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Rushden Echo, 30th July 1920
Painful Tragedy at Rushden
A Friendly Society Worker’s Sudden Death
Fatal Seizure at a Parade
A painful tragedy occurred on Saturday afternoon during the course of the Friendly Societies’ Parade in Rushden. Mr George Barwick, aged 49, one of the Free Gardeners’ representatives, collecting for the funds along the route of the procession, had gone the whole distance with the parade from Wymington-road to St Peter’s Church, and just opposite that building he collapsed and in a few moments became unconscious. Mr Frank Tassell, of the Rushden Ambulance Division, ran to his assistance, and Supt. T Swindall and First-Class Sergt. Pridmore, who were in the procession, were summoned, but it appeared that Mr Barwick had passed away. P.S. Day, one of the marshals of the parade, was fetched, and Dr Davies was also quickly called to the scene. The doctor found that life was extinct, and that the deceased probably died a few moments after he fell.
The Rushden Ambulance stretcher was procured, and the body was conveyed by Sergt. Prigmore, Mr F Tassell, and Mr W Partridge, to 1 Co-operative-row, where the deceased had resided for a considerable number of years.
Much sadness was caused in the town as a result of the tragedy. The deceased was very well known by a large number of Rushden people, especially those actively engaged in Friendly Society work. He had been connected with the Myrtle Lodge of Free Gardeners, Rushden, for over 30 years, during which time he had been through all the offices, at one time being Lodge Master. He was deeply interested in the Juvenile section, was one of the first collectors, and always took part in the arrangements for the Juveniles’ outing. On those occasions he was affectionately called “Father” by the happy youngsters.
As a member of the Rushden Conservative Club, Mr Barwick had given useful assistance with the sick benefit society connected with that club. He had on one occasion filled the office of vice-chairman of the club. The flag of the Club was flown at half mast after his death. The deceased had also been a valued member of the Rushden Clubs’ Benevolent Fund, and had attended a meeting of the committee on Sunday morning.
Mr Barwick had been to his medical attendant (Dr Baker) a few months ago, and, after treatment, had been in better health. He seemed in very good health and spirits on Sunday morning. He went to his allotment, had a good breakfast, and after assisting with the domestic work, partook of a good dinner. He still seemed all right when he went out to join the parade. His end was both sudden and unexpected.
An inquest was not deemed necessary, heart failure appearing to be the cause of death.
Mr Barwick’s wife predeceased him eight years ago. One son and one daughter, both married, and another daughter, aged 10, are left to mourn the loss of a much-loved father.
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Rushden Echo, 30th July 1920
The Funeral of Mr George Barwick
A Rushden Friendly Society Worker – Floral Tributes
The funeral of the late Mr George Barwick, of Rushden, whose tragic death is reported on page 6 of this issue, took place on Wednesday afternoon at Rushden Cemetery, the Rector (Rev P E Robson) officiating. The family mourners were: Mr J Barwick (son), Mrs F Spencer (daughter), Mr J Barwick (father), Miss Ruby Barwick (daughter), Mr and Mrs H Knight, of Kettering (brother-in-law and sister), Mrs J Barwick (step-mother), Mrs Barwick, of Wellingborough (daughter-in-law), Mrs J Barwick, of Luton (daughter-in-law), Mr F Spencer (son-in-law), Mr and Mrs G Underwood (cousins), Mrs D Burgess (housekeeper), Mrs Murdin, of Wollaston (cousin). The Rushden Myrtle Lodge of Free Gardeners was represented by Bros. J F Houghton (Lodge Master), W J Frisby (Lodge secretary), J E Spavins (sick steward), J Shatford (junior warden), E A Harlow (Lodge trustee), William Hall (sick steward). Bro. Barker represented the Oddfellows Lodge, and Messrs Saby Knight and Thos Wilmott were present on behalf of the directors and members of Rushden Conservative Club.
The coffin, of polished elm with brass fittings, bore on the breastplate the inscription: George Barwick: died July 25th 1920, aged 49 years.
Messrs Whittington and Tomlin carried out the funeral arrangements.
[a list of wreaths follows]
The family of the late Mr George Barwick desire to express their sincere thanks to all in Rushden and district who have sympathised with them in their heavy bereavement.
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