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.

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

120 Years Ago in 1896

[Probably NEW ROW, LAVENDON]
LAVENDON, Buckinghamshire. Two Miles from Olney. 12 FREEHOLD COTTAGES.
Substantially built of stone and tile, with good Gardens and Barns, in the occupation of Luke Harley, Jeffrey Robinson, and others, as monthly tenants. The rentals of eight are 5s. 4d. per month, of two 6s. 8d. per month, one is 4s. 6d, and one 4s. 3d. The aggregate therefore would produce over £42 per annum. TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION, BY MESSRS J. R.EVE and SON, at the Bull, Hotel, Olney, on Monday, Feb 17th, 1896, at Five o’clock precisely.

NEWPORT PAGNELL PETTY SESSIONS, FEB 5TH
Night Poaching Lavendon.— Fred Drage and Owen Woodbridge, were charged with night poaching at Lavendon, on January 28th, on land in the occupation of Mr. R. Battams, who was present in Court, and conducted the case for the prosecution. —Two witnesses named Orpin proved seeing a lurcher dog, in the care of Drage, go upon the land in question and kill a hare, which was subsequently taken by the gamekeeper to Mr. Battams, who said it was quite warm when brought to him.—The defendant Drage swore positively that the dog never left the roadway.— Their Worships fined Drage, against whom there was a previous conviction, £I and 15/- costs or 28 days, and ordered Woodbridge to pay 15/- and 15/- costs or go to prison for 21 days.

80 Years Ago in 1936:

DEATH OF MR W. L. JOHNSON – WELL-KNOWN NORTH BUCKS FARMER
Castlethorpe and Lavendon residents heard with regret the death of Mr. William Longland Johnson, who passed away at his farm, Milford Leys, Castlethorpe, at the age of 72. Mr. Johnson was born at Uphoe Manor Farm, Lavendon, where his father was a well-known farmer. Up to 15 years ago he farmed at Lavendon, and carried on the business of butcher in the village [at the Bell House, High Street], where he was deeply respected. For over 30 years he was churchwarden at Lavendon Parish Church, and he was also a member Lavendon Parish Council. From Lavendon, Mr. Johnson moved to Castlethorpe, where he farmed up to the time of his death. He was member of the Northampton Branch of the National Farmers’ Union.

FOOTBALL – Lavendon’s Six Goals.
After their heavy defeat last week, Lavendon found something of their true form in entertaining Emberton on Saturday and ran up six goals to their visitor’s one. The result is a little surprising as Emberton, up till the last week or so, had been considered one of the strongest sides of the division.

70 Years Ago in 1946:

THE FORTY-FOOT – Country Notes by ‘Touchstone’: [‘The Forty-Foot’ is ‘The Three Shire Way’ in modern times]. Talking of walking, a favourite, expedition of mine when I can find a friend or two to go with me, is to train to Sharnbrook and proceed to Souldrop as a jumping-off point for the Forty Foot Lane, which, providing the going is dry, we can pursue at a leisurely pace, in sweet solitude, immune from any distractions of traffic, as far Dungee Corner. Thence, if still in the mood, we carry on the path skirting Nun and Three Shires Woods to Lavendon Mill, for a farmhouse tea.
I would like to know more about this ancient “green road”, the Forty Foot. Probably the old packhorse men and cattle drovers used to strike it after leaving Pavenham and Harrold. It was said to be 58 miles in length. Colonel Rouse Orlebar used to tell the story that many years ago he was riding along the Forty Foot when he met a drover with about a hundred sheep, driving westwards. The drover asked him: “Is this the way to Liverpool?”

LEGION AND HOUSING – The Lavendon branch of the British Legion recently sent a resolution to Newport Pagnell requesting the erection of additional Council cottages at Lavendon. In reply, the District Housing Surveyor has assured the branch that the Council are continually pressing the Ministry of Health for authority to build more houses, and any action the British Legion can take to bring pressure on the Ministry will be appreciated by the Council. The branch is considering their next move.

[Later] Following a resolution requesting the erection of additional Council cottages at Lavendon which was considered by the Newport Pagnell Rural Council, the British Legion (Lavendon branch) has placed the matter in the hands of the Under Secretary to the Ministry of Health.

LAVENDON – The latest balance sheet presented by the Lavendon Hospital Committee reveals that from the beginning of 1944 to date, £382 10s. 10½d. has been realized on behalf of the Northampton General Hospital War Memorial Fund. Lavendon’s target is £600.
On behalf of the “Forces’ Welcome Home” Fund, a dance was held in the Ambulance Hall on Saturday. A competition was won by Mr. Fred Odell. Profits amounted to £3 18s. 9d.

