1935 A Retrospect Tilley's Almanack

Chronological extracts completed from the "Ledbury Free Press"

TIME in its remorseless flight brings us to that period when we lay before our readers the usual summary of local events that have transpired since the last issue of THE LEDBURY ALMANACK, and which will doubtless serve the purpose of recalling many pleasant functions in which our readers have taken part.

January 10 By invitation of the local branch of the C.E.M.S, a number of old people of Ledbury were entertained to tea at the Feathers Hotel.

January 11 The Old Pupils' Association of Ledbury Grammar School held their annual dance at the Feathers Hotel.

January 15 A company of 150 attended a dance at the Feathers Hotel, organised by the Junior Imperial League.

January 21 In connection with Ledbury Parish Church, the annual meeting of church-people was held at the Church Room.

January 23 The first annual dance of Bosbury Agricultural and Horticultural Society, held at the Royal Oak Hotel, attracted 200 guests.

January 31 Whist drive at the Feathers Hotel in aid of the 1st Ledbury Company Girl Guides.

January 31 A social evening, organised by the newly-formed Women’s Section of Ledbury British Legion, was held at MADDOX’s Cafe.

February 4 There was an attendance of upwards of 400 at a boxing tournament held at the Drill Hall under the auspices of the Ledbury Amateur Boxing Association.

February 7 Ledbury annual Licensing Sessions.

February 7 Organised in aid of Ledbury Cottage Hospital, a partner bridge drive held at the Feathers Hotel proved highly successful, and realised the sum of £27 13s. 2d.

February 14 “Valentine“ dance at the Feathers Hotel, organised by Ledbury Town F.C.

February 15 A group of plays recently given at Herefordshire Dramatic Festival, were performed at the Church Room by the Ledbury Players in aid of the N.S.P.C.C.

February 18 A public meeting of Ledbury citizens was held at the Town Hall to consider what steps should be taken to celebrate the King’s Silver Jubilee in May.

February 20 A lantern lecture, “The Passion Play of Obergammergau,” was given at the Church Room.

February 21 Supierrots Concert Party non-stop variety show “How’s Zat,” given at the Church Room in aid of Ledbury Cricket and Sports Club.

February 22 At the annual meeting of subscribers and donors to Ledbury Cottage Hospital, held at the Church Room, it was reported that a record number of 345 patients were dealt with during the year.

February 25 Ledbury Bowling Club celebrated a most successful season with the revival of their annual dinner which was held at the Talbot Hotel.

February 26 The third annual bulb show in connection with various Women’s Institutes in the district, was held at the Town Hall, and a silver cup given by Mrs. AGAR-ELLIS was won by Much Marcle W.I.

February 28 The annual concert of Ledbury Musical Society was held at the Feathers Assembly Room, the programme comprising Bach’s “Peasant Cantata ” and Elgar’s “ Banner of St. George.”

February 28 At the annual festival of Herefordshire Musical Competitions, held at Hereford, several local successes were recorded. In the poetry speaking class in the junior competitions, Elsie SHINN of Ledbury Girls’ School, tied for first place, and in the choral speaking class Ledbury Girls’ School team tied for second place. In the senior competitions, Miss H. JAMES and Mrs. C. E. BAKER, Ledbury, won the class for operatic duet.

March 1 Ledbury Rugby F.C. dance held at the Feathers Hotel.

March 2 An increased membership and satisfactory financial position was recorded at the annual meeting of Ledbury and District British Legion Club, Ltd.

March 4 A large audience attended the Church Room on the occasion of the ninth annual display given by Ledbury Girls’ Life Brigade.

March 4 The local qualifying round of the Hereford Unionist Association’s annual whist tournament took place at the Feathers Hotel.

March 10 The most disastrous outbreak of fire Ledbury has experienced for many years occurred at the drapery premises of Messrs. J. T. WALTERS & Co., High Street, when the three-storey building was completely gutted. The fire was discovered in the early hours of the morning, and after several hours work by Ledbury and Malvern Fire Brigades the outbreak was got under control.

March 11 Ledbury branch of the League of Nations Union annual meeting held at the Barrett-Browning Institute.

March 12 Members of the Ledbury Wesley Guild presented a number of scenes from John GALSWORTHY’s well-known play, “The Silver Box,” to a packed audience in the Methodist Schoolroom.

March 13 Annual meeting of Ledbury Cricket and Sports Club held at the Feathers Hotel.

March 14 Ledbury Fire Brigade annual dinner at the Royal Oak Hotel.

March 17 The death occurred at St. Katherines Hospital of Mr. Henry William JONES, at the age of 88. The late Mr. JONES came to the district 52 years ago as huntsman to the Ledbury Hunt, a position he held for a number of years.

