A HISTORY OF FEATHERSTONE
1948
MISS JANE ALEXANDER MBE
Miss Jane S Alexander was made a Member of the Order of the British
Empire in the New Year's Honours List for public services in
Featherstone. She became a school teacher in her teens and when she
retired in 1935 she had taught for 50 years. She was headmistress at
Gordon Street Junior School for 32 years. She worked for the Red Cross during
the two World Wars, and during the second she was in charge of the First
Aid Depot. In 1946 she completed 60 years as a teacher at Purston
Church Sunday School.
Age 77 she was still actively engaged in a host of good causes in the town. She was still a Sunday School teacher, chairwoman of the women's section of the British Legion, and a prominent worker for the National Savings Movement, The Express commented "In short, a supporter of any good cause, whatever its origin".
Age 77 she was still actively engaged in a host of good causes in the town. She was still a Sunday School teacher, chairwoman of the women's section of the British Legion, and a prominent worker for the National Savings Movement, The Express commented "In short, a supporter of any good cause, whatever its origin".
THE ROVERS
For the first time, the Rovers had to visit Workington (on 3 January),
and after much deliberation the committee decided they would have to set
off at 6am to get there in time. The return journey saw them arrive
back in Featherstone at 1am Sunday morning.
The Lyon Cup game was played at Castleford in March in aid of Pontefract General Infirmary. It was said it would be the last time because the hospitals were to be nationalised. The Mayor of Pontefract, Mr J Blackburn, presented the cup to the Castleford captain whose team had won 20-5.
After 23 successive defeats since last November the Rovers finally won at Hull Kingston Rovers 12-8 in April. This enabled the players to get the bonus introduced three month ago whereby they got 2s 6d for each point by which victory was achieved.
Mr W G Ward of Pontefract was appointed secretary in April to succeed Mr G A Appleyard who resigned because of pressure of work.
A benefit game was played in May in aid of Jack Higgins who dislocated his hip for the second time last year and had to retire from playing. There were 2,500 spectators at Post Office Road and C Brereton's team beat G W Allison's team 39-24. Mr A S Dobson of Featherstone was the referee.
The proceeds of the game and various competitions came to £166, and a cheque was handed to Jack Higgins in June. He also was given a rugby ball autographed by the England and New Zealand players in a game at Bradford. It was the prize in one of the competitions but was not claimed.
The Lyon Cup game was played at Castleford in March in aid of Pontefract General Infirmary. It was said it would be the last time because the hospitals were to be nationalised. The Mayor of Pontefract, Mr J Blackburn, presented the cup to the Castleford captain whose team had won 20-5.
After 23 successive defeats since last November the Rovers finally won at Hull Kingston Rovers 12-8 in April. This enabled the players to get the bonus introduced three month ago whereby they got 2s 6d for each point by which victory was achieved.
Mr W G Ward of Pontefract was appointed secretary in April to succeed Mr G A Appleyard who resigned because of pressure of work.
A benefit game was played in May in aid of Jack Higgins who dislocated his hip for the second time last year and had to retire from playing. There were 2,500 spectators at Post Office Road and C Brereton's team beat G W Allison's team 39-24. Mr A S Dobson of Featherstone was the referee.
The proceeds of the game and various competitions came to £166, and a cheque was handed to Jack Higgins in June. He also was given a rugby ball autographed by the England and New Zealand players in a game at Bradford. It was the prize in one of the competitions but was not claimed.
A photo from the Express.
Following
the custom of 15 years, the players entertained the committee to dinner
at the Junction Hotel in June. After the loyal toast, the company stood
in memory of Mr H Littlewood, a former secretary who had died recently
The chairman, Mr W Williams, mentioned only two people were present who
attended the first function - Sid Denton and Arthur Haigh, both former
players and now committee members.
Referee Mr A S Dobson, advised the players never to give up trying, and
said he saw them last season beaten almost before the game started..
The secretary, Mr G A Appleyard said he thought the players needed
heartening and informed them he had received letters of congratulation
from leading personalities in the game who failed to understand why
Featherstone occupied such a low position in the league table.
The coach, Mr S Smith, mentioned three fullbacks had been transferred
to other clubs. The team was light, and its efforts were to be admired.
Several bad knocks had been taken, especially the injury to Higgins.
The annual general meeting was held at the Junction Hotel in June. The
auditor, Mr E Holstead, said there was a profit on the season of £260
but the overdraft had increased to £1,920. The leaving secretary, Mr G A
Appleyard, presented his report which said there had been a season of
misfortune and disappointment, after a start of great promise. He agreed
with others the team had included too many light players.
Mr
A Bullock was re-elected president, and there were 13 nominations for
three places on the committee. Messrs J Jepson and T Woodcock were
re-elected, and Mr J Caulfield took the place of Mr F G Smith.
In July Bill Sherwood was appointed coach on a three years contract to replace Stanley Smith who had been the coach for the past two years. In August the winning pay for the new season was raised from £5 to £6, and the 2s 6d bonus scheme was dropped.
In July Bill Sherwood was appointed coach on a three years contract to replace Stanley Smith who had been the coach for the past two years. In August the winning pay for the new season was raised from £5 to £6, and the 2s 6d bonus scheme was dropped.
