WOLSTON FLOWER SHOW & SPORTS -BRILLIANT WEATHER AND A LARGE ATTENDANCE

The Wolston and Brandon Flower Show and Sports have long since attained more than a local renown. The Flower Show is invariably an excellent one, and, as valuable prizes are offered for competition, the entries for the sports are always numerous, and most of the best athletes in a wide radius compete in the open events.

This year’s show and sports - held on Tuesday, 8th August, 1911 – were as good as any that have gone before, and, the weather being brilliantly fine, there was a great attendance in the pretty grounds of “The Grove,” kindly lent for the occasion by Mr. C. W. Wilcox and Admiral Bacon.

From every point of view the undertaking was an unqualified success, and great praise is due to Mr. George Field and Mr. Thomas Powell, the honorary secretary and assistant honorary secretary, and the many who assisted them, for the completeness of the arrangements they had made.

The entries for the Flower Show were hardly so numerous as last year – a circumstance not to be wondered at considering the drought – but, making due allowance for the dry weather, the exhibition was a wonderfully good one.

In the large tent, Admiral Bacon had had arranged a group of beautiful plants and flowers, not for competition, but which formed one of the most attractive features of the show.

There was an extraordinarily good display of sweet peas, and Mr. Harold Twist, of Coventry, exhibited a novelty in the shape of a sweet pea of the John Ingham variety with no fewer than eight fine blooms on a powerful stem.

The table decorations formed a dainty show, and the collections of flowers were also most attractively arranged. Plants in pots were good, and dahlias looked well, but the cut flowers showed the effect of the drought.

The fruit generally was much better than one expected to see, and the vegetables as a whole were admirable, the collections being particularly praiseworthy.

The judges were Mr. Robert Stuart, head gardener at Stoneleigh Abbey, and Mr. H. Chandler, head gardener at Coombe Abbey, and it is perhaps needless to say that there was little questioning of the decisions of two such experts.

AMATEUR CLASS - PLANTS IN POTS

• Collection of Four Plants: 1. E. Daniels
• Geraniums: 1. E. Daniels. 2. W.F. Bennett
• Foliage Plants: 1. M. Brookes. 2. No number. 3. W.H. Bennett
• Ferns: 1. H. Brierly. 2. G. Daniels. 3. E. Daniels
• Single Plant in Bloom: 1. W.F. Bennett. 2. M. Brookes. 3. E. Daniels
• Begonias: 1. G. Daniels

CUT FLOWERS

• Roses: 1. W.F. Bennett. 2. Miss S.E. Kennedy
• Carnations or Picotees: 1. W.F. Bennett. 2. T. Noon
• Pansies: 1. W.F. Bennett. 2. S. Hanson. 3. Ingram
• Stocks: 1. W.F. Bennett. 2. M. Brookes. 3. J. Storer
• Cut Flowers: 1. W.F. Bennett, 2. E. Daniels. 3. G. Daniels
• Six Vases of Sweet Peas: 1. M. Brookes. 2. Dr. Richardson. 3. J.J. Smith
• Phloxes: 1. S. Hanson. 2. W.F. Bennett
• Twelve Vases of Sweet Peas: 1. H. Twist. 2. M. Brookes
• Dahlias: 1. M. Brookes. 2. H. Brierly. 3. G. Daniels

FRUIT

• Outdoor Fruit (eight dishes): 1. T. Noon. 2. W.F. Bennett. 3. E. Daniels
• Gooseberries: 1. J.J. Smith. 2. T. Ingram. 3. T.Noon
• Black Currants: 1. T. Ingram. 2. W. Slatcher. 3. T. Noon
• Culinary Apples: 1. E.W. Ireson. 2. J. Storer. 3. Dr. Ring
• Gooseberries (any colour): 1. T. Noon. 2. E. Daniels. 3. T. Ingram
• White Currants: 1. T. Noon. 2. T. Ingram. 3. J.J. Smith

