THE LATE MR. JOHN PARKER
The death of Mr. John Parker, which occurred on June 14th, at the age of 74, removes one who was all his life associated with the town and trade of Newbury.

He succeeded his mother in the old-established grocery business in Bartholomew-street, and covered a large area in the district, which he travelled. It used to be his boast, before he retired into private life that he was the oldest tradesman in Bartholomew-street.

Although taking no active part in public life, he was greatly concerned therein. The “bar,” over which he presided was at one time the resort of many familiar spirits, who discussed freely and criticised frankly the doings of those in authority. Members of the Council were often among the company, and added their quota to the wit and wisdom. Civic candidatures were initiated and campaigns conducted from this centre of sociability. At the time of national or local celebrations, Mr Parker took a leading part, always anxious that his street should be well to the fore.

He was associated with the Newbury Horticultural Society, and other institutions which flourished in the younger days of a departed generation. For some time Mr. Parker had been living in retirement in Salisbury-terrace, Craven-road, and his health had gradually declined. His widow survives him.

The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon, the first part of the service conducted by the Rev. G.S. Deacon. The mourners were Mr. E. Davis and Mr. P.D. Trendall (nephews), Mr. A. H. Higginton.

Among those present at the church were Mrs. E. Davis, Miss Davis, Mrs Griffin, Miss Fielder, Mrs Cox, Nurse Loveridge, Nurse Bailey, Me W. Edmonds, Mr. W.C. Freemantle,

The internment was at Newtown-road Cemetery. The coffin plate was inscribed “John Parker, died June 14th 1923”.

The floral offerings included those from his sorrowing wife; Mary and her children; in memory of my darling brother from Nan; Mr. and Mrs. Higginton, Woodview, Nailsea; Herbert and Percy, in loving memory of our dear uncle, Bournemouth; Mr. R. Adey and the Misses Adey; Mr. Butcher; Mrs. C. Cosburn,

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. Camp Hopson and co., under the direction of Mr. George Wintle.