George Bedford (1847-1908)

MR. G. H. BEDFORD DEAD

The death occurred with startling suddenness early on Sunday morning of Mr. George Henry Bedford, at his residence in Dyfrig- street. Cathedral-road, Cardiff. He was one of the best-known men at the Docks. Mr. Bedford had been in ill-health for some time past, and had been attended by Dr. Herbert Vachell. He was well enough, however, to be out on Saturday, and was a spectator at the Cardiff and Gloucester football match. Mr. Bedford returned home in the evening, but about three o'clock on Sunday morning he was seized with a sudden spasm of the heart, and died almost immediately. Deceased, who was about 61 years of age, had been for something like 45 years connected with the Crown Preserved Coal Company (Limited), of which for many years he was manager. He was a native of London, and went to Liverpool in the employment of the Crown Preserved Coal Company, and came to Cardiff about 28 years ago to take over the commercial management of the company, as well as the secretaryship. In addition to this he was a director of the Cardiff Stationery Company, and director of the Monmouthshire and South Wales Clerks' Association, vice-president of the Cardiff Conservative Club, besides being president of the South Wales Equitable Money Society. Mr. Bedford took a very prominent part in Freemasonry, and was a Past Master of the Bute Lodge (No. 960). In addition to that, he was a P.P.G. officer of the Eastern Division of South Wales, a Past First Provincial of the Sir George Elliot Chapter of Royal Arch Freemasons, and also a Past Most Wise Sovereign of the Caerdaf Chapter of Rose Croix. He took the greatest interest in sport, and in this direction, as well as in charitable matters, he will be greatly missed. The deceased leaves a widow, three sons, and five daughters. One of the sons is a partner in Messrs. C. E. Bedford and Co., electricians, and another son is in Brisbane holding a Government appointment. Expressions of Regret There were universal expressions of regret on the Cardiff Exchange to-day at the very sudden and untimely death of Mr. George Bedford. The directors of the Clerks' Association convened a meeting, Mr. G. C. Perkins presiding, at which a vote of condolence was passed with the family of the deceased.

SOURCE: Evening Express 26th October 1908

The company treated coal so that it maintained its calorific value in all climates.

Annual Picnic.

The employees of the above company held their annual picnic on Saturday last, Burnham being again the rendezvous. Accompanied by the band of the Hibernians, the company, to the number of 150, left for Weston at 9.30 by the Lady Margaret, and thence journeyed by brake to their destination. The dinner was served at the Royal Clarence Hotel by Host Whatmough. The health of the managing director, Mr Samuel Butler, was drunk with musical honours, and in speaking to the toast, the manager, Mr Wm. Hammett, gave some interesting details in connection with the progress of the company, and remarked that it spoke well for the friendly relationship that existed that so many old servants were present, many of over 30 years' standing. Messrs Stamin, Mills, Davies and others addressed the gathering, and the secretary, Mr G. H. Bedford, responded for the commercial department. Burnham was left at 6 p.m. and Cardiff reached at 9.30. The drive was much enjoyed, and Mr Bob Hodge, of Weston, is to be congratulated on the admirable manner which he catered for the vehicular accommodation.

SOURCE: South Wales Echo 10th July 1893