VEGETABLES

• Potatoes (round or kidney): 1. W. Clarke. 2. T. Noon. 3. T. Ingram
• Peas: 1. W. Golder. 2. G. Pell, 3. J. Kelsey
• Broad Beans: 1. G. Pell. 2. M. Brookes. 3. J. Lowe, Snr.
• Scarlet Runners: 1. J.J. Smith, 2. J. Kelsey. 3. T. Noon
• Spring Onions: 1. J. Kelsey. 2. T. Ingram. 3. W. Slatcher
• Winter Onions: 1. H.J. Baker. 2. W. Farmer. G. Wilson
• Carrots: 1. W. Slatcher. 2. T. Ingram. 3. A. Cox
• Eschalots: 1. J.A. Stevens. 2. W. Golder. 3. G. Wilson
• Parsnips: 1. T. Ingram. 2. T. Noon. 3. W. Slatcher
• Lettuce: 1. M. Brookes. 2. T. Noon
• Vegetable Marrows: 1. T. Ingram. 2. S. Hanson. 3. J. Kelsey
• Celery: 1. M. Brookes. 2. T. Ingram. 3. J. Lowe, Jnr.
• Beet: 1. T, Ingram. 2. W. Slatcher. 3. J. Lowe, Snr.
• Red Cabbages: 1. H. J. Baker, 2. M. Brookes
• Tray of Vegetables: 1. T. Noon. 2. T. Ingram
• Collection of Vegetables (not less than six varieties): 1. J. Kelsey

SPECIAL PRIZES (OPEN TO ALL)

• Special for Ladies’ Table Decoration (prizes by Mrs. Kirby, Priory Hill, Wolston): 1. Mrs. Robinson.
  2. Mrs. J. Ashburner
• Basket of Wild Flowers (school children only) - 1. Lily Stevens. 2. Florence Stevens, 3. Doris Berry
• Special prize by Mrs. Bacon for best-kept flower garden in Wolston village: 1. Mrs. Lander – Sweet peas grown with special sweet pea manure supplied by G.H. Mackereth, Ulverston.
• J. Plummer Challenge Cup, value £2 2s. presented by Mrs. Martin Richardson for best collection of Sweet Peas: H. Twist
• Prize of £1. 1s presented by the exors of the late Mr. John Cave for the best Vase of Sweet Peas; second prize 10s.6d. presented by Mr.
• J. Ashburner and Dr. Richardson: 1. T. Woolley. 2. J. Plummer.
• Prizes value £2.2s. by the exors of the Mr. John Cave for Collection of Potatoes: 1. T. Ingram. 2. J.J. Smith. 3. G. Pell. Prizes value 10s. presented by Mr. A. E. Townsend (late Rogers & Co, Rugby) for Collection of Vegetables grown from their seeds: 1. G. Pell.

THE SPORTS

The ground on which the show is held lends itself readily for athletic competitions. A very good course is obtainable for the long distance races, and for the sprint races it would be difficult to find better.

All the events filled well, and there was much good racing and many close finishes, but the times recorded rather suggested that the distances were short. As we have said, very valuable prizes are offered, and, while for the local events such prizes as a suit of clothes, a pig, a load of coal, and a clock were offered, in the 120 yards flat race, the quarter-mile open, and the mile open, gold watches of the value of £10 10s. each formed the first prize.

In others, the prizes ran up to the value of £5 5s. Generous subscribers to the prize fund were: Messrs. S.W. Horlick, Coventry; H. Berry, Wolston; J. Poxon, Wolston, H.G. Tett, Coventry; Dr. Martin Richardson, Wolston; and Astley and Sons, Coventry.

The sports officials were as follows:

President, Dr. Martin Richardson; vice-president, Mr. H. Stretton; judges, Messrs. C. W. Bluemel, F.W. Bluemel, G. Simpson, W. Newman, F.W. Channing, and C. Kirby; timekeeper, Mr. T. Parry; referee, Admiral Bacon, C.V.O., D.S.O, handicapper (open events), Mr. J. Taylor, Official Handicapper A.A.A.; handicappers (local events). The Committee; competitors’ tent stewards, Messrs. Walter Kirby and E. Thompson; competitors’ stewards and clerks of the course, Messrs. H. Berry and J. Poxon; megaphone steward, Mr. D.W. Anderson; bell steward, Master Leslie Ford; telegraph stewards, Messrs. F. Herbert and E Dawkins; starter, Mr. G. Kenney; secretary, Mr. George Field; assistant secretary, Mr. T. Powell; treasurer, Mr. John Poxon; pay box stewards, Messrs. Wm. Kirby and J.P. Adams; gate steward, Mr. C. Stevens; cycle storage stewards, Messrs. F. Elliot, G. Yeomans, and Treadell; reserved enclosure steward, Mr. G. Clarke.

