Mr. William Laurance, of -"The Cottage," Newton Bromshold, who died last week at the Woodfield Nursing Home, Finedon, was formerly a well-known business man in Rushden.

Mr. Laurance came to Rushden from his native village, Yardley Hastings, about 25 years ago, and for many years operated the old windmill which stood between Rushden and Wymington. He afterwards became a corn chandler in Rushden. He retired from business 12 years ago and went to live at Newton Bromshold, where he was a churchwarden for seven years. Nearly four years ago he met with an accident while hunting, and another fall about 12 months ago hastened the illness which led to his death.

A nephew, Mr. Harold Laurance, of Yardley Hastings, was formerly weight-lifting champion of Britain and is well known as a physical culture expert.

Mr. Laurance leaves a widow, Mrs Rhoda Laurance, but there are no children.

The burial took place at Rushden on February 9, but, owing to the failing eyesight of the widow, the service was held at Newton Bromshold and was conducted by the Rector, the Rev. T. Crowther-Green who was assisted by the Rev. W. H. McCleery, of Wellingborough, a friend of the deceased.

The principal mourners were Mr. B. Laurance (brother), Mr. and Mrs. H. Sills (brother-in-law and sister), Mr. and Mrs. H. Laurance (brother and sister-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. R. Jordan (brother-in-law and sister-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. J. Coney (nephew and niece), Mr. D. Nicholson and Miss H. Pearson (friends), Mr. J. Cooper (fellow churchwarden) and Mrs Cooper.

Many more friends were present at the interment and a large number of floral tributes were received.

[see Rushden Cemetery Grave F 949]