A HISTORY OF FEATHERSTONE
1945
THE WAR
JANUARY The Featherstone Flight of the Air Training Corps,
accompanied by Flying Officer R H Jackson, visited a Yorkshire aerodrome
and had flights, clay pigeon shooting and film instruction, and visited
the armoury.
The C
The C
council agreed to consider a suggestion for the Social Service Centre
to be used as a community club for returned members of the Forces, which
would help them to restore themselves in civilian life. It was said
some householders had dismantled the Anderson air raid shelter and used it for
other purposes. The surveyor was asked to prepare a report.
FEBRUARY The Featherstone Prisoner of War Club held a reception in the schoolroom at Featherstone Methodist Church for Guardsman R Gardner. He was a prisoner of the Italians but escaped when Italy capitulated, and made his way to the Allied lines. Mrs L Davis of the Featherstone Club presented him with a cheque (amount not stated), and hoped the club would soon be making similar presentations to other local prisoners of war.
It was announced the total sum collected for the Merchant Navy Week was £370, and expenses were only £14 15s. The balance was sent to the Merchant Navy Comforts Service.
The Ministry drew attention to the shortage of waste paper. Mr J Hilsley, the local salvage officer, said the amount collected had gone down by half, yet paper and cardboard was found in dustbins. Cr Hartington said the reduced size of newspapers and periodicals was one reason for the reduced amount.
MARCH
A reception was arranged in the Social Service Centre for a
repatriated prisoner of war, L/Cpl George Gregson. The chairman of the
Prisoner of War Club, Dr J Duncan, said George Gregson had undergone
great hardships, but apart from grey hairs he looked fit and well. He
said this was a tribute to the Red Cross (referring to the food
parcels). L/Cpl Gregson was presented with a cheque (amount not
specified), and the evening ended with a concert.FEBRUARY The Featherstone Prisoner of War Club held a reception in the schoolroom at Featherstone Methodist Church for Guardsman R Gardner. He was a prisoner of the Italians but escaped when Italy capitulated, and made his way to the Allied lines. Mrs L Davis of the Featherstone Club presented him with a cheque (amount not stated), and hoped the club would soon be making similar presentations to other local prisoners of war.
It was announced the total sum collected for the Merchant Navy Week was £370, and expenses were only £14 15s. The balance was sent to the Merchant Navy Comforts Service.
The Ministry drew attention to the shortage of waste paper. Mr J Hilsley, the local salvage officer, said the amount collected had gone down by half, yet paper and cardboard was found in dustbins. Cr Hartington said the reduced size of newspapers and periodicals was one reason for the reduced amount.
APRIL There was a cheering crowd in Green Lane to welcome home Ronald Spragg of John Street. He had been a prisoner of war in Germany, and with the Allied Forces advancing he, along with others, were marched away. He feigned illness and was left to fend for himself and was found by the Americans.
MAY
There was a parade from Cressey's Corner to Purston Church for a
thanksgiving service to mark the end of the war in Europe. After the
service there was a short ceremony at the War Memorial. The Salvation
Army Band played suitable music. At the same time Purston Methodist
Church held a service and the congregation then went to the War Memorial
to join in there.
Later, the Civil Defence organisations marched to the fairground where the clerk to Featherstone Council, Mr R W Bainton, thanked the members for their services. The parade was dismissed by Mr W H Fleming of the Home Guard.
The Prisoner of War Club met in the Social Service Centre to organise a reception for returned prisoners of war. The secretary, Mr T Woodcock, said 18 more POW's were known to have returned home, and if all the local men returned before the reception, the club was in a position to treat them as generously as those who had already had a reception.
The ARP wardens and their wives held a VE party in Gordon Street School. There were games and dancing and entertainment which included Pat Wilson. A silver cigarette case was presented to Capt. T Pearson who organised the wardens' service in 1938 and gave all his time to it until it ceased. Capt. Pearson thanked the members for their co-operation, loyalty to duty and comradeship without which he would not have been able to control the largest area in the West Riding.
