A HISTORY OF FEATHERSTONE
1942
THE WAR
JANUARY
The council received a Ministry of Works circular which gave details of
public railings which were not required for salvage including schools.
Cr Rowley said "It is a good job we didn't interfere with certain
railings" (the schools).
The council congratulated the North Featherstone Air Raid Wardens on
winning the Cottain and Leach Cups in wardens' competitions at
Pontefract.
FEBRUARY The Air Raid Wardens organised a production of Dick Whittington and his Cat for three days at the Miners' Welfare Hall by 70 players of the Kinsley Parish Church. The hall was crowded for each performance, and the proceeds were divided between the Featherstone and Hemsworth Aid to Russia Funds.
Boys age 16 had to register under the Government's Registration of Youth's scheme. There were 79 in Featherstone. Five were in the Air Training Corps, nine in the Home Guard, and 34 in various youth organisations, leaving 31 to meet the interviewing committee.
MARCH Council elections had been suspended for the duration of the war. The rule was a vacancy should be filled by the council and by a representative of the party whose seat was vacated. A Home Office circular pointed out some councils had not followed this rule, but all must do so.
The year's accounts for the Special Constable Comforts Fund showed £657 had been raised, including £251 from collecting boxes at pubs and clubs, £261 from concerts, whist drives and dances, and £76 from levies at Ackton Hall Colliery. A total of 963 grants were made to members of the Forces, including 20s each to nine prisoners of war. In addition, 227 knitted goods were sent, and cigarettes; and £38 was placed in deposit accounts for members of the Forces serving oversees. There were over 700 Featherstone and Purston men and women on the fund's list who received at least 15s yearly.
APRIL In January the council launched an appeal on behalf of the Aid to Russia Fund and hoped to raise £500. By the end of March the total was over £700 and it was agreed to send that amount to the National Fund. Now the total had passed £1,000 with contributions still arriving.
Mr Coult, organiser of the fund, told the council the final amount would be about £1,100. He paid tribute to the way the ratepayers had responded and said "If ever I was proud of Featherstone, it is at the present moment".
The newly formed National Fire Service male voice choir held a concert in the Miners' Welfare Hall for the Aid to Russia Fund at which 500 people attended. The Featherstone Silver Prize Band also gave their services.
In an attempt to provide an emergency water supply, samples had been taken from six wells but only one was satisfactory. The Ministry of Health suggested more tests should be carried out. It was proposed to buy six water tanks and pumps in case the mains were fractured during an air raid.
The Ministry of Supply urged the need to salvage rags and bones, and said if bones were dried in front of a fire, or in the oven, they would not smell obnoxious while awaiting collection.
An Air Training Corps was formed in Featherstone attached to the Pontefract Squadron. The commanding officer would be Pilot Officer R H Jackson, and training would take place at Gordon Street School.
The Featherstone Youth Cub agreed to form a Women's Junior Air Training Corps with Miss F Martin as secretary. The Featherstone Boys' Club formed a unit of the Army Cadet Corps. They would receive Army training and civilian duty training.
MAY The youth club decided to form a Sea Cadets Corps, which would be initially attached to the local Air Training Corps.
The council reported samples from four out of six wells were satisfactory in chemical and bacteriological tests, and they would be prepared for emergency use.
The Council's Aid for Russia Fund was closed at a total of £1,135 and expenses of only £5. Sir Walter Citrine, the secretary of the national fund, said it was a remarkable effort and a magnificent achievement. The Russian Ambassador, M Maisky, said he appreciated the effort all the more when the largest proportion of the money had been given by the wage earners which meant real sacrifice.
JULY Representatives of the War Savings Committee and the miners met to consider a scheme for co-operation in the national Tanks for Attack Savings Campaign. It was agreed Ackton Hall and Snydale Collieries should prepare their own schemes, and a suggested combined target should be £15,000. It was agreed to ask the youth clubs to form war savings groups.
AUGUST The Featherstone Flight of the Air Training Corps under Pilot Officer R H Jackson spent a week at an RAF Station. They each had a flight over their home town, and instruction was given in a variety of subjects including parachute and dinghy drill. They saw Americans and Canadians teaching baseball, and enjoyed an ENSA show.
Two 5,000 gallon, one 11,000 gallon and one 22,000 gallon water tanks were to be installed for fire-fighting. The council suggested a larger one should be installed in the Houndhill Lane area where the pressure was lowest.
The Featherstone Army Cadet Force went into camp with the Home Guard. They had lectures and demonstrations of messenger service work, map reading, the Sten Gun, first aid, workshop practice, mathematics, mechanical drawing and English.
OCTOBER At the council meeting, Cr Rowley asked organisations and individuals to support the Aid to China appeal. He emphasised the suffering of China in five years of war.
The Featherstone National Savings Committee agreed to hold a Wings for Victory week in connection with the national effort. The total savings raised during the past 25 weeks was £22,160. There were now 65 groups, 78 collectors, and 2,140 members.
NOVEMBER Company Sergeant-Major Sidney Roberts of Post Office Road was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallant conduct in Burma.
