1932 A Retrospect Tilley's Almanack

Chronological extracts completed from the "Ledbury Free Press"

THE YEARS roll on with astonishing rapidity, and we are now approaching the dawn of another year.

In briefly reviewing events of the year we note that outstanding features were conspicuous by their absence. The trade of the town was, like the country generally, depressed throughout the year, caused chiefly through the lack of employment.

January 1 Ledbury Church Choir annual concert at the Church Room.

January 11 Annual meeting of the Ledbury branch Junior Imperial League, held at the Feathers Hotel.

January 14 At the Feathers Assembly Room about 55 old people of the town were entertained to tea by the local branch of the C.E.M.S.

January 18 Ledbury Parish Church annual meeting at the Church Room.

January 20 Eastnor Lodge of Freemasons annual installation ceremony was held at the Drill Hall, when Worshipful Brother George FOXWELL was installed Worshipful Master for the ensuing year.

January 23 A large number of local Liberals gathered at the Congregational Schoolroom for the purpose of making a presentation of a wallet of treasury notes to Mr. Frank OWEN, who unsuccessfully contested the Hereford Division at the last election.

January 23 Teams from Ledbury and district competed at a drama festival held at Hereford Town Hall under the auspices of the British Drama League.

January 28 A very successful whist drive in aid of the local company of Girl Guides was held at the Church Room.

January 30 An inquest was held on the body of Harriet SERGEANT (46), of Ledbury, who was fatally injured by a motor van in New Street. Verdict of “Accidental death.”

February 4 Ledbury Musical Society held their annual concert at the Royal Hall, when the concert version of Montague Phillips “The Rebel Maid” was performed.

February 5 Women’s Unionist Association children’s party at the Feathers Hotel.

February 5 Three plays were given at the Church Room by Women’s Institute members and other local players.

February 8 Ledbury Junior Imperial League dance at the Feathers Hotel.

February 9 At the annual meeting of the Women’s Unionist Association, held at the Barrett-Browning Institute, a very successful year's working was reported and the finances showed a credit balance in hand of £12 9s. 6d.

February 22 The death occurred at his residence, "The Lindens" New Street, of Mr. John Albert HOPKINS, at the age of 51.

February 22 Ledbury Cricket and Sports Club annual meeting at the Feathers Hotel.

February 26 At the annual meeting of Ledbury Cottage Hospital subscribers and donors, held at the Feathers Hotel, the record number of 296 patients was reported for the year.

March 3 Ledbury Fire Brigade annual dinner, held at the Feathers Hotel.

March 12 Annual meeting of the Ledbury and District British Legion Club, Ltd.

March 22 In connection with Ledbury Bowling Club, a smoking concert and prize distribution took place at the Plough Hotel.

March 25 Death of Mr. John Charles DAVIES, which took place at his residence, Hill House, Ledbury, at the age of 76 years. The late Mr. DAVIES, who came to Ledbury about 55 years ago, was a senior member of the Herefordshire County Council. For 38 years he served on the Ledbury Rural Council, and was also one of the oldest members of the former Ledbury Board of Guardians.

March 26 Ledbury Hunt Point-to-Point Races, held at Bushley Park, near Tewkesbury.

March 27 The death occurred at Beulah Villa, Ledbury, of Mr. George William PAUL, a former head-master of Ledbury Boys’ School, at the age of 83.

March 28 Easter Monday. 1st Ledbury Troop B.P. Scouts annual ball was held at the Feathers Hotel, and resulted in a profit of over £15.

March 30 A large audience attended the Church Room, when the Ledbury Players presented the revue: “Strained Interlude,” in aid of the funds of the Girls‘ Life Brigade.

April 4 Polling for five vacant seats on the Ledbury Urban Council took place. Messrs. W. G. WARREN, H. J. MORGAN. F. W. JUCKES, W. J. BRAY and O. L. BREND were elected, Mr. Ernest BARNES being the defeated candidate.

April 5 Death of an old Ledburian, Mr. Robert Henry BALLARD, which occurred at his residence, Ivy House, New Street, at the age of 87 years.

April 7 The musical comedy, "Hulda of Holland," was performed at the Royal Hall by the Ledbury League of Young Liberals before a crowded audience.

April 8 Ledbury Cribbage League annual dinner at the Feathers Hotel, when the silver challenge cup was presented to the season’s champions, the British Legion Club.

April 11 At a special meeting of the Ledbury Urban Council, the tender of Messrs. WHEELER and MANSELL, of Evesham, was accepted for the erection of 32 houses for the sum of £9,897 10s. 0d., in connection with the local housing scheme.

