Tag Archives: 1961

1961 obituary of Albert Bowdery

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From the Mitcham News & Mercury, 24th February, 1961

Timber Yard Man Dies In Hospital

A man who joined the Merchant Navy when he was 10 and sailed round the world twice before leaving the service, died on Friday at his Rose Avenue, Mitcham, home.

He was Mr. Albert Henry Bowdery who, until six months ago, lived for many years at Bath Road, Mitcham. He was 61.

Mr. Bowdery was best known for the timber yard he ran from his home. He retired and became security officer at Wimbledon Greyhound track about six months ago.

During the first world war, when he was 17, Mr. Bowdery was twice in ships which were sunk. Both incidents occurred within six weeks and, on one occasion, he was picked up by a German ship after being six hours in the sea and was interned in Holland.

Mr. Bowdery died in hospital. He leaves a widow, a son, two brothers and a daughter.

The funeral was on Friday 24th February 1961 at London Road Cemetery.

1961 Baths Superintendent retires

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From the Mitcham News & Mercury, 24th February, 1961

For the past 28 years Mr Charles Paterson Walker has been keeping 126,000 gallons of water clean and at the right temperature.

Next May he won’t have to bother any more. He is retiring from the post of Mitcham Baths Superintendent.

But 65-year-old Mr Walker will not be forgotten when he leaves. By the end of the month he hopes to finish his “diary of events,” telling the story of the Baths.

At his Epsom home he told me this week: “There have been so many events there over the years I thought I would keep a record.”

Mr Walker himself has led an interesting life. Before he took over the Baths in 1929 he was a marine engineer on a luxury shipping line. He left because of the big slump at the time.

During the last war his main task was keeping about 150,000 officers and men and 500 Wrens warm. He was in charge of the heating at a Fleet Air Arm training base in Lancashire.

Any plans for his retirement?
“I am just going to take things easy,” he said.