Mr Jess Green pictured in 1948

HORSES Broken for Riding, Driving, Farm Work.—D. Williams, Horse Breaker, Horseshoe Inn, Lavendon, Bucks.

MR J H GREEN – In recognition of his services to agriculture during the war, Mr. J. H. Green, of Olney Road, Lavendon, has been awarded a certificate of merit by the former Minister of Agriculture, Mr. R. S. Hudson. Mr. Green is Secretary of the Newport Pagnell branch of the Transport and General Workers’ Union; a member of the Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Huntingdonshire Agricultural Wages Board; and a member of the Labour Sub-Committee of the Buckinghamshire War Agricultural Executive Committee. He was associated with the formation of the Lavendon and District Agricultural Club.

BUCKS WAR AGRICULTURAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
in conjunction with the
LAVENDON & DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL CLUB
invite all Members, Farmers, and their workers to take part in a
DISCUSSION ON SHEEP
on TUESDAY 26 FEBRUARY
in the
AMBULANCE HALL
LAVENDON
at 7.30 p.m.

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

150 Years Ago in 1866:

AMATEUR CONCERT. —On Tuesday, the 9th of January, a concert was given in the National Schoolroom, Lavendon, by ladies and gentlemen of the neighbourhood, in aid of the schools. The programme consisted of sacred and secular music, most of which was executed in good style. The two parts were separated by a reading (the tale of a judge), by the Rev. W. Tomkins, which caused great laughter. Several of the pieces were vociferously encored. There was a good attendance.

LAVENDON BUCK HUNTING. — On Friday, the 12th inst., a party of gentlemen enjoyed some fine sport in Yardley Chase. Two fine bucks having escaped from Lord Southampton’s took their quarters at Yardley Chase, and after some first-rate sport one was shot by Mr. Perry, of Lavendon Mill, the head of which has been sent to Mr. Mantel, of Mill-street, Bedford, to be preserved. The carcase was forwarded to its owner.

STEALING A FLANNEL SHIRT. — James Panter and Henry Smart, of Lavendon, were found guilty of stealing a flannel shirt, on the 8th inst., the property of General W. E. Elliott, of Turvey. Panter was detected with it on, who said it was given to him by Smart, who told him he picked it up in Turvey. This occurred on Plough Monday.

90 Years Ago in 1926:

A SPORTING GAME. “It was a good sporting game, played in the right spirit, and one of the cleanest games seen at Lavendon this season.” writes the Secretary of the Lavendon Club of the match with Kempston Rovers Reserves on Saturday. This veiled tribute to opponents comes with even better grace because Kempston won. How much more pleasant reading does this little note make than some we receive, criticizing referees and visiting players.
FORWARD’S NOTES. Writing about sporting teams reminds me that the League Secretary has shown me a letter received from the Kempston Rovers’ Chairman, in which he refers to the splendid sporting game played by the Lavendon United team, and the splendid reception the Lavendon officials extend to visiting teams and officials. As the Rovers’ Chairman aptly remarks, more of this kind of spirit among all Clubs would make football still more enjoyable.

80 Years Ago in 1936:

OLD PEOPLE ENTERTAINED The seventeenth annual treat for the old people of over sixty and for widows and widowers was held on Saturday. The company assembled in the Ambulance Hall, which had previously been decorated, for dinner, after which Mr. S. Tompkins, on behalf of the Committee, welcomed the guests, and stated that although it had been impossible to raise the necessary money by the usual methods (namely, a prize draw) the holiday had been made possible chiefly by the increase in subscriptions. As soon as dinner was over the company were entertained with community singing, songs, violin solos, and competitions. Just before tea was served the Hon. Mrs. D. H. Farrer arrived and was greeted with loud applause. After tea the company were again entertained with songs, and there were also violin solos by Mr. W. J. Tompkins, competitions, and sketches.

THE OAKLEY HUNT – The meet was at Dungee Corner on Tuesday. Harrold Park was first drawn blank, but a fox found in Threeshire gave a ringing hunt through Lavendon Neens, and Snip Wood, and was killed near the road at Snelson. Finding again in the Lavendon Woods, hounds ran by Bozeat Grange and the Slight and through the woods again to Snip, but hounds were run out of scent at Cold Brayfield. Scent was very poor all day.

The Oakley Hunt near Snip Wood, 1939

SUNDAY SCHOOL – On Saturday the children of the Church Sunday School held their Christmas party at the Clubroom. After tea the time was spent in games, and before leaving each child received a prize.
On Monday a party of schoolchildren, under the guidance the school staff, went to London to see “Peter Pan”. Dinner and tea was provided for them by the generosity of some of the School Managers.