April 13 A very successful bazaar was held at the Wesleyan School in aid of Sunday School funds, a profit of over £18 being realised.

April 17 At a service for men at Ledbury Parish Church, the Bishop of Swansea and Brecon was present and gave an interesting address.

April 19 At the annual meeting of Ledbury Urban Council, Mr. Guy H. SMITH was appointed chairman of the Council for the ensuing twelve months.

April 19 Local branch of the C.E.M.S. annual meeting, held at Low House.

April 21 Girls’ Life Brigade annual display at the Church Room.

April 23 At a meeting of the Herefordshire Education Committee, a scheme to extend and improve the Ledbury Girls’ and Infants Schools at a cost of £550 was adopted.

April 25 Death of Mr. Thomas WATKINS, pump-maker, of The Cottage, New Street, in his 77th year.

April 26 Ledbury Cottage Hospital annual “Pound Day.”

April 30 Twenty-two Ledbury members of the Herefordshire branch King’s Shropshire Light Infantry Old Comrades’ Association attended the first annual re-union and dinner at the Drill Hall, Hereford.

April 30 At the annual Herefordshire musical competitions. held at the Shire Hall, Hereford, Ledbury Girls’ and Infants’ schools and Colwall schools tied for second place in the dramatic scenes.

May 3 A large audience filled the Royal Hall on the occasion of the annual dancing display given by pupils of Miss Grace DOVEY. The proceeds were in aid of the Cottage Hospital, and amounted to £20.

May 16 The death occurred at 24 The Homend, of Mr. Thomas CHADD at the age of 68. The late Mr. CHADD was a native of Ledbury and served as a fireman in the Ledbury Brigade for a period of thirty years.

May 18 At a meeting of the Urban Council the tender of Messrs. E. JEAVONS and Co., Ltd., of Tipton, was accepted for the laying of roads, sewers and water mains in connection with the local housing scheme, at a cost of £1,321 9s. 6d.

May 19 A festival was held at the Parish Church by the combined choirs from the Ledbury Deanery.

May 21 As a result of torrential rain throughout the night, flooding was caused in Ledbury and district to an unusual extent, and Ledbury Fire Brigade were called upon to pump water out of the cellars of several houses in the town.

May 22 The festival of the Blessed Trinity was observed at Ledbury Catholic Church, and was the occasion of a visit by His Grace the Archbishop of Cardiff.

May 24 Death of Mr. Henry Alan TARBATH, of the Seven Stars Inn, at the age of 80 years. Over half-a-century ago the late Mr. TARBATH came to Ledbury as yard foreman at the Feathers Hotel, and for many years drove the four-in-hand stage coach between Ledbury and Gloucester daily, prior to the construction of the Ledbury-Gloucester railway line. He had been licensee of the Seven Stars Inn for the last 30 years.

May 26 A garden fete in aid of Ledbury Nursing Association was held at West Hill, the opening ceremony being performed by Lady Amy BIDDULPH. Proceeds of the fete amounted to over £50.

May 27 At the annual meeting of Ledbury St. Michael’s Football Club, held at the Church Room, a most successful season was reported and the accounts showed a credit balance of £21 8s. 8d.

May 29 About 400 Scouts from all parts of the county took part in the annual Empire Day celebrations of Herefordshire Boy Scouts’ Association, which this year were held at Ledbury.

June 1 Mr. W. J. BRAY was returned unopposed as representative of Ledbury urban on the Herefordshire County Council, in succession to the late Mr. J. C. DAVIES.

June 7 Opening day of the Three Counties Agricultural Show at Gloucester. The 1933 show will be held at Worcester.

June 8 Annual meeting of the Ledbury and District Nursing Association, held at the Church Room. Lady BIDDULPH again accepted office as president, and Mrs. C. B. MASEFIELD was elected chairman in succession to Mrs. PALAIRET.

June 14 At the annual meeting of Ledbury branch of the Hereford League of Young Liberals, a membership of 140 was reported for the branch, with a satisfactory balance in hand of £19 11s. 4d.

June 15 A Druid period play entitled “The Fourth Stone,” written and produced by Miss A. G. OWEN, of Ledbury, was performed by the Ledbury Players at the Royal Hall.

June 18 Annual outing of the employees of Ledbury Preserves, Ltd., when about 50 workers went by motor coach to New Brighton.

June 19 As a result of injuries received through a fall from his bicycle, the death took place at the Cottage Hospital of Mr. Charles DAVIES, aged 29, of The Lodge, Hill House, Ledbury, youngest son of the late Mr. J. C. DAVIES.

