Evening Telegraph, May 1965.

Took up his position in Rushden in November 1957 and was shortly afterwards appointed engineer to Higham Ferrers and Rushden Water Board.

Previously he had been deputy borough engineer at Abingdon, Berkshire , and had held appointments at Lymington, Farnborough and Banbury.  He was a member of the Institute of Municipal Engineers .

Shortly after coming to Rushden Mr Anker and his family became active members of St Peter’s Church, Midland Road , Rushden.  Both he and his wife were members of the parochial church council and he was also a sidesman.  He had often played the organ at services in the church.

He took an active interest in young people.  He was chairman of the church’s Scout committee and, with his conjuring, gave many adults and children a great deal of pleasure.  He was a member of the Magic Circle .

He was a member of Rushden Amateur Theatrical Society and had been its Treasurer.

With three other people (it is thought Alan Goulsbra, Len Gomm and Bert Catlin) they each put up £50 for the very first pantomime in the town which was performed  under the name of  Rushden Amateur Dramatic Society (RADS). 

Also he was a Freemason and a Rotarian.

During the war he served abroad as an officer in the Royal Engineers.

On Mr Anker’s death, Mr Crowdy, clerk to Rushden Urban Council said …”His cheerful enthusiasm, which even after his serious accident two years ago, could not damp down, made him a very popular officer.  He was a good friend and colleague.

ET report from – “Talk of the Town, Mister Cobbler IV on Rushden & Higham”

Mr Walter Anker, Rushden Council surveyor and engineer will not only be missed by his colleagues at the council buildings.  Never a man to boast of achievements, he got through a tremendous amount of work both during his official hours and in his spare time.  He was unassuming and always helpful and there was no doubting his grasp of council affairs.

This extended far beyond his official qualifications and he was always ready to give his advice if called for, which was often.

The pleasure anyone gives to others is not measurable and this was certainly so with Mr Anker.

His position at Rushden Council will be refilled, but he will never be replaced.

He loved young people and with his conjuring and his musical ability afforded them and adults an immense amount of pleasure.

He was an untiring worker for his church St Peter’s and lived a full and Christian life.  With his wife, he was a member of the parochial church council and he was chairman of the Scout Committee.

In the man’s world of Rotary Mr Anker was popular with all.