The council said all surface air raid shelters had been closed and they would be demolished. Anderson shelters could be bought by householders for £1 each, and those not bought must be properly dismantled and stored until collected. The fire alarm siren had been used as an air raid warning throughout the war, and it would now be returned to its pre-war use and would be tested at noon on Saturdays.
There was a gathering of 250 people in the Featherstone Lane Methodist Sunday School to welcome home 26 prisoners of war. There was a long concert programme compered by Mr H Stacey, and cheques were presented to the guests.
Later, the Civil Defence organisations marched to the fairground where the clerk to Featherstone Council, Mr R W Bainton, thanked the members for their services. The parade was dismissed by Mr W H Fleming of the Home Guard.
The Prisoner of War Club met in the Social Service Centre to organise a reception for returned prisoners of war. The secretary, Mr T Woodcock, said 18 more POW's were known to have returned home, and if all the local men returned before the reception, the club was in a position to treat them as generously as those who had already had a reception.
The ARP wardens and their wives held a VE party in Gordon Street School. There were games and dancing and entertainment which included Pat Wilson. A silver cigarette case was presented to Capt. T Pearson who organised the wardens' service in 1938 and gave all his time to it until it ceased. Capt. Pearson thanked the members for their co-operation, loyalty to duty and comradeship without which he would not have been able to control the largest area in the West Riding.
The council said all surface air raid shelters had been closed and they would be demolished. Anderson shelters could be bought by householders for £1 each, and those not bought must be properly dismantled and stored until collected. The fire alarm siren had been used as an air raid warning throughout the war, and it would now be returned to its pre-war use and would be tested at noon on Saturdays.
There was a gathering of 250 people in the Featherstone Lane Methodist Sunday School to welcome home 26 prisoners of war. There was a long concert programme compered by Mr H Stacey, and cheques were presented to the guests.
JUNE
The POW Club decided to have another reception for two more repatriated
prisoners. There were about 15 men in the hands of the Japanese, and a
special effort was being made to send money to them.
An intimation the Aid to Russia Fund was being wound up brought the
announcement Featherstone had raised more per head of population than
any town in Great Britain.
The National Fire Service members held a social evening and dance in
the Social Service Centre on the occasion of their stand-down. Mr J
Hilsley thanked the voluntary workers for their support and
co-operation.
JULY
A reception was held in the Social Service Centre to welcome home two
repatriated prisoners, Horace Higgins and Herbert Nash. About 150
people had refreshments and enjoyed a good concert.
At a meeting of the workers of the Red Cross and Duke of Gloucester's
Penny-a-Week Fund it was announced the final total was £3,019 13s 11d.
It was decided to celebrate with a social and musical evening.
AUGUST Mr and Mrs A Westwood of Dickinson Terrace sent a 5s postal order in 1940 to their soldier son Albert who was in France. He never received it, and they were surprised to get it back along with the letter from Bonisette, a little French girl, who said she found it in a camp, and hoped one day the Allies would come back.
Fourteen members of the Featherstone Air Training Corps had what they said was their best ever training course at Riccall Aerodrome. The Featherstone members of the KOYLI cadets spent a week in camp at Bridlington along with hundreds of other youths.
The council organised a large bonfire in the market place to celebrate the victory over Japan. The chairman of the council, Cr E Rowley, encourage the large gathering to enjoy themselves, and thanked them for their contribution towards victory. The Featherstone Silver Prize Band provided music for community singing and dancing round the bonfire which continued until a late hour.
The members of the Special Constabulary met to consider their future. Section Commander L Booth said it did not mean there was no further need for their services. After a discussion it was decided they would continue as a live organisation and would turn out when required for outbreaks of crime, large gatherings of people, road safety measures and first aid.
Ackton celebrated VJ day with a tea on the village green for young and old. Events were organised for children and adults, and no child went home without a prize. The day closed with community singing. Mr and Mrs G Cressey, and Messrs H and J Yates undertook to defray all expenses.
