Harry Percy Cook

GREAT LOSS TO

CASTLETHORPE

Mr. Harry P. Cook

Dies at 79

Mr. Harry Percy Cook, one of the most conscientious workers that Castlethorpe Parish Council can ever have possessed, died at his home, The Cottage, Castlethorpe, on Sunday morning. He was 79.

Officially churchwarden, there was hardly a church task or office to which Mr. Cook did not turn his hand at some time or other. Sexton, treasurer, bellringer, voluntary organist, sidesman, money-riser. He collected or helped raise many hundreds of pounds during the years he was associated with the church and his passing is a great loss to the parish as a whole.

Though born at Wolverton (his parents where Castlethorpe people), Mr. Cook spent most of his early life at Nuneaton where his family had a fruiterer and florist business. With his mother he returned to Castlethorpe in 1919 and until his retirement in 1958 worked the Shepperton fruit farm in the village.

He soon became well known as a stallholder at the Wolverton Market and within a year or so of coming to Castlethorpe formed the village choral society and was the conductor. Later this became the Church Musical Society and functioned until the outbreak of the 1939-45 war.

Almost 30 years ago he was appointed Vicar’s warden and for the last 14 years had been organist. His other offices included that of clerk of the Feoffee Charity, one he had held for 20 years. He was a keen follower of the village cricket and football.

Mr. Cook had not been well for almost a year and had spent two months in hospital. He leaves a widow, formerly Miss Nellie Sprittles, their marriage taking place in 1922.

The funeral service was on Wednesday at Castlethorpe Parish Church. A report will appear in our next issue.

There were many friends at the unreal service for the late Mr. Harry Cook at Castlethorpe Parish Church on Wednesday of last week. As we announced in out lst issue Mr. Cook, a well known church worker, died at Castlethorpe, on August 28, aged 79.

The service was conducted by the Vicar of Hanslope the Rev. D. Wingate, Mrs. W. Cooke was the organist and the choir led the chanting of the 23rd Psalm and the singing of the hymns “How sweet the name of Jesus sounds” and “Angel voices ever singing”. Mr. Walter Beasley read the lesson.

Family mourners were Mrs. N. Cook (widow), Mr. E. Axon (nephew), Mrs. I. Axon (sister), Mrs. F. Irons (aunt), Miss D. Sprittles, Mr and Mrs. D. Sprittles, Mr. L. Nichols (cousins), Mr. J. Stanley, Mr. A. Stanley (evacuee friends). Miss M. A. Cook, Mrs. F. Brown, Mr and Mrs. O. T. Dixon, Mr. W. Beasley and representing Mr. Mayes (friends).

Friends in church included: Mr. and Mrs. Tom West (churchwarden and representing Mr. R. Holt sidesman), Mrs. F. Mills, Mr. A. Burbidge, Mr. F. Carter, Mr. N. West, Mrs. L. Robinson, Mrs. J. May, Miss Jones, Mrs. K. Wilks also representing Mrs W. Furniss), Mrs. E. Carter, Miss E. M. Buxton, Miss A. M. Buxton, Mrs. D. Pittam, Mrs. L. Mullins, Mrs. H. Gray, Mr. and Mrs. H. T. Geary.