Harry Baxter
10/7/1901 - 10/9/1961
He was born at Broughton in 1901 and was taught to ring there by his father, the late Mr. Horace D. Baxter. His first peal was of doubles rung at Pytchley in 1921.
On the resumption of ringing after the 1914-1918 war he began to visit Kettering, where he was encouraged by the leader of the then prominent band, the late Mr. David J. Nichols, soon becoming efficient on the higher numbers and ringing many peals, conducting quite a few. One peal of which he was very proud was the first peal for the recently formed Peterborough Diocesan Guild, on February 9 1924 - Bob Major at Desborough, which he conducted.
He was a very hard-working Branch secretary of the Kettering Branch from 1926 to 1946, and was a representative of the Guild on the Central Council from 1932 to 1946. His health not being good, he resigned both offices. Although he rang his 75th peal in 1926, his total was only in the 90's, of which 72 were rung with the writer. The exact number is not to hand, but included peals from Doubles to Stedman Caters and Cambridge Royal.
He had to leave off work two years or more ago and had not enjoyed good health since. He was a very modest man and one it was a pleasure to have had as a friend. Harry was a foreman in a boot and shoe factory, and worked and lived at Rothwell for several years, during which time he was a member of the Rothwell band.
The funeral service was at Kettering Parish Church on September 13 followed by cremation. Besides the family mourners (his wife, two sons and one daughter) were many ringers and friends. The bells were chimed before the service and were rung half-muffled following. They were also rung half-muffled on the previous evening. May he rest in peace.
Author: Robert G Black
