By the death of Mr. James William Reynolds, which occurred on Tuesday at his home in Church Lane, Wymington has lost a resident who had taken a lead in public service for the village and district since 1919.
Mr. Reynolds, who was 78 had remarkable long-service records—38 years on Wymington parish Council, 32 years on Bedford Rural Council, rector's warden for 25 years and British Legion leader (Wymington branch's first chairman and then its president) since 1927.
He gave nine years' service to Bedfordshire County Council, had been a J.P. since 1941, was a manager of Wymington Church School, and was several times chosen as chairman of Harrold Secondary Modern School Governors.
Born at Wollaston, Mr. Reynolds was in his younger days an all-round sportsman, with cricket his great love. He performed consistently as a fast bowler for Rushden Town and Rushden Amateurs and also appeared in football for Rushden Fosse and Wollaston Vics.
A schoolteacher until his retirement shortly before the late war, he taught at Wollaston, London, and—for 34 years—Newton Road School, Rushden. He was secretary of Rushden Conservative Association for 20 years and was for a time joint hon. secretary of the Wellingborough Divisional Conservative Association.
A widow, a son, a stepdaughter and four grandchildren are bereaved.
The funeral will take place at Wymington this afternoon.
|
