HUNDREDS of people are expected to gather at St John's Church, Devizes, tomorrow (Fri, 26) for the funeral of Wadworth's Major John Bartholomew.
His beloved shire horses will be on parade outside the church in Long Street as people arrive for the 2.30pm thanksgiving service which will follow a private family ceremony.
Major Bartholomew, who had a distinguished military career during the Second World War, joined the family brewing firm after the war. He became chairman of Wadworth in 1952 and remained at the helm until 1996. He only retired as a director in 2013.
He died earlier this month, aged 95, three months after suffering a fall.
Major Bartholomew, who lived in Poulshot, brought the shire horses back to the brewery in 1974 and took great pride in their achievements at shows.
His son Charles said his father would not have wanted an elaborate funeral parade but the family felt it was fitting for the horses to stand outside the church.
People from all corners of his life which encompassed business, Poulshot Parish Council and hunting with the Avon Vale are expected to attend the thanksgiving service.
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