A HISTORY OF FEATHERSTONE
1941
THE WAR
JANUARY
The wardens held a New Year's party for over 100 children in the
Featherstone Hotel. The room was gaily decorated and a festive spirit
prevailed. At a general meeting of the wardens a discussion took place
on uniforms and iron rations.
 |
| Some of the wardens. A photo from the Dr Gatecliff Collection. |
Mr J Tumelty put on a New Year carnival dance in aid of the Special
Constables' Comforts Fund in the Lister Hall. Over 250 people danced to
a military band.
A New Year party for soldiers stationed in the district was held in the
Social Service Centre. It was arranged by the Women's Voluntary
Service.
The Featherstone Auxiliary Fire Service and Rescue Brigades went to
Manchester to help in the air raids. They worked for 16 hours without a
break, and all volunteered to go again if required.
The council decided to set aside plots in the cemetery for members of
the Forces and civil defence services killed while on duty.
Writing in the Purston Church magazine the vicar, Revd I O Jay, wrote
"A few days ago I saw something of the harm done by enemy air attack. My
first thought was of the necessity of National Service on the part of
civilians, and the difficulty local authorities have to persuade men and
women to volunteer for some form of activity which might help to save,
not merely property, but human life. It is surely a part of the
Christian's duty to his neighbour to have some knowledge and training in
how to deal with his neighbour or his property if either, or both, are
in danger of destruction".
The Special Constables published their annual balance sheet. They began
the year with £50 and finished with £226. Collecting boxes in licensed
houses yielded £158, donations £107, concerts and whist drives £93, and
Ackton Hall Colliery levies £42. The total income was £507. Expenditure
included grants to members of the Forces £187 and wool for the knitters
£55. Sent to the Forces were 83 pairs of socks, 24 scarves, 25 helmets
and 13 pairs of gloves.
FEBRUARY Railings were being removed for scrap metal. The council agreed to give up the rails at the council offices and Purston Park. The council provided another 72 allotments to help the Dig for Victory campaign, and also agreed to the Lister Baths being used as a centre for decontaminating gas cases.
A week of enrollment was held at the Palace first aid post for volunteer blood donors if required. At the end 121 people had given their names.
A farewell party was given in the Social Service Centre by the Women's Voluntary Service for troops billeted in the district who were about to leave. A farewell concert and dancing in the same venue was arranged by Mrs Ruby Blackburn. Soldiers and locals combined for the musical items.
MARCH Air Raid Wardens numbering 187 made a house-to-house inspection of gas masks. Some minor repairs were necessary, but generally the inspection was said to have proved satisfactory.
The West Riding County Council agree to bear all expenditure on the adaptation of the Lister Baths as a cleansing and decontamination centre.
Corporal N Sawyer of Field House Bungalow, Purston, was in charge of a bomb disposal squad in South Wales. They were on their way to attend to a delayed-action bomb and stopped for a cup of tea at a YMCA canteen. While they were there the bomb exploded. Friends in Purston and Featherstone congratulated them on their lucky escape.
APRIL The clerk to the council read a letter from the Ministry of Home Security urging people to carry their gas masks. The chairman, Cr B Bradley, asked the councillors to give a lead.
Replays after drawn cup-ties were banned to limit unnecessary travelling, so in the Rovers v Castleford Rugby League Cup game when the score was 5-5 after 80 minutes they played on. It was 27 minutes later when Castleford scored a try that the game ended.
At the Palace, 34 members of the First Aid Parties received the St John Ambulance Brigade Medallion. Dr Duncan said it is hard to do the task when called upon, but it was also hard to stand by and do nothing. People got the idea it was time wasted, but they had been making themselves efficient.
MAY Full scale exercises were undertaken by all the Civil Defence workers at Loscoe, Purston and Station Lane. Altogether 14 "fires" were dealt with and much valuable knowledge was gained.
The pilot of the Catalina aircraft which located the German battleship Bismark, and led to it being sunk, travelled from London and was met by Mr J Crerar and Major Shaw of the South Kirkby, Featherstone and Hemsworth Colliery Company. He said he was glad to come to the colliery areas to see the miners who, like the men in the fighting Services, were now in the front line. He visited the group's collieries, including Ackton Hall, to speak to the men.
JUNE Mr and Mrs George Johnson of the Junction Hotel, received word their son George, ex-captain of Featherstone Rovers, and captain of Featherstone Cricket Cub, was a prisoner of war.
JULY The Featherstone and Purston Special Constables' Comforts Fund abandoned the practice of sending parcels to local people serving overseas because many had been lost or spoiled. Instead, bank accounts would be opened for each man or woman, and prisoners of war would be included. They advertised for the names of those to be included.
Mr W Wigglesworth of Granville Street wrote from a prisoner of war camp that letters were arriving often, but it took 16 weeks. He said he received a parcel in June which was sent in January. He was working on a farm as a bricklayer's labourer, a plasterer and a whitewasher.