Details:

120 YARDS FLAT RACE for boys under 14 years:-

• HEAT I: G.E. Matthews (21 yds) 1, S. Banbrook (scratch) 2; time 14 3.5 secs.
• HEAT II: J.E. Print (25 yds) 1, T. Kelsey (15 yds) 2; time 15 1.5 secs.
• FINAL: Print 1, Matthews 2, Banbrook 3

150 YARDS FLAT RACE for labourers. Aged 25 to 40 years; three-and-a-half miles radius.

• HEAT I: A. Greaves (11yds) 1. T. Blower (scratch) 2; time 18 2.5 secs.
• HEAT II: W. Lissaman (12 yds) 1. B. College, snr. (8 yds) 2; time 19 1.5 secs.
• FINAL: Greaves 1, Blower 2, Lissaman 3; time 18 1.5 secs.

220 FLAT RACE for labourers: Age 25 to 40 years; three-and-a-half miles radius.

• HEAT I: A. Atkinson (12 yds) 1, H. Greaves (8 yds) 2; time 22 3.5
• HEAT II: F.H. Elliott (12 yds) 1, W. Golder (10 yds) 2; time 23 1.5 secs.
• FINAL: Atkinson 1. Elliott 2, Greaves 3. Won by four yards, time 23 secs.

220 YARDS FLAT HANDICAP (Open).

• HEAT I: E. Crowther, Birchfield Harriers (22 yds) 1; H. Crowther, Birchfield Harriers (15 yds), 2. Only the 2 ran; time 21 2.5 secs.
• HEAT II: W.E. Welbourne, Small Heath Harriers (15 yds), 1; P.H. Matthews, Leamington A.C. (17 yds), 2. Time 20 1.5 secs.
• FINAL: Mathews 1, H. Crowther 2, Welbourne 3. Won by a yard, foot only between second and third; time 20 secs.

440 YARDS WOLSTON “GRAND NATIONAL” In this event the competitors had to leap hurdles and swim river twice.

• HEAT I: T. Priestnall, Sparkhill Harriers (10 yds), l; A. Print, Nuneaton (scratch), 2. Time 1 min 53 1.5 secs.
• HEAT II: H.B. Peasegood, Thrapston (scratch), 1; J. Goodyer, Northampton A.C., (16 yds) 2. Time 1 min 58 3.5 secs.
• HEAT III: S. Frost, Sparkhill H, (2 yds) 1. R. P. Allen, Small Heath
• Harriers, (20 yds), 2. Time 2 min 5 secs.
• FINAL: Priestnall 1, Peasegood 2, Frost 3. Time: 1 min 51 1.5 secs.

120 YARDS FLAT HANDICAP (Open)

• HEAT I: C. Young, Sparkhill Harriers (11 and a quarter yds). Won by half a yard.
• HEAT II: J.W. Oliver, Sparkhill Harriers (11 and three quarter yds).
  Won by inches only.
• HEAT III: T. J. Rock, Wolesley A.C. (9 and a half yds). Won by half a yard.
• HEAT IV: A. Timmins, Birchfield Harriers (13 and a quarter yards).
• HEAT V: W.G. Webster, Willans’ A.C. (11 and three quarters yard).
• FINAL: Timmins 1, Rock 2, Webster 3. Won by 2 yards; time 1 12.5 secs.

TUG-OF-WAR – Binley beat Wolston after a fine struggle.

