Frank was a native of Wokingham and one of a large family of six brothers and three sisters. His father, Herbert Howard Perkins (b. 1852) came to Wokingham from Tasmania and married Emily (1852-1908). Frank was educated at the Old British School in Wokingham and later, privately, by Mr. H. C. Byard.
In his early career Frank was a clerk at the offices of Messrs. Cooke, Cooper and Barry under the supervision of Albert Priest. He later became interested in the cinema and took up the position of assistant manager at a theatre in Bath.
At the outbreak of the First World War Frank joined the French army in which he saw active service. After the armistice he returned to Wokingham and, with his brother Eric, founded a garage in Broad Street and traded as the Perkins Brothers. Later Frank carried on the business with the assistance of his younger brother Alan (b. 1889) who also designed pantechnicans. These were manufactured by a company in Reading. A number of these vehicles were purchased by Reeves Removals. In later life, Frank was also director of The Centre Garage, Eversely, Ltd.
Eric opened a cycle shop in Peach Street assisted by his father, Herbert who was in charge of the workshop and repairs.
In 1916 Frank married Mabel Louise Glover at Christchurch, Reading by whom he had a son and two daughters, Barbara Mabel (b. 1917), Marion Frances (b. 1921) and Buzz, who went to New Zealand.
As a member of the Berkshire Education Committee, Frank represented the authority of the governing bodies of the Easthampstead Park Training College and the East Berks College for Further Education, Windsor. He was also a governor of the Wokingham County Girls’ School.
A Freemason for many years, Frank was a Past Worshipful Master of the Guelph Lodge of Freemasons.
Frank was an accomplished musician and was organist and choirmaster at Wokingham Baptist Church. He was also associated with Crowthorne Methodist Church in a similar capacity.
An enthusiastic sportsman, Frank was at home on the hockey pitch, tennis court, bowling green and billiards table. He served as honorary secretary and treasurer of the Wokingham Excelsior Cricket Club; associated honorary secretary of the Wokingham Hockey Club; secretary of the Wokingham Sports Ground and chairman, vice-president and, from time to time, referee. of the Wokingham Town Football Club. He was also a shareholder of the Reading Football Club.
Frank died suddenly at the age of 65 from heart failure at his home, 41, Broad Street, on the evening of Monday 10th August 1953. His funeral service was held at All Saints’ Church. Perkins Way was named in his memory.
The third associated photograph is of the former Mayoress, Mabel celebrating her 100th birthday with her great grand daughter Lauren and the Wokingham Mayor, Coun. Bob Wyatt.
Wokingham Town Museum Unique Identifier: WTH0149