There were street parties in most of the principal streets for children, and Little Lane had one which included old-age pensioners and soldiers as well as the children. There were sports followed by dancing and singing around a bonfire. Wellgarth Road and the Green had a carnival procession and a fancy dress competition. There was the usual bonfire with singing and dancing. At North Featherstone over 100 children had tea and were each given fruit and a shilling. Featherstone Brass Band played suitable music.
AUGUST Mr and Mrs A Westwood of Dickinson Terrace sent a 5s postal order in 1940 to their soldier son Albert who was in France. He never received it, and they were surprised to get it back along with the letter from Bonisette, a little French girl, who said she found it in a camp, and hoped one day the Allies would come back.
Fourteen members of the Featherstone Air Training Corps had what they said was their best ever training course at Riccall Aerodrome. The Featherstone members of the KOYLI cadets spent a week in camp at Bridlington along with hundreds of other youths.
The council organised a large bonfire in the market place to celebrate the victory over Japan. The chairman of the council, Cr E Rowley, encourage the large gathering to enjoy themselves, and thanked them for their contribution towards victory. The Featherstone Silver Prize Band provided music for community singing and dancing round the bonfire which continued until a late hour.
The members of the Special Constabulary met to consider their future. Section Commander L Booth said it did not mean there was no further need for their services. After a discussion it was decided they would continue as a live organisation and would turn out when required for outbreaks of crime, large gatherings of people, road safety measures and first aid.
Ackton celebrated VJ day with a tea on the village green for young and old. Events were organised for children and adults, and no child went home without a prize. The day closed with community singing. Mr and Mrs G Cressey, and Messrs H and J Yates undertook to defray all expenses.
There were street parties in most of the principal streets for children, and Little Lane had one which included old-age pensioners and soldiers as well as the children. There were sports followed by dancing and singing around a bonfire. Wellgarth Road and the Green had a carnival procession and a fancy dress competition. There was the usual bonfire with singing and dancing. At North Featherstone over 100 children had tea and were each given fruit and a shilling. Featherstone Brass Band played suitable music.
The photo below of the party at the back of Gordon Street is from the Dr Gatecliff Collection.
SEPTEMBER
At a meeting of the Prisoner of War Club the relatives of those in the
Far East were asked to be patient about their return home to enable
them to settle down to a normal life after their trials (and
tribulations).
DECEMBER The POW Club met in the Social Service Centre to discuss arrangements for the final reception for returned prisoners of war expected to be held next February in the Lister Hall. It was considered 400 people would be present.
DECEMBER The POW Club met in the Social Service Centre to discuss arrangements for the final reception for returned prisoners of war expected to be held next February in the Lister Hall. It was considered 400 people would be present.
THE COUNCIL
JANUARY It was decided to apply to the Ministry for the allocation of 100 prefabricated houses. The Ministry refused to grant a certificate for the release of metal for a new diving stage at the Lister Baths.
FEBRUARY The Ministry sanctioned the borrowing of £2,652 for the purchase of land in Wakefield Road for a post-war housing site. The council reaffirmed its desire for 100 prefabricated houses and wanted a type dependent on solid fuel. It was decided to get blacksmith Mr C Roberts to make a diving stage for the Lister Baths from metal allowed without a licence at a cost of £40.
MARCH The chairman, Cr J Hobson, welcomed the new clerk, Mr R W Bainton. The retiring clerk, Mr J A Haigh, mentioned the council had passed its 50th anniversary. It was announced the council had been allocated 40 temporary houses. Cr Rowley said they were only expected to last 10 years and maybe should not be erected on permanent post-war housing sites. The clerk said they had to be erected on a site facing south and the council had to offer to supply gas or electricity. A special meeting decided to increase the rates by 2s in the £1 to make it 22s. The clerk said the council's income and expenditure were now in balance, and there was a reserve balance of £8,000. Cr E Hartington, said he had hoped they could reduce the rates because of the balance, but the clerk said you will need that balance when the war is over.
