A HISTORY OF FEATHERSTONE
1944
THE WAR
JANUARY
The Special Constables opened their New Year programme with the usual
Saturday dance in the Lister Hall. They had averaged 400 dancers during
this winter season and had made a profit of £245 for their Forces Fund.
The
fund sent 15s each to every Featherstone or Purston man or woman
serving with the Forces or Women's Land Army. For prisoners of war, and
those who for any other reason were unable to receive the money, it was
banked for their return.
This meant the Specials had to raise over £1,000 per year, and an
appeal was made for further help. A sailor, who wished to remain
anonymous, had made a model of a ship and brought it home and gave it to
the Specials "In appreciation of the great work they are doing". It was
to be sold on behalf of the fund.
The council decided the removal of railing and gates to provide metal for the war effort would begin on 31 January.FEBRUARY The Specials produced their audited accounts for 1943 and thanked all those who had supported the fund including the hotels, working men's clubs, collieries, the Kinsley Church Players, and Purston Police Station. The total raised in the year was £2,255.
At the Prisoner of War Club meeting it was said our prisoners in Germany were receiving better treatment now the war had taken a turn in our favour. Against that one member said her son was forced to work at the coal face in Germany even though he was a grocer's assistant before the war. It was also said cards sent from the Far East were written as though they had been dictated by those in authority.
Two Featherstone brothers went to Buckingham Palace, accompanied by their parents, to receive their medals. Pilot Officer Roy Dennis was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, and Lieutenant Jack Dennis the Military Cross.
APRIL The Specials put this advert in the Express. They could not use Lister Baths during the swimming season, but there is no explanation why the Welfare wasn't available, or why the dances were not weekly.
JUNE
The council were told an official from the Ministry had examined the
damage caused by the removal of railings, and had given instruction for
it to be made good. Cr E Evans said sometimes the coping stones were
broken, or part of the railings left in the sockets.
The Featherstone Air Training Corps paid a visit to an RAF Station. Most of them were given a flight, some in planes which had been over Germany the night before. Since the flight was formed many of the cadets had passed into the RAF and the Fleet Air Arm.
JULY The Specials held their second agricultural show in aid of their Comforts Fund on the Rovers ground. There were over 3,000 spectators who heard a commentary by Toby Mason using equipment provided by Bob Jackson.
AUGUST There was a reception in the Social Service Centre for Geoffrey Davis, an escaped prisoner of war. There were prayers led by Revd W B Chapman, followed by a concert, and in the interval a cheque was presented to Mr Davis. How he escaped, or the value of the cheque, was not reported.
SEPTEMBER The Government relaxed the regulations on the blackout so the council said some maintenance work was required on the street lamps, but they would do their best to provide the maximum amount of light during the winter. Also, no more railings would be removed, and any damage caused by previous removals would be made good.
The Featherstone wardens were runners-up in the West Riding County Council's team competition. The team was senior warden L Wagner, and wardens H Roberts, C E G Goalby, E Cross and H Waring. They were trained by Police Sergeant Parkinson.
The Featherstone Air Training Corps paid a visit to an RAF Station. Most of them were given a flight, some in planes which had been over Germany the night before. Since the flight was formed many of the cadets had passed into the RAF and the Fleet Air Arm.
JULY The Specials held their second agricultural show in aid of their Comforts Fund on the Rovers ground. There were over 3,000 spectators who heard a commentary by Toby Mason using equipment provided by Bob Jackson.
AUGUST There was a reception in the Social Service Centre for Geoffrey Davis, an escaped prisoner of war. There were prayers led by Revd W B Chapman, followed by a concert, and in the interval a cheque was presented to Mr Davis. How he escaped, or the value of the cheque, was not reported.
SEPTEMBER The Government relaxed the regulations on the blackout so the council said some maintenance work was required on the street lamps, but they would do their best to provide the maximum amount of light during the winter. Also, no more railings would be removed, and any damage caused by previous removals would be made good.
The Featherstone wardens were runners-up in the West Riding County Council's team competition. The team was senior warden L Wagner, and wardens H Roberts, C E G Goalby, E Cross and H Waring. They were trained by Police Sergeant Parkinson.
OCTOBER Cr Rowley said there had
been complaints about slow progress in improving street lighting. The
lighting inspector said 243 out of a total of 299 electric lamps had
been lit, and the remainder would follow shortly. 25 watt lamps would be
fitted instead of 15 watts.
