Wolverton Express 16th January 1920

Messrs Hampton and Son report the sale privately [to Captain A. A. Fergusson] of Cosgrove Hall, near Stony Stratford, with the Manor Farm adjoining, extending to about 370 acres. The Hall is an old Georgian house, occupying an attractive position in a well timbered park sloping to the canal. This was the only lot which remained unsold at the recent auction.

Mable Jelly, postmistress, Cosgrove, was summoned for allowing her dog stray without a collar. P.C. Chilvers gave evidence. Fined 2s. 6d.

Stanley Lord, apprentice fitter, Cosgrove, and Leslie Capel, fitter, Wolverton, were summoned for riding cycles on the footpath at Wolverton. P.C. Gillard gave evidence. Defendants pleaded guilty.

Fined 2s. 6d. each.

Helen Mabel Countess Temple of Stowe, of The Glades Englefield Green, formerly of Cosgrove Hall. Stony Stratford, and Newton Park, Newton St. Loe Bath, widow the 4^th Earl Temple M Stowe, and sister of the Duchess of and Chandos, left by her will £27,950.

IMPORTANT DISPERSAL SALE

COSGROVE NORTHANTS

Close to Stony Stratford, 1½miles from Castlethorpe Station and 4 miles from Wolverton Station.

MESSRS WIGLEY, SONS & GAMBELL

Are instructed by Major H. Grant Thorold (who has sold the estate)

To sell by Auction on the Premises

On THURSDAY and FRIDAY March 18 and 19, 1920, at Eleven o’clock exact time each day

The whole of the Valuable Live and Dead

FARMING STOCK, comprising

150 Pedigree LINCOLN REDS viz: 34 young cows in milk and in calf, 12 down calving heifers, 6 barren cows, 8 barren heifers, 27 heifers and steers (2 to 3 years old), 10 18-months-old steers and sturks, 33 yearling steers and sturks, 20 calves, 6-months-old bull, and 2-years-old bull “Saleby Crown” No. 14813.

1000 SHEEP and LAMBS viz: 296 double and single Oxford-Down couples, 233 Oxford-Down tegs, 6 pedigree Oxford-Down rams.

33 highly valuable HORSES viz: 8 mares 5 to 7 years old, in foal to “Eastern Conqueror”, one 4 year old mare and a 4 year old gelding (unbroken), by “Eastern Conqueror”, five 3 year old mares and a 3 year old gelding by “Eastern Conqueror”, two 2 year old fillies and a 2 year old colt by “Eastern Conqueror”, yearling colt and a yearling filly by “Conqueror King”, roan pony (aged).

7 in-pig Berkshire SOWS, 1 Berkshire BOAR, 300 head of Poultry, viz: Light Sussex, Black leghorns and Buffs. The Valuable IMPLEMENTS and MACHINERY, all in good order, such as would be found on a Holding of 900 acres.

The Auctioneers beg to call special attention to the Pedigree Lincoln Cattle; the cows are all young, the heifers in splendid condition, and the young stock full of bloom. The Oxford Downs are a splendid flock. Pedigree rams have always been used, last year’s rams coming from the flocks of Messrs Brassey, Stilgoe, Adams and Bryant. The HORSES are an excellent lot, in good working condition, the whole having been bred on the Estate, and with one exception sired by “Eastern Conqueror”, by “Gaer Conqueror”.

Luncheon will be provided on the usual conditions.

Catalogues may be obtained of Major H Grant Thorold and Mr R Penson, Cosgrove, Stony Stratford, or of the Auctioneers, Newport Pagnell and Olney.

A pike weighing about 171bs was caught by Mr. S. Neal, of Wolverton, last Saturday, in the Broadwaters, Cosgrove. It is the largest pike which has been caught the district for several years, and took twenty minutes to land.

COSGROVE NORTHANTS

Close to Stony Stratford, 1½miles from Castlethorpe Station and 4 miles from Wolverton Station.

MESSRS WIGLEY, SONS & GAMBELL

Are instructed by Major H Grant Thorold

To sell by Auction on the Premises

On TUESDAY March 16th, 1920, at 10.30 am exact time

The Valuable Antiques and Modern FURNITURE comprising a finely carved gilt console table with marble top, a pair of semi-circular inlaid Sheraton tables, a massive elegantly carved black oak cabinet, dated 1621, antique inlaid and decorated mahogany card table, antique mahogany tables on club legs, inlaid mahogany hexagonal table with four drawers, antique 8-day grandfather clock in oak case, antique Queen Anne chest of drawers on stand with cabriole legs, Adams’s settee, upholstered settees, couches and armchairs, mahogany frame dining chairs, set of 6 elm Chippendale pattern chairs, black oak dinner waggon, a grand pianoforte in rosewood case by John Broadwood & Sons, large six-fold screen, brass rail fenders, fire implements, skin rugs, carved oak kneehole writing table, Empire writing table, mahogany Pembroke tables, ornamental brass vases, a fine old mahogany chest with engraved brass escutcheon and handles, oak chest, gilt and white and gilt frame mirrors, oak corner cupboard.

Bedroom Appointments, including brass mounted and iron bedsteads, mahogany bedsteads and hangings, hair, wool, box and spring mattresses, feather beds, bolsters and pillows, mahogany, walnut and oak antique chest of drawers, mahogany Duchesse dressing tables, washstands, mahogany inlaid corner washstands, antique oak and mahogany pedestal cupboards, antique mahogany commode, mahogany and birch frame swing mirrors, cheval glass in maple frame, chamber ware, underfelt.

Valuable China and Glass including part Derby dessert service, part Dresden tea and coffee service, Spode dessert service, Sunderland tea and coffee service, part Worcester dessert service, Spode, Imari and Wedgwood dishes, pair of cut glass candelabra with lustres, Empire 8-day striking clocks, a very fine cut glass chandelier, breakfast, tea and dinner ware, decanters, cut glass dessert dishes.