The Featherstone Flight of the No.463 Air Training Corps Squadron (43 cadets) visited an aerodrome accompanied by their commanding officer, Flying Officer R H Jackson. The Featherstone Youth Club Army Cadet Corps were inspected by Lieut-Col E H O Hanbury MC of Goole. He warmly complimented the commanding officer, Lieut. F F Rogers, and the instructors on the efficiency of the unit.
To further the salvage campaign a public meeting was held in the Social Service Centre. Lady Allerton of the Women's Voluntary Service gave an illustrated talk on how articles of war could be made from salvage. She stressed the great importance of paper, rubber and copper.
The local organisers of the recent Aid to Russia Fund decided to form a committee for the current national Aid to China Fund, and have a flag day and house to house collection.
There was wilful damage to community air raid shelters including ripping out the seats and stealing the wood. It was a widespread problem, and the regional commissioner suggested prosecutions and exemplary fines. The sanitary inspector said the emergency water tanks recently erected, but not yet filled with water, had rubbish thrown in them. Cr Bradley said he thought much of the damage was done by schoolchildren, some of whom were out of hand. Cr Evans thought it was more likely 16 and 17 year old youths as children could not tear away seats.
Civil Defence Day was observed by a service at Purston Parish Church. The Air Raid Wardens, First Aid Parties, Women's Voluntary Service, Messenger Service, National Fire Service and the council assembled at the First Aid Post (the Palace) and marched behind the Featherstone Silver Prize Band to the church.
The rates were fixed at 20s in the £1 for the next 12 months. Cr Evans said he believed it was the first time the council had budgeted for a 12 months' period. He felt he must justify such a big rate and said it was necessary to budget for a good balance to meet any emergency that might arise.
Cr Hobson said they knew their finances had not been in a good state for a number of years. A small balance at the end of the year was essential.
Cr F Banks was elected chairman for the coming year. In proposing him, Cr A Evans said during his term of office he hoped they would be able to celebrate the declaration of peace, and that victory would be assured for all the oppressed peoples of all nations.
MAY The subscription to the Featherstone Radio Relay Service was raised from 1s 3d to 1s 6d because of increased costs. It was decided to support a resolution from the Featherstone Labour Party for the abolition of purchase tax on essential commodities. That group said it had an adverse effect on the lower paid workers, old age pensioners, and dependents of those in the Forces, and it was making it increasingly difficult for people to buy certain goods.
JUNE The medical officer reported he had received notification from the Ministry of Health regarding a national investigation into the causes of pellagra (lack of vitamins) by examining miners after they had finished work, and by studying their food. He had been asked if he could arrange an examination of 200 miners, but he had replied there were no baths or proper facilities in Featherstone.
JULY The park superintendent reported bowlers at the bowling green had refused to play because two schoolboys were playing. The council decided boys would be allowed to use the green on the same conditions as the men.
It was agreed council workmen would not renew broken window panes in council houses as the liability rested with the tenants. Seven allotment holders were told if they persisted in not cultivating their allotment their tenancies would be terminated.
AUGUST The Ministry of Health informed the council they could not release rubber gloves for treating cases of scabies, and suggested alternatives. The medical officer said it was difficult to secure other articles which had been approved by the council.
Cr Hobson said it was in the Press bus services were to be curtailed except for war workers. He said he waited half-an-hour for a bus to Pontefract, and during that time four empty buses marked private passed, while a queue of 80 people were waiting. He said it was a wicked shame in these days of restricted services for buses to be running empty.
The chairman, Cr F Banks, said such buses could pick up passengers at the discretion of the drivers and conductors, but it meant additional work for the conductors whose way-bills were not made out for those routes on which they ran empty.
OCTOBER The council were informed by the county council a full-time librarian, Miss G Allott, had been put in charge of the County Library in Green Lane. Mrs J E Newton, who was part-time, had resigned. The full-time decision was probably because 2,822 books were issued in September compared with 1,786 in September 1941.
The council applied to the West Riding Police Court for a music and dancing licence for the Lister Hall from 7pm to midnight. The magistrates only granted it until 11pm. The council clerk appealed, but after considering it the the chairman said they had no reason to alter their decision.
NOVEMBER Ackton Hospital asked the council for early notification of patients needing removal to hospital, to avoid the ambulance travelling in the blackout. The council agreed to pass on the request to the doctors.
A meeting was to be held by representatives from Castleford, Featherstone and Normanton to discuss the question of a crematorium for the area.
DECEMBER A circular was received from the Ministry of Fuel and Power calling for fuel economy. The chairman pointed out electricity users were not encouraged to economise because the quarterly tariff was 15s plus 1d a unit. He suggested if the tariff charge was reduced and the unit price increased people would use less electricity. It was agreed to put the point to the Yorkshire Electric Power Co.
A Featherstone Prisoners of War Club had been formed by the relatives of those captured. They were entertained to tea in the Social Service Centre. The club was doing good work in helping the prisoners to receive comforts and a knitting circle had been formed. The Special Constables said they would donate £20 each quarter. Others contributing were the wardens, schoolchildren and the working men's clubs.
FEBRUARY The Air Raid Wardens organised a production of Dick Whittington and his Cat for three days at the Miners' Welfare Hall by 70 players of the Kinsley Parish Church. The hall was crowded for each performance, and the proceeds were divided between the Featherstone and Hemsworth Aid to Russia Funds.
