LETTERS PAGE 2005
OLD CHURCH, THE CROFT
I wonder if anyone has a photograph of the Church where number 19 The Croft now stands? My wife and I were often intrigued as to what it would have looked
like. We can remember Mr and Mrs Burdin telling us that someone stole the church bell and although they lived right next to the church they heard nothing.
Paul Barker
26 January 2005
PEAR TREE COTTAGE
We have recently purchased Pear Tree Cottage in Spawd Bone Lane, Knottingley, and wondered if anyone could tell us a little about the history of the cottage and also the meaning of Spawd Bone.
John and Lori
26 January 2005
MOORHOUSE FAMILY | THOMAS CLACK, SURGEON
I have only just picked up on your site and what a gold mine it is!
I have been looking at my wife's ancestry and to my disbelief there was an in-depth study of William Sefton Moorhouse to whom she is related. It was written by Ron Gosney and it filled in so many details of which we were unaware. I was surprised that you do not have a Moorhouse tree on the site, surely all the work that Ron has done deserves one. I would offer up my humble offerings but would first love to catch up with one of your previous letter writers. She claimed to have William Septimus de Septimo Moorhouse as her Gx2 Grandfather and is pleading for help. Did anyone contact her? I have tried the e-mail address she supplied but my ISP cannot trace it.
Incidentally, I notice in the Pigot directory of 1829 that there is a surgeon listed in Knottingley by the name of Thomas Clack. Is anything more known about him?
David Clack
27 January 2005
BROTHERTON MAPS or INFORMATION
Does anyone have any old maps of Brotherton before 1890 or information about the old quarries and charcoal burning sites that are abundant in the local area ? I was brought up in Brotherton, so I thought if anyone knows about how the folks used to live and work in those times it may be you!
I have been visiting my older family to gather as much info as possible before they all go, and got some old photographs etc. The stories they tell me of how they used to live in the early part of this century are incredible.
If anyone has any information on old Brotherton I would like to hear from you. Keep up the good work!
Kev Sullivan
27 January 2005
BARGE - KERRYDALE H
I am interested in a barge built by John Harker in Knottingley and looking for a photograph of the vessel for a friend of mine. His father used to sail on the Kerrydale H and his name was Mr. Sherwood.
His son Frank asked me about this vessel and I said I would look up on the Internet but I cannot find any photographs of this boat. He saw a photograph of Keerydale H at a service station on his way back from Bristol but cannot remember the address.
I would be grateful for any help
Jim
6 February 2005
SCULPTURE HOUSE FIREPLACE
With regards to the fireplace in Sculpture House, my mother used to live there in 1929 and she remembers the fireplace being sold by the then mayor of Pontefract, Mr. Tommy Sides, who was also associated with Carters Brewery. To the best of her knowledge he sold it to someone in America. I hope this helps in some way.
Andrew Daniel
6 February 2005
TOULSON FAMILY
I am urgently trying to locate the whereabouts of members of the Toulson family who I believe were quarry owners in Knottingley.
I notice on your photo gallery a picture of a 'Womens Conservative Trip' during the 190s which contains a Mrs. Toulson. I am specifically trying to trace information about a Mr. Toulson who may have been born around 1895/1900? and may have been called John.
Ruthie Reynolds
6 February 2005
KNOTTINGLEY STREET NAMES
Could you or one of your online friends tell me where Kallodine Road was in Knottingley?
Alex Welsh
12 February 2005
I have never heard of Kallodine Road. Ben Kallodyne Terrace was on Racca Green where the bakery is now. It was owned by Ben Tupman, an old sea captain, but the terrace only had TWO houses. The entrance at the side of the bakery led to Tupman;s Yard or Tupman's Square. My attempts to track down the origins of Kalodyne have so far failed but Ben Tupman called one of his ships 'Kalodyne' and his wife was either French or Belgian and I have often wondered if it had anything to do with her name.
Ron Gosney
15 February 2005
MOORHOUSE FAMILY
I wrote in previously about researching my Moorhouse ancestors.William Septimus de Septimo Moorhouse was my great-grandfather (born in Knottingley) who came to Australia and farmed land and drove Cobb and Co coaches. Several other family members including his older brother, William Sefton Moorhouse, went to New Zealand. William Septimus de Septimo Moorhouse was the cousin of Bishop James Moorhouse. Please note: I accidentally made an error with my previous email address.
