Rushden Echo, 20th February 1948, transcribed by Kay Collins

Well known in Rushden as the wife of the licensee of the “Waggon and Horses”, Mrs. Ethel May Wilkins died at Northampton General Hospital on Friday after a lingering illness. She was 53 years of age.

Her husband, Mr. F. F. Wilkins, has been at the “Waggon and Horses” for nine years since he took over the licence on the retirement of his father Mr. Frank Wilkins. He was previously at the “Victoria”, Wellingborough, for eleven years.

The funeral took place at Rushden on Tuesday.

A service at St. Mary’s Church, conducted by the Rector (the Rev. E. A. Green), preceded interment at Rushden Cemetery.

Family mourners were: Mr. Frank F. Wilkins (widower), Mrs. Agnes Payne (sister-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Johnson (brother and sister-in-law), Mr. Sidney Johnson (brother), Mrs. Minnie Johnson (sister-in-law), Mrs. Phyllis York, Mrs. Luther Smith, Mrs. Reg Wilkins, Mrs. R. Coles and Mrs. H. Tilley (cousins), with Mrs. H. Toby, Mrs. E. Kilsby, Little Irchester, Miss B. Somnes, Welling borough, Mrs. K. Shearer, Mrs. A. Webb, Mrs. Jephcote and Mrs. M. Travill, of Northampton, Mrs. H. Corby and Mrs. F. Bradley (friends).

Among a large number of floral tributes were those from the “Waggon and Horses” Bar, Smoke Room and Dart Team and the Wellingborough District Licensed Victuallers Trade Association.