June 25 Pupils of Ledbury Grammar School secured three firsts, two seconds and one third award at the Herefordshire Folk Dance Society’s annual competitions at Holme Lacy.

June 24 Miss Rachel CARNEGY, daughter of Rev. Preb. and Mrs. CARNEGY, was one of the debutantes presented at their Majesties‘ Court.

June 25 Street collections in Ledbury in aid of the National Institute for the Blind realised the sum of £16 10s. 0d.

July 7 The annual sale of work organised by the Ledbury Ladies’ Work Association was held in the grounds of 22 The Homend, the opening ceremony being performed by Mrs. Allan BRIGHT, of Colwall.

July 14 Flower show and garden fete held at Woodside, Bank Crescent, in aid of the Wesleyan Sunday School funds.

July 16 Ledbury Hunt earthstoppers annual dinner held at the Feathers Hotel.

July 17 One of Ledbury’s oldest inhabitants. Mr. Richard DRINKWATER, died at The Willows, Southend, at the age of 74.

July 21 Display of country dancing given by pupils of Ledbury Grammar School on the school lawns in aid of the National Institute for the Blind.

July 21 Abbey School annual entertainment given in the school garden, in aid of Crippled Children’s holiday fund.

July 27 The annual prize distribution and sports in connection with the Court House School were held at the Church Room.

July 28 A fete in aid of the Children’s League of Pity was held at The Orchard, Ledbury, and realised the sum of £16 14s. 6d.

August 8 Fine weather favoured the Bosbury Agricultural and Horticultural Show and there was an excellent attendance. An outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the district necessitated the withdrawal of cattle and sheep classes from the show.

August 9 Ledbury Musical Society annual meeting held at the Congregational Schoolroom. Mendelssohn’s “Elijah” was the work selected for the next annual concert.

August 16 Mr. Thomas WILLIAMS, aged 23 years, of the Southend, died from the effects of an electric shock received while following his employment. At an inquest subsequently held a verdict of “Accidental death” was returned.

August 17 Garden party held at Westhill in connection With the Ledbury Babies’ Welfare Club.

August 25 A large congregation was present at Ledbury Parish Church on the occasion of a wedding which attracted considerable local interest, the contracting parties being Mr. George Herbert WEST, son of Mr. and Mrs. F. H. WEST, of Yeovil, Somerset, and Miss Lilian TAYLOR, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. W. TAYLOR, of Ingleside, Ledbury.

August 27 Ideal summer weather favoured the annual show and sports organised by Much Marcle and Yatton Horticultural Society and upwards of 2000 people attended this most successful show.

August 27 Ledbury Hunt annual puppy show was held at Forthampton Court.

September 8 Col. SPENCE-COLBY’s annual puppy show, held at Donnington Hall.

September 20 At the annual meeting of Ledbury Ploughing Society, held at the Feathers Hotel, it was decided to postpone the annual ploughing match until the following year.

October 2 Annual harvest thanksgiving services at Ledbury Parish Church.

October 2 The Rev. Father R. L. HANDFORD, D. D. who had been Rector of Ledbury Catholic Church since 1926, intimated to his congregation that he was leaving Ledbury to take up an appointment at Mountain Ash, Glamorgan. Father HANDFORD was succeeded by the Rev. A. E. GOATMAN.

October 3 A meeting of church people was held at the Church Room for the purpose of organizing a Church Fellowship, and a number of persons gave in their names as members.

October 4 The Ledbury Youths’ Club was formally opened at their headquarters in New Street.

October 6 Ledbury Music Club opened their winter session with a concert at the Grammar School.

October 6 St. Michael’s F. C. held their annual whist drive at the Church Room.

October 11 The annual Michaelmas pleasure fair was again held in the main streets of the town, and attracted large crowds of visitors.

October 12 There was a crowded attendance at the opening night of the winter session of Ledbury Wesley Guild, when a lecture on “The History of Old Ledbury” was given by Mr. W. MADDERS.

October 19 At the annual meeting of the Ledbury Bowling Club, held at the Plough Hotel, a very satisfactory state of affairs was reported.

October 26 Ledbury Branch of the Junior Imperial League held their annual meeting at the Feathers Hotel. A very satisfactory season’s working was recorded, and finances showed a credit balance in hand of £32 9s. 1d.

October 27 The annual meeting in connection with the British and Foreign Bible Society was held at the Town Hall.

October 31 Having a record of over 50 years of public service to his credit ex-Police-Sergeant John LLOYD, of Hill View, Oatleys Road, retired from the post of bailiff at Ledbury County Court after 24 years service in that capacity. Sergeant LLOYD had previously served for 27 years in the Hereford County Constabulary.

