YEARS IN FOCUS
KNOTTINGLEY IN 1929
REPRODUCED COURTESY OF THE
18th JANUARY
The hard work of the Knottingley Discharged Sailors and Soldiers Club, in
providing a Christmas treat for the children of the town whose parents
fell in the Great War, continues apace. The treat took place on Saturday
when some 77 children participated, and it will be numbered among the
most successful given. Mr. G. Howdle, proprietor of the Palace, reserved
the balcony at Saturday afternoon's performance for the children and
their mothers. Appropriate pictures were shown and the entertainment was
greatly enjoyed. After the performance the children assembled at St.
Botolph's Parish Room where an excellent ham tea was provided. The room
was artistically decorated and after tea, to which full justice was
done, a concert consisting of sketches, vocal, and other items, was
given by the Knottingley Unique Concert Party, whose efforts were highly
appreciated. During an interval, Mr. Percy Bagley and Mrs Bagley, who
take a keen interest in the event, addressed the gathering, They were
supported by Mr. Ramskill (secretary of the fund,) Mr. James Taylor (hon
treasurer) and members of the committee. Mr. Bagley spoke in high terms
of the work done by the committee, and congratulated them on the results
achieved. Mrs Bagley presented to each child a voucher to the value of
10/- for boots or clothing to be spent in the town, and a sixpence to
each child as a special gift from herself and Mr. Bagley. Each child was
given a bag containing l/2lb of nuts, l/2lb sweets, and an orange and an
apple, Mr Walker thanked all who had subscribed to the fund and
mentioned there were no expenses for clerical work. He moved a hearty
thanks to Mr. Howdle, The Vicar, and Churchwardens of St. Botolph's
Church, and Mr. and Mrs Bagley, and the vote was seconded by Mrs Trueman
and carried with acclamation. After the concert the children revelled in
games until shortly after 9 o'clock when they were sent home, all
feeling very happy. The whole of the treat is defrayed out of the fund.
Mrs George Taylor sent a tin of potted meat for the tea.
28th JANUARY
The St. Botolph’s Church Lads Brigade, had their annual dress inspection
on Sunday before entertaining the Parish Church. The Company, which was
in charge of Captain A.J. Boardman, was inspected by Mr. R. Mollett,
J.P., the vice President of the Company who is greatly interested in
them. He complimented the Lads on their smart appearance and expressed
the hope that they would continue to hold their very good record of
Church Attendance.
15th FEBRUARY
With surprising suddeness, the death took place on Monday morning of Mrs
Emma Horstead, wife of the late Captain George H. Horstead of Hull,
while on a visit to her sister-in-law, Mrs D.A. Coward, at Sarnia, Cow
Lane, Knottingley. Mrs Horstead was a daughter of the late Captain W.
Coward, of Knottingley, and in earlier days was the secretary of the
Sunday School and a member of the Church Ladies Society. For many years
she had made her home in Hull. Since the death of her husband in
1923,she had paid periodic visits to her sister at Knottingley. She was
out on Wednesday week, and appeared to enjoy fairly good health. Her
death from heart failure came as a great shock to all her friends. The
interment took place at Knottingley Cemetery on Wednesday, and was
proceeded by a service in the Congregational Church (now United Reformed
Church) The Reverend W.B. Minikin conducted the service, and referred
very appreciatively to Mrs Horstead's connection to the Church. She was
one of the first members of the church to welcome him to Knottingley, he
said. The hymns ‘Peace Perfect Peace’ and ‘Dear Lord and Father of
Mankind’ were sung, with Mrs J.T. Arnold presiding at the organ. The
chief mourners were, Mrs D.A. Coward, (sister-in-law); Miss Dorothy
Coward (Hull) and Mr. and Mrs J.W Coward, nephew and nieces; Mrs
Lightowler (Ossett); Mr. and Mrs Hart (Leeds); and Mr and Mrs Nicholls
(Ossett) cousins. Among others present were Mr. and Mrs Sharpe and Mr.
and Mrs Panell, all of Hull, members of the Church, and many friends and
sympathisers.
