Apprenticed as a boy to the trade of miller, Mr. Charles Henry Huckin served in 12 mills before he retired when the mill at Castlethorpe closed down. He had experienced using wind, water, gas and steam engines for power for the mills, and was an expert in dressing mill stones.

After leaving Castlethorpe about 17 years ago (1936), where he was miller for 20 years, Mr. Huckin moved to Stony Stratford. His death took place there on 6th August at 87 Clarence Road, within a week of his 82nd birthday.

Born at Chipping Norton he had worked in mills at Stroud, Slough, Banbury, Twyford, Towcester and Winslow. After his retirement from Castlethorpe, where he worked for Mr. Charles Whiting he often went as a relief miller to Towcester, Newport Pagnell, or where a man was required, making the daily journey by cycle.

After living in a mill house for most of his life, Mr. Huckin retained a great interest in mills, and often cycled out to see those still operating in the district.

Four years ago at Thornborough he was challenged to carry a sack of corn, weighing 2cwts., and successfully carried this up to the second floor of the mil.

He continued to ride a bicycle until he was well over 80, and was also well-known for his love of poetry, Kipling was his favourite, and even during the past three months when he was in fading health he recited a poem of over 2,000 words that he had learned as a boy.

The funeral service took place at Stony Stratford Congregational Church on Saturday, conducted by the Rev. J. H. Eddleston. The interment was in the London Road cemetery. Mourners present were Mr. R. Huckin (son), Mr. and Mrs. Capel and Mr. and Mrs. F. Seabourne (sons-in-law and daughters). Unable to be present were Mr. W. Huckin (brother), who is in Canada. Miss E. Huckin (Brackley) and Mrs. E. Townsend, Chadlington (sister).