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

180 Years Ago in 1836:

SUICIDE: On Sunday last an inquest was held at Lavendon, Bucks, before J. Burnham, Esq. Coroner, on view of the body of Phoebe Capp, only daughter of Mr. Capp, a farmer of that place, who poisoned herself under very distressing circumstances. She had for a considerable time been in the habit receiving visits from a young man, by whom she became pregnant. He had of late discontinued his visits; and on Friday she took a quantity of arsenic. She lingered till a late hour the same night, and then expired. The poor young creature was about 18 years of age, and is supposed to have taken the arsenic to procure abortion, as she was heard to say, “I have taken too much.” She was sensible to the last, but died before medical assistance could be procured. Verdict— “Temporary Derangement.”

130 Years Ago in 1886:

NEWPORT PAGNELL Petty Sessions, Wednesday April 14.
GAME OFFENCE.—Joseph Knight, Walter Denton, George Dilley, and Thomas Knight were charged under the Poaching Prevention Act with being in unlawful possession of game at Lavendon, on March 26. – Thomas Knight did not appear; the other defendants stating that he was ill. —P.C. James Kennington deposed that he was on duty at Lavendon, at about four o’clock in the afternoon, when he saw the defendants driving in a pony trap. From information he had received, he had cause to suspect that they had been in pursuit of game, and called upon them to stop. This they refused to do, and a young man named Frost stopped the trap. Witness said he should search them, and found a powder flask and a shot flask upon Joseph Knight and the barrel of a gun, which was loaded. The stock was hidden between the legs of one of the prisoners. Witness tried to get it twice, but it was wrested from him by the prisoners, and finally thrown into the road.—William Frost deposed that at about a quarter to four he saw four men driving in a trap near Lavendon; they turned the pony round, and Thomas Knight and Joseph Knight got out and went in a field in the occupation of Mr. Robert Battams. Joseph Knight then shot at a hare, but missed it. They got up in the trap and drove towards Harrold, and, as they were followed, they turned and drove towards Lavendon. Witness gave information to the police; he also confirmed the constable’s evidence.—Defendants were fined 30s. and 10s. 2d. costs, each, or one month in default.

ATTEMPTED SUICIDE. William Steff, an elderly man, was charged with attempting to commit suicide, at Lavendon, on the 24th March.—Mr. Morris Fisher, surgeon, of Turvey, deposed that he was called in to see the defendant on the 24th March, at about eight o’clock in the morning. He was lying on a bed with a jagged cut in his throat about three inches long and half-an-inch deep. Witness was afterwards shown a razor (like the one produced) with some blood upon it. The cut did not injure him much, as it was not deep, and was in the front of the throat. He had known prisoner before the act, and he always seemed sensible. He had suffered great pain from rheumatism, which, in all probability, would affect his senses at times. He was 78 years old. —The defendant’s wife said that he was very often nearly beside himself with pain, and seemed quite so on the 24th. They lived together, she being also 78 years of age, in a house by themselves, and were dependent upon their children. Defendant, who was exceedingly deaf, said he had suffered great pain throughout the winter, but he hoped he should never again so lose his senses as to commit a similar act.—The Bench allowed the defendant to go home with his wife, upon her promising to take great care of him, and to keep careful watch over his actions.

120 Years Ago in 1896:

BLETCHLEY AND FENNY STRATFORD WOMEN’S LIBERAL ASSOCIATION.
The winter season of the above was brought to a close, on Friday evening, April 17th, by a social evening, which was held in the Co-operative Assembly Room, Albert Street. There was a good response to the invitations sent out, the hall being well filled. The chair was taken at 7.30 by Mrs. Soames, who in a few well-chosen remarks showed the necessity of women taking an active part in political and social work. The principal feature of the evening was an address by Mr. Soames, the Radical parson of Lavendon. He spoke of the benefit derived from women taking an active part in political work, as the ability of a woman to intelligently discuss political questions with her husband would be the means of keeping men away from the public house. He said that the cry of the election had been “Carlisle and better times.” But had they got them? He asked what benefit the workers would derive from it. He also adversely criticised the Education Bill of Sir John Gorst. He was listened to throughout in a very attentive manner, and frequently applauded.
As their train went 9.15, Mr. and Mrs. Soames had to leave about nine, whereupon, on the proposition of Mr. Whitney, seconded by Mrs. Keable, a vote of thanks was accorded them for their kind assistance. —In returning thanks for his wife and himself, Mr. Soames said that the vote of thanks was quite unnecessary, as he always experienced the greatest pleasure in helping the Liberal cause.—At the close of the programme, light refreshments were provided at moderate prices.

80 Years Ago in 1936:

FINED BY NORTH BUCKS LEAGUE – For failing to play Newport Athletic Reserves at Newport on March 7th, Lavendon United were fined 2/6 and ordered to pay expenses of 7/6 claimed by the Newport Club. It was decided that all phone messages must be confirmed by letter the same day.