15th FEBRUARY
It is announced that the area of K.U.D.C. has been added to the area of
Pontefract local committee for the administration of the coalfields
Distress Fund. Some surprise has been expressed at the announcement but
it may be recalled that Knottingley has approximately 300 miners living
within its boundaries.
15th MARCH
In May 1924, the West Riding County Council sanctioned the provision of
facilities for x-ray examinations in connection with several
institutions in the Riding where treatment of tuberculous in women is
undertaken. The necessary arrangements were made in accordance with the
approved scheme. At the suggestion of the Ministry Of Health, and in
view of the importance of x-ray examinations in the diagnosis and
treatment of tuberculosis, the West Riding Health Committee have further
considered their arrangements for this form of treatment. After
considering detailed reports by the County Medical Officer, and visiting
up-to-date installations, they have come to the conclusion that it is
necessary to install four x-ray outfits to meet the demand of the
Riding. They recommend that four x-ray outfits be provided (with
accessories) at £600 each. The necessary estimates have been sent to the
West Riding County Council.
5th APRIL
The placidity of Knottingley's Good Friday was enlivened by the visit of
Barratt's Canadian Circus, and as it is some years since a similar
entertainment visited Knottingley, it was a big attraction. The material
was excellent, and all the ingredients for the glamour of the sawdust
ring were in evidence, including clowns, prancing horses, performing
elephants, wire-walkers, gymnasts and cyclists. Claurenski gave a
dashing bar act while the Harrow Brothers performed dexterous feats on
high trapeze bars. Antoninus ‘The Roman’, careered round the ring
driving four beautiful horses, and Dignity and Impudence, the giant
horse and midget pony, proved an amusing contrast. Fred and Claude
Yelding rode cleverly, five horses posed in masterly fashion; and the
Lynton Troupe of Cyclists performed all manner of seemingly impossible
stunts on their machines. Throughout the programme Douglas and Cooke
‘Smile and Smile’ and ‘Speedy’ provided great fun. They were adepts at
getting in each other’s way, doing everything wrong, and misbehaving
themselves generally. They left a trail of laughter in their wake. A
great asset to the performance was the circus band, which played a march
and popular music.
19th APRIL
The Chairman of the Knottingley Nursing Association, Mr. A McDonald, Mr. A
Pickard, (Hon-Secretary), and Mrs B Arnold, at a special meeting held
last week, confirmed the appointment of a district nurse for the
township under the committee's auspices. The nurse, the first to be
employed in Knottingley, is Miss Lilian Muriel Robbins, of Clowne,
Cheshire, a Queens Nurse. The salary, as laid down by the Queens Nursing
Association, is £185 per annum, rising by annual increments of £5 to
£200. The nurse is to take up her duties in Knottingley on May 1st. The
committee has provided a cottage in Chapel Street, and Mrs McDonald and
Mrs Worfolk are to see to the domestic arrangements. The appointment
will be hailed with satisfaction by the townspeople, and especially by
the poorer residents. The association will function independently of the
infirmary Committee, though the latter was responsible for its
initiation. The Association has now a balance in hand of £247.6s
including the following amounts which were handed to the new secretary;
Knottingley Chamber of Trade, (proceeds of a dance), £41, Pontefract
Board of Guardians, (annual subscription), £5, Mrs B Arnold, £1.1s, Mrs
H.T.B. Worfolk, of Skew Bridge House, Knottingley is the Hon. Secretary.
19th APRIL
Thanks to the generosity of Mr. G.H. Howdle, the proprietor of The Palace,
Knottingley, the Infirmary and Nursing Committee of Knottingley were
able to augment their funds by means of a sacred concert in the Palace
on Sunday evening. Last year by a similar concert, the committee raised
£19.11s 2d. The building was filled on Sunday, and everything was
provided by Mr. Howdle, including the staff, a picture entitled ‘Every
girl loves a fighter’, and a panatrope for musical selections. Cr. J.
Brown presided and spoke of the good work done by the committee. In
addition to much appreciated selections by the panatrope, solos were
sung by Miss Murial Wormald, Miss M and Mildred Brown, and Mr. W.
Tinkler; and Mr. C.H. Littlewood of Ferrybridge, played violin
selections and all the items were greatly appreciated.