A Red Cross collection realised £78 9s. Every prisoner of war received a weekly parcel costing 10s, and each would get a Christmas parcel containing baked beans, butter, honey, milk, pork and stuffing, sardines, chopped ham, stewed steak, Christmas pudding, custard powder and chocolate.
The Featherstone Youth Council announced the Women's Junior Air Corps had been disbanded because of lack of interest.
A ceremony was held in the Social Service Centre for the presentation of plaques and certificates in connection with the Salute the Soldier Week. Lt Col. A G Young congratulated Featherstone on raising 50% more than its target of £40,000.
After the final performance of The Mikado in the Lister Hall, Miss M A J Burke of the British Red Cross Society said in 19 months the house-to-house penny a week collections in Featherstone had raised £2020. Every penny was spent on relieving the suffering, and sending parcels to prisoners of war.
A Red Cross collection realised £78 9s. Every prisoner of war received a weekly parcel costing 10s, and each would get a Christmas parcel containing baked beans, butter, honey, milk, pork and stuffing, sardines, chopped ham, stewed steak, Christmas pudding, custard powder and chocolate.
The Featherstone Youth Council announced the Women's Junior Air Corps had been disbanded because of lack of interest.
A ceremony was held in the Social Service Centre for the presentation of plaques and certificates in connection with the Salute the Soldier Week. Lt Col. A G Young congratulated Featherstone on raising 50% more than its target of £40,000.
After the final performance of The Mikado in the Lister Hall, Miss M A J Burke of the British Red Cross Society said in 19 months the house-to-house penny a week collections in Featherstone had raised £2020. Every penny was spent on relieving the suffering, and sending parcels to prisoners of war.
NOVEMBER
With the reason for the Home Guard now virtually redundant, all the
members were invited to become members of an Old Comrades' Association
the object being to foster the spirit of service and good fellowship
which bound them together during the war years.
DECEMBER The Home Guard attended the final ceremonial parade at Hemsworth, which consisted of a church service followed by a parade to the market square where a special Order of the Day by the King was read by Colonel C B Hustler. The battalion was then dismissed by Lt. Col. D A Smith.
On the way back the Featherstone contingent stopped at an Ackworth pub for a concert given by their own members. Everyone was given 5s from the entertainment fund, and the company brought it to a close by singing Auld Lang Syne and the National Anthem. There was £45 15s left in the entertainment fund and it was decided to give it to Pontefract Infirmary.
DECEMBER The Home Guard attended the final ceremonial parade at Hemsworth, which consisted of a church service followed by a parade to the market square where a special Order of the Day by the King was read by Colonel C B Hustler. The battalion was then dismissed by Lt. Col. D A Smith.
On the way back the Featherstone contingent stopped at an Ackworth pub for a concert given by their own members. Everyone was given 5s from the entertainment fund, and the company brought it to a close by singing Auld Lang Syne and the National Anthem. There was £45 15s left in the entertainment fund and it was decided to give it to Pontefract Infirmary.
A Merchant Navy Week was held in December with a target of £300. It
began with a concert in the Featherstone Lane School hall on the Monday.
The Tuesday evening receipts at the Hippodrome were given to the fund.
The Featherstone Messengers held a whist drive on the Wednesday. Later
in the week there was a social evening in the Social Service Centre
organised by the First Aid Post, and the Specials held a dance in the
Lister Hall on the Saturday. It was announced the fund was assured of
reaching its target.
The POW Committee held a party in the Social Service Centre for parents, wives and children of prisoners of war. There was a meal and games for the children, and competitions and auctions for the elders.
The National Fire Service held a social evening in the Social Service Centre for the workers at their recent dance. Music for dancing was provided by Mr R H Jackson, and there was a concert by local artists. Their dance in the Lister Hall realised £86 for their Benevolent Fund, a record for the area.
The POW Committee held a party in the Social Service Centre for parents, wives and children of prisoners of war. There was a meal and games for the children, and competitions and auctions for the elders.
The National Fire Service held a social evening in the Social Service Centre for the workers at their recent dance. Music for dancing was provided by Mr R H Jackson, and there was a concert by local artists. Their dance in the Lister Hall realised £86 for their Benevolent Fund, a record for the area.
THE COUNCIL
FEBRUARY
The medical officer reported 60 cases of scabies were treated at the
First Aid Post (the Palace in Station Lane). The Ministry of Health
approved the appointment of Dr Duncan to replace the late Dr Steven. The
district auditor commented on the rates arrears. The clerk said the council would have to take strong action against ratepayers who did not
pay in time. It might be regarded as a warning for the council to be
compelled to take action in the future.
