7th January 1938
BROSELEY
CHILDREN'S FANCY DRESS. A fancy dress dance for children was held at the Town Hall, on Saturday. The organising committee were Mrs. Davis (chairman), Mrs. Broadhurst, Mrs. H. Watkins, Mrs. Smith and Miss Lister. Mr. J. Jones was doorkeeper, and the Rev. C. S. Jackson (rector), was M.C. The judges were Miss Lister, Mr. Dennis Cope, Mr. Campbell and Mrs. Boden. The prizewinners were 1 Betty Bradley (tea), 2 Ivy Hall (Irish Girl), 3 Margaret Millward (Robin Hood), 4 Nora Hough (Peace), 6 Joan, Queen with attendant page (Alan Jones), 7 Turley Oakley (Bavarian peasant); boys —1 Trevor Instone (traffic signals), 2 Guy Tonkiss (old fashioned cricketer), 3 Billy Hough (Dick Whittington), 4 George Mason (Black Cat), 5 Graham Whitmore (drummer boy).
DEATH OF MRS. HURDLEY. —The death occurred at Walsall of
Mrs. Clara Hurdley, widow of Mr. George Hurdley, once the Broseley cricket
captain. The funeral was at
FUNERAL OF MR. JOHN ROPER.—The funeral took place at
OLD PEOPLE ENTERTAINED.—About 65 old people were entertained at the Methodist Schoolroom on Wednesday. Those unable to walk were conveyed to and from the building in cars lent by Mrs. F. C. Howells and Mr. Haydn Burns, The party was organised by the Sunday School, with Mr. E Harris and Mr. E. Humphries as secretaries. Tea was catered for by the teachers of the Sunday school.
Broseley Playing Field
Chapel Plan Before Council
At a meeting of Broseley District Council on Wednesday, Alderman A. A. Exley (vice-chairman) presiding, the Clerk (Mr. F. W. Derry) announced that the Ministry of Health had provisionally sanctioned the sewerage scheme, which was the subject of the recent public enquiry at Broseley.
A letter was received from the Broseley Society for the Prosecution of Felons, stating that they were pleased to learn that the Council had acquired the Birch Meadow playing fields. While they were sure that this public ground would prove of great benefit and pleasure, particularly to the younger folk, they felt that its value would be increased by suitable buildings, providing dressing rooms for those taking part in football and other games, and ventured to suggest that the Birch Meadow Chapel was the ideal building for this purpose. With this in view, the Society passed a resolution at a special meeting, on December 13, containing the following:— "That the Society offer to the local authority a sum not exceeding £100 for the purchase, of the chapel, with the earnest hope that the building will be converted by them as a physical fitness centre, in conjunction with the playing field adjoining." The letter was signed by Mr W. E. Price, secretary.
Councillor T. W. Howells moved that the matter he deferred for one month. His sole reason for doing so was the absence of the chairman, who was keenly interested in the matter. It was an important and rather large subject, and as no time limit was fixed by either sellers or purchasers, nothing would be lost by leaving it over
This course was agreed upon.
The clerk reported the receipt of a letter from the National Playing Fields Association, in reply to the Council's letter applying for a grant for the Birch Meadow Field. They stated that the Government's physical fitness fund was the likeliest one from which the Council would obtain help.
The Clerk said that one of the conditions for obtaining a grant front this fund was that a definite lay-out plan and scheme of equipment must be submitted when asked for.
Councillor Howells said he was going to suggest that at the next meeting a sub-committee should be formed to draft a scheme, embodying the field and the building. His proposal that this matter be also deferred for one month, was carried.
It was resolved to send to Alderman J. Nicklin (chairman) an expression of sympathy in his illness, with hopes that he would have a speedy recovery.
NOTICE TO QUIT
It was resolved to give the tenants of three Council houses notice to quit, unless their rent arrears were paid by the following Saturday.
The Sanitary Inspector (Mr. C. T. Thomas) reported two
houses, one in Simpson's Lane and one in
It was resolved to write to the owner of the other house asking him if he objected to demolition.
A proposition to have one-way traffic in
14th January 1938
JACKFIELD
FUNERAL OF MRS. J. JONES.—The funeral took place on
Wednesday of Mrs. Rose Jones, of Lloyd's Head, who died on Saturday, aged 73.
She was a native and well-known resident of Jackfield, and was the widow of Mr.
John Jones, an old employee of Messrs. Craven, Dunnill, who died 15 years ago.
A service at the
BROSELEY
METHODIST PARTIES.—Through the kindness of Mrs. F. C. Howells (Field House), the officers and trustees of the church, Sunday school teachers, members of the choir, and their wives were entertained to tea on Wednesday at the Methodist Schoolroom, which was gaily decorated. Supporting Mrs. Howells were Councillor and Mrs. T. W. Howells, Master Trevor Howells, the Rev. and Mrs. R. H. Osborne, the Rev. E. W. A. Barber, the Rev. C. S. Jackson (Rector of Broseley), Mr. J. G. Broadhurst, Mrs. James Davies, Mr. C. R Jones. (Sunday School superintendent). Mr. A. O. Jones was M.C. for the evening, and Mr. Dennis Williams was the pianist. Master Trevor Howells organised competitions, the winners being Mr. C. O. Jones, Miss Edna Williams, Mr. Fisher and Mrs. C. S. Thomas. Games and community singing were included in the programme. Tea was served by lady members of the church. Yesterday (Thursday) Mrs. F. C. Howells entertained the senior scholars of the Sunday school to a party. Mr. A. O. Jones directed games. Father Christmas was impersonated by Mr. Jack Sankey, and each child had a present.
DEATH OF MISS M. POOLE. — Deep sympathy has been extended to
Mr. and Mrs. T. W. Poole,
CONSERVATIVE TEA. — The annual tea party of the women's
branch of the Conservative Association was held at the Town Hall on Friday,
about 50 people being present. In the absence of Lady Nora More, the
vice-chairman (Mrs. George Potts) presided, others present including tile Mayor
of Wenlock (Councillor E. H. H. Shorting), and Miss Foster (hon. divisional
women's organiser). The helpers were: Mrs. Potts, Mrs. Renwick, Mrs.
Broadhurst, Mrs. Parr, Miss Lister, Mrs. T. Instone, Mrs. Evans and Mrs.
Pountney. Games, dances and a concert followed, songs being given by Miss F. L.
Roberts, Miss Barbara Jones (
SOCIAL. — About 100 people were present at the church social
at the Town Hall on Saturday. The Rev. C. S. Jackson and Mr.
21st January 1938
Broseley Church
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PROSPECTS OF A SENIOR SCHOOL
Rector's Fears
The Rev. C. S. Jackson, Rector, presided at last night's annual church meeting at the Town Hall, Broseley. He nominated Mr. H. Baysfield as vicar's warden, and the Mayor of Wenlock, Mr. E. H. H. Shorting, was elected people's warden.
The statement of accounts, presented by Mr. W. Andrews, treasurer, showed total receipts of £355 4s. 8d., of which £60 1s. 9d. was the result of the gift day, and the remainder made up of church collections. There was a balance in hand of £4 is. 4d.
The treasurer stated that collections were down by £7, and had it not been for the gift day and a single donation of £11 there would have been a considerable adverse balance. The accounts were passed with thanks to the treasurer. The Town Hall accounts showed receipts of £134 13s. 3d. and expenditure of £139 13s. 4d., giving an adverse balance of £15 2s. 1d. Mr. C. F. Francis said it appeared to be necessary to revise the whole scale of charges. Several of the expenses would not occur again, but independent of that the letting fees the Town Hall was receiving would not allow the account to balance on the right side. The matter was referred to the Town Hall Committee.
