A HISTORY OF FEATHERSTONE
1974
THE COUNCIL
JANUARY Featherstone Urban District Council would cease to exist when Wakefield Metropolitan District Council came into existence in April. FUDC had applied to have Parish Council status from that time and the chairman, Cr Lily Fox, said she was delighted it had been approved for Featherstone. They would discuss with WMDC the use of property and the functions of the Parish Council.
The council said people badly affected by loss of earnings because of the three day week could get a quick rent rebate if they could produce pay notes for the last six weeks.
The council said people badly affected by loss of earnings because of the three day week could get a quick rent rebate if they could produce pay notes for the last six weeks.
FEBRUARY The council proposed putting a pedestrian crossing near the Gospel Hall. Representatives of the Hall objected saying it would interfere with cars for weddings and funerals.
MARCH It was decided the members of the existing council would make up the new Parish Council and they would use the council chamber at the Town Hall plus a room for the clerk. The first election to the Parish Council would take place in 1976.
The new Wakefield Metropolitan Council fixed the rates at 58p in the pound plus the county and water rates. This was a massive increase on the previous local rates and was blamed on the West Riding County Council reducing balances before handing over education and social services.
At a meeting of the housing and health committee of the council there was a dispute between George Holt and Roy Widdowson over the letting of a council house to a tenant who was in arrears to the council. Roy Widdowson later said the husband had left his wife and child and it was these innocent parties who were offered the council house.
Speaking at the last meeting of Featherstone Urban District Council the chairman, Cr Lily Fox, said she hoped the inclusion within a larger authority would mean greater prosperity for Featherstone. While it was sad to think the Urban Council's powers were to be lost to a larger authority, members should take some comfort from the fact Featherstone had been granted Successor Parish Council status. She recalled she was Featherstone's first woman councillor in 1951, and had three terms as chairman.
APRIL Cr Norman Longbottom was elected Town Mayor at the first meeting of the new town council. Mr G Pashley was appointed as clerk, and it was agreed to hold monthly meetings.
Proposing Cr Longbottom for mayor Cr S Bailey said "Norman is most sympathetic to people less fortunate than himself and had given his time and money to help those people at a time when it was really needed".
Mayor Longbottom said local government reorganisation was with us much against our wishes, and the parochial atmosphere would be lost. His first duty as mayor was a visit to North Featherstone C of E School. An Express photo.
Cr Nora Edgar, an independent member, said she was going to resign, but was persuaded to stay on by the Ratepayers' Association. She said "What was annoying me was the petty attitudes, keeping everything Labour-biased made me feel I wasn't doing my duty as a Ratepayer. After all, we are just a parish council and there is no need for politics any more".
A meeting was held between the district and town councils to consider the Gala. Cr Lily Fox said the Gala had been held for a very long time, and as the town council did not have any staff, she thought the district council should take it over. Cr K Pearson, for the district council, said it should be a joint affair because local knowledge would be helpful. If the Gala was run by the district council it would begin to be regarded not as Featherstone's at all. The district Council would contribute towards the Gala.
OCTOBER James Bothers wanted to buy land at Wakefield Road and Andrew Street for a factory to sell furniture direct to the public. The district council refused planning permission because the policy was to discourage retailing out of the town centre.
THE ROVERS
At the Rovers half-yearly meeting in February, the financial secretary, Jim Reed, said they started the season with £9,721 in the bank but were now in the red. Secretary Derek Hobbs said the effect of so many hard matches had been felt in the playing staff, and he suggested the limit of 50 on the playing register should be raised. Many members expressed disgust at the standard of refereeing.
In March Steve Nash and John Bridges were selected for the rugby league tour of New Zealand and Australia.
Denise Mullaney was selected to be Miss Rovers 1974 at a function in the Rovers' Social Club in April.
