 Main Index Page. |
Macclesfield Express.
1st June 2005. |
| Birthday girl Emma is 105 years young. |  | Macclefield's second oldest resident Emma Wrigley surrounded by flowers and cards. |
THE TOWN'S second eldest resident Emma Wrigley, who has lived through the reign of six monarchs, has just celebrated her 105th birthday with
a blooming big bouquet from the Macclesfield Express.
She follows a little slowly but surely behind the title holder Doris Norbury who celebrated a similar milestone last August.
Emma, who was born in 1900 during the Boer War and the reign of Queen Victoria, celebrated her birthday yesterday (Tuesday) with birthday cards from the Queen and David Blunkett, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.
But the great-grandmother had her knees-up with family and friends on Sunday with guest-of-honour and her hero Macclesfield MP Sir Nicholas Winterton who confessed to being a bit of a fan of hers by taking three hours out of his busy political schedule to be with her.
Emma's daughter-in-law, Lilian, 77, said: "She has been saying the last few months how she wants to go out canvassing for Sir Nick, which I told him and he thought it was funny."
"She wasn't a member of the Conservative party herself, but her father was chairman of a Conservative club, and her mother was a member of the Primrose League, which was a ladies' club for the Conservatives."
Lilian said her mum-in-law looked stunning on her special day: "It was absolutely wonderful. She looked beautiful," she said.
Emma, who now lives at Woodlands Nursing Home, on Woodland Street, lived alone until she went into sheltered accommodation at Windlow flats at the age of 101. Three old chums from her previous address turned up at the party.
Lilian said: "The staff here put on a fantastic buffet. She was really with it and has really enjoyed herself."
Emma's first husband, Frank Smith, became ill and died in his thirties, leaving his young widow and a son, Norman. She wed second hubby military policeman Frank Wrigley in 1943, and was happily married until his death in 1980, when he was 80.
During the Second World War Emma worked in a canteen and son Norman joined the Navy, aged 17. After the war, Emma didn't work and Frank worked his way up to become chief clerk at British Rail.
Norman, who died five years ago and his wife, Lilian, had two children: Stephen, 50, and Barbara, 46, and eight great grandchildren: Katrina, Alastair, Rowena, Hayley, Adam, David, Tom and Samantha.
Sadly, Stephen could not make the party because he lives in Bermuda and Barbara, 46, who lives in Congleton, was on holiday.
Daughter-in-law Lilian said: "She was very independent and as bright as a button. She always used to tell me that she never ever got bored and would always find something to do. She would always find something to polish."
In her younger days, Emma was well-known for her knitting skills after making hundreds of dolls for the Booth Hall Children's Hospital and other charities.
Lilian said: "The staff at the Woodlands have been wonderful and that's why she's survived so long. It's because she is looked after so well."
"I'd like to say thanks to Sir Nicholas and the matron and the staff for making it such a wonderful day."
Karen Newton, nurse-in-charge, said: "Emma enjoyed her party on Sunday with friends, family and Sir Nick." |
| BURTON NEWS. |
1904.MAY.
May Pole dancing did not feature in the May Day Primrose League festival staged by the Conservative and Unionist Party at Dalton Hall.
DECEMBER.
The Primrose League held a Christmas Ball at Burton House. 'Dancing to the strains of Caton's Quadrille Band were suspended at 9.30 for a meeting at which Major Hornby proposed and Mr. Shorland-Ball seconded 'an expression of confidence in His Majesty's Government and in Mr. Balfour, the Prime Minister'. 'Supper presented an appetising appearance with the tables loaded with many good things. Afterwards many returned to the dance floor, whilst others sought a quiet place for a comfortable 'rubber' (The card game Bridge). |
| DARLASTON AT WAR. |
The years of 1939 to 1945 brought many hardships to the people of Darlaston, but a new feeling of comradeship prevailed. Everyone quickly adapted to their new circumstances and were both innovative and inventive, making do with the little that was available in the shops. When compared to some of the surrounding towns Darlaston (Staffordshire) fared quite well during the war. The large number of factories could have been a frequent target for the German Airforce but luckily very few bombs fell on the town.
Black country industries played a vital role in the war effort. Thousands of firms were called upon to divert much of their capacity to the production of armaments which often accounted for 90% of their output.