George Johnson, the chairman of the club when it was formed in 1902,
and president when he handed over to Abe Bullock in 1937, died in
August. The photo is from Ron Bailey's book Featherstone Rovers Rugby League Club.
At a meeting of club members in October it was said a ground
improvement fund would be used to terrace the popular side and perhaps
erect a cover. When it was suggested it should be used to buy the
ground, it was stated the ground must be used by a football club in
connection with the Miners' Welfare Scheme, and there was little
likelihood of the Rovers ever being turned out.
The Rovers lost by one point against Keighley in October, and at the
end of the game there was a demonstration against the referee, Mr L J
Dalby of York, who was escorted off the field by police and players. In
the next programme the club wrote "People who cannot control their
tempers should keep away; they only harm themselves, the game, and most
of all, the club. There are legitimate ways of airing a grievance, and
violence, or threats of violence, cannot be tolerated".
THE COUNCIL
JANUARY There was a continuing shortage of paper. Some weeks the Express had
only six pages. There was a national drive for waste paper. Special
receptacles were carried by the dustbin lorries, and it was reported the
peak collection year was 1941 with 60 tons 16cwts. In 1947 it was 32
tons. It was sent to Thames Board Mills for processing.
There was a serious shortage of nursing staff at Ackton Hospital and the council agreed to encourage local girls to enter the nursing profession. The county council agreed the North Featherstone crossroads required attention but said there was no money to deal with it.
Over 1,000 people over 65 years old attended the council offices in three days to claim their packet of oats and tin of fruit or jam, or meat or peas. They had been sent for distribution from the Dominions.
It was agreed the surveyor should prepare a layout for the Halfpenny Lane housing site with a view to start building this year.
FEBRUARY The surveyor was instructed to examine a house in Lea Lane for suspected mining subsidence, and also the North Featherstone vicarage, said to be in a dangerous condition. The medical officer, Dr Duncan, acknowledged the termination of his contract on March 31. (The county council was to take over the work.) Tenants keeping fowls on the Purston housing estate were told to remove them or receive notices to quit. The rent of the new four bedroom houses was fixed at £1.
MARCH The county council informed the council the work to alter the road junction at the Junction Hotel could not be undertaken at present. The clerk to the council, Mr R W Bainton, announced he had obtained a post in Suffolk which he would take up in three months time. The council agreed to seek applications for the post at a salary of £700 rising to £800, which would include payment as local fuel overseer, and a house would be made available.
Dr J Duncan introduced to the council the new medical officer for Pontefract, Featherstone, Knottingley and Osgoldcross, Dr J F Frazer.
A design for a water tower at North Featherstone to cost £10,500 was accepted. The fire fighting premises in Wakefield Road would be taken over by the county council next month. It was reported the privy conversions in The Square and Nostell View were completed.
The Ministry of Health has allocated 20 Spooner (timber framed) houses for 1948. It was agreed to erect them on the Halfpenny Lane site. The chairman, Cr E Rowley, said some new houses already needed repairs, some gardens were uncultivated, and there were complaints about the number of dogs. There was also lead stolen from the roof of the Lister Baths, and damage caused by children climbing. He asked for the co-operation of parents. The council selected Mr A Senior from many applicants as clerk to the council to replace Mr R W Bainton.
APRIL The election results were:
Purston Ward - G E Darnton (Independent) 851; E Rowley (Labour) 768: R Jukes (Independent Labour) 178.
North Ward - A Booth (Labour) 631: B Booker (Independent) 446.
South Ward - J B Fennell (Labour) 259; F Gascoyne (Independent Labour) 258.
Ackton and Snydale Ward - A Evans (Labour)182: W Kettlestring (Independent Labour) 148. Only 18 per cent voted in this ward.
There was controversy over the returning officer, Mr R W Bainton, giving a casting vote to J B Fennell in the election. He explained the official regulations recommended a casting vote to avoid the inconvenience of another election. In answer to a complaint by the Featherstone Local Labour Party about numbers of people being unable to vote, he said it was because they had changed their address and did not inform the authorities so their identity cards could be altered. When the voting registers were at the council offices throughout August only one person had called to check his name and address.
The medical officer's work had been taken over by the county council so the council gave Dr Duncan an illuminated address on parchment as a token of appreciation of his services, and those of his predecessors Drs Buncle and Steven.
At the annual meeting Cr A Evans was elected chairman. Mr A Senior asked to be released from his appointment as clerk. His present council (Clowne) had increased his salary to £800 which he would not reach at Featherstone until after four years' service. Cr Woodcock deplored public auction creeping into such matters, but Mr Senior disclaimed any intention to start one council bidding against another for his services. The chairman said if Mr Senior was held to the Featherstone post he could immediately submit three months notice. The council agreed to release Mr Senior and he expressed appreciation of the decision and regret for the inconvenience.
MAY Mr A Senior now said he would take up the post but the council decided not to accept the offer. The West Riding Agricultural Executive would be asked to return Purston Park to recreational activities. Notices would be posted at Went Beck (Chesney Bay?) saying the water was not suitable for bathing and it was prohibited.
