prize, the premier award.

After serving his time in the shops, Mr. Bird was transferred to the laboratory, and in 1900 was appointed chief chemist. For 32 years he served on the Dangerous Goods and Chemists Committee of the Railway Clearing House. He was one of the first chemistry lecturers at the Mechanics’ Institute.

Church Interests

One of the promoters and first assistant secretary of St. Mark’s Church Young Men’s Friendly Society, he also helped found St. John’s Church Club.

The Boy Scout and Church Lads’ Brigade found a staunch supporter in Mr Bird and other deserving causes always commanded his sympathy.

He was a founder and vice-president of the North Wilts Field and Camera Club, a member of the first committee of the Swindon GWR Engineering Society, of which he became a vice president, a member of the Toc H executive and a vice-president of the GWR St. John Ambulance Association.

William Rowland Bird died on July 1, 1951 aged 85 years. He was buried on July 4 in grave plot A857 which he shares with his mother Frances who died in 1894 and his sister Maria May who died in 1972. His father Robert is remembered on this headstone but is buried in grave plot E7798 with other members of the Bird family.

My thanks to Steve Milner, Scout Leader at Wootton Bassett, who is presently working on an account of the life and times of William Rowland Bird and can be contacted by messaging via this blogpost.

William Ormond – Swindon solicitor

This fulsome account of the life of William Ormond pretty much says it all. However, in 1890 William and his wife Georgina were at the centre of the much publicised case of their daughter Marion and the scandalous Rev Newton Ebenezer Howe, Vicar at Christ Church, which you may like to read here.

Death of a Swindon Solicitor

Mr W. Ormond passes away at the age of 82

A well known and highly esteemed gentleman, who practised as a solicitor in Swindon for many years, has just passed away, in the person of Mr William Ormond, at No. 1. Devizes Road, or, as it is now known, Croft Road. The deceased gentleman, who attained the advanced age of 82 years on the 1^st of last August, had been in failing health for some time past. Still he was able to get out and about, and displayed almost wonderful vitality right up to the end.

About three weeks ago, however, weaknesses incident to old age became more and more pronounced and eventually Mr Ormond was compelled to take to his bed, although even then he expressed his intention of getting up and attending Church only last Sunday, when he was obviously in an unfit condition to do so. The wiser counsels of those about him prevailed, and Mr Ormond remained at home. His condition became perceptibly worse, and at times he exhibited a tendency towards delirium and was at other times oblivious to things about him, bordering on unconsciousness. On Thursday it was observed that the end was not far off, and at 6.50 this morning Mr Ormond passed peacefully away.

The deceased gentleman was born at Wantage, in Berkshire, on the 19^th August, 1826, and it is a fact worth recording that, until old age compelled him to lay up, he had never, to the knowledge of his family spent one day of illness in bed.

In the month of October, 1849 he went to Abingdon, where he settled down as a solicitor, working up a good practice, which he continued to hold until 1855.

In March of that year he removed to Swindon, entering into partnership with Mr J.C. Townsend, and taking offices in High Street. Many years after he was in practice by himself, with offices in Victoria Street.

In May, 1858, Mr Ormond married, at North Road, Cheshire, Georgina Mary Lamprey, formerly of Marchwood, Southampton, and the newly married pair, after the honeymoon, returned to Swindon. Eight children were born to them – one son and seven daughters.

The son served his country in South Africa. He became a Lieutenant of the Imperial Light Horse, and died a soldier’s death at the hands of the Boers at Naaupoort on Jan. 5^th, 1901.

Of the seven daughters, four are living. The second daughter died in 1861; and the youngest daughter, Winifred, who became the wife of Mr Frank Chapman, of the firm of Messrs Spencer, Chapman, and Co., solicitors of London, died on the 21^st May, 1907.

Mrs Ormond passed away two years ago.

The deceased gentleman never took any active interest in public affairs. He was somewhat of a retiring disposition, and was highly esteemed and greatly liked by all who enjoyed the privilege of his acquaintance.

He retired from active professional work about seven years ago. The deceased gentleman was one of those who performed many acts of real charity in a quiet and unostentatious manner – even in a secret. In a word, he delighted in doing good by stealth as many can testify. The last striking example of this was in his recent gift of £400 to the Parish Church for a Men’s Club, which was referred to as recently as Wednesday night by Canon Estcourt at the Parish tea.

The funeral will probably take place on Tuesday, and the family desire, in deference to the deceased gentleman’s expressed wish, that no flowers should be sent.

The Swindon Advertiser, Friday, November 27, 1908.

Mr Nicholas Webb Baker – A Veteran Forester

The cemetery volunteers have been busy this weekend and Kevin has discovered another interesting character and a rather magnificent memorial by the chapel. Mr Nicholas Webb Baker is buried in a ‘black-lined brick grave’ according to the newspaper report.

The Late Mr N.W. Baker

A Veteran Forester

The Funeral

The numerous friends of Mr N.W. Baker of 33, Rushey Platt, Swindon, will deeply regret to hear that he passed away suddenly on Friday morning, at his residence. He had been ailing for some time, but was not seriously ill. Had he lived till to-morrow he would on that day have celebrated his 73^rd birthday.

