1928 A Retrospect Tilley's Almanack

Chronological extracts completed from the "Ledbury Free Press"

THIS YEAR we are publishing in brief chronological order the principal events which have gone to make up the history of this district during the past year. The inclusion in the Almanack of this feature will, we feel sure, meet with the approval of our numerous readers.

In briefly reviewing the past year, it may be remarked that after one of the most severe winters experienced for a number of years, conditions showed a tendency to improve towards Easter, and ideal summer weather prevailed until well into the autumn with but very slight breaks. The scarcity of rain through the summer months was, at times, somewhat of a problem for the agriculturist.

Crops generally throughout the district were quite up to, if not more than, the average, with the exception of hops, which were an unusually light crop.

The outstanding items of interest during the year were, undoubtedly, the visit of the Herefordshire Regiment to the town early in May and the Hospital Carnival and Pageant on August Bank Holiday. It is a long time since the streets of the old town presented such an animated appearance as they did on these two occasions.

January 2 Ledbury Town F.C. annual dance at the Feathers Hotel.

January 5 Annual Church Choir concert at the Church Room.

January 6 At the meet of Ledbury Hounds at the Rose and Crown, Redmarley, Major Ian BULLOUGH (the late Master) was presented with a gold watch in case from members of the Hunt, and a gold cigarette case from the farmers. Harry TURNER (the late Huntsman) was at the same time presented with a cheque for over £107.

January 7 Mr. and Mrs. William UNDERWOOD, of 21, Homend Crescent, celebrated their golden wedding.

January 9 A Bosbury woman, Louisa Violet SOLEY, of Lower Cold Green, accidentally burnt to death.

January 10 Death of Judge R. W. INGRAM at Lugwas Court, Hereford, aged 82. Well known locally as judge at Ledbury County Court.

January 11 Miss Mabel KITSON, the 15-year-old “Railway Queen,” was at Euston railway station presented by Mr. BROMLEY, M.P., with a gold wristlet watch from railwaymen all over the country. Miss KITSON is a native of Colwall and a pupil at Ledbury Grammar School.

January 11 Annual party of the Ledbury branch of the League of Pity at the Feathers Assembly Room.

January 12 Death of Mr. V. W. MEACHAM at White House, Leighton, Salop, aged 66, formerly chemist of High Street, Ledbury. Was one of the oldest Freemasons in the district, being a member of the Eastnor Lodge.

January 12 Annual tea and meeting of the local branch of National Women's Total Abstinence Union, at the Wesleyan Schoolroom.

January 16 Annual Meeting of Church-people, held in the Church Room. The statement of accounts showed an expenditure of £747 16s 5d and receipts amounting to £676 13s. 10d. leaving a deficit of £70 16s. 5d.

January 20 “C” (Ledbury) Company Herefordshire Regiment annual smoking concert and prize distribution, held at the Drill Hall.

January 21 The death occurred suddenly in London, of Mr. Paul Henry FOLEY, at the age of 71. He was the owner of the mansion at Stoke Edith which was totally destroyed by fire in December of 1927.

January 26 Girl Guides annual ball at the Feathers Hotel.

January 29 Sudden death in London of Field Marshal Earl HAIG.

January 29 Dr. Maynard SMITH, Canon of Gloucester Cathedral, gave an address at a men’s service in Ledbury Church.

January 30 Cricket and Sports Club annual meeting at the Feathers Hotel. The accounts showed an expenditure of £138 9s. 4d., leaving a balance in hand of £9 15s. 4d.

February 2 Whist drive and dance, organized by the Traders’ Association, at the Feathers Assembly Room.

February 9 Ledbury annual Licensing Sessions. All licenses were renewed.

February 9 Ledbury Women’s Liberal Society social and dance at the Feathers Hotel.

February 15 Death of the Earl of Oxford and Asquith, aged 75.

February 15 Farmers' Ball at the Royal Oak Hotel, in aid of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution.