Boys age 16 had to register under the Government's Registration of Youth's scheme. There were 79 in Featherstone. Five were in the Air Training Corps, nine in the Home Guard, and 34 in various youth organisations, leaving 31 to meet the interviewing committee.
MARCH Council elections had been suspended for the duration of the war. The rule was a vacancy should be filled by the council and by a representative of the party whose seat was vacated. A Home Office circular pointed out some councils had not followed this rule, but all must do so.
The year's accounts for the Special Constable Comforts Fund showed £657 had been raised, including £251 from collecting boxes at pubs and clubs, £261 from concerts, whist drives and dances, and £76 from levies at Ackton Hall Colliery. A total of 963 grants were made to members of the Forces, including 20s each to nine prisoners of war. In addition, 227 knitted goods were sent, and cigarettes; and £38 was placed in deposit accounts for members of the Forces serving oversees. There were over 700 Featherstone and Purston men and women on the fund's list who received at least 15s yearly.
APRIL In January the council launched an appeal on behalf of the Aid to Russia Fund and hoped to raise £500. By the end of March the total was over £700 and it was agreed to send that amount to the National Fund. Now the total had passed £1,000 with contributions still arriving.
Mr Coult, organiser of the fund, told the council the final amount would be about £1,100. He paid tribute to the way the ratepayers had responded and said "If ever I was proud of Featherstone, it is at the present moment".
The newly formed National Fire Service male voice choir held a concert in the Miners' Welfare Hall for the Aid to Russia Fund at which 500 people attended. The Featherstone Silver Prize Band also gave their services.
In an attempt to provide an emergency water supply, samples had been taken from six wells but only one was satisfactory. The Ministry of Health suggested more tests should be carried out. It was proposed to buy six water tanks and pumps in case the mains were fractured during an air raid.
The Ministry of Supply urged the need to salvage rags and bones, and said if bones were dried in front of a fire, or in the oven, they would not smell obnoxious while awaiting collection.
An Air Training Corps was formed in Featherstone attached to the Pontefract Squadron. The commanding officer would be Pilot Officer R H Jackson, and training would take place at Gordon Street School.
The Featherstone Youth Cub agreed to form a Women's Junior Air Training Corps with Miss F Martin as secretary. The Featherstone Boys' Club formed a unit of the Army Cadet Corps. They would receive Army training and civilian duty training.
MAY The youth club decided to form a Sea Cadets Corps, which would be initially attached to the local Air Training Corps.
The council reported samples from four out of six wells were satisfactory in chemical and bacteriological tests, and they would be prepared for emergency use.
The Council's Aid for Russia Fund was closed at a total of £1,135 and expenses of only £5. Sir Walter Citrine, the secretary of the national fund, said it was a remarkable effort and a magnificent achievement. The Russian Ambassador, M Maisky, said he appreciated the effort all the more when the largest proportion of the money had been given by the wage earners which meant real sacrifice.
JULY Representatives of the War Savings Committee and the miners met to consider a scheme for co-operation in the national Tanks for Attack Savings Campaign. It was agreed Ackton Hall and Snydale Collieries should prepare their own schemes, and a suggested combined target should be £15,000. It was agreed to ask the youth clubs to form war savings groups.
AUGUST The Featherstone Flight of the Air Training Corps under Pilot Officer R H Jackson spent a week at an RAF Station. They each had a flight over their home town, and instruction was given in a variety of subjects including parachute and dinghy drill. They saw Americans and Canadians teaching baseball, and enjoyed an ENSA show.
Two 5,000 gallon, one 11,000 gallon and one 22,000 gallon water tanks were to be installed for fire-fighting. The council suggested a larger one should be installed in the Houndhill Lane area where the pressure was lowest.
The Featherstone Army Cadet Force went into camp with the Home Guard. They had lectures and demonstrations of messenger service work, map reading, the Sten Gun, first aid, workshop practice, mathematics, mechanical drawing and English.
OCTOBER At the council meeting, Cr Rowley asked organisations and individuals to support the Aid to China appeal. He emphasised the suffering of China in five years of war.
The Featherstone National Savings Committee agreed to hold a Wings for Victory week in connection with the national effort. The total savings raised during the past 25 weeks was £22,160. There were now 65 groups, 78 collectors, and 2,140 members.
NOVEMBER Company Sergeant-Major Sidney Roberts of Post Office Road was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallant conduct in Burma.
The Featherstone Flight of the No.463 Air Training Corps Squadron (43 cadets) visited an aerodrome accompanied by their commanding officer, Flying Officer R H Jackson. The Featherstone Youth Club Army Cadet Corps were inspected by Lieut-Col E H O Hanbury MC of Goole. He warmly complimented the commanding officer, Lieut. F F Rogers, and the instructors on the efficiency of the unit.
To further the salvage campaign a public meeting was held in the Social Service Centre. Lady Allerton of the Women's Voluntary Service gave an illustrated talk on how articles of war could be made from salvage. She stressed the great importance of paper, rubber and copper.
The local organisers of the recent Aid to Russia Fund decided to form a committee for the current national Aid to China Fund, and have a flag day and house to house collection.
