A HISTORY OF FEATHERSTONE
1947
THE PITS NATIONALISED
On 1 January the collieries came under the ownership of the National
Coal Board. Each colliery had a flag to install and a board to put on
the offices. At Ackton Hall Colliery the flag was hoisted at the main
gates by the oldest employee, Charles Firth age 78 of Kimberley Street,
and then the plaque was unveiled. Mr Firth retired on the same day.
As
part of the Vesting Day celebrations a children's concert was organised
in the Welfare Institute by the local branch of the National Union of
Mineworkers. Two performances were attended by over 1,000 youngsters. Photo - the Express.
THE ROVERS
Mr W Williams, the Rovers trainer, once again arranged the annual players' dinner in January at the Junction Hotel. He said the first dinner was 14 years ago, and of the present company only he and Arthur Haigh, a member of the committee, were at that first dinner. He thought the practice of the players inviting the committee was unique in the Rugby League. He welcomed back to the club Mr G A Appleyard, the secretary, and regretted his predecessor, Mr H Littlewood, was too ill to attend.
The club chairman, Mr R H Jackson, said the club president, Mr A
Bullock, was also too ill to attend. He assured the players if the
attendance at matches increased their wages would be increased. He
welcomed the new players, particularly Walter Tennant who had rejoined
the club from Wakefield Trinity.
In February, before the start of a Rovers game, a cheque for £376 12s 10d was handed to Mr H Townsend, the father of Frank Townsend who died after being injured in a game against the Rovers last September. It was the proceeds of the benefit match played last October and other donations. Mr A Bullock said negotiations were in hand with the Inland Revenue for the return of the £75 5s Entertainment Tax.
Mr Townsend wrote to the Express saying "My wife and myself sincerely thank all who helped to make our memorial match a great success. I can assure them all it will help us very much to bear our terrible burden - purely an Act of God".
The balance sheet published in June showed a loss on the season of £361, and the bank overdraft had risen to £1,802. The stand had to be completely overhauled after part of it collapsed, and it cost £538. An agreement had been reached with the Rugby League for the Rovers to pay £100 a year off the 1926 stand loan and the accrued interest of £626 would be wiped out. The original loan was £1,500, and it was now down to £1,250.
The annual meeting was held in July at the Junction Hotel. The secretary, Mr G A Appleyard, said money from the Rugby League Cup Tie pool and the Rugby League Levy Fund would wipe out the loss on the season, but there was still the bank overdraft, but he had no doubt the problems would be faced and overcome.
Members criticised the decision by the Rugby League to omit Featherstone from the New Zealand tourist fixture list. The chairman, Mr R H Jackson, said there was a possibility they would come for a mid-week game near the end of the season.
Mr E Taylor, for the supporters' club, said it was hoped to install a modern radio relay service on the ground. Mr A Bullock was re-elected president.
In August the Rovers reported a take up of 1,500 members' cards for the coming season, which beat last years record of 1,300. Jim Graham was made a life member after serving 25 years on the committee. The only others were George Johnson and Tommy Lyman.
Jack Higgins dislocated his hip in a practice match at the beginning of the 1946-47 season and missed the whole of that season. He started playing again for the 1947-48 season but in the fourth game at Halifax he dislocated the same hip. He was taken to Halifax Infirmary and put in plaster. The injury ended his playing days.
The customary Boxing Night dance was held at the Lister Baths and again drew a large gathering. Refreshments and ice cream were served by members of the ladies section.
In February, before the start of a Rovers game, a cheque for £376 12s 10d was handed to Mr H Townsend, the father of Frank Townsend who died after being injured in a game against the Rovers last September. It was the proceeds of the benefit match played last October and other donations. Mr A Bullock said negotiations were in hand with the Inland Revenue for the return of the £75 5s Entertainment Tax.
Mr Townsend wrote to the Express saying "My wife and myself sincerely thank all who helped to make our memorial match a great success. I can assure them all it will help us very much to bear our terrible burden - purely an Act of God".
The balance sheet published in June showed a loss on the season of £361, and the bank overdraft had risen to £1,802. The stand had to be completely overhauled after part of it collapsed, and it cost £538. An agreement had been reached with the Rugby League for the Rovers to pay £100 a year off the 1926 stand loan and the accrued interest of £626 would be wiped out. The original loan was £1,500, and it was now down to £1,250.
The annual meeting was held in July at the Junction Hotel. The secretary, Mr G A Appleyard, said money from the Rugby League Cup Tie pool and the Rugby League Levy Fund would wipe out the loss on the season, but there was still the bank overdraft, but he had no doubt the problems would be faced and overcome.
Members criticised the decision by the Rugby League to omit Featherstone from the New Zealand tourist fixture list. The chairman, Mr R H Jackson, said there was a possibility they would come for a mid-week game near the end of the season.
Mr E Taylor, for the supporters' club, said it was hoped to install a modern radio relay service on the ground. Mr A Bullock was re-elected president.
In August the Rovers reported a take up of 1,500 members' cards for the coming season, which beat last years record of 1,300. Jim Graham was made a life member after serving 25 years on the committee. The only others were George Johnson and Tommy Lyman.
