May 12, 1951

OLDER residents of Redditch will learn with regret of the death of Mr George Henry Lewis, a member of an old local family, which occurred at his home, Otley Road, Harrogate, on Tuesday.

Although he left Redditch more than half a century ago, Mr Lewis always maintained his interest in the town of his birth and through his generous gift in 1947, improvements were made at the Alcester Street end of the Church Green enclosure.

A low stone wall was erected, lawns planted and seats provided.

A son of the late Mr Ezekiel Lewis, he was born on Christmas Day 1865 and was educated at the old National School.

He left school at 12 years of age and after a brief period as a "half timer" at Messrs Samuel Allcock and Co Ltd, was apprenticed to the grocery trade with Mr William Brown, whose premises were at the corner of Queen Street and Alcester Street.