MARCH The council was against the supplementation of Service pay and decided to send a representative to a meeting of like minded councils to be held in Manchester.
APRIL That meeting passed a resolution declaring the awards of the National Arbitration Tribunal which compelled local authorities to make up the pay (of Council NALGO members in the Forces) was iniquitous and unjust; viewed with dismay the discontent which such decisions would cause among the civil population and other members of the Forces on national service; and petitioned the Government to pass, without delay, legislation to restore the principle of equal pay and allowances to those of equal rank.
The clerk reported the recent hospital ball realised £137 which was shared out among seven organisations, Pontefract General Infirmary receiving £30. Since the council began the annual ball over £2,000 had been distributed.
At the council's annual meeting Cr J Hobson was appointed chairman in succession to Cr F Banks.
MAY The Ministry of Supply told the council they could not release essential war material to install hot water systems in council houses, so the council had accept they would have to delay the scheme.
The Ministry of Labour told the council because of the need to conserve manpower it was proposing to close the Featherstone Labour Exchange and transfer the work to Pontefract. The council agreed to reply pointing out the inconvenience, expense, and use of transport involved.
JUNE The council were negotiating for a field in Purston for a post-war housing estate, and were hoping to build 100 houses in the first year.
JULY The council regarded a field owned by Mr Hemmingway as the best site for their post-war housing programme. Layout plans for 100 semi-detached houses of the two, three and four bedroom types were to be prepared. Mr Hemmingway said he did not wish to sell the field, but he said he would reconsider it. The application of the Featherstone Musical and Dramatic Society for the use of the Lister Hall for an operatic performance was refused, as the building was not considered suitable.
AUGUST There was disagreement at the council meeting over the Musical and Dramatic Society's wish to use the Lister Hall. The Baths committee said it was not at present suitable for stage plays, but others said the suggested deputation from the Musical Society should be received. The meeting was held and the society continued rehearsals in the hope the decision would be reversed.
SEPTEMBER The council decided to allow the Musical Society to use the Lister Hall. Cr Rowley objected to the slipper baths in the Lister Baths only being available at weekends during the winter months, pointing out some people had no facilities at home and used the baths daily, but he was overruled.
OCTOBER The reasons for the ban on stage plays in the Lister Hall became clear when the clerk told the council he had obtained a licence for the public performance of stage plays until next July, and the insurance policy had been amended to cover the occasional performance of amateur theatricals.
Mr J A Haigh, the clerk, announced he would retire next March when he was 65. He had been clerk since 1910. The council decided to advertise the post at a salary of £450 plus 19s a week war bonus.
NOVEMBER The council decided not to apply for prefabricated houses when house building resumed. The Gospel Hall was used for the maternity and child welfare clinic, and needed some repairs. The West Riding County Council declined to contribute to the cost. The Featherstone Council were of the opinion the county council should build a permanent structure on a central site.
The Government had been asked to consider new industries for Featherstone, which was solely dependent on the collieries. The reply was employment had been well maintained during the war, and expressed the hope the large demand for coal would continue for some years
MARCH The council was against the supplementation of Service pay and decided to send a representative to a meeting of like minded councils to be held in Manchester.
APRIL That meeting passed a resolution declaring the awards of the National Arbitration Tribunal which compelled local authorities to make up the pay (of Council NALGO members in the Forces) was iniquitous and unjust; viewed with dismay the discontent which such decisions would cause among the civil population and other members of the Forces on national service; and petitioned the Government to pass, without delay, legislation to restore the principle of equal pay and allowances to those of equal rank.
The clerk reported the recent hospital ball realised £137 which was shared out among seven organisations, Pontefract General Infirmary receiving £30. Since the council began the annual ball over £2,000 had been distributed.
At the council's annual meeting Cr J Hobson was appointed chairman in succession to Cr F Banks.
MAY The Ministry of Supply told the council they could not release essential war material to install hot water systems in council houses, so the council had accept they would have to delay the scheme.
The Ministry of Labour told the council because of the need to conserve manpower it was proposing to close the Featherstone Labour Exchange and transfer the work to Pontefract. The council agreed to reply pointing out the inconvenience, expense, and use of transport involved.
JUNE The council were negotiating for a field in Purston for a post-war housing estate, and were hoping to build 100 houses in the first year.
