Funeral at Burton

The funeral of Mr. Alfred Downing, of the Lodge, Burton Latimer, whose death we recorded last week, took place at Burton Cemetery on Saturday afternoon amid many signs of mourning. The first part of the Burial Service was taken in the Parish Church by the Rector (Rev.W. B. Jacques), who also conducted the committal portion at the graveside. The chief mourners were Messrs. Frank, Fred, and Arthur Downing (sons), Misses Polly, Emily, and Alice Downing, and Mrs. Wallis (daughters), Mrs. F. and Mrs. A. Downing (daughters-in-law), Mr. W. A. Wallis, London (son-in-law), Mrs. York and Mrs. Garton, Wellingborough (sisters-in-law), Mr. J. N. Stokes, Kettering (brother-in-law), Miss F. Downing (niece), Mr. George Garton, Wellingborough; Miss Clara Gardiner (niece), Mr. J. W. Swan (friend). The eldest son living at Blackpool, was unable to be present owing to his wife’s illness. Those in attendance at the graveside included Messrs. C. Barlow, T. Bird, A. J. Ball (Burton Parish Council), B. Pyle, A. G. Hendrey, and F. Addis (Finedon Conservative Association), J. T. Hawthorne, T. Meadows, W. Hill, R. Donald (Finedon Gas Company), D. Roberts (Finedon Charities), C. Walker, C. Hampton, and Dr. Burland, Finedon: Rev. H. and Mrs. Priestland, Mrs W. B. Jacques, Miss Barratt, Mrs. J. Hawkes, Messrs. G. H. Fourt (Burton Conservative Association), V. Norton, E. E. James, W. H. Henson, J. Browning, R. Talbutt, Burton ; W. J. W. Mansbridge, Cranford ; and many others. The coffin was of polished oak, with brass fittings, and the breastplate bore the inscription, ‘Alfred Downing, died March 17^th, 1903, aged 75 years.’ There was a large number of beautiful floral tributes, including the following :-“In loving memory from all his dear children:” “With deepest sympathy from the Burton Latimer Conservative Association:” “From Mr and Mrs. Garton, Wellingborough, with deepest sympathy:” “With deepest sympathy from his niece Clara:” “With kind remembrance from Mr. and Mrs. Preston, The Poplars, Burton Latimer;” “With deep sympathy from J. W. Swan, London;” “Dear Grandpa, with love from Spencer, Kathleen, Eleanor, and Baby;” “In loving memory from Mr. and Mrs. Smith, London;” “With deepest sympathy from Mr. George Billson,” Mr.T. Downing was the undertaker. The grave is close beside that of his wife, who predeceased him some two years. The mourning coaches were supplied by Messrs. Goosey and Son, of Kettering.