NOVEMBER A dance was held at the Lister Hall by Bullock and Sons staff in aid of the B & S Comforts Fund. About 70 members of the firm were serving with the Forces, and every months they received cigarettes, a Postal Order and a cheery letter.
Representatives of Air Raid Wardens, Special Constables, Home Guard, Women's Voluntary Services, First Aid Post, Featherstone Youth Club, the Cricket Club and the Rovers met at the Junction Hotel and agreed to form a joint committee to organise an effort in aid of the Institute for the Blind, to help all members of the war services blinded while carrying out their duties.
DECEMBER Saturday dances were held at the Lister Hall by the Special Constables in aid of their Comforts Fund. The attendance was usually about 300.
The Council and representatives of 45 organisations met at the Miners' Welfare Institute to form a committee to organise local efforts to help Russia. Cr B Bradley emphasised the magnificent resistance our Russian allies were offering to the enemy, and said every effort should be made by Featherstone and district to provide as much practical assistance as possible. Mr E Rowley stressed party politics did not enter into the effort.
FEBRUARY Railings were being removed for scrap metal. The council agreed to give up the rails at the council offices and Purston Park. The council provided another 72 allotments to help the Dig for Victory campaign, and also agreed to the Lister Baths being used as a centre for decontaminating gas cases.
A week of enrollment was held at the Palace first aid post for volunteer blood donors if required. At the end 121 people had given their names.
A farewell party was given in the Social Service Centre by the Women's Voluntary Service for troops billeted in the district who were about to leave. A farewell concert and dancing in the same venue was arranged by Mrs Ruby Blackburn. Soldiers and locals combined for the musical items.
MARCH Air Raid Wardens numbering 187 made a house-to-house inspection of gas masks. Some minor repairs were necessary, but generally the inspection was said to have proved satisfactory.
The West Riding County Council agree to bear all expenditure on the adaptation of the Lister Baths as a cleansing and decontamination centre.
Corporal N Sawyer of Field House Bungalow, Purston, was in charge of a bomb disposal squad in South Wales. They were on their way to attend to a delayed-action bomb and stopped for a cup of tea at a YMCA canteen. While they were there the bomb exploded. Friends in Purston and Featherstone congratulated them on their lucky escape.
APRIL The clerk to the council read a letter from the Ministry of Home Security urging people to carry their gas masks. The chairman, Cr B Bradley, asked the councillors to give a lead.
Replays after drawn cup-ties were banned to limit unnecessary travelling, so in the Rovers v Castleford Rugby League Cup game when the score was 5-5 after 80 minutes they played on. It was 27 minutes later when Castleford scored a try that the game ended.
At the Palace, 34 members of the First Aid Parties received the St John Ambulance Brigade Medallion. Dr Duncan said it is hard to do the task when called upon, but it was also hard to stand by and do nothing. People got the idea it was time wasted, but they had been making themselves efficient.
MAY Full scale exercises were undertaken by all the Civil Defence workers at Loscoe, Purston and Station Lane. Altogether 14 "fires" were dealt with and much valuable knowledge was gained.
The pilot of the Catalina aircraft which located the German battleship Bismark, and led to it being sunk, travelled from London and was met by Mr J Crerar and Major Shaw of the South Kirkby, Featherstone and Hemsworth Colliery Company. He said he was glad to come to the colliery areas to see the miners who, like the men in the fighting Services, were now in the front line. He visited the group's collieries, including Ackton Hall, to speak to the men.
JUNE Mr and Mrs George Johnson of the Junction Hotel, received word their son George, ex-captain of Featherstone Rovers, and captain of Featherstone Cricket Cub, was a prisoner of war.
JULY The Featherstone and Purston Special Constables' Comforts Fund abandoned the practice of sending parcels to local people serving overseas because many had been lost or spoiled. Instead, bank accounts would be opened for each man or woman, and prisoners of war would be included. They advertised for the names of those to be included.
AUGUST
The council congratulated the Auxiliary Fire Service on winning two
cups in the competition at Shipley. One where 30 teams took part, and
the other competed for by 60 teams. The council agreed to have a War
Savings Week in aid of the production of aeroplane products.
The Special Constables decided to give from their Comforts for the Troops Fund 5s and 20 cigarettes to every local member of the forces home on leave from home bases, and to add the value of the cigarettes to the 5s placed to the credit of the Forces serving overseas. In the six months to July they had collected £436 from weekly whist drives, colliery levies, a dance, a concert, and a collection on the Rovers' ground. Each local soldier who was a prisoner of war had received nine parcels.
SEPTEMBER Over 900 fire watchers were enrolled by the Air Raid Wardens, plus 75 youths and girls from the ages of 16 to 20 to act as messengers on their cycles.
The council purchased four large galvanised steel water tanks for emergency water supplies, but the medical officer reported water from Ackton Hall Colliery would not be safe to drink.
