Source: Newbury Weekly News

Date: 11 February 1937

DEATH OF MR. G. W. LOVE

MAN OF MANY ACTIVITIES

FORMER TOWN COUNCILLOR

55 YEARS A SPECIAL CONSTABLE

We regret to record the death of Mr. G. W. Love, which took place at his residence, "Cambria", Craven-road, Newbury, just before midnight on Thursday. Mr. Love, who was 79 years of age, had been in declining health for some time, but his end came suddenly. He was out in the town on the previous Monday, was taken ill the same evening, and remained in bed until he passed away three days later.

George William Love was a man of many and varied activities. A Wiltshireman by birth, he hailed from the neighbouring town of Swindon, being one of a family of eleven. His father, the late Mr. Elijah Love, was a marine engineer. George served his apprenticeship as a joiner at the Great Western locomotive works, Swindon, at which time his father was at the head of one of the work's departments.

At the age of 25, Mr. G. W. Love went to Reading as foreman to the firm of Messrs. Higgs and Sons, builders. He then worked all round Wiltshire and Somerset for some years, and in 1891 he was in charge of the building of a chapel at Marlborough College. Two other big jobs he was responsible for were the erection of the agriculture college at West Lavington and the re-building of Shockerwick House, Bath, for the Right Hon. John Morley.

In addition he undertook a great deal of work in connection with the restoration of churches, and his first job on settling in Newbury in 1898, was to superintend the alterations to the Wesleyan Chapel for Messrs. Hoskings Bros. Later he was with Messrs. Hopson for some years, until he became a master man. For a time he was in business in Oxford-street, with his son, Mr. H. G. Love, who after his father's retirement in 1920, entered into partnership with Mr. Oliver Brown.

Mr. Love entered into the public life of Newbury, and in May, 1920, put up for the Town Council in a by-election for the East Ward, consequent upon the retirement of Mr. Stephen Knight. His opponent was Mr. Sydney Pine, a signalman, who stood as a Labour candidate. In his election address, Mr. Love said, although in close touch with labour having been a working man all his life, he advocated a moderate policy and offered himself in the interests of all classes of the community. He was successful at the election by 305 votes to 234.

But his tenure in office on the Council did not last for more than 18 months, for in November, 1921, he was defeated in a contest in which there were five candidates for two seats. Mr. Love's long and sound pratical knowledge in the building trade proved very useful to the Housing Committee. He demonstrated his conscientious devotion to duty and attention to detail by climbing on top of the Corn Exchange on one occasion. It was a somewhat perilous task but he went there in order to make a personal survey of what really wanted doing to the roof. He was persuaded again to put up for municipal honours in December, 1930, but once more was among the defeated candidates.

Although a man of peace, Mr. Love was for many years in the Old Wiltshire Volunteers, and he was the proud possessor of medals gained for rifle shooting. When, owing to his age, he was unable to serve in the Great War, he enrolled in the Home Defence Corps. He had a great record of 55 years' service as a Special Constable. He joined up at Swindon in the year 1880, during the Election Riots which lasted for three or four days.

When he retired from business he devoted his leisure to archaeological pursuits. He read a great deal, and delivered numerous lectures, sometimes to the Newbury District Field Club, of which he was a member. One of his special subjects was dew ponds.

On Sundays he was always ready to fill the chair at the P.S.A., or to take a preaching engagement in the villages. He also addressed the Women's Own at the Bartholomew-street Methodist Church on many occasions. He was formerly a trustee of this church, and a regular worshipper there.

Mr. Love was a member of the John Winchcombe Tent of the Order of Rechabites for close on 40 years, and he had passed through all the district offices. At one time he was Superintendent of a Band of Hope, and as a big temperance advocate, he organised temperance fetes, which were spoke of as a "labour of love."

Mr. Love's wife died in December, 1934. She was a life-long member of the Methodist Church, in fact the connection of her family with Methodism can be traced back over 130 years to the days of John Wesley. Mr. and Mrs. Love had been married nearly 57 years, and her passing was a great grief to him. Four sons and one daughter survive, two of the sons being in Australia.

THE FUNERAL

The funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon at the Methodist Church, Bartholomew-street. The officiating minister was the Rev. John E. Ogden, who was assisted by the Rev. Frank Manning.

The hymns were "Jesu, lover of my soul" and "How do Thy mercies close me round". Miss G. New, who was at the organ, played "0 rest in the Lord" (Mendelssohn) as the congregation assembled, and at the conclusion of the service she played "Blest are the departed" (Spohr).

In an appreciation of Mr. Love's work the Rev. J. E. Ogden said the Bartholomew-street Methodist Church had lost one of its best friends and supporters. Mr. Love took a great interest in the building itself, but he also helped the cause as a speaker at meetings and as an auxiliary local preacher. He had done many kindnesses, and he left behind an example and an influence which would be felt. Their sympathy went out to the family in their great sorrow.

The family mourners were: Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Love, Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Love (sons and daughters-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. J. Green (son-in-law and daughter), Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Love, Misses Eunice and Nora Green, Miss Dorothy Love, Misses Frances and Milly Love (grand-children).

Then follows a list of others present and of the wreaths sent.

The interment was in the same grave as deceased's wife in the Newtown-road Cemetery.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. E. B. Hitchman, Oxford Street, Newbury.

Mrs. P. Code C.64 Page 189

He died on 4 February 1937 at 79 years and he was buried on 9 February 1937 from 6 Craven Road.

Book No. 1917 Page No.201 Record No. 11204

Also Eunice Love who died on 8 December 1934 at 75 years. She was buried on 12 December 1934.

Book No.1917 Page No.184

Record No.11067