Blue plaque unveiled for Newbury entrepreneur Alphonse Cary

A blue plaque honoring Alphonse Cary was unveiled at 47 Northbrook Street in Newbury on 23 January, with his great‑great‑grandson Jon Boden attending and playing a tune by Cary; Cary ran a family music business from the 1870s and his successors kept it in town until 1964.

Newbury has unveiled a blue plaque to honour Alphonse Cary and his contribution to the town's musical life. The plaque was revealed at the corner of 47 Northbrook Street by Newbury mayor David Harman on 23 January. The building was constructed by Cary in 1882 and now houses the Dog's Trust Charity Shop. Cary's work from 1871 to 1901 supplied instruments, sheet music and piano-tuning services and included performances and musical direction. Key details: - 23 January — the plaque was unveiled by Newbury mayor David Harman. - Location: the corner of 47 Northbrook Street, a building Cary constructed in 1882 that now houses the Dog's Trust Charity Shop. - Attendance: Cary's great‑great‑grandson Jon Boden attended and played a tune originally written by his relative. - Local role: from 1871 to 1901 Cary provided instruments, sheet music and piano-tuning services, and he performed in concerts and churches. - Musical leadership: he served as musical director of the "Great Amateur Star Christy's Minstrels". - Business legacy: Cary retired in 1901 and passed the business to his son Oswald, who expanded into record players, radios and televisions; the business remained in Newbury until 1964. Summary: The plaque recognises Cary's long involvement in making music part of everyday life in Newbury and marks local remembrance of his family's business and performances. Undetermined at this time.