The Rovers beat Leigh 21-14 in the Rugby League Cup semi-final in April to earn a trip to Wembley for a second successive appearance. Immediately after the game, Jack Harding the chairman of Leigh said his club would ask for a replay because the winning try was scored after the seventh tackle when only six were allowed. Also the Rovers had broken the substitutes rule by allowing substitute Peter Smith to leave the field for treatment and then sending him back on. (As the Rovers had played with 12 men while Smith was off this was not against the rules.) Leigh later decided not to go ahead with their objections.
For the cup final the Rovers' committee offered the players £200 for a win or £150 losing pay for the 15 on the team sheet, and £40 or £20 for the remaining nine in he playing squad. The players thought the non-players should get more, but the committee would not agree except if the 15 players accepted less. The schoolchildren were given time off school to see the players set off from the Post Office Road ground. The photo is from the Express.
in spite of the defeat, the Rovers toured the district in an open topped bus and were met at Purston Town Hall by Town Mayor Norman Longbottom. They were also given a civic reception at Unity Hall, Wakefield, by Wakefield Metropolitan District Council.
Rovers' forward Jimmy Thompson was called up in May to replace injured Mike Nicholas on the Great Britain tour of New Zealand and Australia.
Peter Fox resigned as the Rovers' coach in June because he wasn't offered a contract. He said the Rovers paid him £20 a week plus bonuses and he would stay if given the security of a contract but the committee refused. He was replaced by Tommy Smales.
In June it was decided all home games (except at holidays) would be played on Sunday.
At the annual meeting in August the financial secretary, Jim Reed, said despite a second Wembley appearance there was a loss on the season of £2,392 compared with a profit of £3,764 the previous season. The players wages had gone up from £12,000 two years ago to £22,000.
The committee had decided membership cards must be paid for at the beginning of the season instead of by instalments. Some members protested especially as it affected Ackton Hall Colliery workers, some of whom had paid a weekly donation for a card without actually attending matches.
John Jepson retired as chairman and was appointed president in succession to Bob Jackson who now lived in a retirement home in Bournemouth. Charles Raybould became the new chairman.
The Miller Gate was looking dilapidated, and a former friend of the late Freddie Miller offered to pay for it to be restored to its original condition. Photo - the Express.
Tommy Smales resigned as coach in September because of other commitments. He was replaced by Keith Goulding who lived in Purston.
All 250 tickets for both the Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve dances at the social club were sold. Music was provided by the resident four-piece band.
THE THREE-DAY WEEK
Late in 1973 the miners voted to strike in support of a pay claim and began an overtime ban. To conserve coal stocks at power stations and keep the lights on in houses the Government imposed a three-day week on industry to begin on 1 January. No agreement was reached so an all-out strike began on 9 February.
The Department of Health and Social Security said a miner's wife would receive £5.70 a week and a child £2.45 to £4.40 depending on age. Single miners would get nothing unless they could prove hardship.
Gaunson Ltd was losing about 30% production so a generator costing £18,000 was installed to allow five day working. Some workers had only been working two and a half days and drawing unemployment benefit for the other half of the week, but many married women were not entitled to benefits because they did not pay the full stamp.
The general manager, Mr L Myers, said order books were full and he was advertising for more skilled machinists to make up lost productivity and fill the orders.
A General Election was held on 28 February in an attempt to break the miners' strike. The local result was:
Joe Harper (Labour) 34,409
R F Needham (Conservative) 10,605
B Cavery (Workers Revolutionary Party) 991
The Labour Party won the election, and the miners went back to work.
A NEW SCHOOL FOR NORTH FEATHERSTONE
A new Church of England school was being built off Willow Lane, North Featherstone. Mrs K J Peasant, the headteacher, said in March they had raised the £5,000 covenanted in 1971 towards the original estimated cost of £20,000. The cost was now £100,000 but the £5,000 was fixed.
It had taken three years of special efforts by the teachers, parents and children to reach their target, and this would now retain the Church of England interest for an "aided" school.
The original school was formally a tithe barn and was converted in 1820 and later extended. Mobile classrooms were now needed to accommodate 120 pupils. The new school would take 200.
