LOCAL PRESS REPORTS 1940s
ANOTHER BUSY WEEK
Pontefract and Castleford Express June 1941
OFFICER WELCOMED
Lieut. Sydney Woodhall, of the Salvation Army, has been appointed to the Knottingley
district and was welcomed at a special meeting in Pontefract and
Knottingley during the week-end. He has been at the army Training College,
London.
A CATHOLIC EVENT
For the first
time in over half a century Mass has been said in Knottingley on
the past two Sundays by a Goole Roman Catholic priest who ministers to the
troops stationed in the district and civilians. The observances in
Norfolk House were attended by nearly 100people.
ANTI-GAS EXERCISES
In collaboration with the Troops stationed locally the members of the Air
Raid Wardens Organisation at Knottingley have undertaken a series of
anti-gas lectures and demonstrations in the Wesley Hall and at The Mount.
On Sunday more than 80 Wardens took part in the exercises.
W.V.S. SUCCESSES
Of the 16 members of the Women's Voluntary Services in Knottingley who recently took
an examination in home nursing all passed and certificates were presented
to them on Tuesday by the Hon. lecturer Dr. E. Murphy. Mrs. Sheard was the
instructor, under the supervision of the Centre Leader Miss Arnold.
SAMARITAN SCHOOLCHILDREN
The children of the Vale Council School, Knottingley, have collected and mended 500
garments mostly for children's wear for the bombed out victims of air
raids on Hull. The children have devoted much time and effort to the
work in the knowledge they were helping less fortunate schoolmates and
parents have also given acceptable help. The headmistress, Miss Allan, has
received a warm letter of thanks from the Centre Leader of the Women's
Voluntary Services at Pontefract, Mrs.C. H. Thomson, for the garments.
SOLDIER BROADCAST'S GREETINGS - PRIVATE JACK CRABTREE
Pontefract and Castleford June 1942
It was the
pleasing experience of a Knottingley soldier stationed in Iraq to
broadcast greetings in Wednesday night's B.B.C. programme. He was Private
Jack Crabtree of 26 Englands Lane, Knottingley.
The message
was sent to Mrs. Mary E. Hobman, his aunt, with whom he lived with before
he joined up - his parents died some years ago.
Private
Crabtree said he was very fit in spite of terrific heat and exhorted all
at home to "keep smiling."
Before he joined the R.A.M.C. in January 1940, he was employed by Mr. R. Birdsill,
painter and decorator. His brother Granville is in the R.A.F.
CANTEEN FOR TROOPS
Pontefract and Castleford Express 3rd July 1942
One of the
principles of Toc H, that of 'service for others' was manifested last week
when the Knottingley branch opened their meeting place in Jackson's Hall
Yard as a rest room for members of the Forces stationed in the locality.
It will meet a long-felt requirement by the troops - a place where they can obtain
relaxation from their duties and they have already responded well to the
facilities offered. Over 100 men attend each evening to read, write,
play games and occasionally a sing-song. There are several
accomplished pianists and singers amongst them. Light refreshments are
served. On Sunday evening a short Toc.H. service was held attended
by the Forces while Padre Sunter gave a short address.
KNOTTINGLEY WEEK
Pontefract and Castleford Express 21st August 1942
INFORMATION FROM THE ENEMY
Fusilier A. Gowland, of Westfield Road, Knottingley, has been reported by
the enemy to be a P.O.W. His family has not so far received any
notification from any other source.
FOUND IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Sapper Jessie Tinkler, the son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Tinkler, of Hillgarth,
Knottingley, who was stated in 'The Express' some weeks ago to be
missing in the Middle East, is now known to be a prisoner of war in Italian
hands.
FUNDS FOR TANKS
The first report on the summer Savings Campaign at Knottingley are to
hand. They show promise of success in increasing by 20% the investment by
Knottingley people in small savings. One street group has increased it's
savings by 150%, one works group by 50% and one bank showed a big increase in
it's sale of Savings Certificates last week.