March 18 Under the auspices of Ledbury Amateur Boxing Association, a fine series of contests were staged at a tournament held at the Drill Hall. The proceeds were in aid of the Territorial Club and the hall was packed with enthusiastic spectators.

March 21 At the second annual “Juvenile Evening" of Ledbury Music Club held at the Lower Masonic Hall, the programme was provided by choirs drawn from Ledbury Grammar School and the Council Boys’ and Girls’ Schools.

March 21 Ledbury Golf Club partner bridge drive at the Talbot Hotel.

March 22 The annual dinner of Ledbury Cribbage League was held at the Feathers Hotel, when the silver challenge cup and medals were presented to the champions of the League, the “Seven Stars.”

March 23 Annual meeting of the Youth Group of Ledbury branch League of Nations Union, held at the Abbey School.

March 26 The proposition “Should blood sports be abolished?“ was debated at a meeting of Ledbury Junior Imperial League, held at the Feathers Hotel. An interesting discussion resulted in the motion being heavily defeated.

March 28 Promoted by Ledbury Girls’ Life Brigade in aid of their summer camping fund, a soiree was held in the Baptist Schoolroom, and attracted a large audience.

April 1 The second annual Eisteddfod in connection with Ledbury Wesley Guild was held in the Methodist Schoolroom, and proved an outstanding success.

April 1 An interesting lecture on “Czecho-Slovakia” was given by Mrs. CARNEGY at the Church Room.

April 2 Ledbury Catholics annual mid-Lent dance, in aid of Church funds, was held at the Feathers Hotel.

April 3 Crescent Skittle Club annual dinner at the Talbot Hotel

April 4 For the benefit of the funds of Ledbury Nursing Association, a repeat performance of John GALSWORTHY’s play, “The Silver Box,” was given at the Lower Masonic Hall by members of Ledbury Wesley Guild and drew a large audience. The proceeds amounted to £17 6s. 9d.

April 5 Ledbury Women’s Unionist Association annual meeting at the Feathers Hotel.

April 6 Annual dinner and re-union of Ledbury Grammar School Old Pupils’ Association, held at the Talbot Hotel.

April 7 The Bishop of Hereford held a confirmation service at Ledbury Parish Church, the number of candidates being 81.

April 8 Ledbury Golf Club annual meeting at the Feathers Hotel.

April 9 A very successful season was recorded at the annual meeting of the Crescent Bowling Club, held at the Feathers Hotel.

April 11 A company of nearly 300 attended a dance at the Feathers Hotel, organised by the Midland Red 'Bus Sports and Social Club.

April 12 An interesting lecture was given by Mr. J. P. L. THOMAS, M.P., at a Ledbury Youth Group meeting of the League of Nations Union, at the Feathers Hotel.

April 13 At a public meeting held at the Town Hell, it was decided to raise a Voluntary Nursing Detachment of the British Red Cross Society in Ledbury.

April 16 At the annual meeting of Ledbury Urban Council, Mr. F. W. JUCKES was unanimously elected chairman for the ensuing year.

April 19 The annual football match between Ledbury Railwaymen and Postmen, in aid of the Cottage Hospital, attracted over 300 spectators to the Town Ground. A most interesting game resulted in the Railwaymen winning by the narrow margin of 8-7. The proceeds amounted to £6 14s. 0d.

April 20 Ledbury Hunt Point-to-Point Races, held at Bushley Park, near Tewkesbury, again attracted a huge crowd of spectators.

April 23 The 21st anniversary of the foundation of the Lodge was celebrated by Ledbury Lodge of Buffaloes at a dinner held at the Plough Hotel.

April 23 A Birmingham motor-cyclist, Jack FOWLER (29), wireless dealer, was instantly killed when his machine collided with a telegraph pole support at Poolend Corner, near Ledbury. At the inquest a verdict of “Accidental death” was returned.

April 24 Easter vestry meeting in connection with Ledbury Parish Church.

April 28 A service for sportsmen was held in Ledbury Parish Church and attracted a large congregation of men representing sport in the town and district.

April 29 The second annual dance organised by Ledbury Police in aid of the Herefordshire Constabulary Benevolent Fund, was held at the Lower Masonic Hall, and was attended by upwards of 200 patrons.

April 29 A boxing tournament in aid of Ledbury Cottage Hospital was held at the Drill Hall under the auspices of the local Amateur Boxing Association, the event being well patronised.