For the long period of 44 years, Mr Baker was time-keeper in the GWR Works, retiring from that post about six years ago.

By members of the AOF deceased was well known and highly respected throughout North Wilts. For a great number of years, he was Treasurer of the North Wilts District AOF which position he held at the time of his death. He was Secretary of Court “Briton’s Pride,” AOF for 36 years, and only retired from that office a month ago, owing to failing health.

Deceased leaves a widow and seven grown-up children – five sons and two daughters – for whom the deepest sympathy will be felt.

Bro. Baker was elected to the post of Treasurer of the North Wilts District, AOF, just 20 years ago, viz., in 1883 he succeeding Bros. J.W. Painter. Prior to that time, Bro. Baker was for a few years – from 1876 to 1879 – District Secretary, retiring in 1879 when Bro. T. Hill was elected.

The funeral cortege left deceased’s late residence, No 33 Rushey Platt, at four o’clock. The coffin, which was covered with beautiful wreaths, was conveyed in a hearse, the chief mourners following in carriages, while there was a large and representative number of Foresters, representing Courts in Swindon, Aldbourne, Avebury, Faringdon and Highworth.

The officiating minister was the Rev J. Jones (Primitive Methodist Superintendent), and the Foresters’ Burial Service was most impressively read by Bro. Tom Smith, PD.C.R. and District Trustee.

The remains of deceased were interred in a black-lined brick grave, and the breast-plate on the coffin bore the following inscription:

Nicholas Webb Baker,

Died July 31, 1903,

Aged 72 years.

Extracts from the Swindon Advertiser, Friday, August 7, 1903.

And it seems likely this was the former home of Mr Baker.

Nicholas Webb Baker died at his home, Rushey Platt House, on July 31, 1903. He was buried on August 4 in Radnor Street Cemetery in grave plot D1557, which he shares with his wife Elizabeth.

Francis Edward Allen – Mayor of Swindon 1940-41

Francis Edward Allen was 77 years of age when he served as Mayor of Swindon during one of the difficult years of the Second World War, 1940-1941. Among his numerous duties during that year he launched Swindon Food Week, an initiative to help housewives make better use of rations; he lent his support to a national flag day on behalf of the air raid distress fund and he welcomed evacuees to the town.

Francis Allen was born in 1863 and baptised in the parish of Widcombe, Somerset, the son of stonemason Joseph Allen and his wife Mary Ann. By the 1880s he was living in Swindon where he married Emily Brooks on December 25, 1883 at the church of St. Paul’s. The couple went on to have 9 children and lived for all of their married life in the Rushey Platt/Wootton Bassett Road area.

Ex Mayor of Swindon’s Sudden Death

Alderman Francis Edward Allen Mayor of Swindon in 1940-41, died suddenly at his home, 9, Wootton Bassett road early this morning. He was 80 years of age.

Mr. Allen was born at Bath and came to Swindon as a young man to taken up employment in the GWR Works. He rose to chargeman of the gas works and retired about 18 years ago, after 42 years service.

On his retirement Mr Allen took up public life and was returned to the Town Council as councillor for the East Ward. Later he was made an alderman and was elected Mayor in 1940-41.

Mr Allen was well-known for his work in connection with the North Wilts district of the Ancient Order of Foresters, of which he was senior trustee at the time of his death. As recently as Wednesday evening he attended a Foresters’ meeting in Swindon.

Mr Allen also made a name for himself by his interest in horticulture. In the days of the old Swindon Flower Show, then held in the Town Gardens, he was a most successful exhibitor and was also a very competent judge of flowers.

He had taken innumerable prizes in local club flower shows, and at one time was on the committee of the “Evening Advertiser” Flower Show.

He was a former treasurer of the Swindon Division Liberal Association.

Mr Allen leaves a widow, three sons (two living in Australia and one in Swindon) and six daughters. All the sons and daughters are living and married.

The Evening Advertiser, June 13, 1943.

Funeral of Ald. F.E. Allen, Former Mayor of Swindon

Ald. F.E. Allen

Alderman Francis Edward Allen, aged 80, Mayor of Swindon in 1940-41, of 9 Wootton Bassett road, who died last Saturday, was buried with civic and forestry honours yesterday.

The Mayor (Ald. A.J.B. Selwood), wearing his chain of office, attended the funeral service at Wesley Church, Faringdon road, and the Foresters’ burial service was read at the graveside in Radnor street cemetery by Bro. F.J. Franklin, District Trustee.

The service at Wesley Church was conducted by the Rev. A..E. Banks, who, in the course of a short address, referred to the integrity and steadfastness of purpose with which Ald. Allen had served the town, and said the qualities of character he had shown in his public work had won for him a warm place in the hearts of his fellow citizens.

Extracts from the Evening Advertiser, Thursday, June 17, 1943.

