John Nightingale (Jack) Welcher

In her letter dated 19 January 2000 Bet Redhead, widow of Stanley, nephew of John Nightingale Welcher writes:

'Stan's (uncle) Jack was a disappointment to his father. Instead of looking after the farming, he used to spend quite a lot of time with the girl he eventually married, thus the land at Berwick Road was disposed of and Uncle Jack then worked as a labourer with the threshing machines until his retirement.'


From Heather Umelas (Welcher) Feb 2003:

"Diana Lillian Bays died at her home in Ingles lane, Doddington on July 13, after being in deteriorating health since March. She was 57.
She was born in Wisbech, the eldest of eight children to Reg and Ella Bart. She moved to Doddington to live with her grandfather, John Nightingale Welcher in Newgate Street when she was nine. When she was ten she and her grandfather moved to a farm in Ingles Lane where she had lived ever since.

She married John Bays in 1966 and the couple celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary i June at Thorpe Hall, Peterborough. After her marriage as well as being a housewife much of her time was occupied with the caring of the animals that she loved, the rearing of calves and other livestock. Many villagers will also remember the vegetable stall she and her daughter ran at the top of Ingles Lane.

She was a devoted mother to her daughter Bridget and son Trevor, who both still live in the family home. She was also fond of her two pet dogs.

The funeral was held on Monday at St. Mary's Church, followed by burial in the churchyard. Doations made during the servive were given to the Chatteris Nurses. (From a paper, 26 July 2002).