The 1st Featherstone Scout Troop now had 42 members including 25 cubs. They were working hard collecting waste paper for the war effort. The Featherstone Council Employees' War Savings Group decided to raise £300 in six months for six Bren guns. At a raising ceremony at the Featherstone Buffalo Lodge by Brother Wilson, the secretary of the Grand Lodge of England said they had raised £11,200 nationally and purchased 22 ambulances for the Red Cross. They now had a fund to help members suffering from enemy action.
OCTOBER
The council chairman reported the sale of salvage during 1940 had
raised £448 18s 10d. A recent special salvage drive had resulted in
salvage in excess of normal of four tons of paper, 12 cwts of rags and
wool, 5,000 bottles and jars, and two tons of scrap iron and other
metals. The council received a notification from the Ministry of Supply
to make a survey of all unnecessary iron and steel railings in the
district. The governors of both South and North Featherstone Modern
Schools decided to appeal against the requisitioning of boundary and
gate railings.The Special Constables decided to give from their Comforts for the Troops Fund 5s and 20 cigarettes to every local member of the forces home on leave from home bases, and to add the value of the cigarettes to the 5s placed to the credit of the Forces serving overseas. In the six months to July they had collected £436 from weekly whist drives, colliery levies, a dance, a concert, and a collection on the Rovers' ground. Each local soldier who was a prisoner of war had received nine parcels.
SEPTEMBER Over 900 fire watchers were enrolled by the Air Raid Wardens, plus 75 youths and girls from the ages of 16 to 20 to act as messengers on their cycles.
The council purchased four large galvanised steel water tanks for emergency water supplies, but the medical officer reported water from Ackton Hall Colliery would not be safe to drink.
The 1st Featherstone Scout Troop now had 42 members including 25 cubs. They were working hard collecting waste paper for the war effort. The Featherstone Council Employees' War Savings Group decided to raise £300 in six months for six Bren guns. At a raising ceremony at the Featherstone Buffalo Lodge by Brother Wilson, the secretary of the Grand Lodge of England said they had raised £11,200 nationally and purchased 22 ambulances for the Red Cross. They now had a fund to help members suffering from enemy action.
Mr W Wigglesworth of Granville Street wrote from a prisoner of war camp that letters were arriving often, but it took 16 weeks. He said he received a parcel in June which was sent in January. He was working on a farm as a bricklayer's labourer, a plasterer and a whitewasher.
NOVEMBER A dance was held at the Lister Hall by Bullock and Sons staff in aid of the B & S Comforts Fund. About 70 members of the firm were serving with the Forces, and every months they received cigarettes, a Postal Order and a cheery letter.
Representatives of Air Raid Wardens, Special Constables, Home Guard, Women's Voluntary Services, First Aid Post, Featherstone Youth Club, the Cricket Club and the Rovers met at the Junction Hotel and agreed to form a joint committee to organise an effort in aid of the Institute for the Blind, to help all members of the war services blinded while carrying out their duties.
DECEMBER Saturday dances were held at the Lister Hall by the Special Constables in aid of their Comforts Fund. The attendance was usually about 300.
The Council and representatives of 45 organisations met at the Miners' Welfare Institute to form a committee to organise local efforts to help Russia. Cr B Bradley emphasised the magnificent resistance our Russian allies were offering to the enemy, and said every effort should be made by Featherstone and district to provide as much practical assistance as possible. Mr E Rowley stressed party politics did not enter into the effort.
THE COUNCIL
JANUARY
A watch would be kept at the South Featherstone sewage farm to stop the
theft of potatoes. The council agreed with a request by the
Featherstone Youth Council for a section of the County Library to be set
aside for young people.
FEBRUARY The medical officer, Dr W Steven, urged the council to take steps to eradicate scabies from the district. He was asked to combine with the sanitary inspector and submit a scheme.
MARCH The medical officer reported there had been 106 cases of measles last month, influenza was again prevalent, and brought up again the question of dealing with scabies. It was decided to ask if Ackton Hospital could be used as a treatment centre.
APRIL The Ackton Hospital committee replied they did not have the facilities to deal with scabies. It was reported there were 113 cases of measles last month. The rates were kept at 10s in the pound. Cr A Evans said the council had struggled along on a low balance for two years until warned by the auditor, and although the proportion sent to the county council had gone down they had to play safe.
Cr B Bradley was re-elected chairman. He expressed the hope that before the end of his term of office national and international conditions would be vastly improved.
MAY The council decided if there were no applications from married couples for the Little Lane bungalows then applications would be considered from single old age pensioners, male or female. It was decided to continue with the policy of converting a limited number of privies into WC's each half-year, the council to contribute towards the cost.
JULY The council agreed to continue removing the cooking ranges in council house front rooms and replacing them with a modern sitting room range. It would be done in districts as far as possible instead of the previous strict order of application.
