John Chiddy's Gravestone

Hanham Local History Society are pleased to confirm that they are funding the replacement of the missing and damaged memorial stones on the grave of John Chiddy at Christ Church, Hanham.  In 1876 John died while saving the express train, the Flying Dutchman, from disaster. The stones were replaced in 1976, one hundred years after Chiddy’s death, by C H Painter life long Church member, local undertaker and historian.  Every effort has been made by the society to contact all known descendants of John Chiddy and we are grateful that neither they nor the church have raised any objections to this replacement.  When the new stone is installed, a rededication service will take place, at which time children from several local schools will be in attendance.  The society acknowledges the valuable assistance of T M Broodrie of Summers Memorial Masons, St George in this venture.  We also register our thanks to our parish councils and the local councillors for their continued support, especially in respect of the research and documenting of local heritage issues carried out by the Society.