February 16 Annual meeting of the subscribers of Ledbury Cottage Hospital, held at the Town Hall. The Chairman said the total expenditure was £956 3s. 0d. leaving a debit balance of £86 0s. 3d. on the year’s accounts. The Trustees had received from the executors of the late Miss OAKLEY a bequest of £200, and by the will of the late Miss Jane HAYES, of Wellington, near Hereford, the Hospital would benefit by a legacy of £100. There would also be a sum available for the Hospital, left by the late Miss JAY, amounting to £1,500 or £1,600.

February 16 Ledbury Musical Society’s annual concert at the Royal Hall.

February 17 Alderman John RILEY, of Gazerdine, Ledbury, chairman of the Ledbury Magistrates, was awarded £1,000 damages at Hereford Assizes in an action for libel against Lord GARIOCH, of London.

February 17 Social evening at the Feathers Hotel, organized by the Ledbury Women’s Unionist Association.

February 23 Ledbury Fire Brigade annual dinner at the Royal Oak Hotel.

February 27 Performance at the Wesleyan Schoolroom of “A Mock Trial” by members of Ledbury Wesley Guild.

February 29 Gramophone recital, arranged by Messrs. TILLEY & Son, at the Feathers Hotel.

March 7 Annual meeting of the Ledbury branch of the Herefordshire Unionist Association, at the Feathers Assembly Room.

March 9 At a special meeting of members of the ex-Service Men’s Club, held to consider the committee’s recommendation of handing over the Club to the British Legion, the proposition was carried by a large majority.

March 10 Death of Mr. William UNDERWOOD, of 21 Homend Crescent, in his 80th year.

March 12 At the Congregational Church the Rev. T. D. WATKINS (pastor) and Mrs. WATKINS were presented with stainless and silver cutlery, on the occasion of the marriage of the Pastor to Miss Alma COSSEY.

March 12 Annual meeting of Ledbury Rural Parish Council.

March 13 At Ledbury Police Court, a verdict of “Suicide whilst temporarily insane” was returned at an inquest on the body of Charles STOCKLEY, a Birmingham man, who was found hanging in an old cottage at Westhill the previous day.

March 13 Death of Mrs. E. M. MARTIN, Linden House, New Street, aged 77.

March 14 Worcester and Hereford railway lines blocked for several hours as a result of the breaking of the engine axle of the Gloucester train when entering Ledbury station.

March 18 At a men’s service in Ledbury Church an address was given by the Dean of Worcester.

March 19 His Honour Judge ROOPE-REEVE, K.C., the newly-appointed judge for the circuit, presided for the first time at Ledbury County Court.

March 24 Annual meeting and smoking concert of the local branch of the British Legion, held at the ex-Servicemen’s Club.

March 25 Confirmation service at the Parish Church. 97 candidates.

March 26 Mr. Harry COWELL, a well known farmer and hop-grower, of Callows Hill Farm, Ledbury, died in his 67th year.

March 27 Entertainment in the Royal Hall, given by the “Sparks” Concert Party, in aid of the Hospital X-Ray fund.

March 28 The erection of the new 50,000 cubic feet gas-holder at Ledbury Gas Works was completed. At the inaugural ceremony Mr. S. CLARKE formally opened the gas-holder by turning on the supply to the town. In the evening a commemoration dinner was held at the Feathers Hotel.

March 29 Women’s Unionist Association concert at the Royal Hall.

March 30 The death occurred suddenly, at her residence, of Mrs. J. E. MITCHELL, Haffield, Ledbury, at the age of 58.

April 2 Urban District rate of 2/2 in the £ for the half-year.

April 2 Three out of five candidates nominated for vacant seats on the Urban District Council having withdrawn, a contest was avoided. The two new members were Mrs. B. M. SHAW and Mr. H. J. CHAPMAN.

April 3 Death of Mr. James MARKLOVE, Newbury Park, aged 78.

April 9 Easter Monday. Fine day.

April 9 Boy Scouts annual ball at the Feathers Hotel. Net proceeds amounted to over £24.

April 11 Marriage at Ledbury Church of Mr. J. W. BELL, third son of Mr. and Hon. Mrs. C. W. BELL, of Bronsil, and Miss Vera SAIKO, of Riga.

