1933 A Retrospect Tilley's Almanack

Chronological extracts completed from the "Ledbury Free Press"

THE FLIGHT OF TIME brings us within measurable distance of the close of another year, and we have to arrange in brief chronological order the principal events which have gone to make up the history of this district during the past year.

To agriculturists generally the past year was most favourable, crops being quite up to or rather more than the average.

January 3 The annual dance organised by Ledbury branch Women’s Unionist Association was held at the Feathers Hotel. Mr. J. P. L. THOMAS, M.P. for the division, attended the dance during the evening.

January 5 The following were appointed new magistrates for the Petty Sessional division of Ledbury: Mr. James John Stedman POWELL, Hall Court, Much Marcle; Mr. Walter George WARREN, St. Cuthberts, Homend, Ledbury.

January 6 Ledbury Parish Church annual choir concert, held at the Church Room.

January 10 At a meeting of Ledbury Guardians’ Committee, plans were approved for alterations and additions at Ledbury Poor Law Institution at an estimated cost of £1,500.

January 10 The annual Christmas party organised by Ledbury League of Young Liberals was held at Maddox’s Pavilion.

January 11 At a gathering of Catholic and other friends at the Royal Oak Hotel, a presentation was made to Rev. Father R. L. HANDFORD, D.D., in appreciation of his six years' ministry at Ledbury Catholic Church. The presentation consisted of a figured ebony walking stick and umbrella with gold inscribed mounts, a cheque, and a framed illuminated address.

January 12 A number of the old people of Ledbury were entertained at the Feathers Hotel by the local branch of the C.E.M.S.

January 13 Ledbury Grammar School Old Pupils’ Association held their annual dance at the Feathers Hotel.

January 19 The annual ball promoted by Ledbury Company of Girl Guides (Lady SOMERS’ Own) was held at the Feathers Hotel, and proved to be one of the most successful dances of recent years.

January 24 Ledbury branch of the Girls’ Friendly Society held their annual social at the Church Room.

January 30 A debate of considerable interest was held at the Church Room under the auspices of Ledbury Church Fellowship, the subject of the debate being “The power of the Press.”

February 2 At the Ledbury annual Licensing Sessions it was reported there were 42 “on” licenses and seven “off” licenses in the district. All licenses were renewed.

February 2 The “Supierrots” Concert Party presented a non-stop variety entertainment at the Church Room under the title of “Autumn Croakers.”

February 6 In connection with the Hereford Division Unionist Association dancing competition, the Ledbury Junior Imperial League held a most successful dance at the Feathers Hotel.

February 8 A whist drive organised by the local branch of the Women’s Unionist Association was held at the Feathers Hotel.

February 14 The death occurred at her residence, Homend Lodge, of Miss Mary Wilson SMITH, at the age of 80 years.

February 16 A whist drive in connection with the Ledbury Town Band was held at the Feathers Hotel, and proved a most successful evening. During the proceedings Mr. T. RYAN, the bandmaster, was presented with a pair of bronze ornaments on the occasion of his recent marriage.

February 18 At a meeting of the Herefordshire County Council. Mr. R. G. GURNEY was appointed County Surveyor and Architect. Mr. GURNEY was formerly for many years surveyor to the Ledbury Urban and Rural District Councils.

February 23 Mendelssohn’s “Elijah” and miscellaneous items comprised the programme presented by Ledbury Musical Society at their annual concert at the Royal Hall.

February 24 One of the most severe snow blizzards experienced for many years entirely blocked many of the roads in the Ledbury district.

February 25 Ledbury Grammar School Old Pupils’ Association annual dinner, held at the Feathers Hotel.

February 28 Four plays were presented to a packed audience at the Church Room by the Ledbury Players, assisted by members of Eastnor and Wellington Heath Women’s Institutes.

February 28 A very successful bulb exhibition, organised by various Women’s Institutes in the district, was held at the Town Hall, and a silver cup presented by Mrs. AGAR-ELLIS was won by Eastnor W.I.

March 1 The annual meeting of subscribers and donors to Ledbury Cottage Hospital was held at the Feathers Hotel, when it was reported that the record number of 310 patients had been dealt with during the year.