April 30 The pupils of Miss Grace DOVEY gave their annual dancing display at the Feathers Assembly Room before a large and appreciative audience. The proceeds were in aid of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

April 30 The first annual dinner of the newly-formed Ledbury branch of the Hereford Division Men’s Unionist Association was held at the Talbot Hotel.

May 6 This was a memorable day in the history of Ledbury when the Silver Jubilee of His Majesty King George V. was celebrated in a manner worthy of the town’s ancient traditions. Throughout the day the inhabitants gave themselves up to a continual round of festivities in a programme arranged by a Citizens’ Committee. The day dawned brilliantly fine and the celebrations started with a peal on the Parish Church bells. The programme of the day’s events comprised: Parade of public bodies; Thanksgiving service in the Parish Church; Dinner for old folks in the Feathers Assembly Room; Carnival procession through the town; Boxing exhibitions by Ledbury A.B.A.; Tea in the Drill Hall and Church Room for all children; Sports in the Recreation Ground for boys and girls; Old-time dances in High Street; Bonfire and display of fireworks on Dog Hill. Ledbury Town Band rendered selections of music throughout the day and the final event of the day’s rejoicings was a popular dance held at the Feathers Hotel.

May 14 Ledbury’s oldest resident, Mrs. Elizabeth Ann GURNEY, of the White Hart, Church Street, died in her 97th year.

May 17 A disastrous frost was experienced throughout the district, which caused great damage to farm, orchard and garden crops.

May 21 At a meeting of the Jubilee Celebrations Committee, held at the Town Hall, it was revealed that total expenditure in connection with the King's Jubilee festivities in Ledbury amounted to £135. A credit balance of £85 remained in hand, which it was decided should be expended in providing public seats to be placed at various points in the town.

May 21 Ledbury Cottage Hospital annual “Pound Day.”

May 22 At the annual meeting of Ledbury Nursing Association, held at the Church Room, a loss on the year’s working of more than £60 was disclosed, and the need for more subscribers and collectors was emphasized.

May 30 Under the auspices of the Junior Imperial League a mixed doubles tennis tournament was held at the Oatleys Club courts, and a “flannel dance” was afterwards held at the Feathers Hotel

June 3 At the Urban Council meeting it was reported that the additional new supply of water recently obtained in Conigree Wood had proved satisfactory and would be utilised to augment the main supply at Massington.

June 6 A very satisfactory season was reviewed at the annual meeting of St. Michael’s F.C., held at the Church Room.

June 11 Opening day of the Three Counties' Agricultural Show at Gloucester. On the second day the show was visited by the Duke of Gloucester. The 1936 Show will be held at Worcester.

June 13 Open mixed tennis tournament at Oatleys Club ground, in aid of Ledbury and District Nursing Association. The event proved a great success, and realised a nett profit of £17 2s. 0d.

June 18 Queen Alexandra Rose Day collections in Ledbury and district realised the sum of £31 14s. 10d.

June 20 A conference of Sunday School teachers in Ledbury Deanery was held at the Church Room.

June 26 Representatives from thirteen parishes in the Deanery attended a Mothers’ Union festival at Ledbury, over 350 women being present.

June 27 A garden party and sale, organised by the Women’s Branch of Hereford Division Unionist Association, was held in Ledbury Park. The two principal speakers during the proceedings were the Viscountess HAILSHAM and Mr. J. P. L. THOMAS, M.P.

June 27 Annual rally in connection with Ledbury Congregational Church.

June 29 The work of repairing the tower and spire of Ledbury Parish Church was brought to a conclusion during the week. The repairs included the pointing of the tower and spire and the placing of several copper bands to strengthen the spire, the total cost of the work being about £300.

July 2 There was a large attendance at the Biddulph Arms ground to witness a cricket match between Ledbury Cricket Club and a team composed of Ledbury Urban Councillors, and a very interesting game resulted in a win for the Cricket Club by 176-107. The proceeds of the match were in aid of the fund for repairing the Parish Church tower and spire, and realised £4 3s. 6d.

July 4 The annual Festival of the Herefordshire branch of the English Folk Dance and Song Society was held in the grounds of Haffield, when over 600 dancers attended from the County. This was the first festival to be held in Ledbury district and was a brilliant success.

July 11 Organised by Ledbury Ladies’ Work Party in aid of the U.M.C.A. and for Church purposes, the annual garden fete was held at The Orchard in ideal weather. A sum of approximately £60 was realised.

July 12 The annual meeting of Ledbury Town F.C. was held at Short’s Tea Rooms, when it was recorded that the balance sheet was one of the best ever presented by the club, there being a credit balance of £54 9s. 11d. on the last season’s working.

July 15 Ledbury Hunt puppy show held at Forthampton Court.