Jack Higgins dislocated his hip in a practice match at the beginning of the 1946-47 season and missed the whole of that season. He started playing again for the 1947-48 season but in the fourth game at Halifax he dislocated the same hip. He was taken to Halifax Infirmary and put in plaster. The injury ended his playing days.
The customary Boxing Night dance was held at the Lister Baths and again drew a large gathering. Refreshments and ice cream were served by members of the ladies section.
THE CYCLISTS
The Featherstone Road Club had an eventful journey one Sunday in
January. They had to halt when one member got a nail through a tyre. On
the return journey there were more halts for another three punctures, a
broken chain and a broken lamp bracket. Only two punctures occurred
during the whole of 1946.
The club decided to maintain its reputation as an all the year round club by turning out on another Sunday in January despite heavy snow. But after reaching Mattersey in Nottinghamshire they decided to have dinner and return to Featherstone before darkness fell.There was more heavy snow in February and only four members turned up for one ride, and it took them 90 minutes to reach Castleford.
The annual rally was held at Naburn in April where dinner and tea was taken by 20 members. The cup for the best attendance was presented to S Hodgson.
The annual dinner was held in November at Wordsworths Cafe in Pontefract. The president, Dr J Duncan, presented a record three cups to J Travis - the 20 miles time trial, the 39 miles time trial, and the Goole record time. The evening ended with dancing and community singing.
The club decided to maintain its reputation as an all the year round club by turning out on another Sunday in January despite heavy snow. But after reaching Mattersey in Nottinghamshire they decided to have dinner and return to Featherstone before darkness fell.There was more heavy snow in February and only four members turned up for one ride, and it took them 90 minutes to reach Castleford.
The annual rally was held at Naburn in April where dinner and tea was taken by 20 members. The cup for the best attendance was presented to S Hodgson.
The annual dinner was held in November at Wordsworths Cafe in Pontefract. The president, Dr J Duncan, presented a record three cups to J Travis - the 20 miles time trial, the 39 miles time trial, and the Goole record time. The evening ended with dancing and community singing.
THE COUNCIL
JANUARY
The council were informed by the Featherstone Grocers' Association the
half day closing would be changed from Wednesday to Saturday. No reason
was given. Cr Morgan suggested it was because many shop workers wanted
to go to the Rovers games. It was agreed to ask for the reason and the number of workers concerned.
After a burglary at one of the prefabricated bungalows where a key had
been used to gain entry, it was found any of the bungalow keys could be
used to open several bungalows. It was agreed to take it up with the
Ministry of Works.
FEBRUARY The Ministry of Works agreed to change the locks for which there were duplicate keys. The council expressed dissatisfaction with the snow clearing efforts by the county council on the main roads, and said in Purston the workmen had piled snow in front of the houses and people had fallen over it. An electricity shortage resulted in most street lamps being unlit, ant the wattage of those in Station Lane was reduced from 150 to 75.
The council met a representative of the architects for the new houses and the clerk of works. They were told the difficulties in obtaining materials and equipment were slowing progress. The council decided a deputation should visit the Ministry of Health in an effort to speed up progress.
MARCH Two houses in Wentbridge Road were badly affected by subsidence, and the council agreed to rehouse the occupiers as soon as possible.
The only ward contested in the election was Purston, and Mr R Chilton (Independent) beat Mr F Banks (Labour) by 511 votes.
APRIL The rates were fixed at 23s in the pound, the same as last year. Cr E Rowley was re-elected as chairman. Mr C E Dymond from the Board of Trade attended the meeting. He said the Board was unable to build factories in Yorkshire, and firms which did come would have to lay down their own capital, which meant those who were interested would be financially secure.
The chairman said they had done everything possible to secure new industries for the female population, and for men unable to work in the pit. Firms were prepared to come but the council had no land to offer them.
The council adopted the rule for all their employees, whether workmen, officials or staff, to terminate their employment on reaching the age of 65, The residents of the damaged houses in Wentbridge Road refused to accept the offer of the next two available Howard houses.
MAY The chairman said far fewer houses could be built than were needed owing to lack of materials. It was decided to inform the Ministry a grant of a licence to Messrs N C Ashton to build 22 semi-detached houses would seriously interfere with the council's building programme. All owners of property with privies would be asked to convert them, and £5 would be contributed for each conversion.
A NEW MP
FEBRUARY The Ministry of Works agreed to change the locks for which there were duplicate keys. The council expressed dissatisfaction with the snow clearing efforts by the county council on the main roads, and said in Purston the workmen had piled snow in front of the houses and people had fallen over it. An electricity shortage resulted in most street lamps being unlit, ant the wattage of those in Station Lane was reduced from 150 to 75.
The council met a representative of the architects for the new houses and the clerk of works. They were told the difficulties in obtaining materials and equipment were slowing progress. The council decided a deputation should visit the Ministry of Health in an effort to speed up progress.
MARCH Two houses in Wentbridge Road were badly affected by subsidence, and the council agreed to rehouse the occupiers as soon as possible.
The only ward contested in the election was Purston, and Mr R Chilton (Independent) beat Mr F Banks (Labour) by 511 votes.
APRIL The rates were fixed at 23s in the pound, the same as last year. Cr E Rowley was re-elected as chairman. Mr C E Dymond from the Board of Trade attended the meeting. He said the Board was unable to build factories in Yorkshire, and firms which did come would have to lay down their own capital, which meant those who were interested would be financially secure.