PICKETING AT HILLARDS
There was a national sugar shortage in October and Hillards store said they would sell two pounds of sugar only to those who spent £3.50 on other goods. Shoppers were organised by Fred Hardcastle of Lister Road to picket the store. Most shoppers agreed with the views of the picket and went elsewhere, but a few ignored them and said they had minds of their own.
Mr Hardcastle said he received £30 a week unemployment benefit and he couldn't afford to spend £3.50 on a Thursday. The store manager said he was trying to make sure regular customers got sugar, and his assistants would use their discretion with Old Age Pensioners. The photo of the pickets is from the Express, and that of the precinct is by Dr Gatecliff.
WHAT A PONG!
Repairs to a drainage pipe in October in Huntwick Drive caused such a smell that Mrs E Saunders, an Old Age Pensioner had to move out and stay with friends. Also, it was said children were using the clay from the digging to stick fireworks to some residents windows.
The smell, dirt and fireworks had got the area the name of "Hellfire Corner". Wakefield Metropolitan Council officials said the repairs had taken longer than anticipated.
ON THE TELLY
Stephanie Blakeston, Gary Kirton and Dale Anderson of North Featherstone Secondary School appeared on the Granada Television programme Anything You Can Do in April. The photo is from the Pontefract and Castleford Express.
FAULTY CHIMNEYS
David Hurst age 16 came out of his bedroom in July in Leatham Crescent and was confronted by a fire in the ceiling. He phoned the fire brigade and set about controlling the fire himself. His mother, Beatrice Hurst, told the Express Featherstone Council had installed new fireplaces after such fires, but it was the chimneys that were at fault. She said there was not even a fire in the grate when the outbreak started. The chimneys were steel walled and could overheat and set fire to the ceiling.
A spokesman for the Fire Brigade said they are definitely a fire hazard. We have been to a dozen of these fires. The residents were going to start a petition, but Joe Harper MP urged Wakefield District Council to instigate an inquiry.
MEALS-ON-WHEELS
The social services department of Wakefield District Council decided in September to increase the meals-on-wheels grant from three days to five. Revd J B McCarthy, the chairman of the Featherstone scheme, said 15 more drivers were needed to take full advantage. The grant also included the setting up of luncheon clubs.
The meals were prepared at Gaunsons clothing factory and cost the old people 6p. The remaining 21½p was paid by the district council. Revd McCarthy told the Express leaflets had been sent out but only one driver volunteered. "If people are not prepared to put themselves out, the service will be unable to take advantage of this grant" In October, Mondays were added to Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
EDUCATION
SEPTEMBER The governors of North and South Featherstone Senior Schools decided to have two fifth form representatives at their meetings. The pupils chose by ballot. At North Featherstone Senior School Stephanie Blakeston headed the poll with Stephen Oxley close behind, so the governors said send both.
A similar situation arose at South Featherstone Senior School where Colin Kelleher was only a few votes in front of Janet Wigglesworth. So the same decision was made for those two. The Express photo shows from the left, Stephen, Stephanie, Janet and Colin.
Mrs Anne Bradley was a music teacher at South Featherstone Secondary School. Her claim to fame was that she was the sister of Ernie Wise of Morecambe and Wise fame. The photo of her with her pupils is from the Express.
OCTOBER Mr E Johnson, assistant area education officer, told a community meeting the comprehensive school would open next June or July. It would cater for 700 children and up to 1,100 when the sixth form was developed. The sixth form would be served by South Featherstone Secondary Modern School, George Street School, and a new school to be built near North Featherstone Secondary School.
South Featherstone Middle School would be adapted, and the Church of England would have a controlling interest instead of at Purston C of E Junior School. George Street School would be virtually a new school by the time adaptations were complete.
There would be first schools for the 5 to 9 age group. These would be Purston Junior, Girnhill Lane, Regent Street, North Featherstone All Saints and Gordon Street.
He said pupils could still go to grammar school but the towns where they were situated would have first claim on them. "But we hope the people of Featherstone will make the most of the comprehensive school. It doesn't stand much chance of survival if the top 25% is being creamed off."