March 2 Ledbury Fire Brigade annual dinner at the Feathers Hotel.

March 3 The death took place at his residence, Ivy Gate, Chestnut Walk, Worcester, of Mr. Richard HOMES, at the age of 84 years. The late Mr. HOMES was intimately associated with Ledbury for nearly 50 years, having held the clerkship to the Ledbury Board of Guardians for 46 years, a post from which he retired in 1920.

March 7 A very large company were present at a ball organised by a committee of the Ledbury Hunt, which was held at Eastnor Castle in aid of the Ledbury Hunt poultry fund.

March 7 Annual meeting of Ledbury Cricket and Sports Club, held at the Feathers Hotel.

March 9 A social and sale of work was held at the Homend headquarters in aid of the funds of Ledbury Women’s Liberal Association.

March 16 The Ledbury branch of the Young Leaguers’ Union held an American tea and concert at the Methodist Schoolroom in aid of the National Children’s Home and Orphanage, a sum of £6 being realised.

March 16 The annual St. Patrick’s Eve dance, organised in aid of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, was held at the Feathers Hotel and proved a most successful event.

March 18 At the annual meeting of Ledbury British Legion Club, Ltd., a very satisfactory year’s working was reported, the accounts showing a net profit of £28 14s. 11d. for the year.

March 23 To augment the funds of Ledbury Baptist Church, a supper and entertainment was held at the Baptist Schoolroom.

March 25 Mr. Frank OWEN, former Liberal Member for the Hereford Division was present at a tea organised by the Ledbury Women’s Liberal Association at their Homend headquarters. In the evening Mr. OWEN addressed a crowded public meeting at the Town Hall.

March 26 Under the auspices of the local branch C.E.M.S. a service for men was held at the Parish Church, when an address was given by the Dean of Hereford (Dr. Reginald WATERFIELD).

March 28 A Concert in aid of G.L.B. funds was given at the Baptist Schoolroom by members of Ledbury Girls’ Life Brigade.

March 29 Death of Lieutenant Alfred David John SPENCE-COLBY (aged 23), the only son of Colonel C. SPENCE-COLBY, C.M.G., D.S.O., and of Mrs. SPENCE-COLBY, of Donnington Hall, near Ledbury, who died in Wincanton Hospital as the result of injuries sustained the previous Saturday, when his horse fell at a fence during the Sparkford Vale Harriers Point-to-Point Races at Babcary, Somerset. The funeral took place at Donnington Church.

March 29 Rally of Girl Guides, Life Brigade, and G.F.S. at the Church Room.

April 2 A confirmation service was held at the Parish Church by the Bishop of Hereford, there being 101 candidates.

April 3 Polling took place for six seats on the Ledbury Urban Council. There were eleven candidates for the vacant seats, and the following were elected:- Messrs. H. THACKER, W. G. DAVIS, W. A. MADDOX, C. W. HODGES, R. HARRIS and E. J. SIMMONS.

April 6 The Young People’s Guild in connection with the Congregational Church held a tea and social in the schoolroom, when there was a capital attendance.

April 7 The death took place at his residence, Underdown, Ledbury, of Mr. Spencer H. BICKHAM, at the age of 92 years. The late Mr. BICKHAM had resided in Ledbury for 42 years, and had always taken a prominent part in the town's affairs, holding at the time of his death no fewer than 17 public appointments.

April 7 Ledbury Cribbage League annual dinner at the Feathers Hotel. The League’s silver cup and medals were presented to the 1932-33 winners, the “The Seven Stars.”

April 8 Ledbury Golf Club annual Challenge Cup competition, Mr. W. ROGERS being the winner with a score of 94-22-72.

April 11 At the. annual drill competitions organised by Malvern and District Battalion G.L.B., the juniors of the Ledbury Girls’ Life Brigade won the challenge cup in their division.

April 13 A “Gift Day" scheme, organised by the local branch of the C.E.M.S. to raise money to meet a deficit on the Parish Church accounts, realised the sum of £61 18s. 9d.

April 14 A benefit football match played on the Ledbury Town football ground between local railwaymen and postmen in aid of the funds of Ledbury Occupational Centre for unemployed realised £5 16s. 2d.