Only one of four candidates selected for interview for the post of clerk turned up, and after he had looked round the town with his wife he asked to withdraw his application. The council eventually appointed Mr Herbert Tattersall as clerk, and he gave an assurance he would not withdraw.
The surveyor was told to proceed with all speed in the repair of the North Featherstone water tank and the erection of the new tower. Plans were approved for pithead baths at Snydale Colliery.
JUNE The council had received a letter of complaint (not specified) signed by all the tenants of the Howard houses on the Purston estate. The architect was asked to investigate.
JULY The surveyor reported three gas refrigerators in the Arcon bungalows were out of order. Dissatisfaction was expressed that replacements were needed after such a short period. The Featherstone Gas Company would be asked to replace them.
AUGUST The Howard houses problem was revealed to be about refrigerators also, or rather lack of them. The tenants complained they had nowhere to keep foodstuffs. Cr Morgan said the Howard houses he had examined elsewhere before building began at Featherstone contained refrigerators. Cr Chilton said someone should have examined the specifications closely, and thought there had been a slip-up. The original cost would have been £12 each for 50 houses but would now be £30, but the council could not afford it. It was agreed to contact the Ministry to find a solution.
There was a serious shortage of nursing staff at Ackton Hospital and the council agreed to encourage local girls to enter the nursing profession. The county council agreed the North Featherstone crossroads required attention but said there was no money to deal with it.
Over 1,000 people over 65 years old attended the council offices in three days to claim their packet of oats and tin of fruit or jam, or meat or peas. They had been sent for distribution from the Dominions.
It was agreed the surveyor should prepare a layout for the Halfpenny Lane housing site with a view to start building this year.
FEBRUARY The surveyor was instructed to examine a house in Lea Lane for suspected mining subsidence, and also the North Featherstone vicarage, said to be in a dangerous condition. The medical officer, Dr Duncan, acknowledged the termination of his contract on March 31. (The county council was to take over the work.) Tenants keeping fowls on the Purston housing estate were told to remove them or receive notices to quit. The rent of the new four bedroom houses was fixed at £1.
MARCH The county council informed the council the work to alter the road junction at the Junction Hotel could not be undertaken at present. The clerk to the council, Mr R W Bainton, announced he had obtained a post in Suffolk which he would take up in three months time. The council agreed to seek applications for the post at a salary of £700 rising to £800, which would include payment as local fuel overseer, and a house would be made available.
Dr J Duncan introduced to the council the new medical officer for Pontefract, Featherstone, Knottingley and Osgoldcross, Dr J F Frazer.
A design for a water tower at North Featherstone to cost £10,500 was accepted. The fire fighting premises in Wakefield Road would be taken over by the county council next month. It was reported the privy conversions in The Square and Nostell View were completed.
The Ministry of Health has allocated 20 Spooner (timber framed) houses for 1948. It was agreed to erect them on the Halfpenny Lane site. The chairman, Cr E Rowley, said some new houses already needed repairs, some gardens were uncultivated, and there were complaints about the number of dogs. There was also lead stolen from the roof of the Lister Baths, and damage caused by children climbing. He asked for the co-operation of parents. The council selected Mr A Senior from many applicants as clerk to the council to replace Mr R W Bainton.
APRIL The election results were:
Purston Ward - G E Darnton (Independent) 851; E Rowley (Labour) 768: R Jukes (Independent Labour) 178.
North Ward - A Booth (Labour) 631: B Booker (Independent) 446.
South Ward - J B Fennell (Labour) 259; F Gascoyne (Independent Labour) 258.
Ackton and Snydale Ward - A Evans (Labour)182: W Kettlestring (Independent Labour) 148. Only 18 per cent voted in this ward.
There was controversy over the returning officer, Mr R W Bainton, giving a casting vote to J B Fennell in the election. He explained the official regulations recommended a casting vote to avoid the inconvenience of another election. In answer to a complaint by the Featherstone Local Labour Party about numbers of people being unable to vote, he said it was because they had changed their address and did not inform the authorities so their identity cards could be altered. When the voting registers were at the council offices throughout August only one person had called to check his name and address.
The medical officer's work had been taken over by the county council so the council gave Dr Duncan an illuminated address on parchment as a token of appreciation of his services, and those of his predecessors Drs Buncle and Steven.
At the annual meeting Cr A Evans was elected chairman. Mr A Senior asked to be released from his appointment as clerk. His present council (Clowne) had increased his salary to £800 which he would not reach at Featherstone until after four years' service. Cr Woodcock deplored public auction creeping into such matters, but Mr Senior disclaimed any intention to start one council bidding against another for his services. The chairman said if Mr Senior was held to the Featherstone post he could immediately submit three months notice. The council agreed to release Mr Senior and he expressed appreciation of the decision and regret for the inconvenience.
MAY Mr A Senior now said he would take up the post but the council decided not to accept the offer. The West Riding Agricultural Executive would be asked to return Purston Park to recreational activities. Notices would be posted at Went Beck (Chesney Bay?) saying the water was not suitable for bathing and it was prohibited.
Only one of four candidates selected for interview for the post of clerk turned up, and after he had looked round the town with his wife he asked to withdraw his application. The council eventually appointed Mr Herbert Tattersall as clerk, and he gave an assurance he would not withdraw.