The chairman said they had done everything possible to secure new industries for the female population, and for men unable to work in the pit. Firms were prepared to come but the council had no land to offer them.
The council adopted the rule for all their employees, whether workmen, officials or staff, to terminate their employment on reaching the age of 65, The residents of the damaged houses in Wentbridge Road refused to accept the offer of the next two available Howard houses.
MAY The chairman said far fewer houses could be built than were needed owing to lack of materials. It was decided to inform the Ministry a grant of a licence to Messrs N C Ashton to build 22 semi-detached houses would seriously interfere with the council's building programme. All owners of property with privies would be asked to convert them, and £5 would be contributed for each conversion.
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Some of the Howard houses in Leatham Crescent. They were constructed
from steel frames and prefabricated panels. A photo from the Dr
Gatecliff collection. JUNE The council complained to the Ministry about the shortage of materials which was holding up the housing project. The prefabricated bungalows had still not had fences installed. The county council was to appoint a divisional medical officer and advised the council to give notice to their medical officer, Dr Duncan, to terminate his appointment on 1 October. JULY All those who had not bought their air raid shelter were asked to dig them out and make them available for collection. There was an appeal from the Ministry of Fuel and Power to conserve fuel during the summer. Cr Chilton asked how it was possible winter or summer to conserve a ration of 50cwt a year. A recent storm had flooded Phipps Street with run off from the muckstack. The council decided to make every effort to make the houses habitable, and to press the NCB to build a retaining wall and clean out ditches and culverts to lessen the risk. AUGUST The medical officer reported as many as 50 children had been seen swimming in the colliery reservoir, and in view of the danger of infantile paralysis this should be stopped. The NCB would be asked to prohibit it. The colliery manager said for years they had tried to stop the practice, and the Police said they would make frequent visits. Bathing at the baths had reduced by a quarter because of fears of infection. The council had now taken over all the 50 Howard houses on the Purston estate, the back gardens of the prefabricated houses were being fenced, but there was still no fencing or gates for the fronts. SEPTEMBER The Ministry had decided Featherstone was not selected as a priority area for the allocation of houses for miners. Cr Booth said he could not understand the decision. "We have men coming into the town by bus because we have no houses for them". Mrs Poppleton was refused permission to rebuild her shop in Wakefield Road until she carried out repairs to her properties in Henrietta Street and George Street, for which orders had been issued by the council. OCTOBER The county council said they were considering setting back the wall and footpath at the junction of Ackworth Road and Wakefield Road to improve the visibility for traffic, and installing a central island and a pedestrian crossing at the junction of Hall Street and Pontefract Road. The sanitary inspector had reported 77 houses as incapable of being made fit for human habitation. The Ministry of Health said demolishing them would aggravate an already serious housing problem, and suggested the possibility of making them fit for another five years. The air raid shelter in Purston Park would be converted for use as a sitting area, 807 Anderson shelters had been sold, leaving 164 to be sold or collected. It was agreed to meet other local authorities to discuss the building of a crematorium. NOVEMBER Some councillors said they had been offered money to arrange for a council house. The chairman, Cr E Rowley, said money has never talked so far as this council is concerned and it never will. The Ministry of Health said no allocation could be made for a 1948 housing programme for Featherstone. Cr Parker said the output at Ackton Hall Colliery was the biggest for 20 years thanks to additional labour which could not be housed. He said "If the country wants coal it must let us have the houses". DECEMBER It was agreed to submit an account to the Badsworth Hunt for the cost of releasing foxes and hounds from an underground pipe at the sewage works. The Ministry of Health told the council the ratio of one house completed to seven in course of erection was too high, and consideration for more houses would not be done until the ratio was considerably reduced. The problem was a shortage of materials and fitments, and efforts would be made to speed up the supply. |
A NEW MP
Tom Smith, the MP for the Normanton Constituency which included
Featherstone, was given a post with the new National Coal Board. A
by-election was held in February. The deep snow reduced the percentage
voting to 54.7, and the result was:
G O Sylvester (Labour) 19,085
J E Powell (Conservative) 4,258
W D Hartley (Independent) 579
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| George Sylvester, a photo from the Express. |
THE AMDRAMS
The Featherstone and District Musical and Dramatic Society's production of The New Moon was
put on at the Miners' Welfare Hall in March. They had overcome
difficulties with the costumes arriving late, one of the principals
having to withdraw, and other obstacles.
The Express commented
"That the society's choice was a happy one was shown by the evident
enjoyment of the cast, the vigour of the chorus work and the
accomplished singing and dancing".
HENRY HALL IN FEATHERSTONE
A
road safety exhibition in the Welfare Hall in June was opened by Henry
Hall, the dance band leader and BBC personality. He picked out Peter
Hanson age 10 of Dixon Street from about two hundred singing
schoolchildren to join him on stage to sing a solo. Accompanying Henry
Hall was Freddie Bamberger, a comedy pianist, who provided the opening
ceremony, adjudged by the police to be the most successful in the West
Riding.
A schools poster competition was won by Cyril Fawley, and the winner of
the prize for estimating the number of people attending the exhibition
was Mr N Longbottom of Kimberley Street, whose guess was 3,200. The Express photo shows Hanry Hall and Freddie Bamberger on the right with members of the Road Safety Committee.