The Church Council were re-elected, and Mr. W. H. Stone and Mr. D. Cope were added to the list of sidemen.
Representatives for the Ruridecanal Conference were re-elected, and the Rector stated that the Wenlock Ruridecanal Conference had been held recently
The Broseley representatives were not notified individually and a resolution had been passed by the Church Council protesting against the short notice given and the infrequency of the conferences.
The Rector made a statement regarding a meeting which had
taken place that clay between the Broseley school managers and the Secretary of
Education for
When he went away, said the Rector, he said he agreed with them in aim and principle, but not from the practical point of view. The Rector said he was afraid that in a short time a new school would be built at Wenlock. If they had 200 senior children in Broseley they might build a school, but they had only 186. Should this scheme materialise he was afraid they would be asked to spend at least £1,000 in reconditioning the existing school, and making it into a junior school.
The meeting resolved, on the motion of Mr., A. J. Garbett,
seconded by Mr. H.
The meeting resolved that in the event of the Birch Meadow Chapel being found to be suitable for the general physical development of the town, to urge the Broseley Council to go forward. This was moved by Mr. H. Darlington, seconded by Mr. H. Watkins, and passed by a small majority.
It was resolved to communicate with the appropriate public bodies asking that the Rectory Corner streets widening scheme might be proceeded with.
28th January 1938
BROSELEY
FUNERAL OF MRS. JOHNSTON The funeral took place en Wednesday
of Mrs Mary Ann Johnston, of the Post Office, Broseley Wood, who died on
Satarday, aged 75. She was a native of
WOMEN CONSERVATIVES. — The annual meeting of the women's branch of the Conservative Association was held on Wednesday, Lady Nora More was re-elected chairman, and at Easter, when she is leaving the district, Mrs. Rowland Hunt will succeed her. Other officials elected were: President, Lady Forester; vice-chairman, Mrs. George Potts; secretary, Mrs. Renwick; assistant secretary, Mrs. A. Jones; treasurer, Mrs. P. W. Parr. Vice-presidents were re-elected with the addition of Mrs. Benthall (Benthall Hall). An address was given by Major E. R. H. Herbert.
MOTHERS' UNION PARTY. The two oldest members of the Benthall
branch of the Mothers'
TENNIS DANCE. — There was a good attendance at the annual dance of the Broseley Tennis Club at the Town Hall on Wednesday. Mr. Walter Davis was secretary and M.C. Refreshments were served by lady members of the club. A Bridgnorth band played. Dance prizes were presented by Mrs. W. Howells to Mr. and Mrs. J. Shaw. The room was nicely decorated, the stage being bordered with evergreens.
SPECIAL COURSE FOR TEACHER —Mr. S. R. Brooks, a teacher at Broseley Boys' School, who left on Monday for Borough Road College, Isleworth, London, was one of six teachers selected by the County Education Committee for a special three months' course in physical training. In the meanwhile Mr. Brooks' place will be taken by Mr. W. Clay (Whitchurch).
Iron-Bridge Police Court
At Iron-Bridge Police Court on Tuesday William Morris, livestock buyer, 10, Elm Road, Birkenhead, was summoned for quitting a motor car without having, first stopped the engine, at the Wharfage, Iron-Bridge, on January 4.
P.C. Brooks said he waited by the car for three minutes while the engine was running until Morris came out of some business premises. He told witness that there was a lot of traffic about and he did not hear the engine.
Morris was ordered to pay the costs (4s.).
Ernest Ralphs, labourer, 35, Wenlock Road, Buildwas, was summoned for riding a bicycle on the footpath at Dale End, iron-Bridge, on January 11.
P.C. Boardman said Ralphs rode on the footpath past a shop doorway and when approached by witness he admitted having made a tyre mark 36 feet long on the footpath.
Ralphs wrote asking for lenient treatment stating that his cottage was damaged in the recent gale and had been put to expense.
He was finead 5s., including costs.
LICENSING BUSINESS
The full transfer of the Shakespeare inn, Coalport, was granted to Miss E. M. Heighway from the late Mr. Frederick Heighway.
Mr. J. Slatter, The Cuckoo Oak, Madeley, was granted an occasional licence from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. for the ball in aid of the Shropshire Constabulary Benevolent Fund at the Anstice Memorial Hall on January 28.
Mr. A. G. Oswell, The Lion Hotel, Broseley, was granted an extension of one hour until 11 p.m. for the Posenhall Football Club dinner on February 1.
Mr. H. E. Rowley, The Talbot, Iron-Bridge, was granted an extension of one hour until 11 p.m. for the Iron-Bridge Comrades Club dinner on February 4 and the Iron-Bridge Angling Club dinner on. February 12.
The magistrates were: The Mayor of Wenlock (Coup. E. H. H. Shorting), Lord Forester, Alderman W. Bishop, Alderman W. Roberts, Mr. C. H. Parker and Mr. J. S. Barker.
4th February 1938
Posebhall Football Club Dinner
Presentation to Secretary
At a dinner and smoking concert in connection with the
Posenhall Rovers Football Club, at the Lion Hotel, Broseley, on Tuesday, Mr. E.
Wilde was presented with a bureau in recognition of his services as secretary
and treasurer for the past ten years. The Rev. C. S. Jackson (Vicar of
Benthall), presided, and was supported by Mr. C. O. Dyas (President), Mr. J. W.
Jones (Little Wenlock), a member of the Shropshire F.A. Council; and Mr. H. B.
Skitt (secretary, Shropshire F.A.), Mr. R. Latham (secretary,
The presentation was made by Mr. C. O. Dyas, who said that Mr. Wilde had given wonderful service to the club. He had done the secretarial work, and arranged the teams and transport; he had been treasurer and had seen to the receipts and payments. He had spent many hours each week during the season on the club's business, and hardly knew when he had finished. Had it not been for Mr. Wilde, the club could not have gone on. Apart from the weekly football, he had organised a weekly club, at which indoor games were played to keep the members together in a friendly and social way. No other club in the country had a secretary who was willing to give up his time in a voluntary capacity more than Mr. Wilde.
Mr. Wilde, in response, said what he had done for the club, he did with a good heart and he had no regrets for the time he had spent.
EXAMPLE OF "STICKING IT "
The toast of the Posenhall Football Club was proposed by the Rev. C. S. Jackson, who said that while "Mr. Jackson's" teams in Broseley had come and gone, Posenhall had gone on and on. The club never seemed to have any public appeals. They were self-supporting, self-managing and self-disciplined and had set a wonderful example of "sticking 'it." He joined with the tribute which had been paid to Mr. Wilde. The club had done great work, and he believed it would be called upon to do even greater work by being linked up with the physical fitness movement.
Mr. S. Colley and Mr. L. Sanger replied, thanking Mr. Jackson and the Benthall Church Council for the use of the club's dressing room.
The Rev. C. S. Jackson proposed the toast of "Football," welcoming the representatives of the Football Association. In all the difficulties of running junior football clubs they knew they had a real friend and sympathiser in Mr. Skitt. (Hear, hear).
Mr. H. B. Skitt said he agreed with the Rev. C. S. Jackson
that the new physical fitness movement should be linked up with the national
game of football. More village clubs were now springing up and he believed this
was due to better management of competitions. The standard of refereeing was
also improving. He was happy to mention Mr. A. Fielding, of Broseley,
officiated as linesman in an important match between First Division clubs at
Mr. J. W. Jones, who also responded, said the former Little Wenlock side always enjoyed their meetings with Posenhall.
