LOCAL PRESS REPORTS 1917-1919
KNOTTINGLEY MEN WRITE TO MR. SCHOFIELD
Pontefract and Castleford Express January 1917
The landlord Mr. J. Schofield, and the customers of the Aire Street Hotel,
Knottingley, continue to take a practical interest in 'Knottingley Lads'
in khaki and the following snippets from letters received by 'mine host'
show how much the gifts sent out are appreciated.
Private A.Hutchinson (Northd. Salonica)
"I have been wounded in the arm but I am back now doing a bit more so
I shall not get back home yet. I have met Crock Walker and Jack Bennet, tell Eli to write. I wish I was having a pint just now."
Private T. Charlesworth (K.O.Y.L.I.) tells of being out of the trenches for a rest
and says his brothers death was a great blow to him, He asks about 'Henry
Booth' and as to the cigarettes he says, "Woodbines are always acceptable."
Private Jno. Spence Hirst,( K.O.Y.L.I. France): "I am back here alright and in good spirits. All the lads send best
respects and thank you for the cigs. I told them what a fine time I had
with you all. Give my best respects to Jno. Heatings, Billy Horton
and Jack Hampshire."
Private Noble Wray, (39th General Hospital, Le Havre') "..wishing all at home a
bumping Christmas and a War-ending New Year." He says as to the
French beer that he could, "sup it for a month without sleep."
Driver J. Bagley (Salonica Forces): "Glad it is the dear old Woodbine. Not being a pipe smoker, cigs are
doubly welcome. We have nothing to grumble at here. We are fattening
up some turkeys for Xmas and you can tell the boys we mean to do justice
to them. We hope to give the 'Bulgars' a warm time this coming year."
Private E. Cocker, (East Yorks.) writes that he has: "Arrived alright at Bermuda and I thank you very much for the
cigs. It is beautiful here, bananas, oranges, etc. Wishing you
a happy New Year. Keep on smiling till the boys come home."
Others who write are, Driver W Schofield (R.F.A., France), Bomber J. Walker
(France) Private's J. Thomson, G. Rowbottom, (K.O.Y.L.I., Wellingborough)
and George Byram (West Yorks., France)
MORE KNOTTINGLEY BOYS SEND THANKS
Pontefract and Castleford Express January 19th 1917
The excellent work which the Town Committee of Knottingley did in
sending out Xmas parcels to the hundreds of local men in the fighting
forces has met with grateful acknowledgment. To know that the
parcels were received and appreciated is all the thanks the committee
desired. The following snippets from letters will show how
grateful the recipients are.
Private R. Batty (R.A.M.C. Malta): "A pleasant surprise - It is good to know we are remembered at
home - I shall be pleased to see Knottingley again, I had not seen it
for a considerable time until I came from hospital after recovering from
a bullet wound received on the Somme." He mentions a Knottingley boy named Shaw of the West Yorks, whom he
has seen.
Private Cyril B. Maude says: "It was good of you to remember me again this year and I very much
appreciate your kindness. The parcel was absolutely great."
Private Jno W. Cawthorne (H.M.S.Fawn): "I had the opportunity of printing the labels for the parcels
last year, I little thought I would receive one this year. It was
very kind of the township to think about us all so far away." He
heartily thanks everybody concerned.
Shoeing-Smith Yates feels greatly favoured by the kind attention and
generosity of the committee and the people of Knottingley "towards
those who are absent from their wives and mothers etc. We are here in a
good cause", he adds, "fortune has favoured me so far. We have to carry
on and trust in providence."
Rifleman E.Chessman (R.I.F.) in hospital at Paisley, says: "It is alright to think about us out in France. I was gassed
whilst there and was in hospital three times. They treat me very
well here and the nurses are very kind. I see now in the Express
how the boys have received their parcels, I met two or three Knottingley
boys in France. On Xmas Day I met a traveller named Ward for
Carter's Knottingley Brewery, he is in hospital over here. Again many
thanks."
Others who write are:- Private's H.Wright (France), G.Hobman (K.O.Y.L.I.),
Granville Bagley (Le-Havre), E.A.Hoole, (who is in hospital through ill
health) but is now much better and J.Tucker.
