WILLIAM DINES EATWELL
The late Mr W Dines Eatwell – The news of the death of Mr W Dines Eatwell, which was circulated in the town yesterday forenoon, came as a painful surprise, as but few were aware that he was laid aside by illness. As recently as Sunday evening he was observed at St. Mary’s Church, Speenhamland. On Monday morning he complained of being unwell, and a doctor visited him in the course of the day. On Tuesday night he was no better. In the course of the night the symptoms were unfavourable; Dr Douglas was summoned at an early hour and he pronounced the condition of his patient as serious. Mr Eatwell fell into a short sleep which was succeeded by a comatose state, and he passed away soon after ten. Ever since he was a child Mr Dines Eatwell had suffered from a weak chest, and at different periods he had sustained serious attacks of illness. His health, however, had been for sometime fairly good, and indeed latterly his cough had been less troublesome.
He was educated at Speen Hill Academy under Mr Guyer, and partly on account of delicate health has never resided away from Newbury. While at all times interested in any public movements in his native town, having been for many years a director of the Literary Institution Committee, it is in the musical world that he has chiefly made his mark. An accomplished performer on more than one musical instrument, an enthusiastic student of musical art, and possessing no small amount of tract and organisation, he has for thirteen years ably and worthily filled the post of honorary conductor to the Newbury Amateur Orchestra Union; and while in the recent developments of this Society he has been associated with Mr J S Liddle, Mus.Bac., yet the older members of the Union lookback with almost affectionate feelings to the years when under Mr Eatwell’s leadership, they acquired the technical proficiency for which they with others in the Union are now justly distinguished. Their appreciation of his services was marked by the presentation of a handsome address some years ago, a document which Mr Eatwell much valued.
In other musical undertakings, whether children’s concerts, jubilee celebrations, or church festivals, Mr Dines Eatwell has ever been ready with his advice and assistance; and as honorary organist at St Mary’s, Speenhamland, or as temporary locum tenens at other churches, his services have been much valued.
Of a genial disposition, of sincerity of character, and of unfailing courtesy he has made many friends who now deeply deplore his loss. Mr Dines Eatwell was married about 2.1/2 years ago but leaves no family. Much sympathy is expressed for his widow, and for his father, thus painfully bereaved. The Dead March played at the concerts yesterday was an appropriate tribute to his memory. The funeral will take place on Saturday at three o’clock. |