JULY The council regarded a field owned by Mr Hemmingway as the best site for their post-war housing programme. Layout plans for 100 semi-detached houses of the two, three and four bedroom types were to be prepared. Mr Hemmingway said he did not wish to sell the field, but he said he would reconsider it. The application of the Featherstone Musical and Dramatic Society for the use of the Lister Hall for an operatic performance was refused, as the building was not considered suitable.
AUGUST There was disagreement at the council meeting over the Musical and Dramatic Society's wish to use the Lister Hall. The Baths committee said it was not at present suitable for stage plays, but others said the suggested deputation from the Musical Society should be received. The meeting was held and the society continued rehearsals in the hope the decision would be reversed.
SEPTEMBER The council decided to allow the Musical Society to use the Lister Hall. Cr Rowley objected to the slipper baths in the Lister Baths only being available at weekends during the winter months, pointing out some people had no facilities at home and used the baths daily, but he was overruled.
OCTOBER The reasons for the ban on stage plays in the Lister Hall became clear when the clerk told the council he had obtained a licence for the public performance of stage plays until next July, and the insurance policy had been amended to cover the occasional performance of amateur theatricals.
Mr J A Haigh, the clerk, announced he would retire next March when he was 65. He had been clerk since 1910. The council decided to advertise the post at a salary of £450 plus 19s a week war bonus.
NOVEMBER The council decided not to apply for prefabricated houses when house building resumed. The Gospel Hall was used for the maternity and child welfare clinic, and needed some repairs. The West Riding County Council declined to contribute to the cost. The Featherstone Council were of the opinion the county council should build a permanent structure on a central site.
The Government had been asked to consider new industries for Featherstone, which was solely dependent on the collieries. The reply was employment had been well maintained during the war, and expressed the hope the large demand for coal would continue for some years
DECEMBER
It was agreed scabies cases from the Normanton area could be treated at
the Featherstone First Aid Post. The council changed its mind about
prefabricated houses, and those exhibited in Leeds would be inspected.
Four candidates were interviewed for the position of clerk and chief
finance officer, and Mr R W Bainton of Warmley, Gloucestershire, was
appointed.
PANTOMIME AND LIGHT OPERA
The Kinsley Church Pantomime Society made their fourth visit to Featherstone in February, this time for their production of Aladdin. This year the show was in the Lister Hall, and the Express reported
crowded audiences thoroughly enjoyed the show. The proceeds were to be
divided between the Comforts for the Forces Fund, and the Kinsley Church
School repair fund. The total attendance for the five nights was over
2,400.
The recently formed Featherstone Amateur Musical and Dramatic Society performed The Pirates of Penzance for five evenings in February in the Lister Hall. The proceeds were for the Red Cross and the Comforts for the Forces Fund. The Express
commented "Those who saw the production will probably wonder why such
an organisation has not been formed in Featherstone before".
The Featherstone Society held their first annual dinner in the Social Service Centre in March. Mr and Mrs A Bullock were the host and hostess and 80 people were present. Observations on the future of the society indicated a busy time for the members who were keen to establish a good standard of musical production in Featherstone.
The annual meeting was held in November and the treasurer, Mr J Stafford, reported a profit of over £91 on their production of the Mikado. The secretary, Miss H Massey, said many applications were received for membership, and eight were accepted. But it had been decided future applicants must pass an audition. After the meeting there was a pleasant meal in the "faith tea" style.
A social evening was held in December consisting of dancing, musical items, games and a quiz. Cheques for £45 were handed to the Red Cross and the Special Constables Comforts Fund.
The Featherstone Society held their first annual dinner in the Social Service Centre in March. Mr and Mrs A Bullock were the host and hostess and 80 people were present. Observations on the future of the society indicated a busy time for the members who were keen to establish a good standard of musical production in Featherstone.
The annual meeting was held in November and the treasurer, Mr J Stafford, reported a profit of over £91 on their production of the Mikado. The secretary, Miss H Massey, said many applications were received for membership, and eight were accepted. But it had been decided future applicants must pass an audition. After the meeting there was a pleasant meal in the "faith tea" style.
A social evening was held in December consisting of dancing, musical items, games and a quiz. Cheques for £45 were handed to the Red Cross and the Special Constables Comforts Fund.
THE FEVER HOSPITAL
Featherstone councillor A Evans was chairman of the Castleford Joint
Hospital Board. At the February council meeting he express pride in only
two deaths being recorded at Ackton Isolation Hospital in 1943. One of
the two patients was in the institution for only one hour and had no
chance of recovery.
Another
record they were proud of was during the 24 years of Dr W D Hartley
being the medical superintendent, he had not lost a single diphtheria
patient over the age of 16, though there had been some serious
epidemics.
