A steward of the Rushden Trades Club for about nine years and a former secretary of the Operative Bricklayers’ Society, Mr. William Craft, of 6, Gordon-terrace, Higham-road, Rushden, passed away on Monday after a long illness at the age of 82. A native of Bedford, Mr. Craft came to Rushden about 50 years ago to help in the building of the railway, and had since been employed by a number of local firms as a bricklayer. He had been a member of the Rushden Windmill Club since 1911 and a member of the Rushden Labour Party. A widow, Mrs. Louisa Craft, is left, and there are three daughters and one son.

The funeral took place on Thursday, the service at St. Mary’s Church being conducted by the Rector, the Rev. E. A. Green. The principal mourners were Mrs. L. Craft (widow), Mr. and Mrs. J. Horsfield and Mr. and Mrs. H. Penness (sons-in-law and daughters), Mr. and Mrs. F. Craft (son and daughter-in-law), Mr. T. Craft and Miss C. Craft (brother and sister), Mr. G. Keep (brother-in-law), Terry Horsfield (grandson), Miss M. Redman (niece) and Mr. J. H. Derbyshire (friend).

Wreaths were from the following:

Wife and Brother George; Gladys, Joe and the boys; Grace and Howard; Frank and Rene and Joan and Mary; Madge and Les; Rodney and Greta; A. Redman and family, Bilsthorpe; Mrs. F. Ladds, Derby; Ted and family, Bedford; Sister Kate, Bedford; Members and Committee Club; 4 and 5, Gordon terrace; neighbours.

Mr. F. Bayes made the funeral arrangements.