On Sunday Mr Thomas Baker, of 19 Alfred Street, Rushden, a member of one of the town’s oldest families, passed away at the age of 85. Mr Baker was one of the oldest members of the Rechabites in Rushden. He was also one of the first members of the Rushden Industrial Co-operative Society, and had been a deacon of the Zion Baptist Chapel since it was first formed. Two sons and one daughter are bereaved.

The funeral took place on Wednesday, the service being conducted at the house by Mr C H Gascoigne, of Wellingborough. The mourners were Mr J Baker (son), Mrs Bradshaw (daughter), Messrs W and B Baker (brothers), Mrs J Baker (daughter-in-law), Mr C J Abbott, of Godmanchester (brother-in-law), Mrs Lyman (granddaughter), Miss Tye (niece), Mrs Baker, Mrs Reynolds, Mr and Miss Northern, of Harrold (friends) Mr F Webb and Mr S Saint (representing the Zion Baptist Chapel. Mrs J Panter (friend) was unable to be present owing to indisposition. There were no floral tributes, by request.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs Whittington and Tomlin.