Osgoldcross Rural District Council asked if Featherstone Council could provide an ambulance service. Cr Rowley's suggestion that as Featherstone had two ambulances and two drivers, one should be sent when available at a charge of 1s a mile was adopted.
SEPTEMBER The council horticultural committee held a garden show in Regent Street School. There were over 300 entries, and all the produce was auctioned off after the show. The event raised £75 for the Red Cross.
OCTOBER It was decided to withdraw the ambulance service from Osgoldcross Council because of labour restrictions, and to inform the Crofton authorities they could not have a service in future. It had been hoped to reduce the rates for the next six months. Cr A Evans said the surplus which was wanted had not been achieved, so the rates would remain at 10s in the £1.
NOVEMBER The council had considered putting up a barrier at the bottom of Station Lane bus stop for crowd control, but decided in the blackout it would be dangerous which would far outweigh any benefits. It was agreed to buy another 20 sitting room fireplaces for council houses and then defer buying any more because of the war.
DECEMBER The council were concerned at the spread of scabies in the district. Cr Rowley suggested an appeal to the mothers. He thought the disease was in some measure due to the women undertaking too many responsibilities and neglecting their children.
The horticultural committee said there were now 1,047 allotments and recommended there should be no more apart from those already under consideration which should be plots of 300 square yards instead of one square chain (484 square yards).
FEBRUARY The medical officer, Dr W Steven, urged the council to take steps to eradicate scabies from the district. He was asked to combine with the sanitary inspector and submit a scheme.
MARCH The medical officer reported there had been 106 cases of measles last month, influenza was again prevalent, and brought up again the question of dealing with scabies. It was decided to ask if Ackton Hospital could be used as a treatment centre.
APRIL The Ackton Hospital committee replied they did not have the facilities to deal with scabies. It was reported there were 113 cases of measles last month. The rates were kept at 10s in the pound. Cr A Evans said the council had struggled along on a low balance for two years until warned by the auditor, and although the proportion sent to the county council had gone down they had to play safe.
Cr B Bradley was re-elected chairman. He expressed the hope that before the end of his term of office national and international conditions would be vastly improved.
MAY The council decided if there were no applications from married couples for the Little Lane bungalows then applications would be considered from single old age pensioners, male or female. It was decided to continue with the policy of converting a limited number of privies into WC's each half-year, the council to contribute towards the cost.
JULY The council agreed to continue removing the cooking ranges in council house front rooms and replacing them with a modern sitting room range. It would be done in districts as far as possible instead of the previous strict order of application.
Osgoldcross Rural District Council asked if Featherstone Council could provide an ambulance service. Cr Rowley's suggestion that as Featherstone had two ambulances and two drivers, one should be sent when available at a charge of 1s a mile was adopted.
SEPTEMBER The council horticultural committee held a garden show in Regent Street School. There were over 300 entries, and all the produce was auctioned off after the show. The event raised £75 for the Red Cross.
OCTOBER It was decided to withdraw the ambulance service from Osgoldcross Council because of labour restrictions, and to inform the Crofton authorities they could not have a service in future. It had been hoped to reduce the rates for the next six months. Cr A Evans said the surplus which was wanted had not been achieved, so the rates would remain at 10s in the £1.
NOVEMBER The council had considered putting up a barrier at the bottom of Station Lane bus stop for crowd control, but decided in the blackout it would be dangerous which would far outweigh any benefits. It was agreed to buy another 20 sitting room fireplaces for council houses and then defer buying any more because of the war.
DECEMBER The council were concerned at the spread of scabies in the district. Cr Rowley suggested an appeal to the mothers. He thought the disease was in some measure due to the women undertaking too many responsibilities and neglecting their children.
The horticultural committee said there were now 1,047 allotments and recommended there should be no more apart from those already under consideration which should be plots of 300 square yards instead of one square chain (484 square yards).
PIT ACCIDENT 13 YEARS AGO
An inquest was held at the Middleton Sanatorium near Ilkley in January
on Stanley Tucker age 30 of Girnhill Lane Club. It was stated he was
employed at Ackton Hall Colliery from the age of 13 until he was 17. He
was knocked down by tubs and injured his spine. He had to wear a steel
waistcoat and never worked again, although he was able to walk.
Dr
H E Raeburn, medical superintendent, said when admitted Tucker's
general condition was poor with extensive disease of both lungs. It was
difficult for him to say if the condition had any relation to the
accident in the pit.
The jury returned a verdict that death was due to pulmonary
tuberculosis, which was the result of that accident 13 years ago, by
lowering his resistance.
Many young people attended the informal opening in February of Featherstone Youth Club in George Street School. It was for both sexes between the ages of 14 and 20. It was agreed to have a canteen and library, and a questionnaire would be issued on the forms of activity the members would like to undertake.
Keep fit classes began with instructors Mr H Stacey and Miss F Martin. The Youth Council was sponsoring instruction classes for Boy Scouts to prepare them for joining the Air Training Corps.