EXCELLENT EVENTS
Two excellent events were staged at the Knottingley Town Hall last week-end
as part of the 'Holiday at Home' programme. On Saturday, displays of tap
dancing and singing were given by the children of Miss Green's dancing class,
and they were followed by a dance at which the M.C. was Mr. H. Pickard.
On Sunday, Madame Bell's Choral Society with a string orchestra gave a very
enjoyable performance. The events were organised by Knottingley Infirmary
Committee and the Knottingley Services Welfare Committee. There were good
attendances and the proceeds were regarded as very satisfactory.
HAPPY MEETING
Pontefract and Castleford Express 31st March 1943
Writing
to her aunt, Mrs. Holroyd, of 1 Cardwell Terrace, Knottingley, Private
Sally Haigh of the A.T.S. serving with the British North African Forces,
the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. Haigh of 27 Broomhill, Knottingley,
describes an unexpected happy meeting with her cousin, Rifleman H. V.
Holroyd, known in Knottingley as 'Verdi'. Private Haigh says;
"He
came up to my depot at dinner time yesterday so we had a good half day
together. Believe me, when they came and told me a soldier wanted me
I wasn't going out to see, I thought they were having me on. But
when I got out there and saw him there, well, I just cried on his
shoulder, I was so happy. He looks well, and is alright, so you have
nothing to worry about, We have a Sergeant Macready, she's good to us, she
made him have his dinner too and he had to sit among the girls to have it.
He says he may be coming home soon, but wouldn't it be awful to me if he
had to go home after I've just met him - still I would like to see him
going home all the same, he's done his share of fighting if he never does
anymore, I've prayed to God to meet him and now my prayers have been
answered and I'm so happy. Meeting him has made me feel as though
I'm at home a bit."
Rifleman Holroyd has been abroad for two years and three months and Private Haigh
arrived in the same area in January.
BROTHERS MEET
Pontefract and Castleford Express September 1943
Mr.
and Mrs. T. Cassidy of Sunny Bank, Knottingley, have heard that their
sons, Sapper T. Cassidy of the Royal Engineers and Driver J. Cassidy of
the R.A.S.C. have met in Tripoli.
Sapper Cassidy who has been in the East for two years and who served with the
Eighth Army in the North African campaign says it was a very pleasant
surprise to meet his younger brother who has been there for eight months
and was with a convoy passing through the town. Driver Cassidy was
with the First Army in the North African Campaign. They were able to pass
six happy hours together.
KNOTTINGLEY BROTHERS MEET
Pontefract and Castleford Express
L/Cpl Horace Scholes, R.A.S.C., whose home is at 24 Broomhill Square
Knottingley, has written to his wife from Italy
saying he recently met, in Italy, his brother Private Edward Scholes,
C.M.P. who lives at 30 Broomhill Walk.
Horace
went into the forces in 1942 and has not been home since December
1942. Edward went abroad in November 1943. As Edward knew the
whereabouts of Horace he called to see him when he was stationed near him
and gave him a pleasant surprise. They had supper together and
enjoyed a good talk about good old Knottingley. They are now 90
miles from each other.
ON THE HOME FRONT | GUIDES IN CAMP
Pontefract and Castleford Express September 1943
The second Knottingley (Christ Church) Guides held their own camp at
Brocodale last week when 27 Guides and Rangers spent a happy time in
glorious woodland surroundings. Every meal was cooked and eaten
outdoors. One day races were held and Mr. Dunning, who allowed the
camp in his private grounds, was the starter. The same evening a
camp fire concert was held and was attended by Mr. and Mrs. John Dunning,
the former with his piano accordion. Dorothy Hayes sang and also
performed acrobatics. Ann Braim, Molly Ellis, and Freda Ibbotson
gave songs and dances. Rosamond Jones sang and all the guides joined
in camp fire songs. Mrs. Dunning presented prizes for the races and
Miss H. Stockwell (Quartermaster) of Holmfirth presented prizes for the
best kept tents.
The parents of the guides visited them for one day and a picnic tea was
thoroughly enjoyed. The Ladybalk (Pontefract) Guides with Mrs. L.