Valuable oil paintings and engravings, A Valuable collection of books. Kitchen and outdoor effects, including copper pans and moulds, kitchen tables, large painted cupboard, refrigerator, cook’s utensils, a pair of 12-bore double barrelled guns, in leather case, by Messrs E M Reilly & Co, London, a similar pair (pin fire) in wooden case by E Dodson, Louth, 2 garden seats, 2 galvanised water barrows, garden lights, a large quantity of plants in pots, 12 inch lawnmower by Ransome, 26 inch lawnmower by Shanks etc, etc.

On View day preceding the Sale.

Catalogues may be obtained of the Auctioneers, Newport Pagnell and Olney.

Mr P. C. Gambell, of the firm of Messrs Wigley, Son and Gambell, Auctioneers, Newport Pagnell conducted a sale of valuable antique and modern furniture at Cosgrove Hall, on Tuesday last, by the direction of Major H. Grant-Thorold. There was a large company present and some brisk bidding produced some good prices. Some of the prices realized are as follows:

An antique oak and walnut Queen Anne chest of 8 draws with brass handles, on stand, with cabriole lags and 2 drawers, £58. Antique mahogany Sheraton semi-circular tables fetched £30. A richly carved and gilt console table with white marble top, frieze decorated foliage and cherubs, four figure supports having scroll and enrichments £41. A pair of antique bronze pillar candlesticks with bronze figures supporting sconces, on circular marble bases £21. A carved oak kneehole writing table with 9 drawers £20. An antique walnut chest of 5 drawers with brass handles £22. A valuable empire burr walnut writing table, inlaid tulip wood and richly decorated ormolu, having 6 drawers on shaped legs £19. A black oak cabinet dated 1621, carved panels and figures £17. An antique oak base 8 day grandfather clock £16. An antique mahogany chest with engraved brass escutcheon and handles £13/10/-. An Adam settee on scroll legs and castors, upholstered silk tapestry with loose cretonne cover £9. Antique mahogany oval folding card-table inlaid satinwood and decorated festoons of flowers, with baize top and six legs £11. Antique mahogany oval folding card-table with 4 drawers and leather top on pillar with 4 feet £10. A carved and gilt console table on cabriole legs with shaped marble top £10. An 8 day striking clock with enamelled panels by Thomas Martin £6. Antique elm armchair and 5 chairs in American leather en suite £14. A set of mahogany dining tables (3ft 6in by 8 ft) £6. An antique inlaid walnut chest of drawers £8/10/-. Grained chests of 4 drawers £4/15/- and £5. An antique mahogany bedside cupboard £4. An antique commode as chest of drawers with brass handles £8. An antique oak chest of 5 drawers £4. An antique mahogany frame couch with loose cuchion and cover £4. White and gilt oval mirror with bevelled plate (3ft by 2ft 3in) £7. Antique inlaid circular front oak corners cupboard £9/10/-. An antique mahogany dressing table with drawer £4/10/-. Grained as oak dressing table with mirror £5/10/-. Antique couch on 7 tapered legs with loose cretonne cover £4. A mahogany half-tester bedstead, hangings and spring mattress £7. A 3ft stained as oak chest of 4 drawers £5/5/-. A gilt and white overmantle with 3 bevelled panels £6/5/-. Hair and wool mattresses £3 and £4/5/-. A 3ft stained as oak chest of 4 drawers £5/15/-. Stained dressing table with mirror £3/10/-. A painted and grained chest of 4 drawers £4. A 6ft 9in empire couch in ebonised frame with ormolu mounts, upholstered in tapestry £7. Antique mahogany frame Chippendale winged chair with loose cover £8. A 19½in blue and white circular Delph dish £7/10/-. A Chamberlain’s Worcester dessert service, 22 pieces, £5/5/-. A part Crown Derby dessert service, 16 pieces, £2/10/-. A Sunderland transfer tea and coffee service 33 pieces £6. A 15½in Oriental bowl £6/5/-. An 8 day Dresden striking clock £8. A Dresden tea and coffee service £6/10/-. A pair of cut glass 2 branch candelabra 20in high £8. A cut glass candelabra with 15 candle sconces £6/10/-. Two old cut glass dishes and cut glass jar £3/10/-. A pair of 12 bore double barrelled guns in leather case by E M Riley and Co., London £19. A pair pin-fire in wooden case by E Dodson Leith £5.

Among the oil paintings sold were a large oil-painting “Woodland Scene” in gilt frame £30; “Portrait of a Gentleman in Armour,” copy of a Vandyck, in gilt frame £6/10/-; “Still Life, Fruit,” £24; a portrait of “Admiral Sir Clondesley Shovel” £20; portrait of “Admiral Sir George Roche”; a “Lady with Fruit” in antique oval gilt frame £7; portrait copy of a Murillo £8; “Cattle and Figures” £27; “Sporting Scenes” £10;  portrait of a lady £5/10/-; “Still Life – Game and Fruit” £9/10/-; “Two Figures” £4/10/-.