There was wilful damage to community air raid shelters including ripping out the seats and stealing the wood. It was a widespread problem, and the regional commissioner suggested prosecutions and exemplary fines. The sanitary inspector said the emergency water tanks recently erected, but not yet filled with water, had rubbish thrown in them. Cr Bradley said he thought much of the damage was done by schoolchildren, some of whom were out of hand. Cr Evans thought it was more likely 16 and 17 year old youths as children could not tear away seats.
Civil Defence Day was observed by a service at Purston Parish Church. The Air Raid Wardens, First Aid Parties, Women's Voluntary Service, Messenger Service, National Fire Service and the council assembled at the First Aid Post (the Palace) and marched behind the Featherstone Silver Prize Band to the church.
THE COUNCIL
FEBRUARY
There were severe frosts which caused many burst pipes. It was
estimated one burst water main had lost 30,000 gallons. Both Ackton and
Glass Houghton Isolation Hospitals told the C
council it was not
practicable to treat scabies, and it was better done locally. The
medical officer and sanitary inspector were asked to formulate a scheme.
MARCH It was estimated during the last month burst pipes at Snydale Colliery brickyard had lost 100,000 gallons of water, and at Ackton Hall Colliery 120,000 gallons had been lost.
APRIL
The scabies epidemic was still a problem. The County Medical Officer
proposed having cases of scabies treated at the first aid post in the
Palace building, and the clothes disinfected at Ackton Hospital.MARCH It was estimated during the last month burst pipes at Snydale Colliery brickyard had lost 100,000 gallons of water, and at Ackton Hall Colliery 120,000 gallons had been lost.
The rates were fixed at 20s in the £1 for the next 12 months. Cr Evans said he believed it was the first time the council had budgeted for a 12 months' period. He felt he must justify such a big rate and said it was necessary to budget for a good balance to meet any emergency that might arise.
Cr Hobson said they knew their finances had not been in a good state for a number of years. A small balance at the end of the year was essential.
Cr F Banks was elected chairman for the coming year. In proposing him, Cr A Evans said during his term of office he hoped they would be able to celebrate the declaration of peace, and that victory would be assured for all the oppressed peoples of all nations.
MAY The subscription to the Featherstone Radio Relay Service was raised from 1s 3d to 1s 6d because of increased costs. It was decided to support a resolution from the Featherstone Labour Party for the abolition of purchase tax on essential commodities. That group said it had an adverse effect on the lower paid workers, old age pensioners, and dependents of those in the Forces, and it was making it increasingly difficult for people to buy certain goods.
JUNE The medical officer reported he had received notification from the Ministry of Health regarding a national investigation into the causes of pellagra (lack of vitamins) by examining miners after they had finished work, and by studying their food. He had been asked if he could arrange an examination of 200 miners, but he had replied there were no baths or proper facilities in Featherstone.
JULY The park superintendent reported bowlers at the bowling green had refused to play because two schoolboys were playing. The council decided boys would be allowed to use the green on the same conditions as the men.
It was agreed council workmen would not renew broken window panes in council houses as the liability rested with the tenants. Seven allotment holders were told if they persisted in not cultivating their allotment their tenancies would be terminated.
AUGUST The Ministry of Health informed the council they could not release rubber gloves for treating cases of scabies, and suggested alternatives. The medical officer said it was difficult to secure other articles which had been approved by the council.
Cr Hobson said it was in the Press bus services were to be curtailed except for war workers. He said he waited half-an-hour for a bus to Pontefract, and during that time four empty buses marked private passed, while a queue of 80 people were waiting. He said it was a wicked shame in these days of restricted services for buses to be running empty.
The chairman, Cr F Banks, said such buses could pick up passengers at the discretion of the drivers and conductors, but it meant additional work for the conductors whose way-bills were not made out for those routes on which they ran empty.
OCTOBER The council were informed by the county council a full-time librarian, Miss G Allott, had been put in charge of the County Library in Green Lane. Mrs J E Newton, who was part-time, had resigned. The full-time decision was probably because 2,822 books were issued in September compared with 1,786 in September 1941.
The council applied to the West Riding Police Court for a music and dancing licence for the Lister Hall from 7pm to midnight. The magistrates only granted it until 11pm. The council clerk appealed, but after considering it the the chairman said they had no reason to alter their decision.
NOVEMBER Ackton Hospital asked the council for early notification of patients needing removal to hospital, to avoid the ambulance travelling in the blackout. The council agreed to pass on the request to the doctors.
A meeting was to be held by representatives from Castleford, Featherstone and Normanton to discuss the question of a crematorium for the area.
DECEMBER A circular was received from the Ministry of Fuel and Power calling for fuel economy. The chairman pointed out electricity users were not encouraged to economise because the quarterly tariff was 15s plus 1d a unit. He suggested if the tariff charge was reduced and the unit price increased people would use less electricity. It was agreed to put the point to the Yorkshire Electric Power Co.
A Featherstone Prisoners of War Club had been formed by the relatives of those captured. They were entertained to tea in the Social Service Centre. The club was doing good work in helping the prisoners to receive comforts and a knitting circle had been formed. The Special Constables said they would donate £20 each quarter. Others contributing were the wardens, schoolchildren and the working men's clubs.