The local authority provided cheap meals to workers who had no canteen. The Women's Conservative and Primrose League Hall in Bilston Street was built in 1930, and was converted into a British Restaurant to provide the meals. It acquired the nickname of 'The Trough' and after the war became the Civic Restaurant, which continued to be run on similar lines. |
| Gaitsgill Primrose Hall. |
| This hall was built by Colonel Salkeld in Gaitsgill, Westmorland in 1885 for the use by members of the Primrose League, and as a village hall and reading room. The original iron railings which were taken for munitions during the Second World War, have been replaced. The hall had its own electricity generator housed in a building on which now stands the kitchen. The toilet was across the yard! For the Millenium, a new arch and lantern were re-erected at the entrance. The original was pulled down in the 1940s for scrap to help the war effort. The lamp was recovered from the village church when it was demolished in the 1960's and was found in a Gaitsgill shed. The lamp was switched on by Mrs Isobelle Wybergh, great-great-niece of Lt Col Salkeled. Prior to the building of Primrose Hall the barn belonging to Gaitsgill Hall was used for Primrose League concerts. |
| Horbury Primrose Hall. |
Primrose Hall was built by The Primrose League in 1927, using public money and was used mostly as a dance hall. Unable to maintain the building, the 'League' passed the hall to Horbury Urban District Council nine years later. When the Urban District Council became part of Wakefield Council in 1974, the ownership of the hall was transferred with it. It was closed to the public in 1997 and more recently has been used to store furniture.
In November 2000, Horbury Community Council, having heard that Wakefield Council proposed to sell the building, called a public meeting at which local MP Bill O'Brien expressed support for community action to save the hall. The Horbury Heritage Trust objected to the sale on behalf of the community, as the deeds state that the public hall was to be used for the "common welfare, education, entertainment, amusement and recreation of the people of Horbury" and that the hall be "in trust forever for the people of Horbury". The Horbury Heritage Trust (formerly 'The Save Horbury Heritage Group'), was asked at the meeting to take over the management of the Barker Road site. The trusteeship of Primrose Hall in Horbury is to be transferred from Wakefield Council to Horbury Heritage Trust after a three-year campaign. The Charity Commission has sanctioned the transfer of the building which has been plagued by vandalism. Plans have already been prepared to refurbish the hall and an application for funding will be made to the Community Fund soon. |
 | 14th January 1955.
DIED AGE 94 - The death occurred at her residence, New Road, Driffield, Yorkshire on Monday evening of Mrs Hannah Hillaby, at the age of 94 years.
Mrs Hillaby, who was well known in both Nafferton and Driffield, died following a short illness. She was a native of Wetwang but lived most of her married life in Nafferton where her husband John Robert Hillaby owned a building business. He died in 1898. She was one of the oldest members of the Conservative Association in the division, being a member when the association was known as the Primrose League. She was also a member of the Driffield British Legion Women's Section and the Darby and Joan Club. |
| WALLACE HILLS. |
 | Wallace Hills, the son of Matthew Hills, chief engineer of Lewes Prison, was born in Chiddingly on 16th July 1863. After being educated at Ardingly College, Hills became a journalist. In 1881 he was appointed editor of the East Grinstead Observer. Hills later joined the board of Farncombe and Company, the publishers of the East Grinstead Observer. |
Wallace Hills married Lizzie Miller of Lansdowne, Lewes. For most of their married life Wallace and Lizzie lived in Lansdowne House at the corner of London Road and Garland Road. The couple had one child, a daughter who died at a young age.
Hills took a keen interest in politics and for twenty-five years was Secretary of the East Grinstead Conservative Association. He also played a leading role in the East Grinstead Literary and Scientific Institute, the Constitutional Club, the Sackville Lodge, Grand Pursuivant Freemasons, the Primrose League and the Sussex Buffs.
In 1902 Wallace Hills was elected to the East Grinstead Urban Council. Hills received 492 votes, at the time it was the highest number of votes that anyone had ever achieved in an East Grinstead Urban Council election. For the next twenty years Hills was the most influential person in East Grinstead. This brought him into direct conflict with other leading figures in the town such as Edward Steer and Joseph Rice, who held more progressive views than the editor of the East Grinstead Observer.
Wallace Hills was Chairman of the Urban District Council in 1906, 1911-12, 1917-18 and 1920-21. His main political success was to block the social reforms advocated by people such as Edward Steer, Thomas Isley, George Brinkhurst and Thomas Hartigan. Wallace Hills was a strong opponent of increased public spending and campaigned against the money of ratepayers being spent on parks, electric street lighting and subsidized council housing. On several occasions Hills was accused of using his position as editor of the East Grinstead Observer to distort the views of his opponents.
Wallace Hills was very interested in local history. His newspaper often contained articles from local people about the history of the town. In 1906 Hills published his book 'History of East Grinstead'. He was also the author of The Parliamentary History of the Borough of Lewes. Hills worked as editor of the East Grinstead Observer until just before his death in 1932. |
| WELLOW CHURCH AND PARISH NEWS. |
| OCTOBER 2002 --- FROM THE PAST. |
The Primrose League at Wellow (Somerset), May 1887.