Mr. R. Latham said Posenhall had been a credit to the Wellington League. They had never had a misconduct case while they had played in registered football. The chairman thanked the licensee (Mr. Oswell). Mr. Wilde thanked the Rev. S. Jackson of presiding, and Mr. L. Sanger thanked the lady helpers. Mr. A Fielding thanked the club for the invitation given to referees. The health of the President was drunk with musical honours, and Mr. Dyas replied that so long as he had the farm he would he glad to see the club playing on his field.
The lady helpers were Mrs. Oswell, Mrs. Reeves, Mrs. Wilde (mother of the club secretary), Mrs. Anthony, Mrs. Colley; Miss Oswell, and Mrs. Heath. The artistes were thanked by Mr. C. O. Dyas.
In a long musical programme the main feature was the "hill-billy " songs and popular hits, given in " western " costume by Mr. R. Johnstone, with guitar accompaniment, including the song " Little Buckree," which he broadcast in the "In Town To-night " programme, about six weeks ago. Mr. E. Wilde showed his versatility by contributing humorous monologues and a duet with Mr. A. Anthony. Others contributing songs were Messrs. C. Wilde and G. Wilde (duet), Walter Watkins, D. Potts, A. Bishton, A. Fielding and A. Cartwright, with Mr. J. Harrison as pianist.
80th Birthday Gift for Mr. Nickiln
Senior Wenlock. Alderman
Alderman J. Nicklin, senior Alderman of the Borough of Wenlock, and chairman of the Broseley Ward Council, was given a silver tray after the meeting of the Broseley Council on Wednesday, to mark his approaching eightieth birthday. Owing to Alderman Nicklin's absence from the meeting through illness, the gift was exhibited prior to being taken to him and bore the inscription "Presented to Alderman J. Nicklin, J.P., C.C., on the occasion of his eightieth birthday, as a mark of esteem and regard, by the Mayor, Town Clerk, and his colleagues in the Broseley Council, February 7, 1938." Alderman A. A. Exley (vice-chairman) presided.
Councillor T. W. Howells said the gift was offered to Alderman Nicklin as an expression of their regard for his services to the Council. Unfortunately owing to continued indisposition, it was not possible for him to be there. He was voicing the thoughts of the Council in wishing Alderman Nicklin a speedy recovery to health, and a quick return to help them in the Council chamber. During the last three years there had been very troublesome matters to deal with, but the fact that they had been dealt with in such a harmonious spirit was due to the tactful leadership of Alderman Nicklin. Those of lesser municipal experience looked to him for help and guidance. He always unhesitatingly gave them a lead and his judgments were sound. They felt they could not allow the occasion to pass without some memento of his services. He was one of the four senior members of the Wenlock Town Council and was the senior alderman.
The Mayor of Wenlock (Councillor E. H. H. Shorting), intimated that he had seen Alderman Nicklin, and he asked him (the Mayor) to convey to the Council his grateful thanks for the gift. There was nothing he would have liked better, and he would always appreciate it.
The chairman said he supported everything that had been said.
The Town Clerk (Mr. F. W. Derry) said Alderman Nicklin had been a member of the Borough Council for 34 years. He had served as Mayor, and had been a justice of the peace for twenty years, and was the fourth senior magistrate of the Borough. He was also a member of the County Council and of the Wenlock Guardians' Committee. He had practically devoted his life to public social and philanthropic work.
A letter of thanks was read from Alderman Nicklin, in which he said I want to convey a message of heartfelt and sincere expression of my deepest gratitude for such a beautiful gift. I am deeply touched by your great kindness. I value the knowledge that I have the kindly and wholly sincere friendship of all my colleagues."
JACKFIELD—BROSELEY
MIGRATION
Councillor P. W. Parr said two tenants of two houses in Jackfield had complained to him that they were to be moved to new houses at Broseley, one under the overcrowding and one under the slum clearance scheme.
Councillor. T. W. Howells: We can't find any suitable housing Sites in Jackfield. That is why we are forced to take them to Broseley.
"We can't find a Jackfield site," said the chairman.
The Sanitary Inspector (Mr. C. J. Thomas) said there were four houses in Jackfield from which the occupants had to be rehoused.
Councillor Parr: If we were moved from Broseley to Jackfield we should probably have something to say about it.
The Clerk : If I was moved from Jackfield to Broseley I don't think I should have anything to say about it.
Councillor Parr: These people are being moved further away from their work.
It was decided to take no action.
The Surveyor (Mr. F. Richards) reported that Speed's Lane could be resurfaced at a cost of £294, and could be made fit for foot passengers at a cost of £75.
The matter was adjourned to the next meeting.
The
BIRCH MEADOW CHAPEL The Clerk said the question of the purchase of the Birch Meadow Chapel and the whole outlay of the Birch Meadow playing field had been deferred from the last meeting because of the chairman's absence.
Alderman Exley: I think the best thing is for a small committee to go and see what can be done.
Councillor T. W. Howells: We are not supposed to look a gift horse in the mouth, but I suppose we have got to do it. Before we commit ourselves, I think a small committee ought to review the position and see what use can be made of the playing fields, and what use can be made of the Birch Meadow Chapel in conjunction with the playing fields. I think we have to have some sort of pavilion or shelter. Is this shell offered us going to be useful for that purpose? It will mean the whole inside being taken out. We ought to find what it would cost to put it in repair.
The Mayor raised the question of a grant and the Clerk said no grant could be obtained until the scheme was formulated, and it was stated what money it was proposed to expend.
Councillors C. R. Jones, W. Davies, P. W. Parr and the Surveyor (Mr. F. Richards), were appointed a sub-committee to investigate and report upon the matter.
Mail Order Club Dealings
Woman Charged With Fraud
COMPLAINTS BY
CUSTOMERS
Iron-Bridge
Bench
Grant Legal Aid
At a special court at Iron-Bridge Police Station, on Monday, Mrs. Sarah Jane Hollins (32), 33, Sutton Common, Shifnal, was committed for trial at the next Wenlock Quarter Sessions on the two following charges of fraudulent conversion.
The charges were:—(1) That being entrusted with £1, the money of Mrs. Mary Annie Lewis, of Barrow, Broseley, to purchase goods from the Littlewood's Mail Order Stores, Ltd., she did fraudulently convert the same to her own use, between March 27, 1937, and December 30, 1937; and (2) that being entrusted with 9s, the money of Mrs. Lillian Williams, of Barrow, for a similar purpose, she converted the same to her own use between March 27, 1937, and January 2, 1938.
Mrs. Hollins pleaded "Not guilty " to the charges,
and was represented by Mr. C. K. Mynett (Messrs. Littlewood and Peace,
Mrs. Mary Annie Lewis, 28, Barrow, Broseley, said about two years ago Mrs. Hollins came to live near to witness at Barrow and she started to run a 1s. club. Witness had eight weekly shilling shares in it. Mrs. Hollins ran the club satisfactorily and witness had her goods each week as they became due. On March 27, 1937, Mrs. Hollins began to run another club. Witness had twelve shares in it. Mrs. Hollins gave witness the six cards (produced). The cards were marked with the weeks. Witness took the 1st, 2nd, 9th, 10th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th weeks' chances.
The entries were made on the cards, and the last one was crossed out, because witness refused to pay. She refused to pay because the 9th chance was overdue. The first chance was a pair of flannel trousers.