THE ACKTON HALL COLLIERY OVERWINDING ACCIDENT
On October 29 last year there was an overwinding accident at Ackton Hall Colliery. James Bennett of Albert Street died in hospital on November 17. The inquest was opened and adjourned until the fate of the others injured was know.
The inquest resumed on January 9 when it was explained Bennett was in
the cage going down with two other men and all were badly injured. There
were six men in the cage going up and they escaped with lesser
injuries.
The banksman, Ernest Winter of Crossley Street, said he gave the signal
to the winding engineman to let him know there were men in the cages
(not tubs). When he was waiting to let the men coming up out of the cage
it passed him and went into the headgear. He went into the winding
house where he found the winding engineman in his seat and asked if he
was alright. He replied "Yes' it's the men I am thinking of".
The winding engineman was George Arthur Saxton of Pontefract. He said
he applied the steam to set the cages in motion and then shut it off to
let the cages travel by their own momentum. At the half way point he
reapplied the steam to act as a brake but it had no effect. He tried
again without a result so he applied the brake. It checked the speed but
could not prevent the overwind. He said there was nothing else he could
do.
In reply to the coroner he said there might have been grease on the
brake path, and to the Inspector of Mines he said he applied the brake
when about four revolutions of the winding drum from the surface. The
overwind protection gear worked, but not soon enough.
The colliery engineer, George Hinds, told the inquest he examined the
engine after the accident and found everything in order and the overwind
protection operated correctly. When asked his opinion of the cause he
said his view was the reverse lever had been pulled back instead of
being pushed forward. The cages would be probably be travelling at 20
miles an hour when they crashed. He did not know why the overwind
protection gear did not work better. It was a type in common use, but
the management were seeing if better ones could be obtained.
The coroner said he was of the opinion the accident was caused because
the winding engineman made a mistake. No one had suggested any other
explanation. The reverse lever was in the wrong position. It was like a
motorist stepping on the accelerator instead of the brake. It was a case
of human error, to which we are all liable, and it was a pure accident.
He recorded a verdict of death from misadventure.
The next day another person injured in the accident died. He was Joseph
John Kelly age 47 of Stanley Street. A second inquest was held, and
once again the verdict was death by misadventure.
DANCING AGAIN AT THE WELFARE
The Express reported
at the end of February dancing was to resume at the Miners' Welfare
Ballroom. The hall was specially decorated, new lighting effects
installed; and the floor, which had been relaid, was claimed to be the
best in Yorkshire. The original advert had dancing on Wednesdays for 3d
(upside down type), but this was deleted the week after.
The Special Constables ran dances at the Lister Hall and the advert below upset them, so they put there own advert in the Express.
There were three dances over the festive season in the Lister Hall. The
Special Constables held their dance on Christmas Eve, and claimed it
was the largest attendance at any dance in that venue since the war
began with an attendance of over 550. They were followed by Featherstone
Rovers with over 500 on Boxing Day.
The last dance of 1942 was for the Featherstone and Purston Cricket,
Bowling and Tennis Club who also claimed over 500 dancers for the New
Year's Eve dance. An extension was allowed until midnight when Auld Lang Syne was sung, followed by Hail, Smiling Morn.
YOUTH CLUBS
At a meeting of the Featherstone Services of Youth Council in February it was
agreed not to open a Youth Centre for North Featherstone, but it was
decided to advise the re-opening of the youth club at George Street
School on Sunday evenings, after it was closed because of objections
from the Vicar of Purston. The Featherstone Youth Club Management
Committee then asked the churches to appoint a committee to arrange for
the re-opening of the club on Sundays.
That was changed to asking the local churches to undertake the
organising of Sunday activities for their own members, and the George
Street youth club would organise Sunday activities for those not
attending any church. A meeting was held at the Featherstone vicarage in
March to re-form the Parish Church and St Peter's Youth Club. The
resignation of George Street Club leader Mr W J McCowan was accepted
with regret in April.
At an effort held in the Wakefield Road Methodist Church in July, Cr Bullock from Pontefract said "We have compulsory education in elementary and modern schools; why not in Sunday Schools?". He added "The Youth Centres are opening on Sundays, and the young people are going off the streets into the Centres. It is the duty of the churches to make sure the right atmosphere is developed in these Youth Centres. The scope is much wider than that of the individual church, and it will be the responsibility of the churches if anything goes wrong with this aspect of youth work".
At an effort held in the Wakefield Road Methodist Church in July, Cr Bullock from Pontefract said "We have compulsory education in elementary and modern schools; why not in Sunday Schools?". He added "The Youth Centres are opening on Sundays, and the young people are going off the streets into the Centres. It is the duty of the churches to make sure the right atmosphere is developed in these Youth Centres. The scope is much wider than that of the individual church, and it will be the responsibility of the churches if anything goes wrong with this aspect of youth work".
He was obviously referring to the Church Youth Clubs because the
management of the George Street Youth Club decided to open the club on
Sunday evenings from September.