April 11 At the annual vestry meeting of the Parish Church, Mr. S. H. BICKHAM was re-elected churchwarden together with Mr. J. DUNCAN.

April 11 Annual meeting of the Feathers Bowls Club. A number of new members were elected.

April 16 At the annual meeting of the Urban District Council, Mr. E. A. JUCKES was elected chairman for the ensuing year.

April 19 Accident at the Ledbury Hunt Steeplechases, near Pendock Cross, as a result of which the winner of the last race, Mr. R. N. YATES’ “Ben” (ridden by the owner), after passing the post, fell and crashed into a fence, breaking its neck, the rider also being seriously injured.

April 19 Ledbury Cribbage League annual dinner at the Royal Oak Hotel. Mr. J. HATTON (presiding) presented the League cup to Mr. W. PITT, captain of the League champions (the Brewery Inn).

April 20 Annual meeting of Ledbury Rural Parish Council. Mr. Spencer H. BICKHAM elected chairman.

April 21 Football Association Cup final at Wembley. Blackburn Rovers beat Huddersfield Town 4-1. Over 92,000 spectators. A large party of local enthusiasts took advantage of the trip to London for the occasion.

April 22 “Summer Time” commenced.

April 24 Church of England Men’s Society annual meeting in Church Room. Mr. H. C. HOOPER elected president for the year.

April 24 Mr. W. L. PRITCHETT re-elected chairman at the annual meeting of Ledbury Board of Guardians.

April 25 Death of Mr. A. T. WATERS, of Gloversleigh, Colwall Green, aged 71. He had been a member of the Eastnor Lodge of Freemasons since 1896.

April 26 Ledbury Fire Brigade summoned to Chances’ Pitch, where a five-ton lorry loaded with phosphorus was burning fiercely.

April 26 Community singing concert at the Royal Hall, organized on behalf of the Girl Guide Rangers by Mrs. TROTTER.

April 26 The spring meetings of Congregational Churches in Herefordshire district were held in Ledbury Congregational Church.

May 1 The annual “Pound Day" in connection with the Cottage Hospital met with a splendid response, a record quantity of pounds of varied goods being received, also donations amounting to about £15.

May 1 Dancing display given in the Royal Hall by pupils of Miss Grace DOVEY, in aid of the Children's League of Pity.

May 3 Ledbury Girls’ Life Brigade annual display in the Church Room.

May 6 This was a “red-letter day” in the history of Ledbury, being the occasion of the visit of the 1st Herefordshire Regiment to the town. At mid-day the Regiment, 320 strong, was officially welcomed by the members of Ledbury Urban Council, and a drum-head service was then held at the War Memorial. In the afternoon the troops were formed up for the Regimental march past and were inspected by the Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire, Sir John COTTERELL, Bart.

May 6 Destructive fire at Stretton Grandison Vicarage. Damage estimated at about £450.

May 8 Annual meeting of Ledbury and District Football League. Mr. J. PHILLIPS, captain of the Bosbury F.C. was presented with the Championship Shield, this club being the winners for the third season in succession.

May 16 Public Lending Library opened at the Town Hall for the distribution of books. Upwards of 200 readers registered.

May 16 Fire at the Reddings, Colwall, two old thatched cottages being burnt to the ground.

May 24 Empire Day. Annual parade of the local troop of B.P. Scouts.

May 24 A country dance party, organized by Mrs. GREAVES, was held on the lawn at the Grammar School.

May 28 Whit-Monday. Fine day.

June 5 First day of the Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire Show at Hereford. Entries reached the record number of 1238.

June 5 Meeting in the Church Room of the Ledbury Orthopaedic After-Care Centre.

June 13 In the House of Commons, the Revised Prayer Book Measure was rejected by a majority of 46 votes.

June 20 At the Folk Dance Festival, held at Hereford, Ledbury Grammar School succeeded in winning three shields for country dancing and one for sword dancing.

June 21 “The Four Seasons” Bazaar, organized by members of Ledbury Wesleyan Church, was held at the Drill Hall, when the net proceeds amounted to £103 12s. 11d.

