Mr G H Groom - by W Lacey c 1925 Methodism in the Higham Ferrers district has suffered a heavy loss by the death of Mr. George Henry Groome, a former boot manufacturer, who passed away on Sunday morning at 1b Kimbolton-road, Higham Ferrers, where he had resided for the last six months. Mr. Groome was 85 years of age and had been in failing health for some years, but the end came rather suddenly. He was born at Higham Ferrers, but for a great part of his life occupied “Hazelwood,” a large residence off Higham-road, Rushden, close to the factory occupied for many years by Messrs. A. Groome and Sons, boot manufacturers. This old established business was founded by the late Mr. Abraham Groome, and Mr. G. H. Groome, as the eldest son, became the senior partner, retiring 15 years ago. For a period of five years, terminating in 1913, he was president of the Rushden and District Boot manufacturers’ Association. He was also a founder and director of the Victoria Leather Co. Ltd., Higham Ferrers. Mr. Groome played a large part in the development of the Rushden and Higham Ferrers District Gas Company, becoming a director in 1894—two years after the company had been formed—and occupying the chair from March 1911 to March 1937. Supreme among his interests was the work of the Higham Ferrers Methodist Church. He might well be described as a lifetime member of the church, and at one time or another he held practically all the offices. He participated with his brothers in a remarkable record of devoted service to the Sunday School and was for many years a superintendent, punctilious in his duties and greatly revered by the young people. Mr. Groome and his wife (who survives him) celebrated their golden wedding in April 1934. The children are Mrs. W. H. Carrick (London), Mrs. P. Hustwaite (Sharnbrook), Miss H. M. Groome and Miss D. C. Groome. A large number gathered at the Methodist Church, Higham Ferrers, on Wednesday for the funeral service. The service was conducted by the minister, The Rev. Frederick John, who paid tribute not only to the work of Mr. Groome, but the whole of the family.