IMPORTANT AGRICULTURAL AND FURNITURE SALES AT COSGROVE

One of the most important dispersal sales of live and dead farming stock held in this district for a long time took place at Cosgrove on Thursday and Friday, March 18 and 19 on instructions from Major H. Grant Thorold, who recently sold the Cosgrove Hall Estate. Messrs Wigley, Sons & Gambell, the well-known Newport Pagnell firm of Auctioneers, were entrusted with the sale, and on both days there was a large attendance of buyers from a very wide area. The valuable collection of implements and machinery was offered on the first day and in many instances excellent prices were paid, including the following:

Cake Breaker £4 12s 6d; bouting plough £10; cultivator by Martin £18 10s; set of 4 horse drag harrows £7 15s; 3-horse ditto £9; 2-horse ditto £9 10s; Cambridge roll £19; iron roll £9; a Coultas 7ft 6in steerage drill £40; manure drill £19; 6ft Massey-Harris binder £69; a 5 ft ditto £30; nearly new grass mower £18; McCormick Hay Loader £33 10s; elevator complete with horse gear £114 10s; farm wagon, complete with raves and hay loader fittings £46; a similar lot £51; farm carts £31 10s to £41; a 5 hp Petter oil engine £40; a power chaff cutter by Bamford, £35; thiller harness made to £8 15s a set, the dairy utensils sold well and the 300 head of poultry realised good prices.

On Friday the herd of Pedigree Lincoln Red cattle, the flock of 1000 Oxford Down sheep and the horses and pigs were sold. The sheep met a keen demand. Tegs made up to £8 and averaged £7 per head. Couples made to £8. An Oxford Down shearling ram sold for 27 guineas.

The Lincoln Red shorthorn cattle, in the breeding of which Major Grant Thorold has taken a keen interest for many years, were shown in fresh condition, and the cows and young stock sold readily at satisfactory prices, an 8 year old cow making the top figure of 56 guineas. Other prices for the cows were: Cosgrove 145^th calved April 1914, 50 guineas, Cosgrove 174^th calved January 1915, 51 guineas, Cosgrove 188^th calved April 1915, 50 guineas, Cosgrove 126^th and Cosgrove 128^th both calved November 1913, 41 guineas each, Cosgrove 162nd calved September 1914, 49 guineas, Cosgrove 164^th calved October 1914, 40½ guineas, Cosgrove 95^th calved March 1920, 39 guineas, Cosgrove 208^th and 218^th both calved January 1916, made 46 and 41 guineas, respectively.  A barren Lincoln Red Heifer, calved December 1916, sold for 41 guineas, and other heifers calved in 1917 made 42 guineas, 46 guineas, 52 guineas, 48 guineas, 41 guineas, and 36 guineas. Barren cows made from £47 to £50 per head and steers from £34 10s to £31.

The cart horses were a handsome lot, chief prices paid being: 145 guineas for a six-year-old cart mare; 120 guineas for a four year old cart mare; 110 guineas for a four year old cart gelding; 105 guineas for a five year old cart mare; 100 guineas for a four year old cart mare; 86 guineas for an eight year old cart mare; 80 guineas for an unbroken four year old cart gelding; and other animals made from 43 guineas to 60 guineas.

Prices for pigs ranged from £27 10s to £34 10s for in-pig sows, an in-pig yelt made £20 and a Berkshire board sold for £22 10s.

STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS. Friday.—Before Major M. R. Hall (chairman). Colonel W. H. Bull, K.H.S., Dr. T. S. Maguire. Messrs, F Vickers, H. W. J. Elmes, W. Purslow, and S. F. Jones.

Cecil Eglesfield, motor driver, Cosgrove, was, on P.C. Humphrey's evidence, fined 5s. for not having a side light car at Stony Stratford, on May 9.

HUTS FOR HOLDINGS. The Small Holdings and Allotments Committee reported the purchase for £179 18s. of an Army hut which would provide all the necessary outbuildings at Cold Higham and one set of out-buildings at Cosgrove small holdings. The Committee asked for authority to spend up to £5OO purchasing other hutments for the equipment of small holdings. The report was adopted.

VILLAGE SPORTS

In connexion with Feast weeks, sports were held in the village on Saturday last. This is the first year a sports meeting has been held at this time, and efforts are being made to make such sports an annual event. There was a large attendance on Saturday of residents of the village and of neighbouring villages. A lengthy program of events was carried out, and the function passed off very successfully. The total entries numbered over 70, and the racing produced some keen and interesting results. Open events were to a radius of three miles, whilst the other events were confined to inhabitants of the village and to Old Stratford. The results were as follow:-

100 yards, girls under 10: 1 G. Gascoyne, 2 L. Noble, 3 L. Lambert

100 yards, boys under 10: 1 R. Bavington, 2 R. Green, 3 T. Eglesfield

Girls 10 to 14: 1 Lily Hall, 2 Dolly Jelley, 3 Olive Eglesfield

Boys 10 to 14: 1 A. Jelley, 2 W. Bavington, 3 W. Luck

100 yards Open: Heat Winners: R. Parker, J. Hillyer, G. Tombs, R. Brown, E. Stones, W. Wise. Final: 1 E. Stones, 2 R. Parker, 3 J. Hillyer

100 yards Ladies: 1 Miss E. Castle, 2 Miss L. Jelley, 3 Miss A. Hurst

220 yards Open: Heat Winners: G. Tombs, R. Parker, J. Hillyer, W. Worker, D. Andrews. Final: 1 W. Worker, 2 R. Parker, 3 G. Tombs

Married Women: 1 Mrs Nichols, 2 Mrs Hall, 3 Mrs Clarke

Half Mile Bicycle: 1 Stanley Lord, 2 W. Pratt

Men (over 40): 1 J. Reynolds, 2 W. Wise, 3 W. Hurst

Half Mile Hurdle: 1 J. Hillyer, 2 G. Goodman, 3 S. Lord

Walking a greasy pole over the canal for a leg of mutton (given by Mr William Odell, of Yardley Gobion) produced great amusement. The winner was L. Pittam, who, although he did not succeed in reaching the end of the pole, reached a further point than other competitors.

NOTE: From the Buckingham Advertiser and Free Press Saturday 24 July 1920

The Cosgrove Excelsior Band played selections and there were other side-shows and amusements.