Mrs. Hollins left in April to live at
CORRESPONDENCE WITH FIRM
Witness told Mrs. Hollins to get lady's clothing to the value of £1. Witness did not receive anything. She saw Mrs. Hollins on June 22 and asked why she did not get the goods. Mrs. Hollins said she was in trouble with the club and witness would have to wait. At this time witness had paid £5 8s. and received goods to the value of £2. 'Witness communicated with the proprietors of the club, and had ten letters from them.
Witness also wrote to Mrs. Hollins, after a representative of the Stores had called to see her. In September she received goods from Littlewoods consisting of lady's clothing value £1, a bed chair value and two table cloths value 8s. Having previously received goods value £2, she had up to then received goods value £4 8s. from Mrs.. Hollins, and had paid her £5 8s. Witness wrote to Mrs. Hollins and asked her to order four shirts to the value of £1. Witness received no answer and she complained to the firm. They wrote and told witness to put the matter in the hands of the police.
On January 5 Mrs. Hollins came to see witness, and offer to give her but she refused, saying the matter was in the hands of the police. Witness did not know whether she had a pound or not.
In reply to Mr. Mynett, witness said Mrs. Hollins contended that she had sent this £1 to Littlewood's. Mrs. Hollins' husband came to collect money three times, and his visits were towards the ninth week.
METHOD OF BUSINESS
Robert McNabb,
UNABLE TO COLLECT MONEY
John Farnsworth, investigator employed by the Stores, said Mrs. Hollins was the organiser of club No. 239,937. When complaints were received from the witness, Mrs. Lewis, he interviewed Mrs. Hollins on Monday, August 16, and asked why she had not forwarded the orders of Mrs: Lewis, She stated that she had only collected the club money from the members for nine weeks. Witness asked why and she said when she had called on the members she was unable to get the club money, and as she then resided about seven miles away, she could not afford the expense of calling on them. Witness told her she would have to call on the members and collect the club money, but she stated that she did not intend to do so. Witness told her that if she did not forward the outstanding orders of the member, Mrs. Lewis, that the consequences would be serious. She informed witness that Mrs. Lewis had twelve shares in the club. She had paid £5 8s. and had only received £2 value of goods. Witness saw Mrs. Lewis and she mentioned to witness that some members were in arrear with their payments. One member had received goods value £2 and had only paid £1. Another member had received goods value £1 and only paid in 9s.
Mr. Mynett : These clubs run well so long as the members pay their contributions. Supposing members default; the organiser if he or she has no capital is landed " in the cart? "
Witness: Certainly. She has her own redress. She can sue them in the county court.
Mrs. Violet Annie Humphries, 29, Barrow Cottages, Broseley said she joined Mrs. Hollins' club at the end of March, 1937, and had two 1s. shares, getting the 5th and 6th weeks' chances. Mrs. Hollins collected her payments until May 22. Witness should have received some goods at the beginning of May, and not receiving them witness wrote to the firm. She had given Mrs. Hollins an order for an oil stove, value £2. Witness produced her card on which she had paid 20s. She identified a receipt (produced) from Littlewood's, acknowledging the receipt of a further £1 which she sent to the firm.
Mrs. Lucy Beatrice Grainger, Arlescote Farm House, Broseley, said she joined Mrs. Hollins' club on March 29, 1937. She had one share and it was the eighth week chance. Mrs. Hollins collected her shilling regularly until May 24. Through Mr: Hollins, who came in place of his wife, witness ordered a linoleum square to the value of £1. Witness did not get it so she wrote to the firm and received it about three weeks later. She produced the card, showing payments of 9s. She sent this card and a remittance of 12s. to pay for the linoleum square.
STATEMENT TO POLICE
P.C. Ogilvie said he received information of the case from Mrs. Lewis on December 30, 1937. After obtaining a statement from Mrs. Lewis, together with the club cards and correspondence produced, witness and Inspector Machin interviewed Mrs. Hollins on January 4 with regard to Mrs. Lewis'complaint that there was £1 outstanding. She said "I have sent all the money I have taken to Littlewood's." Witness showed her the six cards (produced) relating to Mrs. Lewis' contributions, and asked her if the signatures were her own. She agreed that they were, and she admitted having collected 12s. a week front Mrs. Lewis between March 27 and May 22. She insisted that she had sent on the money collected. She stated that she had some receipts, but these were stored with her furniture at the Hay Farm, Madeley, and beyond her informing them the names of the club members were Mrs. Lewis (twelve shares), Mrs. Williams (one share), Mrs. Humphries (two shares), Mrs. Grainger (one share), herself (one share), her father, Mr. Groves (one share), her husband (two shares), the police could get no satisfactory explanation. Witness cautioned her and told her she would be reported for fraudulently converting to her own use the sum of £1 received from Mrs. Lewis. Witness offered her writing materials. She said I am not writing anything. If they take me to the police court I will say what I have to say there. I can't contradict myself there. I am not going to any court. I will send to Littlewoods what I owe." Mrs. Hollins signed this statement.
When charged with the first offence, Mrs. Hollins pleaded “Not guilty” and reserved her defence. Mrs Hollins was committed for trial at the Wenlock Sessions to be held on April 30.
CUSTOMER WHO GOT NOTHING Mrs. Lillian Williams, 39 Arlescote
Cottages, Broseley, giving evidence
in the second case, said that in March, 1937 she agreed to have a shilling
share in Mrs. Hollins’ club. She paid her first shilling on March 27, and she
had the 11th week chance. Mrs. Hollins resided at Barrow until the middle of
April and then went to
Robert McNabb said he received a letter from the last witness complaining of the non-receipt of goods. The firm referred the complaint to the organiser. No order for goods had been received from the last witness.
John Farnsworth said when he interviewed Mrs. Hollins on August 16, she admitted that her member, Mrs. Williams, had paid the sum of 9s. without return, and she (Mrs. Hollins) intended to refund the money.
P.C. Ogilvie said he interviewed Mrs. Williams and received from her the card and correspondence (produced). On January 4 witness interviewed Mrs. Hollins and asked her to examine the club card of Mrs. Williams. She admitted having received the nine shillings and said she had sent Mrs. Williams' order to Littlewoods, but had enclosed no money with it. Witness told her she would be reported for fraudulently converting to her own use the sum of 9s. received from Mrs. Williams for the purpose of purchasing goods. Mrs. Hollins said "I have had the money from her. I have sent it to Littlewoods. All the money I have had from members I have sent to Littlewoods. The whole trouble is my husband’s suit. If I had sent the money up for that I would be all right now. I owe Littlewoods something about 32s. It may not be that much. I have sent Mrs. Williams' order up but not the money. The reason I have not sent it up is because I have a county court bill to pay, and am having to go out to work all day myself to help to pay my way. "Mrs. Hollins signed this statement. She then commenced to cry and produced two county court judgment summonses, one for about £12, another for about £2 together with receipts showing that she was paying it off in amounts ranging from 5s. to £1, and said " What can't speak can't lie."
LEGAL AID GRANTED
Mr. Mynett made an application for a defence certificate, granting legal aid. Although the amounts involved were comparatively trivial, he said, by its very nature the charge was a serious one. The charges arose out of a mistake of 29s. and occurred while Mrs. Hollins was conducting one of Messrs. Littiewood's clubs. To a woman of the position of Mrs. Hollins the running of the club was a complicated 'matter and required. The keeping of complicated accounts. In this case fraud was the essential element. Their worships might not think that Mrs. Hollins was a fit person to run a club, but the element of fraud had to be proved. At the Quarter Sessions there would he prosecuting counsel, and it would he in the interests of justice that there, should be defending counsel and instructing solicitors to put the case fairly before the court. Her husband was a farm labourer earning 34s. a week. Mrs. Hollins worked on the land when the weather was fine and earned 16s. or 17s. a week. They had two children
Legal aid was granted.