ONE MILE FLAT HANDICAP (Open) – About thirty started, and the placings were:

• R. Stanton, Birchfield Harriers (130 yds), 1; W. J. Hicken, Leamington A.C. (158 yds), 2. H. Pearsall, Wolston F.C. (158 yds), 3.
• Won by ten yard, six yards, between second and third; time 4 min 21 4.5 secs. Only four finished.

LADIES’ EGG AND SPOON RACE: 1. Miss Kenney. 2. Miss Tompkins

The Coventry Military Band played in the grounds during the afternoon and in the evening for dancing.

16th July, 1920 BEQUEST BY A FALLEN OFFICER

On the 16th July, 1920, it is reported that the sum of £100 (less £10 legacy duty) was bequeathed to the Vicar, the Rev. J. O. Gooch, by the late Lieut. Owen Watkin Wynn Meredith “for the poor of Wolston.” The will goes on: “The parish to elect twelve men to decide same or best to use it. I should like to think it saves as many deserving cases from the workhouse as possible.”

The twelve men have been elected, and have since decided that the £90 shall be invested in the names of the Vicar of the parish, the Chairman of the Parish Council, and the Guardians representing Wolston on the Poor Law Board, and that the interest shall be used to relieve cases of special need.

Lieut. Meredith was the son of the late Venerable Archdeacon T. Meredith, for a number of years Vicar of Wolston, and Mrs. Meredith. He was highly respected and a favourite with residents. He lost his life when flying over the German lines, his aeroplane being brought down.

16th July, 1920 SCHOOL ENLARGEMENT FUND

Several years before the war, the Church of England schools at Wolston were enlarged, and the vicar in July, 1920’s Magazine said: “It will be remembered, in connection with this fund that when the war came there was a considerable sum of money advanced to enable us to pay our builders, etc., and that towards this the ratepayers had promised to pay a voluntary rate. The school managers have lately been collecting this rate, and in this way have raised £78 16s. 10d. When we could get no more, Messrs. Bluemel Bros. stepped in like a fairy godmother and contributed £56 6s. 6d. the balance needed to pay off the amount owing.

It is good to have cleared off this long outstanding debt, and we offer our best thanks to Messrs. Bluemel, by whose generous help it has been made possible.”

8th January 1926 HIGH TIDE AT WOLSTON

The Avon at Wolston has again been in flood for several days. On Saturday it was impassable for motors, etc., between Brandon and Wolston, rising higher than at any time during the last 20 years.

The road also at Bretford was flooded, and caused much inconvenience. Passengers by the Red Bus service from Coventry to Rugby had to get out and enter higher cars sent from Rugby before they could pass through the floods. Several cyclists, who attempted to continue their journey, came off and had a thorough soaking.

TOO MUCH WATER AT WATER WORKS

While most of the country was crying out that they had too much water, at mid-day on Saturday it looked as if Rugby would not have enough, for the flooding of the machine room at the Avon Water Works caused a temporary cessation of pumping and a consequent cutting off of the supply to the town. The water in the Barby Road Tower, which comes from the Avon Works, however, was released, and this proved sufficient to bridge over the short interval which elapsed before the water was expelled from the machine room. So promptly was the situation tackled that early on Saturday afternoon the supply was back to normal.

CHARABANC STOPS ON FLOODED ROAD

A football team travelling in a charabanc along the Lutterworth Road was stopped part way through the water that covered the road for some distance from the junction with Newbold Road. It was decided that the only way out of the difficulty was to push the vehicle through, and they “tossed up” to decide who should do it.

Several football pitches in that area were partly covered with water. The lower end of the Rugby golf course was under water in places.

Through the brook overflowing, the road between Cloudsley Bush and Monks Kirby has been badly damaged.

8th January, 1926 POST OFFICE CHANGE

Mr. Preedy, who for several years has been Sub-postmaster at Wolston, has resigned, and the office has been taken back to its old quarters, where Mr. and Mrs. Berry have again taken up their duties.

The officials are busy linking up the buildings for telephone and telegraphic purposes.

BRANDON

PRIVATE THEATRICALS

It was reported on the 8th January, 1926, that on the previous Monday the Brandon Tenantry were, by kindness of James Beech, Esq., invited to witness a dramatic performance at Brandon Lodge

The performers were members of the family, assisted by Mr. de Sausmarez, and at 9 p.m. the curtain rose to a comedietta, in one act, entitled, “Which is Which.”