THEFT OR GIFT

John Claydon, labourer, Yardley Gobion, was charged with stealing a quantity of wood, valued at £1 10s., the property of Henry Thomas Franklin Weston, at Cosgrove, between July 9 and 23.

P.C. Williams said he saw defendant on July 22 with a horse and cart loaded with wood near a field belonging to Mr. Weston at Cosgrove. Defendant said was taking the wood to Castlethorpe to sell it, and that it had been given to him by Mr. Weston. Witness told him he suspected him of stealing it, and took possession of the wood.

Mr. Weston told witness in defendant's presence that he had never given the defendant permission to  take or sell wood from his land.

Defendant admitted taking the wood, but said it had been given to him.

Mr. Weston said he had never given defendant any permission to take wood. He had given permission to the woman in whose cottage defendant lodged to have some of the loose wood for firewood. Defendant was sentenced to one day imprisonment, the magistrates taking into consideration the fact that he had already been four days in custody and that Mr Weston did not wish to press the case.

A pretty fete was held in the grounds of Cosgrove Priory on Saturday by members of the Mothers’ Union. Mr and Mrs Atkinson lent the grounds, and Mrs Atkinson, as President of the Union, took a great interest in the effort, which was successful. Its object was to collect funds, to purchase material for the Mothers’ Work Class, which is held during the winter months. The Cosgrove Excelsior Band played selections and dance music during the evening. The stalls and other shows included needlework, Mesdames Whiting, Dickens and Buckell; fruit and vegetables, Mesdames Lovesey and Abel; bowls, Miss Atkinson; golf, Miss W. Atkinson; skittles, Mr Lovesey; Aunt Sally and Hoopla, Mr Green; Mrs Butcher (secretary), and Mrs Whiting (treasurer). About £30 was realised.

To Builders and Contractors.
FARM BUILDINGS.

THE Small Holdings and Allotment Committee of the Northamptonshire County Council INVITE TENDERS from Builders and. Contractors for the REMOVAL of an ARMY HUT from PATTISHALL CAMP and WORKS to be done in the RE-ERECTION OF SAME FOR FARM BUILDINGS AT COLD HIGHAM and COSGROVE.
Plans and Specifications may be seen at the Offices of the County Land Agent, County Hall. Northampton, on and after the filth instant. Tenders to be delivered at his Office on or before the 16th instant.
The Committee do not bind themselves to accept the lowest or any tender.
R. GEORGE, County Land Agent. County Hall. Northampton,
7th September, 1920.

THE SHEEP ORDER,

Before Mr. J. M. Knapp (in the chair), Major J. S. Brougham, and Mr. A. Gray

Arthur Jelley, farmer, Cosgrove, was summoned for a contravention of the sheep dipping order at Cosgrove on Aug. 3. Evidence stated that three sheep were moved from the scheduled area to Stony Stratford, without a licence.

Defendant, who pleaded guilty, was fined £1 including costs.

Business people and others in Cosgrove are delighted to know that by the installation of a telephone call office in the village they have removed from a sphere of sweet isolation. The fee for the use of the call office will be two-pence, and will be possible to communicate with any Exchange call office within a radius of about 100 miles upon payment of the appropriate additional fees. For instance, the total fee for three minutes' conversation subscriber at Stony Stratford would 2d., and to London. 10d.

HOSPITAL FETE—The border villages of Castlethorpe and Cosgrove held their first fete for the Northampton Hospital on Saturday last, and the function proved an unqualified success Thanks to the untiring exertions of the organisers, Mr. and Mrs. Bavington, and a hard-working committee, £100 was realised. The opening ceremony was performed by Mr. A. A. Fergusson the presence of a very large company. The programme included sports and a vegetable show. During the afternoon a composite brass band from Cosgrove and Stony Stratford provided suitable music under the conductorship of Mr. Key.

Harvest Festival services held in the Cosgrove Church were well attended and were of a bright and hearty character. Local ministers taking part in the services were the Rev E Greaves, M A. Vicar of Wolverton St Mary’s, the Rev E. Symonds, Rector of Passenham, and the Rev R. Stanham. The collections were on behalf of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution and the Northampton General Hospital. The Church was tastefully decorated for the Festival with numerous gifts from members of the Church.

ARMY HUT FARM BUILDINGS

On the recommendation of the Small Holdings Committee, the Council in July last sanctioned the purchase for £179 10s of an Army hut at Pattishall Prisoners of War Camp, used after alterations and additions as buildings small holdings at Cold Higham and Cosgrove. The committee recommended that a tender for the taking down and re-erection of the hut be accepted at £1,335. Four other huts had been purchased at a cost of £250 and the entire cost of taking down end re-erecting them, after adaptation, at Cosgrove was £1,800. The Committee recommended the Council to sanction this work.

WEDDING OF MISS FLORENCE EGLESFIELD AND MR ARTHUR CADD

A pretty wedding took place at the SS Peter and Paul Church, Cosgrove, on 26^th December, when the contracting parties were Miss Florence Eglesfield, the eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs Arthur Eglesfield, of Cosgrove, and Mr Arthur Cadd, the second son of Mr and Mrs Thomas Cadd of Yardley Gobion. The Rev J. J. Stockton officiated. The bride, who was given away by her father, looked charming in a dress of white crepe de chine with veil and wreath of orange blossom. She carried a sheaf of lilies and fern and wore silver shoes and white stockings.