Mrs. Hollins was allowed bail in the sum of £20, with Mr. H. J. Williams, The Hay Farm, Madeley, as surety in the sum of £10.
11th February 1938
Iron-Bridge River
The report referred to the proposed new bridge at Iron-Bridge, the construction of which had been postponed because of present high costs.
It was recommended that a house and disused bakery be purchased from Miss E. Scott for £450.
With regard to the
The first was that the council carry out repairs at an estimated cost of £450 and maintain the bridge until such time as the new bridge is in use.
The second was that the council make a grant to the Wenlock Borough Council of 75 per cent, of the cost of maintaining the approach roads.
It was stated that the committee would not object to the raising of the maximum permissible load to 12 tons.
Mr. F. P. J. Childs, chairman of the Roads and Bridges Committee, said the Jackfield bridge and approach roads were under the control of the Wenlock Borough Council, which had imposed restrictions on the weight of loaded vehicles using the bridge. There had been objections to the restriction, which would be met if the Minister agreed to the limit being raised from eight to 12 tons.
The proposals, said Mr. Giles, would enable them to carry on until prices fell sufficiently to justify them in building a new bridge.
A MADELEY BY-PASS
The Council were asked to approve in principle a scheme for a by-pass at The Aqueduct, Madeley. The by-pass will commence at the new bridge to be built over the Coalport branch of the L.M.S. railway, and will lead southwards behind the houses to the east of the existing road, rejoining the present road at the bridge over the Madeley branch of the Great Western Railway. Building is to be restricted on the route for a standard width of 120 feet.
BROSELEY
METHODIST SOCIAL. — A social was held at the Methodist Schoolroom last week, at which the married men members of the church were the hosts. Games and competitions were enjoyed, and the surprise item of the evening was an illuminated sailing boat, made and staged by Mr. F. Davies, who contributed to the scene with a song and chorus. The part singing of the male voices, conducted by Mr. A. O. Jones, was another feature. The refreshments served by the married men drew from the ladies the admission that they could not have done it better themselves.
FUNERAL OF MR: W. BODEN. — The death occurred on Monday of
Mr. William Boden, 19,
METHODIST CONCERT.—Concerts by the Methodist Crusaders Concert Party on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Methodist Schoolroom, drew crowded houses. A bright feature was the duologue "In the next room," by W. Batchelor and L. Morris. The whole programme of 16 items was given by the following:— Mrs. Batchelor, Miss C. Casey, Miss Edna Williams, Miss G. Harris, Messrs. W. Batchelor, L. Morris, A. Evans and S. Bryan, with
Mrs. Thomas (pianist). The stage helpers were Mr. J. Sankey and Mr. Colin Jones.
FUNERAL OF MRS, PATTISON.— The funeral took place at
OPERETTA. — The operetta "Zurika, the Gipsy Maid," was given at the Town Hall on Friday by Much Wenlock Players, under the direction of the Rev. Hamlyn Rees-Davies. There was a crowded audience. The proceeds were in aid of the Broseley and Wenlock Minor Football Clubs, and it was expected that each would receive £4 10s
CHURCH SOCIAL. — The church social at the Town Hall on
Saturday was organised by Mrs. W. R. Pountney, Mrs. Ward, Mrs. J Hurdley, Mrs.
Molyneux and Mrs. A. Jones, with Mr. W. R Pountney doorkeeper. The first part
of the programme was spent in games and competitions, the winners being A.
Southorn and
BENTHALL
HELP FOR ORTHOPAEDIC HOSPITAL. — There were 27 tables at a
successful whist drive at
40 Years at Buildwas Junction
Signalman Retires
Mr. A. W. Sankey, of Burnt House, Buildwas, has recently retired from the position of signalman at Buildwas Junction, which he has held for the past 40 years. A native of Farley, Much Wenlock, he entered the service of the Great Western Railway at the age of 18, and has completed 47 years' service.
He started as porter at Buildwas, and after three years was
transferred to Iron-Bridge as porter-signalman. Eighteen months later he
returned to Buildwas, where he was the oldest railway servant. He has served
under Mr. W. H. Hall (the present stationmaster), Mr. George (now retired at
Mr. Sankey told the "Chronicle " that he learned
the present system of signalling from the beginning. He started when the wooden
staff and tickets were in operation. There was then a single line all the way
from
MR A. W. SANKEY
Mr. Sankey has retired with a clean record, a prized possession to all railwaymen. There was never an accident involving loss of life or serious damage while he was in the box and he was never late in going on duty. The only accidents he remembers at the Junction involved horses. A farm horse pulling a waggon was killed at Buildwas level crossing by a passenger, train, and a collision with a train caused the death of three more horses which were grazing near the station and had been brought there by a timber faller.
Neither on the Severn Valley line nor the branch lines to Wellington and Craven Arras (through Much Wenlock) has there been much alteration of passenger time tables in Mr. Sankey's time, but about thirty years ago, steam motor trains were run on the branch lines for about two years, at more frequent intervals, but were abandoned because their pulling power for heavy loads was not sufficient on the uphill gradients.
Goods traffic has greatly increased since the Buildwas power station was built, Mr. Sankey states. There are now three trains a day bringing in pulverised coal and slack, and six more goods trains, with coal and slack waggons. Mr. Sankey will spend his retirement in a cottage overlooking the junction.
18th February 1938
BROSELEY'S DEMAND
Broseley ratepayers have put forward a vigorous demand for a senior school of their own as opposed to a larger senior school at Much Wenlock, to serve Broseley as well as other places. The latter is the one suggested by the education authorities. At the Broseley meeting a ballot was taken and 97 votes were registered in favour of a separate school for Broseley, while there were no supporters for the Wenlock scheme. The Rector, the Rev. C. S. Jackson, was the principal speaker, and he produced some strong arguments against Broseley children being sent to Much Wenlock. He made a good case that could be applied with equal force to any proposal to build a senior school for a scattered and largely rural area. There are advantages in the Hadow scheme when the children live within easy reach of the school, but these largely disappear when senior schools are built in such situations that they can only be filled by transporting children long distances from their homes at the public expense. To this general argument against grouping may be added the special one that Broseley has a sufficient number of senior children to justify separate arrangements.
BROSELEY WANTS ITS OWN SCHOOL
RECTOR SAYS " MAKE A FIGHT OF IT"
Ballot Figures
97 to Nil
Against Joining With Wenlock
A meeting convened at the Town Hall, Broseley, on Sunday
afternoon to discuss the County Education Authority's proposal to erect a
senior school at Wenlock, to be attended by Broseley children, showed the
opinion of the town to be unanimously against the scheme. The Rector of
Broseley, the Rev. C. S. Jackson (chairman of the managers of the existing
In favour of an entirely new school for Broseley… 97.
In favour of the Local Education Authority's scheme …Nil.
The Rev. C. S. Jackson gave a resume of the Hadow re-organisation scheme, and said that it provided for new senior schools, with children, grouped in two or three streams, according to their intelligence and it was because of this that the proposal to have a senior school at Wenlock had come about. If Broseley children were taken to Wenlock, then the new school might be a three stream, and would certainly be a two stream school. But if there was a school at Wenlock and a school at Broseley, they would have to be one stream schools. The disadvantages of a one stream school was that there were children of varying intelligence in the same class and the master had either to concentrate on the forward boys at the expense of the back, ward, or the backward at the expense of the forward
Primarily the question was one of expense, because it would be cheaper to build one bigger school than two smaller schools.