Depledge (Lieut) visited the camp and a sing song was held after
tea. Mrs. C. Lyon (Div. Com) and Miss Simpkin (Assistant Div Com)
also visited the camp.
The company went to Doncaster and Askern and were interested in the Art
Gallery at the former and enjoyed boating at the latter.
ON THE HOME FRONT
Pontefract and Castleford Express January 1944
A Dance for the British Red Cross and aid to China Fund was held at the Town
Hall, Knottingley on Saturday, when a good company assembled. As a
result £ ? 14s will be paid to the fund. Refreshments were served
by Mesdames A. and H. Reynolds and W. Heseltine and stewards were Messrs
Reynolds, Gross, Heseltine, Hudson, Lobley and Swales.
A cheque for £10-10s has also been received from the Buck Inn Charitable
Fund ( per Mr. H Cooper )
A CONCERT - CONGREGATIONAL SCHOOL
Pontefract and Castleford Express January 1944
A concert promoted by Mrs. Kellet was held in the Congregational School
yesterday week before a crowded audience. An Excellent programme was
given by Marjorie and Pamela Kellet assisted by Winnie Bailey, Dorothy
Spence and Jimmy Spence, in songs and duets with accordion solos by
Marjorie Kellet. The dancing was a feature and there were many
request items.
At the close gifts were given to the performers and to Mrs. Benson the
pianist. Mrs. Kellet was presented with a spray of chrysanthemums by
Miss G. Heald and Mrs. Heald presented the gifts to the performers.
The Rev E. Sunter presided, Mr. Kellet was door steward, and Mrs.
Williamson assisted. The proceeds were £14 for the organ fund.
NO BETTER PLACE THAN THE OLD LAMB INN
Pontefract and Castleford Express 11th February 1944
Mr. Jorden of the Lamb Inn, Knottingley, has received a letter from Driver
Leslie Brandford of Knottingley in which he says;
"I met Cawthorne in the Base Depot and we had plenty to talk about of the
different countries we we had been in since leaving England. He was
in the Eritrea country and Abyssinia Campaign then Italy. It was
grand to see him, I think we nearly kissed each other. We were
friends and had worked together for ten years at the Co-op. I was
telling him of the thousands of miles I had travelled before seeing a
Knottingley chap - 29,000 all told through South Africa, Bombay, Iraq,
then to Palestine on to Egypt, then to Tunis, back to Tripolitania, and
then to Italy. But believe me there is no better place like the Old
Lamb Inn."
"I went on the invasion of the Salerno Beaches and had a rough time but came
through it o.k. The only place I could think of the time was
Knottingley, but one has the feeling that you are doing a good job.
I was laid in a foot of water for seven hours before the Germans went back
and it was cold. There were eight of us altogether. We dare
not speak to each other in case Jerry got wise. We could see him and
his machine gun crew but had to keep our heads down. He finally
cleared off and we got back on the road once more. The Navy did a
grand job there. They fixed 15in shells into the German positions
from the bay and did that shift him out of it. He did not know if he was
coming or going. The prisoners were coming in shell shocked and
dazed. I will tell you more some other time. The Scharnhorst being
sunk was good news."
"We got the Africa Star Ribbon today, it's yellow and red with a blue
stripe."
A BIT OF GOOD NEWS
Pontefract and Castleford Express 24th March 1944
"I have a bit of good news for you this time", says Driver J.
Knapton, of the Royal Artillery, serving with the C.M.F., to his mother
Mrs W Knapton, of Gillan Street, Knottingley, in a letter written on the
2nd of March, "I've made contact with Rowland".