PARISH COUNCIL
A meeting of the Parish Council [chaired by Mr J. M. Cony] was held in the Schools on Tuesday. In reply to letter received from the Rural District Council stating that they had purchased a housing site in Olney Road, it was decided to write regretting this action and asking what was to be done with the houses in the village already condemned.
A discussion arose on the responsibility for maintaining the war memorial, and it was decided to ask the two remaining members of Committee if they desired the Council to take it over.

COUNTRY FOLK HONOUR THE LATE KING – Tributes of Devotion in Every Village
[King George V died on January 20, 1936 at the age of 70 in Sandringham House, Norfolk.]
AT LAVENDON – In commemoration of his late Majesty two services were held at Lavendon Church — Holy Communion at 9.30 a.m. and in the evening.

70 Years Ago in 1946:

LAVENDON – As a result of a house-to-house collection made in the village on Boxing Day, young people of eighteen years and under were entertained at tea in the Ambulance Hall last week. Each child was given sixpence. Games were followed by a cinema show. People over sixty years of age were entertained to tea in the Ambulance Hall, also as a result of the house-to-house collection.
A Nativity play, entitled “Wonder Night” (by Florence Roch), was presented in the Church by the junior teachers of the Sunday school and others. The producer was the Rector (the Rev. R. R. N. Rendell). The play was preceded by two tableaux. The large congregation was impressed by the deep reverence with which the tableaux and play were presented. The offerings, amounting to £3 1s 4d., are being given to the Waifs and Strays Society*.

FOR HOSPITAL FUND – A large Christmas tree adorned with presents was displayed in the “George” Inn last week. A competition was held to decide the recipients of the presents, and as result of this, £10 1s. 9d. was realized on behalf of the Northampton Hospital War Memorial Fund. Mr. F. C. Beeden (Honorary Treasurer of the Hospital Committee) was the organizer.

LAVENDON – THE HOUSING QUESTION – At a general meeting of Lavendon British Legion, held at the “Horseshoes” inn, Lavendon, on 18th January, the following resolution was carried: This branch approves the action of the Newport Pagnell Rural Council in erecting four permanent houses at Lavendon, but in view of the large number of derelict cottages at present being occupied by ex-Service men and others in the village, we would respectfully request the Housing Committee to facilitate the erection of four houses (at least) in addition to those at present under construction. Further, we would ask the Council to extend earnest consideration to all applications received from ex-Service and serving men with families on a priority basis for tenancy of any houses they decide to erect.” The resolution has been placed before the Council for its next meeting.

*For interesting historical details of the ‘Waifs and Strays Society’, see www.hiddenlives.org.uk/articles/history.html

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

150 Years Ago in 1865 – NARROW ESCAPE: Waites, the postman, who travels from Olney to Newport, was driving a young pony belonging to Mr. Perry, of Lavendon Mill. He stopped to give the horse some water near the mill, when going too far into the river the rush of the stream carried them into the middle of the river, where they remained some time, the pony occasionally raising his head a few inches above the water, the man standing in the cart up to his waist. At length the postman, who behaved throughout with remarkable coolness, succeeded in pulling the pony towards the bank, when Mr. Perry, with assistants, rescued the pony and man from their perilous situation, leaving the cart and empty post-bags in the river, where it is expected they will have to remain a few days on account of the great depth of water.

140 Years Ago in 1875 – ATTEMPTED HIGHWAY ROBBERY: Mr. George Parsons, of Lavendon Mills, was riding back from Yardley Hastings to Lavendon; he was stopped on the road by a man, who seized the horse’s bridle and demanded money. On refusing to let go his hold, Mr. Parsons struck him on the arm with his riding whip. The fellow, who was wearing a black mask, then seized hold of Mr. Parsons’ leg, and repeated his demand for money. Mr. Parsons then struck him another blow with the handle of his whip, and rode on, followed by the threats of his assailant that he would “meet with him again soon.”

130 Years Ago in 1885 – TORCHLIGHT SKATING: The meadows adjoining Olney in the direction of Weston, as also Lavendon, being under water at the time when the recent frost set in, presented at the end of last week a fine opportunity for this amusement, which was not lost by the inhabitants of the district. On Thursday the sport was kept up after dusk by the aid of torches, and of two balls, which were judiciously and appropriately brought out upon the occasion. On Friday and Saturday some two hundred people were on the ice at once, and a pleasant and animated scene was presented. It was all too short-lived, for the breakup of the weather prevented all such enjoyment in the early part of the week.

