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CRANE, John Albert (1875-1960)

Albert Crane was one of the fine old characters of Badsey.  Of late years he had been blind and ailing, and used to receive Holy Communion at home.  He was one of the few left among us who could describe Badsey Church before the restoration of 1885, being a member of the mixed choir formed by the Rev T H Hunt at that time to sing in the restored chancel, the gallery having been pulled down.  He was always enthusiastic about the achievements of Badsey Choir.  This choir used to sing at Wickhamford on alternate Sundays.  Albert gave up going there when he got into trouble because Ernest Mustoe stuck a pin into him!  He started work at Aldington at the age of 11, and received 10/- a month.  He was a very hard worker all his life.  In the sports held on the Green for Queen Victoria’s Jubilee, 1887, he won seven first prizes.  Later, as a man, he was to know much sadness.  After a fine record of active service in the Great War, at a later age than most volunteers, he lost his in the great flu epidemic.  He was a very lovable old man.  Our sincere sympathy to all the members of his family.

Published in the May 1960 Parish Magazine.