APRIL The council had requested a full-time district nurse. The county council replied the district was served by two full-time health visitors and sick nurses, three full-time midwives and a child welfare clinic, and they had no statutory power to provide a full-time nursing service. The Ministry of Health said there was no objection to using four acres of the permanent housing site in Purston for temporary houses.
It was the last meeting for the clerk, Mr J A Haigh, and he said during his 45 years' service his relationship with the members and officials of the council had always been most friendly. He had seen many changes in local government and believed Featherstone had done very well.
Cr P Woodcock was elected chairman even though he was off ill. The council decided future meetings would be held on the third Wednesday of the month instead of the second.
MAY The council said Featherstone expected to be in a position to ask for approval for 20 temporary houses by September, and reiterated their desire to have a type dependent on solid fuel for heating purposes.
JUNE It was proposed the surveyor should submit a design for improving the entrance to the park, and insurance be taken out against accidents in the children's playground. It was suggested when the Palace premises were de-requisitioned they should be made available to the Featherstone Clothing Company.
JULY Cr E Rowley spoke of their loss in the death of their chairman Cr P Woodcock. Cr Rowley was then elected chairman. The roads had been inspected and were said to be in a terrible condition, but repairs would have to be carried out over a period of four or five years. It was decided in the temporary houses lighting would be by electricity and cooking by gas. Sympathetic consideration would be given to returning members of the Forces for the tenancies. It was hoped to change the treatment of scabies cases from the Palace to the decontamination station in Post Office Road.
AUGUST The Chairman, Cr E Rowley, said widespread damage was being done to public and private property. Railings had been broken, gates removed, vehicles damaged and street lamps smashed. A watch would be kept, and people caught would be severely dealt with.
Plans for an extension to the clothing factory in Featherstone Lane were agreed, but not for a greyhound racing stadium opposite the Junction Hotel. Tenders would be invited for the first 50 post war houses.
SEPTEMBER There had been applications from a clothing firm, wire manufacturing and a surgical firm seeking premises but there were none available. Tom Smith, the local MP, was to refer it to the Board of Trade hoping for licences to erect premises. He would also take up with the Ministry of Health the urgent need for privy conversions.
OCTOBER The British Legion asked the council to let 80% of new council houses to men demobilised from the Services. The council decided to adhere to a previous decision to treat all cases on their merits.
NOVEMBER The council decided the first post-war housing estate would be known as the Leatham Park Estate, and plans were approved for the first 16 houses. They would have gas copper boilers in the outhouses, fires in the two bedrooms, and gas points for other appliances.
FEBRUARY The Ministry sanctioned the borrowing of £2,652 for the purchase of land in Wakefield Road for a post-war housing site. The council reaffirmed its desire for 100 prefabricated houses and wanted a type dependent on solid fuel. It was decided to get blacksmith Mr C Roberts to make a diving stage for the Lister Baths from metal allowed without a licence at a cost of £40.
MARCH The chairman, Cr J Hobson, welcomed the new clerk, Mr R W Bainton. The retiring clerk, Mr J A Haigh, mentioned the council had passed its 50th anniversary. It was announced the council had been allocated 40 temporary houses. Cr Rowley said they were only expected to last 10 years and maybe should not be erected on permanent post-war housing sites. The clerk said they had to be erected on a site facing south and the council had to offer to supply gas or electricity. A special meeting decided to increase the rates by 2s in the £1 to make it 22s. The clerk said the council's income and expenditure were now in balance, and there was a reserve balance of £8,000. Cr E Hartington, said he had hoped they could reduce the rates because of the balance, but the clerk said you will need that balance when the war is over.
APRIL The council had requested a full-time district nurse. The county council replied the district was served by two full-time health visitors and sick nurses, three full-time midwives and a child welfare clinic, and they had no statutory power to provide a full-time nursing service. The Ministry of Health said there was no objection to using four acres of the permanent housing site in Purston for temporary houses.