Many thanks to Ron Gosney and those who have helped with research. We enjoyed our visit to England and Knottingley and hope to travel there again at some time. Best wishes from Australia.
Sue Roberts
18 February 2005
STUNNED, SHOCKED, AND NOT A LITTLE PROUD
I recently discovered your web site whilst tracing my family tree, and to my delight I found a photo of my (much younger looking) Nan. She is in the photo of the Ladies Conservative Club trip from the 1950's. Is there any way I can get hold of a copy? I live in Southampton, so I would be more than happy with a scanned image that I can print at home. Why should I want this obscure photo? - simple, my nan is still alive and well, and will be 99 years young this year. I thought this may be a very special gift for her birthday, as I'm sure it will bring back many happy memories.
I was born in Pontefract, but spent a lot of time in Knottingley staying with Nan & granddad. They used to live in Kempfield House (now demolished) just before Metcalfe's farm and the 'Big K'. I remember Mr. & Mrs Young living in the other half of the house, with their daughter Evelyn, and I think it was Mrs Bastow who lived in the cottage next door. To the side of the house were the remnants of an old orchard, which we used to raid every autumn for apples, pears and plums. At the bottom of the orchard were the best blackberry bushes I've ever seen, and Nan never let us down baking the most juicy blackberry & apples pies ever. Mind you, I was never keen on the gooseberries!
I spent many hours walking around the lanes behind Metcalfe's farm with granddad. If the weather was particularly nice we went into Knottingley and back along the road, past the rural splendour that was Yorkshire Tar Distillers. Other times it was round the back across Willow Garth, where there were many trees, stunted and dying from the poison leaked from the tar works. I still remember the thick black ooze that lined the stream.
At the tender age of ten I even went out walking with a man called Brian (I think) who amazed me with his knowledge of the local wildlife. Where the rabbits could be found, a stoats nest, where pheasants laid up. It must have been 5 years later when I discovered that his innocent "look out while I pop in this hedge to answer the call of nature" actually meant "look out for the farmer, I've got a couple of rabbits in snares down here".
I did visit the site of the old house, remembering how much time granddad put into his garden, collecting organic manure from the surrounding fields. It's just a paddock now, with a horse standing where the greenhouse was, and it reminded me of our mortality. No-one will know the happy times that were spent in that garden, just as they wouldn't know about Knottingley of yesterday, yesterweek or yesteryear, if it wasn't for the amazing website you have put together.
I intend to visit home next month, when I hope to do some family history digging. I would like to collect more family photos from the past, and if they are suitable send them for inclusion in your website.
Once again, thank you very much for the site, and I hope you will go on from strength to strength. Many thanks.
Martin Locker
20 February 2005
GLASS BOTTLE
I recently found a glass bottle in a field. The bottle is marked 'Brown & Haigh - The Crystal Aerated Water Works, Ferrybridge' with b&h on the base of the bottle. The glass bottle is missing its ring. Can anyone help to date this and tell me where it was made as this would be of interest to me as I actually work in a glassworks myself.
S. Carter
1 March 2005
ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR
My name is Michael Flynn and I have come across a photograph in one of your archives submitted by S.J. Dures entitled 'All the Fun of the Fair'. The lady in the gloves touching her hair looks very much like my late mother. At the time she would have been known as Joyce Fletcher. My dad couldn't help as he was on his National Service in Egypt and they did not get married until December 1954.
I don't know what help you might be able to offer but I would just like to confirm if the lady is her or not. I really do enjoy your website - it does you great credit.
My mother used to live in the 'Old Gate House' (Bradley's Bungalows). Now I would love to see any pictures of that.
Micky Flynn
14 March 2005
KALLODINE ROAD
I don't know of the origin of Kallodine Road but it was not named (at least not directly) for Benjamin Tupman's wife. She was Elise Amelia WALKER and was born in Le Havre, France.
Alan Tupman
14 March 2005
MAHON
My Maternal Grandmother was Norah Annie Mahon, the sister of Andrew James Mahon and Aunt of Sergeant James Mahon who both appear on your Roll of Wartime Heroes.
Obviously I was delighted to find your site and the information about the two men. I would dearly love any other information anyone may have especially about the wives and children and any memories that anyone may have.
