EMMA KIMBER
The death has occurred within a week of her 89th birthday of Mrs Emma Kimber who has occupied 2 Kimbers Almshouses, for the last 27 years. Her late husband Frederick Kimber, was a descendant of John Kimber, the founder of the almshouses in 1795.

AGED ALMSWOMAN’S DEATH
As announced in our last issue the death occurred on January 8th of Mrs. Emma Kimber, who occupied 2, Kimber’s Almshouses, for the last 27 years. She was the widow of the late Frederick Kimber, a descendant of John Kimber, the founder of the almshouses in 1795, and an Alderman of the Borough. Mr. Frederick Kimber was in business as a butcher in Bartholomew-street, opposite to the “Black Boys,” and in addition traded in the sale of sweets, of which a particular black variety earned considerable notoriety.

Mrs. Kimber was the eldest daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Langton, corn salesman, of The Wharf, and was born and bred in Newbury. Had she lived another week she would have celebrated her 89th birthday. She was a wonderful old lady for her age, and an adept needlewoman, retaining her faculties until the end. She had been under the care of Dr. Wyllie, but though not accustomed to going out in the town for the last year or so, frequently conversed with her neighbours, and was active up to within two days of her death. She had two sons, both of whom have left the town.

The Rector, Rev. L.R. Majendie, officiated at the funeral, which took place at the Old Cemetery on January 11th.

The mourners were Mr. Ben Kimber (son) of London, Mr. Tom Langton (nephew), Mrs. Evans (niece), and Miss Johns, a close companion of the deceased.

R B Tubb in his book Newbury Road By Road (ISBN 0-9507736-9-7) refers to the Kimber Almshouses twice:-
Bear Lane: ... there stood twelve Kimber's Almshouses, which date from 1795: they were demolished soon after being vacated in 1939. (page 35)
Kennet Road:... A little further to the south in this road is the entrance to Kimber's Almshouses. There are twelve of them, built in 1939, when they replaced the original Kimber's Almhouses that were built on the corner of Cheap Street and Bear Lane. The almshouses take their name from John Kimber, who was Mayor of Newbury in 1758-9. He died on 27th March 1793 and by his will, he directed that his trustees should build twelve almshouses for six men and six women, who were to be parishoners of St. Nicholas' Church, sober and virtuous, not themselves having received poor relief or alms. He also left money for other almshouses and for education, which included provision for ten poor boys to attend the Blue Coat School (in Northcroft Lane at that time). John Kimber lies buried in St. Nicholas' Church, near to a monument in his memory. Kimber Close (immediately east of the almshouses and build during 1973-5, is not part of the Kimber Charity. (page 151)