Funeral of a Legion stalwart

THE CHAIRMAN of Rushden branch of the Royal British Legion collapsed and died while visiting the organisation's Fitzwilliam Street hall last week.

A funeral service for Mr Fred Smith, who was also a trustee for the Royal British Legion branch, took place this morning at Kettering Crematorium.

Mr Smith, 79, of 32 Upper  Queen Street, Rushden, was a keen gardener, and was also the money steward of the Rushden branch of the National United Order of Free Gardeners.

He retired about 14 years ago from the Rushden shoe factory of Alfred Sargent Ltd.

He leaves a widow, two sons, a daughter and three grandsons.