HARRY HOPTON

DEATH OF MR HARRY HOPTON

WELL-KNOWN NEWBURIAN

Many friends will regret the death of Mr Harry Hopton, which occurred at 68 Newtown road, Newbury, on Sunday. He was 76 years of age and had only been ill a fortnight.

Mr Hopton came to Newbury from Much Wenlock, Shropshire, and he was an assistant master at the National School during the time when the late Mr W A Ranshaw was the head.  Later he was clerk to Messrs Adey Bros., and then for about 20 yeas he filled a similar position at the Phoenix Brewery, Bartholomew Street.

He was a good all-round sportsman.  He played football for the Town Club in its early and palmy days, was a good hurdler, a keen cricketer, bowler and expert at quoits.  He not only played games but helped to foster them, and was never happier than when encouraging children by acting as starter for their races.  He was also an enthusiastic gardener.

An old member of the Volunteer Fire Brigade, he was also a Special Constable for some years.

He married Jessie, daughter of the late Alderman Ben Smith, who predeceased  him by about five years.

The funeral took place on Tuesday at the Newtown road Cemetery, the Rev. E H Stenning officiating.

The family mourners were:  Miss Lewington (adopted daughter), Mr and Mrs Ben Smith (brother-in-law and sister), Mrs Innes (sister), Mr and Mrs Fred Brookes (nephew and niece). Nearly all the Church Almshuses people also attended.

In addition to the family wreaths, one was sent by the Almspeople and one made of pansies from his own garden, which were picked by Mrs Wheeler.