NO DANCING ALLOWED
In March there was an application at the West Riding Court in
Pontefract for licences to allow music, singing and dancing at all the
hotels in Featherstone and Purston. Mr W H Kingswell, representing some
of the applicants, said because Featherstone Council had adopted a
certain part of the Public Health Act it was now necessary to ask the
Bench for music, singing and dancing licences; previously it was not.
The applications were made to regularise the position.
Mr W Bentley, representing the others, said they were not asking for
licences to hold organised dances on the premises. Occasionally, when
someone was playing the piano, couples might dance round the room; and
the licensees wished to feel they were not committing breaches of the law.
Supt A Elliott opposed the dancing licence. He said he did so with the
feeling it was in the interests of the young people and of good
supervision. The magistrates agreed, and granted seven-day licences for
music and singing only.
THE CRICKET FIELD FOR SALE
At the April council meeting Cr Woodcock said the town might lose its
cricket field which was for sale. He said if a certain party bought it,
Yorkshire Council cricket in Featherstone would be finished, and he
wondered if the council could buy it.
The
chairman said the ground would be an asset to the council and the
matter should be given consideration. Cr Hartington said the council
would have to act quickly, or it would be too late. The colliery company
had the land on lease, and he had hoped they would continue to rent it
to the cricket club.
Cr Woodcock said he understood a greyhound racing syndicate was trying
to buy the ground. Cr Evans said it would be a disgrace if the town
allowed cricket to be lost in favour of greyhound racing. It was agreed
to consider the question in detail.
At
the Annual meeting of the council it was reported the South Kirkby,
Featherstone and Hemsworth Collieries Ltd, who rented the land, had
bought it privately, and it had been withdrawn from the auction sale.
At the May council meeting the members agreed it was still a good idea to purchase the ground, and decided to obtain a price and conditions.
At the May council meeting the members agreed it was still a good idea to purchase the ground, and decided to obtain a price and conditions.
THE PRISONER OF WAR CLUB
The annual meeting of the Prisoner of War Club was held in May. The
secretary, Cr P Woodcock, paid tribute to the generosity of the
townspeople, particularly as they also contributed to many other
organisations. The matron and staff at Ackton Hospital had contributed
£118, and Purston Special Constables £80.
He
said many cards had been received from prisoners expressing thanks for
gifts sent. At present 44 men from the district were prisoners of war -
13 in the Far East, 22 in Germany, 7 in Italy, and two whose whereabouts
were unknown. The club had to budget for a much larger number,
as it was impossible to estimate what the total would be before the end
of the war.
THE ROVERS
The
annual dinner and concert given by the Rovers' players to the committee
was held at the Junction Hotel in May. Mr H Littlewood, the secretary,
warmly commended the team on their play during the season. Injuries
greatly hampered them when they had got together a good team that
promised to go far.
Bill Sherwood, for the players, proposed the toast to the club
president, Mr A Bullock, and hoped his health would improve so he could
continue in office for many years. Mr A Berry, the club chairman,
mentioned the fine spirit by all connected with the club, and the
excellent work of the Supporters' Club.
The annual meeting was held at the Junction Hotel in June. The secretary reported a working profit on the season of £149. The 11 league games only averaged receipts of £35 per game, but the Supporters' Club donated £250. Total receipts for the season were £2,386, and payments were £2,117.
Good wished were extended to all club members in the Forces. Mr A Bullock was re-elected president for the seventh year, and Messrs A Evans, T Woodcock and T Lyman were re-elected to the committee.
In August a new coach, Aubrey Casewell, ex-Leeds, Salford and Keighley, was appointed. Mr J Graham succeeded Mr A Berry as chairman, and Mr W Williams consented to continue as trainer-masseur.
The week was opened with a parade of the Home Guard and a ceremony at
the Miners' Welfare Institute presided over by Cr J Hobson, chairman of
the Council. He emphasised the need for savings, particularly since the
opening of the Normandy campaign. The indicator was set at £11,500.
On Sunday morning there was a parade from North Featherstone to Purston Parish Church headed by the West Yorkshire Regimental Band. The parade reformed after the service and the salute was taken by Major J Derby of the York and Lancaster Regiment. In the afternoon the band gave a concert on the Rovers ground. Monday was Children's Day, but the weather put a stop to the sports and country dancing. At the indicator ceremony in the evening the indicator was set at £15,000 by Sylvia Childs. It was Ladies' Day on Tuesday. the main event being a whist drive in the Social Service Centre. The indicator was set at £19,000.