Tony Cooper
6 April 2005
FERRYBRIDGE INFANT SCHOOL
I am desperate to know if there are any records or photographs (other than the one on the photo gallery of Ferrybridge Infant School, c.1930s) depicting my uncle, Des Bould. If anyone knows where I might obtain anything with regards to Ferrybridge Infant School or where any records might be kept, I would be greatly appreciative.
Thank you in anticipation.
Brenda Crabtree
25 April 2005
PICTURES OF MY FAMILY
I keep visiting this site time after time and I find something new and interesting on it from the memories people have submitted all the way through to the gallery.
With myself and my family all coming from Knottingley, I was hoping that one day there might be one of my family in one of the photographs. I visited the site and looked through the latest additions to the gallery and to my surprise I found that my gran was featured on the photographs of G.T. Smith's Greengrocers Staff 1972, but her name was missing. My gran's name is Willamina Holmes but all her friends knew her as 'Mina'.
I also discovered a picture of my one of my mothers uncles in the gallery under the heading 'People & Candid One'. The picture you have of the Wagon & Horses Cricket Team, submitted by Mrs. Dures, depicts my mums uncle, Albert Downes, and by talking to my relatives I have found that the unknown person is Jackie Hurst.
Hope this information is of some use and I look forward to visiting the site again.
W. Holmes
14 May 2005
WHAT CAN I SAY?
Well, what can I say!!! If I could get tradesmen to do such a vast amount of work in such a short time I'd never let them go (guess who's having her house renovated!). I can't begin to thank you for all your sterling work in assisting me with my family history. I have only been researching the family tree (both sides) for a couple of years, and had put the Moores on the backburner as being a bit difficult. I had spotted this family on the IGI and thought they were mine, but couldn't quite connect it all together, which you have done so magnificently.
Marjorie McManus
19 May 2005
EDGAR BREFFIT GLASS PRODUCTS
I would be most grateful if anyone can suggest a source of information about the glass products made by Breffit before the factory closed down, probably in the 1920s. I am researching eye baths and have been told about a blue glass reservoir eye bath marked "E B & Co" on the base. Could this have been made by Breffit?
George Sturrock
22 May 2005
CLAREMONT HOUSE, LAMB INN ROAD
We recently moved into Claremont House and believe it dates from around 1850. Fortunately it still has some of the original features such as shutters, fireplaces, and in particular the beautiful ornate cornice in the living room. It is unusual in that the rooms at the front of the house have very high ceilings yet at the back the house is on three floors with much lower ceilings. The entrance hall is very large, as big as a living room in some smaller houses, and has it's own fireplace.
We have been told that at some stage the house was used as a Doctor's surgery. We have also been given several old deeds for the property but would love to know more of its history. It would be nice to find any old photographs of the house. The only photo I have found of Lamb Inn Road is on the Twixt Aire & Calder site, but this shows a butchers shop which I believe would have been at the end of the road near Racca Green.
If anyone has any information we would dearly love to hear from you.
Last year Dr. Terry Spencer gave me a massive amount of valuable information on tracing the history of a local farm estate. He taught me at Ferrybridge Junior School years ago. The articles he writes are first-class and I would like to say thank you for the way he still informs and educates us all in such an enjoyable way and long may he continue to do so.
Christopher & Diane Dillerstone (nee Ellis of Ferrybridge)
12 June 2005
AIRCRAFT CRASH AT FERRYBRIDGE
I've recently heard a story about an aircraft that crashed during the Second World War. It reportedly came down on the hill near what is now the Ferrybridge motorway services at junction 33. Apparently it was a twin engine craft that plunged into the soft earth and was never recovered. Is there any truth to this story?
George Gardner
17 June 2005
COMPLETELY BIASED ARTICLE
I thoroughly enjoy reading each month edition of the digest. There is one section I wish to object to, in the strongest terms possible - the three and a half pages of diatribe from Graham Stokes.
Every month so far, I have been able to put up with his political undertones, which I do not see as as been the purpose for your excellent publication. However, this month you have published a completely biased article about the Pottery Lane Planning Application. Stokes makes no attempt to comment on the benefits such as scheme may deliver, and immediately takes one side of the argument, which a minority of the people of Knottingley have objected about.
I should be grateful in future if you would either publish unbiased columns or not publish them at all.
If Stokes had any kind of journalistic capability about him, he should be informing the all of Knottingley about the arguments on both sides, so people can make their own minds up about any argue - not to be railroaded as to his own views.