The characters, six in number, were all well sustained, the audience being kept in continuous merriment.

Mr. de Sausmarez (a young artist in debt) was all that could be desired, and Miss Beech played the character of Mrs. Mills (servant) in a manner, which amateur actresses can rarely imitate.

The other lady characters were well personated by the Hon. Mrs. Madocks and Miss Rose. Roland Beech, Esq., made a capital uncle, while Mr. Reginald Beech played the “oil and colour man,”in a manner which pleased everybody.

Mr. de Sausmarez and Miss Beech played the concluding farce, “A Happy Pair,” illustrative of the lights and shades of married life, in a masterly style.

During the whole of the evening, the plaudits were loud and universal, showing alike the merit of the pieces selected and the performers.

22nd January, 1926 DEATH OF MR. W. J. ADAMS

Mr. W. J. Adams, who for several years resided at the Gate House, Wolston, died suddenly in mid-January at his residence, Brook Cottage, Snitterfield, near Stratford-on-Avon.

When residing in Wolston he was very popular, and ever ready to help anyone in trouble. He was an excellent churchman, and very fond of music, being also a capable violinist.

While residing in Wolston, he lost his wife. His sister, Miss Adams, was for a number of years head schoolmistress at Church Lawford.

Every Christmas, Mr. Adams sent money to supply a Christmas dinner to at least one poor widow in Wolston.

15th January, 1926 BRANDON BRIDGE AGAIN

At a Parish Council meeting held at the Oddfellows’ Hall, the members present were Messrs. G. Reader (who presided), H. Stockley, C. Hancocks, W. Williams, H. Clews, and A. J. Poxon (clerk).

A discussion took place on the question of the bridge widening at Brandon, and attention was drawn to the inconvenience to the traffic caused by the floods. Mr. Stockley proposed that a portable red lamp be set on either side of the road as a warning to strangers. This will be considered at the next meeting.

Mr. G. Hancocks said the Derry pump needed repairing, and this is to be inspected.

Discussion took place re the need for several lamps in the village, and also a Recreation Field for the children, and these will be brought forward at the next meeting.

22nd January, 1926 SOCIAL CLUB SUPPER

The members of the Wolston Social Club held a supper and social evening on Friday last. Capt. E. Hoffgaard, the President of the Club, presided, and an excellent supper was much enjoyed by a large number of members. Much of the success was due to the President, Capt. Hoffgaard), hon. secretary (Mr. W. S. Lole), and also to Mr. and Mrs. T. Radburn and helpers who worked well.

After supper, an excellent programme of vocal and instrumental music, arranged by Mr. Edward Dodwell, was appreciated. Mr. Robert Lobley, a Rugby comedian, proved very popular. Mr. Edward Dodwell, who possesses a very musical baritone voice, was also a great favourite. Mr. Cawthorne, of Rugby, was the accompanist.

MRS. FORD’S NEW YEAR’S PARTY FOR MEMBERS OF THE WOLSTON, BRANDON AND BRETFORD WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

In January, 1926, Mrs. Ford gave her annual New Year’s party for the members of the Wolston, Brandon, and Bretford Branch of the Women’s Institute and their friends.

The Works Dining Hall, kindly lent by Messrs. Bluemel, was well filled, and a very enjoyable time was spent. A long programme was gone through, and during an interval refreshments were distributed by willing helpers.

Mr. Driver, of London, gave an excellent entertainment and caused much mirth and merriment, and was vociferously encored on numerous occasions.

A sketch “The Silent Woman” was well sustained by the following:
The Misses V. Gupwell, M. and A. Ritch, M. Snell, and Mr. R. Thorne, and this was also appreciated. Miss Cooper, of Wolston, was encored for a pianoforte solo played in an artistic manner. Miss Maureen Glass, of Rugby, danced very gracefully, and Miss Pridmore, of Coventry, sang sweetly, and Mr. Edward Dodwell’s baritone voice was heard at its best, and he received several encores.
Mrs. Flowers and Miss Page were as popular as usual. Their sketch, “Cheerful and Musical” was faultlessly given.

