Death of Miss Edith Dolton

MEMBER OF OLD NEWBURY FAMILY

County President of B.W.T.A.U.

We regret to announce the death of Miss Edith Dolton, of “Winchcombe”, St. John’s-road, Newbury, which took place in a nursing home on January 24^th.  She was taken ill with pneumonia in March last and never properly recovered.

 Miss Dolton belonged to a well-known Newbury family, being the youngest daughter of the late Alderman Henry Dolton, of Kendrick House.  In her younger days she had a beautiful voice, and she took solo parts in the Newbury Choral Society’s concerts.  She was also in much demand on local concert platforms.

 For many years Miss Dolton took a leading part in the activities of the Wesleyan, now Methodist Church, in Northbrook-street, where she sang in the choir.  But her most notable work was in connection with temperance.  When her sister, Miss Rose Dolton, died in April, 1922, she continued her good work for this cause, first as secretary of the Newbury branch of the B.W.T.A.U., and for three years she was honoured by being elected president of the county Union.  Outside her own church she concerned herself in town affairs in a warm-hearted and sympathetic manner.

THE FUNERAL

 Many friends attended the funeral service which took place at the Bartholomew-street Methodist Church on Friday.  The Rev. A.S. Higson (superintendent minister) officiated, assisted by the Rev. A. Russell Potts and the Rev. T. Haydon Wainwright, who read the lesson.

 The hymns were “Jesus Lives!” and “Sweet is the Work, my God, my King”, while the organist, Mr. C.G. Griffin played “Fidelis” (P. Whitlock), and “O Rest in the Lord” (Mendelssohn), as the congregation assembled.  He played “Blest are the Departed” (Spohr), at the conclusion of the service.

 In a tribute to Miss Dolton, the Rev. A. Russell Potts said her personality was such that she was beloved by all, both rich and poor alike.  She was always gracious, kindly and sympathetic in her nature, and whilst possessing those fundamental qualities which constituted a fine Christian character, she had, in addition, a gay bright happy spirit and was full of optimism.  He spoke of her sparkling wit; her strong spirit, which was well-balanced by the strength and courage of her convictions, and which was well expressed in the principles she upheld, especially when defending the weak, whether a human being or an animal.  He referred to her literary and musical gifts and her reputation as a singer, her philanthropic works, and her connection particularly with the women’s department of the Methodist Overseas Missions, the National Children’s Home and Orphanage, and the National British Women’s Total Abstinence Union. “Her life was filled with noble service”.

 The family mourners were Mr. C.W. Early, Witney (brother-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. H.S. Dolton, Mr. Rupert Dolton, Mr. Harry J. Fidler, Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Fidler, Miss Fidler (Nephews and nieces) and Miss Rose Lomas.  Mrs. Corley and Miss J.D. Early (Nieces) were unable to be present.

Members of the N.B.W.T.A.U. present included:- Mrs. Munro Ashman (national President), Mrs. E.T. Shorney (County president), Miss Pavey ( organising secretary), Mrs. Pierson (secretary), Mrs. Clifford (treasurer), Mrs. Rusbridge, Mrs. G.E. Slater, Mrs. J.H. Pike, Mrs. F. Robbins, Mrs. G. Rutter, Mrs. L. Smith (Thatcham).  Mrs. Spurgeon (Reading) and Mrs. Pattinson (Maidenhead) were unable to attend.

There then follows a list of others present.

 The interment was in the Newtown-road Cemetery, in the same grave as Miss Dolton’s sister was buried.  There was a request for no flowers.

Also : Miss Dolton died at the Holloway Sanatorium, Virginia Water, Surrey.  She left £3,013 2s 3d to Douglas Charles Fidler (engineer & surveyor) and Rose Mary Lomas (niece).

NWN 05/02/1942

Mrs P p. 9 S 29

d. 24/01/1942

b. 30/01/1942

BK 1917 p. 236 No. 11488

Newtown Road Cemetery Grave of the Month Edith Dolton 1866-1942
The youngest daughter of Alderman Henry and Emma Dolton. The family were corn merchants with premises at the Wharf and Shaw Mill.
Edith was in demand as a solo soprano and also sang with the Wesleyan Methodist Choir. In 1903 she joined the Passive Resisters and refused to pay her education rates on religious grounds. She was still refusing when World War 1 started! She was active in the British Women’s Total Abstinence Union, being County President for three years. She believed both men and women should never drink alcohol. Her obituary comments she had a ‘sparkling wit’. Not according to the one photo we have of her!
Edith’s grave is along the south wall