PLAYGROUP PROBLEMS
The Featherstone Community Association held a playgroup for young children in the Green Lane Youth Club. There was no room for storage, so Mrs Mavis Murphy and two helpers had to transport equipment from her home in three prams. Featherstone Council had offered to build a storage room at the old Featherstone St Peter's Mission Church, and foundations were built, but it was overtaken by the change to Wakefield MDC. A storage room was still promised, but in October nothing had been done. The Express photo shows Mrs Murphy, Mrs Walker and Mrs Windmill with their "pram train".
1974 NEWS ITEMS
JANUARY The Salvation Army Captain, William Wilson, resigned as head of the Featherstone Corps because of ill health and pressure of work. He said the Featherstone post was too much for him without an assistant.
North Featherstone Church had been trying out the experimental Series 3 Service of Holy Communion which had modern language such as saying you instead of thou when referring to God. It was decided to return to the traditional form.
Lin Pac Plastics Ltd placed this advert in the Express. The photo is a personal one.
MARCH "Cosy Corner" in Purston Park was demolished. It was opened in January 1950 to be used by pensioners to sit and talk, play cards and read papers.
The musical comedy put on by the Featherstone and District Musical and Dramatic Society was Oklahoma. It was performed at the Civic Centre, Castleford. The Express commented "If any song was designed to show up the faults in a cast then that song was Oklahoma. It showed up nothing but competence for Featherstone Amateurs. It was the highlight of the show".
APRIL Part of the West Riding of Yorkshire was renamed as West Yorkshire, so the road signs had to be replaced, although there were none in the Featherstone district. The photo is from the Express.
MAY Carol Atmoor age 12 of Granville Street got her hair caught in the rollers of a washing machine and firemen had to dismantle the rollers to get her free.
JUNE Janine Whitworth of Went Avenue was selected from 43 secondary school pupils to be the Gala Queen. The photo is from the Express.
Brian Daw of Albert Street was organist at Fryston Hotel under the name of Bonni Golde. He set a new world record by playing 53 hours and 36 minutes and had to be carried to bed because his left leg, used to play the pedal notes, would not support him. His effort raised £850 for the fund to send a Leeds boy to an American hospital. He beat the previous record of Welshman Jeremy Cody who played for 53 hours.
He said it was his ambition to get in the Guinness Book of Records as many times as possible by helping people in need through sponsored events like this. The advert and photo are from the Express.
Mrs Emily Cresswell of Rhyl Street celebrated her 90th birthday. She had been a widow for 12 years, and still had the drinks bill for her wedding in 1909 - £1.60 for a gallon of whisky and a gallon of beer.
Mrs Hilda Bullivant of Glass Houghton retired as treasurer of Featherstone Amateur Musical and Dramatic Society. She joined the society 30 years earlier when there were few diversionary interests, but she said now it was becoming increasingly difficult to recruit young people with talent. She was presented with a leather handbag at the annual meeting.
JULY The Gala was opened by the chairman of Wakefield Metropolitan Council, Cr J W Cranswick, and Mrs Cranswick crowned the gala queen, Janine Whitworth. A parachute drop had to be postponed because it was too windy, but the helicopter rides went ahead as planned. More than 500 people visited the Social Services display, and some volunteered to help with meals-on-wheels and luncheon clubs, but more volunteers were needed.
Firemen had to swill petrol from the road outside South Featherstone Secondary School after a car overturned.
After a break of 18 months the Salvation Army recommenced selling the Army's newspaper in the local public houses.
AUGUST The Lofthouse to Whitley Bridge section of the M62 motorway was opened which gave Featherstone access to the motorway network. Red shale from the muckstacks had been used in its construction.
Annie Gertrude Stocks age 52 of Southfield Avenue was killed on the Middle Lane railway crossing. She was walking home from her son's house in Green Lane, and while crossing the line she bent down to pick up a dog and was struck by the side of an engine which apparently she did not hear or see. The inquest verdict was accidental death.
Police were investigating a break in at Topmix Cement, Wakefield Road. The offices were broken into, two keys taken and two concrete mixers driven around the yard.