THE ROVERS ANNUAL MEETING
Featherstone
Rovers annual meeting was held at the Junction Hotel in June. The
chairman, Mr A Berry, said in addition to war and transport conditions,
adverse weather caused the abandonment of many matches, and the playing
season was shortened. But in spite of a loss of £163 on the season the
club would carry on. The secretary, Mr H Littlewood, said members had
not received normal value for their membership fees, but the majority
had said for once in 20 years we can take it.
The auditor, Mr E Holstead, paid tribute to the committee for its work
under such difficult conditions. The membership had dropped from 1,150
to 1,058 but he thought this was good under present circumstances.
Mr A Bullock was re-elected president, and Messrs A Evans, T Lyman and T Woodcock were elected to the committee.
TRAINING FOR PIT LADS
The Government was considering a scheme for the training of boys
entering the coal mining industry. The Council of the Yorkshire
Mineworkers' Association decided not to wait and signed an agreement
with the South Kirkby, Featherstone and Hemsworth Collieries.
All
boys who signed on from school at the three pits for work underground
would be sent for training to Ackworth Colliery, or some other suitable
place, for a short period under a competent instructor, who would then
advise as to the class of work for which the boy is most suitable.
During the period of training normal wages and travelling expenses would
be paid. Any boys showing special aptitude would be provided with
facilities for continuing their mining education to enable them to
prepare themselves for more responsible posts. The boys must agree to
remain at the company's colliery for five years, and would be credited
with £5 for each year, payable in one amount after five years.
Mr J A Hall, president of the Yorkshire Mineworkers' Association, said
the boys would learn useful discipline and that would lead to safer
conditions in mines and so reduce loss of life and limb.
The company put this advert in the Yorkshire Post in April, with the intention of the first trainees being the summer school leavers.
The company put this advert in the Yorkshire Post in April, with the intention of the first trainees being the summer school leavers.
The training centre at Ackworth Pit was visited in November by Mrs
Gwilym Lloyd George, wife of the Minister of Fuel and Power. She saw
eleven 14 year old boys training under the instruction of Mr R H Peel.
She
was told the boys used to go into the pit without knowing anything
about their jobs and the dangers attached to them, with the result they
could sustain injuries that could have been avoided. The
boys were from Featherstone, Hemsworth and South Kirkby. In the previous session
there were over 30 pupils, and they all passed the examination.
YOUTH SUNDAY
On
a Sunday afternoon in July a procession of over 500 strong marched from
Cressey's Corner through Featherstone and Purston to celebrate Youth
Sunday, accompanied by the Featherstone Silver Prize Band, the Salvation
Army Band, and the drum and bugle band of Pontefract Air Training
Corps.
In the procession were the Army Cadets, Women's Junior Air Corps, Air
Training Corps, Girl Guides and Rangers, Boy Scouts and Cubs, the
Messenger Service, and the Wilson Street and Wakefield Road Methodist
Churches. Giving support were the Special Constables, National Fire
Service, Air Raid Wardens, First Aid Post, Women's Voluntary Services,
and the Home Guard.
The procession ended at the Rovers ground where Revd H Eckersley (RAF
Chaplain) conducted the service during which hymns were sung led by the
massed bands.
ANNUAL REPORTS
Dr
W Steven's annual report as medical officer to the Council was
published in August. He said the number of deaths last year was 155 of
which 22 were children under one year old. The average number of
unemployed was 30 men and 5 women, a great reduction on previous years. The number of men registered for military service was 2,424, and about 800 had been called up.
Efforts to get every child of school age or under immunised had not
been responded to by the parents, only 330 children having been treated.
There were 320 cases of measles, all treated at home, and no deaths.
There were still 350 privies and 203 wet ashpits.
Mr Hilsley said 183lbs of bacon and ham were condemned as unfit for
use, and also 56 tins of food. Salvage of materials useful for the war
effort produced over 60 tons of waste paper, two tons of bones, 14 tons
of glass, and 46 tons of metals. The Council received £461 for the
salvage.
CRICKET CLUB ANNUAL MEETING
The annual meeting of the Featherstone and Purston Cricket, Tennis and
Bowling Club was held at the Junction Hotel in November. The president,
Mr G F Goulding, thanked all who had worked to keep the club going in
such difficult circumstances, particularly the women, who had run
efforts and raised much-needed revenue.
The secretary, Sidney Denton, pleaded for more support at Yorkshire
Council matches, for which the total receipts were only £3 0s 7d for the
season. The team were hampered by not being able to field a regular
team owing to shift work. Sometimes they could only muster nine players.
The membership had decreased because so many members had joined the
Forces, but more playing members were required.
It
was agreed to send greetings to all members in the Forces. A suggestion
the club might amalgamate with Featherstone Rovers was not considered
feasible. The total income for the season was £242, and the expenditure
was £206.
THE FUEL CONTROLLER'S VISIT
Dr H S Houldsworth, the regional fuel controller, attended a meeting of
colliery management and workers in the Miners' Welfare Hall in
November. He appealed for co-operation in the coal industry and said the
Government scheme of control was not perfect, but it was a wise
measure, and the trust put in the workers would benefit both the
industry and the workers. The scheme provided for both sides to meet to
weigh up all the difficulties, and surely they could prevent the hideous
things which had marred the industry in the past.