THE RECREATION GROUND QUESTION
A meeting of the Playing Fields Committee was held in the Schools on Monday to consider replies from various landowners about the possibility of purchasing land for a recreation ground. Only one definite offer was received, from Major D. H. Farrer, of Brayfield House, who offered four or five acres of his land on the outskirts of the village either on a lease for twenty-one years renewable at the end of that time or he would be prepared to sell it at about £20 per acre. It was unanimously decided to recommend the Council to purchase it at such a reasonable price. A vote of thanks was accorded Major Farrer for his most generous offer. The Committee then considered ways to raise the necessary funds, and it was decided to make an appeal to the village during the summer.

70 Years Ago in 1946:

LAVENDON OLD PEOPLE – An old-time dance was held on Saturday in aid of the Old People’s Annual Holiday Fund, which has been revived. Mr. Frank Kitchener was M.C. The profits amounted to £12.

LAVENDON CRICKET CLUB – There was a good attendance at a dance held in the Ambulance Hall on Saturday. Competitions were won by Mrs. J. Kitchener and Sergt. Gardiner. The sum of £5 15s. was raised for the Cricket Club.

National Registration Identity Cards

NEWPORT PAGNELL MAGISTRATES’ COURT – Maxwell Rainbow, agricultural worker, Lavendon, was summoned for riding a bicycle without lights and for failing to sign his identity card. P.C. Cooke said that defendant told him that he had not bothered to sign his card; the war was over and they were no good now. With regard to the lights, he said he was not going to get a battery. It was cheaper, he said, to get “pinched.” Defendant, who did not appear, was fined 10s. in each case.
Donald Ingram, agricultural worker, Lavendon, was fined 10s. for riding a bicycle without a rear light.

REUNION DINNER – Members of the St. John Ambulance Brigade (Lavendon Division) were joined by members of the Turvey Section at a reunion dinner held at the Ambulance Hall on 5th April. Among those present were County Surgeon H. W. Round, Corps Superintendent Parsons and Mrs. Parsons (Bedford Division), Supt. S. C. Holmes and Cadet Supt. E. A. Millward. The Hon. Secretary (Sergt. F. Tompkins) welcomed 12 members who have been released after active service in the Royal Navy Sick Berth Service. They were Supt. S. C. Holmes, Cadet Supt. E. A. Millward, Sergt. F. Odell, Corpl. F. Freeman, and Ptes. R Cooper, P. Spriggs, J. Sharp, G. Clarke, D. Parker, F. Horn, H. Chapman, and W. Knight. Ptes. F. Knight and A. Tolly are still serving with the Royal Navy.

PARISH ACTIVITY AT LAVENDON – First Meeting of the New Parish Council
When the newly-elected Parish Council of Lavendon met for the first time, on Monday, at the Rectory, Messrs. A. E. C. Willey and F. Ingram were unanimously re-elected chairman and vice-chairman, respectively. Two sub-committees, one to deal with improvements in street lighting, and the other to make recommendations on the Cemetery enclosure, were formed.
A letter was read from the Post Master of Bedford stating that the request for the erection of a post box and telephone kiosk in the Council Houses neighbourhood could not be met, as those at present in the village were only half a mile from the Council Houses.
The Rector submitted a request from the Parochial Church Council for the Parish Council’s co-operation to facilitate the re-building of the Church wall, which had fallen down in many places, and was dangerous to pedestrians. After discussion, the Clerk (Mr. J. H. Green) was instructed to seek the co-operation the County Council.

FARM AND GARDEN – Cow Cabbage Plants, 17/- per 1,000, Castle Farm, Lavendon, near Olney.

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

160 Years Ago in 1856:

A Clayton and Shuttleworth Threshing Machine – Picture courtesy of www.itsaboutlincoln.co.uk

THRASHING EXTRAORDINARY.—A steam thrashing machine, of Clayton and Shuttleworth’s manufacture, the property of Mr Wm. Sharman, of Lavendon, thrashed out lately, at the Turvey Hall farm, sixty quarters* of wheat in six hours and a quarter.

[*1 Quarter = approx 448lbs corn]

NORTHAMPTON PETTY SESSIONS. Tricks of the Craft.— Samuel Shelton, of Lavendon, was charged with having substituted inferior leather for soling in some army boots which he was making for Messrs. Parker, of this town. He is in the Bucks Yeomanry, and conceiving charity to begin at home, he worked up Messrs. Parker’s superior material some military boots for his special wear, and put his own stuff into the goods of his employers. He was fined £2 8s. and 7s. expenses.

150 Years Ago in 1866:

NEWPORT PAGNELL PETTY SESSIONS.—March 14.
Stealing Bacon. — Henry Wright, and Hannah, his wife, were charged with stealing 4lbs. of bacon belonging to Reuben Cotton, of Lavendon, grocer, on the 12th March. Convicted. Fourteen days’ imprisonment, with hard labour.