I would be pleased if you would take on board these comments, and also pass this on to Stokes. Hopefully it may lead to balanced arguments on other subjects not just his own personal judgement being forced on us.
On a more positive note - keep up your own good work.
David Whitelaw
8 July 2005
A1(M)/M62 INTERCHANGE
A1(M)/M62 INTERCHANGE CONSTRUCTION, JUNE 2005
Photograph submitted by Sue Gilson
After reading
the A1 update from Graham Stokes in the July edition of The Digest, and
remembering the old adage that a picture is worth a thousand words, I
though you might like to see this aerial photograph of the A1(M)/M62
roadworks to the west of Ferrybridge power station. It was taken in June
2005 with a digital camera.
It looks like we will have our own 'spaghetti junction' and there is no doubt that it is
a significant engineering achievement and a sign of progress. I confess
however, that I still get a certain satisfaction from driving through that
part of Brotherton / Byram that still bears the street sign 'Old Great
North Road'.
Sue Gilson
10 July 2005
RESPONSE TO LETTER
Thank you to David Whitelaw for his comments in the letters page 8th July 2005. I would like to put his mind at rest regarding my journalistic capability, I do not have any journalistic ambitions. I am an elected representative for the Ferrybridge & Knottingley area, and my reason for writing in the Knottingley Digest is for the sole purpose of passing on information that I come across that I feel local people may be interested in, and to let people know what their elected representatives are doing, I believe most people are interested and expect to be kept informed by any means possible.
I do not presume or anticipate that people will agree with my point of view all the time, indeed it would be a sad world if everybody agreed with everyone else, but I would have hoped for a curteous reasoned reply rather than a personal attack, like you David I do have a first name, people can hold different points of view with some tolerance of others, indeed I welcome comment on items that are raised in order that I can take them on board..
In respect of the Pottery Lane Development I was reporting on the planning committee meeting that I attended as an objector speaking on behalf of the residents who live in that area and have very real fears about highway issues, ( would I be right in thinking you live on Broomhill?)
I had attended a meeting held in the Progressive Club organised by residents from within the area, everyone at this well attended meeting had the opportunity to ask any questions they wished to, and many did.
It was the residents wish that this planning application be opposed because of all the problems they have suffered on highways grounds over a lot of years.
In regard to them being a minority there were 20 letters of objection reported at the committee from local residents and businesses, and a petition had previously been raised, there were no letters received in favour of the development and that includes from yourself.
Incidentally since then the planning committee have met again and were unanimous in turning down the application.
I will of course continue working hard to represent the majority view on issues within Knottingley and Ferrybridge to the best of my ability, and will continue to let people know of any issues that are around which may affect our area. I think that is the very least they would expect of me.
Councillor Graham Stokes
12 July 2005
ROPEWALK SCHOOL REUNION
A reunion of former pupils of Ropewalk Secondary Modern will be held at the Kellingley Social Centre on Saturday the 8th October 2005, commencing at 7pm.
We are looking for former pupils who would have attended the school from 1955 to 1959 (this would make them sadly in their late 50s to early 60s)
A small charge of £1.50 will be required to cover the cost of a buffet. Would anyone who wishes to attend telephone Michael Pettard on 01977 674603 or indeed myself, John Vause, on 01977 663679.
John Vause
9 August 2005
IDENTIFICATION OF SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS
Having looked at the school photographs, I
believe nos. 11 and 12 were taken at the front of Ropewalk Secondary
Modern School in the late 1950s, near the 'Boys' entrance as it was then
marked in the stonework/concrete over the porch doorway.
Although I do not recognise any of the pupils, the teacher sitting centre front in photo
11 looks very much like Mr. Oliver Barton who taught science in the 1960s.
In the next photo the teacher standing in the checked shirt looks like
Miss Wilson. They looked a little older when I knew them in the
1960s.
Mrs Joyce Brown
2 September 2005
PART-TIME FIREMAN
My Dad, Willie Brocklehurst, used to work for Gregg's Glassworks and was also a part-time fireman in Knottingley both at the old station and then in the new one. I remember vividly watching the Kings Mills burning and hoping Dad would come home okay. At the time, we lived at 12 Forge Hill Lane and my bedroom had a good view of the fire. Does anyone remember my Dad or my mum who regularly made dinner on Sunday for the duty firemen at the new station? My Dad died on the 14th July 1990 and my mum still lives in Knottingley.