19th APRIL
The members of the Knottingley Rugby Union Club on Friday held a whist
drive and dance in the Town Hall, which was attractively decorated with
crepe streamers, and so on, in which the club colours of green and white
were predominant. Messrs. H. Appleyard, T. Northrop and Cooper were
responsible for the decoration, while members of the committee helped to
make the arrangements for the function. The proceeds were for club
funds.
31st MAY
The death took place very suddenly at Pontefract General Infirmary on
Sunday morning of Mr. William Pickersgill, of East Parade, off Aire
Street, Knottingley. Mr. Pickersgill who was in his fiftieth year, was a
native of Knottingley, and had worked in the town all his life except
during the war when he served overseas with the Northumberland
Fusiliers. He was an employee of Messrs. Bagley and Co when the war
broke out, and was the first bottle-maker from the firm to enlist. He
was badly wounded in France, but after a period spent recovering in
England, he was sent to the front again. He was demobilised at the end
of hostilities. Mr. Pickersgill was a much respected member of the
British Legion and the Soldiers and Sailors Club in Knottingley. He was
re-engaged by Messrs. Bagley, but for a period of nine months he was
unable to follow his own occupation, and was employed in the yard. He
was taken ill suddenly at about 2am. Saturday, and was taken immediately
to Pontefract General Infirmary, where an operation was performed, but
without avail. The interment took place at Knottingley Cemetery on
Tuesday, the Rev. J.W. Hetherington (Wesleyan Minister) officiating. The
chief mourners were the widow, Private Louis Pickersgill and Mr John
Pickersgill,.(sons), Mr. and Mrs Knapton and Mrs Robinson. Also present
were members of the Knottingley Branch of the British Legion.
7th JUNE
A disastrous fire broke out at Messrs. Bagley and Co., glassworks,
Knottingley early yesterday morning. At about 4 o'clock, George Knapton
and Sam Franks, founders, discovered the fire in a warehouse which
covers an area of 3,000 square yards on the north side of the works near
the canal. They immediately raised the alarm by sounding the works
buzzer, and the firm’s fire brigade were quickly on the scene. They were
however unable to cope with the outbreak and the Pontefract Fire Brigade
was summoned. They responded very quickly, and soon had five jets
playing with water obtained from the canal. Despite the work of the two
brigades the fire assumed alarming proportions and the Leeds Fire
Brigade were also sent for; they arrived at about 5 o’clock and soon had
two jets in play. They left at about 9am. All the directors and other
members of the firm were on the scene, and assistance was forthcoming
from employees. All efforts however, proved unavailing, and the fire
devastated the entire warehouse, doing damage to the extent of
approximately £20,000. How the fire originated has not yet been
discovered.
The two-storey warehouse, which was built some 30 years ago, was used
for storing glass bottles. Nothing but the iron uprights are left
standing; all the woodwork on both floors, being completely burnt out. A
railway wagon, standing near the warehouse was also destroyed. The fire
has completely disorganised the bottling department. All the bottles
made in the adjoining shop, which were transmitted to the warehouse,
will now have to be carted round, and this, and the consequent clearing
of the debris, will find employment for many hands. In conversation with
a representative of ‘The Express’ Mr. S. Bagley. J.P., a director,
stated, reassuringly, that the fire will not cause any unemployment and
that it would not affect the productivity of the firm. This is the
largest fire in the history of the firm, which has been in existence for
over 50 years and which employs the largest number of men in
Knottingley. The fire had not been subdued up to noon yesterday, and the
Pontefract Fire Brigade were still busily occupied with smouldering
embers and woodwork.
12th JUNE
Thanksgiving Services for the King's recovery were held at the Parish
Churches in Knottingley on Sunday. The form of the service used was
similar to that used at the service in Westminster Abbey. At St.
