Dr Alwin Perkins, known as Tim, died on 29 October 2005 A dental practitioner in Northampton, he was respected locally for opening his practice early in the morning so that boot and shoe factory workers could attend, something practically unheard of at the time. He was the first dentist in the town to have a purpose-built practice, in the Harlestone Road, which he designed himself.

Dedicated to his profession, he was respected locally for opening his practice early so that factory workers could attend.

Dr Perkins was born in January 1919 into a family of acclaimed engineers and lived most of his life in Northampton, except during World War Two when he was based at the Royal Air Force Dental Department in Kirkham. He trained at the Royal Dental Hospital in London and the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and was a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons. Dedicated to his profession, he won first prizes in dental prosthetics, metallic work, anaesthetics, histology, dental disease in children and radiology. Tim was also a well-known member of his parish, carving a crucifix that hangs on the west gallery wall of St Gregory's church and the stone altar for the original church of St Patrick's in Duston. Despite his many achievements he was known as a very humble and quiet man, skilled and knowledgeable in wood carving, masonry, painting and making musical instruments, furniture and clocks. Dr Perkins is survived by his wife, two sons and three daughters and will be much missed.

Death notice

Sydney George le Strange Beaton BDS [London] died on 14 January 2006 Born on 4 February 1922, Sydney qualified at Guy's Dental School in 1944 After service in the army during the latter stages of the war, he took over and continued his father's dental practice in Heston, West London. He was an active member of the British Dental Association and a keen supporter of the Benevolent Fund for over 40 years.