As reported in last week’s Rushden Echo, Mr William Rogers, aged 87 years, passed away very peacefully at his home in Yelden on March 2nd. Mr Rogers was a native of Riseley, and came to live in Yelden 43 years ago. He leaves behind him two sons, four daughters, 17 grandchildren, and 13 great-granchildren. Mr Rogers and his wife celebrated their diamond wedding five years ago next month. Mrs Rogers predeceased her husband. Mr Rogers will be missed in the village, with his cheery and happy disposition, and he had been quite proud of being the oldest inhabitant in the village.

Mr Rogers had been associated with Yelden Church ever since he came to the village from Riseley. His musical abilities had always been to the fore. In years passed he had the village lads at his own house and taught them singing, training the different voices for the choir. His sons and daughters all sang in the choir until they left the village. Mr Rogers was always to be seen in his place in the corner of the choir seats as long as his health would allow him. His last attendance was on the last Yelden Feast Sunday, when he sang as well as ever.

The Funeral

took place yesterday week at Yelden Church, the Rev A S Dodds, Vicar of Riseley, officiating. The hymn “Be Thou my Guardian and my Guide” was sung, and as the coffin left the church “O rest in the Lord” (from Mendelssohn’s “Elijah”) was played in the organ. A large number of people were present, and the following beautiful wreaths were laid on the grave: In ever-loving memory of my darling dad, from his loving daughter Clara: “At Rest”. “Until the day break”; with deepest sympathy, to dear father, from Rachel, Charles, and family. In loving memory of dear father, from Polly, Bill, and family; “R.I.P.” In loving memory of dear father, from Lizzie and Bert; “Peace, perfect peace.” In loving memory of dear father, from John, Mary, and Gladys, Rushden. In loving memory of dear dad, from George, Annie, Rita, and Stanley; “Peace, perfect peace.” “The Gift of God’s love.” In loving memory, from his grandchildren Annie and Harry (Mr and Mrs Harlow, Croydon), Lily and Jim (Mr and Mrs J Rogers, South Norwood). In loving memory of dear Grandpa, from Red and Edie, Duston. In loving memory of a dear friend, from Mr and Mrs Clarke. With Mrs Whitehead’s kind remembrance. In remembrance of a dear friend, from Gladys and Cecil. In loving memory of an old friend, from G and C Wagstaff; “Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” With sincere sympathy, from Elizabeth B Wagstaff. In loving memory, from Mr and Mrs S J Adams and Bertie; “At rest”.

A memorial service was taken at Evensong on Sunday by the Rev Francis Taylor, of Bedford. Some of the deceased’s favourite hymns were sung, although, to use his own expression, “All hymns are nice.” The hymns that were sung were as follow: “Jerusalem, my happy home,” “My God, my Father, while I stray,” “There is a blessed home,” and “Abide with me.” Great help was given with the singing by the many members of the family who were present.