A HISTORY OF FEATHERSTONE
1940
THE WAR
JANUARY
The council had asked the county council to cover the cost of
converting the Lister Baths into a first-aid post. The county council
offered half (£130) but Featherstone Council were not satisfied and
decided to ask for an interview.Edwin Rowley of Purston was summonsed for driving a bus without the windows blacked out at 11.30pm in Normanton. Mr A E Pell, for the defendant, said when all was said and done he had to drive the bus and Bullock and Sons ran 200 buses, and great expense was incurred in trying to comply with the regulations. The magistrates dismissed the case against the bus driver on payment of costs, and fined B & S 10s.
The general issue gas mask was not suitable for children who had outgrown the one for babies, so a "Mickey Mouse " gas mask, which was thought to be more enticing to young children, was given out.
A Mickey Mouse gas mask. Photo - National Education Network Gallery.
There was a meat shortage, but only because of transport difficulties caused by large amounts of snow and ice, and Featherstone's butchers could not open until Thursday for three weeks. Meat was rationed on value, and those over six years old were allowed 1s 10d per week and half that for those under six. Miners were allowed extra. Sugar, fats, bacon and cheese were also rationed. Everyone had a ration book and had to register and shop with one supplier.
FEBRUARY The council decided not to plough up any of Purston Park for food production. The storeroom at the Lister Baths and one of the cemetery chapels were be made available as mortuaries in the event of air raids.
About 30 women had banded together to provide garments and comforts for the Forces. They now formed a local branch of the Women's Voluntary Service and met weekly at the Social Service Centre. They adopted two local searchlight batteries and provided comforts, indoor games and amusements. Another group of about 40 women from Purston Methodist Chapel with similar objectives formed a knitting guild.
MARCH The clerk reported to the council on the proposed transferring of the first aid post from the Lister Baths to the Palace billiard hall. The county council agreed to pay £282 for the adaptation made to the Lister Baths for its temporary use as a first aid post.
The local school governors agreed in principle to allow farmers to use school playing fields for grazing to compensate for the loss of their own grazing land ploughed up for food production.
APRIL The Featherstone Subscription Silver Band played a concert in Pontefract for the York and Lancaster Regiment. Among the other artists was "Boy Heaton" of Featherstone. The event raised £26. The advert is from the Express.
The
organisers of the Old Featherstone and Ackton Children's and Old Folk's
Treat Fund decided because of the war to abandon plans for their 21st
carnival.
The Purston section of the Special Constabulary held their second
annual dinner at the Junction Hotel. Supt Elliott acknowledged
difficulty in providing equipment but said the fact there were 82 men in
a division which only called for 60 showed their spirit. Section
Commander C Faulkiner said they had raised £100 for the Christmas
parcels, and had raised another £100 since. They did not know when they
would be called out in earnest, but when they were they would be ready.
The Women's Voluntary Service, in the past six months, in addition to many knitted garments had used 500 yards of material for making pyjamas and shirts for hospital use and 200 yards for making bandages.
Featherstone Rovers played a charity match against the Pontefract Divisional Sports Club and won 22-10. Heavy rain before and during the match spoilt the finances. The players and officials were entertained by the Police Sports Club at the Junction Hotel, and Supt A Elliott said the proceeds would be given to the Purston Special Constabulary for their Comforts Fund.
MAY The county council raised no objection to the telephone and sandbags being removed from the Lister Baths as it was no longer required as a first aid post, but declined to pay the cost. The Featherstone Council considered as the county paid for the installation they should bear the cost of removal.
Ronald Jolley of the Old Quarry, Houndhill Lane, was awarded the RAF's Distinguished Flying Medal for exceptional skill in action.
JUNE The workers at Ackton Hall Colliery agreed to contribute 1d a week to the British Red Cross Fund, and 1d a month to the Special Constables Comforts Fund for parcels for men in the forces.
The council received notice about the delivery of another 500 Anderson shelters to be put in back gardens. It was decided they would be delivered to those with the largest families first.
JULY The council bought 110 lamps for the street lighting to reduce the brightness against possible air raids. When the war started they decided not to plough Purston Park for food production. Now they had received a letter from the West Riding Agricultural Committee querying this. The surveyor was told to prepare a report.