The surveyor was told to proceed with all speed in the repair of the North Featherstone water tank and the erection of the new tower. Plans were approved for pithead baths at Snydale Colliery.
JUNE The council had received a letter of complaint (not specified) signed by all the tenants of the Howard houses on the Purston estate. The architect was asked to investigate.
JULY The surveyor reported three gas refrigerators in the Arcon bungalows were out of order. Dissatisfaction was expressed that replacements were needed after such a short period. The Featherstone Gas Company would be asked to replace them.
AUGUST The Howard houses problem was revealed to be about refrigerators also, or rather lack of them. The tenants complained they had nowhere to keep foodstuffs. Cr Morgan said the Howard houses he had examined elsewhere before building began at Featherstone contained refrigerators. Cr Chilton said someone should have examined the specifications closely, and thought there had been a slip-up. The original cost would have been £12 each for 50 houses but would now be £30, but the council could not afford it. It was agreed to contact the Ministry to find a solution.
SEPTEMBER
Tenders were accepted for 44 houses in Halfpenny Lane, 14 bungalows for
aged people in Purston, and 16 in Halfpenny Lane. After further
flooding in Phipps Street the NCB were asked to put the culvert at the
muckstack in order and build a buttress wall. The county council were
asked to pipe the Went Beck in the Wakefield Road area.
The Ministry of Health replied the council were informed two years ago
cookers, wash boilers and refrigerators would not be supplied and the council must make its own arrangements if they were required.
OCTOBER
The NCB told the council it was opposed to building a retaining wall
with weep holes at the base of the muckstack at the rear of Phipps
Street to prevent flooding. The British Council suggested Featherstone
might welcome a link with a town overseas. It was agreed food parcels
sent by Featherston in New Zealand created such a link which might be
strengthened.
The annual medical report for 1947 showed 128 privies had been
converted but 213 still remained. The sanitary inspector's report said
the water pressure in the higher parts of the district was
unsatisfactory and urged the speedy erection of the proposed new water
tower. Housing was the most urgent problem. The total built during the
year of all types was 88, but there were still 663 applicants.
NOVEMBER
The council wanted to have concrete roads on the Halfpenny Lane housing
site but the Ministry would not agree, so the roads had to be macadam. A
special meeting of the housing committee was held to select tenants for
new houses by the drawing of lots.
THE RATEPAYERS' ASSOCIATION
1948 NEWS ITEMS
THE AMDRAMS
The 1948 production by the Featherstone and District Musical and Dramatic Society was Goodnight Vienna put on at the Miners' Welfare Institute in March. The Express commented
"The show was well produced and colourfully dressed. The chorus work,
upon which the society has built a high reputation, was always in
complete harmony with the romantic story. The dancing of Jocelyn
Westbrook and her troupe was delightful".
At a meeting of the society later, the secretary, Mr W Richards, said it was hoped the production had realised £100 for charity. It would be shared equally between the Featherstone Division of the St John Ambulance Brigade and the St Dunstan's Institute for the Blind.
At a meeting of the society later, the secretary, Mr W Richards, said it was hoped the production had realised £100 for charity. It would be shared equally between the Featherstone Division of the St John Ambulance Brigade and the St Dunstan's Institute for the Blind.
ACKTON HOSPITAL
Ackton Hospital started life as the Normanton and District Joint
Isolation Hospital to serve Normanton, Castleford, Whitwood and
Featherstone. It was eventually taken over by the county council
and renamed the Ackton Isolation Hospital. In July it became part of the
new National Health Service. A farewell party was held at the hospital
to present a framed photograph to the medical superintendent of 38
years, Dr W Dixon Hartley, and a case of cake knives and forks to the
housekeeper, Miss A Braid, who had 37 years service.
Cr A Evans of Featherstone, who had 38 years of service on the
committee, added appreciation of Dr Hartley's fine work, and the
splendid co-operation of the matron, sisters and nurses.
MEMORIAL PLAQUE
The late Vicar of Featherstone, Revd W B Chapman, returned to conduct a
service at the War Memorial to unveil a plaque on the memorial to
commemorate the 1939-45 war. The ceremony started with a parade headed
by the Featherstone Brass Band and the Featherstone Salvation Army
Band. The parade consisted of the British Legion, police, the RAOB and
the Girl Guides.
Wreaths were laid at the memorial and the hymns O God Our Help, Fight the Good Fight and Abide with me were sung. The Last Post and Reveille were played.
A photo from the Express.
THE RATEPAYERS' ASSOCIATION
A
meeting was held in the Social Service Centre in May to form an association of
independent ratepayers. Mr E P Bullock was elected president. It was to
be non-political. It was said the interests of ratepayers outside the
Labour movement were neglected to a point nearing extinction. 50 people
joined in the first few days.
Mr
Pointon said Featherstone had sunk to a point of degradation and nobody
was satisfied with the present council administration. One of the
primary objects of the association was to secure a council
representation of individuals who were in close touch with the
electorate, and not bound to a political party with an overwhelming
voting power. He outlined a policy whereby the association would
nominate candidates for council seats and fully support them.
