BADSEY MARKET GARDENER – Death of Mr W F Nightingale
The death of Mr William Francis Nightingale of 21 Synehurst, Badsey, took place at his home early on Saturday morning. Mr Nightingale, who was 52 years of age, was the eldest son of the late Mr & Mrs Frank Nightingale of Badsey.
Born in Badsey, he was educated at Badsey Council School, and except for war service, spent all his life in the village. He was engaged in the market gardening industry, for many years on his own account. During the 1914-18 war, Mr Nightingale was on active service with the 7th Worcestershire Regiment, and was taken prisoner during the Battle of the Somme. He was a member of the Badsey, Aldington and Wickhamford branch of the British Legion, and many members were present at the funeral to pay their last respects to an old comrade. Of a quiet and retiring disposition, he had a wide circle of friends. He leaves a widow and an adopted daughter.
The funeral took place at Badsey on Tuesday afternoon, the interment in St James’ churchyard following a short service in the church. The chief mourners were Mrs W F Nightingale (widow), Miss A Miller (adopted daughter), Mr & Mrs John Nightingale, Mr & Mrs James Nightingale (brothers and sisters-in-law), Mrs A Clarke (sister), Mr & Mrs S Cook (brother-in-law and sister), Mr & Mrs R Newman, Mrs B Bostridge, Mr W Myers, Mr A Myers (brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law), Mr A Freeman, Mr F Newman and Mr A Myers, Mrs A Emma and Miss T Bostridge (nephews and nieces), Mr G Nightingale, Mr T Nightingale and Mrs C Major (cousins). Among a large number present at church were Mr & Mrs C A Cook (his late employer), Mr & Mrs R Spiers, Mr & Mrs G Malins, Mrs W Geden, Mrs W Bennett, Mrs W Bell and Mrs E Mitchell, while several members of the British Legion fell in at the church gate. The coffin, which was draped with the Union Jack, was borne by Messrs Bert Jelfs, T Wilson, W Keen (all of whom were prisoners of war with Mr Nightingale), W Yates, G Evans and G Crisp (members of the British Legion). A large number of beautiful floral tributes included a wreath from the local branch of the British Legion, Mr P Case acting as wreath bearer.