October 31 Mr. G. W. LANE, who had been G.W.R. station-master at Ledbury for the past eight years, retired on pension, having reached the retiring age of sixty.

November 1 Ledbury Hunt annual meeting held at the Feathers Hotel.

November 2 Opening meet of Col. SPENCE-COLBY’s foxhounds at Donnington Hall.

November 4 Ledbury Hounds opening meet at Forthampton Court.

November A social evening, arranged by the local branch of the Women’s Unionist Association, was held at the Feathers Hotel, when Mr. J. P. L. THOMAS, M.P., gave a talk on current politics to a large audience.

November 7 Annual meeting of the 1st Ledbury Company of Girl Guides and Rangers, held at the Church Room.

November 7 It was announced at the monthly meeting of the Urban Council that the first part of the Ledbury Housing Scheme would be completed during November, when 32 new houses would be ready for occupation at an inclusive rent of 6/6 weekly. It was also decided to apply to the Ministry of Health for leave to erect a further 38 houses to complete the second part of the housing scheme.

November 10 There was a large attendance at a loan exhibition of old china staged at Ledbury Park in connection with a lecture given under the auspices of the Hereford Women’s Unionist Association.

November 10 Armistice dance at the Feathers Hotel, arranged by the local branch of the British Legion.

November 11 The annual Remembrance Day united service was held at the War Memorial and followed the customary order.

November 11 Poppy Day collections in Ledbury and district amounted to £134 2s. 1d.

November 11 The Right Rev. Bishop A. HAMILTON-BAYNES, D.D., Provost of Birmingham Cathedral gave an address on “War and its Cure” at a well attended meeting of the Ledbury branch of the League of Nations Union held at the Feathers Assembly Rooms.

November 16 Ledbury Fire Brigade were engaged throughout the night at a fire which occurred at Welsh House Farm, Castle Tump, Pauntley.

November 17 A Japanese sale organised by the Ledbury Methodist Church in aid of their Manse Fund was held in the schoolroom and realised over £35.

November 18 The death occurred at her residence, The Conigree, Ledbury, of Mrs. Alice Maud MOLESWORTH, at the age of 69 years.

November 21 Ledbury Traders’ Association annual meeting held at the Feathers Hotel.

November 22 The Royal Hall was crowded on the occasion of Ledbury Grammar School annual “Speech Day” and prize distribution.

November 23 Annual meeting of Ledbury Girl Guides District Association, held at the Feathers Hotel.

November 24 Lady Amy BIDDULPH performed the opening ceremony at a three days’ Penny Fun Fair, held at the Feathers Hotel for the benefit of Ledbury Cottage Hospital. A profit of about £20 was realised.

November 24 A meeting was held at the Town Hall, under the auspices of Ledbury Workers‘ Pence Collection Committee, to consider the adoption of a new Hospital scheme in January, to be known as “The Ledbury District Workers’ Hospital Fund,” which would be a great improvement on the old scheme.

November 30 In connection with Eastnor Lodge of Freemasons, a ladies’ festival night was held at the Feathers Hotel.

December 1 A very successful partner bridge drive was held at the Feathers Hotel in aid of the Ledbury Nursing Association, a nett profit of £19 1s. 3d. resulting from the venture.

December 3 At the annual meeting of Ledbury British Legion Club, Major C. A. H. PALAIRET (chairman) made an urgent appeal to all ex-Service men in Ledbury and district to join the British Legion, and thus assist the organization to carry on their work.

December 6 Excellent entries were received for the forty-sixth Christmas fat stock show and sale at Ledbury, and there was a large attendance of buyers.

December 8 Entertainment at the Church Room, given by the pupils of the Court House School in aid of the Children’s League of Pity. A profit of £9 1s. 1d. was realised.

December 8 Ledbury Bowls Club annual prize distribution, held at the Plough Hotel.

December 12 A partner whist drive, organised by Ledbury Cricket and Sports Club, was held at the Feathers Hotel. During the proceedings Mr. Jim SMITH, captain of Ledbury Cricket Club, was presented with a cricket ball mounted in silver, inscribed and placed in a cup, in recognition of a remarkable bowling feat in a match between Worcester Cinderella and Ledbury, when Mr. SMITH secured all ten wickets for 27 runs.

December 13 Ledbury Girls’ and Infants’ Schools annual prize-giving. Extensions to the existing school buildings, which had recently been completed, were formally opened by Lady SOMERS, of Eastnor.

December 14 Junior Imperial League social at the Feathers Hotel.

‹ ‹ Retrospect Index

---