It was the last meeting for the clerk, Mr J A Haigh, and he said during his 45 years' service his relationship with the members and officials of the council had always been most friendly. He had seen many changes in local government and believed Featherstone had done very well.
Cr P Woodcock was elected chairman even though he was off ill. The council decided future meetings would be held on the third Wednesday of the month instead of the second.
MAY The council said Featherstone expected to be in a position to ask for approval for 20 temporary houses by September, and reiterated their desire to have a type dependent on solid fuel for heating purposes.
JUNE It was proposed the surveyor should submit a design for improving the entrance to the park, and insurance be taken out against accidents in the children's playground. It was suggested when the Palace premises were de-requisitioned they should be made available to the Featherstone Clothing Company.
JULY Cr E Rowley spoke of their loss in the death of their chairman Cr P Woodcock. Cr Rowley was then elected chairman. The roads had been inspected and were said to be in a terrible condition, but repairs would have to be carried out over a period of four or five years. It was decided in the temporary houses lighting would be by electricity and cooking by gas. Sympathetic consideration would be given to returning members of the Forces for the tenancies. It was hoped to change the treatment of scabies cases from the Palace to the decontamination station in Post Office Road.
AUGUST The Chairman, Cr E Rowley, said widespread damage was being done to public and private property. Railings had been broken, gates removed, vehicles damaged and street lamps smashed. A watch would be kept, and people caught would be severely dealt with.
Plans for an extension to the clothing factory in Featherstone Lane were agreed, but not for a greyhound racing stadium opposite the Junction Hotel. Tenders would be invited for the first 50 post war houses.
SEPTEMBER There had been applications from a clothing firm, wire manufacturing and a surgical firm seeking premises but there were none available. Tom Smith, the local MP, was to refer it to the Board of Trade hoping for licences to erect premises. He would also take up with the Ministry of Health the urgent need for privy conversions.
OCTOBER The British Legion asked the council to let 80% of new council houses to men demobilised from the Services. The council decided to adhere to a previous decision to treat all cases on their merits.
NOVEMBER The council decided the first post-war housing estate would be known as the Leatham Park Estate, and plans were approved for the first 16 houses. They would have gas copper boilers in the outhouses, fires in the two bedrooms, and gas points for other appliances.
THE SOCIAL SERVICE CENTRE
A general meeting was held at the Social Service Centre in January to
discuss its future. Mr E P Bullock, the president, invited opinions as
to what could be done. He said it was the right time to be making
efforts to welcome back the returning Forces, and the centre could be
used for that.
He said the centre should be run on a community basis with no condition of membership, rank or employment, and it should be the type of place anyone could feel free to join. It should be a meeting place for all public bodies, irrespective of political or other views.
Mr Maxwell, for the British Legion, expressed desire for his organisation to meet in the centre, and Mr Howes said a start could be made by forming a committee and organising events. A committee was formed.
In March the committee put on a dance in aid of the St Dunstan's Institution for the Blind. They were pleased by the response and decided to arrange further events. The British Legion decided to stay at their Jubilee Hotel Headquarters, but their service committee would meet at the centre on the first Thursday of every month. The committee decided in April no children under 14 would be admitted to dances.
At a meeting of the committee in October the secretary said the weekly dances were to be discontinued, because other dances were held in the town. They had raised almost £100 for local charities. It was decided to organise concerts during the winter months. The committee were pleased local organisations were using the premises as their headquarters, so the centre was meeting a need in the district.
He said the centre should be run on a community basis with no condition of membership, rank or employment, and it should be the type of place anyone could feel free to join. It should be a meeting place for all public bodies, irrespective of political or other views.
Mr Maxwell, for the British Legion, expressed desire for his organisation to meet in the centre, and Mr Howes said a start could be made by forming a committee and organising events. A committee was formed.
In March the committee put on a dance in aid of the St Dunstan's Institution for the Blind. They were pleased by the response and decided to arrange further events. The British Legion decided to stay at their Jubilee Hotel Headquarters, but their service committee would meet at the centre on the first Thursday of every month. The committee decided in April no children under 14 would be admitted to dances.
