WAR WEAPONS WEEK
March 1941

Knottingley, which now includes Ferrybridge, has every reason to be proud of the result of its 'War Weapons Week'.  It aimed at raising £120,000, to buy four torpedo boats and four torpedoes and actually raised £150,086,11s, which works out at £16.12s 10d. per head of the population.

Included among the gifts was one of over a £100 from Air Raid Warden posts, public houses, street savings groups and childrens school efforts. The children provided a feature of the Week, The Knottingley Childrens Dancing Class under Miss Green gave two performances of a concert in the Wesley Hall and realised £20,which was handed over as a gift to the nation.

In addition, collecting boxes for the Red Cross brought in £10. The military based locally also collaborated magnificently with the War Savings Committee in making the week a success. Yesterday week they gave a display in the Playing Fields and so realistic were their efforts that the staff of one of the local schools in Knottingley thought a raid was in progress and shepherded the children into the school shelters.  On that day the indicator was set by Cr, P Grossand on Friday by Miss D Arnold, (local W.V.S. Organiser)

On Friday a gun drill display was given in The Square, Ferrybridge by the military. The finale on Saturday was worthy of the occasion.  The Reverend A.G. Shipley whose active work throughout the week was much appreciated, set the Indicator, and was accompanied by the War Savings Committee Council, officials, and townspeople, to include late subscriptions.  The Indicator was finally set on Monday by Mr. E. Tredgold who has carried out the secretarial work for the week with ability and enthusiasm; and the result was greeted with acclamation by a large crowd.  The Weeland Road, Chapel Street and Beal Schools were open to parents and friends for a period yesterday week and the Vale Council School, Knottingley, on Friday.

Pontefract and Castleford Express
March 1941

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