He congratulated the Featherstone men and management on their output
for the previous week which had exceeded the target (not given), but
asked for still more because the men of the mines had it in their hands
to determine the length of the war. It was no use talking about new
offensives unless we had more coal. He said absenteeism must stop.
Hitler is a long way off being beaten yet.
Tom Smith, the local MP, stressed the need for economy in using coal as
well as for greater production. Mr E Jones, the labour director for
Yorkshire, said we are not fighting for self, but for the good of all
and the freedom of all.
1942 NEWS ITEMS
JANUARY
Geraldine Farrar, the Featherstone songstress, returned home after a
nine months tour with the Harry Roy Band to take up work of national
importance. She said she hoped to continue her broadcasting career after
the war.
FEBRUARY An inquest was held at the County Institution, Pontefract, (formerly the workhouse) into the death of Mrs Emily Marshall age 70, a widow of Granville Street. Her son, Herbert, said he heard a fall upstairs and found her lying on the floor. A doctor was called and found she had a broken leg. She was taken to the Institute where she died from cerebral thrombosis accelerated by the fracture. The coroner recorded her death was due to misadventure.
Mr Jesse Hurst of Albert Street celebrated his 90th birthday. He remembered handing over 3d a week for his school fees at Purston National School, and starting work at Featherstone Main Colliery age 12 as a trammer (pushing tubs) for 1s 3d a day.
The St John Ambulance Brigade met in the First Aid Post (the Palace). Dr W Steven presented the awards for 1941. He recalled when he formed his first "First Aid" class 50 years ago, injured miners were taken home on a coal cart.
FEBRUARY An inquest was held at the County Institution, Pontefract, (formerly the workhouse) into the death of Mrs Emily Marshall age 70, a widow of Granville Street. Her son, Herbert, said he heard a fall upstairs and found her lying on the floor. A doctor was called and found she had a broken leg. She was taken to the Institute where she died from cerebral thrombosis accelerated by the fracture. The coroner recorded her death was due to misadventure.
Mr Jesse Hurst of Albert Street celebrated his 90th birthday. He remembered handing over 3d a week for his school fees at Purston National School, and starting work at Featherstone Main Colliery age 12 as a trammer (pushing tubs) for 1s 3d a day.
The St John Ambulance Brigade met in the First Aid Post (the Palace). Dr W Steven presented the awards for 1941. He recalled when he formed his first "First Aid" class 50 years ago, injured miners were taken home on a coal cart.
MARCH
Amy Wood age 4 ran in front of a bus in Station Lane and was killed
instantly. The bus driver said she suddenly appeared, probably from a
shop, and he could not avoid her. Edward Wood, her father, told the
inquest he did not know where she was coming from; she hadn't been on an
errand.
An inquest was held on William Henry Dyas age 34 of Station Lane. He was hit on the head by a winch handle while slackening a conveyor belt at Ackton Hall Colliery. George Thomas Mottram, the ambulance man, told the inquest Dyas had a fractured skull. The coroner decided it was death by misadventure.
An inquest was held on William Henry Dyas age 34 of Station Lane. He was hit on the head by a winch handle while slackening a conveyor belt at Ackton Hall Colliery. George Thomas Mottram, the ambulance man, told the inquest Dyas had a fractured skull. The coroner decided it was death by misadventure.
Mr W J McCowan was appointed headmaster of George Street School in
1936. He left to become Assistant Youth Officer at the West
Riding County Council. He had previously been headmaster at Purston
School. He was involved in numerous organisations in Featherstone and would have to resign from them all.
APRIL The proceeds of the recent ball by the Featherstone Hospital Efforts Fund Committee were £103. It was agreed to give £30 to Pontefract General Infirmary, Leeds Infirmary £20, Clayton Hospital £15 15s, Leeds Hospital for Women £15, St John Ambulance Brigade £10, Devonshire Hospital, Buxton, £5, and Royal Baths Hospital, Harrogate, £4 4s.
The death occurred at his home in Hall Street of Dan Oldroyd age 71, popularly know as Tripey Dan because of his business in Station Lane as a tripe dresser for over 45 years. He was also an ice cream vendor for 16 years until a fire in Hall Street destroyed his utensils and machinery in 1913.
MAY A large mirror over the fireplace in the snug at the Jubilee Hotel was covered with copper and silver coins stuck on with beer over three months. It was in aid of Pontefract Infirmary and the total value was estimated at £8.
JULY
Arthur Blackburn, from Gargrave, Skipton, was appointed headmaster of
George Street Junior Mixed School to replace Mr McCowan who had moved to
the West Riding Education Department.
The Wakefield Road Methodist Church had a series of debts for 70 years which had reached £300. A determined effort was made to pay off these debts with a final meeting in the church which raised enough to clear them, after liberal contributions by many well-wishers, with £7 left over.
AUGUST Nurse Booth had been in Featherstone for 16 years and was leaving to take another post. She was presented with a cheque at the Featherstone Clinic in appreciation of the valuable service she had given to the mothers and children. There was a second ceremony at the Social Service Centre where she had been secretary for many years.