At a meeting of the committee in October the secretary said the weekly dances were to be discontinued, because other dances were held in the town. They had raised almost £100 for local charities. It was decided to organise concerts during the winter months. The committee were pleased local organisations were using the premises as their headquarters, so the centre was meeting a need in the district.
THE AM DRAMS
The second annual dinner of the Featherstone Musical and Dramatic
Society was provided by Mr and Mrs A Bullock in the Social Service
Centre in April. There were over 100 present including the performers,
orchestra, stagehands and other helpers.
The annual meeting was also held in April. The next production was discussed, and musical comedy found favour, but it would depend on whether the Miners' Welfare Hall would be available. It was decided to wait until the middle of July when current events would probably make things more settled. The treasurer, Mr J Stafford, reported during the society's first 14 months £232 had been raised for charity.
The society held a meeting in July to discuss their next production. Several shows were suggested and it was decided to choose between The Rebel Maid and Goodnight Vienna. Such shows as The Desert Song or The Student Prince were ruled out because of the high cost of royalties, production and changes of scenery.
There was a change of mind about the next production when the society were told in September the Miners' Welfare Institute was being renovated and it would be available for the proposed showing of The Desert Song. This would require a larger cast, so it was decided to add "and District" to the name and recruit members from outside Featherstone.
The annual meeting was also held in April. The next production was discussed, and musical comedy found favour, but it would depend on whether the Miners' Welfare Hall would be available. It was decided to wait until the middle of July when current events would probably make things more settled. The treasurer, Mr J Stafford, reported during the society's first 14 months £232 had been raised for charity.
The society held a meeting in July to discuss their next production. Several shows were suggested and it was decided to choose between The Rebel Maid and Goodnight Vienna. Such shows as The Desert Song or The Student Prince were ruled out because of the high cost of royalties, production and changes of scenery.
There was a change of mind about the next production when the society were told in September the Miners' Welfare Institute was being renovated and it would be available for the proposed showing of The Desert Song. This would require a larger cast, so it was decided to add "and District" to the name and recruit members from outside Featherstone.
HEDDLE NASH IN FEATHERSTONE
The Express reported on the visit of Heddle Nash as follows. "The
Featherstone and District Choral Society deserves great credit for the
efforts to sponsor good music in the district, though its temerity in
engaging a singer of national repute, at a high fee, was frowned on in
certain quarters. The great success of the concert at which he sang,
held in the Purston Methodist Church, more than justified the venture.
The attraction drew music lovers from the surrounding area, and proved
there is a public for a high class performance."
1945 NEWS ITEMS
Ex-Sergeant Leslie Cadman of Purston had been blinded in an accident,
so a number of friends organised a fund to provide him with a guide dog.
There was an immediate and generous response, and the fund was closed
after ten days at £96 19s 3d.
A few days later it was said as a result of his success in his studies at St Dunstan's he did not now require a guide dog. He was to spend three years training at a London college, so a social evening would be arranged to present him with the money.
A few days later it was said as a result of his success in his studies at St Dunstan's he did not now require a guide dog. He was to spend three years training at a London college, so a social evening would be arranged to present him with the money.
Joseph Evans age 71 of Claytons Buildings was found unconscious lying
face down in Vicarage Lane. He was taken to Pontefract General Infirmary
where he was found to have scalp abrasions. He died a few days later
and the post mortem showed he had suffered a stroke, so the inquest
coroner said his death was nothing to do with the fall, and he recorded a
verdict of death from natural causes.
The
Lister Hall was crowded for all five night of the pantomime. The
proceeds were divided at 60% for the Specials' Comforts Fund and 40% for
Kinsley Church.
FEBRUARY Arthur Massey of Post Office Road was passing the Hippodrome just after midnight on Saturday night when he saw a light in the entrance. He contacted the Police and PC Hutchinson discovered it was a fire and summoned the fire brigade. The fire was quickly put out and damage limited to a burnt carpet, a number of seats damaged and a hole in the wooden floor boards. It was thought the cause was a discarded cigarette end.