Botolph’s Church, choral communion was attended by a very large number
of communicants. The Vicar, Rev E.G. Egerton, referred to the King's
illness and the anxiety felt by the nation and Empire, and said the
nation's prayers had been answered, and they were that day taking part
in a universal thanksgiving to God. At the evening service the Vicar
described the King's great feature in life as devotion to and
self-sacrifice for his country. Having recovered from his long and
trying illness, he desired to offer thanks giving to Almighty God, and
had expressed the wish that his people should join with him. Their
reason for doing so was because they loved the King, and desired to show
their gratitude. As a compliment to the efficacy of the medical skill,
which had played a part in the King's recovery, their offerings were to
be given to the medical charities. We were a favoured nation, added the
Vicar, with an ordered government and a settled monarchy established in
the heart of the people. We might have differences of opinion and
changes of Government, but the Throne was firmly fixed in the love and
affection of the nation. The days offerings amounted to £5-15s. The
thanks-giving service at Christ Church was held in the evening and the
collection here amounted to £3-6s. The Vicar, the Rev. H.K.A. Schwabe,
likewise made reference to the King's recovery.
12th JUNE
The Knottingley council school trip took place on Monday when the Council
School children went to Cleethorpes. They were joined by the Ferrybridge
council school children and together numbered about 250, accompanied by
some 20 parents and teachers. They left Ferrybridge station at 7.35am
and reached Cleethorpes at 10 o'clock. Here they were left to spend the
time as they wished, and the sands near the station attracted most of
the party. No set arrangements were made for meals. After a very happy
day the party entrained at 7.30pm., and reached home about 10pm, tired
but happy, This annual trip is a boon to many parents as well as to the
children. The money is saved for them each at the school banks and then
distributed when the time of the trip comes round. Mr. Jackson Morris,
the headmaster of Weeland Road School, is the organising secretary and
much credit is due to him and his helpers for the excellent
arrangements, which were carried through without mishap.
14th JUNE
Nurse Robbins, the new District Nurse for Knottingley, is justifying
herself since taking up her duties on 1st May. In her first
month, it was reported to the members of the Nursing Association at a
meeting on Monday, she had paid 181 visits and had nearly 20 patients on
her list. Another satisfactory feature mentioned was that the membership
of the Association is increasing. The fee is 4/- per year.
12th JULY
Knottingley was en-fete on Saturday, when the Knottingley Infirmary
Committee held their third annual gala, carnival and sports, in aid of
the Pontefract and Leeds Infirmaries, Cold and showery weather affected
the receipts, but there was an excellent attendance in the evening. The
carnival was held in Mr. G. Braim's Field, Gasworks Lane, and there was
a varied programme of folk dancing, maypole competitions, gymnastic
displays, fancy dress competitions and sports.
The town had been gaily decorated with bunting, flags and streamers,
and an interested crowd watched a procession which included the
Knottingley Silver Prize Band, The Church Lad's Brigade, tableaux, fancy
dress competitors, comic bands and so on. The route led from the Flatts
via Marsh End, Shepherds Bridge, Fernley Green, Weeland Road, Town Hall,
Forge Hill Lane and Aire Street. On arrival at the field judging took
place and the following were the prize-winners;
Fancy Dress: 1st - Margaret Thompson and Beryl Branford, (the Erasmic
Twins) Equal 2nd - Ralph and Derrick Ward, ‘Son of Sheik’ and ‘Cupid
Doll’.
Decorated Motor cycle or cycle: 1st - Percy Bedford, ‘Carters
Knottingley Brewery’; 2nd - H. Higgins, ‘Raleigh Giraffe’
Tableaux on Dray: 1st - Ropewalk School, ‘Vikings’; Equal 2nd -
Knottingley Infant Welfare and Weeland Road School.
Groomed Horse: 1st - Fred Backhouse.
Comic Band: 1st - Pontefract Charities Comic Band; 2nd - Knottingley
Bobby Dazzlers.
There was an excellent display of folk dancing and maypole dancing by
school children, the latter competition being won by Featherstone
National School. Another much appreciated show was a gymnastic display
given by members of the Pontefract Welfare Institute, arranged and
produced by Mr. L. McGowan.
27th SEPTEMBER
After morning service at Christ Church, Knottingley, on Sunday, the
Reverend H.K.A Swarbe dedicated the new tower bell, which is to form
part of the Church renovation scheme. The bell is the largest of three
at the Church, weighing 4cwts, and has been re-cast by Messrs. Taylor of
Loughborough. It will be re-hung later.