April 15 Ledbury Hunt Point-to-Point races, held at Bushley Park, near Tewkesbury, in delightful weather. attracted a large holiday crowd.

April 17 Nearly 1.000 spectators witnessed the final of the Ledbury Hospital Cup competition between Colwall United and Colwall St. James, played on the Biddulph Arms ground, which resulted in a win for Colwall United by 2 goals to 1. The cup was handed to the captain of the winning team by Lady Amy BIDDULPH.

April 17 A dance held at the Royal Oak Hotel in aid of the Cottage Hospital proved highly successful, a company of about 200 being present.

April 19 At the annual meeting of Ledbury Urban Council, Mr. J. R. DENSLOW was appointed chairman for the ensuing year.

April 20 A bridge drive held at the Feathers Hotel in aid of the 1st Ledbury Group B.P. Scouts realised a profit of £9 13s. 4d.

April 21 At the annual meeting of Ledbury Rural Parish Council, the Hon. Michael BIDDDULPH was elected chairman of the Council in the place of the late Mr. Spencer H. BICKHAM.

April 24 Junior Imperial League carnival dance at the Feathers Assembly Rooms.

April 27 An entertainment given in the Church Room by the “Supierrots” Concert Party, in aid of Dr. Barnardo Sunshine Fund, realised a profit of £6 10s. 0d.

May 1 At the annual meeting of the local branch of the Church of England Men’s Society, Mr. J. DUNCAN was re-elected president for the ensuing year.

May 9 Ledbury Cottage Hospital annual “Pound Day” proved to be a record success.

May 9 There was a packed audience at the Royal Hall on the occasion of the annual dancing display given by pupils of Miss Grace DOVEY. The proceeds were in aid of Ledbury and District Nursing Association and realised the amount of £15 14s. 6d.

May 11 Ledbury Catholic Church variety concert and play at the Church Room.

May 14 Services in connection with Ledbury Baptist Church 97th anniversary.

May 25 Annual tea and concert of Ledbury Women’s Liberal Association, held at their Homend headquarters.

May 25 The local League of Young Liberals held a flannel dance at the Feathers Hotel.

May 30 At the annual meeting of Ledbury Early Closers Football Club a very satisfactory first season was recorded, and accounts showed a balance of £6 11s. 3d. in hand.

June 2 At a meeting of the Governors of Ledbury Cottage Hospital it was reported that by the will of the late Mr. Spencer H. BICKHAM the hospital receives a legacy of £100.

June 5 A Bank Holiday dance at the Royal Oak Hotel, organised for the benefit of Ledbury Cottage Hospital, realised a profit of £5 5s. 0d.

June 6 Opening day of the Three Counties Agricultural Show at Worcester. The 1934 show will be held at Hereford.

June 7 A very satisfactory year’s working was recorded at the annual meeting of Ledbury and District Nursing Association, held at the Church Room, the balance sheet showing a credit sum of £72 16s. 10d. in hand.

June 11 Large congregations attended the anniversary services in connection with Ledbury Methodist Sunday School.

June 12 At a meeting of the Ledbury Urban Council, tenders were considered for the erection of 30 additional houses, and also for the construction of roads, etc., to complete the Oatleys Crescent housing scheme. Messrs. CUTLER and SYSUM’s tender for erection of the houses at a cost of £8,484 0s. 0d. was eventually accepted. For the construction of roads, etc., the tender of Messrs. E. E. JEAVONS and Co., Ltd., at £1,076 4s. was approved.

June 20 Ledbury experienced a thunderstorm of great violence, and torrential rain caused temporary flooding in the streets.

June 22 With the object of clearing a debt on the Manse and Circuit funds, a fancy fair and gift sale, organised by Ledbury Methodists, was held at the Drill Hall and proved a very successful event, from which a profit of approximately £50 was realised.

June 28 At the annual meeting of Ledbury Town Football Club, Mr. C B. MASEFIELD presided and a very satisfactory season was reported, with a credit balance of £25 6s. 5d. in hand.