The Woman's Voluntary Service opened a depot in Station Lane to receive aluminium and other salvage goods. A large quantity of pots, pans and other metals were given. Cr Hobson told the council the Excelsior Philanthropic Society had distributed leaflets asking householders to give the society their salvage, and had left sacks to be collected later. He said "This body wants to reap the harvest of the council's spade work and I think it is most unfair". Cr Banks said this was the second time, and the first time they took four furniture vans loaded with waste. The chairman, Cr B Bradley said the ratepayers should be told not to encourage them. The West Riding Education Committee decided the schools would not close for the summer holidays, dinners and milk would continue for those in need, and the teachers would have two weeks holiday in relays.
AUGUST When the war started the council decided not to have Purston Park ploughed for food production, but eventually they were persuaded by the West Riding Agricultural Committee it was in the national interest. Mr W H Hobman quoted 17s 6d per acre for ploughing and 7s 6d per acre for harrowing. Mrs A Rogers was to provide 30 tons of ground lime at 29s 6d per ton. Because of the changed circumstances the general public would be admitted to the children's playground on Sundays and the playground apparatus would be locked. A tender of £92 1s each was accepted by the council for ten communal type brick built shelters.
The Special Constables held a concert at the Miners' Welfare Hall in aid of their Soldiers' Comforts Fund. Over 700 people crowded in and about 200 had to be turned away.
SEPTEMBER The council had erected brick shelters where Anderson shelters could not be put. There were complaints about misuse of them and the sanitary inspector said workmen had twice cleaned shelters which were very bad. That in Post Office Road was filled with stones, which suggested there must have been a miniature battle. Seats were broken all over the place, and there were complaints gambling by boys took place. Cr Woodcock said the only remedy was to put gates on which could only be opened by adults. I twas agreed to fix doors to the shelters in Market Place and Leeds Street.
Ladies in North Featherstone formed a Go To It Fund. Over 100 members contributed 1d a week and other efforts were to be arranged. The money would be allocated to war charities.
The council held a public meeting in Regent Street School to consider forming a General War Charities Fund to which everyone in the district could contribute. After much discussion it was decided the funds already operating should carry on as they were.
The Special Constables supplied £30 worth of wool to the knitters at the Social Centre and Purston Methodist Church, 5s each to the members of the Forces home on leave, a parcel and a 5s Postal Order to every local man serving with the Forces in Iceland, and intended doing the same for all the others, and still had a healthy balance in their fund from all the social events they had arranged.
The Purston Company of the Home Guard, under Mr W H Fleming, the manager of Ackton Hall Colliery, now had 396 members, and needed another 54 to bring it up to full strength. About 200 took part in a six miles route march.
The Women's Voluntary Service, in the past six months, in addition to many knitted garments had used 500 yards of material for making pyjamas and shirts for hospital use and 200 yards for making bandages.
Featherstone Rovers played a charity match against the Pontefract Divisional Sports Club and won 22-10. Heavy rain before and during the match spoilt the finances. The players and officials were entertained by the Police Sports Club at the Junction Hotel, and Supt A Elliott said the proceeds would be given to the Purston Special Constabulary for their Comforts Fund.
MAY The county council raised no objection to the telephone and sandbags being removed from the Lister Baths as it was no longer required as a first aid post, but declined to pay the cost. The Featherstone Council considered as the county paid for the installation they should bear the cost of removal.
Ronald Jolley of the Old Quarry, Houndhill Lane, was awarded the RAF's Distinguished Flying Medal for exceptional skill in action.
JUNE The workers at Ackton Hall Colliery agreed to contribute 1d a week to the British Red Cross Fund, and 1d a month to the Special Constables Comforts Fund for parcels for men in the forces.
The council received notice about the delivery of another 500 Anderson shelters to be put in back gardens. It was decided they would be delivered to those with the largest families first.
JULY The council bought 110 lamps for the street lighting to reduce the brightness against possible air raids. When the war started they decided not to plough Purston Park for food production. Now they had received a letter from the West Riding Agricultural Committee querying this. The surveyor was told to prepare a report.