110 Years Ago in 1906:

NEWPORT PAGNELL – RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL
A letter was read from the Rev. G. P. Soames, rector of Lavendon, suggesting the formation of a local committee to deal with the sanitation of that parish. The report was adopted, and Mr. Longland gave notice that he should move at the next meeting that a Parochial Sanitary Committee be formed for the parish of Lavendon.
[And the following week]:
Mr. T. Longland moved, and it was carried, that a Parochial Sanitary Committee, consisting of the Rural District Councillors for the parishes Lavendon and Warrington and the Lavendon Parish Council be formed for the parish of Lavendon, the expenditure of such committee not to exceed £50 in respect of any one contract. —lt was resolved to refer the Inspector of Nuisances report on the sanitary condition of Lavendon to the Parochial Committee, and that officer was instructed to summon the first meeting.

90 Years Ago in 1926:

NEWPORT PAGNELL PETTY SESSIONS.
Benjamin Hardy, foreman shunter, 119, Cambridge-street, Rugby, was summoned for not giving audible warning of approach with a motor cycle at Lavendon on March 14th.—Defendant, who pleaded guilty, was stated to have rounded a dangerous corner in the village without sounding his horn. —Supt. Callaway stated that this was the first case at that Court under the particular section of the Act.—Defendant was fined 7s. 6d.

80 Years Ago in 1936:

The notorious Warrington Crossroads, pre-roundabout.

BUCKS COUNTY COUNCIL – HIGHWAYS COMMITTEE
Included in the details of the five year programme were the following: Lavendon by-pass, £15,000; Emberton by-pass, £13,000. Also included were the Warrington Diversion & Crossroads:
Spotley—Warrington cross roads, £8,000; Warrington diversion, £10,000.

The annual Parish Meeting was held in the Schools on Monday, Mr. J. M. Cony presiding. After some discussion slight increases were made in the general and lighting rate. A considerable amount discussion arose on the question of “Should the Parish Council take steps to provide a playing field?”, and it was agreed that the Council should explore the possibilities of this. The proposed by-pass was next discussed and a resolution to ask the County Council to consider taking it farther from the village or to repair the existing road was carried unanimously.

[Subsequently] A meeting of the Playing Fields Committee was held in the schools Monday, Mr. J. M. Cony presiding. Correspondence was read from Mr. Langley Taylor, F.R.I.B.A., Hon. Secretary of the Buckinghamshire branch of the National Playing Fields Association, the question of providing a recreation field. After considerable discussion it was resolved to inquire of various landowners the possibility of purchasing about four acres of land. It was also resolved to inquire of the Playing Fields Association and other bodies as to the amount of assistance the Committee would get from them in purchasing the ground.

70 Years Ago in 1946:

LAVENDON – Following correspondence with the Ministry Health regarding the desirability for additional Council cottages to be built in the village, the British Legion (Lavendon branch) has been informed by the Ministry that the Newport Pagnell Rural Council has been invited to apply for the Minister’s authorization to obtain tenders for the erection of further houses.

RECORD ATTENDANCE – There was a record attendance at a whist drive arranged by the Forces “Welcome Home” Fund Committee, held at the Ambulance Hall on 1st March. Prizes were a goose, given by Mrs. Hartigan, and won by Mrs. Wadsworth, of Turvey; two cockerels, given by Mr. D. Clarke and won by Mr. J. K. Green and Mrs. Clarke; two score eggs, given by Messrs. Cony and Stowe, and won by Miss D. Franklin, of Carlton, and Pte. P. Walkden; and two rabbits, given by Mr. Sanders, and won by Mesdames Leeper and Goddard, of Newton Blossomville. Profits amounted approximately £10.

PARISH COUNCIL – [Following the Parish AGM and elections] The old Parish Council met for the last time at the Infants’ Schoolroom on Monday. The Clerk reported that he had raised the matter of the erection of a post-box and a telephone kiosk for the Council Houses area in Olney Road with the Post Office authorities. Among other points discussed were housing, marking of public footpaths, lighting, and the dilapidated condition of the Cemetery wall.

BRITISH LEGION MEETING – Over forty members of the British Legion were present at a meeting of the Lavendon branch last week. Correspondence was submitted regarding the branch’s resolution requesting the erection of additional houses, and satisfaction was expressed concerning the attention the matter had received both by the Ministry of Health and the Newport Pagnell Rural District Council. The Branch Secretary, Mr. R. G. Panter, reported that almost every ex-Serviceman in Lavendon (all wars) had paid a subscription for the current year. Mr. S. C. Holmes (Chairman) presided, supported by Mr. F. Odell (Vice-Chairman) and Mr. R G. Panter (Hon. Secretary). Mr C. G. Creed (Treasurer) was absent owing to illness.