June 29 Organised by Alderman W. L. PRITCHETT in aid of the funds of Ledbury Cottage Hospital, a garden fete was held at Woodleigh. The event was favoured with delightful weather and proved an outstanding success, there being a large attendance present at the opening ceremony, which was performed by Lady BIDDULPH. The proceeds of the fete amounted to the very substantial sum of £244 5s. 4d

July 3 A country dance party in aid of the Herefordshire fund for the Blind was held on the lawn at the Ledbury Grammar School, and the sum of £9 10s. 0d. resulted.

July 4 A Ministry of Health public enquiry concerning Clearance Orders made by the Ledbury Urban Council in respect of various properties in the town, was held at the Town Hall.

July 5 At the annual meeting of Ledbury St. Michael‘s football club, held at the Church Room, it was decided to close down the club for twelve months.

July 6 There were many attractions at a garden fete held at The Lawns (by kind permission of Mrs. FREDERICK). Organised by Ledbury Ladies’ Work Association in aid of Foreign Missions and local Church Army funds, the fete realised a net profit of £44 5s. 8d.

July 10 Organised by the local Branch of the League of Nations Union, a garden fete was held on the Ledbury Grammar School lawn. During the evening Mr. James JOYCE, organising secretary of the League of Nations Union, addressed the company on the world situation.

July 13 Annual festival of the Ledbury branch of the Girls’ Friendly Society, when the members journeyed by char-a-banc to Tewkesbury Abbey and Cheltenham.

July 15 The choir boys of Ledbury Parish Church had their annual outing, when a visit was paid to the Zoological Gardens at Clifton.

July 16 The 5th Herefordshire Scout Troop from St. Francis Xavier’s, Hereford, attended a special Scout service at the Ledbury Catholic Church.

July 19 Annual entertainment given by pupils of the Abbey School, in aid of the East End invalid children’s holiday fund.

July 22 A concert was given at The Orchard, the residence of Dr. and Mrs. HARRISON, by the “Supierrots” concert party. The proceeds, which were in aid of the League of Pity, amounted to £14.

July 27 Brilliant weather, a large attendance and good entries, all contributed to the success of the annual flower show organised by Colwall Garden Club, which was held at the Winnings meadow, Colwall.

July 28 Court House School annual sports and prize distribution, held at the Church Room.

July 30 Ledbury Territorials proceeded to Porthcawl for their annual training, being accompanied to the railway station by the Town Band.

August 1 Lord SOMERS, of Eastnor Castle, appointed Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire, in succession to Sir John COTTERELL, resigned.

August 1 Ledbury Fire Brigade were summoned to a fire which broke out at Hollings Hill Farm, Mathon. As a result of the fire over 200 tons of hay were destroyed.

August 4 Ledbury Hunt annual puppy show, held at Forthampton Court.

August 7 Ledbury Town football club held a Bank Holiday dance at the Royal Oak Hotel, which was well attended.

August 8 The marriage took place at Donnington Church of Mr. John DAVENPORT, son of Capt. and Mrs. R. T. HINCKES, of Foxley, Herefordshire. and Miss Louise SPENCE-COLBY, only daughter of Colonel and Mrs. SPENCE-COLBY, of Donnington Hall.

August 8 Ledbury Hunt earthstoppers annual dinner at the Feathers Hotel.

August 8 At the annual meeting of Ledbury Ploughing Society, held at the Feathers Hotel, it was unanimously decided to revive the annual competitions this year.

August 10 Redmarley Horticultural and Cottage Gardening Society held their annual flower show and sports in ideal summer weather.

August 14 Bosbury Agricultural and Horticultural Show attracted a large crowd, and the event proved to be one of the most successful shows ever held at Bosbury.

August 15 There was a good attendance of members at the annual meeting of Ledbury Rugby Football Club, held at the Feathers Hotel, and the report showed a very successful year’s record.

August 15 The annual meeting of members and subscribers of Ledbury Musical Society was held at the Congregational Schoolroom, the Rev. F. W. CARNEGY presiding. Handel’s “Icis and Galatea” was the work chosen for the Society’s next annual concert.

August 16 A very successful “flannel dance” was held at the Feathers Hotel under the auspices of the Junior Imperial League.