June 23 Mr. and Mrs. Henry CHRISTOPHER, 90 Homend Street, celebrated their golden wedding.

June 28 Women’s Unionist Association outing to London.

June 28 Ledbury Branch of the Women’s Liberal Association presented with a silver teapot for greatest increase of membership during the past year.

June 30 Local branch of the British Legion take over the control of Ledbury ex-Service Men’s Club.

July 2 Ledbury Urban Council presented with an oil painting of the late Mr. Charles Wesley STEPHENS. The portrait had up to this time been held by the Ledbury Conservative League.

July 5 Local branch of the Wesleyan Women’s Missionary Society held their annual meeting and garden party at “The Birtleys.”

July 6 Charged with murdering her husband, Mrs. Harry PACE was acquitted at Gloucester Assizes.

July 7 Four Counties’ rally of B.P. Scouts at Hereford, the Ledbury and Eastnor groups taking part.

July 7 Visit of Church Army Sisters to Ledbury, and mission services held during the week.

July 14 Death of Mrs. Fanny BRADLEY, of Oatleys Road, Ledbury, aged 77.

July 17 Flower Service in Congregational Church Schoolroom.

July 19 Performance given by pupils of the Abbey School in aid of Poor Children’s Holiday Fund, the proceeds amounting to £5 16s. 7d.

July 19 Garden fete and sale of work in the Vicarage grounds, Wellington Heath, organized by the Arknell Working Party. Proceeds over £55.

July 20 Fire at Messrs. George HILL & Sons’ timber yard. Damage about £20.

July 22 Children’s flower service at Ledbury Parish Church.

July 23 At a committee meeting it was decided to start a social club in connection with the Ledbury “Rector’s Class” and the local C.E.M.S.

July 26 Social and dance at the Royal Hall, organized by local Catholics in aid of Church funds.

July 26 Ledbury Congregational Church annual rally.

July 27 Annual meeting of Ledbury Town Football Club. The accounts showed a credit balance of £11 10s. 6d.

July 29 ”C” Ledbury Company Herefordshire Regt. proceeded to camp at Coberley, near Cheltenham, for a fortnight.

August 1 Court House School annual sports and prize distribution, held in the Royal Hall.

August 2 Colwall Flower Show held at the Winnings meadow.

August 2 Redmarley Flower Show and Sports.

August 6 Bank Holiday. The Hospital Carnival and Historical Pageant was held at Ledbury Park. The show was a brilliant success, there being over 4,000 people assembled in the Park. The streets were densely crowded as the long procession, headed by the excellent Cwm (Newport) silver band, wended its way through the town, and on entering the Park the Carnival was formally opened by Lord and Lady BIDDULPH. A flower show and a baby show was also held in conjunction with the Carnival. The grand finale of a memorable clay was the fancy dress ball, held in the Royal Hall in the evening, when there were about 300 dancers present. The nett profit accruing from the Carnival amounted to the very satisfactory sum of £125 11s. 8d.

August 6 Rick fire at Homend Park, Stretton Grandison. Damage about £25.

August 8 At a meeting of the Hospital Sunday Parade Committee, it was decided to abandon the annual parade this year.

August 9 Madresfield Flower Show.

August 10 A disastrous fire occurred at the premises of Mr. A. E. GRIFFITHS of Dymock, doing damage to the extent of £1,000. A sensation was caused when Mr. GRIFFITHS’ son, Albert, was subsequently arrested and charged with setting fire to the building.

August 11 Ledbury Hunt Keepers’ dinner at the Feathers Hotel.

August 13 Bosbury Agricultural and Horticultural Show. Record number of entries.

August 13 Ledbury Urban Council approved the erection of a public telephone kiosk near the fire alarm in High Street.

August 16 Women’s Liberal Association outing to Weston-super-Mare.

August 17 Ledbury Boys’ School sports on the Recreation Ground.

August 22 Ledbury Girls’ School annual prize distribution. Two of the pupils won scholarships for the Grammar School.

August 23 Fire at Park Farm, Colwall. Damage between £300 and £400.

