Obituary - Edward James Soal

This article was originally published in the August 2002 edition of Soul Search, the journal of The Sole Society.

Well known to hundreds of Churcher’s College boys, Edward James Soal, of 27 Rushes Road, Petersfield, a gardner at the college for 20 years, has died in Petersfield Hospital. He would have been 80 next month.

Mr Soal, who was born at Harting, retired from his kob at the College about three years ago to nurse his ailing wife, who died six months later.

Prior to working at Churcher’s he worked as coachman-gardener for Mr Charles Seward of Borough House, Petersfield, for 23 years.

He was buried in Petersfield Cemetery after a short funeral service in St Peter’s Church, Petersfield, conducted by the Vicar, the Rev. E.C.A. Kent.

Chief mourners were Messrs. E. Soal, W. Soal and C. Soal (sons), Mrs G. Wateridge, Mrs A. Butler and Mrs H. Silver (daughters), Mrs C. Soal (daughter-in-law), Mr H. Silver (Son-in –law), Mr G. Phillips (brother-in-law), Mrs Kemp (niece). Among others were Mr C. Seward and Miss V. Seward, Mr H. Clements, representing Churcher’s College, and Mr Frank Carpenter (representing Hampshire Friendly Society). Numerous wreaths included those from the governors, headmaster and staff of Churcher’s and Mr and Mrs C. Seward