A Lavendon Timeline – Anniversaries in August 2015

A selection of news reports about the way we were, years ago, in the month of August ……

90 years ago in 1925 – NEW SCHOOL: Olney Parish Council considered whether a new elementary school should be erected to serve adjoining parishes including that of Lavendon. Council members considered it quite unnecessary “especially in view of the heavy burden of the present rates.”

80 years ago in 1935 – FLOODING: On 8th August Lavendon experienced the heaviest rainfall that could be remembered. In a matter of minutes the village street was like a river and quite a few campers found their tents and beds washed out. Accommodation was found for the men in the ‘George Inn’ Clubroom for the night.

SPEED LIMIT: The Parish Council met and agreed to write to the County Council asking that the speed limit should be extended to the entrance of the village from Olney. It was pointed out that this is a very dangerous road and that most of the children pass that way to school. At one point there is only 16 feet of roadway and no footpath.

ANNUAL OUTING: The Church Sunday School went by motor-coach to Hayling Island for their annual outing.

UNUSUAL ACCIDENT: While cycling along the Bedford Road near Turvey Station on 22nd August Walter Jamison, of Harrold Road, Lavendon had an unusual accident. Hearing a noise in the front part of his cycle he bent down to see what was wrong. By some means his hand slipped in between the spokes of the front wheel, with the result that he was thrown over the handlebars. His hand and face were severely cut.

70 years ago in 1945 – LAVENDON CRICKET CLUB which had been inactive since 1940, was revived, and the following officers were appointed to do the work until the former officials came out of the Services: Mr. R. Panter, chairman; Mr. J. Hallworth, hon. secretary; Mr. T. Cony, hon. treasurer; Mr. E. Clare, captain.

ANNUAL FETE: Because of inclement weather, the second annual fete, flower and vegetable show at Lavendon was transferred from Home Close to the School and playground. Entries, although less than the previous year, were well up to standard, and prizes were awarded to 60 competitors. Later there was an auction sale of entries. Music was provided by a band from Bedford, and the side-shows and amusements were: Wembley wheel, loaned by Mr F. Lay and run by Messrs. E. Clare and J. Hallworth; skittles, Mr. R. Panter; treasure hunt, Mrs. Brady and Miss Quenby. Competitions for a doll, cake, and wine were run by Messrs. A. Willey, J. Green, and F. Kitchener respectively. Proceeds were for the New Village Hall Fund. In the evening a successful dance was held in the Ambulance Hall.

FLOODLIGHTING AT LAVENDON: Victory Day celebrations at Lavendon began with a united parish thanksgiving service conducted by the Rector in the Parish Church. The large congregation was called to worship by a lively peal on the bells. Collections for church expenses were taken. In the evening there was general rejoicing on the Market Square, which was floodlit. Dancing continued on both days until 3 a.m. A large bonfire was lit in Home Close and soldiers from a near-by station provided fireworks. A number of casualties from the fireworks received ready attention from the village Ambulance Brigade.

St John's Ambulance Brigade - Lavendon Branch c1952

St John’s Ambulance Brigade – Lavendon Branch, 1950s

LAVENDON DEMOBILIZED: Three former members of the Lavendon Division of the St. John Ambulance Brigade were recently demobilized from the Royal Naval Sick Berth Service. They are Petty Officers T. Holmes and F. Odell, and Attendant P. Spriggs. As reservists they were called for active service in August 1939. Throughout the 1914-18 war they served as infantrymen with the Army in Northern Europe and the Balkans. Petty Officer Holmes was the Superintendent of the Lavendon Ambulance Brigade, while Petty Officer Odell and Attendant Spriggs held the rank of sergeant.

BOY IN TROUBLE: Newport Pagnell Juvenile Court –  A 10-year old Lavendon boy was ordered to be sent to an approved school. He appeared in connexion with breaking and entering an allotment tool shed and with stealing money and other articles, together valued at £5 15s, and twelve rounds of cartridges from a wayside ammunition dump…

A Lavendon Timeline – Anniversaries in July 2015

A selection of news reports about the way we were, years ago, in the month of July……

190 years ago in 1825 – Some children playing in a ditch belonging to Mr R Davison, a baker at Lavendon, found some silver Roman coins. Later an earthen pot and other coins were found.

170 years ago in 1845 – In the first case of its kind, Mary and Hannah Pittams, lacemakers of Lavendon, were found guilty of copying a pillow lace design registered by Mr John Millward of Olney the year before – “the first application of the law of copyright of designs to the article of pillow lace.”

120 years ago in 1895 – Five lads, named Wm. Biggs, Wm. Brittain, Wm. White, Albert Panter and Wm. Sharp, all of Lavendon, pleaded guilty at Newport Pagnell Petty Sessions to playing football on the highway. Supt Lait did not press for a heavy penalty but hoped that the case would lead to a stoppage of the practice of footballing in the streets.

110 years ago in 1905 – Thousands of fish died in the River Ouse at Olney. They drifted down the river to Lavendon Mills where sacks of them were collected and removed. It was believed that the brewery at Olney ran off a large quantity of ‘refuse’ beer into the river and that the fish became intoxicated and drowned as a result.

Sir Alan Cobham, airman, 1925

Sir Alan Cobham, airman, 1925

90 years ago in 1925 – Mr (later Sir) Alan J. Cobham, the airman, who landed in a meadow on the Lavendon Road on Friday during the progress of the air race, was entertained by Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Cony at Lavendon Mill during his short stay.
Wiki Link: Sir Alan J Cobham

70 years ago in 1945 – Since the inception of the new Village Hall Fund in June 1944, £293 has been accumulated towards the building costs by donations, entertainments and collections.

60 years ago in 1955 – The Housing Sub-Committee of Newport Rural Council agreed to meet to consider a programme of improvements to existing Council houses, including a suggestion that bathrooms be installed at Lavendon as soon as possible. Mr R Sharpe said “It is time this Council looked into the matter. Many people are having to wash in bowls and I wonder how many Councillors do that?”

The Lavendon Show on 12th September 2015

Children's Entries for the 2014 Lavendon Show

Children’s Entries for the 2014 Lavendon Show

The Lavendon Show will be held on Saturday, 12th September 2015. That means if you haven’t already done so then it is still not too late to think about planting those seeds, vegetables and flowers to enter into the Show and stand a good chance of winning a prize or may be even a trophy. There are lots of different classes in the Show catering for all kinds of skills whether growing, painting, drawing or making things, ranging from cakes and jams through to Lego monsters or perhaps a great arrangement of flowers. There are plenty of entries available for adults and children alike – why not think about making a Scarecrow this year?!

For more information, show schedules and plenty of ideas click on the ‘Lavendon Show’ link or click here.