A deputation from the West Riding County Council visited the Featherstone Youth Club in March and were highly satisfied with the facilities offered. The membership had now passed 80.
The members of the club requested it should be opened on Sunday evenings. Revd I O Jay supported the request providing it was not during church service hours. The management committee of the club unanimously agreed to open from 7.30 to 9.30, and to allow all the usual club activities. The girls agreed to purchase their own physical training dresses, and an instructor had been appointed for the gardening section. It was proposed to open the club one night a week for girls for dressmaking and for knitting comforts for the troops. At the first Sunday opening 120 members turned up. All the activities except dancing were available. On the second Sunday 200 turned up.
In April organisers were chosen for the activities of the club which were camping, cycling, football, cricket, dramatics and singing, swimming, films, gardening, military training, stamp collecting and dressmaking.
By May 250 members were attending on Sundays. Revd W B Chapman, Vicar of Featherstone, wrote asking for the Sunday club to open at 8pm so as not to interfere with church services. The committee agreed. The vicar also queried the Sunday cycling club saying it was difficult to see how the club ministers to the spiritual welfare of the members, whatever it may do for them physically and mentally. On that matter no action was taken. In July the committee decided an 8pm start on a Sunday wouldn't work and discontinued it.
The official opening of the club took place in July and was performed by Mr J Crerar, the managing director of the South Kirkby, Hemsworth and Featherstone Collieries. Others present were Mr J E Nelson, manager of Ackton Hall Colliery, and Mr Norman Baxter the colliery agent.
FEATHERSTONE YOUTH CLUB
In
November 1939 the Board of Education sent Circular 1486 to County
Education Committees for local Youth Councils to be set up to cater for
the social and physical development of boys and girls from 14 to 20 who
had ceased full-time education. This was done in Featherstone in
November 1940.
In January the Featherstone Youth Council was informed Featherstone Council had agreed to
support their request for a room at the Miners' Welfare Institute, and
the West Riding Education Committee had agreed George Street and Snydale
Schools should be "blacked out" and youth clubs formed there.Many young people attended the informal opening in February of Featherstone Youth Club in George Street School. It was for both sexes between the ages of 14 and 20. It was agreed to have a canteen and library, and a questionnaire would be issued on the forms of activity the members would like to undertake.
Keep fit classes began with instructors Mr H Stacey and Miss F Martin. The Youth Council was sponsoring instruction classes for Boy Scouts to prepare them for joining the Air Training Corps.
A deputation from the West Riding County Council visited the Featherstone Youth Club in March and were highly satisfied with the facilities offered. The membership had now passed 80.
The members of the club requested it should be opened on Sunday evenings. Revd I O Jay supported the request providing it was not during church service hours. The management committee of the club unanimously agreed to open from 7.30 to 9.30, and to allow all the usual club activities. The girls agreed to purchase their own physical training dresses, and an instructor had been appointed for the gardening section. It was proposed to open the club one night a week for girls for dressmaking and for knitting comforts for the troops. At the first Sunday opening 120 members turned up. All the activities except dancing were available. On the second Sunday 200 turned up.
In April organisers were chosen for the activities of the club which were camping, cycling, football, cricket, dramatics and singing, swimming, films, gardening, military training, stamp collecting and dressmaking.
By May 250 members were attending on Sundays. Revd W B Chapman, Vicar of Featherstone, wrote asking for the Sunday club to open at 8pm so as not to interfere with church services. The committee agreed. The vicar also queried the Sunday cycling club saying it was difficult to see how the club ministers to the spiritual welfare of the members, whatever it may do for them physically and mentally. On that matter no action was taken. In July the committee decided an 8pm start on a Sunday wouldn't work and discontinued it.
The official opening of the club took place in July and was performed by Mr J Crerar, the managing director of the South Kirkby, Hemsworth and Featherstone Collieries. Others present were Mr J E Nelson, manager of Ackton Hall Colliery, and Mr Norman Baxter the colliery agent.
SOCIAL WORKERS MARRY
The marriage took place in March of Ernest Peter Bullock and Anne
Darlington. He was managing director of South Yorkshire Motors Ltd,
chairman of the Featherstone Youth Council, president of Featherstone
Social Service Centre, and a member of the Featherstone education sub-committee. He was also an active Methodist worker.
The
bride, daughter of the late Cr and Mrs Peter Darlington, was a governor
of the Pontefract and District Girls' High School, also a member of the education sub-committee, and a social worker in many other spheres,
particularly child welfare.
INJURING THE SURFACE OF THE HIGHWAY
Four
Featherstone men were charged in March under the Highway Act of 1835
with injuring the surface of the road by removing gulley grates at
Crofton. They were Norman Westwood, Alfred Hobson, James Lockett and Ernest Longley.
Sergeant
Garrod and PC Twentyman were escorting a prisoner to Wakefield when
they passed the four men who they said were under the influence of
drink. Then they noticed gulley grates at the side of the road had been
removed, 26 in all. PC Twentyman went after the four men and noticed
they had a wet muddy deposit on them although it was a dry night. They were told they would be reported.