120 Years Ago in 1895 – SCHOOL ATTENDANCE CASE: John Bayes, labourer, of Lavendon, was summoned at the instance of the Lavendon School Board, for neglecting to send his son Charles regularly to school, and was fined 6d. and 4/6 costs.—The circumstances of the case were detailed by J. Lay, attendance officer.

90 Years Ago in 1925 – FELMERSHAM: Lavendon visited the Plough Inn on Saturday for a skittle match. Lavendon won by three horses. A musical evening followed.

80 Years Ago in 1935 – PARISH COUNCIL: A meeting of the Parish Council was held with Mr J Cony presiding. A letter was read from the Rural District Council with reference to the question of more Council houses, and it was decided to reply pointing out the disadvantages there were to the village tradesmen in having the site so far away from the centre of the village.
Three applications were received for the position of Clerk, the present Clerk having left the village. Mr J. H. Green was appointed.

MEN’S SERVICE – The Rev. Fermor Leggatt, Rector of Lavendon held a special service in St. Michael’s Church for ex-Service men. Upwards of forty of these men from Lavendon, Olney, Emberton and Brayfield formed up in the village, under Major D. H Farrer, President of the Lavendon Branch of the British Legion, and marched to the church, headed by two standards, which were dipped in salute on passing the Memorial. The Rector expressed his gratefulness for the splendid response to his invitation, as he wished to establish a spiritual contact with the men with whom he served in the Great War as a private soldier in the R.F.A. from 1914 to 1918.

Early view of Council Houses in Olney Road, Lavendon. Photo by Maurice Kitchener

COUNCIL HOUSES – At Newport Pagnell Rural District Council on Wednesday it was decided buy a two and a half acre site on the Olney Road for housing at Lavendon.

LAVENDON – A whist drive was held in the Ambulance Hall on 19th December in aid of the Football Club. Mr. T. Kitchener was M.C. and the winners were: Ladies, J. Green, H. Marshall, V. Green; Gentlemen, R. Panter, V. Tompkins, and A. Wooding.
The “Green Man” Loan and Dividend Club paid out over £250 and the “George Inn” Thrift Club paid out £195.

70 Years Ago in 1945 – LAVENDON: L/Bdr. L. Panter, R.A., and Cpl. W. Panter (brothers), are home on leave together. L/Bdr. Panter has served in lndia and Burma with the 14th Army for more than four years, and Cpl. Panter has been with the Army Catering Corps in Africa and Italy during the past two and a half years. Five more residents have recently been demobilized from H.M. Forces. They are Messrs. John Panter, H. Freeman, T. Holmes, and F. Rainbow, from the Army; and Miss D. Panter from the W.A.A.F.

FOR HOSPITAL: An auction sale of gifts which had been collected from house to house was held in the Ambulance Hall on Saturday. Messrs. F. C. Beeden and S. C. Holmes were the auctioneers. The proceeds realized £38 for the Northampton Hospital Appeal Fund. In the evening an old-time dance, on behalf of the same cause, was held and another £10 was realized. Mr. L. Robbins was M.C. for dancing.

BRITISH LEGION DINNER: Over one hundred residents attended the annual reunion dinner of the British Legion (Lavendon and District Branch) held at the Ambulance Hall on Friday. Toasts were proposed by Mr. S C. Holmes (Branch Chairman), Mr. C. G. Creed (Treasurer), Mr. E. W. Ashley (Hon. Secretary, Olney Branch), and the Rev. R. R. N. Rendell. Representatives from the Olney branch spoke on the work of the Legion, with particular reference to the Lavendon branch. Messages were received from the President (Capt. P. Dunn), and the Vice-Presidents (the Hon. Mrs. D. H. Farrer, Capt. Michael Farrer, and Capt. R. Farrer), who were unable to be present. The desirability of forming a Women’s Section of the branch was stressed by all speakers. Members from Carlton, Emberton, Olney, and Lavendon provided a programme of entertainment, Gunner V. Tompkins and Cpl. P. Lay (home on leave) being at the piano.

The British Legion Forces’ Gift Fund was liquidated by a distribution, at Christmas, of £1 5s. each to 60 serving and recently demobilized Service people of the village. A Forces’ “Welcome Home” Fund has been instituted to replace the Gift Fund, with a target of £100. Donations and offers of help will be gratefully acknowledged by the Committee.

60 Years Ago in 1955 – SPORTING REVIEW: The North Bucks Beagles will be at Lavendon Mill on 27th December.