George Tubby 1923 – 1999
From the Parish News – November 1999
George was a character whose memory will live on in the village of Denton for many years. One can imagine him as being a model of a true Yeoman of England. Hard working - he loved the countryside - cultivating the soil and tending his animals, he was always ready to make the most of any opportunity which came his way and had the allotments as a small-holding for many years.He was born in one of the cottages now known as 'Twin Cottage' in Middle Road, the second child of a family of five. His father George took work at Mattishall when he was two, but they returned to Denton to take over Grandfather Lewis Tubby's coal business which was run from the house and premises now known as ' Jasmine Cottage' in Norwich Road. The family all attended Denton School. On leaving, George worked for Harry Fairhead at Haggard's Farm until the outbreak of war when he helped with the construction of Hardwick Airfield until he was called up aged 17 and joined the Royal Norfolk Regiment. He was promoted to Corporal, became a dispatch rider and saw action in Europe. He spoke little of his wartime experiences, but did once reveal that he was one of the first to witness the horrors of Belsen at the time of the Allied advance.
After the war he met Vera who was in the Women's Land Army and they settled in Denton again. After a spell in the council houses on Norwich Road they moved to Rectory Cottage around 1959 and he was verger at St Marys until his health gave way. He had needed nursing care for the past three years.
He worked several years for Jack and Bert Wade at Manor Farm and later as lorry driver for Gills of Harleston and Buxted Poultry. One of his great hobbies was making cider which he did with Bert and Jack Wade. He was down to earth in his manner and could be a little irascible, but one always knew where one stood with George. He was very proud of the achievements of his family with all seven children making independent careers.
Our condolences go to Vera and children Janet, Stephen, Linda, Martin, Bernard, Clifford and Rachel; also to his sisters Violet and Mary, and brother Lewis (Ned).