The bride had four maids in attendance – Miss Olive Eglesfield (her sister), Miss Edith Cadd (sister of the bridegroom), Miss Joan Eglesfield (sister of the bride), and Miss Phyllis Thompson (cousin of the bridegroom). All wore pretty dresses of pink crepe de chine with net caps trimmed with silver leaves; silver shoes and flesh coloured stockings. The two elder bridesmaids carried bouquets of bronze chrysanthemums whilst the two others carried baskets of similar flowers. The duties of best man were performed by Mr Allan Cadd (brother of the bridegroom). A reception was afterwards held at the Cosgrove Council Schools where about 80 guests assembled. The happy couple left later in the day for Coventry, where the honeymoon was spent, the bride travelling in a navy coat, skunk fur collar and cuffs, red hat, black patent shoes and light stockings. The wedding took place on a glorious day in a burst of sunshine. The church bells rang a merry peal and the bellringers were afterwards entertained at the reception. The Church held a crowded congregation. The presents, which numbered over fifty, were both handsome and useful.

Harry Barby, labourer, Deanshanger, was summoned for riding a bicycle at Cosgrove without a proper light on Jan. 2nd.

Defendant, in a letter, pleaded guilty, and on the evidence of P.O. Williams, was fined 5s.

Donald Ernest Ferrers Courage, gentleman, Winterbourne, Stoke, Salisbury, was summoned for allowing a dog to stray on the highway without a collar with the name and address of the owner thereon, at Cosgrove, on December 24 last.

Defendant, in a letter, expressed regret at the occurrence.

Supt. Dunn stated that was a serious case. A number of sheep were worried by the dog, and one sheep died.

Arthur Jelley, farmer of Cosgrove, said that on December 24 last visited his field on the Cosgrove-Castlethorpe-road, where he had a number of sheep. He found the dog with the sheep, one of which was dead and which the dog was eating.

Fined £2 and costs.

On Saturday evening last, in the Mission Hall, a service of song, entitled “Grannie’s Easter” was rendered by the New Bradwell Baptist Choir, under the conductorship of Mr Scott. The connective readings were given by Mr C. P. Woollard. The entertainment was much appreciated and the choir complimented on their good singing. The object was to reduce a debt of £6 2s 6d on the organ funds, but so well did the gathering respond to the appeal for a good collection that only £1 2s 6d was left, whereupon a member of the choir offered the odd 2s 6d, and Mr Garratt, the schoolmaster, and his wife very kindly promised the balance, thus clearing the debt and putting a good finish to a very pleasant evening’s entertainment.

MANOR FARM COSGROVE

WIGLEY, SONS AND GAMBELL

Are instructed by Mr A H Fergusson, to Sell by Auction on MONDAY APRIL 25^th, 1921 at FIVE O’clock exact time about

100 ACRES OF GRASS KEEPING AND MOWING GRASS up to Christmas.

A man will be provided to attend to stock and fences.

Credit on the usual conditions.

The Company will oblige by meeting the Auctioneer at the Canal Bridge Road entrance to Lot 1.

Catalogues may be obtained of the Auctioneers, Newport Pagnell and Stony Stratford.

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY COUNCIL
TO BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS

The Small Holdings and Allotments Sub-Committee of the Agricultural Committee of Northants County Council INVITE TENDERS from Builders and Contractors for Works to be done in the ERECTION of TWO COTTAGES and other Works at COSGROVE.
Plans and Specifications may be seen at the Office of the County Land Agent, County Chambers, 1 The Drapery, Northampton, on the 27^th April. Tenders to be delivered at his office on or before the 7^th May.

STRAYS

Eli Green, roadman, 9, Prospect-road, Stony Stratford, was summoned for allowing two horses to stray on the public highway at Cosgrove, on April 9^th.

Defendant pleaded not guilty.

P.C. Willoughby (Yardley Gobion) gave evidence.—Defendant informed him that the animals must have got through the hedge.

Green informed the bench that he only rented the field and did not consider himself responsible for the gaps in the hedge. It had been promised by the owners of the field that the gaps would be repaired.

A fine of 7s. 6d. was imposed.

The emptying of water on a stretch of the Grand Junction Canal between Old Wolverton and Cosgrove, to allow of repairs being made to a bridge carrying the canal over the river Ouse, has been the centre of interest for very large number residents of the district this week. One man was able to recover about one cwt. of coal from the canal bed. A number of good sized fish were also secured.

FEAST SUNDAY

The time honoured Feast Sunday at Cosgrove was observed last week, on which day the Wolverton Town Silver Prize Band gave an evening programme of Music in a field adjoining the village main street. There was a very large crowd of visitors, much larger in number than any of the previous year. The Band gave an excellent programme of music to the great appreciation of its audience.

This programme consisted of : March “Coronation Bells”, Partridge; Fantasia “Souvenir of Savoy”, Rimmer; Intermezzon “Les Cloches de St Malo”, (bell effects), Rimmer; Grand Selection “Dinorah”, Meyerbeer; Cornet Duet “Ida and Dot”, (by request), Losey; Descriptive Fantasia “A Hunting Trip”, Holloway; Selection “Chu Chin Chow”, Norton; Fantasies “Military Church Parade”, Hume; March, selected; Hymn, selected.

Visitors to Cosgrove on Sunday evening had a fine view of a distant airship flying in the direction of Northampton.

Mr. George Lovesey, of Cosgrove recently retired after being in the service of the L. and N.W. Railway Company for 53 years as a moulder in the Wolverton Carriage Building Work.

COSGROVE GARDEN FETE.

The grounds of the Hall, the residence of Mr. A. A. Fergusson, was on Saturday the scene of a garden fete arranged by the Mothers’ Union of the village in aid of their funds. The opening ceremony was performed by Mrs. Agar, who was afterwards presented with a bouquet of choice roses and jessamine by Nellie Wilcox. As a means of money raising several work stalls and competitions were arranged around the grounds, and these were generously patronised. A fruit and provision stall was under the charge of Mrs. Fergusson; sweets and flowers and needlework were sold by Mrs. and Miss Waydedline and Miss Hibbert; the hidden treasure competition was managed by Mr. W. Lovesey; cake guessing, Mrs. Johnson and Nurse Savage; brantub, Mrs. Hurst and Mrs. Bushell.

