Past "In Memoriam" Notices

A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that November is a month to remember, I am still awaiting to hear from you with regard to the War Memorial.

But on looking through some old scrap books, I came across a couple of obituary notices from the Whatlington News (dated Easter 1999). The first is of a long term resident from Whatlington and the other was a familiar figure from the village.

Whatlington bids farewell to Lily

Whatlington has lost a long-established resident. Lily Upton, born in Salehurst, had lived there since 1946 and at Brambles on the Green since 1951. She and her husband Jack, who celebrated their golden wedding anniversary six years ago, moved to Roselands in Brede just before Christmas and Lily died there peacefully on the 7th of January.

It was a great loss to her friends, of whom I must be one of the oldest as I had known her since she came to work for my grandmother at Vinehall in 1936. During the war she served for six years in the Naafi, where she learned her matchless skill as a sausage roll maker! Later, she was housekeeper for my mother in Battle for 25 years, becoming a wonderful carer and a really supportive friend. 

Lily would have made an excellent professional nurse, and it was a great joy to her when her daughter Rosemary qualified as as S.R.N.. Later, she and Jack were thrilled when their grandson Russell passed out top of his year with distinction at Plumpton college; he now farms at Burwash.

Essentially a practical person, neighbours could count on Lily's help. Her cooking was famous and her delicious and generous contributions were welcomed at village events. A lover of the countryside, she was a keen gardener with green fingers as well as a skilled flower arranger. recently she got out very little but she still enjoyed the beauty of the flower festivals in the Church.

Always courteous, she was a splendid letter writer: her friends will miss the notes she made sure of sending on special occasions. 

At her funeral in Hastings on January 21 the Rector spoke warmly about Lily and everyone expressed appreciation of her friendship as well as their sympathy for Jack, Rosemary and Ralph and Russell. 

Benedicta Whistler

Last month we had the sad news of the sudden death of David Frith. David was a popular man who seemed to make friends readily. He was known to many through his work as a postman, and through his keen interests in bee-keeping. Many people were recipients of a jar of David's honey.

A couple of years ago, David married Frances and they moved to live in Polegate. David recently had undergone surgery in Eastbourne General Hospital. 

He died on February 21st and his funeral was at Whatlington on March 3rd followed by his burial in our churchyard. We offer our sympathy to his wife Frances, to his daughter Carol and to all the family. may David rest in peace with the risen Lord whom he loved and served.

Father Colin Pritchard

As I said at the beginning of this posting, both these notices were originally printed in the Whatlington News around Easter 1999. The reason why I posted these past "In Memoriam" notices is that I am interested in what people remember of both of these people and look forward to reading your comments.