Mrs Margaret Swindall, widow of the late Mr Tom Swindall, whi was for many years a leading figure in Rushden, passed away quite suddenly last Friday evening at her home, “The Nest,” 28 Moor-road, Rushden. A native of Northampton, Mrs Swindall, whose maiden name was Purvis, came to Rushden on her marriage 56 years ago—shortly after Mr Swindall had settled in the town. She saw her husband play a great part in the town’s affairs as Urban Council member from 1887 to 1934, Chairman of the Council in 1906,1915, 1922 and 1928, and in many other fields, notably the St John Ambulance and allotment movements. Her own great devotion was to the home and she was also a member of the Independent Wesleyan Church, being held in great respect by all who knew her. Mr Swindall, who was in business as a builder and coal merchant, died in March 1934, just after his retirement from the Council, and his widow continued to occupy the old home, her eldest son, Coun. T J Swindall, living with her. There are three other sons, Messrs F W, H C and A Swindall, and a niece, Mrs S G Stanton, of Chelveston. The late Mr C M Purvis, journalist, of Northampton, was a brother, and another brother is Mr Will Purvis, of Richmond, also a journalist. Purvis-road, Rushden, developed by the late Mr Tom Swindall, was so named by him in honour of his wife. The funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon, the Rev T S Kee, of the Independent Wesleyan Church, conducting the service at 28 Moor-road. Mourners were: Mr T J Swindall, Mr and Mrs F W Swindall, Mr and Mrs A T Swindall, Mr and Mrs H C Swindall (sons and daughters-in-law), Mr and Mrs S G Stanton, Chelveston (nephew and niece), L/RM Alan Swindall, Royal Navy (grandson), Mr Samuel Danner, Kettering (brother-in-law), Mrs H Sharman, Northampton, Miss M Purvis, Northampton, and Mrs J M Purvis, Northampton (nieces), Mrs F Knight and Miss M Wrighton (friends). Only the male mourners attended at the cemetery, where also attending were Mr W lack, representing the Independent Wesleyan Church, and Mr J F Cook (friend). By request no flowers were sent, other than one from the family. Mr H C Brown, an old employee of Messrs T Swindall and Sons, conducted the funeral arrangements.