July 18 Ledbury Fire Brigade was summoned to assist the Ross and Hereford Brigades in dealing with a tremendous conflagation at the timber saw mills of Messrs. KEMP & Son, Ross-on-Wye.

July 19 The annual dinner given by the Master to the earthstoppers of Ledbury Hunt took place at the Feathers Hotel.

July 20 Junior members of the Parish Church Choir held their annual outing, the choristers spending an enjoyable time at Clifton Zoo.

July 25 The 88th annual show of Colwall Garden Club was held in glorious weather at The Winnings.

July 25 Sunday School scholars of the various religious denominations in the town were conveyed by special train to the seaside for their annual outing, Barry and Porthcawl being visited.

July 26 At the Parish Church the Bishop of Hereford addressed members of Ledbury Ruri-Decanal Conference on the task which the Hereford Diocese has undertaken of raising £6,000 in two years to build a church in the diocese of Chelmsford.

July 26 Pupils of the Abbey School gave their annual entertainment in the school garden, the proceeds being in aid of East End invalid children’s holiday fund.

July 28 Ledbury Company of the Herefordshire (T.A.) Regiment journeyed to Porthcawl for the annual fortnight’s training in camp.

July 30 The annual entertainment in aid of Herefordshire Fund for the Blind was held on the lawn at Ledbury Grammar School and attracted a large audience.

July 31 Court House School annual prize-giving and sports, held on the Cricket and Sports Club ground.

August 2 At the quarterly meeting of Governors of the Cottage Hospital it was stated that the finances of the Institution were causing the Committee grave concern. The year began with a deficit of £142, and a strong appeal was made for efforts throughout the district, for more subscribers, and to the towns-people with a view to the revival of the Hospital Carnival in 1936.

August 3 The annual Daisy Day collections in Ledbury district, in aid of the National Children’s Home and Orphanage, realised the sum of £10 2s. 0d.

August 8 After a lapse of three years, Madresfield Show was revived at Madresfield Court, the venture proving a great success.

August 12 At the Bosbury Agricultural and Horticultural Show, the total number of entries in all sections reached the record figure of 700.

August 15 Members of the staff and scholars of Ledbury Girls’ School numbering 55 had an enjoyable outing to London.

August 19 A very successful season was recorded at the annual meeting of the Ledbury and District Football League. As a result of the Hospital Cup competitions a total donation of £28 had been made to the Cottage Hospital.

August 20 A very satisfactory financial position was disclosed at the annual meeting of Ledbury Ploughing Society, held at the Feathers Hotel.

August 27 Ledbury Musical Society annual meeting held at the Church Room: “Merrie England” (German) was the work chosen for the next annual concert.

August 29 John VALE, a single man aged 39, of Lower Road, Newtown, was burned to death while burning bushes at a hopyard near Ledbury. A verdict of “Accidental death” was returned at the inquest.

September 2 Hop-picking commenced at the various yards in Ledbury district, the crop being well up to average and of excellent quality.

September 18 A company of about 130 was present at the newly appointed ballroom at the Feathers Hotel on the occasion of a dance organised by Ledbury Cricket Club.

September 30 After a remarkably fine record of nearly 50 years service, Mr. A. G. SMITH relinquished the office of registrar of births, marriages and deaths for Ledbury district.

October 3 Organised by the local branch of the C.E.M.S. in aid of the Church tower and spire repair fund, a “Gift Day” was held at the Parish Church and realised the sum of £88 12s. 6d.

October 6 Harvest thanksgiving services at Ledbury Parish Church.

October 7 Ledbury Ploughing Society annual competitions were held at The Millend, Castle Froome. At the dinner subsequently held at the Feathers Hotel. Lord SOMERS presided over a large attendance.

October 8 Michaelmas Fair was again held in the streets of the town and attracted the usual crowds from the surrounding villages.

October 14 At the Urban Council monthly meeting it was decided that, subject to approval by the County Council, Belisha beacons with pedestrian crossings be placed at four points in Ledbury.

October 15 Social evening at the Church Room, organised by Ledbury G.F.S. in aid of the Parish Church spire repair fund.

October 17 Charles BAGGOTT (41), a postman of Albert Road, Newtown, who was discovered lying unconscious near his motor-cycle with a fractured skull on the Ledbury and Much Marcle road, died at the Cottage Hospital. A verdict of “Accidental death” was recorded at the inquest.

October 21 A successful season was recorded at the annual meeting of Ledbury Bowls Club, held at the Talbot Hotel.

October 22 In connection with St. John’s Ambulance Association, street collections were held in Ledbury and realised £14 14s. 4d.