Partly because of expense and partly because of the tendency to have three stream schools, the County Education Committee had decided that there was to be a new senior school at Much Wenlock. They proposed that every child over eleven should be transported from Broseley to Wenlock and they would be provided at Wenlock with a first-class dinner, price two pence. The children would leave Broseley at 8.15 and they would stay at Wenlock until 4.
RECTOR'S ARGUMENTS
He thought the chief objection to the proposal was that it would kill any community spirit they might have in Broseley. They were going to have a lot of children growing up in their midst without any spiritual home at all. Their school would be at Wenlock. Their home would be at Broseley. Any local patriotism, and he thought they had a fair amount of it in Broseley, was going to be killed. That might seem an assertion, but he thought there was a certain amount of evidence to prove that where children had been transported from their native villages, one got a lot of restless children without any real clinging to any particular place. There, were a certain number of troublesome children, perhaps lively children, he would not say wicked children, who behaved better by reason of the fact that they knew they might meet their teachers in the streets of Broseley, but if taken to Wenlock a great deal of restraint and proper discipline would finish and they would react against school discipline when they returned to Broseley. The school of the future was .not merely going to be a school that was open from nine till four, but the school was going to be very largely the home of the child. Their recreational facilities would be used in the evenings when school hours were over. This again might seem to be an assertion. He thought they would agree that the Victoria Institute, the Social Club, the Tennis Club and the Cricket Club, and other organisations in Broseley had done their best in circumstances which had not been altogether too easy. In the future these various forms of recreation would be State aided and State managed. These new schools would carry on all that kind of-work, formerly done voluntarily. If a new school was built at Wenlock, the Broseley children would not go back at night, and would be debarred from evening activities.
BROSELEY BECOMING INSIGNIFICANT?
The taking of half the teaching profession out of Broseley would make a difference to the town, and the fact that 170 children were having lunches at Wenlock each day would also affect them.
They were losing much in Broseley, because they sat still and did nothing. They saw one thing going after another, and if they were not careful, Broseley would sink into an insignificant place altogether. It was a wrong thing to raise false hopes. He felt whatever they did that afternoon would not have very much effect. He thought they should not take it sitting down, but should show themselves willing to make a fight of it.
WHY NOT BROSELEY?
Let them show the old spirit of Broseley, which did produce the goods and had done things in the past, and say quite openly and frankly "We have been sat on long enough. We are going to make our voice heard." He could see the children on a winter's morning, hanging about until the bus came, others arriving two minutes late and missing school for the day.
The County Education Committee wanted the Broseley school managers to say that the school at Broseley was not fit for children over eleven, and that it was too crowded, and therefore another school must be provided. They proposed to put a beautiful school in eleven acres at Wenlock. It was going to be a beautiful place, something similar to the school at Madeley, which they all thought was splendid. They said the managers must convert the present school into a primary school for children under eleven. That would make big demands upon the managers. He thought the managers would say "We have done our best. We have kept education going in Broseley for a great number of years. We cannot find any more money. You must take the school and turn it into a primary school." The Education Authority would probably spend £2,000 on bringing the school up to their standard for a junior school. If they could do that, they could, by spending more money build a senior school. What he was out for was an entirely new school for Broseley. If Wenlock could have an entirely new school so could Broseley. (Hear, hear.) With the Birch Meadow playing field, now belonging to the town, and the cricket field close by, a new school could be built at Broseley without there being any need to acquire eleven acres. They had the acres and they had the playing fields at Broseley. He did not think it would cost any more to build a new school, than it would be to convert the present one.
THE CHURCH'S VIEW
Some twenty questions were put to the Rector at the close of his speech. He said the cost of all school building was borne by the county rate. The proposed two penny dinners, he understood, would be wonderful value for the money. To the question "Have the Education Authority already decided to build this school at Wenlock, to accommodate Broseley children?" the Rector replied, No. What they have done at Wenlock is to buy ground, and plans are being prepared to build the school without accommodating Broseley children, I am told. I am told that all Broseley is doing now is to delay the whole proceeding and they will go on building the Wenlock school and leave room for extension, so that when Broseley people come to their knees and say " Take us in," they will be able to extend that school.
Mr. T. Broadhurst (a manager) agreed that this was so.
Mr. Jackson explained that the Education Authority's plan in the first place was to build a new school at Arlescott (midway between Broseley and Wenlock). The managers would not acquiesce in this plan, which would involve Broseley children cycling two and a half miles to the top of a hill, and Wenlock children making a similar journey, leaving a great building in the country empty at night. The promise was made that there should be two schools, one at Wenlock and one at Broseley. Then it was all altered and he was told the new school would be at Wenlock. The managers got in touch with the Education Authority. They argued and persuaded and did their utmost to get a new school built in Broseley.
25th February 1938
The River Severn Broadcast
Recording at Iron-Bridge
In connection with the broadcast of "River Severn," the B.B.C.'s feature from the main Regional programme on Wednesday and Thursday next week, three recordings were made at the Tontine Hotel, Iron-Bridge, on February 15, when the speakers recorded were Mr. Jackson, curator of Uruconium; Mr. F. R. Jones (Iron-Bridge), and Mr. H. S. Southern (Broseley). The recordings will be used in the forthcoming broadcast. Mr. Jackson dealt with the Roman remains. Mr. F. R. Jones described the former Iron-Bridge barge traffic and the position of Iron-Bridge to-day. It will be his first broadcast. He is a native of Iron-Bridge and has been post-master for the past 14 years. Mr. Southern spoke of the centuries-old Broseley tobacco pipe trade as the sole remaining manufacturer. Mr. Southern claims to be the first person in Broseley to broadcast, when he spoke in "The Microphone at Large" programme from Much Wenlock. Now he is the first person in Broseley to make a recording.
BROSELEY
CONSERVATIVE ASSOCIATION. —The annual meeting of the
Broseley Men's branch of the Conservative Association, together with a smoking
concert, was held at the Lion Hotel on Friday. The Mayor of Wenlock (Councillor
E. H. H. Shorting) presided, and was supported by Mr. W. M. Ridgewell (agent). Officers were elected as follows:
President, Mr. Hugh Welsh; vice-presidents, Dr. J. G. Boon, Alderman J.
Nicklin, and Mr. A. J. Kelley; chairman, the Mayor of Wenlock ; vice-chairman,
Mr. J. G. Broadhurst; treasurer, Mr. W. S. Instone; secretary, Mr. W. R. Pountney;
magazine secretary, Mr. Renwick. Messrs. A. Edwards, S. Bagley, and J. Richings
were added to the committee. The secretary reported an increase of 14 members
to a total of 50. Songs were given by Mr. H. Hurdley, Mr. .G. Jones (comedian),
Mr. M. Nicklin, and Mr. P. Reeves. The meeting was addressed by Mr. A. C. Gray
(
BROTHERHOOD. — There was an attendance of about one hundred
at a mixed meeting, on Sunday, when an address on . "The
SOCIAL. — About 110 people were present at a church social, run by the Social Committee, at the Town Hall, on Saturday. The first part of the programme was spent in games, and the second part in dancing. Refreshments were served by Mrs. C. Davis, Mrs. W. Davis, Miss White, Mrs. H, Watkins and Mrs. R. Smith. Mr. C. Davis and Mr. J. Jones were doorkeepers. It has been decided to continue the socials during Lent as "pleasant Saturday evenings," run on more subdued, lines.
