Mr Frank J Sharwood

An influential figure in the boot industry and in many movements at Rushden, Mr. Frank Joseph Sharwood (83) died on Friday night at his residence, “Farningham House,” Park Road, Rushden.

A nephew of “Marianne Farningham,” the well-known poetess, Mr. Sharwood was born at Northampton and learned boot craftsmanship there, moving to Rushden at the age of 18. By 1897 he was partner in the firm of G. Selwood and Co., eventually becoming senior director.

Prominent on the administrative side of the industry, he carried out important missions to Paris and Dantzig at times of crisis. President of Rushden Boot Manufacturers’ Association from 1926 to 1931, he also served the General Purposes Committee of the National Federation and held many positions associated with technical education and arbitration.

Senior deacon

Mr. Sharwood spent several years on the County Council and did great work for Rushden House Sanatorium. He was senior deacon of Park Road Baptist Church, a Freemason and Rotarian, a leader in Liberalism and president of the St. Cecilia Singers, with whom he often travelled to concerts and contests. Almost every social cause had his assistance at one time or another.

A widow, a son and four daughters are bereaved.

Cremation took place privately at Kettering on Tuesday and several hundred people attended a service at the Park Road church, Rushden, on Wednesday afternoon, many public and other organisations being represented.

The Rev. A. Stuart Arnold led the service and the Rev. T. W. Gill, of Cambridge, gave an address, singing hymns being led by the church choir and the St. Cecilia Singers. The ashes were afterwards interred at Rushden cemetery.

Singers’ tribute to president

A silent tribute to the late Mr. Frank Sharwood, president since the choir’s formation during the war, opened the annual meeting of the St. Cecilia Singers at Rushden on Monday evening.

Mrs. W. M. Horrell, who presided, and several others, spoke of the choir’s great loss. The election of a new president was deferred.

Reports showed that the Singers have had a successful year in concerts, contests and broadcasting. There was a balance of £45 on the general fund. On the social side the work of the Ladies’ Welfare Committee was acknowledged with gratitude.

Mr. C. T. M. Francis (musical director), Miss Mary Gomm (accompanist), Mr. E. H. Durham (chairman), Mr. Harry Smith (secretary), and other officers were re-elected. Mrs. Sharwood was added to the list of vice-presidents.