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ACCIDENT AT SEA
A party of seven Ackton Hall Colliery workmen went to Scarborough for a day's sea fishing. While peacefully about their task their rowing boat was hit by the yacht Nissen which was taking part in a race.
Four of them, Messrs S Belk, W Sykes, J King and E Taylor, fearing their rowing boat would capsize, leaped aboard the yacht and became unexpected participants in the race and finished second.
The boatman, James Godfrey, was flung into the sea, and James Gething of Kimberley Street and Aaron Vaughan were knocked about the boat and were injured. The seventh fisherman, Mr H Johnson, escaped unharmed and assisted in rescuing the boatman.
James Gething and Aaron Vaughan were taken to hospital and after treatment were allowed to return home with the others and recount their fishermen's tales in the Green Lane Club, where Mr Belk was told because of his weight the yacht was lucky to finish the race at all.
NON-STOP EVANGELIST
Frank Bustin, of the London Evangelisation Society, set up his tent in Stanley Street in August for two weeks. He conducted services every night in addition to day time services and children's gatherings. At a well attended women's meeting he sang negro spirituals and accompanied himself on the banjo. He was supported by the local Methodists, and non-local people turned up from Castleford, Pontefract, South Elmsall and Hemsworth.
The final meeting drew the biggest attendance of all and every available seat was occupied. The next day a band of volunteer workers dismantled the huge tent, loaded it on a lorry and off-loaded it at Pontefract, all in the space of two hours.
OLD FEATHERSTONE TREAT
In June the Old Featherstone and Ackton Old Folk's and Children's Treat was cancelled. The committee had £40 but £100 was needed. It was said interest in the event had died. New volunteers then got in touch with Mr A R Cook, the secretary, and it was decided to put the event on later in the year.
The 22nd Treat was eventually held in September. The Express said "The apathy which resulted in it being held two months later than usual gave way in the end, and Saturday's event was one of the most successful ever held.
A procession led by the Featherstone Silver Prize Band left the Bradley Arms and went to Ackton and Featherstone Green and ended in a field loaned by Mr A Copley. Nearly two hundred children had tea, and 130 old folk were served in the Church School.
Attractions were Miss J Westbrook's troupe of ballet dancers, a Punch and Judy, and musical items by the band and Mr R H Jackson's radio relay service. Competitions, sports and dancing concluded the festivities.
The cost was £90 and there was £40 left over, but it was decided not to have the aged people's outing and carry the balance forward.
The cost was £90 and there was £40 left over, but it was decided not to have the aged people's outing and carry the balance forward.
A CONRETE WATER TOWER
A water survey had shown Purston areas including Wentbridge Road were sometimes completely without a supply, and at many other parts the pressure was unsatisfactory, especially for firefighting. The council commissioned the borough engineer for Pontefract, Mr W H Newton, to coplete a report.
The report in September concluded the current water tank at North Featherstone was not high enough, the water pressure in the mains from Wakefield was not sufficient to give a satisfactory supply direct, or to keep the water tank filled during the day. Also there were deposits in the Featherstone mains, common to moorland water, which reduced a seven inch main to five inches.
The solution was a concrete water tank, and a pumping plant to raise the water to it from the current water tank. The estimated cost was £16,475, and it would take 18 months to complete the work from the time the scheme was approved. The council unanimously adopted the report, would apply to the ministry for sanction for the scheme, select a site, and secure the land.
THE MEDICAL OFFICERS' REPORT
Dr J Duncan published his report as medical officer to the council in September. He said the population increased by 480 to 13,020. The infant mortality rate was 65 (children dying before their first birthday) compared with 40 and 35 in the previous two years. There were 132 deaths of which heart disease accounted for nearly a third.
The most serious problem was the lack of houses. It was made more difficult by the dilapidated state of many existing houses, and more urgent by the return of many young people from the services. Forty prefabricated bungalows had been built and occupied by young married couples before the end of the year. In the fight against diphtheria 348 more children were immunised and he said he could not speak too highly of the willing and efficient co-operation of school staff.
There had been 16 cases of scarlet fever; 18 of diphtheria; 15 deaths from cancer; and scabies showed a welcome decline. The ambulances made 1,032 journeys, covering 12,353 miles.
A contract for the erection of 52 permanent houses was under way, but there were 800 applications for houses, and there was a serious amount of overcrowding. The condition of many streets was deplorable, but no adequate repair work was possible during the year. He wrote "At long last I am able to report an improvement in sanitation in certain housing groups. It is gratifying to know the work of privy conversions is proceeding apace".
He concluded "In this, my last report (the work was being taken over by the county council), my thoughts turn to the future. Some of the things I should like to see established in the district are a nursing service; a home for aged and lonely people; a return of Purston Park to its rightful place as a young people's playing area; pithead baths; regular mass radiography for mine workers, and a serious attempt made to control the pit stack nuisance".
The sanitary inspector, Mr J Hilsley, reported the housing problem occupied the greater proportion of his time. "I have the thankless task of interviewing applicants, and the bitterness, misery and domestic upheavals revealed by these interviews convince me nothing should be allowed to stand in the way of new houses".