Mr Howes said although most of those present were Labour minded, they
were dissatisfied with the present Labour Party representation on the council. They required sound men of the right mental and moral calibre,
prompted by the spirit of "What can I do for Featherstone".
A VISIT TO HULL ORPHANAGE
In 1902 a band consisting of 28 boys, all under 14 years old, came to
Featherstone to play and raise funds for the Port of Hull Sailors'
Orphans' Homes. They came regularly until the war stopped travel in
1939. Their trips were arranged by Tom Hargrave of Featherstone who
arranged for them to be put up overnight in Featherstone homes.
In September a bus trip was made by those in Featherstone interested in
the boys' welfare to visit the homes in Hull. After inspecting the
homes they had lunch there, and then went to the docks to inspect SS
Burma, a large passenger liner. They had tea on board served by Burmese
stewards.
They then went on to Merchant Navy House. Speeches were made by
officials of the homes, and a reply was made by Miss Jane Alexander who
expressed thanks for the hospitality shown, and congratulated the homes
on their work.
The arrangements for the trip were made my Mrs D Harrison, the daughter
of the late Tom Hargrave. A collection was made for the bus driver, and
he decided to give it to those in Featherstone who collected funds for
the homes.
THE CRICKET CLUB DINNER
The
Featherstone and Purston Cricket, Tennis and Bowling Club held their
annual dinner at the Junction Hotel in December. Proposing "The Club" Mr
H Flemming, a colliery agent, said the National Coal Board was
encouraging sport of every kind in the mining industry, and although
Featherstone did not have a successful season the right spirit was
there. He commended the enthusiasm of the women's committee.
It was usual for a speech to be made about the town in general, and Dr
Duncan emphasised the progress made in Featherstone, chiefly in the council's housing scheme, which called for congratulation. He referred
to prospects in the nationalised coal industry and public health
service, and welcomed the change in administration (the NCB and NHS).
CR A Evans said one of the greatest problems facing the country was
juvenile crime. The abolition of the birch as a punishment, a move which
had not his approval, probably had something to do with it. He thought
encouraging youngsters to attend the cricket field and take an interest
in the game would do much to combat it. The evening ended with
entertainment by the Featherstone Lane WMC male voice choir.
NURSE BYFORD LEAVES
The
Featherstone Child Welfare Clinic held a Christmas party in the Social
Service Centre in December. There were 200 mothers and babies there to
see the presentation of a pigskin writing case made to Nurse E Byford
who was leaving after 30 years to take up another appointment.
She said parents throughout England were indebted to Featherstone
people for being largely responsible for present-day child welfare
services, the foundations of which were laid at Featherstone after the
General Strike of 1926, when a medical inspection revealed between 80
and 90 per cent of children had physical defects of some description.
The Ministry of Health sent a team of experts to Featherstone, and their
investigations showed many children were suffering from malnutrition.
As a result various concessions and health-preserving amenities were
afforded to school children, thus creating the basis of today's
services.
1948 NEWS ITEMS
JANUARY The railways were nationalised and became British Railways. Their logo replaced the LMS on trains through Featherstone which had been there since 1923. The photo is from Railway Matters on the internet.
The Featherstone Old Comrades' Association was believed to be the only
one of its kind still to function in the old 49th Battalion of the Home
Guard. They held their annual meeting at the Travellers' Rest Hotel.
A
fire at the Girnhill Lane Working Mens' Club completely burnt out the
committee room and all the records were destroyed. The boiler underneath
the room was also destroyed. Fire engines from Featherstone, Castleford
and Pontefract attended. The fire occurred on Monday and it was hoped
to have the club open for the 1,300 members by the weekend.
FEBRUARY A group of very young children threw nearly 100 empty milk bottles at Regent Street School down the boiler steps smashing them all. They were the property of a Chapelthorpe firm.
At a meeting of the British Legion it was said 175 people who were members last year had not yet rejoined. The membership was now 328.
An electric clock was presented to Dr Marjorie Steven by the mothers of the maternity and child welfare centre in Albert Street to mark her work at the clinic which she had now given up.
The Prisoner of War Fund was closed and the outstanding balance of £27 was given to Pontefract General Infirmary.
Some old people received a food parcel from Princess Elizabeth which was part of food from overseas sent on the occasion of her wedding to the Duke of Edinburgh.
Two prefabs on the Leatham Estate were broken into. Two wrist watches and a home safe were stolen from one, total value £50, and clothing coupons from the other.
MARCH The Ministry of Works gave permission for work to proceed on premises in Station Lane to be converted to a branch of the York County Savings Bank.
A 12 years old pianist, Walter Walker of John Street, signed a contract to appear with a concert party on the South Pier, Blackpool, during the coming summer season.
Keyzer's Stores Ltd of Pontefract presented a spring fashion parade at the Miners' Welfare to a large audience. It was thought to be the first of its kind held in Featherstone.
A tree down Wragby Road caught fire, and there was a fire in the stables at Snydale Colliery. There were no ponies in the stables at the time. A pile of props in the pit yard of Ackton Hall Colliery caught fire. All three incidents were dealt with by NFS detachments from Featherstone and Pontefract.