Henry Baker of Henrietta Street was taken to the County Institution (the old workhouse) in Pontefract last year suffering from heart trouble. He was eating bread and cheese and choked on it. He went blue in the face and Nurse Levy emptied his mouth and sent for Dr Burnett. The doctor cleared the airway but Baker's heart failed. At the inquest the coroner recorded a verdict of death by misadventure.
MARCH An inquest was held into the death of Sarah Thomas age 64 of Wakefield Road. Her husband Charles said he heard a bump at about 3.30am and found his wife at the bottom of the stairs. She was admitted to Pontefract General Infirmary and died the same day from a fracture skull. The verdict was death by misadventure.
APRIL The council's annual hospital ball realised £116, which together with other donations meant there was £150 to distribute. Pontefract General Infirmary received £50, Leeds General Infirmary £25, Clayton Hospital £20, The Leeds Hospital for Women £25, St John Ambulance Brigade £10, Devonshire Hospital Buxton £5 5s, and Harrogate Royal Baths £4 4s. The secretary, Mr J A Haigh, said it was the 21st effort for which he had been secretary, and during that time £2,165 had been distributed.
FEBRUARY Arthur Massey of Post Office Road was passing the Hippodrome just after midnight on Saturday night when he saw a light in the entrance. He contacted the Police and PC Hutchinson discovered it was a fire and summoned the fire brigade. The fire was quickly put out and damage limited to a burnt carpet, a number of seats damaged and a hole in the wooden floor boards. It was thought the cause was a discarded cigarette end.
Henry Baker of Henrietta Street was taken to the County Institution (the old workhouse) in Pontefract last year suffering from heart trouble. He was eating bread and cheese and choked on it. He went blue in the face and Nurse Levy emptied his mouth and sent for Dr Burnett. The doctor cleared the airway but Baker's heart failed. At the inquest the coroner recorded a verdict of death by misadventure.
MARCH An inquest was held into the death of Sarah Thomas age 64 of Wakefield Road. Her husband Charles said he heard a bump at about 3.30am and found his wife at the bottom of the stairs. She was admitted to Pontefract General Infirmary and died the same day from a fracture skull. The verdict was death by misadventure.
APRIL The council's annual hospital ball realised £116, which together with other donations meant there was £150 to distribute. Pontefract General Infirmary received £50, Leeds General Infirmary £25, Clayton Hospital £20, The Leeds Hospital for Women £25, St John Ambulance Brigade £10, Devonshire Hospital Buxton £5 5s, and Harrogate Royal Baths £4 4s. The secretary, Mr J A Haigh, said it was the 21st effort for which he had been secretary, and during that time £2,165 had been distributed.
Charles Bettney was
taken to court by the West Riding Public Heath and Welfare Committee for
owing £3 5s in respect to the maintenance of his father. He was ordered
to pay forthwith.
The fund for blinded ex-Sergeant Lesiie Cadman was made up to £100, and a cheque was presented to him at a reception at the Travellers' Hotel. After the presentation there was a concert by mainly local artists.
The fund for blinded ex-Sergeant Lesiie Cadman was made up to £100, and a cheque was presented to him at a reception at the Travellers' Hotel. After the presentation there was a concert by mainly local artists.
JUNE The Featherstone Child Welfare Clinic held a VE Day party in the garden at Angus House, the home of Mrs Steven. About 200 mothers, babies and toddlers had tea and were entertained by a ventriloquist and a conjurer. In the evening there was dancing on the lawn.
JULY The Featherstone Road Club decided to resume normal activities in preparation for the return of over 40 members who had joined the forces. There was also a Cycling Club in Purston.
In the general election Tom Smith (Labour) polled 28,238 in the Normanton Division, which included Featherstone, and his opponent, John Harvey Hulbert (Conservative) managed 5,259. It was a record majority.