The cage guide ropes were changed at Ackworth pit, which meant those working at that end at to use a shaft at Ackton Hall Colliery.
Mrs Gladys Morgan, chairwoman of the ladies' branch of the British Legion was presented with a clock by Mrs Beatrice Maxwell for 20 years' service. Mrs Morgan now had to use a wheelchair and could not continue her duties. Photo - the Express.
SEPTEMBER Joseph Simm age 87 fell out of bed at the Sun Inn and fractured several ribs. He died the next day in Ackton Hospital of heart failure. The coroner recorder a verdict of death by misadventure.
Wakefield Council decided to introduce half fares on buses from next April for women over 60, men over 65, and disabled people. Those on the blind register would be able to travel free.
Dr J F Fraser told a meeting of the Community Health Council the lack of a dental clinic at Featherstone was a glaring omission. He said Featherstone should have had a dental service many, many years ago. The time has come to do something about it.
OCTOBER The General Election result for the Pontefract and Castleford Constituency which included Featherstone was:
J Harper (Labour) 30,208
I Bloomer (Conservative) 6,966
S Galloway (Liberal) 5,259
T Parsons (Workers Revolutionary Party) 457
The National Union of Local Government Officials had asked their members to boycott their election duties because of a dispute over travelling expenses. Enough volunteers were available to make everything run smoothly.
The London Welsh Male Voice Choir sang to a capacity audience in Featherstone Methodist Church.
A Wakefield Council planning position statement gave the statistics on Featherstone as 42% of the population was under 25 years old; there were 2,442 council houses providing accommodation for 49% of the population: There were 1,683 owner occupied properties housing 34%; and 521 houses were unfit for human habitation.
The Area Community Health Council suggested a £12,000 conversion of Ackton Hospital into a skin clinic. It was at present empty after being used as a nurse training school.
The Ackton Hall Colliery Band won two first places in the Section Two at the 41st annual contest of the Harrogate Brass Band Association at Yeadon. They were then asked to compete in an higher section and gained two second places.
NOVEMBER There was a fire at Parkfield Farm, North Featherstone, belonging to E Copley and Sons. A herd of bullocks escaped from their pens and took 24 hours to round up.
The Express commented "The existence of vacant shops erected some years ago and the somewhat rundown appearance of many of the properties clearly suggests trade is lost to Pontefract, Wakefield and Castleford, all of which are readily accessible by bus. It is evident Featherstone centre is moribund and urgent action is needed to improve the quality of the environment to enable the area to resume its role as a thriving shopping and social centre for the town".
The Castleford Trades Council said late night buses between Featherstone and Pontefract would be a thing of the past if steps were not taken to prevent hooliganism. The crews wanted radios in the buses so they could get help quickly.
The Remembrance Day observations began with a service at Streethouse Methodist Church, after which the parade marched to the Ackton Hall War Memorial before congregating at Featherstone Rovers football ground. Cr N Longbottom read a lesson at a joint service conducted by Revds R A Nelson, R H Taylor, F B McCarthy and Lieutenant C Parker of the Salvation Army. The Poppy Appeal resulted in a record collection of £215.15.
DECEMBER Wakefield Council announced it would provide free black and white television licences for all pensioners who were not in paid employment and who did not live with a wage earning relative. Those with colour sets would have to pay the £5 difference. It was also proposed to introduce half-price bus fares for pensioners.
The district valuer was unable to agree terms for land required to improve the road between Nunns Lane and Ackworth Road, so he said a compulsory purchase order was necessary.
North Featherstone Church was used to film a funeral scene for the television series Sam.
Mr P Spawforth, chiel planning officer for Wakefield MDC, told a community association meeting a children's playground would be built in the grounds of Ackton Hall.
The Express took this photo of Lieutenant Parker and other members of the Salvation Army carol singing in Station Lane.
A severe gale blew chimneys down and damaged roofs in Station Lane and Pretoria Street. The Methodist minister's car was in for servicing at the Mill Pond Garage and it was severely damaged by falling masonry.