CHOIR SERVICES. — Choir services were held at the
DEATH OF MR. W. J. JACKSON. —The death occurred on Sunday of
Mr. William John Jackson, aged 60, of Coneybury, Broseley. He was a native of
DEATH OF MR. J.
SEABURY. The death occurred on Monday of Mr. James William Seabury, 16,
WHIST DRIVE. — At the whist drive yesterday afternoon for the Town Hall Curtains Fund the winners were: 1 Mrs. Renwick, 2 Mrs. White, 3 Miss Horton. Mrs. E. H. Taylor and Miss Lister were hostesses, Miss Lister being M.C. and Mrs. Taylor presenting the prizes.
Beer Sold After Hours
IRON-BRIDGE CASE
Bench Consider Good Record of Licensee
At Much Wenlock Police Court on Monday Leonard Thomas Burton (40), licensed victualler, Station Hotel, Iron-Bridge, was summoned for supplying beer during non-permitted hours, at 10.15 p.m. on Saturday, January 29.
Edward Meredith, haulier, 20, Ladywood, Jackfield, was summoned for aiding and abetting.
Mr. A. N. Gwynne (
P.C. Blackburn said at 10.15 p.m. he walked into the bar of
the Station Hotel, and saw
In reply to Mr. Gwynne, witness said from six to ten customers were leaving as he entered.
Mr. Gwynne submitted that there was no case to answer, quoting a case in which a steward of a club was caught by the police bringing beer from the direction of the cellars, which he admitted was for a member. In this case it was held that there was no supply. Mr. Gwynne contended that in this case there had been no supply.
Superintendent Ridgeway submitted that the cases were not parallel, as in this case the customer was actually putting money over the counter, and was in the act of receiving the beer.
After a retirement the magistrates over-ruled Mr. Gynne's submission. Mr. Gwynne and Mr. Phillips then intimated that the clients would plead "Guilty."
Meredith said he arrived at 9.15. He had two pints of beer, and at 9.50 he asked for a pint of beer in a bottle. He stopped watching a game of billiards until after ten.
Mr. Gwynne said it would be a pity if a conviction was
recorded against
Mr. Phillips said that it was usual in these cases to have corroborative evidence. The prosecution was able to proceed by the fact that defendants admitted what had happened. It would have been easy for the landlord to have said, "This is my bottle. The two shilling piece was mine," and the prosecution would not have been able to proceed. His client ordered beer at 9.50 and forgot about it until he put his coat on. Then he went to fetch his beer, and the landlord reminded him that he had not paid for it. It was a technical offence. It was a thing that happened all over the country. The Borough of Wenlock had a wonderful record during the last two years without trouble with licensees. He believed the police were hoping that it would be kept up for three years, and he asked the magistrates to keep the record clean.
Superintendent Ridgeway said he did not dispute what had
been said as to the record of
After a retirement the magistrates dismissed the cases on
payment of costs. The Mayor of Wenlock (Councillor E. H. H. Shorting said they
took a lenient view because of
ROAD CASES
John Gittens, motor driver, The Bungalow, Broseley was summoned for permitting smoke which could have been prevented to issue from the exhaust of a motor cycle at Bridgnorth Road, Broseley, at 4.15 p.m. on January 23.
P.C. Blackburn said the road was blocked with smoke. Gittens said he had had a plug oiled up.
Superintendent Ridgeway said he did not press the case He had brought it as a warning
Gittens was ordered to pay the costs.
Kenneth Robert Purdy, builder's representative, 117,
The case was proved by P.C.'s Best and Evans, who followed Purdy in the police car.
4th March 1938
Women Beard Broseley Council
JACKFIELD PROTEST
Against Move to Broseley .
The tenants of two houses in Jackfield, whom the Broseley Council proposed to move to Broseley, under their re-housing scheme, sent their wives to the meeting of the Council on Wednesday afternoon to plead their case for remaining in Jackfield. The result was that the Council decided to make a further search for a housing site in Jackfield.
The two ladies, Mrs. J. Dodd and Mrs. G. Pritchard, presented a petition signed by the residents of Jackfield in support of their case. The petition stated "We the undersigned request, in view of the hardships entailed thereby; the decision to enforce residents of Jackfield to reside in Broseley, should be sympathetically" reconsidered. Mr. J. Dodd is employed at Madeley, and would have further to travel to work. Mr. G. Pritchard is a cripple and by living at Broseley he would be forced to give up his employment. We suggest the following alternative sites, both sides of the road, between `The Mount’ and ‘The Rock;’ Calcutts old brickworks; Calcutts school garden; Tuckies field."
Alderman A. Exley: that is all undermined.
The Clerk (Mr. F. W. Derry) said the petition covered three and a half sheets of foolscap.
The chairman: The whole inhabitants are taking up the case. He said that the Council had looked round Jackfield most carefully, but could not find a suitable place, except in one instance, and the price required for that was prohibitive. It was true that someone else had since bought it and built on it, but that could not be held up as a reason why the Council had not done their best. With regard to the general complaint of living in Broseley, there were two large works in Jackfield and some other works as well. The bulk of the People Working there lived at Broseley or Madeley.
HARDSHIP
Mrs. Dodd said her husband fought in the war, and if moved to Broseley he would be compelled to travel eight miles a day to reach and return from his work. He had no car.
Mrs. Dodd said that Mr. Pritchard lost, a leg in the war. Would the Council desire him to go from Broseley to Gitchfield for his day's work? They, had not been fair.
The chairman: You must not say that. We have only one thing to consider, and that is to fulfil our obligations to the Government. They send down to us and say certain houses are unfit for habitation. Certain houses were over-crowded. They told the Council to remedy it. The Council did not know who lived in the houses.
Mrs. Dodd: You have not been fair in trying to get ground in Jackfield.
The chairman: You must not say that. We know our business.
Mrs. Dodd asked why in the case of the piece of ground which the Council turned down because the price was too high, the Council did not take the owner to arbitration.
The chairman: We know all about that. That is not your business.
Mrs. Dodd stated that an individual family had been brought from Broseley to Jackfield and had a house built for them by the Council.
The chairman said in this case the land was given by the landlord, and he could not give them any more.
"You get on better if you are a nuisance," said Mrs. Dodd.
Mrs. Pritchard said she was appealing to the Council because her husband had lost a leg in the war, and would have great difficulty in getting to his work if moved to Broseley. She looked on the chairman as a gentleman and was sure he would do his-best for them. Councillor T. W. Howells: After those flattering remarks to yourself, I think we might make another effort to find a site.
Mrs. Dodd: We are wrapped up heart and soul in Jackfield. We have our school and church to look to. We have always been good churchgoers
It was resolved to visit Jackfield again and look for a site.
The chairman: Iwant you to understand that we have been round twice already. We have trod every yard, but we will go again.
BIRCH MEADOW PLAYING FIELD
Lengthy consideration was given to a report by a sub-committee, consisting of Councillors P. W. Parr, W. E. Davis and C. R. Jones and the Surveyor (Mr. F. Richards) on the Birch Meadow Playing Field and the possibility of using the Birch Meadow Chapel for the combined purpose of a pavilion and a physical fitness centre.
The Broseley Society for the Prosecution of Felons had offered to contribute £100 to the purchase price of the chapel, but it was decided not to purchase the chapel.
The report, which was unanimous, stated that the cost of repairing the chapel would be considerable, and sealed estimates had been obtained. They considered that the expense of the upkeep of the building, if converted for a keep-fit centre, would be too great to justify its being borne by the rates. They had no knowledge of any sum of money which could be obtained to convert this building. They were of the opinion that it was too far away from the playing field to be used as a pavilion.
