A permanent home has been found for an iconic hand drawn hearse that is more than a century old — and it might still be available for use as a result. Long Sutton and District Civic Society had appealed for bids to house the 106-year-old ornate funeral bier , built by Waltons, to save it from ‘cremation’ or being sold on eBay. A bid from Kevin and Carol Jacklin, owners of family-run Riverside Funeral Services in Sutton Bridge, was successful and the couple are thrilled that it will stay in the area.
Mrs Jacklin said: “We thought we could offer it a good home as the connection is quite strong. “My husband used to work for Waltons and I used to work at the doctors and knew Ray Walton whose dad made the carriage. “We didn’t think we stood much of a chance with collectors wanting it but we hoped the history was a strong link.
” The couple plans to put the beautifully made glass door wheeled carriage, made in 1918, in their Sutton Bridge office and to use it for its original purpose - after giving it a polish. Mrs Jacklin said: “If a family wants to use it for a funeral we can take it to St Matthew’s Church across the road as it is a hand drawn hearse. “It is beautiful and it will be nice for people to see it.
” Waltons, a significant employer in the area, manufactured vans and lorries. It also provided additional trades in brass, metal and woodwork. Some 13 enquiries were made from private collectors , funeral directors, a private museum and demonstrators be.