Driver Knapton goes on, "He is only six miles behind us now. I
was at a concert this week when I saw some Y&L,'s and on enquiring I
met his roommate...He came up the same night. We fully expected moving
up the line next night so I hitch-hiked down to see him but he and his
pal had decided to come up and see us, so when I got to his place he was
absent. I rushed back in a sweat, through the pouring rain, and he was
waiting for me with three bottles of beer and a bottle of wine. My,
didn't it go down grand! We are staying here a while so this week-end me
and my pals are giving his company a visit. It's certainly been my lucky
week. I've met Steve Acton whose grandfather kept the
'Bay Horse' and Alf Skelton, they are only twenty yards from me,
The two Stenton brothers are also nearby. I have not met them yet, but
Alf Skelton has and we are going to look them up. On leaving the concert
I ran into Jackie Shay and now he's a regular visitor. Knottingley is
well represented on the Italian Front! You can assure their folks they
are all fit and full of beans and confident of an early victory. We have
all experienced whatever Jerry can send along but we can still smile and
sink our ration of beer and Vino. The news is coming through
alright so don't worry about us. Hoping all's well at home."
A brother of Driver Knapton, Godfrey is in the Forces.
KNOTTINGLEY's 'SALUTE TO THE SOLDIER'
Pontefract and Castleford Express May 1944
In its War Savings Campaign last week was a total of £96,188 invested in
savings more than half as much again as the target figure and an average
of £11. 3s. 6d per head of the population. Its achievement marked the
close of a memorable week. The opening events of the effort were
reported in The Express last week. In continuation of them a display
by pupils of Miss Ann Bentley was given in the evening of Wednesday week
and Miss Bentley was thanked by Mrs. C. Worfolk and Mrs. Lightowler.
Yesterday week was Services Welfare Day and ex-Sergeant H.Preston M.M. was able to
set the indicator at £71,132,10s. He congratulated the people of the
district both on their savings and on their work for serving men in
sending parcels of comforts. The treasurer of the Knottingley Services
Welfare Association Mr. W. J.Hobman, thanked ex Sergeant Preston.
During the day 39 entrants in a baby show were judged by Miss Ward and Dr
Kehelly and prizes were awarded to all of them. They were
distributed by Mrs. Worfolk who thanked the judges. The show was
followed by a concert by the 'K' Sisters and friends at which a silver
collection for Infirmary funds realised £9. In the evening a whist
drive and Old time Ball were held which raised over £50 for welfare
funds. British Legion Day was observed on Friday and the secretary
of the Knottingley Branch of the Legion Lt. H. N. Northrop R.N.ret set the
Indicator at £80,525. He Illustrated the work of the Legion for
serving and ex Servicemen. In the Evening a concert was given by
Miss Green's dancing pupils for British Legion funds which realised about
£40.The participants were thanked by Councillor P. Gross.
Saturday was Traders Day in the afternoon in the Town Hall. The pupils of
Knottingley Modern School performed a review and pageant devised and
produced by the Headmaster Mr. L. P. Luke and staff. Cr. H. and Mrs. A
Gregg acted as accompanists and the former composed some of the music for
the occasion.
SOLDIERS MEET
Pontefract and Castleford Express July 1944
Four soldiers with the B.N.A.F, all of Knottingley, have discovered each others
whereabouts and two have met - Sapper J.R. Pitt of Westfield Avenue and
George Johnson of Morley Estate.
Sapper Pitt, in a letter to 'The Express' says he was working at a rest
camp and met 'Sonny' while he was on leave. They made arrangements
for a days outing and talked about 'the old place' but, "we shall have to
make this place do till we get back". He adds; "Sonny has seen 'Sally' Haigh and 'Verdi' Holdery of Knottingley, but
Pitt has not met them so all four are going to try to meet. We see the old
paper every week and we shall be glad when we sit against the fire reading
it", the letter concludes.
GALA - STAY AT HOME SCHEME
Pontefract and Castleford Express July 1944
The
Knottingley 'Stay at Home' scheme holidays began on Saturday when a gala
was held in the Playing Fields. A procession headed by the
Knottingley Silver Prize Band toured the town and when it reached the
field the Holiday Queen, Miss Peggy Lowther, was crowned by the Countess
of Rosse.
Everyone
seemed to enter into the holiday spirit and the side shows did good
business. A baby show was judged by Cr J. Blackburn of Pontefract
and Mrs. Gillbank of Brotherton, and the fancy dress competition by Mrs.
Gillbanks and Mrs. Gillbanks Snr.
The day ended
with a well attended dance in the Town Hall. The 'Stay at home'
holidays continue until August 27th and various efforts have been arranged
including a horticultural show.