Mrs. Ford thanked Mr. F. H. Bluemel for lending the Institute throughout the year, and Mr. Bluemel suitably replied. Mrs. Abrahams also thanked Mrs. Ford for the pleasant evening she had enabled the members to spend, and Mrs. Ford acknowledged this briefly. The room had been tastefully decorated for the occasion.

FIFTY YEARS AN ORGANIST - MR. W.S. LOLE’S FINE RECORD AT WOLSTON

On 22nd January 1926, Mr. W. S. Lole completed 50 years as organist at St. Margaret’s Church, Wolston.

He was appointed as headmaster of Wolston School and organist by the late Rev. John Wilcox, uncle of Mr. C. W. Wilcox, J.P. He played for service on the first Sunday in January 1876, and still occupied the post in 1926.

Mr. Lole saw many changes during that time. He had seen five different clergymen occupying the position of Vicar of Wolston - Revs. John Wilcox, H. A. M. Wilcox, Venerable Archdeacon Meredith, J. O. Gooch, and the Revd. Johnson Barker.

The organ he first played was disposed of and was re-erected at St. Paul’s, Foleshill, and a new one built by Messrs. Hewins, organ builders, of Stratford-on-Avon.

This consisted of three manuals, and was opened on the 16th December 1879, after which a public luncheon was held in Wolston School. The cost of this was raised partly by the generosity of the Rev. John Wilcox, who at the time totally defrayed the expenses of a new pulpit, which was still in the church in 1926, and the remainder was obtained from a bazaar, etc. The organ cost between £300 and £400, and remained until about 1924, when it was condemned by experts owing to dry rot of the woodwork. It was then removed and a very small one erected in its place, which was far from adequate.

When he was questioned, Mr. Lole said it was not long to look back upon, but it was a long distance in front.

When he was first appointed, Mr. John Hanson, an uncle of Mr. F. E. Hanson, of Coventry, and Mr. T. Hanson, of Brandon, was choirmaster, and for a number of years there was some excellent singing, much of the credit being due to the Hanson family, as many as nine being members. Mr. Thomas Hanson, of Brandon, was the only present choir member who was also singing in the choir 59 years ago, and succeeded his uncle as choirmaster, a post he held for 20 years.

During the whole time Mr. Lole has been organist he has always given of his best, although the amount of salary paid to him has hardly been more than an acknowledgement. He has always been ready and willing to play at any time, and deserves the highest praise for his devoted service.

12th February, 1926 DRILL CLASS DANCE OF THE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

A successful dance was held last Friday in Messrs. Bluemel’s Dining Hall, in connection with the Drill Class of the Women’s Institute. A dozen of the senior members of the Classes gave exhibition drills, which reflected credit on the instructor, Mr. Boran.

A large room was packed for dancing, for which Mr. A. J Poxon was M.C., and Mr. Flower’s Rugby Orchestra gave much satisfaction.

Refreshments were looked after by members of the Institute.

26th February 1926 BRANDON AND WOLSTON STATION - RETIREMENT OF MR. T. DODWELL

Mr. T. Dodwell, who in 1926 had been at Brandon and Wolston Station for upwards of 41 years, retired last week on a pension. He began his services on the railway in the Locomotive Department at Rugby, 42 years ago. On December 26th, 1885, he was transferred to Brandon and Wolston Station, where he acted as porter and clerk for the first 16 years, when he became signalman, a post he successfully held until his retirement a week ago.

During the whole of his services, by his courtesy and tact, he secured the respect and goodwill of both traders and passengers using the station, who on his retirement, wished him long life and happiness in his well-earned rest. Mr. Dodwell comes of a well-known Rugby family. At Brandon he had worked under four different stationmasters and five superintendents, and had seen many improvements in signalling. The cramped old station had also been removed and a new one erected since his appointment to Brandon.

