Millhouse, Bernard – Auctioneer helped found Swimarathon

Bernard Millhouse (1914-2012)

BERNARD Millhouse was born in Grantham, where he lived and worked all his life.

In 1931 he joined auctioneers Goldings, founded by his father, Louis F. Millhouse, in conjunction with Mr Golding, in 1900. At the age of 23 he was accepted by the Incorporated Society of Valuers and Auctioneers and became a familiar figure on his rostrum in Grantham open market, held for many years in Wide Westgate.

He was called up in 1941 and although he wanted to join the Royal Air Force, he was assigned to the Fire Service because of his pre-war, part-time experience as a voluntary fireman. He eventually became the mobilising officer of C Division of Lincolnshire, which covered about half of the county.

He became a partner of Goldings in 1951 and developed the property and building society side of the firm.

Regular sales of furniture and household goods were also held in the Old Wharf Road salesrooms. He retired in 1987, after 55 years of professional service.

He acted as Bailiff’ to the Local Authority, a role he shared with and then took over from his Father. When senior partner of the business he worked as Auctioneer to the Sheriff’s Officer of Lincolnshire and was the Official Receiver in bankruptcy.

He joined The Rotary Club of Grantham in 1959 and remained a member until his death. He was soon recruited to the District Vocational Service Committee and was the treasurer of his own club for many years. He was a member of Probus Club.

During his time as president through his Community Service Committee, he established the League of Friends of Grantham Hospital and remained involved with the beginning of the Rotary Swimarathon and was still helping with this event at the swimming pool.

With his wife, Connie, enjoyed indoor bowling and caravanning with the International Caravanning Fellowship of Rotarians.

In his younger days he was secretary of the Granthaml Photographic Society and treasurer of Grantham Swimming Club.

Grantham and District Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Society was at one time a big part of his life when  he was the secretary and grew chrysanthemums to show. Grantham Flower Club was formed at this time with a lot of help from him.