The Woman's Voluntary Service opened a depot in Station Lane to receive aluminium and other salvage goods. A large quantity of pots, pans and other metals were given. Cr Hobson told the council the Excelsior Philanthropic Society had distributed leaflets asking householders to give the society their salvage, and had left sacks to be collected later. He said "This body wants to reap the harvest of the council's spade work and I think it is most unfair". Cr Banks said this was the second time, and the first time they took four furniture vans loaded with waste. The chairman, Cr B Bradley said the ratepayers should be told not to encourage them. The West Riding Education Committee decided the schools would not close for the summer holidays, dinners and milk would continue for those in need, and the teachers would have two weeks holiday in relays.
AUGUST When the war started the council decided not to have Purston Park ploughed for food production, but eventually they were persuaded by the West Riding Agricultural Committee it was in the national interest. Mr W H Hobman quoted 17s 6d per acre for ploughing and 7s 6d per acre for harrowing. Mrs A Rogers was to provide 30 tons of ground lime at 29s 6d per ton. Because of the changed circumstances the general public would be admitted to the children's playground on Sundays and the playground apparatus would be locked. A tender of £92 1s each was accepted by the council for ten communal type brick built shelters.
The Special Constables held a concert at the Miners' Welfare Hall in aid of their Soldiers' Comforts Fund. Over 700 people crowded in and about 200 had to be turned away.
SEPTEMBER The council had erected brick shelters where Anderson shelters could not be put. There were complaints about misuse of them and the sanitary inspector said workmen had twice cleaned shelters which were very bad. That in Post Office Road was filled with stones, which suggested there must have been a miniature battle. Seats were broken all over the place, and there were complaints gambling by boys took place. Cr Woodcock said the only remedy was to put gates on which could only be opened by adults. I twas agreed to fix doors to the shelters in Market Place and Leeds Street.
Ladies in North Featherstone formed a Go To It Fund. Over 100 members contributed 1d a week and other efforts were to be arranged. The money would be allocated to war charities.
The council held a public meeting in Regent Street School to consider forming a General War Charities Fund to which everyone in the district could contribute. After much discussion it was decided the funds already operating should carry on as they were.
The Special Constables supplied £30 worth of wool to the knitters at the Social Centre and Purston Methodist Church, 5s each to the members of the Forces home on leave, a parcel and a 5s Postal Order to every local man serving with the Forces in Iceland, and intended doing the same for all the others, and still had a healthy balance in their fund from all the social events they had arranged.
The Purston Company of the Home Guard, under Mr W H Fleming, the manager of Ackton Hall Colliery, now had 396 members, and needed another 54 to bring it up to full strength. About 200 took part in a six miles route march.
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| Some of the Home Guard. A photo from the Dr Gatecliff Collection. |
OCTOBER
After 12 months of knitting the Red Cross Knitting Party had made 375
articles. The Featherstone branch of the Women's Voluntary Service had
knitted 549 articles and made up 1,000 yards of material into hospital
garments, plus garments for child evacuees and air raid victims. The
knitting class at the Social Service Centre had made 252 garments.
The decontamination, light rescue, demolition and repair station in
Post Office Road was opened to the public for a day, as was the fire
station at the council offices.
The Home Guard held their first social event in Gordon Street School when about 400 people turned up for a dance in aid of the Guards Comforts Fund.
NOVEMBER The local troops were catered for as the Social Service Centre was opened daily as a rest centre and canteen, with facilities for letter writing and reading, refreshments at low charges, and social evenings. The North Featherstone Methodist School held a weekly social evening, and the Purston Methodist Church made a room available nightly and also arranged social events.
The North Featherstone Go To It Club put on a concert for local troops at the Social Service Centre. Some of the troops also entertained. Members of the Women's Voluntary Service provided supper.
The governors of the South Featherstone Modern School allowed the playing field to be used as a training area for the Home Guard. Also, the council allowed the Lister Baths to be used for indoor training.
Private Arthur Gascoign Sutton was captured in France by the Germans in June. He escaped and made his way to Gibraltar where he sent a cablegram to his parents in South View saying "Will be home for Christmas".
DECEMBER There was a national Dig for Victory campaign and the council decided to sponsor a horticultural committee who would survey all existing allotments, investigate the ground conditions, give advice on equipment, and supply literature. It was hoped to arrange a show.
