Former coach driver and CBW reader Reginald Feltham was taken on his final journey from Frome to Mendip Crematorium, Shepton Mallet by Vintage Lorry Funerals’ 1950 Leyland Beaver lorry. The company specialises in personalising funerals and when appropriate, a model depicting the occupation or an interest of the dseceased can be built in front of the coffin.
Reg started his employment as a drayman for the Lamb Brewery in Frome before WWII and commenced working for the local council just after the war. However, most of his working life was spent as a coach driver for Crown Tours and subsequently Andrews Coaches. His regular runs involved some long days. His shift would commence collecting workers starting at 0600hrs at the Silk Mill, Brewery or the Singer Foundry from the country villages around Frome. Next he would retrace the route, collecting school children and the time between dropping off the children and taking them home again was spent working for Shepton Mallet Prison. Reg would undertake prison transfers or take trusted inmates to work on local farms and industries. After taking the school children home, Reg would return to Frome to take the workers home and his final job may involve taking the prisoners back to Shepton Mallet.
Sadly in 1977, a motorcyclist came out of a side road and went under Reg’s coach and was killed. Despite being absolved from any blame, which was supported by the people in the coach at the time, Reg never drove any type of vehicle again.
Reg’s interests included rugby and dancing, where he met his future wife Hazel who after over 40 years together predeceased Reg seven months ago.
INFO
If you want to know more about the activities of the 1950 Leyland Beaver then ring 01225 865346 or visit www.vintagelorryfunerals.co.uk.