August 20 Organised by Ledbury District Workers’ Hospital Committee, the annual church parade in aid of the Cottage Hospital proved a great success. There was a very large congregation present at the service in the Parish Church, when the sermon was preached by the Rev. O. A. S. EDWARDS, Vicar of Canon Frome. The proceeds of the various collections and boxes amounted to £30 8s. 11d.

August 26 Much Marcle and Yatton annual flower show and sports attracted a large attendance.

August 27 Prior to taking up a new appointment at Frome, Somerset, the Rev. A. E. ADAMS, who had been superintendent minister of the Methodist Church at Ledbury for the past four years, preached a farewell sermon.

August 28 Hop-picking commenced at the various yards in Ledbury district. Ideal weather prevailed throughout the picking, and the crop was very satisfactory both as regards quantity and quality.

August 30 The annual meeting of Ledbury Traders’ Association was held at the Feathers Hotel.

September 3 Ledbury Fire Brigade were summoned to a serious fire at Hill Farm, Castle Frome, involving the destruction of about 140 tons of farm produce. The brigade were occupied for upwards of 35 hours at the fire.

September 4 At the monthly meeting of Ledbury Urban Council an urgent appeal was made to the townspeople not to waste water, the prolonged drought having caused a serious shortage in the water supply of the town.

September 6 A most disastrous fire occurred at New House Farm, Stretton Grandison. Ledbury and Hereford Fire Brigades attended the fire and the damage amounted to several thousand pounds.

September 7 A public meeting of Methodists of the Ledbury Circuit was held in the Methodist Church to welcome the newly-appointed Superintendent Minister, Rev. Alexander H. BARLEY.

September 13 At Ledbury Police Court. an inquest was held on a child named Daniel Kirk, aged 3 years and 9 months, of Moseley Village, Wolverhampton, who died at the Cottage Hospital as the result of injuries caused through being struck by the driving mirror of a motor coach when he leaned his head out of the window of a bus in which he was riding on the Ledbury-Bromyard road. Verdict of “Accidental death.”

September 23 Ledbury Fire Brigade attended Worcester Infirmary Carnival, and were accompanied by an old manual fire engine, an interesting relic of by-gone days, which was purchased by the town in 1793.

September 25 Organised by the British Legion (Sales) Ltd., of London, an exhibition and sale of work was held at Ledbury Town Hall, and continued during the week. The very satisfactory sum of £55 15s. 9d. was realised as a result of the sale.

October 1 Harvest thanksgiving services were held at Ledbury Parish Church.

October 2 Girls’ Life Brigade annual display at the Church Room.

October 5 The annual competitions in connection with the Ledbury Ploughing Society were held at Bromesberrow Court, and proved a most successful event. The annual dinner was held in the evening at the Feathers Hotel, when Major A. Roger ROWDEN presided over a large company.

October 7 The death occurred at his residence, Lucknow Cottage, Putley Green, of ex-Sergeant Charles WILLIAMS in his 98th year, one of the few survivors of the Indian Mutiny.

October 9 The Junior Imperial League held their first dance of the season at the Feathers Hotel, the proceeds being in aid of the Cottage Hospital.

October 10 The annual Michaelmas Fair was held in the streets of Ledbury, but the attendance was very small owing to the fact that rain fell continuously throughout the day.

October 12 In connection with the National British Women’s Total Abstinence Union, a public meeting was held at the Town Hall and was well attended by representatives from Ledbury and the district.

October 13 The annual meeting of Ledbury Bowls Club was held at the Plough Hotel, when an exceptionally good season was reported.

October 14 At the Church Room a meeting of county members of the National Union of Teachers was held.

October 19 At the invitation of the Herefordshire Football Association, Ledbury Town Band visited Hereford and played selections at a football match arranged between Hereford United and Tottenham Hotspur.

October 24 Ledbury Grammar School annual “Speech Day” was held at the Royal Hall, when there was a crowded attendance. Mr. A. G. TRACEY, the former headmaster of the school, presented the prizes and addressed the gathering.

October 24 A service was held at the Congregational Church to welcome the new Pastor, Rev. W. G. WALTON.

October 25 The first annual ball organised by Ledbury Golf Club was held at the Feathers Hotel and proved an outstanding success.