Only Westwood and Hobson appeared in Wakefield Court. Longley was said
to be be in the Army, and Lockett sent a letter pleading not guilty. The
two who appeared said they had had a night out in Wakefield which ended
in a fight, the result of an argument in a public house. They pleaded
not guilty but all were fined £1.
THE CRICKET CLUB
The Featherstone and Purston Cricket, Tennis and Bowling Club held
their annual meeting at the Junction Hotel in March. They unanimously
decided to carry on next season. The chairman, Mr G Johnson, said they
had to think of the youths who were growing up and wanted recreation to
keep them fit, but every member must be prepared to do something for
nothing.
The
secretary, Mr A Maleham, pointed out 13 playing members had joined the
forces. Mr E C Jordan said it was not a question of winning or losing,
but playing the game and carrying on. It was agreed all members of the
club who had joined the forces should be retained in membership, and
should have facilities for play when at home.
At another meeting in December it was said they had made a profit on the season of £47. The chairman, George Johnson, said he had never seen a better balance sheet. There were now 25 playing members in the Forces.
At another meeting in December it was said they had made a profit on the season of £47. The chairman, George Johnson, said he had never seen a better balance sheet. There were now 25 playing members in the Forces.
FEATHERSTONE ROVERS
For the tenth successive year the players of Featherstone Rovers
entertained the officials and friends at the Junction Hotel in June.
Because of war-time restrictions, sandwiches took the place of the usual
dinner. Mr W Williams presided, and said the club performed well last
season. Results would have been better but for injuries at a crucial
stage.
Mr J Crerar, a vice-president, said they were a grand set of lads doing
their bit for their country in their work, and he hoped it would be
possible to keep them together. Mr A Berry, the club chairman, said they
had skillful and promising young players, for whom he predicted
successful football careers.
At the annual meeting a week later, Mr A Berry, the chairman, said it was a constant struggle to keep going but they would carry on as long as there was football to be had. They had many clever, young players who could hold their own against the best they had to meet.
Mr H Littlewood, the secretary/treasurer reported a profit on the season of £181, and announced with regret that Poole had been reported missing, and Pearson was unlikely to play football again because of injury.
There was a crowd of 650 for the Boxing Day dance in the Lister Hall, said to be a record. Proceeds from the sale of tickets were £47.
At the annual meeting a week later, Mr A Berry, the chairman, said it was a constant struggle to keep going but they would carry on as long as there was football to be had. They had many clever, young players who could hold their own against the best they had to meet.
Mr H Littlewood, the secretary/treasurer reported a profit on the season of £181, and announced with regret that Poole had been reported missing, and Pearson was unlikely to play football again because of injury.
There was a crowd of 650 for the Boxing Day dance in the Lister Hall, said to be a record. Proceeds from the sale of tickets were £47.
STOP GROUSING
In the August issue of the parish magazine Revd W B Chapman suggested
Christians should stop grousing about rations, and not let all their
conversations centre round food and the difficulties in shopping. He
wrote "There are bound to be difficulties at such a time, but ought not
we, who have so far escaped what has befallen some areas, be more
mindful of our blessings, and brood less over the hardships we have to
bear? What are these hardships compared with what some of our fellow
countrymen have had to endure? If the commodities we want are not
in stock, it is not necessarily the fault of the shopkeeper. These are
by no means trivial matters. The selfish, the inconsiderate, the
grousers are only a very small minority in Featherstone, but their
unwholesome influence needs to be counteracted by what had been called
sanctified commonsense".
FEATHERSTONE SOLDIER DROWNED WHILE AT TRAINING CAMP
George and Emma Leyland of Pretoria Street were told in September their
son George Henry age 21 was missing from training camp near Truro. The
police visited to make sure he hadn't deserted and returned home. After a
few days they received a telegram to say his body had been recovered
from the sea. He had never seen the sea, and it was assumed he had slipped while trying to climb down the cliffs. He
had only been in the Army for eleven weeks. His officers deplored the
loss of a very decent and willing lad who would have made a good
soldier.
The inquest was held in St Agnes, Cornwall, where Sergeant P E Hurren said he was unable to identify the body. Dr William Whitworth, who found the body, said the only clothing was a pair of military trousers and socks. Captain E Campbell of the Royal Army Medical Corps said the body had been in the sea for at least 14 days. He considered it likely it was that of Gunner Leyland because no other man was missing. The coroner thought it fairly safe to conclude the body was that of Gunner Leyland, but in the absence of evidence to show how he came by his end there would have to be an open verdict of found dead in the sea.
The body was sent back home by train, and reached Featherstone, Northumberland, before being directed to the correct destination. Members of Featherstone Home Guard acted as bearers at the funeral.