A large "V" in a frame at the Green Lane Club was used for collecting for charity. It had slots for silver coins and coppers. So far collections had raised £24 for Russia, £14 for the Institute for the Blind, £32 for Pontefract General Infirmary, and the latest effort was for the St John Ambulance Brigade.
SEPTEMBER A Wallah Club was formed last May at the Green Lane Club to raise money for charities. Their latest effort was a flower and vegetable show which raised £35 for Pontefract General Infirmary. So far they had raised £111 for various charities.
OCTOBER In a haulage accident at Ackton Hall Colliery, four girders were pulled out and Arthur Luckman age 39 of Lumb Hall Cottages, Purston, was buried under a fall of roof and he was dead when got out. The coroner recorded a verdict of death by misadventure. The manager praised the efforts of the workmen who got him out, and also James Socket of Ackworth who survived.
The Salvation Army Hall in Post Office Road was reopened after renovation. The band played selections outside and led the hymn singing, and then the opening ceremony was performed by the Mayoress of Pontefract, Mrs G Lodge.
John William Golding age 35 of Normanton was injured by a fall of roof at Snydale Colliery and died the same day in Pontefract General Infirmary.
NOVEMBER The British Legion attended Purston Church for their Remembrance Sunday service. They marched from Cressey's Corner led by the Featherstone Silver Prize Band and were accompanied by the Home Guard, National Fire Service, Special Constables, Royal Ancient Order of Buffaloes, Messenger Services, Women's Junior Air Corps, Air Training Corps, Rangers, Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, and West Riding Constabulary.
William Henry Chafer age 60 of Earle Street, a lampman at Ackton Hall Colliery, collapsed and died in the lamproom. A post mortem found he had diabetes, and he had died from heart failure accelerated by the diabetes. The inquest recorded death was due to natural causes.
DECEMBER The Featherstone Branch of the British Legion reported the Poppy Day collection totalled over £78, the highest on record.
Jocelyn Westbrook of North Featherstone was successful in an examination of dancing at Liverpool and received the bronze medal.
Violet Nettleship of Chapel Street was in bed at 6.30am when she heard her son George, age six, scream and found him downstairs with his clothes on fire. He was taken to Pontefract Infirmary and died the next day. The inquest was told the fire had been raked to keep it in, but there was a fireguard in position. It was assumed he had been trying to light a candle and set himself alight. The verdict was death by misadventure.
The Wakefield Road Methodist Church had a series of debts for 70 years which had reached £300. A determined effort was made to pay off these debts with a final meeting in the church which raised enough to clear them, after liberal contributions by many well-wishers, with £7 left over.
AUGUST Nurse Booth had been in Featherstone for 16 years and was leaving to take another post. She was presented with a cheque at the Featherstone Clinic in appreciation of the valuable service she had given to the mothers and children. There was a second ceremony at the Social Service Centre where she had been secretary for many years.
A large "V" in a frame at the Green Lane Club was used for collecting for charity. It had slots for silver coins and coppers. So far collections had raised £24 for Russia, £14 for the Institute for the Blind, £32 for Pontefract General Infirmary, and the latest effort was for the St John Ambulance Brigade.
SEPTEMBER A Wallah Club was formed last May at the Green Lane Club to raise money for charities. Their latest effort was a flower and vegetable show which raised £35 for Pontefract General Infirmary. So far they had raised £111 for various charities.
OCTOBER In a haulage accident at Ackton Hall Colliery, four girders were pulled out and Arthur Luckman age 39 of Lumb Hall Cottages, Purston, was buried under a fall of roof and he was dead when got out. The coroner recorded a verdict of death by misadventure. The manager praised the efforts of the workmen who got him out, and also James Socket of Ackworth who survived.
The Salvation Army Hall in Post Office Road was reopened after renovation. The band played selections outside and led the hymn singing, and then the opening ceremony was performed by the Mayoress of Pontefract, Mrs G Lodge.
John William Golding age 35 of Normanton was injured by a fall of roof at Snydale Colliery and died the same day in Pontefract General Infirmary.
NOVEMBER The British Legion attended Purston Church for their Remembrance Sunday service. They marched from Cressey's Corner led by the Featherstone Silver Prize Band and were accompanied by the Home Guard, National Fire Service, Special Constables, Royal Ancient Order of Buffaloes, Messenger Services, Women's Junior Air Corps, Air Training Corps, Rangers, Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, and West Riding Constabulary.
William Henry Chafer age 60 of Earle Street, a lampman at Ackton Hall Colliery, collapsed and died in the lamproom. A post mortem found he had diabetes, and he had died from heart failure accelerated by the diabetes. The inquest recorded death was due to natural causes.
DECEMBER The Featherstone Branch of the British Legion reported the Poppy Day collection totalled over £78, the highest on record.
Jocelyn Westbrook of North Featherstone was successful in an examination of dancing at Liverpool and received the bronze medal.
Violet Nettleship of Chapel Street was in bed at 6.30am when she heard her son George, age six, scream and found him downstairs with his clothes on fire. He was taken to Pontefract Infirmary and died the next day. The inquest was told the fire had been raked to keep it in, but there was a fireguard in position. It was assumed he had been trying to light a candle and set himself alight. The verdict was death by misadventure.