The chairman said that the last sentence appeared to settle the question as to whether it was advisable to use the chapel in conjunction with the playing field That being the case he did not think they were any longer interested.
The estimates were then opened and were as follows:— Building work £58, painting and decorating work, etc., £48 10s. The building work included the removal of pews and of the gallery. These repairs were stated to be such as would put the building into good condition.
IMPROVEMENT PROPOSALS
The chairman said the Council had no intention of making the building a keep-fit centre only. If it could have been used for both purposes, there was no reason why it should not be so used. The sub-committee then presented their report, which contained the following suggestions for its improvement :-(1.) Improve the present football area, particularly by filling in depressions with soil. Plenty of suitable soil could be obtained from the new building site close at hand. Rolling and cutting and levelling would make of it an even patch of ground which could be used for winter and summer games. (2) A sandpit for children. (3) A putting course. (4) Seats in suitable places. (5) A shelter or pavilion, with sanitary arrangements. (6) Attention should be given to the timber on the Cockshutt Mound. (7). A running track round the football area.
The chairman said the Council had full responsibility to consider what sort of a shelter was necessary, and then try and get suitable estimates.
Councillor E. D. Collins advocated the purchase of a contractor's hut.
The Mayor of Wenlock (Councillor E. H. H. Shorting) said he strongly supported the report of the sub-committee. If the Prosecution of Felons Society liked to make their grant for the purpose of improving the field, it would be a useful thing.
Councillor Collins moving and the Mayor seconding, it was resolved to adopt the report.
The chairman said that was all the Council could do in the matter at present. They would have to have a special committee to go into it in a businesslike way.
SCAVEIVGING TENDER
The rate collector (Mr. A. G. Fenn) reported that he had collected the sum of £235 1s. on the water rate, leaving the sum of £110 3s. outstanding.
It was resolved that the tenants of the existing slum clearance houses should have their attention drawn to complaints of rubbish being thrown into adjoining fields.
The Clerk (Mr. F. W. Derry) said if they did not cease the practice they would have to have notice that their tenancies would be terminated.
The tender for scavenging from Mr. E. Edwards was accepted for three years, at £110 per year, with 11s. a day for day work.
PROPOSED CLEARANCE ORDERS
BROSELEY INQUIRY
Objections by
Owners
A public enquiry into eight clearance orders in the Broseley
ward, submitted by the Wenlock Borough Council for confirmation by the Ministry
of Health, was held at the
The Council's case was put by the Town Clerk (Mr. F. W. Derry) and there were also present the Mayor (Councillor E. H. H. Shorting),. Alderman J. Nicklin (chairman of the Broseley Ward Council), and most of the councillors for the ward.
The Town Clerk summarised the defects of the properties and when, at the close, the Inspector said he would view them and report to the Ministry, the Town Clerk said that the condition of the properties needed no advocacy from him. The properties themselves would speak louder and more eloquently than any words of his as to their need of demolition. If these houses did not come within the scope of the Act, then he knew of no houses in the borough which did.
The Town Clerk stated that the inquiry concerned eight
clearance orders. The orders were made by the Council in dealing with
unsatisfactory and unfit houses, under the five years' slum clearance
programme. They formed the second instalment, and were in addition to a number
of houses dealt with individually. The first instalment related to the making
of 16 clearance orders in the Madeley ward. The Council proposed to re-house
the displaced tenants on the
CONVERSION PROPOSED
Mr. J. T. Madeley, 40,
The defects were outlined by the Sanitary Inspector (Mr. C. J. Thomas), who said that each cottage had one living room, one bedroom and a cellar. The walls were out of plumb. The front wall was leaning seven inches in an approximate height of ten feet. The walls were leaning at the rear of the buildings, and these conditions indicated that the foundations wore defective. Both houses were extremely damp throughout. There was no damp proof course. There was no through ventilation and neither had a back door. Number 28 was ventilated by means of a side door in the wash-house, but it was not strictly through ventilation. Both houses were extremely damp, due to the porous brickwork and rising damp, through there being no damp course. Water supply was from the nearest hydrant, which was 65 yards away.
The Sanitary Inspector agreed with the owner that the roof and ceilings were in good condition.
The Medical Officer (Dr. M. Gepp) said that the houses were manifestly of a great age, and were built either at the end of the seventeenth or the beginning of the eighteenth centuries.
The owner said he would like to convert the two houses into one. He was a practical bricklayer and he believed he could put the premises in a condition satisfactory to the Council.
In reply to the Town Clerk, he said he had no plans or estimate. He could not do anything until the tenants left.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS
In the case of 11, 12, and 13, Back Alley, Broseley, Mr. R. J. Clarke (Wellington) was allowed to address the Inspector on behalf of the owner, in spite of the fact that notice of objection had not been given.
Mr. Clarke said no objection was raised to the demolition of No. 13. In regard to Nos. 11 and 12, it was contended that they could be made habitable at a cost of £25 for which a builder's estimate had been obtained.
The Medical Officer: I should be extremely doubtful as to that. I should say £25 would not put a decent face on them.
In the case of Nos. 59, 60, and 61, Lloyd's Head, Jackfield,
Mr. J. Price, appearing for his sister-in-law, Kiss Jones, of Newquay,
The Town Clerk said, if the Council saw fit at a later stage, they could apply to the Ministry to give them a grant for the purpose of re-housing the tenants, and ask that the structure should remain, provided it was not used as a dwelling. There was a case in the Madeley ward where premises used by a scrap dealer had been allowed to stand.
Other properties on which formal evidence of unfitness was
submitted to the Inspector were 6, 7, 8, and 9,
Broseley Preparing Manifesto
In Favour of 1
is Own Senior School
Further reference to Broseley's demand for a new school as an alternative to a combined senior school at Much Wenlock, as proposed by the County Education Committee, was made by the Rev. C. S. Jackson (Rector) at the annual social of Broseley Brotherhood, on Monday. The Rector said that the meeting held in Broseley in support of a school there had made an impression, and they wanted to make a still bigger impression. They wanted to get the signatures of all people in Broseley, demanding a new school there.
To obtain these signatures it was intended to divide
Broseley into districts, each with someone responsible for obtaining them. He
asked that those willing to do this work should give their names to Mr. J.
Goodall, the Brotherhood secretary. They were going to send to the County
Education Office at
The Rector presided at the social, others present being the Mayor of Wenlock (Councillor E. H. H. Shorting), Mr. and Mrs. H. Welsh (Willey), Mr. A. J. Kelley and Mr. J. R. Nicklin.
Refreshments were served, and about 100 people listened to
an enjoyable variety programme. It included selections by the Bridgnorth
Grammar School Orchestra, under the direction of Mr. Murton Smith ; selections
by the Broseley Handbell Ringers, leader Mr. A. Garbett sketches and songs by
Mr. H. Woodhouse's Concert Party (
18th March 1938
Iron-Bridge Police Headquarters
A new police headquarters for the Iron-Bridge sub-division, comprising the Borough of Wenlock, will be opened on or about March 25, when the police will transfer from the present Police Station in Waterloo Street, Iron-Bridge, to the residence known as "Eastfield," in Buildwas road, Iron-Bridge.
"Eastfield," which is close to the important Dale
End road junction of the Wellington and Shrewsbury roads, has been acquired and
converted by the 'Salop County Council, while, the old building belongs to the
Wenlock Corporation. It is important that the public should bear in mind that
the