Rushden Research Group: Frank Toone

Frank Toone

Son of William and Rose Toone, Frank was born in a little cottage near the church at Yelden, in 1925.

The family moved to Newton Bromswold, when William was employed to take care of the Territorial Army rifle range.

At the outbreak of war, being too young to join up Frank joined the Home Guard. Later he served in the Navy.

The cottage at Yelden where Frank was born - it stood opposite the old school

William Ball and his wife Gertrude with their daughter
Rose, later wife of William Toone, outside their cottage in Yelden

At the Seaside in about 1935 - l-r Jean Lines, Bob Lines, Millie Toone, Margaret Toone, Pearl Toone, Frank Toone and Gwen Lines.

Millie Toone and Edith Mills serving ice creams at the village Fete c 1940

Frank's Confirmation Ceritifcate

Frank and his father outside the Swan in 1945
whilst he was home on leave from the Navy

In 1951 Frank married Joyce Robinson at
Rushden Methodist Church.

Frank & Joyce married in 1951

Letter of thanks to Joyce from the Mayor of Higham

Joyce was an accomplished organist, and gave "an heroic weekend of organ playing" during the celebrations at Higham Ferrers for the 50th Anniversary of VE Day in 1995.

Frank worked at W W Chamberlain's and was a keen member of their cricket team
Back row: Ian Wills, Dick Hawkins, Ken Jones, Pat Savage, - Bradshaw,
Dick Cox (transport manager)
Middle row: Tony Jones, Don Rawlins, Frank Toone, Len Bird
Front row: Ray Tye and Roger Henson

Frank Toone died in September 2012, aged 87 years.