A baby show, one of the attractions, was rather poorly entered. Nurse Patching, the district nurse, was the judge, and she gave her awards as follows: Babies under six months, 1 Mrs. Barton (Cosgrove), 2 Mrs. Taylor (Stony Stratford). Over six months, 1 Mrs. Hillyer (Wolverton).

A concert was given by the Cosgrove schoolchildren, who had been ably trained by Mrs. J. Wilcox. They gave a charming interpretation of that old nursery rhyme, “The old woman who lived in a shoe.” Mona Clarke took the principal part of the old woman. Songs and other items were given by Miss G. Atkinson and Alisa Nancy Edwards (character comedienne), Northampton. Mr. A. F. Brook’s (Wolverton) band played selections during the fete programme and for dancing in the evening.

The Cosgrove Mother’s Union is under the presidency of Mrs. J. J, Atkinson, of Cosgrove Priory, with Miss. Butler as Hon. secretary.

HOSPITAL FETE AT CASTLETHORPE

£176 FOR THE NORTHAMPTON INSTUTION.

Castlethorpe and Cosgrove combined in a laudable mission of mercy last Saturday, when the second fete to raise funds for the Northampton Hospital was held in the fields which adjoin the Navigation Inn, and proved an unqualified success. Last year the two villages contributed a cheque for £100 to the hospital, but on present occasion Mrs. Bavington, who was the moving spirit in promoting the fete, and also carried out the secretarial duties in a most able manner arranged a more ambitious programme, with the happy result that a sum of no less than £176 10s. 11½. was realised. The sum included a handsome donation of 320 from Mr. and Mrs. Agar (Cosgrove). £ 3. from Mr. Waydelin, £2 2s. from Mrs. Fergusson (Cosgrove Hall), £1 1s. from Mr. A. Masterman (Castlethorpe), £1 from Mr. H. Cook, 10s. from Mr. Anderson, and other generous contributions from residents in the two villages. Captain Fergusson was the president of the fete, and the vice-presidents were Messrs. R. Whiting (Cosgrove) and J. Whiting (Castlethorpe), Mr. Malcolm Jelly was chairman of the Cosgrove section and Mr. H. Dollings filled a like capacity at Castlethorpe. Mr. R. Bavington was treasurer of the fund.

A varied and interesting programme included a flower show, athletic sports, fishing competition (for which there were more than 200 entries), various side shows, an auction sale conducted by Mr. P. C. Gambell, of Newport Pagnell, and dancing in the evening. A number of young ladies from the two villages sold roses both on Friday and Saturday and paid £10 9s. 11. to the fund, and by the sale of scented cards £4 9s. 11d. was raised. There was a large attendance of the public gate receipts amounting to £12 8s. 9d. Mr. C. Harding, of Castlethorpe, gave his services as gatekeeper. Entries for the fishing tournament brought on £11 7s.

The fete was opened in a brief appropriate speech by Mrs. Fergusson, whose services were fittingly recognised by the presentation of a bouquet of choice flowers by little Miss Markham on behalf of Mrs. Bavington.
Mr. S. Williams was secretary of the flower show, and was assisted by the following committee; Messrs. G. Williams, -. Lord, T. Lord(Cosgrove), H. Maltby, H. Cook, F. Sawbridge and H. Bruce (Castlethorpe).

The prize winners were :

The sports section under the direction of Messrs. R. Panter (secretary), A. Bavington, H. West (Castlethorpe). W. Wise, M. Beasley and Dicks (Cosgrove). The sports judges were Capt. Fergusson, Messrs. R. Whiting, W. Markham, W. Clarke, A. Masterman and Mr. J. Whiting carried out the duties of starter.

Sports prizewinners: 

Mr. C. Bywater (Castlethorpe) is deserving of hearty congratulation for the excellent arrangements he made for the fishing contest which took place in the waters of the Grand Junction Canal. His committee comprised Messrs. W. Ward, A. Beasley, A. Jelley, M. Carter and F. Key.

The competition established a record for the district. Altogether 182 fish were caught by six prize winners alone, making an average catch of 30 fish. The winning anglers were: - 1st prize, given by the Mayor of Northampton, W. Singlehurst, 2lb. 15¼ozs. (62 fish); 2nd pair of boots given by Mr. Oakshott, Done, 2lb. 1(illeg)ozs. (44 fish), 3rd. fishing rod given by Poole, F. Earl, 2lb. 10ozs. (13 fish), 4th, fishing bag, H. Bason, 2lb. 5ozs, (25 fish), 5th, bait bag, F. Jarrett 2lb. 2¼ozs. (26 fish), 6th, pipe and pouch, E. Tolley, 1lb. 13½ozs. (9 fish). The “lucky ticket,” No. 195, was drawn by Mrs. Waydelin on the field, and the prize of 15s. was won by Mr. H. Herbert of Cosgrove.

Various side shows were in charge of the following: Hidden treasure, Mr. R. Penson; ground skittles, Messrs. R. Brown, jun., and Egglesfield; table skittles, Messrs. H. Barby and J. Knight; coconuts, Messrs. R. Pettifer and M. Jelley.

A fruit and sweet stall was under the supervision of Mrs. Maltby and Misses Maltby; jumble stall in charge of Mrs. Harding and Mrs. Panter; bran tub, Miss I. Harding and Miss B. Panter; and splendid teas and refreshments were served by Mrs. Bavington, assisted by Miss Waydelin, Mrs. Pate, Mrs. Barby, Mrs. Beasley, Miss V. Harding, Miss P. Bavington, and Miss I. Maltby.

