COUNCILLOR Thomas Johnson Barrow, the Mayor of Accrington for only two weeks, was a man “who served his community and country well.”

So said the Mayor’s chaplain, the Rev. G. Storey at the civic funeral service in St Paul’s Church, Accrington on June 10, 1969.

Hundreds of people gathered in the sunshine to pay tribute to Cllr Barrow. A guard of honour was formed outside the church by leading citizens, freemen, aldermen and councillors.

The Mayor’s attendant, Mr Roland Taylor, led the cortege carrying the mace which was decorated with a black ribbon.

He was followed by the coffin which was covered with the scarlet mayoral robes and a wreath of red carnations.

Alderman James Hodson, leader of the Liberal party, carried the Mayor’s chain of office on a black velvet cushion.

The Mayoress, Mrs Florence Barrow, wearing a beige coat and black accessories followed with close members of her family including her son John and daughter Alice.

The police gave a formal salute as the coffin was carried through into the church.

Mr Storey said many kind words had been said about Cllr Barrow at his election and installation and he could not really add more. He said: “This is a day of mourning.”