EVENTS IN KNOTTINGLEY, 1944
Pontefract and Castleford Express, 11 August 1944
GARDEN PARTY
A Garden Party
was held yesterday week at the home of Mr. and Mrs Kellet, Morley House,
Knottingley. Tea was served on the lawn by Mesdames Kellet, Yardy,
H. Reynolds and Williamson. A jumble stall was in charge of Misses M. and
P. Kellet and Miss G. Heald did good business with a hoop-la stall.
In the evening a cabaret was given by the 'K' Sisters and Margaret Yardy,
with Mr. Harold Reynolds as the pianist. His 'mike' proved an asset
to the show.
There followed a whist drive for which Miss G. Heald was the M.C. and Mrs. Kellet who
gave the prizes, presented them to Mesdames A. Gregg, E. Arnold, Knapton,
and Miss M. Reynolds (miniature) The effort relaised £12.10s which
is to be divided between the Congregational Organ Fund and the Cot
Endowment Fund for the Pontefract General Infirmary. Mr. G. Kellet
and Mr. R. Yardy were the door stewards.
HOLIDAYS AT HOME
As part of Knottingley's 'Stay at Home' scheme, a field day was held in the playing
fields on Monday. A good crowd of parents and between 500-600
children attended and thoroughly enjoyed the numerous side-shows, aerial
flights etc. which were in charge of the members of TOC H. the Infirmary
Committee and the Services Welfare Association Committee. Teas were
served in the field by Mesdames W.P. Tolson, J. Talbot, W.G. Hobman, J.
Andrew and J.W. Plews. The day closed with a
dance at the Town Hall. The proceeds which were for charity were
highly satisfactory.
INFIRMARY SUNDAY
The 48th Annual Festival for the Infirmary Funds was held in the Knottingley
cricket field on Sunday. The Knottingley Prize Band and Knottingley
Salvation Army Band toured the district and played selections before the
meeting. Mr. H.L. Lyon(JP) presided along with the Mayor of Pontefract, Cr. F.W. Lane, Chairman
of Knottingley District Council Cr. J.T. Fallas and Mr. J. Richards of
Pontefract Infirmary, Mr. A. McDonald and Mr. Rush.
Cups and
prizes were presented to the Public Houses and Clubs which had collected
the highest sums during the year.
1. Buck Inn (cup)
2. Commercial Inn
3. Foundry Lane Club
ANOTHER BUSY WEEK
Pontefract and Castleford Express January 5th 1945
PANTOMIME
The pupils of the Misses Kellet gave a much needed pantomime in the schoolroom, Barwick
in Elmet, where they entertained overnight. The proceeds of £30
will be shared between the Pontefract and Leeds General Infirmary.
CHILDREN'S EFFORT
At Christmas
the children of the Knottingley Congregational Sunday School held a
service. Roy Birdsall made an able chairman. Carols were sung
by the parents, friends and children, and Christmas poems were recited by
Betty Tinkler, Muriel Johnson, Hilda Pearson, Marion Thrift, Ann Wake and
Kenneth Lloyd. A nativity play was given by Doris Wood, Ian Marchant,
John Coward, Graham Sunter, Colin Thrift, and Doris and Mary Hodgson and
was repeated in the evening service.
ELIM TABERNACLE
The annual
Christmas party was held by the Sunday School scholars and staff on
Saturday when nearly 70 children sat down to a tea of pre-war
standard. Afterwards the scholars were led in games by Mrs. Semple
and several of them entertained the gathering. At the close the
Pastor Rev. J.L. Timbrell presented prizes to the children who had won
competitions during the evening. Arrangements were by Superintendent
W. Pease and staff.
KNOTTINGLEY SOLDIER'S LUCKY ESCAPE
Pontefract and Castleford Express, 19 January 1945
A military observer serving with our Forces overseas sends the following:
"I was certainly lucky to come out of that situation alive", said Private J. Miller of 8 Hogarth, Knottingley, referring to a
dramatic incident on the Western Front in which he was recently involved.