Wellow began a "Ward" of the League as an offshoot of the "Habitation" of Norton St Phillip. It soon became larger than what it called its "parent stem". "Miss Horton, daughter of the late much-esteemed Rev Horton" was the Dame Warden. The opening meeting was held in Mr Cole's barn, which was "made cheerful with lamps and banners". Mr Hamilton Palairet, in a speech, gave three aims of the League; the maintenance of religion, the maintenance of the estates of the realm and the ascendancy of the Empire. On the first he urged the Church, men and women, to fight under the same banner with Nonconformists. On the second point "admitting the need for change .... the speaker deprecated hasty legislation" and quoted "as an instance the Hare and Rabbits Bill and .... the attempt to have a close season for hares" .... "There was a great deal of talk at the last General Election about three acres and a cow, and that no labourer ought to work for less than one pound a week". Mr Palairet then demonstrated that "while the gift of the former would be the ruin of the recipients, the compulsory payment of a pound a week would likewise be detrimental to their interests". 'Touching on the supreme importance of the unity of the Empire he of course was dead against Home Rule for Ireland, describing the evils that would result therefrom'. Then followed a programme of music, "mirth provoking songs such as 'The Speaker's Eye,' 'Sergeant Sharp', and 'Three Acres and a Cow'.". Mr Palairet closed the evening "suggesting that the barn should hereafter be called the Wellow Jubilee Hall". |
 |
William Emery was born in Rooksbridge, Somerset in 1874 and chose to go to Africa at the turn of the century and the letter below is one of a number sent to his family. It seems that contact was lost in the 1920's.
George Hotel.
July 31st 1911.
c/o Mr W G Scott.
Rly. Const.
George.
Cape Colony.
S Africa.
Dear Mother and Father.
I now take the pleasure of writing a few lines hoping it will find you much better by this time. As Alice told me you had not been well. Now I am keeping alright myself but rather miserable at times as I am not doing anything at present and it cost a lot of money to live here in a respectable place. It costs me 10/6 per day living at the hotel but I hope to have some more work soon. I need not be here but it is so cold on the mountains, they are covered with snow but spring time is coming here now and I am hoping to get a very big job soon. So I am having a rest as I shall be very busy when I start.
I was surprised to hear about Mrs Popham being dead, I have had news of another of my chums on the West Coast being dead. I am glad I left that place although I was doing well there.
Now Dear Mother I have not much to tell you this time. More news later on so I must close with best love to all at home from your loving son.
Bill.
PS. I received papers about Mr Leales death it came rather sudden and I saw about Charlies promotion in the Primrose League. Tell him to pay my fees what I owe them, I will pay him.
|
Primrose League Political School. | | Two letters have been noted relating to the Primrose League's Political School, both to (Henry) Roy Forbes Harrod (later Sir), an Economic Theorist, a Biographer and Philosopher. The first (22nd April 1937) from Duncan Edwin Duncan-Sandys, Chairman of the Primrose League Political School, Conservative Member of Parliament (1935-45 and 1950-74) and Winston Churchill's son-in-law, where he thanks Harrod for having accepted to speak to the Primrose League Political School and he assures that Harrod will not be compromised by the association with the League, because even if it is mainly composed of Conservatives it professes to be a non-party organisation. The second (26th June 1937) from Lord Ebbisham, the Chancellor and Treasurer of the Primrose League, thanking Harrod for the absorbing speech on "The Menace of our Declining Population" given at the Primrose League's Political School. Both these letters refer to the speech given by Harrod at a meeting, held at Caxton Hall on 25th June 1937. |
| Lord Harris, Cricketer and Politician. | 
Lord Harris' Memorial Stone
at Lord's Cricket Ground. |
| Robert George Canning Harris, 4th Baron Harris, born: St Anne's, Trinidad 3rd February 1851 (his father was serving as Governor there), died: 24th March 1932. Lord Harris was the second-ever captain of the English cricket team. He also played for Kent and Oxford University. He won two of his four Tests as English captain, losing one and drawing the other. Following his political career, he also served as president of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), and later the International Cricket Council. In the 1880s, Lord Harris took it upon himself to lead a movement to stop the Professional sportsmen from being "prevented from reaching the highest ranks by unnecessary restrictions". He called himself a "Cricket Socialist," but a few years later he led efforts to stop the free movement of cricketers. It would be easy to look at him as a hypocrite or a buffoon or consign Lord Harris to the category of those swayed by their irrational loyalty to the game. Instead, Ric Sissons (The Players: A Social History of the Professional Cricketer. Sydney: Pluto Press, 1988.) shows us how Harris' conversion paralleled his role in the Primrose League, a Tory organization dedicated to "uniting all social classes in a common crusade against the forces of Atheism and Revolution". Cricket was to be one of the chosen instruments to reinforce the social values of a ruling Christian, English (Cricket showed that God was an Englishman) elite; in Harris' phrase cricket was a "great Conservative institution". |
 | Alfred & Elizabeth (Pattie) Deakin. |  | Alfred Deakin, Australian Prime Minister 1903/4, 1905/08 & 1909/10, married Elizabeth Martha Anne Browne (Pattie) in 1882, despite opposition from her family. The union was a happy one and they had issue of three daughters. Unlike modern prime minister's wives, Pattie Deakin's role was largely behind the scenes. However, she did accompany Alfred on many overseas visits and it was in 1907, whilst Alfred was attending the Imperial Conference in London that Pattie was asked to address a gathering of women for the Primrose League. At first she declined, as she had no experience of public speaking, but when pressed, agreed. Her speech was very well received and this year seems to have been a turning point in her life.