August 25 Much Marcle Flower Show. Fine weather and a record attendance.

August 26 Death of Mrs. Edith Susan REISS, wife of the Rector of Donnington, in her 77th year.

August 27 Peace Pact signed in Paris.

August 27 Ledbury Hounds commenced cub-hunting.

August 28 At the annual meeting of the Ledbury Ploughing Society, at the Feathers Hotel, Mr. J. E. MITCHELL was elected president. The accounts showed a balance in hand of £19 0s. 4d.

August 29 Ledbury Cribbage League annual meeting at the New Inn Hotel.

August 30 Annual meeting of Ledbury Musical Society held at the Congregational Schoolroom, Rev. F. W. CARNEGY presiding. The accounts showed a credit balance of £7 1s. 6d. It was decided to present the light opera version of “Tom Jones” at the next annual concert.

August 30 Whist Drive at the Church Room, organized by Ledbury Catholics in aid of their Church Organ Fund.

August 30 Hop-picking commenced at a few local yards and picking became general during the following week.

September 10 Ledbury Wesley Guild annual meeting at the Wesleyan Schoolroom. Rev. G. F. N. SHERWELL re-elected president.

September 15 A series of "push-ball“ matches were played on the Pound Meadow in aid of the local branch of the British Legion. Six local teams competed, and eventually the “Carpenters“ proved victorious on points.

September 17 Annual meeting of Ledbury Hockey Club.

September 18 Ledbury and District Football League annual meeting at “No. 7.”

September 21 Ledbury Ladies Hockey Club annual meeting at the Feathers Hotel.

September 22 An inquest was held at Normans Wood, near Newent, on Herbert FLINT, aged 69, who resided at Normans Wood Poultry Farm, and who was found shot outside the bungalow the previous Thursday morning. Verdict of “Suicide whilst temporarily insane” was returned.

September 27 An arts and crafts exhibition was held at the Church Room, when a very fine collection of work was exhibited and also a number of very interesting antiques.

September 27 Annual dance in aid of Ledbury Town Football Club, held at the Feathers Hotel.

October 1 Opening night of Ledbury Boys’ Social Club at the Church Room.

October 4 Ledbury Grammar School “speech day” and prize distribution, held at the Royal Hall. Mr. Spencer H. BICKHAM presided, and there was a crowded attendance of pupils, parents and friends. Mr. Lionel CURTIS (Professor of Colonial History at Oxford) presented prizes to the successful scholars, and subsequently delivered a most interesting address.

October 7 “Summer Time” ended.

October 7 Harvest Thanksgiving services at Ledbury Parish Church.

October 8 Ledbury Ploughing Society annual match, held at Lintridge Farm, Dymock. Dinner in the evening at the Feathers Hotel, Mr. J. E. MITCHELL presiding.

October 9 Ledbury October Pleasure Fair.

October 11 St. Mary’s Home, Eastnor, annual “Pound Day.”

October 11 Ledbury Baptist Church anniversary services.

October 17 Death of Miss Charlotte SMITH, at her residence, Homend Lodge.

October 18 Inaugural meeting of the Ledbury branch of the Junior Imperial League, held at the Feathers Hotel.

October 19 Sudden death of the Rev. E. H. Duncan DISBROWE, vicar of All Saints, Holly Bush, in his 50th year.

October 22 Whist drive at the Feathers Hotel in aid of the funds of the Ledbury Bowling Club.

October 23 Public meeting of the National British Women's Temperance Association Union, held at the Royal Hall. Rev. H. L. SOMERS-COCKS presided.

October 25—Annual meeting at the Town Hall of the Ledbury branch British and Foreign Bible Society. Rev. C. L. MONEY-KYRLE presided, and the report showed a credit balance of £40 9s. 10d.

October 27 Quarterly meeting of the local branch National Union of Teachers, held at Ledbury Boys’ School.

October 28 Sudden death of Mr. William JESSETT, of Homend Street, in his 75th year.

October 29 At Gloucester Assizes, Albert J. B. GRIFFITHS, of Dymock, was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for setting fire to his father’s dwelling house and causing damage amounting to £1000.