Tradesmen's Day was held at the cricket field on Wednesday. A match was played between Featherstone and Ackworth. There was a physical culture display by the ATS, and the West Yorkshire Regimental Band played selections. The final total for the week was declared as £61,332 0s 8d.
Dr J Duncan's report for 1943 said there were 580 cases of infectious
diseases during the year, including 419 of measles, 48 of scarlet fever
and 26 of diphtheria. There were 25 new cases of tuberculosis, and over
140 cases of scabies were treated at the first aid post.
The sanitary inspector, Mr J Hilsley, said conversions (of privies) was again postponed because of shortages of materials and labour, and that also caused difficulty with repairs to council houses. Nearly 180 tons of salvage had been collected and was sold for £576.
He pointed out 76 back-to-back houses were in such a state only temporary repairs could be carried out, and as they became vacant they should remain so until demolished. There were 18 vacant at the end of the year.
The Featherstone and Purston Cricket, Tennis and Bowling Club held its
annual meeting in the Junction Hotel in November. Mr E C Jordan stood in
as chairman in the absence of Messrs G F Goulding and H E Hartington
owing to illness. He said they were grateful to the Featherstone Urban
District Council who, when they heard the ground was to be sold,
approached the colliery company who bought the ground, with the result
cricket remained.
The attendances at Yorkshire Council matches only brought in £9, but the end of season knock-out games realised £56. The team had won 13 matches, lost four, and one was drawn.
The annual luncheon was held in the Junction Hotel in December. The company stood as a mark of respect for four players who had lost their lives in the war, one who was a prisoner of war, and 38 members who were serving overseas.
The president, Mr G F Goulding said the club was now 25 years old. He said he was secretary when Roslyn Holiday begged timber from Ackton Hall and Featherstone Main Collieries to enable them to build a pavilion. A year later a women's committee was formed, and they raised enough money to provide a tea room. They had a good groundsman in Toby Mason who had worked hard with poor tackle, but they now had managed to provide him with a combined motor cutter and roller. The occasion ended with a concert.
The annual meeting was held at the Junction Hotel in June. The secretary reported a working profit on the season of £149. The 11 league games only averaged receipts of £35 per game, but the Supporters' Club donated £250. Total receipts for the season were £2,386, and payments were £2,117.
Good wished were extended to all club members in the Forces. Mr A Bullock was re-elected president for the seventh year, and Messrs A Evans, T Woodcock and T Lyman were re-elected to the committee.
In August a new coach, Aubrey Casewell, ex-Leeds, Salford and Keighley, was appointed. Mr J Graham succeeded Mr A Berry as chairman, and Mr W Williams consented to continue as trainer-masseur.
SALUTE THE SOLDIER WEEK
The
national Salute the Soldier Week was held in June. Money could be used
to buy National Savings Certificates or Bonds, or deposited in the
Trustee Savings Bank, which would have a representative every day at the
Savings Centre in Station Lane to take deposits. The Child Welfare
Committee decided to give a Saving Certificate to every child born
during the week.
On Sunday morning there was a parade from North Featherstone to Purston Parish Church headed by the West Yorkshire Regimental Band. The parade reformed after the service and the salute was taken by Major J Derby of the York and Lancaster Regiment. In the afternoon the band gave a concert on the Rovers ground. Monday was Children's Day, but the weather put a stop to the sports and country dancing. At the indicator ceremony in the evening the indicator was set at £15,000 by Sylvia Childs. It was Ladies' Day on Tuesday. the main event being a whist drive in the Social Service Centre. The indicator was set at £19,000.
Tradesmen's Day was held at the cricket field on Wednesday. A match was played between Featherstone and Ackworth. There was a physical culture display by the ATS, and the West Yorkshire Regimental Band played selections. The final total for the week was declared as £61,332 0s 8d.
DR DUNCAN'S REPORT
The sanitary inspector, Mr J Hilsley, said conversions (of privies) was again postponed because of shortages of materials and labour, and that also caused difficulty with repairs to council houses. Nearly 180 tons of salvage had been collected and was sold for £576.
He pointed out 76 back-to-back houses were in such a state only temporary repairs could be carried out, and as they became vacant they should remain so until demolished. There were 18 vacant at the end of the year.
THE CRICKET CLUB ANNUAL MEETING
The attendances at Yorkshire Council matches only brought in £9, but the end of season knock-out games realised £56. The team had won 13 matches, lost four, and one was drawn.