Another serious problem was the state of some of the older houses which were on the border of condemnation in 1939. "The neglect of these houses has now reduced them to a state where they do not require to be condemned; they have condemned themselves and are falling down over the heads of the tenants". He admitted obtaining materials for housing repairs was a major problem.
THE SILVER LINING SAVINGS CAMPAIGN WEEK
A national savings week was arranged by the Government in September called the Silver Lining Week. In Featherstone the target was £10,000 and a curtain raiser to the campaign was arranged at a Rovers home game where Mr V Rees of Castleford, the district commissioner for savings, emphasised the urgency of saving to the crowd.
The official opening on the Monday was at the Miner's Welfare Institute but only a few people attended. Miss J Alexander urged people to save as an expression of gratitude to those who lost their lives in the war. She said they won the war, it is up to us to win the peace.
Tuesday was Children's Day and Marie Hobbs of North Featherstone Junior School moved the indicator outside the Welfare from £1,000 to £1,500. Wednesday was Tradesmen's Day and Friday was Miners' Day. The indicator was moved from £2,000 to £4,000. The miners had a concert in the Welfare Hall which included the Streethouse and Sharlston Male Voice Choir, and Jocelyn Westbrook's party of dancers.
The campaign closed on Saturday with a social evening in the Social Service Centre at which the workers for the savings movement were entertained. There were games, sketches and songs, and music provided by Mr R H Jackson's radio relay service.
The Express commented as the usual national savings averaged £650 a week the savings committee considered the final total of £7,036 raised by the campaign as satisfactory.
THE CRICKET CLUB
The Featherstone Cricket, Tennis and Bowling Club held its annual meeting at the Junction Hotel in November. The secretary, Mr S Denton, said the club finished 12th in the Yorkshire Council table, but was head of the Pontefract section. The total receipts for the season were £445 and included £147 from social functions, £93 from subscriptions, and £83 from the local knock-out competitions.The annual dinner was held at the Junction Hotel in December, presided over by the president Mr J E Nelson. The toast to "The Club" was proposed by Mr A Shaw, the agent for Ackton Hall Colliery, who recalled since the club was formed in 1919 it had reached the semi-finals of the Yorkshire Council championship on three occasions, and the final once. One of its early players, Arthur Booth, went on to achieve county status. To its credit it had always been an amateur club. He paid tribute to the ladies committee and the groundsman, Mr H Mason.
The toast to "The Town" was proposed by Dr J Duncan who commented on the nationalisation of the mines, and the difficulties of the council in housing matters. He was sorry to see the advent of even more muckstacks through the development of outcrop coal. He praised the womenfolk who had had to face a perpetual make do and mend, and great credit was due for carrying their burden so cheerfully and successfully.
The batting prize was won by K Powell and the bowling prize by W Leake. The evening closed with entertainment by Mrs Spencer and Herbert Stacey, with Ruby Blackburn as accompanist.
There were nearly 700 dancers at the Lister Baths for the annual New Year's Eve Ball. A disguised Mr H Mason was bustled out for the Old Year, and Joyce Green in fairy dress welcomed in the New.
1947 NEWS ITEMS
JANUARY Revd Harry Crichton, the curate at St Peter's Church, was due to leave shortly for a post at St Pancras Church in London. A presentation was held for him to receive gifts from the parishioners, Sunday School, youth club and choir.
The Road Safety Committee recommended pedestrian crossings in Wakefield
Road near the Jubilee Field, and in Station Lane at the entrance to
Teddy's Market.
The committee organised a quiz and film show in the Miners' Welfare Hall. There were 650 schoolchildren and 100 adults in the audience. Seven schools selected a team of four for the quiz, and Purston Church of England School were the winners. The team was Frank and Mary Walker, Doreen Evans and Maureen Gregson.
FEBRUARY Heavy snow disrupted traffic from North Featherstone to Castleford and Loscoe, and the Rovers game was postponed.
The committee organised a quiz and film show in the Miners' Welfare Hall. There were 650 schoolchildren and 100 adults in the audience. Seven schools selected a team of four for the quiz, and Purston Church of England School were the winners. The team was Frank and Mary Walker, Doreen Evans and Maureen Gregson.
FEBRUARY Heavy snow disrupted traffic from North Featherstone to Castleford and Loscoe, and the Rovers game was postponed.
Jocelyn Westbrook age 18 of Church Lane, North Featherstone, passed the
advanced ballet examination of the Royal Academy of Dancing. When she
was 12 years old she was treated for a serious illness (not specified)
and her doctor recommended she should take up dancing.
MARCH A crazy dance was held at the Welfare Hall which attracted a crowd of 380. The admission was 2s 5½d
and two dancers paid in halfpence and some included farthings. There
were prizes for couples looking happiest, most miserable, and being
tallest, smallest, thinnest and fattest.
APRIL The Featherstone Choral Society held its latest concert in the Miners' Welfare Hall instead of Purston Methodist Church as previously. The Express commented the intimate touch and warmth seemed to be lacking in a larger venue but it was a success financially. A large audience enjoyed it so much they called for several encores.
Ledux Co. of Leeds announced they were to take over the upstairs room in Featherstone Working Men's Club. They made women's suits and coats, and would start in a small way until they found if the venture in the town was successful.
A gale blew the roof and chimney stack off Poppleton's shop in Wakefield Road. The debris damaged next door and landed in the roadway which was deserted at the time. Poppleton's shop was still in the same state as it was last year when it was partly demolished by a lorry collision.