There were many competitions, including guess the name of the doll, worked by Miss Wise, guess the weight of cakes kindly given by Mrs. Jelley, Mrs. Childs and Mrs. Carter, and supervised by Mrs. Penson, Mrs. Copson and Mrs. Carter; guess the weight of the marrow, Mrs. Stewart; Mrs. Knight sold artificial roses, and flowers were sold by Mrs. Copson.

The auction sale proved a big success. Among the gifts were a ton of clover given by Mr. W. W. Dickens (Old Stratford) which realised £10; a ton of coal given by Messrs. J. K. and B. W. Gobbey (Castlethorpe), £3 10s.; a lamb given by Capt. Fergusson, £4; a calf given by Mr. Whiting, £6, a ton of coal given by Mr. John Hall (Stony Stratford), £3 8s 6d. and poultry given by Messrs. B. Nicholls, F. Amos, Carter, Pettifer, Bonner, Ratledge, Harding and W. Clarke. A bag of soot given by Mr. Nicholls (Yardley Gobion) realised 5s. The Auction sale realised £54 10s. 6.

Other amounts paid in addition to those mentioned were: - Hidden treasure £3 10s.; table skittles, £2 19s.; ground skittles, £3 0s. 6d.; paper roses, 16s. 2d.; fortune doll, 19s. 7½d.; cakes, £2 13s. 10½d.; guessing doll’s name £1 17s. 3d.; guessing weight of marrow, £1 11s. 11d.; fruit and sweet stall, £5; jumble sale, £3 7s. 7½d.; teas, 311 12s. 8d.; bran tub, £1 7s.; coconuts £7 1s. 3d.; flower show entries £1 7s. 6d.; prizes won and returned £1 2s.

During the afternoon the Stony Stratford Boy Scouts, under Scoutmaster T. Dicks, gave a very clever display.

The fete was finely organised and Mrs. Bavington and her committee are to be congratulated on the splendid financial success which attended their labours for a good cause. With other events they have yet to be brought off the committee feel confident that the contribution of the two villages to the hospital this year will be quite £200.

COSGROVE

Harvest Festival services at the Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul, Cosgrove commenced on Thursday last, when an evening service was held, the Rev C. C. H. James of Wolverton St Mary’s officiating. The Sunday services were conducted by the Rev A. P. Symes, Vicar of Potterspury-cum-Yardley Gobion. The collections were taken on behalf of the Northampton Hospital and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Society.

POTTERSPURY GUARDIANS. Thursday.—Present: Mr. A. Sharp, J.P. (chairman). Mr. H. T. F. Weston J.P., C.C. (vice-chairman), Mrs. Last, Mrs. Penny, Mrs. Wool lard, the Rev. A. Q. St. John Mildmay, Messrs. A. E. Pinfold, C.C., R. Johnson, W. T. Linnett, Cadwallader, A. R. Elmes, S. P. Starsmore, R. F. Fountaine, W. J. Perridge, J. P. Barr, W. W. Dickons, H. Brafield, A. F. Wylie, A Weston, with the Clerk (Mr. W. S. Parrott).

Two cases of distress through unemployment came before the Board. One, a Cosgrove farm labourer of 56 without any income, and with wife and three children (one in hospital), was given relief on loan of 30s a week.

The Surveyor (Mr. J. B. Fairchild) reported that in accordance with the wishes of the Council visited the footbridge over the river between Cosgrove and Castlethorpe, and came to the conclusion that a few loads of rough stone at the approach to the bridge would effect a great improvement. Upon a later visit he was pleasantly surprised that someone else had taken the same view, and had forestalled him by doing the work.

AN ASSAULT.

Before Mr. J. M. Knapp (in the chair), Messrs H. T. F. Weston, S. H. Wheeldon, and H. Cook.

Joseph Lovesey, blacksmith, The Green Farm, Cosgrove, was summoned by Thos. James Dillow for common assault at Cosgrove January 29.

Mr. A. J. Darnell (Messrs. Darnell and Price, Northampton) defended, and admitted the assault. Prosecutor stated he lived in adjoining cottage to the defendant, and the trouble arose over some fowls of defendant’s which overran his garden. On Saturday, January 28 another complaint was made by the defendant, who the following day struck the prosecutor, using obscene language and threats.

ln reply to Mr. Darnell, he had not been on speaking terms with defendant for a long time. The fowls came into his house. He had lived next door to the defendant for about three years.

Mr. Darnell suggested the proper course was to have claimed damages. In order that peace should be kept between the parties, he was willing that his client should be bound over and pay the costs.

The Bench decided to bind defendant over in the sum of £5 to keep, the peace for twelve months, and pay costs.

William Edward Oswin, motor driver, 14, Brighton-avenue, Chesterton-road, Sparkbrook, Birmingham, was summoned for being in charge a heavy motor car drawing a trailer and not having a person in the trailer to apply the brakes, Cosgrove, on Feb. 14.—Defendant pleaded not guilty.—Fined 10s.

HAD A THRASHING

A boy aged 14, of Cosgrove, was summoned for stealing from a dwelling-house at Castlethorpe on or about March 2, 12s. in money and a watch key, value 6d., the moneys and property of William Young, horse keeper, Barley Lodge, Castlethorpe. Prosecutor stated that on March 2nd upon going to work he locked his door and left the door key on a ledge for the person who looked after his house during the day time. Upon return that evening he found a watch key missing in his bedroom, and two days later, upon examining his clothes box, discovered the loss of the money.

P.C. Bonner stated that he interviewed the boy, who informed him that he unlocked the door and went upstairs and took the money and watch key, and also 2s from the mantelpiece. He did it because wanted some money.

The mother expressed sorrow at the occurrence. She said her boy was a good boy at home.

Police-Supt. Dunn said the boy belonged to a very respectable and straightforward family. It was the first time he had been in trouble.