Sadly from the above list one did not return home. J.Tucker,
son of David Tucker, Weeland Road, Knottingley, was killed in action on
21st September 1917 in Belgium.
ZEPPELIN AIR RAIDS
Express August 24th 1917.
The Zeppelin, which have been quiescent for some time, have resumed
activity this week, though they have not proved any more reliable or
formidable than in the past.
On Tuesday night a number of them appeared off the Yorkshire coast
and one of them attacked but only dropped a few bombs, and made
off. The official report was that the damage was slight and only
one man was injured. Earlier in the day a Zeppelin had been
destroyed off the coast of Jutland by our light naval forces, the third
destroyed at sea this year and the 23rd wrecked during the war. This
raid was followed by one in daylight on Wednesday when ten enemy
aeroplanes approached the Kentish coast near Ramsgate at about 10am, and
been met and heavily engaged by machines of the R.F.C. and our R.N.A.S.
as well as by gunfire from anti aircraft guns. The raiders were
unable to penetrate inland.
A small party travelled west as far as Margate, but they turned
homewards. The remainder skirted the coast to the south as far as
Dover and Margate. The casualties reported at present are three
killed and two injured. The material damage is slight. Two
of the enemy machines were brought down by anti-aircraft gunfire and our
aeroplanes.
SALE OF PROPERTY AND SHARES AT KNOTTINGLEY
Pontefract and Castleford Express August 16th 1918
At the Cherry Tree Inn, Knottingley, on Monday evening, Mr Jas. Wm.
Bentley J.P. (Messr's. Bentley & Son) sold several lots of property
and shares in the Knottingley Gas Company. There was a large attendance
and spirited bidding throughout.
Lot 1, a dwelling house, joiner's shop, stable, piggeries, cowshed,
yard and land etc., fronting Weeland Road, Kellingley, in the occupation
of Mrs Sarvent, total area 3,492 square yards, rental £17 per year,
(the landlord paying the rates) was bought by Mrs A.E. Hull, of New
Edlington, Doncaster, for £407-10s.
Lot 2 being four dwelling houses near Marsh End, with joiner's shop,
warehouse, out-premises, and small parcel of land, near Carters Brewery
and Gas House Lane, - rentals £42-14s per year, passed to Mr J.
Pollard, market gardener, Old Church, Pontefract, for the sum of
£320.
Lot 3. two excellent dwelling houses called 'Humber Cottages' near the
Weeland Road Council School, with out-premises and large gardens, each
house containing two living rooms, scullery, and three bedrooms, total
area 1,120 yards, the rental being £28-16s,were bought by Mr Jimmy
Hollingworth, Knottingley, for £540.
The fourth lot was a close of land called 'Banks Garth' formerly the
cricket field, containing 2 acres, 2 rods, and 34 perches, in the
tenancy of Mr George Baker. This was bought by Messr's. Bagley & Co.
Ltd., glass bottle manufacturers, for £350.
There was particularly spirited bidding for the gas shares. Mr E.N.
Gundill, solicitor, bought 24 'A' shares of £5 each at £10-10s each.
The £1-12s 'A' shares sold to Mr G.Elliot, Knottingley, for £2 and
£1-19s, and the £1 shares passed at £1 each to Mr Elliot and Mr Percy
Jackson.
The vendors solicitors were Messr's. Carter, Bentley & Gundill.
NAUGHTY ANTICS
Some Naughty People's Antics During 1918
Using Indecent Language: For an offence of this nature, a married Knottingley woman was, on the evidence of P.C. Bennett, fined 12s 6d.
Drink: A discharged soldier, a labourer of Knottingley, was on the evidence of P.C. Maynard, fined 14s for being drunk and disorderly at the Flatts, Knottingley.
Damaging a Keel: A Knottingley schoolboy admitted a charge of having done damage to a keel, the property of Branford Brothers. Fred Branford, called, spoke to the damage done, which he assessed at 6d, and added during the war the firm had suffered much damage. A fine of 20s inclusive was imposed.
Un-shaded Light: A Knottingley Clerk was proved by P.C. Clifton, to have pushed a bicycle bearing an un-shaded light at Salter Row, Pontefract, on the 7th inst, and had 9s to pay.