The council agreed to pump water out of two Anderson shelters which had flooded and raise them up to try and prevent a recurrence. The West Riding County Council offered 30s per annum per public shelter for cleaning, and the council accepted the offer and said the shelters would be sprayed with disinfectant after air raid warnings.
Private Sutton did arrive home for Christmas after a hazardous 1,800 miles journey. He said he had been forbidden to speak about his trying experiences (presumably so as not to spoil the chances of others who escaped) and although his health had suffered he was now feeling fit.
Sergeant Harold Mee of Beech Tree Road was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal for conspicuous bravery in flying over enemy territory.
The Home Guard held their first social event in Gordon Street School when about 400 people turned up for a dance in aid of the Guards Comforts Fund.
NOVEMBER The local troops were catered for as the Social Service Centre was opened daily as a rest centre and canteen, with facilities for letter writing and reading, refreshments at low charges, and social evenings. The North Featherstone Methodist School held a weekly social evening, and the Purston Methodist Church made a room available nightly and also arranged social events.
The North Featherstone Go To It Club put on a concert for local troops at the Social Service Centre. Some of the troops also entertained. Members of the Women's Voluntary Service provided supper.
The governors of the South Featherstone Modern School allowed the playing field to be used as a training area for the Home Guard. Also, the council allowed the Lister Baths to be used for indoor training.
Private Arthur Gascoign Sutton was captured in France by the Germans in June. He escaped and made his way to Gibraltar where he sent a cablegram to his parents in South View saying "Will be home for Christmas".
DECEMBER There was a national Dig for Victory campaign and the council decided to sponsor a horticultural committee who would survey all existing allotments, investigate the ground conditions, give advice on equipment, and supply literature. It was hoped to arrange a show.
The council agreed to pump water out of two Anderson shelters which had flooded and raise them up to try and prevent a recurrence. The West Riding County Council offered 30s per annum per public shelter for cleaning, and the council accepted the offer and said the shelters would be sprayed with disinfectant after air raid warnings.
Private Sutton did arrive home for Christmas after a hazardous 1,800 miles journey. He said he had been forbidden to speak about his trying experiences (presumably so as not to spoil the chances of others who escaped) and although his health had suffered he was now feeling fit.
Sergeant Harold Mee of Beech Tree Road was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal for conspicuous bravery in flying over enemy territory.
THE COUNCIL
FEBRUARY The
number of council house tenants applying to replace the cooking range
in the front room with a parlour fireplace had risen to 27, but the council decided to defer a decision for a month. The excessive snowfall
had caused a lot of damage to gutterings and the surveyor reported he
had to buy 150 lengths for repair work. The Ministry of Transport
informed the West Riding County Council it was not now possible to go
ahead with the proposed bypass of the main road through Purston.
MARCH There were now 41 applications to replace the cooking ranges in council houses, but the council again deferred a decision.
APRIL The council decided on an unchanged rate of 10s in the pound. The three months of bad weather caused the opening of the bowling green in the park to be postponed.
Cr B Bradley was elected chairman of the council for the next 12 months. He said his ideal when he joined the council was to reach the chairmanship, and he was very proud to have achieved it.
JUNE There were 23 applications for the installation of a hot water system in council houses, but the council deferred a decision because of a possible difficulty in obtaining supplies. Tenders had been received for 40 sitting room fireplaces and the Council decided to consider these in private.
MARCH There were now 41 applications to replace the cooking ranges in council houses, but the council again deferred a decision.
APRIL The council decided on an unchanged rate of 10s in the pound. The three months of bad weather caused the opening of the bowling green in the park to be postponed.
Cr B Bradley was elected chairman of the council for the next 12 months. He said his ideal when he joined the council was to reach the chairmanship, and he was very proud to have achieved it.
JUNE There were 23 applications for the installation of a hot water system in council houses, but the council deferred a decision because of a possible difficulty in obtaining supplies. Tenders had been received for 40 sitting room fireplaces and the Council decided to consider these in private.
THE SOCIAL SERVICE CENTRE
A new year treat was held in January for 200
members. A meat tea was followed by a concert. It was funded by Mr R C
Olley and his friends at the head office of Barclay's Bank in London.
That was followed on another day by a treat for 100 children who had a
tea followed by games and competitions. Each child received a present,
apple, orange and banana.