Recently, he was the recipient of a very nice smoking cabinet, containing pipes, pouch, tobacco, etc. from his colleagues, which was presented to him on their behalf by Mr. Lawrence. Accompanying the present was an address “Presented to Thomas Dodwell (signalman), on his retirement, after long and faithful service. All subscribers join in wishing him a long and happy future.”

It has also been decided to hold a smoking concert when the majority of his former colleagues can be present.

PRESENTATION TO A CRICKETER

It was reported on the 26th February 1926 that a Dance, organised by the Brandon and Wolston Cricket Club, was held on Friday in Messrs. Bluemel’s Dining Hall. Upwards of 250 were present and spent a very enjoyable time to the strains of Mr. Howatt’s Jazz Band. Mr. A.J. Poxon, the captain of the club, was M.C.

During an interval, a presentation was made to Mr. H. J. Goodgame, who had been the energetic hon. secretary of the club for 21 years, and had been one of the chief stays in the field for nearly a quarter of a century.

The gift consisted of a silver tea service with the following inscription: “Presented to Mr. H. J. Goodgame, as an appreciation of his valuable service as hon. secretary to the club, 19/2/26.”

Mrs. Beech, of Brandon Hall, handed it to him. Mr. Goodgame suitably thanked the subscribers. The following won the door prize: 1. Mrs. S. Webb (Wolston), 2. Miss N. Webb (Wolston), 3. Mr. R. Gray (Thurlaston), Miss Eva Orton (Wolston) and Mr. L. Clarke won the spot dance prize.

FLOODS

A report on the 8th November, 1926 drew attention to the fact that the River Avon had assumed the proportion of a little sea on the previous Monday, the road to Brandon being quite impassable, and the general opinion was that it was the highest flood in memory.

At Avon Terrace, the water coming into the houses caused considerable inconvenience.

Mr. H. A. Whittem, of Wolston Mill, suffered a serious loss – a flock of 36 sheep being drowned; two horses were only saved with difficulty.

April 18th, 1930 WOLSTON DUCK THEFT PRINTER SENT TO PRISON BY RUGBY JUSTICES

Before a special sitting of Rugby Justices on Monday, Arthur Bailey, aged 37, of no fixed abode, a printer, was charged with stealing a duck, valued 15 shillings, on Sunday, at Wolston, the property of Silas Poxon, School Street, Wolston, and was remanded in custody.

P.C. Foreman said that at 2.40 p.m. on Sunday he received a complaint from Mr Poxon that a duck of his had been stolen and, accompanied by Mr. Poxon they went to Coal Pit Lane, where they saw the prisoner, who said he saw the duck in the road in Wolston, and picked it up.

At the hearing, before Mr. T. A. Wise and other magistrates, Silas Poxon stated that about 2.30 p.m. on Sunday, in consequence of certain information he received, he went to School Street, Wolston. On going there he found that one was missing. At the same time he saw the prisoner hurrying up the road. Witness went back and got his car, and when he overtook him the prisoner let the duck fall out from under his coat.

Bailey, who pleaded guilty, said he thought the duck was straying, so he picked it up. He was sent to prison for fourteen days.

9th May, 1930 ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

It was announced on 9th May, 1930, that the Leicestershire and Warwickshire Electric Power Company had stated that a supply of electricity would shortly be available in Wolston, and that Applications from Residents should be sent to 18 North Street, Rugby. Forms could be obtained from the Post Office.

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY - TENANTS’ PROTEST MEETING

On the 10th October, 1930 it was reported that a meeting of the tenants of the Council houses (in Warwick Road) had taken place in the previous week in Messrs. Bluemel’s dining hall, to consider what action should be taken with regard to the proposed indefinite length of time for which the tenants shall pay extra rent for the installation of the electric light, and also as to the anomaly by which Brandon have their electric light installed with no extra rent at all to cover the installation as well as being provided with bulbs, whereas Wolston have to find the bulbs and to pay extra rent for an indefinite length of time.

The Chairman, (Mr. S. H. Brooks) submitted correspondence and draft replies to the Electric Power Company, expressing regret at the situation that had arisen and asking them to withhold the fixing of meters. It was decided to write to Rugby Rural District Council concerning this matter and to ask for their support.

