WILLIAM CHAMBERLAIN FREEMANTLE

THE LATE MR. FREEMANTLE FUNERAL AT OLD CEMETERY
In addition to the members of the family and many old friends, representatives of the Newbury Bowling Club, the Winchcombe Club and local Freemasons, attended the funeral of the late Mr. W.C. Freemantle, which took place on Thursday afternoon at the Old Cemetery, at which the Rector of Newbury the Rev. L.B. Majendie, officiated. The service, which was quite plain, was in the Cemetery Chapel and graveside.
The immediate mourners who followed from the house were Mrs. Freemantle (widow), Mrs. Bath (daughter), Mrs. P. Freemantle, Mrs. Walton, Mrs. Hill, Miss Roe, Mr. A.E. Freemantle, Mr. Murray and Mr. Bath.
The funeral procession was joined when leaving Porchester-road by many townspeople, whilst quite a number were already at the Cemetery. Amongst those present were Miss Wilson, Miss Court, Mrs. O'Farrell, Mrs. Hulbert, Miss Hulbert, Mrs. Holdsworth, Mrs. A. Church, the Misses Budd, Mrs. H. Ilsely (?), Mrs. Dewe, Mrs. C. Nicholson, Miss Bradfield, the Mayor (Alderman Stradling), Mr. Broome Pinniger, Mr. William Edmonds, the Rev. C.V. Pike, Dr. Patterson, Major Rummins, Messrs A. Camp, H. Camp, John Brighton E. martin, P. Chillingworth, J.H. Hopson,F.C. Hopson, S. Neate, D.C. Finn, H.A. Carman (?), R.J. Croxford, Ritchie, R.J. Addison, C. Stradling, G. Budd, Hugh Turner, A.C. Elliott, R.F. Jeffrey, H.C. Commerford, C. Maggs, A.G. Cox, E. Salway, Hubbard, E.J. Bere, J. Buchanan,E.H. McCann, C.H. Sandbach, J. Howard, W.H. Squire, Whittaker, etc. etc.
There follows a long list of those who sent wreaths.
The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs A.Jackson and Co. under the personal supervision of Mr. R.P. Elliott.
NewburyWeekly News 12 February 1925

WILLIAM CHAMBERLAIN FREEMANTLE

A GENIAL PERSONAILTY STARTED MOTORING AT SEVENTY
A well-known townsman has passed away in the person of Mr. W.C. Freemantle, of "Pomona", Chesterfield-road. Rather more than a week ago he celebrated his 74th birthday. He was up and about as usual on Monday the 26th, when he complained of having caught a cold. The next day he remained in bed. The cold developed into pneumonia, and he died on Sunday afternoon, the great majority of his friends being unaware that he had been indisposed.
William Chamberlain Freemantle was born at Hare Warren, an isolated farm on the top of the Hampshire Hills, above Sydmonton, which was carried on by his father for several years. The son, however, spent most of his boyhood days in Newbury, being brought up by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Fielder. The business firm of Fielder will be remembered as one of the most important in the town. They were not only wholesale and retail grocers in the premises just below the Bridge now occupied by Messrs Toomer's extensions, but were fellmongers, glove-makers, wool staplers and chemists. Mr. Freemantle was apprenticed to the business, and after serving his indentures, was away for some years in Reading and Cheltenham getting further experience. Later on he returned to the town and carried on the business, first with the late Mr. E. Hill and afterwards upon his own responsibility, until his retirement about four and a half years ago.
"Billy" Freemantle, as he was familiarly known amongst his intimates, was a cheery and genial soul, always ready to lend a helping hand. He was regarded as a most business-like and capable accountant, and as such was in great demand as an honorary secretary and honorary treasurer. He acted in these capacities for the Winchcombe Club from its foundation until a year or so ago, and it was only a few weeks before Christmas that a presentation was made to him by the members for the willing work he had done on their behalf. He was also honorary treasurer of the Bowling Club, in which he took the greatest interest, in addition to which he was no mean performer on the green. He was also prominently connected with the old Newbury Flower Show Society in its palmy days.

When he was three score years and ten, after his retirement from business, he learnt to drive a motor, and was never happier than when taking his friends for a ride. William was no "speed merchant," but was truly content to saunter along and enjoy the air and the scenery, and never more so than when he was giving someone else pleasure. He was a man of integrity, and was often called upon to act as executor. He had a host of friends and not a single enemy.

He leaves a widow and one married daughter. His only son, who was analytical chemist of great promise, was killed at Gallipoli, and his death was a great blow to his parents.
The funeral takes place today (Thursday) at the Old Cemetery.
The members of the Newbury Bowling Club are asked to attend the Old Cemetery today (Thursday) at 1.45pm for the late Mr. Freemantle's funeral.

Newbury Weekly News

5 February 1925

Mrs. P. p 17 W. 87

Died 1 February 1925 Burials Book 1917 p. 097 N. 10369