The colliers in the Warren House Seam at Ackton Hall Colliery came out on strike over wage rates and working conditions. They were persuaded to return to work after three days by their union officials to allow negotiations to take place. They were not happy with the way negotiation were going so they came out again. Mr J A Hall, the president of the Yorkshire Area of the National Union of Mineworkers visited the colliery, and the men returned to work.
Horace Littlewood was granted a beer and spirits off-licence. Mr W Bentley, for Littlewoods, said there was no intention to open an off-licence shop. All they wanted was to be able to deliver smaller quantities than their wholesale licence allowed.
MAY The Hospitals' Efforts Committee had £108 from the annual hospital ball plus a small surplus from last year to distribute. They made donation to Pontefract General Infirmary (£40), Leeds General Infirmary (£15), Clayton Hospital (£10), St John Ambulance Brigade (£9), Harrogate Royal Bath Hospital (6 guineas), and Devonshire Royal Hospital, Buxton (5 guineas).
Tom Newsome age 79 announced he would retire from running Featherstone Post Office at the end of the month after 47 year service. For 15 years he was sub-postmaster at North Featherstone, and then he moved to Featherstone.
JUNE The surface workers at Ackton Hall Colliery went on strike because of alleged anomalies in the hours worked under the five day week. They went back to work after three days to allow the union to discuss their grievances.
In the Purston Church magazine the vicar Revd I O Jay, wrote "Our old friend for 70 years, the church organ is about to breath his last. The church itself is also in urgent need of repair. It is 15 years since it was decorated". The Church Council launched an appeal for £2,000.
The staff of the post office joined together to present Mr Newsome with a smoker's cabinet to mark his retirement. They also welcomed Mr J D Roberts who had come from Richmond to take over.
JULY The pre-nationalisation coal company had a training agreement for school leavers to do their training at Ackworth Pit and if they worked continuously for five years they would receive £25. The agreement was honoured by the NCB and in the office of Ackton Hall Colliery manager, Mr J E Nelson, George Britton of Earl Street and Norman Gascoigne of Little Lane received their cheques.
The "Crow's Nest" in Purston Park, the building for the Purston Jaglin Working Men's Club, was taken over by Messrs Birshall to produce light sheet metal work.
The savings target for Featherstone was fixed at £80,000 for the year, and £10,000 for the special week in September. At a savings committee meeting it was said last years total was £81,519.
AUGUST The Wellgreen Carnival crowned Miss B Fennell as queen, and then toured the district before retuning to The Green for tea, sports and competitions for the children. The Green was floodlit in the evening for dancing until midnight.
SEPTEMBER Featherstone used to have its own gas plant but it shut down in the war and gas was supplied by the West Riding Group of Gas Companies from their Glass Houghton plant. A strike at the Pontefract and Castleford collieries caused a coal shortage and the gas pressure was cut. Production at the Featherstone Clothing Company had to slow, and would have to stop completely if things did not return to normal quickly, putting 150 employees out of work.
The Featherstone Road Safety Committee recommended bus routes should be numbered and the number shown on the buses, and stop signs should be marked by request or all buses stop here.
OCTOBER At a meeting in the B & S Sports Club it was pointed out all bus stops in the area were request stops, and correct hand signals were important. Also private cars should not park on or near bus stops.
The Featherstone Corps of the Salvation Army celebrated its 60th birthday with special services and a tour of the town.
At the annual meeting of the British Legion in the Featherstone Hotel the chairman, Mr H Maxwell, said the membership had increased during the year, but he regretted so many ex-servicemen were still outside the Legion. Major H Batten pointed out the assistance given to members far exceeded the amount raised in Featherstone from the Poppy Day collections.
Favourable comments were made on the renovations at the Lister Baths for the annual Hospital Ball. The hall was decorated with hanging baskets of flowers and shrubs and evergreens.
NOVEMBER There were complaints coal had been used on bonfires contrary to the regulations. An enforcement officer of the Ministry of Fuel and Power and the police made inquiries and found slag collected by children was the only substance used apart from wood which could not be put to other uses. Note: The term slag probably refers to bits of coal from the muckstacks, wrongly called slag heaps.
The committee for the United Charities decided the thirty old people, not in receipt of relief from elsewhere, would receive 25s for the Christmas quarter instead of the normal 19s 6d.
The Remembrance Day parade was one of the biggest for several years and it marched from the Featherstone Hotel to the War Memorial headed by the Ackton Hall and Snydale Workmen's Band. It contained the British Legion, Girl Guides, the RAOB, police, and members and officials of the council. Wreaths were laid and the Last Post and Reveille were sounded by Bugler Nunn of the Legion. In the evening Featherstone Parish Church was crowded for a remembrance service. The Poppy Day collections raised a record £155.
The Featherstone Branch of the British Legion was nearly 400 strong, but with 1,200 ex-servicemen in the town the committee were hoping to raise the membership to 1,000.
Although the miners now had a guaranteed five day week the country was desperately short of coal and they were asked to go back to Saturday morning working. The first six day working at Ackton Hall Colliery produced 12,371 tons against the target of 10,500.