After her return to Melbourne, she became involved in the preparations for the Australian Exhibition of Women's Work, held at the Exhibition Buildings. This led to her becoming President of the Kindergarten Union and an active committee member of both the Association of Crèches and the Bush Nursing Association. In 1912 she was also invited to be inaugural President of the Lyceum Club, a new club for female graduates and other women who had distinguished themselves in their careers.
In later life she continued to be involved with many causes, especially those that helped women and children. During the First World War, she became the organiser of the Anzac Buffet, a depot for clothing, refreshment and advice for soldiers and their families. She also cared devotedly for an increasingly dependent Alfred whose health and memory continued to suffer after the strains of his political life. After Alfred's death in 1919, Pattie continued her philanthropic work and also spent time gardening and sketching and with her grandchildren. She died peacefully in 1934. |
| Primrose League Songs. |
Three songs relating to the Primrose League have been noted:
'God bless the Primrose League.' A Patriotic Song for Solo & Chorus ... Words by M. Arnold. By Charles John Terry . Publisher: E. Ascherberg & Co. ISBN: B0000D43LV.
'Stand to your Guns!' Primrose League Song, etc. Words & Music by C. H. Robinson, Accompaniment by G. Bieber. ISBN: B0000D2BHE.
'Stand by the old flag.' A Primrose League Song ... Words by J. H. Deazeley, etc. Publisher: E. Ascherberg & Co.
ISBN: B0000CVDS8.
Does anyone have copies? |
| William Andrew Cecil Bennett. |
He was born on 6th September 1900 in Hastings, New Brunswick, Canada. Moved to Edmonton in 1919. Elected Conservative Member of the Legislative Assembly for South Okanagan on 21 October 1941. Re-elected as Member for South Okanagan a number of times. Crossed floor of House to become an Independent Member on 15th March 1951. Announced membership in the Social Credit League on 6th December 1951. Elected leader of the Social Credit League in British Columbia on 15th July 1952. Sworn in as Premier of British Columbia on 1st August 1952, an office he held for twenty years until 1972. He died on 23rd February 1979.
The Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada holds (Sub-series F-55-58-3. British Columbia Social Credit Party. 1951-1975.) a reference as follows: This Subseries includes a scrapbook compiled by the Primrose League to honour W.A.C. Bennett in his retirement. This scrapbook contains photographs of various Social Credit figures, as well as letters thanking Bennett for his years of service to British Columbia. | Does the Primrose League mentioned have connections to the one in Great Britain?
W.A.C. Bennett on the cover of Time Magazine 30th Sept. 1966. |
| BRIDLINGTON |
BRIDLINGTON (Yorkshire) HABITATION OF THE PRIMROSE LEAGUE, 1892.
Meetings as occasion requires, in the Victoria Rooms, Garrison street, Bridlington Quay.
Ruling Councillor - Colonel Armytage, Marton hall, Sewerby.
Treasurer - W. A. Taite, Manor street, Bridlington Quay.
Secretary - Mrs. Taite, Manor street, Bridlington Quay.
|
| Angmering, Sussex. |
The 1915 West Sussex Directory gives the following entry:
Primrose League (Angmering) (W.T. Sherherdson, hon.sec.) Habitation No. 2114.
|
| Bradworthy, Devon. |
| The Bradworthy Habitation of the Primrose League (Bradworthy is a rural community in the far west of Devon), which supported the Conservative Party, flourished for a number of years. The annual fête was a very smart affair, usually held at Berridon Hall when Lt.Col. C.P.G. and Mrs. Griffin resided there. |
| Bromsgrove Advertiser, Worcestershire. |
6th January 1906.
A Successful Primrose League smoking concert was held at the Wagon and Horses Inn in Droitwich. The chair was taken by Councillor T Young, who said that all Primrose Leaguers were there to support one cause - the integrity of the empire. |
ROOM CAN ALWAYS BE FOUND FOR ADDITIONAL SNIPPETS, SO PLEASE NOTIFY OF ANY YOU FEEL WOULD BE OF INTEREST! |
|
 | The History of The New Beaconsfield Hall.The Primrose League was formed in 1883 by Lord Randolph Churchill. It commissioned many halls, all named after Lord Beaconsfield, around that time. Our original hall was built in 1885 by the local firm Alfred Groves. in 1923 the hall was purchased by the Parish Council and has been the centre of village activities for over 100 years. The hall was extended in 1962 to include a kitchen and cloakrooms and redesigned to accommodate a stage.
