25th July 1953 SS

LAST WISH OF A WOODMAN

Observed at Sandon

Eighty-years-old Joseph Hudson, woodman on Sandon Estate for nearly 40 years, whose funeral took place at Sandon yesterday, expressed a wish before he died that his funeral procession should drive to Sandon Church past the woods in which he had for so many years plied his craft.

His wish was carried out and instead of the hearse driving up the school lane to Sandon’s picturesque church, set on the crest of one of the parkland hills, the route was taken through Sandon Park, via the main gates.

Widely respected, Mr. Hudson had for many years “looked” the cattle leyed in the park during the summer grazing season, on behalf of farmer owners on the estate and surrounding country areas.

Born at nearby Shirleywich he had worked on the estate since 1912, and was the last of his family, a brother having died a few weeks ago. He is survived by a widow, Mrs. Rosanah Hudson.

Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD