11th May 1946 SA

DEATH OF MR. J.P. FARR

Gardener and Show Judge

The death occurred in the Staffordshire General Infirmary, Stafford, on Saturday, after a short illness, of Mr. J.P. Parr, who was for 45 years head gardener to the Earl of Harrowby at Sandon hall. He was 75. Mr. Farr, who was a native of Croxton, was known in horticultural circles over a wide area as an expert judge, and had judged at such important shows as Shrewsbury and Southport. He retired three months ago, and had since lived at 12, Northesk Street, Stone.

Mr. Farr took a keen interest in the life of the village. He had been a member of the Sandon Village Club since its foundation, and was formerly secretary and chairman. A good all-round cricketer, he put up many good performances when playing for the Sandon Cricket Club, of which he was secretary for many years.

The funeral took place at Sandon Church on Wednesday. The service was conducted by the Rev. J.D. Charlesworth, Hon, C.P. and the organist was Mr. E.R. Bridgeman.

The family mourners were the Widow, Miss Emily Farr, Miss Edith Farr, and Miss M. Farr (daughters), Mr. A. Farr (brother), Mrs. O. Pratt and Mrs. W. Allaker (sisters), and Mr. A. Goldsmith (nephew).

The Earl and Countess of Harrowby, who were filling a public engagement at Stoke, were unable to attend, but were represented by Lord and Lady Sandon. Others present included Mr. T.W. Knowles (agent) and Mrs. Knowles, Mr. H Askey (clerk of works), Messrs. P. Askey, A.R. Ward, G. Evanson, B. Harvey and A. Hines (members of gardening staff), Messrs. S.D. Kent, J.T. Johnson and F. Middleton (representing tenants on the estate), Mr. and Mrs. Blakeman, Messrs. J. Brittain Adams and J. Cadman (churchwardens), Mrs. Brittain Adams, Mr. S.R. Berrisford, Mr. W. Sargeant, Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Wright, Messrs. J. Chilcock, J. Large, W. Johnson, and A. Wright, Mrs. Charlesworth, Mrs. R.H. Dix, Mrs. Lovekin, Mrs. Dix, Mrs. Myatt, Mrs. Downing, Miss Wright, Miss Alcock, and Mrs. Alcock.

Many beautiful wreaths included those sent by the Earl and Countess of Harrowby, members of the Sandon Cricket Club, and members of the Sandon Village Club.

Messrs. Brookfields’ Successors, Stafford carried out the funeral arrangements.

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