Melia's Store in Station Lane was broken into on a Thursday night by breaking the door window, and two nights later Poppleton's on Wakefield Road was entered by breaking a side window.
AUGUST At Leeds Assises Obadiah Garbutt pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of William Ellis and also assaulting Kathleen Siddall who was a bus conductress, and who had a confrontation with Garbutt's daughter. When the bus arrived at Featherstone Garbutt struck Siddall and broke her nose. Ellis intervened and later Garbutt sought a quarrel with him and struck him in the face. Ellis fell backwards and suffered a fractured skull which caused his death. Garbutt was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment.
Pat Wilson of Wentbridge Road entered a dancing festival at Hebden Bridge and won a silver medal for her performance in the musical comedy section.
Jean Rubery age 7 of Featherstone Square got on a bus to go to her grandparents in Streethouse and ended up in Leeds. She was discovered wandering about and was taken to a police station and then to the children's home. After being identified she was rescued by her mother.
The Special Constables held sheep dog trials on the Rovers ground in aid of their Services Comforts Fund. A good crowd was entertained by the skill of the dogs and the antics of the sheep. Mr Mason, the announcer, thanked the competitors and the spectators for a successful effort. He appealed for continued support of the fund until the end of the year, when it would be closed.
The Purston Cycling Club had a weeks holiday in the Lake District. On the return home in the dark one member had dynamo trouble, so they stayed at a farm until daylight.
SEPTEMBER Two inquests were held on fatal accidents at Ackton Hall Colliery. William Booth age 17 of Phipps Street was unloading tubs off the bottom deck of the cage at the surface. When the cage came up he made a mistake and grabbed the top deck catch and was carried up by the cage and suffered head injuries. He was taken to Pontefract General Infirmary where he died just after admission.
Cyril Hollis age 36 of Kimberley Street was buried by a fall of roof. Artificial respiration was tried but to no avail. The coroner recorded verdicts of death by misadventure in both cases.
OCTOBER The Ackton Hall Colliery ambulance team beat Hemsworth and South Kirkby to win the inter-colliery competition. The members were G Kirkham, N Wildridge, T Dickinson and A Denton.
The Featherstone and Pontefract fire brigades were called to a fire in a bedroom wardrobe in Featherstone Square which was soon dealt with, and a fire in a workmen's cabin at Ackton Hall Colliery which took 90 minutes to get under control.
The British Legion held its annual meeting in the Social Service Centre. The secretary, Mr H Batten, said they were in a healthy financial position, and the membership was now well over 200.
NOVEMBER An inquest was held on Matthew Bowen age 53 of Ferrybridge Terrace. His widow Maria said her husband had supper before going to work at Nostell Colliery at 9pm on his bicycle as usual. John Abbot said he saw Matthew sitting on a stool at the colliery and having difficulty breathing. He got him into a more comfortable position and sent for medical aid, but it was too late. Dr Duncan said the cause of death was acute heart failure due to degeneration of the heart muscles, and the coroner recorded a verdict of death from natural causes.
An inquest was held on John Lowther age 45 of Post Office Road who also collapsed at work, at Ackton Hall Colliery. He was taken to Pontefract Infirmary where he died four hours later. Dr I Butler said a post mortem showed death was due to cerebral hemorrhage, and the verdict was death from natural causes.
Armistice Day was observed at both churches. At All Saints there was a large congregation which included ex-prisoners of war, the POW Club and friends. At St Thomas a parade of local organisations arrived from Cressey's Corner led by the Featherstone Subscription Silver Band. After the service a short ceremony was held at the War Memorial where wreaths were laid. The poppy day collections amounted to £95, and the total with the church collection was £113, an increase of £15 on last year.
DECEMBER James Harold Marsh age 3 of Girnhill Lane went with his brother age 5 on an errand to a nearby shop. But they ended up in Station Lane, and on crossing the road back to Girnhill Lane James was hit by a lorry and killed. The inquest verdict was death due to misadventure.