1st NOVEMBER
The project of a playing-ground for Knottingley has been revived, and
seems to promise completion. It has been decided to raise a fund of
£1,000 with a view to purchasing the Green House Fields, an admirable
and altogether attractive venue, and a special sub-committee has been
elected to arrange for raising of funds.
Messrs. Bagley and Co Ltd., gave the fund a handsome start, and other
people in the town have followed suit. Councillor H. Bentley J.P. is
head of the committee, Councillor. G.P. Jackson has been made Vice
Chairman and Councillor H. Gregg is the Hon treasurer. Mr. W.T. Coates
has done much to revive the idea, and the elementary schoolteachers of
the town also have taken a hand. On Saturday they organised a ‘mile of
pennies’ and raised £32-8-5d. This brings the fund to about £200, a most
gratifying start. Other efforts are to be made.
18th NOVEMBER
Commemoration Services were held at both Parish Churches in Knottingley on
Sunday. There were early celebrations of the Holy Communion at both and
The Vicar of Christ Church read the names of the fallen from his Parish
at evening services when special prayers were offered.
18th NOVEMBER
There was a large gathering of ex-servicemen at the annual Remembrance
supper held at the Knottingley British Legion Club Headquarters last
week. The new premises were packed with members and friends, and the
function was very successful. Mr. Dan O'Driscol, Hon Secretary of the
club, presided and was supported by Mr. J.W. Kipping. The toast ‘Our
Fallen Comrades’ was honoured in silence. The British Legion have done
good work during the last 12 months, especially supervising pensions,
relief, and cases before the Court of Referees, The branch has also been
instrumental in obtaining employment for it's many members.
6th DECEMBER
IMPRESSIVE FUNERAL SCENES
Large Gathering in Spite of Fog
WORKPEOPLES TRIBUTE
Memorable scenes attended the funeral at Knottingley on Friday of the
late Mr. George Granville Bantock Bagley, of ‘The Mount’, Knottingley,
whose death was reported in the Express last week. Rarely has
Knottingley been so moved by the passing of a townsman. The route from
the residence to the Cemetery was lined with townspeople, and at points
near the Town Hall and outside the works of Messrs. Bagley and Co, which
were closed for the time, there were crowds of people.
The cortege itself included workpeople of every grade who paid
reverence to the memory of a great employer who was also a friend. The
funeral took place in thick fog. The interment was preceded by a service
in St. Botolph's Parish Church, of which Mr. Bagley was a member. The
service was conducted by the Vicar The Reverend F.E. Egerton, who also
officiated at the graveside. The hymns ‘The day Thou gavest Lord, is
ended’ and ‘Jesu Lover of my soul’ were sung.
The church itself was crowded. The chief mourners were the widow and
Mr. W.H. Bagley, son, Mr. S.B. Bagley J.P., and Mrs Bagley, Ackworth,
brother and sister in law, Mrs Goodman, sister, Mr. and Mrs C.W.
Addingley, brother in law and sister, Mr. Sergeant, Scunthorpe, brother
in law, Mr. Raynam, Brigg, brother in law, and Mrs Raynam, Mr. Kenneth
Bagley, Ackworth, nephew, and Mrs Horsefield, niece, Mr. Ernest Bagley,
of Southport, a brother was absent through indisposition. Others
attending were Mr. and Mrs Percy Bagley, Mr. and Mrs Pete Bagley, Mrs
J.W. Bentley, Miss Norah Bentley, Mrs E.N. Gundill, Mr W Bentley, J.P.
Mr. C Croysdale, Whitley Bridge, Mr. Eric England, Mr A.L. Bratley, Mr.
A Naismith, all of Pontefract, Mr. W.J. Wilby, Mr. J.W. Kipping of John
Harker's, Councillor J. Jackson, Jackson Bros, Mrs B. Arnold, Mr. and
Mrs Metcalf, Mr. H. Gregg, Gregg's Glassworks, and many, many, more
dignitaries and mourners.
13th DECEMBER
Yesterday, following the heavy rains, the River Aire at Knottingley was
level with its banks, and a considerable portion of the marsh was
flooded.
As reported in the Pontefract and Castleford Express
1929
[Focus Years Index]
|