"It happened", said Miller, "when another soldier and myself were sent up
to a house about 400 yards in front of our forward section positions,
which for some days now we had been using as a listening post. Each
evening two men would keep watch from the building throughout the night,
returning to our own lines at first light the following morning.
Hitherto, no evidence of any enemy activity in the area of the house had
been either seen or heard by those who had gone out previously".
"There was an heavy mist on the afternoon when we set off to take our turn in the
listening post; for this reason we couldn't be certain whether perhaps our
eyes weren't playing us tricks when we were about 100 yards before
reaching the house, we imagined that we saw two figures
move across the path some way in front of us. We halted a few
minutes and then, neither seeing or hearing anything further, went on once
more. Two minutes later the shape of the building loomed out of the
mist. Everything was completely still until we were just about to
enter the front door when a machine pistol suddenly blazes at us, fired by
a 'Boche' standing in the passage not more than a few feet
away".
"My mate was wounded in the thigh. It was my lucky day; for the bullets
missed me altogether. We hurriedly got into the ditch at the side of
the road and returned their fire. We then crawled down the ditch for
about 100 yards until out of sight of the house when we were able to
continue on foot. I then assisted the wounded man back to our lines."
KNOTTINGLEY SOLDIER AWARDED THE M.S.M.
Pontefract and Castleford Express, 13th April 1945
BATTERY SERGEANT MAJOR PALMER
Mrs. F.E. Palmer of 23 Broomhill Square, Knottingley, has received news that her husband,
Battery Sergeant Major Palmer, who is with a reinforcement group in
Belgium, has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.
B.S.M. Palmer served in the last war and retired after being in the regular army
for 25 years. A few months before the outbreak of the present war he
rejoined the army, went to France early in 1940, and remained there until
evacuation. He came from Dunkirk to Knottingley with the 65th Regt.
R.A. and later went abroad again. Being of a genial and friendly
disposition, B.S.M. Palmer made many friends in Knottingley who will
congratulate him on his award.
Mr. and Mrs. Palmer (the latter has lived in Knottingley four years and also
made many friends along with her two daughters) received word last July
that their only son Fred, who is a Sgt. Pilot in the R.A.F. was missing
from operations.
MORE VICTORY TEAS
Pontefract and Castleford Express 1st June 1945
The residents
of Cow Lane, Knottingley, held a victory tea under the direction of
Mesdames Haigh, A. Jackson and T. Hart on Saturday. About 150 people
including about 85 children sat down to tea in the Ropewalk Modern School
after which a dancing display was given by the 'K' Sisters. Each
child received 6d and games were arranged by Mr. Tom Wray and Mr. H. Radley, who played. There was dancing for the
adults and everyone had a real good time.
Last week a children's victory and thanksgiving tea was held by the mothers of
Chapel Street and Aire Street. It was supervised by J.W. Heald and
Mrs. Chapman, and a special feature was a double-decked iced cake made and
iced by Mrs. Heald. After tea a dancing display was given by the 'K' Sisters and Miss Joan Barker. The children danced round the
Maypole and received packets of toffees. Also on Saturday, parents
living in Womersley Road organised a party for the children of the
neighbourhood in the Toc H Club. About 70 children gathered at tea
tables decorated by the mothers. After tea, games were played and
the children gave songs, dances and recitations, while a concert was
enjoyed by the parents, and a competition was won by Mrs. W. Wilson.
Mrs Clayton played the piano.
Funds for the party were raised by Mrs. A Shaw, Mrs W. Ramskill and Mrs. T. Tunningley; Misses A. and P. Bairstow gave mineral waters and the
tables were lent by Messrs Bagley and Co. Other help was given by
Mr. C. Tate. At the close each child received a gift of 1s 6d.
The organiser's were thanked by Messrs T. Tunningley and A. Walker
Springfield Avenue, Knottingley, V.J.Celebrations
Pontefract and Castleford Express 24th August 1945
Last week, under the supervision of Mesdames T. Heath, C. Hunter, J. Hodgson, L.