The annual balance sheet, published in January, showed the only item of
income was £200 received from Mr Olley's fund. A summary of the total
receipts since the centre began showed £1,555 had been received of which
Mr Olley and his Barclays Bank friends had contributed £1,200. The
National Council of Social Services gave £250.
FATALLY SCALDED AT THE PIT
Many surface workers at Ackton Hall Colliery took a bottle of tea to
work and found somewhere to keep it hot. Bernard Owens age 18 was a
screen hand and it was his usual practice to put his bottle on a steam
pipe which was alongside a trench normally covered by steel plates. The
plates were removed for some maintenance work, and as it was the
blackout the colliery lights were out, so the two fitters went to the
lamp room for lamps. While they were away Owens went to put his bottle on
the steam pipe and not seeing the hole in the dark fell in and was
scalded by the hot water it contained. He was taken to Pontefract
General Infirmary on 15 February and he died on 11 March.
At the inquest the coroner, Mr W Huntley, after hearing the evidence
said he was in a difficulty about the case. There could be no question
death was due to accidental causes, but no one could have listened to
the evidence without realising one responsible official, and probably
two, had left a situation which was one of danger to anyone approaching
it. There was undoubtedly what he would call considerable neglect. It
was for other people to consider what other proceedings, if any, should
follow.
The Rovers held their usual Boxing Day dance at the Lister Hall. Over 300 people attended and the event lasted six hours. The Rovers officials and players attended, and the Yorkshire Cup was exhibited. Buses were provided for the return journey of visitors from outside the district. The music was provided by Jack Tumelty's Band.
THE ROVERS
Because
of the late end to the playing season the Rovers annual meeting was
held in June at the Junction Hotel while the club was still engaged in
the Yorkshire Cup. A profit of £160 was made on the season, which did
not include the two cup games played so far in June.
The
secretary, Mr H Littlewood, said although wages had been reduced to £1
per match, all the players agreed to the new rule, and were playing with
more vigour and enthusiasm than they did for pre-war wages. The players had the right spirit and were determined to win the Yorkshire Cup.
The chairman, Mr A Berry, said since they took over the management of
the club three years ago, the committee had never deviated from their
policy not to sell any more players. They had done enough for other
clubs in the league.
Mr
A Bullock was unanimously re-elected president, and the seven members
of the team who had joined up would receive a gift at Christmas.
The Rovers did win the Yorkshire Cup, beating Wakefield Trinity 12-9 at
Odsal Stadium. The team was: John Haley; Albany Longley, Walter Tennant, Bill Hughes, Jack Blackburn; Ray Hamer, Harold Moxon; Frank Hemingway, Joe Golby, Frank Dyson, Will Pearson, George Taylor, Bill Sherwood. The Express commented "The Rovers team spirit was great,
and what they lacked in finesse was simply made up for by their
tenacity. At no stage in the game did they appear to consider the
possibility of defeat, and the manner in which they rallied to turn an
interval deficit of points into a surplus will long be remembered".
On the Wednesday after the game the players were entertained to dinner
and a social gathering at the Junction Hotel by the president Mr A
Bullock, who said the club was proud of every one of them. Events had
proved the wisdom of the policy of retaining players. The players had
received canteens of cutlery instead of winners medals, but Mr Bullock
said he would provide medals to commemorate the occasion.
The photo of the team with the Yorkshire Cup, and the Lyon Cup won against Castleford, and that of the canteen of cutlery presented instead of a medal, were provided by Mark Kirby.
The photo of the team with the Yorkshire Cup, and the Lyon Cup won against Castleford, and that of the canteen of cutlery presented instead of a medal, were provided by Mark Kirby.
The Rovers held their usual Boxing Day dance at the Lister Hall. Over 300 people attended and the event lasted six hours. The Rovers officials and players attended, and the Yorkshire Cup was exhibited. Buses were provided for the return journey of visitors from outside the district. The music was provided by Jack Tumelty's Band.
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
The Express reported
the Remembrance parade was one of the largest seen for many years. It
comprised of the Home Guard, West Riding Constabulary, British Legion, Fire Brigades, ARP Services, Girl Guides, St John Ambulance Brigade and the Council.
