Upton Village | Obituaries

• Monday, June 29th, 2009

On Sunday 24^th May, Upton suffered another huge loss when Julia Williams passed away at the age of 66 years.

Most people in the village knew Julia for one reason or another, perhaps as the ‘Queen’ of flapjack and tiffin baking, as a deliverer of ‘Meals on Wheels’ and the Upton News, or for collecting for the Poppy Appeal. Julia was especially proud of the British Legion Brooch that she was awarded for 20 years of collecting, however, I think mostly she will be remembered for her friendly smile and chat or the pip of her car horn and a huge wave as she passed by.

Julia, husband Willy and sons Howard and Simon moved to Upton from Blewbury about 25 years ago and soon settled in making new friends and becoming involved in various village activities. tragically 10 years ago, Willy suddenly passed away at the age of 57 and Julia had spent the last 10 years living on her own.

Despite having both hips replaced during recent years she was always busy baking or tending her garden. Much time was spent with family especially grandson Sam who thought the world of his Granny.

St Michael’s Church in Blewbury was completely full for the service of thanksgiving for Julia’s life and the large number of people who attended reflected the deep loss that was felt by everyone. Her generous nature and willing attitude to help people in all types of situations was second to none, she was a true friend and words cannot describe how much she will be missed.

Helen Weston

Category: Obituaries

George Milford Cottam

• Thursday, June 4th, 2009

George Milford-Cottam. 4^th May 1918 – 19^th May 2009.

Mr Milford-Cottam, who lived at Barn Acre in Stream Road, was brought up in West London and worked in insurance. He belonged to a yeomanry regiment which was mobilised when war started and sent to the Middle East as part of the horse mounted 1^st Cavalry Division. Soon afterwards he volunteered to serve with the newly formed Long Range Desert Group operating hundred of miles behind enemy lines in the Desert. By 1944 his regiment formed part of an armoured brigade which landed in Normandy on D Day. Within a few weeks he was shot through the neck when looking out of the turret of his tank and was invalided back to the UK.

As a debonair bachelor in London after the war he became well known in the world of opera and ballet, and eventually became Chairman of the London Ballet Circle. He also appeared as a sophisticated man about town in advertisements for cigars published in colour supplements.

He married fairly late in life, though he and his wife, Diana, lived to enjoy their silver wedding anniversary. Together they helped to form the Goring and District Fine Arts Society which now numbers 460 members. George served as the first chairman.

On moving to Upton they joined St Mary’s Church and served on the Parochial Church Council. He bequeathed his body for medical research and so the usual funeral service was replaced with a service of thanksgiving for his life.

Category: Obituaries

Myra Louisa Dowding

• Saturday, November 15th, 2008

Myra Louisa Dowding has died at the age of 107. Myra was born and brought up in Upton and used to play the organ at St. Mary’s. Her father (or was it grandfather?) was Thomas Butler who has a tombstone in the graveyard by the church. Up until recently when she was taken into the JR, she lived on her own, supported by carers, in the parish of St. Peter’s Didcot.

The funeral will take place at St Mary’s on Monday 3rd November at 11am.

Category: Obituaries