Bad Language: For having used violent and abusive language at Shepherds Bridge,Knottingley, on the 14th inst., a married woman was fined 15s. P.C. Bennett was witness.
Damaging a Window: The complainant said that on Sunday the defendant knocked her window in, later she returned and did damage to articles inside the house to the extent of 15 shillings. The defendant, who was before the court a week earlier, was fined 20s.
GARDEN PARTY FOR KNOTTINGLEY SOLDIERS & SAILORS
Pontefract and Castleford Express August 2nd 1918
On behalf of forty or fifty soldiers and sailors connected with the
Knottingley Congregational Church, a very successful garden party was
held yesterday-week in the grounds of Lime Grove, Knottingley, kindly
lent by Mr. Tom Jackson.
The weather which had been very threatening became bright and genial
during the evening and a most enjoyable time was had by nearly 300
persons. The effort was solely by persons connected to the Church
and no outside help was expected although Mr. E.L. Robinson J.P., kindly
gave ten shillings towards the event. The Knottingley Silver Prize Band
was engaged for the evening and played selections generally and also for
dancing. Through the kindness of Mr Poole, headteacher of the Holes
School, the scholars gave Maypole Dances, and Sunday School children
gave a short operetta.
WELCOME FOR RETURNED MEN
Express May 23rd 1919
Through the thoughtfulness and energy of the Wesleyan friends the
demobilised sailors and soldiers who were formerly members of the church
were given a very practical and enjoyable welcome home on Saturday at
the Wesley Hall.
Tastefully printed invitations cards had been sent out and about 100
ex-servicemen and their friends took part in the proceedings. The
Hall had been decked out with bunting and the guests were received by
the Rev A. Barraclough and Mrs Barraclough.
The tea tables bore testimony to the hospitality of the congregation
who had made generous provision. Mrs Barraclough presided,
supported by Messrs F. Furniss (senior society steward) and D. Kellet
(steward). Photographs of the tables before and during the meal were
taken.
After tea a successful programme of musical and vocal items was
carried through for which Mr .Jackson Morris was responsible.
During the concert Mr. Barraclough spoke a few words of welcome to the
returned men, saying how glad they were to see them safely back
home. He feelingly referred to the 30 odd members of the church
who would never return and the 40 men who had not yet been fortunate
enough to get their discharge.
Mr A. Schofield, late of the R.A.F. ably and suitably responded as
also did Mr. G. Tate, late of the intelligence Dept, and Mr.G. Hampshire
late of the R.G.A. Later, light refreshments were served.
The whole evening was a great success and the mens expression of
appreciation assured that the occasion will long be remembered.;
The work of organising and carrying through the scene was in the able
hands of the Leaders Meeting with the help of a few friends.
CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES, 1919
December 1919 Pontefract and Castleford Express
Christmas Festivities at the Town Hall
The
popularity of the Township Committee's entertainment and social evenings
was shown on Boxing Night when the large room at the Town Hall was
overfull with dancers. The evening was a great success, both
financially and socially, the 400 people present making the most of a long
and enjoyable evening. Dancing was continued until the morning. There was an
excellent string band under conductor S. Marshall. They have always
given their services and their kindness has been highly appreciated.
The dance was repeated by request on Friday and the Hall for both
occasions was gaily dressed by Capt. Arnold, the buntings lent by Mr. E.
L. Paulson.
The
Salvation Army
The Knottingley Salvation Army folk made Xmas a musical festival, going out
singing and playing. On Xmas Eve the members were out carol singing
whilst on Xmas Day and Boxing Day the band, under the Bandmaster Geo.
Roberts, discoursed appropriate music in the town and district. On
the evening of Xmas Day an enjoyable social gathering was held under the
presidency of Ensign Habeshaw.
For Blinded Soldiers Children
We recently mentioned that Cr S. B. Bagley J.P., had once more kindly undertaken the
lead locally in connection with Sir Arthur Pearson's Christmas Appeal for
the children of blinded soldiers. We are happy to state that the
collection done recently, most cheerfully, by the Boy Scouts (Scoutmaster
Rbt. Jackson ) resulted in the large sum of £15.7s 10p being
obtained. The boys not only saw to the distribution of the envelopes
but also collected them.