The service at Purston Church was conducted by the Vicar of
Featherstone, Revd W B Chapman, and the sermon was given by the Vicar of
Purston, Revd I O Jay. After the service wreaths were laid at the War
Memorial.
A YOUTH COUNCIL
A Youth Council was formed in November with Mr E P Bullock as chairman. At
the first meeting there was a long discussion on the provision of
interests to occupy youths of from 14 to 20 years old, whether in
recreation or in arts and crafts, swimming and other activities. Miss S J
Alexander said youth should be taught to be willing to serve, and not
expect to be always served. An inaugural social evening and dance would
be attempted, and the West Riding Education Committee offered the use of
the Gordon Street Lecture Hall, and also financial help.
In December the idea of arranging an opening dance was abandoned. A publicity campaign would be undertaken including an approach to parents.
In December the idea of arranging an opening dance was abandoned. A publicity campaign would be undertaken including an approach to parents.
MEDICAL AND SANITARY REPORTS
The medical and sanitary reports for 1939 were delayed and curtailed because of the war, and were published in December. Dr
W Steven wrote the average number of unemployed over the year was 581
men and 57 women, of whom 546 were wholly unemployed. There were 169
cases of infectious disease during the year, including 96 cases of
diphtheria and 56 cases of scarlet fever. Thirty-eight houses had been
built, all by private enterprise.
The sanitary inspector, Mr J Hilsley, reported a curtailment of sanitary improvements (getting rid of privies), but 97 dry ashpits had been replaced by 243 dustbins. Late in the year the slaughterhouses were closed (for Government control of the meat supply). Tins of canned food surrendered by shopkeepers added up to 226, and were destroyed along with 23 pounds of bacon.
The sanitary inspector, Mr J Hilsley, reported a curtailment of sanitary improvements (getting rid of privies), but 97 dry ashpits had been replaced by 243 dustbins. Late in the year the slaughterhouses were closed (for Government control of the meat supply). Tins of canned food surrendered by shopkeepers added up to 226, and were destroyed along with 23 pounds of bacon.
1940 NEWS ITEMS
Over 80 old and unemployed members of the North Featherstone Lane Working Men's Club had a tea and concert paid for by the other members.
The Specials held a dance in the Welfare Hall (the Lister Baths venue was now unavailable) and 250 people turned up. A concert in the Hippodrome attracted 700. These brought their total income for their Comforts Fund up to £82, of which £31 had been spent on Christmas parcels for Forces overseas.
FEBRUARY The severe winter weather continued. Featherstone Rovers hadn't played a game since Christmas Day, transport difficulties continued to cause problems with meat supplies, a shortage of wagons brought Ackton Hall Colliery to a standstill, and B & S, West Riding and South Yorkshire Motors all struggled to run a bus service. They paid testimony to the many new conductresses, employed to replace men called up, who had performed well in trying circumstances.
At the annual meeting of the St John Ambulance Brigade it was reported they had 23 members who during the year had dealt with 863 accidents, and the ambulance had covered 6,811 miles.
MARCH Edward Edwards died aged 71. He was a member of Featherstone Council for many years and then won an election to the county council. He was a deputy at Featherstone Main Colliery for 35 years, and his wife was owner of the market place off Station Lane where the Monday market known locally as Teddie's Market was held.
The annual meeting of the cricket club decided local members of the Forces on leave would have free use of the ground. Fixtures had been arranged in the Pontefract section of the Yorkshire League with six local clubs, and some friendly matches would also be played.
The annual hospital charity event took place in the Lister Baths. The usual whist drive was not held, but more than 300 people gathered to dance to Jack Tumelty's Band. The Baths had been made available for a first aid post which was then transferred to the Palace billiard hall. It took two days to prepare the baths for the dance and the work was finished on Friday night - just in time.
APRIL Lawrence Evans age 36, a pony driver of Allison Street, suffered spinal injuries from a fall of coal at Snydale Colliery on 4 March and he died in Pontefract General Infirmary on 13 April. The coroner gave a verdict of death by misadventure, and said it was a pure accident, and it was very unfortunate for Evans to be standing where he was when the coal fell.
Edgar Howarth age 19 of Mount Pleasant Street, a haulage hand at Ackton Hall Colliery, died when he was buried by a fall of roof.