Despite the many additions and improvements that were made over the years, demands upon the facilities continued to increase and become more diverse. Fourteen groups and organizations held regular meetings,and there were several other groups who rented the hall occasionally. Users ranged from in age from babies to the Evergreens. The increased demands could not be accommodated in the hall and consequently, after careful consideration, the Parish Council decided that a new hall should be constructed on the Recreation Ground on Station Road.
Fund raising for the NBH.
It was an easy decision to make that the village needed a new and larger hall to accommodate the extensive range of activities but to find the funds was harder. However there was no lack of enthusiasm. The target was the massive sum of £450,000.
In 1994 the Friends of Shipton-under-Wychwood (Oxfordshire) New Village Hall was formed and an extensive fund raising campaign was started. Money was raised through many generous contributions and events hosted by village residents and by local groups. By 1997 the village had raised the sum of £185,000. This figure was added to by grants from public bodies and National Lottery grant of £250,000.
After four years of hard work our fundraising goal was achieved, and the New Beaconsfield Hall was opened in the summer of 1998.
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| Woodborough United Brass Band. |
Village bands were a feature of social life in late Victorian times and Woodborough, Notinghamshire was no different to most. The first band was formed in the early 1880's when Arthur Wylde, a talented musician, was employed at Woodborough Hall as butler and handyman to the Parkyns family. Miss Parkyns recognised his potential and sent him to train for a year at the London School of Music, where he was primarily a violinist but took cornet as his second instrument. On his return to Woodborough he became a local music teacher and also formed a village band. Mr Mansfield Parkyns, famous for the carved choir stalls in St. Swithun's church, made a violin for Arthur and carved its head. When Arthur Wylde died this violin was passed on within the family. Arthur Wylde's knowledge and technique were responsible for the first and later bands in Woodborough. The first band finished in 1901. In December 1911 a meeting was called at the Post Office and suggested that several young men of the village were in favour of reviving a village band. The First World War meant the end of the band, but it was reformed immediately after the war.
The Band was kept busy during the Twenties, with many engagements such as local Club Feasts, Primrose League parties, gatherings at Woodborough Hall, Gonalston Hall and Epperstone Manor.
Interest began to wane during the thirties, then came another war, but the band continued. In 1953 there is a reference in the Nottingham Evening Post to "Woodborough's Granddad Band", clearly times were changing and young people's interests were being channelled in other directions. Finally in March 1962 a decision was taken to disband, the instruments distributed among members and remaining funds given to the Over Sixties Club. |
 | 12th April 1899.
The annual meeting of the Collingham Habitation of the Primrose League was held on Thursday evening in the Public Hall, Collingham.
The room had been adorned with suitable political mottoes, and the arrangements were carried out under the direction of Miss Hunt (the Hon. Secretary). |
8th August 1900.
On Thursday last the Coddington Habitation of the Primrose League had their annual tea and dance, when there was a large gathering and the event again proved a success.
The members assembled in the barn, which was kindly lent for the occasion by Colonel Thorpe, and tea was partaken of, the tables being neatly decorated, the plants for the decorations being kindly lent by Mr Godfrey Tallents. |
12th September 1900.
The annual meeting of the Collingham Habitation of the Primrose League has been fixed for Thursday week.
In addition to the annual tea and dancing there will be a special attraction in the introduction of a cinematograph, which will include pictures of the war and bring some most interesting scenes more vividly to view than by any other method of illustration.
The hon. secretary is Miss Hunt, of The Willows, North Collingham, whose constant and loyal services to the Habitation have been invaluable. |
 E. F. Hemingway of Patea. |
THE REFORM PARTY.
The Reform Party, the full title of which was 'The New Zealand Political Reform League', a conservative body, was not constituted until its first conference (4-5 August 1912), held after W.F.Massey (an Ulster Orangeman) had come into office. The objects of the N.Z.P.R.L. were, briefly, to correct the alleged maladministration of the Liberals and to put forward and support parliamentary candidates. The chief architect of the 1912 Constitution was Edward Frederic Hemingway of Patea, who had been a member of the Primrose League, most likely whilst in England, as there is no evidence of any Primrose League activity in New Zealand. The N.Z.P.R.L. was formally dissolved in 1936, and virtually absorbed into the National Party.