The annual luncheon was held in the Junction Hotel in December. The company stood as a mark of respect for four players who had lost their lives in the war, one who was a prisoner of war, and 38 members who were serving overseas.
The president, Mr G F Goulding said the club was now 25 years old. He said he was secretary when Roslyn Holiday begged timber from Ackton Hall and Featherstone Main Collieries to enable them to build a pavilion. A year later a women's committee was formed, and they raised enough money to provide a tea room. They had a good groundsman in Toby Mason who had worked hard with poor tackle, but they now had managed to provide him with a combined motor cutter and roller. The occasion ended with a concert.
1944 NEWS ITEMS
JANUARY
Featherstone Rovers Supporters' Club handed to the club a cheque for
£250 which was gratefully acknowledged by the club chairman, Mr A Berry.
An illuminated address and 20 Savings Certificates were given to 15 men at the offices of Ackton Hall Colliery to mark their 50 years service at the pit. Seven of them were still working underground.
Charles Griffiths, late of Wesley Place, Purston, age 83, became the oldest soldier of the Cheshire Regiment which he joined in 1883. He served in India and Burma and the Great War. Afterwards he was employed by the council until he was 70 years old. He was admitted as a pensioner to the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, in 1937.
With Castleford Rugby League Club having shut down for the duration of the war, the Rovers again played Wakefield at Post Office Road for the Lion Cup and won 15-14. It was the 21st annual game and had realised a total of £2,800, mostly for Pontefract General Infirmary, This time the proceeds would be shared with Clayton Hospital.
FEBRUARY There were 350 dancers at the 20th annual dance held in the Lister Hall by the council for the benefit of local hospitals. The proceeds would be added to a house-to-house collection which raised £38.
An inquest was held in Castleford into the death of Charles Lomas of Halton Street who had been missing for more than a month, and whose body was recovered from the River Calder. The coroner said it was impossible to say how Lomas got into the water, and there was not sufficient evidence to say he took his own life, so he would record a finding of death due to drowning.
MARCH Purston Special Constables won the Burkhill Shield competition for ambulance work. They won it in September 1942, and it had only just been possible to arrange a second competition.
Earnest Bradley Moody, newsagent and stationer of Pontefract Road, went to Mr Chassey's boot and shoe shop in Green Lane for a pair of boots. When there he took ill and sat on a chair and then collapsed. A doctor was sent for who pronounced him dead.
APRIL Leslie Barraclough, a loader attendant age 17 of Allison Street, died at Snydale Colliery when he was caught between the belt and the rollers of the conveyor.
An illuminated address and 20 Savings Certificates were given to 15 men at the offices of Ackton Hall Colliery to mark their 50 years service at the pit. Seven of them were still working underground.
Charles Griffiths, late of Wesley Place, Purston, age 83, became the oldest soldier of the Cheshire Regiment which he joined in 1883. He served in India and Burma and the Great War. Afterwards he was employed by the council until he was 70 years old. He was admitted as a pensioner to the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, in 1937.
With Castleford Rugby League Club having shut down for the duration of the war, the Rovers again played Wakefield at Post Office Road for the Lion Cup and won 15-14. It was the 21st annual game and had realised a total of £2,800, mostly for Pontefract General Infirmary, This time the proceeds would be shared with Clayton Hospital.
FEBRUARY There were 350 dancers at the 20th annual dance held in the Lister Hall by the council for the benefit of local hospitals. The proceeds would be added to a house-to-house collection which raised £38.
An inquest was held in Castleford into the death of Charles Lomas of Halton Street who had been missing for more than a month, and whose body was recovered from the River Calder. The coroner said it was impossible to say how Lomas got into the water, and there was not sufficient evidence to say he took his own life, so he would record a finding of death due to drowning.
MARCH Purston Special Constables won the Burkhill Shield competition for ambulance work. They won it in September 1942, and it had only just been possible to arrange a second competition.
Earnest Bradley Moody, newsagent and stationer of Pontefract Road, went to Mr Chassey's boot and shoe shop in Green Lane for a pair of boots. When there he took ill and sat on a chair and then collapsed. A doctor was sent for who pronounced him dead.
APRIL Leslie Barraclough, a loader attendant age 17 of Allison Street, died at Snydale Colliery when he was caught between the belt and the rollers of the conveyor.
South Featherstone Gospel Hall celebrated their 50th anniversary.