The inquest was held in St Agnes, Cornwall, where Sergeant P E Hurren said he was unable to identify the body. Dr William Whitworth, who found the body, said the only clothing was a pair of military trousers and socks. Captain E Campbell of the Royal Army Medical Corps said the body had been in the sea for at least 14 days. He considered it likely it was that of Gunner Leyland because no other man was missing. The coroner thought it fairly safe to conclude the body was that of Gunner Leyland, but in the absence of evidence to show how he came by his end there would have to be an open verdict of found dead in the sea.
The body was sent back home by train, and reached Featherstone, Northumberland, before being directed to the correct destination. Members of Featherstone Home Guard acted as bearers at the funeral.
 |
| George Leyland. A family photo. |
FEATHERSTONE WORKER UP NORTH IN TROUBLE
A Policeman in the north-east (exact location not given) stopped Frank
Westerman of Station Lane as he left work in October because he saw
something bulky under his overcoat. Frank, a sheet metal worker,
produced two metal hand shovels. He was taken to court accused of
stealing the property of the Government value 2s.
In
a statement he said "I picked up two pieces of scrap metal and made two
hand shovels. I didn't think I was doing anything wrong. I have been
working in shipyards where it is common practice to do this sort of
thing". The magistrate's clerk said they are very useful lumps of scrap.
The Bench said they accepted his statement that he thought he could take scrap for this purpose, but fined him 10s.
PIT CAGE ACCIDENT
In
October there was a winding accident at Ackton Hall Colliery. The cages
with men in failed to stop and one went into the head gear and the
other crashed at the bottom of the shaft. Six men were injured and they
were all taken to Pontefract General Infirmary. Detained were James
Bennett age 43 of Albert Street, injuries to spine and left leg; John
Kelley age 47 of Stanley Street, internal injuries and injuries to both
legs; Wilfred Davies age 43 of Willow Dor, leg fracture and suspected
internal injuries; William Rudge age 43 of Kimberley Street, fractured
left knee; and Thomas Davies age 52 of Hill (Hall?) Street, concussion.
Joshua Tilford age 56 of Little Lane was treated for multiple bruises
and discharged. James Bennett died from his injuries 19 days after the
accident. The inquest was adjourned until it was established how the
other men fared.
1941 NEWS ITEMS
FEBRUARY
The annual effort at the Lister Baths in aid of local hospitals was
attended by about 300 dancers. The music was supplied by the York and
Lancaster Regiment Dance Band. It had been decided to drop the usual whist drive
from the occasion.
MARCH The fire brigade was called out to a fire at the boiler house at Gordon Street Senior School discovered by the caretaker, Mr J Seal. The work of the firemen was made more difficult by the confined space in which they had to work. The brigade were there for three hours and prevented the flames spreading to the classrooms.
APRIL James Ernest Roberts age 28 of Post Office Road was killed by a fall of roof at Ackton Hall Colliery. The coroner at the Gospel Hall inquest recorded a verdict of death by misadventure.
Silas Millard age 25 of Earle Street was riding a motorcycle to Pontefract with his mother on the pillion. He took the corner at Purston School too fast and had to swerve to avoid a telephone post. He skidded and both were thrown off. Silas was taken to Pontefract Infirmary where he died shortly after from a fractured skull. The inquest verdict was death by misadventure.
MAY A motorist travelling along Pontefract Road noticed the roof of Mr C Robert's blacksmith's shop was on fire. He summoned the fire brigade but when they arrived they found Mr Roberts had knocked off the burning eaves with an iron bar.
JUNE Mr and Mrs Wigglesworth of Granville Street, after many months of suspense, received a letter from their son Walter who was a prisoner of war in Germany. He revealed he was captured at Lille on 28 May last year.
Sergeant Bernard Clifton age 20, son of Mr and Mrs H Clifton of Glen Spey, Purston, was awarded the DFC. He was a wireless operator and air gunner and had taken part in many bombing raids.
John Reuben Senior age 67 of Ackworth was loading arch girders onto the cage at the top of the shaft at Ackworth Pit. He was working with Thomas Albert Woodfield of Mount Pleasant Street. Woodfield told an inquest Senior had loaded an arch and called out "Right" and then he disappeared in the gap between the cage and the landing and fell down the shaft. The verdict was death by misadventure.
About 40 girl conductors came out on strike at the Featherstone B & S depot over a dispute on the checking of ticket money and wage rates. After two days they returned to work.
Mr A Maleham, the secretary of the cricket club, was faced with the prospect of being called up so he resigned. His place was taken by Mr S Denton.
A schoolboy age 12 and two others age 9 admitted in the juvenile court stealing bottles of mineral water valued at 9s 1d from the refreshment room on the cricket ground. The older lad, who had been in other trouble, was sent to a remand home until a place for him could be found in an approved school. The other two were let off.
Cr Aaron Evans JP retired from the presidency of the Snydale Colliery Branch of the Yorkshire Mineworkers' Association after 40 years continuous service. Born in Staffordshire, he began work at Snydale Colliery when he was 15.