Born in Jametz, France in 1873, Mr. Hemingway was a member of an old Yorkshire family and son of Captain E.F.Hemingway, an officer in the British Army who served in the Crimean and Indiam Wars and also in the Maori War under General Cameron. Educated at one of Englands oldest Public Schools -- Sutton Valance, Kent (founded in 1576). He won a scholarship to Keble College, Oxford.
In 1892 the Hemingway family moved to New Zealand where Hemingway first took up farm work -- another report states that Hemingway arrived in New Zealand in 1892 on his own with £10 in his pocket and during his work on the farm learnt that his father had become ill and not expected to live, so he returned to England and later returned to New Zealand accompanied by his father (who was by then restored to health through the sea voyage), a sister and two brothers. He later became a teacher under the Taranaki Education Board. From 1902 - 1911 he was Town Clark at Stratford (N.Z.). He moved to Patea, where he assumed control of the Patea and Waverley Press, which he conducted until Dec. 1942, when it went into recess due to a shortage of newsprint supplies.
A man of many interests, but education he made his life's work. He became a member of the Wanganui Education Board in 1914 and was elected Chairman in 1933, holding this office until his death. He was a licensed lay-reader of the Anglican Church for 46 years. He was Mayor of Patea from 1938-1941, when he did note seek re-election. He was always a keen cricketer and was captain of the Stratford team for many years.
During the war years Mr. Hemingway was elected president of the Patea sub-section of the Red Cross Society, and was at the time of his death Dominion vice-president of the New Zealand Navy League, president of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Wanganui), president of the Patea St. John Ambulance Association & etc., etc. --- where did he find the time?
References: Taranaki Daily News - 10th Feb. 1947., Wanganui Herald - Monday 10th Feb. 1947., Hawera Star -- 10th Feb. 1947., An encyclopaedia of New Zealand 1966. A thank you must go to Averil E.Callisen, Librarian, Alexander Turnbull Library (The National Library of New Zealand) for all help the given. |
 |
KETTON SPORTS AND GALA - 1889.
This annual fixture came off on Tuesday. In the fore part of the day, the outlook was of the gloomiest description. Rain fell heavily, and there seemed to be every prospect of its continuing throughout the remainder of the day. By a rare piece of good fortune, however, the weather mended and, with the exception of a shower or two, the rain disappeared. Still, the ground was soaked, and a high wind blowing did not add to the comfort of the spectators, who, considering all things, turned out in wonderfully good numbers to witness the events. A good programme was arranged, consisting of pony, donkey, bicycle, and foot races, which for the most part were well contested. The high wind prevailing played havoc amongst the tents, supplied by Mr. Boor, of Stamford, one or two being blown over. Refreshments were supplied on the ground by Messrs. J. and J. Goodliffe and Mr. R. Andrew. The music was supplied by the Ketton Primrose League band and the drum and fife band. At night, dancing took place in a large marquee, to the music of Mr. Rippon's quadrille band.
SOUTH LUFFENHAM
At the northern corner of Tailbys (now Bellamys) field is the Adam and Eve barn, so called because of the inset stone carving. It is thought to have been an earlier Tythe Barn to that which now adjoins the church. Before the Great War, the building, also known as the old Primrose Barn (after the Primrose league who used it prior to 1900) served as the village Hall, and dances were held there; here would be danced the 'Lancers' and 'down the middle', all to the accompaniment of an accordion.
|
| The (Richmond) Herald. |
| 19th October 1929. |
William Alfred Bashford.
Born: 30th July 1858. Limpsfield, Surrey.
Died: 12th October 1929. Richmond, Surrey.
Wearing what would appear to be his Primrose League regalia. |
 |
| Coun. Bashford will be best remembered for his great work for the Richmond Habitation of the Primrose League. The Habitation was formed on may 8th, 1885, and was known as the Richmond Knights Habitation No. 396. The founders of the Habitation were Mr. George Ellis (brother of Sir john Whittaker Ellis), Mr. F. G. B. Trevor (for many years the chairman of the Vestry of Richmond), Mr. C. H. Davis, Mr. H. Harding Webb, Mr. Cockell, Mr. John Hodgkin, and Mr. G. C. Rowland. The first hon. secretary was Mr. Harding Webb, and the second Dr. Stanley Mansfield. On the resignation of Dr. Mansfield, Coun. Bashford took over the work, and in November, 1885, the Richmond Dames Habitation (No. 897) was formed. Difficulties arose, and the warrant was withdrawn in 1890, amalgamation of the Habitation following. Coun. Bashford continued as hon. secretary till 1893, when he resigned and joined the executive Councul. At the time of his resignation the membership of the Habitation was 1,232. The hon. secretaries who followed Coun. Bashford were Mr. Godfrey Hertstet, Mrs. Boulter, Miss Trevor, Mr. Albert Chancellor, Mr. R. Hannen, Ald. H. Dalgarno-Robinson, Miss Trevor (a second term of office), Mr. Gillington. In 1913, Coun. Bashford again took on the work, and held office to the time of his death. It is impossible to over-estimate the value of the services rendered to the Primrose League by the late councillor, whose enthusiasm for the work was shared by his wife. Mrs. Bashford was an active worker in the interests of the League, and Coun. Bashford has on more than one occasion been heard to say that without her help and stimulating influence he could not have carried on. |
| Wheathampstead. |
Talking to the old inhabitants of Wheathampstead in 1956.