JUNE
The boys' band from the Sailors' Orphans Homes in Hull made regular
visits before the war to raise money, but were now prevented by travel
restrictions. Mrs E Harrison of Pontefract Road decided to organise
house-to-house collections and wrote to the Express asking for volunteer collectors. The event raised £35 8s 6d.
JULY
Harry Lorriman of Robins Terrace was fined £2 at Tadcaster Court for
driving a lorry without due care. He collided with a tank. His driving
licence had run out 15 days prior to the accident so he was fined 10s
for that.
The workers for the Duke of Gloucester's Red Cross and St John's Penny-a-Week Fund raised £141 6s 3d during the month. A garden party held at the home of Dr M Steven on Green Lane contributed over £40.
AUGUST The pits closed for a week's holiday. It was mostly stay-at-home. Some camped out at Carlton Towers, and others helped with the harvest, mainly pea-pulling.
At a fancy dress and cabaret held at Leeds Town Hall, for the Leeds Children's Theatre, Pat Wilson was placed first as an Indian fruit seller. She also danced in the cabaret.
SEPTEMBER Robert Ronald Dawson of Pontefract Road was cycling down Marl Pit Hill when another cyclist in front of him turned to cross the road to talk to a friend. They collided and Mr Dawson died in Pontefract Infirmary from a fractured skull. At the inquest the coroner decided it was death by misadventure.
OCTOBER The Featherstone Youth Council announced the George Street Youth Club had ceased to function, but it was hoped to re-open as a girls' club.
Robert James Bearns age 62 of Vicarage Lane died after a haulage accident at Ackton Hall Colliery which caused a compound fracture to his right leg. A native of St Helens, he came to Featherstone in 1902. He was prominent in the British Legion, and on Armistice Day addressed scholars at Gordon Street School. Dr E J S Townsend of Pontefract Infirmary said death was due to heart failure and shock, and the coroner delivered a verdict of death by misadventure.
The Featherstone Musical and Dramatic Society presented their second production The Mikado in the Lister Hall. The hall was filled for the opening night.
Walter Rushton age 57 of Green Lane went to Westgate Station in Wakefield to meet a relative. While waiting for a bus he collapsed and was taken to hospital in an ambulance but was declared dead on arrival. At the inquest evidence was given he had died from heart trouble, and the coroner returned a verdict of death from natural causes.
NOVEMBER John Hilsley of Brookway was driving his car in Kinsley when a nine years old boy ran into the road and was hit by the side of the car. He died of a fractured skull, and the coroner said "I do not think the driver had a chance. I am satisfied it was a pure accident".
The Dramatic Society put on their Mikado production for an RAF audience at a Yorkshire aerodrome and then at Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield.
The Express commented the Remembrance Day parade was disappointing, the organisations being weakly represented. There was a better attendance for the Armistice Day service at Purston Church. After the service wreaths were laid at the War Memorial and Mr E Bearns, a member of the British Legion and a repatriated prisoner, sounded the Last Post and Reveille. The Poppy Day appeal for the Earl Haig Fund realised £111.
Laura Hepworth of Pontefract Road claimed damages from J Bullock and Sons (1928) Ltd for injuries received in the bus crash (a fractured thigh) when the bus toppled over into a field when passing road works. She lost her case because the judge accepted the defence evidence the cause was a road slip for which neither the driver or company could be held responsible.
DECEMBER Geraldine Farrar of Featherstone Lane resumed her singing career by joining Henry Hall and his orchestra which was to visit France under the auspices of ENSA.
The Purston Cycling Club held its annual meeting at the Travellers' Rest Hotel. During the season they had weekend trips to Nottingham, Coxwold, Matlock and Bridlington, and a week in the lake district. An invitation was extended to all interested in cycling to join the club.
Miss Mabel Alexander retired after 41 years as a schoolmistress at Gordon Street Junior Mixed School and was presented with a vase and bouquet of flowers, and a wallet containing bank notes (amount not reported) from the scholars. Her sister, Miss J S Alexander, who had retired as headmistress at the same school, helped to organise a party at the First Aid Post and was presented with a pair of fur gloves by Dr Duncan in recognition of 30 years of voluntary work for charity.
There were four dances at the Lister Hall. On the 22nd the Home guard had one for Merchant Navy Week with 450 present; the Special Constables had their Saturday night dance on the 23rd for their Comforts Fund; and on Boxing Day it was Featherstone Rovers' annual dance when 500 turned up. There was a company of nearly 600 for the cricket club's New Year's Eve dance. Just before midnight the dancers joined hands to sing Auld Lang Syne.