The Mayor of Pontefract, Mr J Blackburn, attended a whist drive held by the Hospital Efforts Committee. He presented the prizes and appealed to everyone not to imagine the nationalisation of the hospitals meant an end to voluntary work.
APRIL The Vicar of Purston, Revd I O Jay, said there would be fewer Holy Communion services at Purston Church so he could conduct services at St Peter's Mission Church. There had not been a priest at St Peter's for some time, and there was no successor yet for the Vicar of Featherstone who left at the beginning of the year. The annual meeting of the parochial church council at North Featherstone sent an appeal to the Bishop of Wakefield to do all he could to provide a vicar for the parish.
Representatives of all three Methodist Churches met at Purston Church. It was agreed the amalgamation of churches was outside the scope of the meeting but a Featherstone Methodist Council would be formed from three representatives of each church.
Over
1,000 people over 65 visited the council offices over two days for the
latest distribution of food sent from the Dominions. It was the largest
distribution so far. Some of the food was from Featherston in New
Zealand.
The Featherstone Gardeners' Guild was formed in 1939 but was handicapped by lack of labour. Now they had changed the site of the Bede Houses in North Featherstone from bricks and rubble into a colourful garden.
The boy band from the Hull Sailors' Orphans' Home used to come regularly before the war to raise funds. They had not been since, but Mrs E Harrison arranged a house to house collection which raised £16.
Poultry keepers in North Featherstone had lost several birds recently probably to a fox. They spent much time trying to track it down but without success.
Mr O Crossley was bailing waste paper at the council's salvage works when he found a package of £1 notes. The police would not divulge the amount but said if it was not claimed in three months it would be returned to the council.
The clerk to the council, Mr R W Bainton, invited friends and representatives of the many organisations with which he had been connected, to a gathering in the Social Service Centre. He acknowledged the help he had received from many sources and said he was sorry family reasons compelled him to move. On behalf of the savings movement Miss Jane Alexander presented him with a wallet, note case and book token. The evening ended with refreshments and entertainment.
JUNE Revd Henry Rosslyn Haworth was to be the new Vicar of Featherstone. He was vicar of St Mark's, Low Moor, Bradford. It was not said when he would take up his new appointment.
JULY There was a ceremony at the Junction Hotel to present the Burkhill Shield won by the Purston Section of the Pontefract Police Division Special Constables Ambulance Competition. The team was Special Constables Fenn, Mason, Leverton, Seal and Mann.
The Old Featherstone and Ackton Treat began with Irene Crosfield crowned as carnival queen in Mr A Copley's field. Then followed a procession of the area headed by the Ackton Hall and Snydale Workmen's Band. There was tea for the children plus a bag of sweets, and tea for the old folk in the schoolroom. There was dancing by Miss J Westbrook's pupils, donkey rides and children's sports, which eventually had to be abandoned because of rain.
AUGUST The Featherstone Road Club made one of their longest journeys, to Cleethorpes, which took them over four hours. They returned via Grimsby to view HMS Shakespeare, a submarine decommissioned and about to be broken up. They arrived home at 10.30pm.
The houses in Phipps Street and Chapel Street were prone to flooding. In the latest occurrence the fire brigade was called out at midnight to pump water from 20 houses.
A crowded All Saints' Church saw Revd H R Haworth instituted as the new Vicar of Featherstone. The Bishop of Pontefract expressed appreciation of the maintenance of the parish during the long period without a vicar. On a separate occasion a meeting was held in the parish room where Mr S Cross, the vicar's warden, expressed the hope the newcomers (Mr G R Marwood-Watson, a Franciscan, accompanied the vicar) would have a happy stay.
FEBRUARY A group of very young children threw nearly 100 empty milk bottles at Regent Street School down the boiler steps smashing them all. They were the property of a Chapelthorpe firm.
At a meeting of the British Legion it was said 175 people who were members last year had not yet rejoined. The membership was now 328.
An electric clock was presented to Dr Marjorie Steven by the mothers of the maternity and child welfare centre in Albert Street to mark her work at the clinic which she had now given up.
The Prisoner of War Fund was closed and the outstanding balance of £27 was given to Pontefract General Infirmary.
Some old people received a food parcel from Princess Elizabeth which was part of food from overseas sent on the occasion of her wedding to the Duke of Edinburgh.
Two prefabs on the Leatham Estate were broken into. Two wrist watches and a home safe were stolen from one, total value £50, and clothing coupons from the other.
MARCH The Ministry of Works gave permission for work to proceed on premises in Station Lane to be converted to a branch of the York County Savings Bank.
A 12 years old pianist, Walter Walker of John Street, signed a contract to appear with a concert party on the South Pier, Blackpool, during the coming summer season.
Keyzer's Stores Ltd of Pontefract presented a spring fashion parade at the Miners' Welfare to a large audience. It was thought to be the first of its kind held in Featherstone.
A tree down Wragby Road caught fire, and there was a fire in the stables at Snydale Colliery. There were no ponies in the stables at the time. A pile of props in the pit yard of Ackton Hall Colliery caught fire. All three incidents were dealt with by NFS detachments from Featherstone and Pontefract.