Francis Edward Allen died at his home 9, Wootton Bassett Road, aged 80. He was buried on June 16, 1943 in grave plot B3130, which he shares with his wife Emily who died in 1951. The couple are buried with Emily’s sister, Elizabeth Hannah Wilden who died in 1910.

Angelo Vitti – a colourful and romantic personality

Albert Street, built in around 1848 and named after Queen Victoria’s virtuous husband, was the red light district of mid Victorian Old Swindon. At the centre of this maelstrom of depravity was the Rhinoceros public house, once described in court as ‘the most notorious house in town.’ The first landlady at the Rhinoceros when it opened in July 1845 was Lucy Rogers, a former dressmaker. Frequently the scene of bad behaviour where landlords flaunted licensing laws and one was even accused of the manslaughter of his mother in law.

One person who tried to make a difference in this den of iniquity was Angelo Vitti. Born in Settefrate, a small village in the Province of Frosinone, just south of Rome, Vitti stopped off in France before moving to England in the early 1890s. He purchased the former Rhinoceros, by then a lodging house, and eventually bought up the adjoining cottages as well.

Angelo Vitti married Mary/Maria Carter in 1895. In 1901 they were living with their three young children at the Lord Raglan public house, Cricklade Street where Angelo was the licensed victualler.

The 1911 census lists them as living at 22 Albert Street where Angelo worked as a lodging house keeper and grocer. He and Maria had been married for 21 years and sadly, five of their 11 children had previously died.

‘Swindon has lost a colourful and romantic personality by the death of Mr Angelo Vitti,’ the North Wilts Herald reported following Angelo’s death on Sunday April 21, 1940. As a lodging house proprietor he became the friend, and earned the respect, of thousands of men and women, a genuine family man and a friend of poor people.

Death of Mr A. Vitti

Long Residence In Swindon

Swindon has lost a colourful and romantic personality by the death of Mr. Angelo Vitti, lodging house proprietor and provision merchant, of Albert-street, Swindon which took place on Sunday night.

Mr Vitti, who would have been 79 on 10 May next, was born at Settefrate, Italy, and as a young man left his home and his country to carve out his own career. He arrived in France, but after a short time in that country, came to England nearly 50 years ago.

He claimed many adventures before coming to settle down in Swindon in 1893.

Friend of the Poor

As lodging house proprietor he became the friend, and earned the respect, of thousands of men and women, for he had the happy knack of combining a sense of strict efficiency with a genial personality. He helped many men on their way and, had he wished, could have told many stories of the thousands of wayfarers who sought refuge under his roof. One man who claimed his hospitality was stated to have been a remarkably fine linguist, being a fluent speaker of five languages; another told how he had placed the whole of his £5,000 fortune on a horse which had finished down the course!

Angelo Vitti was a genuine family man, and it was his one desire that all his children should ever remain close by his side. All six children – two sons and four daughters – are now married, but they have respected those wishes by making their homes within a stone’s throw of their father’s premises.

Mr Vitti’s parents were both centenarians. His mother died at the age of 108 and his father in his 101^st year. He leaves a widow and six children, and there are eight grandchildren.

The Funeral

Following a requiem mass, the funeral service took place on Wednesday at Holy Rood Church.

The interment was at Radnor-street cemetery, Swindon.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. A.E. Smith and Son, 24, Gordon-road, Swindon.

Extracts from North Wilts Herald, Friday, 26 April, 1940.

Angelo Vitti was buried on April 24, 1940 in grave plot C4709 where he lies with his wife Mary/Maria who died in 1944.

Thomas Charles Newman – Mayor of Swindon

This pristine art deco gravestone proudly boasts the achievements of Thomas Charles Newman, Alderman and Mayor of Swindon in 1923.

Mr Newman served on the council for 32 years and during his Mayoral year welcomed King George V and Queen Mary on their first visit to Swindon.

Other less glamorous duties he performed that same year including opening the sewage works at Rodbourne and the hard tennis courts at Town Gardens.

Thomas Charles Newman was born in Swindon in 1878 and was educated at Sanford Street Schools.

He began his career in the printing trade as a printer’s devil (an apprentice who runs errands in a printing office) and went on to become a master printer and proprietor of the Borough Press Ltd.

He was chairman of the committee in charge of the new Civic Offices built close to his old home in Euclid Street and he had many interests outside of politics. He was involved with Swindon Town Football Club and the Wiltshire Football Association along with many other local organisations. He enjoyed gardening, singing and various sports, in particular angling.

Thomas Charles Newman died on October 14, 1941 and an obituary published in the Advertiser described him as an extremely popular and generous man who assisted in every way the town’s many causes, and took a special interest in housing and unemployment questions.

His funeral took place at Sanford Street Congregational Church on Saturday, October 18. A prominent freemason, Masonic honours were accorded at his funeral and 60 Freemasons headed the funeral cortege from Sanford Street up here to Radnor Street Cemetery.

Thomas was buried with his daughter Sybil who had died ten years previously aged 15. They were later joined by his wife Frederica who died in 1963, their son Leslie who died in 1989 and his wife Doris who died in 1983. The last member of the family to be buried here was grandson John Charles Newman who died in 2005.