Horace, known to his friends as Bill, hailed from Australia, was a senior master at Brackenhale School. He started his professional career in 1934 at York after completing his studies at London University. He was noted for having a concern for young people and having a respect for their rights.
He married Thelma L., nee Jenvey (1918-1991) in 1946. Four years later, they came to Wokingham where they took up residence, first at No. 330 London Road, and later at No. 44 Waterloo Road. In the years that followed they had two children, Sarah Helen(b. 1969) and Deborah Louise (b. 1968), later Shepherd.
He joined Wokingham Town Council in 1962 where he was noted for having the gift of being able to keep debates to the point without ruffling feathers. Thelma was his Mayoress.
In addition to his duties as Liberal Councillor, Bill was vice-chairman of the Wokingham branch of the British Legion. He was awarded the O.B.E. for services to army education. Thelma joined the Earl Haig Fund and was a collector for fifteen years.
After collapsing at a wedding in February 1970 Horace spent most of the remaining few months of his life in hospital. His Deputy Mayor, Councillor Jean Davy, performed his Mayoral duties until Councillor John West took over.
After a third emergency operation in St. Thomas’s Hospital, London on Wednesday, 13th of May 1970, he died that evening. He was 57. His funeral took place at All Saints Parish Church on the following Wednesday,
Thelma moved to the south cost in early 1970s and she died on April 3rd 1991 from a respiratory illness. Her funeral was held in Bournemouth on April 10th.
Wokingham Town Museum Unique Identifier: WTH0123