Harry Westwood: "Blacksmith's apprentice":, Yes that's me. Up in the Swan yard it was then - used to be on the corner where Charlie Collins is now - but it moved just before I started. Now, wait a minute - I can show you something. This leather case, its for letters and papers and that; I got it as a prize at the Primrose League sports up at Lamer - 100 yards race and I was second - beaten by Jim Titmuss, that's this one's father. I keep all sorts of things in here but they're not what I'm looking for - | | ah! here we are my Apprentices Indentures, a bit dirty now but wonderful thick paper, and can you read the writing? It's a good hand isn't it, and stamped with Queen Victoria's stamp and half a crown stamp; you can read that: 'I agree to serve John Smith or his Sons to learn the trade of blacksmith for four years, commencing this 26th day of October 1896, ending 26th October 1900. Rate of wages - 1st year, 8 shillings, 2nd year 9 shillings, 3rd year 10 shillings and 4th year 12 shillings; to be paid only when at work. Over the page: 'Conditions of this agreement are fulfilled October 26th 1900.' Right up to the day!. Of course the last year I was over at Knebworth with him and that extra 2 shillings, you see, that was my lodging money only. | 
Gate produced by Harry Westwood for G.Bernard Shaw. |
| Eastborne Gazette. |
31st July 1935. Page 19.
Giving Britain Air Protection.
The newly-formed National League of Airmen, establishing a branch in Eastbourne. The aim of establishing supremacy of the British Empire was outlined at a meeting at the Primrose League Hall, addressed by Mr. V.C. Redwood, campaign director for the NLA. A small attendance was told that the feeling that our Air Force can meet any emergency is necessary, along with parity with any nation within striking distance. |
THE TIMES. 17th September 2005 |
What is ... 'One Nation'? By Veteran political journalist Anthony Howard.
When earlier this week David Davis proclaimed himself a "One Nation Tory" he was putting down a deliberate marker. The phrase - always identified with, although never used by Disraeli - has traditionally been associated with a particular brand of caring, compassionate Conservatism. For that reason during the 1980's it was appropriated by Margaret Thatcher's ideological opponents (figures such as Francis Pym or Ian Gilmour) to differentiate their views from hers, But things were never quite as simple as that. Where Disraeli left some obvious legacies such as the Primrose League (one of whose "habitations" {surely this should read "Demonstrations"} at the Albert Hall I attended as a schoolboy), the concept of the party representing a unified single nation took some time to acquire resonance. That it finally did so owed more to Disraeli's disciples than to the great man himself.
The 1950 intake into the House of Commons has always rated, at least within the Conservative Party, as among the brightest and the best. A group of them, many with fine war records, launched a pamphlet to which they gave the title One Nation; concentrating on the Tory approach to social problems, it was in many ways a radical document. But, in so far as it sought to underpin the welfare state and fully accepted the postwar settlement, it has gone down in history as almost as much a benchmark of modern Conservatism as the 1947 official party document, The Industrial Charter.
Those behind the pamphlet - its leading authors were Iain Macleod and Angus Maude (the father of the present party chairman) - soon came together as a self-appointed ginger group within the House of Commons. Its members were by no means exclusively drawn from the Left of the party - one of the earliest MPs to join was Enoch Powell. But the qualification for being invited to join tended to be brains and this, naturally enough, allows the resentment of the more intellectually sluggish Tory backbenchers. In no time the group had acquired a nickname, One Notion, that notion being supposed to be the belief of all its members in their own self-advancement.
But how far did its members remain even nominally on the left of the party? Notably those who remained in the group - and resignation was automatic on joining the Government - do appear to have had a second thought about failing to back the progressive candidate Rab Butler in the Tory leadership election of 1963.
So, while the label remains an emotive one, it is a little difficult to know what it now signifies. That the leading candidate for the Tory leadership in 2005 should want to pin it on his breast tells us, however, at least something. In the battle for ideas within the Conservative party it is seldom the Right that enjoys the ultimate triumph.
|
Cardinal Newman |
John Henry Newman was born in London on the 21st Feb. 1801 and was Ordained in 1825 as an Anglican priest, but in 1845 he was received into Catholic Church and in 1847 was Ordained as a Catholic priest in Rome. In 1879 Pope Leo XIII created him a Cardinal. He died in Birmingham on the 11th Aug. 1890. It was claimed by many that he was the greatest of living Englishmen.