Does anyone have any photographs of the old library in Knottingley or information and photographs on the fire station?
Lynn King (nee Brocklehurst)
3 September 2005
BOYS BRIGADE ARE BACK IN TOWN
The 1st Knottingley Boy's Brigade has re-opened at Ropewalk Methodist Church. We would like to invite all 'Old Boys' to the dedication service on the 16th October 2005 at 10.45am. We are still looking for more 'New Boys' aged from 5 years and upwards and meetings are held every Tuesday from 6.45pm until 8.15pm. More details can be obtained from Reverend D. Hall on 01977 702673 or David Johnson on 01977 677741.
We are also looking for any information regarding the original start of the BB in Knottingley. We believe it was the early 1930s but can't pin it down exactly. Can anyone help?
David Johnson
9 September 2005
REMINDERS OF THE 1950s and 1960s
Does any one have a picture of Victoria Terrace, Hill Top, Knottingley, as it's where my parents started their married life. I also would like to see a picture of the dry cleaners that I believe was situated at the top of the high street in Knottingley in maybe the late 50s and early 60s. I remember going there with my mum and the cleaning was wrapped in brown paper.
Lynn King (nee Brocklehurst)
20 September 2005
FERRYBRIDGE COOLING TOWER COLLAPSE
Although not working at the power station I remember the day well.
When three of the eight cooling towers collapsed at Ferrybridge ‘C’ Power Station on 1st November 1965, I was working in the Goods Department at Pontefract Monkhill railway station as Chief Delivery Clerk. Someone in the passenger department gave us a shout that one of the cooling towers had collapsed and it could be quite clearly seen from the down platform where the Knottingley and Goole trains departed.
It was of particular interest to the Goods Department staff because several thousand tons of steel reinforcing rods had been received by rail at Monkhill station from Staveley steel works in Derbyshire before being delivered from Monkhill to Ferrybridge power station by road.
The driver, Harry Scaife, had been seconded from Leeds Hunslet Lane goods station with his lorry, which had a double bogie trailer for this work. The steel was transferred from the railway wagons to the lorry by a ten-ton electric crane for delivery – the crane driver being Bob Ponsonby from Ferrybridge.
I know that over the years your memory plays tricks with you, but now it only seems minutes before the other two cooling towers collapsed, but it may have been two or three hours.
Incidentally, thousands of tons of similar steel reinforcing rods were received at Monkhill Station a few years earlier, also from Staveley steel works, for delivery to Kellingley Colliery when the shafts were being sunk there.
Alan Rhodes
16 December 2005
BARGE - MOREDALE - JOHN HARKER'S
It is almost two years since I contacted your site asking for information regarding two barges that played a big part in my father's (Harry) and Grandfather's (Wright CARMICHAEL) lives - Moredale and Humber Enterprise.
I must first of all say a really big thank you to Les Reid, who has been in regular contact with me and is a mine of information. However, I still have no information or more importantly a photograph of Moredale and was wondering whether you could publish my request again.
I believe Moredale was a heavy oil tanker and I know she was battleship grey, belonging to Harker's.. can anyone help?
Steve Carmichael
18 December 2005
COOLING TOWER COLLAPSE
At the time we lived at 22 Marsh Croft, Brotherton, which was only a few hundred yards from the power station across the river and the Little Marsh. I was in Sixth Form at the King’s School at the time but was at home on that day. I remember hearing a noise almost like very heavy hailstone rattling against the windows.
Sometime after the noise subsided I noticed that the windows which faced towards the power station were very dusty and went out to have a look. It was then that I saw the jagged remains of what had been the towers. Of course, there was no day-time TV news and it took quite a while to learn that, miraculously, no-one had been killed. If I remember correctly, it happened during a tea break.
Edwin Pickett
18 December 2005
RIVER QUALITY IMPROVED
As anoccasional visitor to Knottingley and a keen angler, one thing I have noticed (apart from the nice people) is the improvement to the river. I remember when I first saw it in 1979 it was orange! Now it is a coarse fishery and obviously has much improved from both a leisure and environmental standpoint. There must have been salmon in the river prior to the industrial revolution and it would be interesting to hear if they have been able to return yet as in other once-polluted waterways, e.g. the Mersey. It is quite possible that fish of all descriptions would have been caught for local markets from the river prior to its pollution.
Stephen Neale
22 December 2005