The West Somerset Free Press, Williton,
Minehead, and Watchet Journal. Saturday 25 Jun 1904
Page 8 Column
6
WIVELISCOMBE.
CYCLING CLUB. - On Thursday, the cycling club had a very enjoyable run. By the kind permission of Sir John FERGUSON-DAVIE, the members were allowed to ride through his grounds at Bittescombe.
SCHOOL TREAT. - The annual Sunday-school treat of the parish church took place on Thursday. After a short service and perambulation of the streets, headed by the town band, under Bandmaster LEWIS, the youngsters proceeded to the cricket field, where they spent an enjoyable time. The church bells rang out merry peals during the dinner hour.
THE DROWNING FATALITY. - On Friday, an inquest was held on the body of Frank RADFORD, son of Mr. Philip RADFORD, of the White Hart Hotel, who was found drowned, as reported in our last issue. The Rev. H. McCRIRICK was chosen foreman of the jury. Mr. RADFORD stated that his son was 22 years of age, and had been in a very depressed state since coming for a holiday from Bristol, where he was employed as a clerk. F. BOWLEY, coachman, of Abbotsfield, stated that his dog called his attention to the body in the pond. The water was about 2 ½ feet deep, and the deceased was lying with his head stuck in the mud. Dr. PENBERTHY stated that he had attended deceased for some time. He was suffering from melancholia, and had delusions, and he was morbidly religious. Death was due to drowning. The jury returned a verdict of “Drowned while of unsound mind.” The foreman expressed the sympathy of the jury and inhabitants with the relatives of deceased. The jury gave their fees to the dispensary funds. The funeral took place on Saturday amid every token of respect.