Harry & Nellie Rixon
From Lacey Green History
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Harry Rixon born 1902 at Great Hampden was the son of Walter & Mary Ann Rixon
Clara B Ford, known as 'Nellie' born 1902 was the adopted daughter of Rupert & Beatrice May Rixon
Harry and Nellie married in 1924
Harry and Nellie had 1 child as follows:-
1974 Bucks Free Press report. Harry and Nellie Rixon of 1 Erith Cottages, Main Road A Lacey Green couple whose marriage has seen hard times as well as good celebrate their Golden Wedding today declaring they wouldn't have missed a moment of it. They are, in fact looking forward to celebrating their diamond wedding together.
Harry and Nellie of 1 Erith Cottages, Main Road have known each other since early childhood. The secret of their happy marriage, they say, is that they have always enjoyed each other's company, enjoyed sharing everything together - although in the early days after their wedding at Lacey Green Methodis Chapel in 1924 there often wasn't much of a material nature to share!
The couple, who can recall when their combined wages barely equalled the cost of two packets of cigarettes at today's prices, have no regrets.
Six Shillings. Harry started work at the age of 13 on a local farm. His days began at 6am seven days a week for which he was paid the princely sum of six shillings a week.
After a couple of years farming he decided there was more future in the furniture industry and went off to join the famous Chiltern bodgers in the woods of Great Hampden. There he was taught the basics of the chair trade, from selecting a tree and felling it, turning a chair leg and transporting a tree by horse-drawn 'Timberbob' into the factories of High Wycombe.
In 1923 Harry joined the furniture manufacturers W Hands and Sons of Dashwood Avenue, High Wycombe serving them as a wood machinist until 1945 when he gave up the chair trade to become a stoker at Bomber Command (as it was then) at Walters Ash, working there for 21 years until he retired.
Celebrations. Nellie prefers to forget the early years when she earned four shillings a week as a 'domestic help'. Instead she is grateful for her 35 years' association with the Methodist Chapel which has enabled her to pursue her passionate love of music. An accomplished organist she occasionally still plays at functions held at the chapel.
At the October meeting of The 81st Club held at Lacey Green Village Hall the couple were guests of honour. The committee and members laid on a Golden Wedding party for them with a specially prepared cake. During a most enjoyable afternoon's entertainment they were presented with a half tea service and a large bouquet of flowers.
This evening Harry and Nellie will hold a small celebration party with their only son Archie at a local hotel.
Hallmark February 1989. reporting the sad loss of Mrs Nellie Rixon.