Mr and Mrs L H Beeken lived in George Street, and Mr Beeken's half-brother George William Collins lived with them. He left the house on Friday and did not return. He turned up at Cleethorpes Police Station on the Monday saying he had lost his memory. He was taken to Louth County Hospital where his memory returned on the Thursday.
There was a crowded audience at the Welfare Hall for a concert organised by Featherstone and District Choral Society. The principals were Valetta Lacopi and Heddle Nash plus a 40 strong choir.
DECEMBER In the December issue of the Featherstone Parish Church magazine the vicar, Revd W B Chapman who was leaving for a new post, said "Although I am sure a change will be good for me, as well as for the parish, the fact remains both Mrs Chapman and myself will "feel" leaving Featherstone. We have been here nearly 12 years, and though they have been hard years, they have been happy ones as well, and we have received great kindness and loyal support from very many people".
The Badsworth Hunt flushed out four foxes which took refuge in an underground 12 inch overflow pipe at the sewage works. They were followed by five hounds, and the pipe was blocked to prevent escape. Workmen dug down to the pipe and broke it open. Three of the foxes were killed and the other one managed to evade the hunters and ran off.
The Featherstone Lodge of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes celebrated its 25th anniversary at the Via Romana Lodge. There were visiting Brothers from Knottingley, Pontefract, Castleford, Hemsworth, Bradford and Cleckheaton.
The Miners' Welfare, West Riding Public Library and Wakefield Road Methodist Church all reported they had no coke and the dealers had none in stock. They were told hospitals, schools and industry had first claims on what was available.
The Admiral Jellicoe (Featherstone) Lodge of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes entertained 102 children of members. Each received a book, half-crown, bar of chocolate, orange, apple and sweets. A ventriloquist and conjurer were in attendance.
At the carol service in Purston Parish Church the main lights were turned off, and the only illumination was the choir lights, illuminated Christmas trees and candles. The Express reported the effect was so pleasing the experiment was certain to be repeated in future.
A farewell gathering was held in the Parochial Hall for the vicar and his family who were leaving for a new living at Badsey and Wickhamford. A cheque for £60 from the parishioners was handed to Revd W B Chapman to acknowledge his 12 years in the parish. Mrs Chapman received a book and travelling bag, and a gift was given to Miss Angela Chapman. Mrs Chapman also received a private gift from Miss Cliffe.
APRIL The Featherstone Choral Society held its latest concert in the Miners' Welfare Hall instead of Purston Methodist Church as previously. The Express commented the intimate touch and warmth seemed to be lacking in a larger venue but it was a success financially. A large audience enjoyed it so much they called for several encores.
Ledux Co. of Leeds announced they were to take over the upstairs room in Featherstone Working Men's Club. They made women's suits and coats, and would start in a small way until they found if the venture in the town was successful.
A gale blew the roof and chimney stack off Poppleton's shop in Wakefield Road. The debris damaged next door and landed in the roadway which was deserted at the time. Poppleton's shop was still in the same state as it was last year when it was partly demolished by a lorry collision.
The colliers in the Warren House Seam at Ackton Hall Colliery came out on strike over wage rates and working conditions. They were persuaded to return to work after three days by their union officials to allow negotiations to take place. They were not happy with the way negotiation were going so they came out again. Mr J A Hall, the president of the Yorkshire Area of the National Union of Mineworkers visited the colliery, and the men returned to work.
Horace Littlewood was granted a beer and spirits off-licence. Mr W Bentley, for Littlewoods, said there was no intention to open an off-licence shop. All they wanted was to be able to deliver smaller quantities than their wholesale licence allowed.
MAY The Hospitals' Efforts Committee had £108 from the annual hospital ball plus a small surplus from last year to distribute. They made donation to Pontefract General Infirmary (£40), Leeds General Infirmary (£15), Clayton Hospital (£10), St John Ambulance Brigade (£9), Harrogate Royal Bath Hospital (6 guineas), and Devonshire Royal Hospital, Buxton (5 guineas).
Tom Newsome age 79 announced he would retire from running Featherstone Post Office at the end of the month after 47 year service. For 15 years he was sub-postmaster at North Featherstone, and then he moved to Featherstone.
The miners were guaranteed a five day week. In the second week
of the new agreement Ackton Hall Colliery produced 10.762 tons of coal, the
highest this year.
JUNE The surface workers at Ackton Hall Colliery went on strike because of alleged anomalies in the hours worked under the five day week. They went back to work after three days to allow the union to discuss their grievances.
In the Purston Church magazine the vicar Revd I O Jay, wrote "Our old friend for 70 years, the church organ is about to breath his last. The church itself is also in urgent need of repair. It is 15 years since it was decorated". The Church Council launched an appeal for £2,000.
The staff of the post office joined together to present Mr Newsome with a smoker's cabinet to mark his retirement. They also welcomed Mr J D Roberts who had come from Richmond to take over.
JULY The pre-nationalisation coal company had a training agreement for school leavers to do their training at Ackworth Pit and if they worked continuously for five years they would receive £25. The agreement was honoured by the NCB and in the office of Ackton Hall Colliery manager, Mr J E Nelson, George Britton of Earl Street and Norman Gascoigne of Little Lane received their cheques.
The "Crow's Nest" in Purston Park, the building for the Purston Jaglin Working Men's Club, was taken over by Messrs Birshall to produce light sheet metal work.