The Mayor of Pontefract, Mr J Blackburn, attended a whist drive held by the Hospital Efforts Committee. He presented the prizes and appealed to everyone not to imagine the nationalisation of the hospitals meant an end to voluntary work.
APRIL The Vicar of Purston, Revd I O Jay, said there would be fewer Holy Communion services at Purston Church so he could conduct services at St Peter's Mission Church. There had not been a priest at St Peter's for some time, and there was no successor yet for the Vicar of Featherstone who left at the beginning of the year. The annual meeting of the parochial church council at North Featherstone sent an appeal to the Bishop of Wakefield to do all he could to provide a vicar for the parish.
Representatives of all three Methodist Churches met at Purston Church. It was agreed the amalgamation of churches was outside the scope of the meeting but a Featherstone Methodist Council would be formed from three representatives of each church.
The first opencast mine, described by the Express as
being 10 acres to the east of the railway line between Featherstone and
Pontefract, had produced 47,000 tons of coal since last July and the
area was now being restored to its natural contours. The deepest
excavations were 37 feet. The access road was Dixon Street, and the workings went south as far as Gordon Street School.
MAY At Wakefield Road Methodist Church long service certificates for outstanding work with the Sunday School were presented to Mr E P Bullock (58 years) and Mr W J Dyer (56 years).
Mr T H S Paddison, the organist at Purston Church, wrote in the parish magazine brides had to walk down the aisle to piano music, and draughts from holes in the roof turned the pages of music over at most inconvenient moments. The organ and restoration fund had now reached £450.
There was an outbreak of diphtheria in an infant's' class at Gordon Street School. Nine children were taken to hospital and the class was closed and disinfected. The whole class of 30 children and the teacher were swabbed. Two children who had been immunised were found to be carriers, and they were taken to the hospital. Parents' consent forms were given to those parents whose children had not been immunised.
Percy Clarkson of Arundel Street was driving a flat cart from Pontefract with Harold Jones of Allison Street as a passenger. Near the bottom of Marl Pit Hill the pony bolted. Jones jumped off. Clarkson tried without success to stop the pony so he jumped off. Jones was unconscious and was taken to Pontefract Infirmary where he died from a fractured skull. The inquest jury decided it was death by misadventure.
The long promised savings bank finally opened in Station Lane.
 | |||
| This photo of the workings is from the Express. |
MAY At Wakefield Road Methodist Church long service certificates for outstanding work with the Sunday School were presented to Mr E P Bullock (58 years) and Mr W J Dyer (56 years).
Mr T H S Paddison, the organist at Purston Church, wrote in the parish magazine brides had to walk down the aisle to piano music, and draughts from holes in the roof turned the pages of music over at most inconvenient moments. The organ and restoration fund had now reached £450.
There was an outbreak of diphtheria in an infant's' class at Gordon Street School. Nine children were taken to hospital and the class was closed and disinfected. The whole class of 30 children and the teacher were swabbed. Two children who had been immunised were found to be carriers, and they were taken to the hospital. Parents' consent forms were given to those parents whose children had not been immunised.
Percy Clarkson of Arundel Street was driving a flat cart from Pontefract with Harold Jones of Allison Street as a passenger. Near the bottom of Marl Pit Hill the pony bolted. Jones jumped off. Clarkson tried without success to stop the pony so he jumped off. Jones was unconscious and was taken to Pontefract Infirmary where he died from a fractured skull. The inquest jury decided it was death by misadventure.
The long promised savings bank finally opened in Station Lane.
The Featherstone Gardeners' Guild was formed in 1939 but was handicapped by lack of labour. Now they had changed the site of the Bede Houses in North Featherstone from bricks and rubble into a colourful garden.
The boy band from the Hull Sailors' Orphans' Home used to come regularly before the war to raise funds. They had not been since, but Mrs E Harrison arranged a house to house collection which raised £16.
Poultry keepers in North Featherstone had lost several birds recently probably to a fox. They spent much time trying to track it down but without success.
Mr O Crossley was bailing waste paper at the council's salvage works when he found a package of £1 notes. The police would not divulge the amount but said if it was not claimed in three months it would be returned to the council.
The clerk to the council, Mr R W Bainton, invited friends and representatives of the many organisations with which he had been connected, to a gathering in the Social Service Centre. He acknowledged the help he had received from many sources and said he was sorry family reasons compelled him to move. On behalf of the savings movement Miss Jane Alexander presented him with a wallet, note case and book token. The evening ended with refreshments and entertainment.
JUNE Revd Henry Rosslyn Haworth was to be the new Vicar of Featherstone. He was vicar of St Mark's, Low Moor, Bradford. It was not said when he would take up his new appointment.
JULY There was a ceremony at the Junction Hotel to present the Burkhill Shield won by the Purston Section of the Pontefract Police Division Special Constables Ambulance Competition. The team was Special Constables Fenn, Mason, Leverton, Seal and Mann.
The Old Featherstone and Ackton Treat began with Irene Crosfield crowned as carnival queen in Mr A Copley's field. Then followed a procession of the area headed by the Ackton Hall and Snydale Workmen's Band. There was tea for the children plus a bag of sweets, and tea for the old folk in the schoolroom. There was dancing by Miss J Westbrook's pupils, donkey rides and children's sports, which eventually had to be abandoned because of rain.
