Lavendon in the News – Edited extracts from local newspapers of the past

200 Years Ago in 1815 – LAVENDON BENEVOLENCE: The principal inhabitants of Lavendon, Bucks, have again performed their accustomed act of benevolence, in providing a necessary stock of coals, for the purpose of supplying the poor of their parish during the winter with that article, free of carriage, at the current price of the present season of the year. We hope this laudable example will be universally followed.

190 Years Ago in 1825 – TYPHUS: Died last week at Lavendon, Bucks, of typhus fever, after a few days’ illness, aged 51, Mr. John Billing, butcher, &c. who for some years filled the office of Churchwarden of that place, and was in every respect a highly respectable tradesman; leaving a widow, five sons and two daughters to deplore their irreparable loss.

150 Years Ago in 1865 – FATAL ACCIDENT: A few days ago Mr. G. Jefferson, after dining with Mr. F. Billing, Castle Farm, Lavendon, returned in his horse and cart with Mr. Borton, at whose door he bid Mr. Borton good bye. Turning round to leave, one of the wheels of his cart went upon a gravel heap, which caused such a sudden jerk as to pitch him out on to his head, causing instantaneous death.

140 Years Ago in 1875 – STOLEN POULTRY: Eleven fowls and two ducks, which were stolen from the premises of Mr. T. Osborne, a few weeks since, and for which reward of two guineas was offered, have recently been found near Lavendon Mill, tied up in sack just as they were taken from Mr. Osborne’s premises. Although in a decomposed state, the whole proved to be the same stolen on the 29th September. It is supposed that the thieves, being closely pursued, hid the sack and its contents until the latter were unfit for use, and then threw them into the river.

80 Years Ago in 1935 – McCONNELLS: 4-ROOMED COTTAGE for sale, situated Olney Road, Lavendon; electric light, own pump; vacant possession; good repair; £170 or near offer. —R. A. Bell. Lavendon.

SCARLET FEVER has broken out in Lavendon. Two children belonging to Mr. and Mrs. F. Tompkins, of Northampton Road, have been removed to the hospital at Linslade, where they are reported to be progressing favourably.

WORKMAN INJURED IN A FALL FROM PLANK—On Tuesday at the Castle Farm, Lavendon, where alterations are being carried out by contractors from Bedford, workman named George Zacchadilla, of Elstow Road, Bedford, fell from plank while working in the garage and received a severe wound on the head. First-aid was rendered Mr. S. Tompkins, and the injured man was taken the County Hospital. Yesterday his condition was described as satisfactory.

BY-PASS SCHEMES: Among the road proposals mentioned in town planning schemes approved by the [Newport Pagnell RD] Council was that of the proposed by-pass at Emberton. Further schemes that are being considered include … a by-pass at Lavendon.

70 Years Ago in 1945 – BUCKS WAR AGRICULTURAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE in conjunction with the Lavendon & District Agricultural Club invite Members and anyone interested in Agriculture to hear Mr R. T. Harris (District Horticultural Officer) on Pruning (with particular reference to Old Orchards) and Market Garden Crops, at the Ambulance Hall, Lavendon, on Tuesday 6 November at 7.30 p.m.

RELATIVES SEEK NEWS OF MISSING MEN: The “Mercury and Herald” has received requests to make an appeal for any information about the following men, about whom little news has been received since they were taken prisoner by the Japanese in the Far East.
The appeal is specially addressed to returned ex-prisoners, who have made contact with any of the men at any time, and who are asked to communicate with the relatives at the addresses given. Any news will be gratefully received. The appeal included:

SANDERS, G., Gunner (11001989), 51st C.O.D., Royal Artillery, No. 2 Camp, Thailand. Believed to have died from malaria June, 1943. Information to Mrs. Sanders. 77, High-street, Lavendon, Olney, Bucks.

Private Cecil Wilfred Panter, died 12th Nov 1944

PANTER.—In ever-loving memory of a dear brother, Cecil Wilfred Panter, Private, Lincolnshire Regiment, killed in action at Nijmegen, Holland, on 12 November 1944, aged 20 years.
—From his sister, brother-in-law, nephew and niece (Mr and Mrs Felce, Frank, and Sheila), Lavendon.

LAVENDON – A Forces’ “Welcome Home” Committee was formed at public meeting held at the Schools on Monday. The Parish Council agreed to act as the new fund’s trustees. Further complaints of the alleged damage caused the demolition of explosives in the neighbourhood were placed before the Parish Council (which had convened the meeting), and the Clerk reported that the matter had again been placed in the hands of Flt-Lt. Aidan Crawley, M.P for the Division.

LAVENDON – The sum of £5 16s. was handed to the Hon. Treasurer (Mr. C. G. Creed), of the British Legion Forces Fund, on Monday, as a result of collecting boxes in the village licensed houses being emptied. This collection will be the last made on behalf of the Forces Fund, which has been superseded by a “Welcome Home” Fund. Poppy Day collections, in aid of the Earl Haig Fund, amounted to approximately £14 – a record.