MAY After evensong at the Featherstone Parish Church, the vicar, Revd W B Chapman gave an address on the history of the parish church from 1066, including the tomb of Nicholas Fairfax in the church dated 1657, and that of Langdale Sunderland of Ackton Hall dated 1698.
A ten bay Dutch barn fire at Parkfield Farm, North Featherstone, owned by Mr G Copley, containing 40 tons of straw and farm implements, was put out by the Fire Brigade before it could spread to nearby buildings. The damage was estimated at £250.
Geraldine Farrar of Dora Villas, Featherstone Lane, sang with the Richard Valery Orchestra when they paid a visit to the Assembly Rooms in Pontefract.
JUNE Two boys climbed onto the roof of a house in Victoria Street to retrieve a ball. John Heighway of Phipps Street fell and broke both arms. Mr T Warrington rendered first aid and the boy was taken to Pontefract Infirmary. The other boy (not named) was rescued before the arrival of the fire brigade, which had been called out.
The Junction Angling and Social Club went on an outing to Myton-on-Swale. Just before the fishing competition started a man was seen clinging to a tree on the opposite side of the river after falling down the bank. Some members hastened to his rescue and landed him safely.
The education sub-committee reported 260 children were being fed daily, an increase of 30 on the month. Another increase was expected as many fathers had been called for military service.
JULY it was announced Revd T W Barry Wall, Vicar of Purston, was to retire. He had been there since 1928. He was to be replaced by Idris Owen Jay, curate of St John's Church, Lock Lane, Castleford. The value of the Purston living was quoted as £402.
Geraldine Farrar made her first radio broadcast as a singer with the Richard Valery Orchestra.
Geraldine Farrar. A photo provided by Ian Clayton.
AUGUST The Hospital Sunday concerts in Purston Park were poorly attended and only realised £11 14s 6d. Mr D J Richards, for Pontefract Infirmary, congratulated the committee who had raised £115 in the six months to June. Mr G Humphreys related how the infirmary had grown from 12 to 112 beds.
George Canning age 42, a deputy at Ackton Hall Colliery who lived in Ackworth, and Alexander Taylor age 19 a haulage hand of Granville Street, were both killed by a fall of roof. The inquest verdict was death by misadventure.
The Vicar of Purston, Revd T W Barry Wall was presented with a cheque at the Church School to mark his retirement. It had been contributed to by those at the church, Sunday School and the day school. The vicar's warden presented the cheque and remarked on all the improvements at the church during Revd Wall's 12 years stay.
SEPTEMBER Clifford Marsh was fined £1 for driving his bus at 40 mph along Leeds Road at Oulton where the limit was 30 mph. He had no speedometer because the bus was registered in 1937 when they were not compulsory. He said in future he would not be so easily persuaded by Government workers eager to get home after a 12 hour shift.
Joseph Worrell age 65, a collier of Apple Tree Road, was injured by a fall of roof at Snydale Colliery and was taken to Pontefract Infirmary where he died the next day.
OCTOBER Charles John Stubbs age 53 of Farm Road, a byworker at Ackton Hall Colliery, was killed by a fall of side.
DECEMBER Percy Weir Atkinson age 64 of Leeds was found dead in a ditch near Monk Royd Farm, Purston. At the inquest Elizabeth Curry, with whom he lodged, said she had no idea what he was doing in Featherstone. PC Lee said he saw him in Park Lane the day before his death. Dr J Duncan said death was due to natural causes, and that was the inquest verdict.
Elizabeth Darlington, wife of the late Peter Darlington, died at Redmond, Purston, age 81. She was Featherstone's only woman magistrate, and was involved in many local public bodies including the education sub-committee.
An inquest was held at the Gospel Hall on Ivy Stafford age 8 of Green Lane who was run over by a lorry in Station Lane. Witnesses said she was running alongside the lorry and stumbled and fell, and the lorry driver could not possibly have seen her. The coroner recorded a verdict of death by misadventure.
The British Legion put on a New Year's Eve dance in the Lister Hall which was attended by a record crowd of 600. At midnight the company joined hands to sing Auld Lang Syne. The music was proved by a military dance band. (Note: The Express report doesn't say what the record crowd refers too. There were claims of over 700 at previous dances in the hall.)