Gary Hayes with Jack Coleman - Ringmer's last full-time shepherd
Police Group Photograph
The date of this photograph is not known, but type of cap and badge were worn between 1922 and the spring of 1935. It may have been taken outside County Hall in Lewes on the occasion of the extension of Brighton's boundary.
Ringmer Policemen included in the photograph are picked out below.
Austin Hopper | Walter Lamberth |
Chester Perrin |
The Sussex Express of 29 November 1929 carried a report of the funeral of Sergeant Willard, who died on 22 November and was buried in Ringmer Churchyard.
The Bearers were Sergeants Foord, Francis, Hambleton, Johnston, Mockford and Swainston. Police Constables Butler, Gabbitas, Hopper and Smithers acted as pallbearers.
Over 70 members of the Force, with many local people, attended the funeral to pay a last tribute to the memory of one whom everyone respected and whose sudden passing was mourned by all. A long line of police preceded the hearse from the house to the Church. The report notes the many floral tributes.