THE oldest man in Rushden, Fred Dickens, has died. Mr Dickens, 105, of Oval Road, died in Kettering General Hospital last Wednesday, after a short illness, believed to be cancer. Up until the age of 104, Mr Dickens enjoyed bowling and had been, made a life member of his local Rushden club. He leaves a son Hubert Dickens, 71, and daughters Freda Knight, 64 and Joan Harrison, 74. His wife Hilda, who he was with for more than 50 years died 25 years ago. Hubert said: "He would have "a bowl of porridge every morning". That was his most important meal of the day." To celebrate his 105th birthday, Mr Dickens appeared on Radio Northampton with Arnold Peters of The Archers talking about his life. Daughter Joan said: "He remembers when the car and the radio were invented and he met King George V (fifth) during World War I. But he never believed they would get a man on the moon!" Mr Dickens’ funeral was held yesterday, (Wednesday), at St Mary's Church, Rushden, followed by committal at Kettering Crematorium. Donations can be made to the Imperial Cancer Research Fund, c/o A Abbott and Sons Funeral Directors, Bedford Road, Rushden.

Fred and Hilda's Wedding Day They married at 8 o'clock in the morning on Sunday 8th Sept 1917 at Hail Weston.