October 31 Ledbury Wesley Guild dinner at the Wesleyan Schoolroom, in aid of the Cottage Hospital. Mr. E. A. JUCKES, J.P. presided over a very large company present.

November 1 Feathers Bowling Club annual supper, Mr. A. G. T. BANKS presiding.

November 2 Ledbury Hounds opening meet at Forthampton Court.

November 8 Armistice dance organized by the local branch British Legion held at the Feathers Hotel.

November 10 Poppy Day. Total sum realized by sale of poppies in Ledbury and district amounted to £139 4s. 8d., the various church collections in aid of Earl HAIG’s Fund were £20 12s. 6d., thus making a grand total of £159 17s. 2d.

November 10 Public meeting at the Town Hall to inaugurate a local branch of the League of Nations Union. Lord BIDDULPH presided and a large number attended the meeting.

November 11 Armistice Day. Special united service held at the War Memorial, and the “two minutes silence” was reverently observed.

November 12 Annual meeting of the Ledbury branch British Legion held at their headquarters in Church Street. Major C. A. H. PALAIRET presided. The Secretary stated there was a membership of 316 and the accounts showed a credit balance of £58 9s. 3d.

November 14 Gramophone recital, arranged by Messrs. TILLEY & Son, at the Royal Hall.

November 15 A bazaar and sale of work, in aid of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, was held at the Feathers Hotel, and was an unqualified success, the proceeds amounted to over £60.

November 16 Numerous mishaps occurred and some little damage was done in the district as a result of a gale.

November 20 Social and dance at the Feathers Hotel, under the auspices of the Ledbury branch Junior Imperial League.

November 20 Ledbury Hunt annual meeting at the Feathers Hotel, Mr. G. S. ALBRIGHT presiding. The balance sheet showed an adverse balance of £531 5s. 3d. on the general account.

November 22 Ledbury Girl Guides (District) Association annual meeting at the Feathers Hotel. Lady BIDDULPH presided. Finances showed a balance in hand of £36 18s. 4d.

November 22 Ledbury C.E.M.S. invitation whist drive in the Church Room.

November 25 Farewell gathering at the Baptist Church schoolroom on the occasion of the departure of the Pastor (Rev. R. SINNETT) and Mrs. SINNETT to Kidderminster.

November 26 Ledbury Bowls Club annual dinner at the Talbot Hotel. Mr. W. G. DAVIS presided and a large company was present.

November 26 New G.W.R. halt at Bye Street Bridge opened for traffic to and from Gloucester and intervening stations.

December 3 At the monthly meeting of the Urban Council it was decided that certain portions of Southend Street, New Street, Bye Street, Bank Crescent and Back Homend, be allowed as public parking places for motor cars, also that the east and west sides of the lower part of High Street be reserved for motor buses.

December 3 Ledbury Company (Lady SOMERS’ Own) Girl Guides annual meeting at the Feathers Hotel, Rev. F. W. CARNEGY presiding.

December 3 Whist drive at the Royal Hall in connection with the local branch of the Herefordshire Women’s Unionist Association.

December 4 Ledbury and District Boy Scouts annual meeting. The statement of accounts showed a deficit of £3 10s. 6d., in comparison with a credit balance at the beginning of the year of £10 16s. 4d.

December 6 Death of Rev. C. A. STRANGE, Rector of Bromesberrow, aged 44.

December 6 Ledbury Troop B.P. Scouts whist drive at the Church Room.

December 7 At the quarterly meeting of Governors of the Cottage Hospital the Management Committee reported that the X-Ray scheme for the Hospital had now been completed, and the whole of the cost of same, viz., £1374 4s. 3d., had been defrayed.

December 10 Ledbury branch of the Women’s Unionist Association children’s party at the Feathers Hotel.

December 11 Mr. Geo. Onslow DEANE, J.P., Boyce Court, Dymock, celebrated his 100th birthday. To mark the occasion Col. SPENCE-COLBY’s foxhounds met at the Boyce Court during the morning.

December 11 Ledbury Christmas fat stock show and sale.

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