October 23 Partner bridge drive at the Feathers Hotel in aid of the Cottage Hospital.

October 23 The annual meeting of the women's section of Ledbury British Legion was held at the Congregational Schoolroom.

October 30 The annual ball in connection with Ledbury Golf Club was held at the Feathers Hotel.

October 31 Ledbury Mothers’ Union and G.F.S. sale of work at the Church Room, the sale being opened by Lady Amy BIDDULPH. The proceeds of the sale amounted to £10 2s. 6d.

October 31 A large audience attended the Town Hall on the occasion of a meeting organised by Commander R. C. RICHARDSON, D.S.O, R.N., to hear an exposition on the policy known as “Social Credit.”

November 2 A very satisfactory report of the year’s working was presented at the annual meeting of Ledbury British Legion.

November 2 Opening meet of Col. SPENCE-COLBY’S foxhounds at Walwyn Arms, Much Marcle.

November 5 Ledbury Town F.C. “Guy Fawkes” dance at the Feathers Hotel.

November 8 Ledbury Hounds opening meet at Forthampton Court.

November 10 The death occurred at Bath of the Rev. Rowland SINNETT, at the age of 43, formerly pastor of Ledbury Baptist Church.

November 11 The 17th anniversary of the Armistice was duly observed in Ledbury with a united service at the War Memorial. Poppy Day collections in the town for Earl HAIG’s Fund realised £49 5s. 11d.

November 11 A public meeting organised by Ledbury branch of the League of Nations Union was held at the Town Hall, at which there was a crowded attendance.

November 14 The General Election. Result of the poll in the Hereford Division was: Mr. J. P. L. THOMAS (National Conservative) 18,234; Captain W. L. DINGLEY (Liberal) 8,853; Mr. George CLARKE (Labour) 2,397; Conservative majority 9,381.

November 17 The Rev. Preb. F. W. CARNEGY announced to his congregation at the Parish Church his intention to resign the living as from April 1st, 1936. The Rev. CARNEGY has been Rector of Ledbury since October, 1908.

November 18 The 1st Ledbury Company (Lady SOMERS’ Own) Girl Guides held their annual meeting at the Church Room, and were congratulated on attaining their eighteenth birthday in Ledbury.

November 19 A large company was present at the Feathers Assembly Room on the occasion of Ledbury Grammar School annual “Speech Day,” the scholars’ prizes being distributed by Dr. E. W. MAPLES, of Hereford.

November 21 A partner bridge drive held at the Feathers Hotel in aid of Ledbury Nursing Association realised a profit of £14.

November 22 Death of the Rev. Frederick Augustus REISS, Rector of Donnington for 31 years, which took place at his residence at the advanced age of 92 years.

November 24 Ledbury Congregational Church celebrated their 328th anniversary.

November 25 To celebrate the return to Parliament of their candidate, Mr. J. P. L. THOMAS, the Ledbury Junior Imperial League organised a dance at the Feathers Hotel, which attracted a large company.

November 25 Joint annual meeting of the 1st Ledbury Group B.P. Scouts and the Ledbury and District Boy Scouts Local Association, held at the Church Room.

November 27 Ledbury Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting held at the Feathers Hotel.

November 28 To raise funds for their annual competition, Ledbury Cribbage League held a dance at the Feathers Hotel.

November 30 Mr. J. W. MARTIN, cashier and deputy-manager of Lloyds Bank, Ledbury, retired after completing forty years’ service in the banking business.

December 2 At the Urban Council meeting it was announced that Mr. Tom WILLIAMS, the Chief Officer of Ledbury Fire Brigade, had resigned. He had been an active member of the Brigade for thirty-eight years and succeeded Mr. R. G. GURNEY as Chief Officer five and a half years ago.

December 2 Annual meeting of Ledbury and District Girl Guides’ Association, held at the Feathers Hotel.

December 3 Ledbury branch of the National Farmers’ Union held their annual meeting at the Feathers Hotel. The annual report showed a membership of 202 for the year.

December 5 The annual bazaar organised by the Catholic Women’s League in aid of Ledbury Catholic Church funds, was held at the Feathers Hotel, the opening ceremony being performed by Lady Aileen DENSHAM, of Hoarwithy. In the evening a masked carnival dance was held.

December 5 In aid of Parish Church funds, the annual “jumble sale” was held at the Church Room, when the Rector announced that during the past 25 years a sum of no less than £477 18s. 1d. had been realised at these annual sales.

December 11 Annual prize day at Ledbury Girls’ and Infants’ School, when Mrs. CARNEGY distributed prizes to a number of successful scholars.

December 17 Ledbury Christmas fat stock show and sale.

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