Lazenby and H. M Arnold, the inhabitants of Springfield Avenue,
Knottingley, held their V.J. party. Advantage of
the fine weather was taken to serve tea in the open in the centre of the
Avenue and about 30 children and 50 adults sat down at well filled tables.
From 6pm until dusk, races and games were held for young and old and the
children were served with ice cream and fruit. A large bonfire was lit and
all the residents gathered around to enjoy fireworks and join in the
community singing.
For open air dancing, music was provided by Mrs. Benson who also lent her piano, and
she was assisted by Mr. and Miss P Robinson with their violins. At the
close all who had contributed to an enjoyable evening were thanked and
there was three cheers given for the women who had done so much to make
the evening a success. All joined hands and sang 'Auld Lang Syne'
and the party closed with the singing of the National Anthem.
Earlier in the week the children had run a V.J. sale which realised £2.2s for the
Pontefract Infirmary Funds. A surplus of funds enabled the
organisers to give 1s to each child in the Avenue.
Prize winners were:- Jean Martin, Margaret Day, Lance Cawthorne, Anne Arnold, Brian
Hunter, Michael Cawthorne, Jack Wood, Tony Cooper, Margaret Miller and
Olga Walker.
Potato Race:
Boys - Geoffrey Travis, Girls - Mary Day
Long Distance Race: Boys - B. Lilley, Girls - Olga Walker
Threading The Needle: Adults - Mrs. Day and Sapper Rook
Railway 'Riot' - Miss. P Robinson.
VICTORY CELEBRATIONS 1945
Pontefract and Castleford Express 31st August 1945
Victory was celebrated in Knottingley in many ways. On V.J. afternoon a service
was held in the playing fields conducted by the Reverend E. Sunter, and all the
ministers of the town took part. The Salvation
Army Band played for the hymn singing and gave musical selections.
In the evening services were held in all the places of worship and music
was provided by the Knottingley Silver Prize Band, conducted by Mr. S
Marshall. Coloured lights were fixed in the trees by the Military
and at nine o'clock a huge bonfire was lit. A free dance was also
held in the Town Hall.
On Sunday a special service was held in the Congregational Church, conducted by the
Rev E. Sunter. It was attended by the officials and members of the
Knottingley Urban Council, members of the West Riding Constabulary, The
British Legion, and the St Johns Ambulance Cadets in charge of Mrs. Sheard.
Mrs. J. T. Arnold accompanied the hymn singing.
A Thanksgiving Service in the Forgehill Methodist Church was conducted by
Mr. N. Storr, of Pontefract. The congregation read Psalms; Mr. G. Lilley
and Mr. R. Morrell sang the duet 'Lest We Forget' and Mr. S. Coward was
the organist.
SWORDS FOR SOLDIERS
Express 2nd November 1945
Among the men to receive Japanese swords awarded to British troops as
unofficial 'medals' are C.Q.M.S.J.R. (Bob) Blacker, the only child of
Mr. and Mrs. B. Blacker of Weeland Road, Knottingley, and Private. H.
(Sonny) Swales, whose wife lives at Primrose Hill, Knottingley, and is
the third son of Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Swales of Marsh End, Knottingley.
Both are with the 2nd West Yorkshire Regiment and have been stationed
together since their arrival in South East Asia in August 1943.
Both men are members of the staff of Messrs Bagley and Co, Knottingley.
The regiment, which is part of the 5th Indian Division, is the only
regiment in Singapore, and the first to receive these ornate, razer-edged
'decorations'. They were ceremonially handed to officers and men who had
distinguished themselves in action.
A brother of Private Swales, Sergeant N. Swales, was awarded the M.M.
for gallantry in 1941 while stationed in Malta.
MET IN HOSPITAL
Two Knottingley cousins have met in hospital in North Africa. They are Sapper Adino Tunningley of the Airborne Troops and Lance Corporal David Tucker of
the Irish Guards.
