One of the palmy periods in Rushden football history is recalled by the death of Mr. Thomas Litchfield (69), who for the last few months had resided at 106, Newton-road, Rushden.

“Tommy” Litchfield was born in London and came to Rushden at the age of 17, afterwards playing for Rushden Town F.C. both as amateur and professional. He was an excellent centre-forward but could play efficiently in any of the forward positions. It is declared that he maintained his general cheerfulness in all circumstances, a quality by which he became known as the “Mark Tapley” of the team.

Mr. Lichfield also played for the County XI in company with Hugh Lewis, G. H. Claridge and other Rushden men. He worked in the boot trade at John Cave’s and Robinson Brothers, as secretary of the Town Band Club for several years, and developed a great interest in angling as a member of the Athletic Club Angling Section. Whenever health permitted he attended the football matches at the Rushden Town ground.

Until the autumn of last year Mr. Litchfield lived at 95, Newton-road.

Owing to failing health he retired from work nine years ago, and he died on September 22 after a fortnight’s acute illness.

He would have been 70 had he lived until Wednesday, September 29, the day on which his funeral was conducted at Rushden by the Rev. T. Kee, minister of the Independent Wesleyan Church.

A widow and two sisters are left. The only son, 2nd-Lieut, Tom Litchfield was killed in action during the war of 1914-18.

The funeral service was held at the house and those attending were: Mrs. Litchfield and Mr. Litchfield (widow and nephew), Mrs. Clark and Litchfield (sisters), Mrs. Baker, Mr. F. Baker, (sister-in-law and Mrs. P. Hobbs (niece). Mr and Mrs. Reilton (nephew and niece), Mr Fred Baker and Mrs Frank Baker (nephew and niece) Mr. Arnold Baker (great-nephew), Mr. and Mrs. Wildman and Miss Doreen Wildman (friends).

In loving memory of Tom, from his wife, Flo—His end is peace; In loving memory of Tom, from his sisters Sally and Alice—at rest; In affectionate remembrance of Uncle Tom, Jack and Essie, Rushden, Lily and Charlie, Portsmouth; With deepest sympathy from Mr. and Mrs. Partridge, Ada and May; With deepest sympathy from Evelyn and Charlie—at rest; With deepest sympathy from Annie: With deepest sympathy from the Officials and Members of the RushdenTown Band Club; With love and deep respect from Lily, George and Doreen; With deepest sympathy to an old friend and neighbour from Nellie, Herbert, Agnes, and Arthur—At rest; From the Rushden AthIetic Club (Angling Section)—R.I.P.; With deepest sympathy from the neighbours,106 and 102 Newton-road—Underneath are the everlating arms; In loving sympathy from Moor-road, Queen-Street, Church-street—At rest; Cis and Rene, in loving memory; In ever loving memory of Tommy from Frank, Ethel and Arnold; With fondest love from Fred and Gladys and children at Kineton; In loving remembrance from Maud and nephews and nieces at Long Buckby; Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord—Mary Ann and Edna, Kettering; Happy memories of Tom, from Millie, Wembley, Middlesex.