Mr. Walter J. Turner, of Rushden, has had a long run in married life and a longer one in the grocery trade. He and his wife will reach their golden wedding anniversary on Sunday, but it is 60 years since Mr. Turner first went behind the counter.
There is not much bacon to slice these days, but Mr. Turner, with his brisk, inviting action, was handling it in large quantities even before Rushden boasted its first slicing machine.
That was nearly 50 years ago, but the beginning of the story is that Mr. Turner, born at Old Weston, Hunts., began work on a farm at the age of 10 – quite the usual thing in those days – and then, at 13, got a job with Hollis brothers, the village grocers.
Hollis Bros. had a shop at Raunds so to Raunds he went when a youth of 16. He went out with a van taking groceries to the country places and selling them from door to door. Some of his customers earned a weekly wage of from ten to 12 shillings, but half-a-crown fortunately bought quite a lot of grocery.
Still selling grocery, Mr. Turner moved to Rushden in February, 1896. He is still in the trade and since March, 1940, has served Rushden Co-operative Society at the High Street South branch.
On August 14th, 1899, Mr. Turner married Miss Annie Bertha Catchpole at the Methodist Free Church, Whittington Moor (Chesterfield) – her native place. Still very active and in good health, they now reside at 5, Pratt Road, Rushden, and have one son, Mr. Kenneth Turner, of Pytchley Road.
For many years their great joint interest was in Rushden Congregational Church. They joined in 1900 and were still members when the final service was held in 1946. Treasurer for 30 years and a deacon even longer, Mr. Turner sang in the choir as a tenor. His wife taught in the Sunday School and was for some years secretary.
The Spencer Park Bowling Club knows Mr. Turner as a keen player who reached the Thurston Singles Cup final in 1928. The National Deposit Friendly Society claims him as a committeeman.
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