October 30 At the annual meeting of Ledbury Junior Imperial League, held at the Feathers Hotel, the Hon. Michael BIDDULPH presided and accounts showed a credit balance of £26 9s. 7d. It was decided that a debating club be started in connection with the branch.

November 1 Opening meet of Col. SPENCE-COLBY’s foxhounds at the Walwyn Arms, Much Marcle.

November 1 A smoking concert, organised by Ledbury (“C” Company) Territorials on the occasion of the opening of their newly-formed social club, was held at the Drill Hall, the company being addressed by Lord SOMERS and Capt. H. C. PARR.

November 2 The adult members of Ledbury Parish Church Choir were entertained to supper at the Feathers Hotel. During the evening a framed photograph of the choir and a sum of money was presented to Mr. Tom JOHNSON in honour of his splendid record of fifty years’ service as man and boy in the Ledbury Church choir.

November 2 Under the auspices of Ledbury Music Club, a most successful recital was given at the Royal Oak Hotel.

November 2 Ledbury Town Football Club whist drive at the Church Room.

November 3 Ledbury Hounds opening meet at Forthampton Court.

November 4 Major C. A. H. PALAIRET presided at the annual meeting of Ledbury British Legion. The annual report showed a membership of 98, and a credit balance in hand of £45 9s. 1d.

November 7 Ledbury Hunt annual meeting was held at the Feathers Hotel, when it was reported that the past season had been a very satisfactory one.

November 8 A substantial sum was raised in aid of the Girls’ Life Brigade, as a result of a variety entertainment under the title of “Hoarse Chestnuts,” given by the Supierrots Concert Party at the Church Room.

November 11 Armistice Day was observed in Ledbury as in former years by a united service at the War Memorial. Collections in Ledbury for Earl Haig’s Fund realised the sum of £52 0s. 9d., a record for the town.

November 11 It was discovered that a number of heirlooms had been stolen from Eastnor Castle, the home of Lord SOMERS.

November 14 Annual meeting of Ledbury and District Boy Scouts Association, held at the Church Room.

November 14 Ledbury Rugby Football Club dance at the Feathers Hotel.

November 16 Bazaar and carnival dance at the Feathers Hotel, organised in aid of the funds of Ledbury Catholic Church.

November 19 Speaking at the Congregational Church, under the auspices of the League of Nations Union, Professor H. Darnley NAYLOR, M. A., delivered an address entitled “Chaos - Which way out."

November 20 At the annual meeting of Ledbury Girl Guides and Rangers (Lady SOMERS’ Own), held at the Church Room, a review of the past year showed a flourishing state of affairs.

November 20 Ledbury League of Young Liberals social evening at Maddox’s Pavilion.

November 23 A large company attended a sale of work held in the Methodist Schoolroom in aid of Circuit funds.

November 23 A very successful whist drive was held at the Church Room in aid of the N.U.R. orphans’ and widows’ fund.

November 24 Social evening at the Feathers Hotel, organised by Ledbury Women’s Unionist Association.

November 28 Ledbury St. Michael‘s and St. Anne’s held a social evening in the Church Room, a company of about 130 being present.

November 29 A ladies’ festival night was held at the Feathers Hotel, in connection with the Eastnor Lodge of Freemasons.

November 30 Ledbury Girls’ and Infants’ Schools annual prize-giving.

December 1 In connection with the Ledbury Grammar School Old Pupils’ Association, an invitation dance was held at the Feathers Hotel.

December 4 At an inaugural meeting held in the Church Room, it was decided to form a Youth Group of the League of Nations Union in Ledbury.

December 5 There was a large attendance of buyers at the Christmas fat stock show and sale at Ledbury. Mr. H. E. LANE, Old Court, Bosbury, entered the champion beast of the show, a Hereford steer weighing 15½ cwt. which realised £41.

December 7 Ledbury Parish Church choir annual concert at the Church Room.

December 8 The annual ball organised by Ledbury Women’s Unionist Association was held at the Feathers Hotel.

December 11 Junior Imperial League social evening at the Feathers Hotel.

December 15 Ledbury Women’s Own annual Christmas party at the Methodist schoolroom.

December 14 Junior Imperial League social at the Feathers Hotel.

‹ ‹ Retrospect Index

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