The savings target for Featherstone was fixed at £80,000 for the year, and £10,000 for the special week in September. At a savings committee meeting it was said last years total was £81,519.
AUGUST The Wellgreen Carnival crowned Miss B Fennell as queen, and then toured the district before retuning to The Green for tea, sports and competitions for the children. The Green was floodlit in the evening for dancing until midnight.
SEPTEMBER Featherstone used to have its own gas plant but it shut down in the war and gas was supplied by the West Riding Group of Gas Companies from their Glass Houghton plant. A strike at the Pontefract and Castleford collieries caused a coal shortage and the gas pressure was cut. Production at the Featherstone Clothing Company had to slow, and would have to stop completely if things did not return to normal quickly, putting 150 employees out of work.
The Featherstone Road Safety Committee recommended bus routes should be numbered and the number shown on the buses, and stop signs should be marked by request or all buses stop here.
OCTOBER At a meeting in the B & S Sports Club it was pointed out all bus stops in the area were request stops, and correct hand signals were important. Also private cars should not park on or near bus stops.
The Featherstone Corps of the Salvation Army celebrated its 60th birthday with special services and a tour of the town.
At the annual meeting of the British Legion in the Featherstone Hotel the chairman, Mr H Maxwell, said the membership had increased during the year, but he regretted so many ex-servicemen were still outside the Legion. Major H Batten pointed out the assistance given to members far exceeded the amount raised in Featherstone from the Poppy Day collections.
Favourable comments were made on the renovations at the Lister Baths for the annual Hospital Ball. The hall was decorated with hanging baskets of flowers and shrubs and evergreens.
NOVEMBER There were complaints coal had been used on bonfires contrary to the regulations. An enforcement officer of the Ministry of Fuel and Power and the police made inquiries and found slag collected by children was the only substance used apart from wood which could not be put to other uses. Note: The term slag probably refers to bits of coal from the muckstacks, wrongly called slag heaps.
The committee for the United Charities decided the thirty old people, not in receipt of relief from elsewhere, would receive 25s for the Christmas quarter instead of the normal 19s 6d.
The Remembrance Day parade was one of the biggest for several years and it marched from the Featherstone Hotel to the War Memorial headed by the Ackton Hall and Snydale Workmen's Band. It contained the British Legion, Girl Guides, the RAOB, police, and members and officials of the council. Wreaths were laid and the Last Post and Reveille were sounded by Bugler Nunn of the Legion. In the evening Featherstone Parish Church was crowded for a remembrance service. The Poppy Day collections raised a record £155.
The Featherstone Branch of the British Legion was nearly 400 strong, but with 1,200 ex-servicemen in the town the committee were hoping to raise the membership to 1,000.
Although the miners now had a guaranteed five day week the country was desperately short of coal and they were asked to go back to Saturday morning working. The first six day working at Ackton Hall Colliery produced 12,371 tons against the target of 10,500.
Mr and Mrs L H Beeken lived in George Street, and Mr Beeken's half-brother George William Collins lived with them. He left the house on Friday and did not return. He turned up at Cleethorpes Police Station on the Monday saying he had lost his memory. He was taken to Louth County Hospital where his memory returned on the Thursday.
There was a crowded audience at the Welfare Hall for a concert organised by Featherstone and District Choral Society. The principals were Valetta Lacopi and Heddle Nash plus a 40 strong choir.
DECEMBER In the December issue of the Featherstone Parish Church magazine the vicar, Revd W B Chapman who was leaving for a new post, said "Although I am sure a change will be good for me, as well as for the parish, the fact remains both Mrs Chapman and myself will "feel" leaving Featherstone. We have been here nearly 12 years, and though they have been hard years, they have been happy ones as well, and we have received great kindness and loyal support from very many people".
The Badsworth Hunt flushed out four foxes which took refuge in an underground 12 inch overflow pipe at the sewage works. They were followed by five hounds, and the pipe was blocked to prevent escape. Workmen dug down to the pipe and broke it open. Three of the foxes were killed and the other one managed to evade the hunters and ran off.
The Featherstone Lodge of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes celebrated its 25th anniversary at the Via Romana Lodge. There were visiting Brothers from Knottingley, Pontefract, Castleford, Hemsworth, Bradford and Cleckheaton.
The Miners' Welfare, West Riding Public Library and Wakefield Road Methodist Church all reported they had no coke and the dealers had none in stock. They were told hospitals, schools and industry had first claims on what was available.
The Admiral Jellicoe (Featherstone) Lodge of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes entertained 102 children of members. Each received a book, half-crown, bar of chocolate, orange, apple and sweets. A ventriloquist and conjurer were in attendance.
At the carol service in Purston Parish Church the main lights were turned off, and the only illumination was the choir lights, illuminated Christmas trees and candles. The Express reported the effect was so pleasing the experiment was certain to be repeated in future.
A farewell gathering was held in the Parochial Hall for the vicar and his family who were leaving for a new living at Badsey and Wickhamford. A cheque for £60 from the parishioners was handed to Revd W B Chapman to acknowledge his 12 years in the parish. Mrs Chapman received a book and travelling bag, and a gift was given to Miss Angela Chapman. Mrs Chapman also received a private gift from Miss Cliffe.