Mitchell, Frank  – Foreman had a passion for pig-breeding

 Frank Norman David Mitchell (1925-2014)

Frank Norman David Mitchell, was born at 13 Witham Place, Grantham, to Frank and Maud. He had a sister, Brenda.

He attended St Anne’s Junior School, followed by Spittlegate School for Boys in Grantham.

After leaving school he started at Aveling-Barford as an apprentice tinsmith/boiler maker.

It was during his time there that he met his future wife of 63 years, Edna, who was also employed by the company.

In 1944 he was conscripted as a Bevan Boy and spent the next four years working at Blackwell Colliery in Derbyshire.

He returned to Aveling Barford, where he worked for the next 37 years, during which  this time he was promoted to senior foreman of the renowned Plate Shop.

When he left Aveling Barford he worked at Caythorpe Agricultural College, and Hillreach of Grantham.

At one time Mr Mitchell had a dream of becoming a full time pig breeder and began his venture on an allotment in Grantham for many years before taking on a house and three acres of land at West Willoughby.

Unfortunately the dream did not work out and he and his wife moved to Ancaster for their remaining years together.

Mr Mitchell became involved in village life and one of his first tasks was fund-raising for the building of Ancaster Sports and Social Club.

The efforts of all concerned were realised and he became a founder member and a regular visitor to the club.He also enjoyed playing bowls for the village team.