JOSEPH HAVELOCK SPACKMAN

THE LATE MR. J.H.SPACKMAN

We regret to record the death of Mr. Joseph Havelock Spackman, which occurred on Saturday at his residence, “Avebury,” Tydehams, Newbury.

Mr. Spackman was 77 years of age. He was born in 1857, the year of the Indian Mutiny, and was named after Sir Henry Havelock, a popular hero of the day. About twelve months ago Mr. Spackman developed heart trouble, after which he was quite an invalid.

Joseph Havelock Spackman came of a well-known family of agriculturalists. He was the son of the late Mr. Clare Flower Spackman of East bury, and started farming at Pigeon-House-farm, Eastbury. He sent from there to the Manor farm, East Garson, where he remained until he retired from farming in 1817. He then came to live in Newbury, first in Andover-road, afterwards building himself a residence in the Tydeham estate.

Mr. Spackmam had the reputation of being a first-rate farmer. But he not only interested himself in his own affairs but gave a great deal of time to the public life of the district. He was for many years a member of the Hungerford Board of Guardians and District Council and was honoured by his fellow members by being elected chairman of both these bodies. It was as long ago as 1912 that he retired from these offices. He was a Justice of the Peace for Berkshire and sat at Lambourn.

Mr. Spackman was a very athletic man. In his youth he was a prominent member of the old Newbury Bicycle Club and rode more than one race on a “penny farthing” machine. He kept up his interest in cycling to the last being a member of the Fellowship of Old Time Cyclists. He was also a very keen lawn tennis player and even in his veteran years was a hard man to beat. He showed uncanny skill with a putter, and if there was a clock golf or putting competition at any fête in the district he was almost certain to be the winner with a score which made golfers green with envy.

He was an authority in meteorological matters and nature phenomena. He was one of the earliest men in the district to record rainfall for the Meteorological Society and his records dated back for close on forty years. He was a clever chess player and in recent years was very keen upon Contract Bridge. He also too an interest in his garden.

Mr. Spackman married the second daughter of the late Mr. Richard Osmond of Weston, who with a son and daughter mourns his loss.

THE FUNERAL

The funeral took place at Newbury Parish Church on Monday afternoon, the service being taken by the Rector, Canon W.L. Cooper.

The mourners were Mrs. Spackman (widow), Mr. J.S. Spackman (son), Miss E. Spackman and Mrs. W. Miller (sisters), Mr. C.F.s. Millar and Mr. A.H. Millar (nephews), Miss Gertrude Osmond (sister-in-law) and Mr. W. L. Spackman (cousin).

There is a list of others present and a note that Major E.R. Portal regrets that he was unable to be present.

The interment was in the Newtown-road Cemetery.

A list of wreaths sent is also given.

Newbury Weekly News 27 December 1934 (needs verification)

Mr. J.H. Spackman's Will

Mr. Joseph Havelock Spackman, J.P. of Tydehams, Newbury died on December 22^nd leaving £22,208, with net personalty £20,566. He left £50 to the Newbury Dispensary.

Newbury Weekly News 25 April 1935

Mrs P. p.189 c 63

Born 8 September 1857. Died 22 December 1934 aged 77

Buried 24 December 1934

Bk 1917 p. 184 No. 11069