AUGUST The Featherstone Road Club made one of their longest journeys, to Cleethorpes, which took them over four hours. They returned via Grimsby to view HMS Shakespeare, a submarine decommissioned and about to be broken up. They arrived home at 10.30pm.
The houses in Phipps Street and Chapel Street were prone to flooding. In the latest occurrence the fire brigade was called out at midnight to pump water from 20 houses.
A crowded All Saints' Church saw Revd H R Haworth instituted as the new Vicar of Featherstone. The Bishop of Pontefract expressed appreciation of the maintenance of the parish during the long period without a vicar. On a separate occasion a meeting was held in the parish room where Mr S Cross, the vicar's warden, expressed the hope the newcomers (Mr G R Marwood-Watson, a Franciscan, accompanied the vicar) would have a happy stay.
A "Holidays at Home" week was arranged by the Miners' Welfare
Institute. There was a show for rabbits, cavies and mice, followed by a
show for flowers and vegetables. There was also a sports meeting for
school children on the cricket field, a rugby league knock-out
competition on the Rovers ground, and in the Welfare a youth amateur
boxing tournament a variety show and a gala dance.
SEPTEMBER The Pontefract Divisional Executive objected to a site chosen by the West Riding Educational Authority
for a canteen and kitchen to be built adjacent to George Street School
on the grounds the site was a swamp in wet weather, and in dry weather
it would be subject to dust from the muckstack. They suggested a site at
the other side of Wakefield road, but the authority said it was too
far from the school and the children would have to cross Wakefield Road.
The executive approved the original site under protest and recommended
the school should be abandoned as soon as possible.
A scout troop for the young people of Featherstone Parish Church and St
Peter's Mission was formed by Revd H R Howarth, the new vicar, at a
meeting in the Parochial Hall. Mr Walter Wright, the former scoutmaster,
promised to help in future activities. Nearly 30 boys enrolled for the
scouts and 20 for the cubs.
"The Cossacks". a party of 40 entertainers from Eastern Europe who were
training for work in Britain's coal mines, gave a concert in the
Miners' Welfare Institute. The audience was very enthusiastic, but only
numbered about 100.
A swimming gala was held at the Lister Baths. The crowd were
entertained by an "argument" between Messrs W Marsh, C Summers and J
Black and one of them was thrown into the pool. Cr A Evans said he hoped
Featherstone might soon have its own swimming club and water polo team.
OCTOBER
Revd I O Jay, Vicar of Purston, pointed out a hut was delivered in
pieces in 1946 to be used as a school canteen and it was stored in the
churchyard. The owner of the land next to the school refused to sell the
proposed site, and the hut was still in the churchyard rapidly
deteriorating. That sparked the Education Authority to remove it and
take it back to their store, and announce they were to take compulsory
purchasing powers for the site.
The Miners' Welfare was decorated throughout with fluorescent lighting and coloured fairy lights in the concert hall.
About 100 members of the British Legion attended the annual meeting in
the Featherstone Hotel. The chairman, Mr H Maxwell, said they had only
16 members in 1939 and no funds. The membership was now 403 with a
balance of £200. The women's section reported a membership of 74.
Hedley Walton age 72 of Kimberley Street was caught between tubs at
Ackton Hall Colliery and received a pierced intestine which caused his
death from peritonitis in Pontefract Infirmary the same day. The inquest
verdict was death by misadventure.
John George Newall age 74 of Leatham Park Crescent was killed when
struck by an engine at the Church Fields level crossing near the cricket
field. At the inquest evidence was given about the man's deafness and
the jury returned a verdict of death by misadventure.
NOVEMBER
On Remembrance Day a procession marched from Cressey's Corner to the
War Memorial headed by the Salvation Army Band. Brother Gregory took the
service, Bugler E Bearns played The Last Post and Reveille. The poppy collection realised a record £160.
Bernard Bradley age 41 of Wilson Street was killed by a fall of roof at
Ackton Hall Colliery. The inquest jury decided it was death by
misadventure.
Barry Turner age six of Fearnley Street was in the Hippodrome for the
Saturday matinee when he was struck in the eye by what was thought to be
a missile from a catapult. He was taken to a Leeds hospital.
DECEMBER
Ten stalls with a Christmas flavour in Purston C of E School raised
£133 for the parish church organ fund. A concert in the evening raised a
further £5.
Featherstone
Road Club held its 19th annual dinner. The president, Dr Duncan, said
cycling was a clean, healthy sport and it should have every
encouragement. E Major won the trophy for the Goole Run in a record
time, and H Davies won the 25 miles time trial.
The first investiture of the revived scout movement took place in
Featherstone Parish Church when 24 members took the scout promise. A personal photo.
There were 300 dancers at the Featherstone Rovers annual Boxing Day
dance in the Lister Baths, but that attendance was completely eclipsed
by an all-time record of nearly 900 for the cricket club's New Year's
Eve dance. Once again Toby Mason was Old Father Time, and the New Year
Fairy was Brenda Green who stepped through a decorated picture frame in a
spangled dress and wings.