The Primrose League reports:
A great and good man has passed from among us. For many years he was the foremost figure in religion in England, and if the last days of his life were spent in monastic seclusion, away from the bustle of the world, it was because he felt that his work - from a controversial point of view, at all events was done. To his prolonged leisure we owe that masterpiece of literature in the English language, "the Apologia pro Vitâ Suâ." | 
C.1864 |
Horley Local History Society |
Extract from the Primrose League Gazette 21st January 1888. |
At a recent dinner in connection with the Horley Habitation [Sussex No. 1496] at the Chequers Assembly Room, there was a very large attendance of members, including several ladies; and Sir Trevor Lawrence, M.P., having, in felicitous terms, proposed "The Health of the Ladies", and informed the company that the toast, somewhat unusually, was coupled with the name of a lady, - MISS MARRYAT, who was enthusiastically applauded, rose and said:
"Mr. Chairman, Mr. Vice-Chairman, and gentlemen, as none of the senior Dames of the League have risen to reply to this toast, I trust you will not consider me very presumptuous in rising to return thanks on behalf of my sex for the many nice things Sir Trevor Lawrence has said in his speech about us. [Cheers] I believe it is rather unusual for a lady to respond to this toast, but I fancy the custom has arisen somewhat in this way. It is not uncommon, I am told in London and other cities, for some 200 or 300 gentlemen to get together and have grand banquets all to themselves, while the ladies are banished to a gallery to look at them through the railings, feeding [laughter] just like you see the animals fed at the Zoological Gardens.[Much laughter.]
Well, having thus wilfully banished the fairer sex from their society, of course they go through the hollow farce of drinking the health of the banished ladies, they have put to some unhappy man to reply [laughter], but really on these occasions, when the noble beasts - I beg your pardon, the nobler sex [laughter] - unbend so much as to let us feed with them, I think the least we can do is relieve some unhappy man of the task and reply for ourselves. [Loud cheers and laughter] If, too, you will consider for a moment, you will see what an absurdity it is for a man - a bachelor too, I believe generally - attempting to reply to a toast on the subject of which he needs must be woefully ignorant. [laughter] For, if he is an old bachelor, his life has evidently been passed uncheered by the sunshine of a woman. If a young bachelor, he is probably too much taken up with admiration for himself to have had time to study the opposite sex. A married man, now, might know something about us, but I suppose they are never allowed to reply, because I imagine you gentlemen have the vulgar and erroneous notion that if were to dilate on our charms - as he undoubtedly would do - he would have a rough time of it when he got home. [Cheers and laughter]
I will only remark, in conclusion, that whatever may be in store for our sex in future - whether you admit us to many branches of science, arts and honours, or even give us women's suffrage, and many other things from which we are now excluded - you may depend upon it that the higher the scale of duties and responsibilities to which you raise your women - and you will find us fit for them when the time comes - the higher you will raise yourselves in the scale of civilisation, and the greatest number of perfect English women you will produce. [Loud and prolonged cheering!]" |
| Madeley Staffordshire Time Line. |
| 1911 - Eliza Ann Twemlow of Betley Court dies, aged 83. For many years she had been the Ruling Councillor of the Betley and Madeley Habitation of the Primrose League. |
| Wolmer, Kent. |
| Caroline Woods did a lot of charitable work at Walmer for the boatmen and the poor. Her only public appearances were as President of the local Primrose League Habitation of which her husband was the main supporter. She had an unusual habit of wearing black gloves at all times, even at breakfast. Caroline married Sir Arthur Naylor Wollaston, son of Henry Francis Wollaston and Elizabeth Naylor, in 1873. (Sir Arthur Naylor Wollaston was born on 14 Oct 1842 in Biggin Hill, Norwood and died on 8 Feb 1922 in Walmer, Kent). She died in 1902. |
| Norton & Malton, Yorkshire. |
Bulmer's Directory of 1890 - Malton.
Primrose League (Buckrose Habitation) - Miss Helen Bower, secretary, Welham.
Bulmer's Directory of 1892 - Norton.
The BUCKROSE HABITATION of the PRIMROSE LEAGUE. Hold occasional meetings in the Buckrose rooms. The Council consists of over 30 members, Ruling Councillor - Lord Middleton, Birdsall. Dame President - The Hon. Mrs. Garforth, Swinton grange. Chairman - Mr. Robert Wise. Hon. Sec. (pro tem.) - Mr. Robert Berriman. (who is also Secretary of the CONSERVATIVE ASSOCIATION).
Note: Malton and Norton are almost three towns in one, consisting of Old Malton and New Malton on the north side of the River Derwent and Norton on the south side of the river. Norton was formerly an East Riding town, Malton was in the North Riding. |
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