30th May 1930 MAY DAY FESTIVAL – 1930

Wolston School held their May Day festival once again and they were favoured by lovely weather. The celebrations were on a more elaborate scale than before, and the extra trouble was well worthwhile when the results of the many hours of training were seen.

A small number of parents had formed themselves together and made themselves responsible for the tea arrangements. Villagers had given all the necessities, and a great and varied assortment of edibles had been collected.

Two sets of Maypole dancers had been trained so that they could relieve each other, one set being dressed in white, and the other being dressed in all colours. Besides these a group of boys had been trained for Morris dancing, and these were dressed in white flannels and shirts and red neckwear, and carried sticks for dancing.

In addition, more girls had been taught country-dances, and the full programme of dancing was an extraordinary spectacle. The whole of the scholars assembled at the School at 10.15, when the small children were accommodated in wagons lent by Mr. Corbett, Mr. W. Kirby, and Mr. S. Howard.

The May Queen was Nellie Postlethwaite, who had been selected by the vote of the school. She had five little maids of honour, who were prettily attired in colour. They were Marjorie Lixenfield, Mary Owen, Dorothy Williams, Beryl Jenson, and Peggy Linnet.

Outside the school the procession formed up, headed by the Queen and her attendants, and followed by the dancers, singers, and those riding in wagons. Nearly all the children who were not dancing had taken the trouble to parade in fancy dress, and all kinds of fancy, historical and modern characters were represented. The procession, as it moved off, was one that had never been seen on such a scale in Wolston before. The first stopping place was the Derry, where the Vicar’s wife (Mrs. Johnson Barker) crowned the Queen. After this the dancers went through the whole programme of dances, and these were brightened by the remainder of the children singing suitable songs.

Moving off, the procession toured through Wolston and Brandon, and after visiting one or two outlying farms, returned to school, where an eagerly looked forward to tea had been prepared.

After tea the children who were not in fancy dress went home and changed for the children’s fancy dress dance that had been arranged for them till eight o’clock.

The school was packed with the little dancers and parents. Prizes had been obtained for the best dresses, and the task of judging was undertaken by Mrs. Bernard Page and Mrs. W. Channing.

This task was a most difficult one, for there must have been upwards of 160 dresses to judge. The results of judging were, however, very popular according to the applause which greeted each award. The prizes were won as follows: Best Decorated Bicycle in the procession, judged by Mr. B. Page in the morning: 1^st girl, Annie Kelsey, lst boy B. Boneham, Special: Iris Cooper; Fancy Dress Prize: 1^st boy Harry Clues (as Jack Parker), 2^nd boy A. Webb (as Never too late to Mend), Special: Peggy Watson and B. Allkins (a pair of Gypsies); girls 1^st C. Southwell (nurse), 2^nd M. Clarke (Charlston Baby), Further special prizes were won by J. Butler, H. Askew, M. Needham, and B. Hutt. Several special prizes were also given by the judges.

After the prizes had been awarded, the Headmaster (Mr,Potton) thanked the judges for carrying out their task so well. He also thanked the parents for the great interest they had taken in the making of the dresses for the children’s dance, which had been a greater success than was ever anticipated.

The day’s celebrations concluded with a dance for adults and this was extremely well attended. Dancing continued till 1 a.m. to the strains of Mr. Pye’s Blanc-et-Noir Band. The school had been tastefully decorated by the lady members of the staff. Thanks are due to the following ladies who prepared the tea: Mrs. Potton, Mrs. Clarke, Mrs. Poulter, Mrs. Hence, Mrs. Clues, Mrs. Askew, Mrs. Hancocks, Mrs. Tracy, and also the following ladies who toured with the dancers with collecting boxes, the contents of which will go to the children’s outing fund: Mrs. Dunning, Mrs. Watson, Mrs. Powell, Mrs. Richardson, Mrs. Little, Mrs. Lavender, Mrs. Needham, Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Clues, Mrs. Owen.

Congratulations are due to the Headmaster, Mr. Potton, and his staff, who trained the children for the wonderful success with which their efforts were rewarded.