Basil Davey Ashcroft, 1886-1933

1912: Joins St Matthew's Parish, Masterton, as curate

Last evening, in St. Matthew's Schoolroom, a welcome social was tendered to Rev. B. D. Ashcroft, the newly-appointed curate of St. Matthew's parish. The welcome was arranged by the members of the C.E.M.S., and there was a large gathering of parishioners, Rev. H. Williams presiding. Read more

War Service

ASHCROFT, Basil Davey, Clerk in Holy Orders, born Dunedin, 11 Jul 1886, religion C of E. Last address: Tinui, Masterton.

Next of kin: Mrs H B Ashcroft (Mother), Wanganui.

Served in 17th Reinforcements, N.Z.E.F, 2nd Battalion, 3rd NZ Rifle Brigade as Rev. Capt. Ashcroft, Chaplain 4th class.

Reported for duty on 10 Sep 1916; served in NZ for 41 days, overseas 2 years and 205 days. Total service 2 years 246 days.

Served in Western Europe 1917-19

Discharged on 13 May 1919. 

Marriage

On 7 April 1920 he was married to Evelyn Mary Meredith Whitehead, in St Matthew's Church, Masterton.

ASHCROFT--WHITEHEAD

"A pretty wedding was solemnised at St. Matthew's Church, Masterton, yesterday morning, when His Lordship the Bishop of Wellington (Right Rev. Dr Sprott, D.D.), assisted by the vicar (Rev. John Walker, M.A., ) joined in the bonds of holy matrimony Miss Evelyn M. Whitehead, elder daughter of the late Dr. Whitehead, of Petone, and Mrs Whitehead, of Masterton, to the Rev. Basil Davey Ashcroft, youngest son of Mrs H.B. Ashcroft, of Wanganui. The bride, who was given away by her brother, Mr Arthur Tyrell Whitehead, wore a beautiful gown of white silk, trimmed with old lace.

Miss Alma Evans, of Wellington, and Miss Phyllis Tatham, of Homewood, attended as bridesmaids, and wore dainty lavender and cream frocks, and carried bouquets to match.

Mr Paul Kummer, of Kummerstein, was best man.

The church was artistically decorated by the Old Girls of St Matthew's, of which school Miss Whitehead was at one time principal.

After the ceremony the guests assembled in the large marquee erected on the lawn of Mr R.C. Bell's residence, Jean street, and partook of a dainty wedding breakfast.

The happy couple left later for Wellington...

Wairarapa Age, 8 April 1920, page 2

REV. B. D. ASHCROFT INJURED.

On Sunday morning the Rev. B. D. Asheroft, of Tinui, was riding to a service at Mangapakeha when he was overtaken and passed by a motor. His mount, an old racehorse, immediately set off at full full gallop in pursuit of the car, Mr Ashcroft, who is a good rider, being unable to pull him in. Some distance along the road, when close to the Mangapakeha school, the horse swerved suddenly into the middle of the road and the girth snapped, throwing Mr Ashcroft violently on to the road. He was picked up unconscious and taken to the residence of Mr A. J. Speedy, Awatea, where he regained consciousness yesterday morning. Mr Ashcroft is very badly cut about the face, but it is hoped that he is otherwise unhurt.

Wairarapa Age, 10 May 1921, Page 4 

Death

The Rev. Basil Ashcroft died, aged 47,  after developing pneumonia following "a serious operation" in a Palmerston North hospital on 9 November 1933. 

OBITUARY
REV. B. D. ASHCROFT.

Deep regret will be felt by a wide circle of friends in Masterton and district at the death of the Rev. Basil D. Ashcroft, vicar of St. Stephen's, Marton, which occurred, following an operation, at a Palmerston North Hospital on Thursday night. The late Mr Ashcroft, who was 48 years of age, was born in Dunedin, and was educated at Wanganui Collegiate School and Victoria College, where he secured his B.A.. 

After being on the teaching staff of Wanganui College for some years, he was appointed curate at St. Matthew's Parish, Masterton, where he made a host of friends. He was particularly well-known at Kuripuni, his work in this. town being chiefly confined to the Church of the. Epiphany. 

Shortly before the war he was appointed vicar of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Tinui. 

He saw active service, and on his return from the war, returned to Tinui. took a keen interest in the the various church activities, and, among other things, was responsible for the erection of the War Memorial Cross at the top of the Taipos, Tinui. Five years ago he was appointed vicar of St. Stephen's Church, Marton, and was held in very high esteem for his zeal for his work and his many fine personal qualities.

While in the Wairarapa, Mr Ashcroft, took a keen interest in football, and was a well-known referee.

The late Mr Ashcroft was married in Masterton to Miss E. Whitehead, M.A., who, with her sister, established the school now known as St. Matthew's Collégiate School for Girls. He is survived by his mother, who resides in Wanganui, his wife and a family of five daughters, who will have the sympathy of a large number of friends in their sad bereavement. The funeral took place in' Marton to-day.

Wairarapa Daily Times, 11 November 1933, Page 4