JULY Bugler King came to England with the Lorne Scots (Canadian Army). He hadn't seen his mother for over 30 years so he wrote to Featherstone Police who traced his mother, Mrs Bull of Arundel Street.
AUGUST Benjamin Collins of Station Lane was awarded the Royal Humane Society Parchment Certificate for saving Hannah Wilby of Bradford who had fallen into the Aire and Calder Canal in Wakefield. He was presented with his certificate by the Mayor of Wakefield at Wakefield City Court.
John Bramham was one of a team cutting corn at Monk Royd Farm. He was sat on the binder, and after a hare was seen he cocked his double-barrelled shotgun and placed it on the binder. There was a bang and he was found in a dying condition. At the inquest the coroner said it was clear something had dislodged the gun, caught the hammer and discharged the cartridge. A binder was a very unsafe position for a loaded and cocked hammer-gun. A verdict of accidental death was recorded.
OCTOBER Pupil numbers were down at both North and South Featherstone Modern Schools and five classes at South Featherstone and three at North Featherstone were discontinued.
NOVEMBER The British Legion reported their Poppy Day collection totalled a record £80 16s 9d.
MARCH The fire brigade was called out to a fire at the boiler house at Gordon Street Senior School discovered by the caretaker, Mr J Seal. The work of the firemen was made more difficult by the confined space in which they had to work. The brigade were there for three hours and prevented the flames spreading to the classrooms.
APRIL James Ernest Roberts age 28 of Post Office Road was killed by a fall of roof at Ackton Hall Colliery. The coroner at the Gospel Hall inquest recorded a verdict of death by misadventure.
Silas Millard age 25 of Earle Street was riding a motorcycle to Pontefract with his mother on the pillion. He took the corner at Purston School too fast and had to swerve to avoid a telephone post. He skidded and both were thrown off. Silas was taken to Pontefract Infirmary where he died shortly after from a fractured skull. The inquest verdict was death by misadventure.
MAY A motorist travelling along Pontefract Road noticed the roof of Mr C Robert's blacksmith's shop was on fire. He summoned the fire brigade but when they arrived they found Mr Roberts had knocked off the burning eaves with an iron bar.
JUNE Mr and Mrs Wigglesworth of Granville Street, after many months of suspense, received a letter from their son Walter who was a prisoner of war in Germany. He revealed he was captured at Lille on 28 May last year.
Sergeant Bernard Clifton age 20, son of Mr and Mrs H Clifton of Glen Spey, Purston, was awarded the DFC. He was a wireless operator and air gunner and had taken part in many bombing raids.
John Reuben Senior age 67 of Ackworth was loading arch girders onto the cage at the top of the shaft at Ackworth Pit. He was working with Thomas Albert Woodfield of Mount Pleasant Street. Woodfield told an inquest Senior had loaded an arch and called out "Right" and then he disappeared in the gap between the cage and the landing and fell down the shaft. The verdict was death by misadventure.
About 40 girl conductors came out on strike at the Featherstone B & S depot over a dispute on the checking of ticket money and wage rates. After two days they returned to work.
Mr A Maleham, the secretary of the cricket club, was faced with the prospect of being called up so he resigned. His place was taken by Mr S Denton.
A schoolboy age 12 and two others age 9 admitted in the juvenile court stealing bottles of mineral water valued at 9s 1d from the refreshment room on the cricket ground. The older lad, who had been in other trouble, was sent to a remand home until a place for him could be found in an approved school. The other two were let off.
Cr Aaron Evans JP retired from the presidency of the Snydale Colliery Branch of the Yorkshire Mineworkers' Association after 40 years continuous service. Born in Staffordshire, he began work at Snydale Colliery when he was 15.
JULY Bugler King came to England with the Lorne Scots (Canadian Army). He hadn't seen his mother for over 30 years so he wrote to Featherstone Police who traced his mother, Mrs Bull of Arundel Street.
AUGUST Benjamin Collins of Station Lane was awarded the Royal Humane Society Parchment Certificate for saving Hannah Wilby of Bradford who had fallen into the Aire and Calder Canal in Wakefield. He was presented with his certificate by the Mayor of Wakefield at Wakefield City Court.
John Bramham was one of a team cutting corn at Monk Royd Farm. He was sat on the binder, and after a hare was seen he cocked his double-barrelled shotgun and placed it on the binder. There was a bang and he was found in a dying condition. At the inquest the coroner said it was clear something had dislodged the gun, caught the hammer and discharged the cartridge. A binder was a very unsafe position for a loaded and cocked hammer-gun. A verdict of accidental death was recorded.
OCTOBER Pupil numbers were down at both North and South Featherstone Modern Schools and five classes at South Featherstone and three at North Featherstone were discontinued.
NOVEMBER The British Legion reported their Poppy Day collection totalled a record £80 16s 9d.