GEORGE ADLER BIDDIS

A FIREMAN'S FUNERAL.

The late Mr. George Adler Biddis, whose death we recorded last week, having been one of the prominent members of the Newbury Volunteer Fire Brigade, and held the post of sergeant for some years, it was but natural that Comrades should desire to accord him all the honours of a fireman's funeral.

The funeral took place on Friday morning, the procession leaving the house of the deceased in Northbrook-street shortly before twelve o'clock. The Volunteer Fire Brigade paraded under the command of Capt. Albert Church and Sergt. H. S. Hanington, and the manual engine was converted into a funeral car, being drawn by four grey horses, the riders in uniform, having bows of crape attached to their whips.

The coffin, which was hidden under a mass of lovely flowers, was borne from the house on the shoulders of six firemen, and deposited on the engine. The helmet and accoutrements of the deceased were placed upon the coffin. The procession was headed by a large number of the “Princess of Hesse” Court of Foresters, of whom deceased was a member, each of them wearing the green scarf and a sprig of yew in their buttonhole. Then came the Fire Brigade, the funeral car, and the mourning coaches.

The progress of the cortége was watched by large crowds, who thronged the line of route. There was also a large congregation at the Parish Church, where the first part of the Burial Service was conducted. The corpse, borne on the shoulders of the firemen, was met at the west door by the Rector (Rev. E. I. Gardiner), Rev. W. Pheasant and Rev. E. P. Spurway. The coffin was deposited in the aisle. the service being read by the Rector, and the lesson by Mr. Pheasant.

The beautiful hymn “Now the labourer's task is o'er," was sung, and while the corpse was being taken from the church, the organist (Mr. Hubert G. Knight), played the “Dead March" in Saul.

The procession to the Cemetery was followed by a large crowd of persons. The interment was conducted by the Rector, Mr. Pheasant and Mr. Spurway also being present. The coffin was lowered into the grave by the firemen, who included Branchmen Harrison and Freebody, Firemen Cooke, Pearce. Hasell, and Adey. The firemen performed their mournful task in a reverend and solemn manner.

The chief mourners, were Mrs. G. A. Biddis (the widow) Mr. H. Biddis (brother), Miss Biddis, Mrs. Baker (sisters), Mrs. H. Biddis, Mr. and Mrs. G. Wren. and Mr. E. Wren.

There then follows a long list of those present and of those who sent floral tributes.

The coffin was of polished oak with brass furniture, the inscription being: 

GEORGE ADLER BIDDIS

Died May 4th 1891,

Aged 40 years.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. H. S. Hanington of Northbrook-street.

Newbury Weekly News and General Advertiser - Thursday 14 May 1891

GEORGE ADLER BIDDIS

THE LATE MR. G.A. BIDDIS

Death has carried off another of our townsmen. Mr. George Adler Biddis, of Northbrook-street, succumbing on Monday night to a sharp attack of pleurisy and inflammation, after a few days illness. Mr. Biddis' decease at the comparatively early age of 40, has elicited widespread regret and sympathy with his widow.

Mr. Biddis succeeded to the business of his late father, as a painter and decorator, in 1877, and always takes a prominent part in connection with several town institutions. He was for some time one of the directors of the Literary and Scientific Institution, and also a member of the committee of the Horticultural Society. He was an ardent volunteer, and held the rank of Sergeant for some years in the Newbury Company. It was only at his last appearance in public, at the dinner of the Football Club, that he referred with pride to his long connection with the Volunteers. He was one of the original members of the Newbury Volunteer Fire Brigade, in which he held the post of sergeant, and was ever ready to respond to the call of duty.

Mr. Biddis was of genial and kindly disposition, with a cherry word and pleasant manner with everyone. Being possessed of a good baritone voice, he was in request at social gatherings, and in the days when the Amateur Minstrels were in their prime he was one of their most successful vocalists.

In politics Mr. Biddis was a Conservative, and took a great interest in Parliamentary and Municipal elections.

The funeral will take place to-morrow (Friday), the first part of the service being held at the parish Church at 12 o'clock. The Fire Brigade will attend.

Newbury Weekly News 7 May 1891