Mrs. Tunningley of Racca Green, Knottingley, has received a letter from her son
who has been abroad for nearly a year saying that he received burns while
trying to put out a fire and that Lance Corporal Tucker whose home is at
Primrose Hill, Knottingley, had not been well but was improving. They
talked about old times and Lance Corporal Tucker said he was longing to
get home to see his young son who was born after he went abroad six months
ago. He was with Messrs Brown and Lodge, builders of Pontefract, before joining the
Forces three years ago and Lance Corporal Tucker was at the glassworks of
Messrs Bagley and Co. Knottingley.
KNOTTINGLEY TRIO IN CEYLON
Express 15th February 1946
Spending a leave at Ruwana-Eliya, a hill station in the heart of
Ceylon, 6,000 feet above sea level, Sergeant A. Higgins of the R.A.F.
whose home is at Quarry Avenue, Womersley Road, Knottingley, tells 'The
Express' that he met Sergeant J. Cowling of the Royal Engineers, and
L.A.C. A. Mcintosh of the R.A.F., the former of Low Green and the latter
of Broomhill Avenue, Womersley Road, Knottingley. On such an occasion, he declares ;
"We had to have a photograph. I have met quite a few Knottingley
lads out here and this was the first time a snap could be taken."
He adds that for three years he has had the pleasure of regularly
reading 'The Express' which has been sent from his home without
fail and that ;
"All of us are yearning for the day when we can read your paper
and our paper by our own firesides. As for tropical islands, we
prefer to see them on the cinema screens!"
Sergeant Higgins asks if the photograph can be published but
unfortunately there is not room in these days of rationed paper.
A 'REET FINE DO' IN KNOTTINGLEY
Pontefract and Castleford Express
A 'reet fine do' in the form of a Victory Party was held by the tenants of Quarry
Avenue, Knottingley, in the Congregational Schoolroom on Saturday.
Everybody gave generously to the collectors (Mesdames Walpol, Stanworth,
Birkett, and Steels) and the children enjoyed a tasty tea followed by ice
cream, sweets, lemonade, and brandy snap, the latter made by Mrs Wood,
A dancing display was given by the Misses S. Fox. and B. Charlesworth, and some of
the children distributed items. A Punch and Judy show was given by
Mr. Hubert Pickard and Miss Enid Pickard and music was provided by Messrs
Stainworth, C. Wood, and H. Pickard. Later there was dancing, and
every child received a present. Tea was served by Mesdames Garbutt,
Penty, and Heath. A hearty cheer for the promoters was given by the
kiddies. The older people joined in the fun and Mrs. Steels gave a
rendering of Salomie and Miss Stanworth an impression of Carmen
Miranda.
A balance of £1.12s goes into the bank towards a party when the war with Japan
ends. Cigarettes were given to the avenues P.O.W relatives.
POSTHUMOUS AWARD
Express 10th May 1946
The next of kin of more than 170 dead servicemen received awards and Decorations from the King at an Investiture at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday. Among them was Mr. W.S.Skelton, who was accompanied by his sister Mrs Taylor of Westfields, Knottingley, to receive a D.F.M. awarded to his son, the late Flight Sergeant John Skelton R.A.F.V.R.
VICTORY CELEBRATIONS 1946 - VICTORY PARTY
Pontefract and Castleford Express 1946
A victory party was given to their pupils in the Congregational Schoolroom,
Knottingley, on Tuesday by the 'K Sisters'. Tea included cakes
decorated and iced in red white and blue by Mrs. Tether. Tea was
served by Mrs Williamson, Miss H. Rhodes and Mrs. Kellet and each child
received a bottle of pop and a piece of toffee. Later, games were
played. The children had done good service during the war in entertaining at factories,
hospitals, hostels, churches and institutes, and have taken part in
savings campaigns and Red Cross efforts. An outstanding effort was
the raising of £500 for the Pontefract and General Infirmary.
On Monday evening they danced for the old peoples Victory party at Ferrybridge and
on Tuesday at Brotherton.
PRIMROSE HILL V.J DAY
Parents and children of Primrose Hill, Knottingley, celebrated victory with tea and
entertainment in the school room yesterday week. After tea a concert
was given by the 'K' Sisters, and later the company went a field adjoining
the church lent by Mr. Howdle, where the rest of the evening was spent
around a huge bonfire.