The Chairman said the Bench were agreed the lad broke into the house and stole least 7s. 6d. Flogging would be the best for him, but he was under age.  Imposing a fine of £1 he advised the father to give the boy a good thrashing. The mother replied that he had already had one.

CORRESPONDENCE. THE PRICE OF MILK

To the Editor of the Mercury

Sir, I was pleased to read in the Echo yesterday of the slump in the price of milk and that it is to be supplied to the Board of Guardians at 9d and 10d per gallon. At the moment the general public of Northampton are paying 4d per pint, whilst new milk is being retailed at Cosgrove, Stony Stratford, Wolverton, and district at 1d and 2d per pint; and new laid eggs at 1½d each.

I wonder when we in Northampton will able to purchase these articles at a reasonable price.

Yours, A. WORKER. March 29th, 1922.

Cosgrove

PARISH WAR MEMORIAL UNVEILED BY

SIR HEREWARD WAKE

The village Church of St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s, Cosgrove was crowded to its fullest holding capacity on Sunday afternoon last. The service was of historic importance to the village, the occasion being the unveiling and dedication of the memorial of the parishioners to the 24 men of the parish who gave their lives in the Great War. Not only were almost all the village inhabitants present, but there were also visitors from Stony Stratford, Wolverton and neighbouring villages who were present to pay their respects. As the congregation was assembling, Mr. J. D. Warren, the organist, played as a voluntary “O, rest in the Lord.” The service, of a simple brief and appropriate nature, was conducted by the Curate-in-charge, the Rev. R. Stanham. The opening hymn “Oft in danger, oft in woe,” was followed by a number of prayers and Psalm xv. was read. The Rev. H. H. E. Nelson-Ward, Rector of Wicken, read a helpful passage of scripture taken from St. John vix.

With the closing verses of the hymn, “Through the night of doubt and sorrow,” the Rev. R. Stanham, with the Rev. Nelson-Ward and Lt. Col. Sir Hereward Wake, Bt., C.M.G., D.S.O., of Courteenhall, Northants, proceeded to the memorial tablet, which had been placed on the west interior wall of the church on the left side of the porch doorway. Sir Hereward, a member of a soldier family, wore a khaki uniform of the King’s Royal Rifle Corps. Reaching the tablet with the Rev. Mr. Stanham to unveil the tablet. Stepping forward he pulled taut the fastening string which let fall the Union Jack previously shrouding the memorial. A handsome bronze tablets was revealed, bearing the following inscription: - “To the glorious memory of the men of Cosgrove Parish who laid down their lives in the Great War, 1914-18 – Capt. St. L. Atkinson, Sgt. H. Tack, Cpl, E. Tack, L/Cpl. W. Brown, L/Cpl. W. Key, Bombdr. W. Moore, Trpr. R. Panter, Ptes. C. Austin, J. Brown, G. Bugby, H. Butcher, A. Childs, R. Childs, G. Cripps, A. Curtis, P. Frost, F. Green, H. Green, W. Grace, E. Munday, E. Mandeville, J. Ratcliffe and H. Swain.

With the fall of the Union Jack, Sir Hereward said “I unveil this memorial to the gallant men of Cosgrove who laid down their lives in the Great War, for their King and country, and in lasting and glorious memory of their service and their sacrifice."

Continuing, he said, he thought if those men could speak themselves that day they would add a tribute of sympathy to the wives and mothers who lost them and who so bravely suffered more than other people could understand. He felt the memorial had a meaning, the same as thousands of others in villages of England, that is expressed in the in the term “Devotion to Duty.” This devotion stands behind the quiet village life forgotten, untalked of, but ready in a moment to send the village men of England to fight and to German patriotism was expressed in the phraze (sic) “my country right or wrong,” and a great German general dedicated his book on the war to soldiers who died believing in Germany’s greatness. The cause for which England drew the sword was the cause of right and justice and mercy to the weak and helpless, and the cause of Christianity. It is there things for which England has for ever stood and English people will always be ready if necessary to fight and die for it. They who had come safe and sound out of the struggle owe it to the men whose names are recorded on the tablet to see they did not die in vain. They must keep what they must keep what they fought for and what they died for, the peace of the world, the liberty of England all over the world, law and order and straight living which alone makes happy homes possible. They must be true and may their sons learn from the names on the memorial to live and be faithful and if need be to die as bravely in the cause of our great country and what she stands for.

The Rev. Stanham called upon the Rev. Nelson-Ward to perform the dedication of their memorial. The latter, standing on the steps to the porch, said he felt it an honour to be asked to perform such a ceremony. He remarked it was very good that this service of theirs should be held in the weeks following Easter. It was a beautiful thought because that festival speaks of the living and not the dead. He said that festival told them that Christ Jesus had overcome death and had opened unto us the gates of everlasting life. That was the glorious message of Christ’s Easter victory. There was no gloom in that and no sorrow, only life, progress, brightness, advance and eternity. Those men in whose honour they had placed their tablet are not dead. They have awakened from our dreams of life, they have outwinged the darkness of our night here. That is what has happened to them and this memorial is a token of remembrance, of pride, and of gladness of them and of gratitude for what they did. These men when England called to them, answered, and gave themselves for her sake and for the sake of their countrymen, for King and for duty. It was to the glorious memory of their sacrifices that the memorial was raised and where else, he asked could they have found a better place for it but in the sanctuary of God, from Whom each one of them received life, and into Whose hands and keeping their lives have passed. They would notice above the memorial a cross which tells us all to remember always, that every life lived for others must be a life of sacrifice and there is no life so lived that has not a cross above it. Their memorial was not, however, only a token of remembrance, of pride and gratitude, but stands for something more. It should always remind them and those who follow to live true to England as they did. He concluded by saying “Lift up your hearts, believe to live and die for a faith. That alone is life and that alone is victory over death.”

The Rev. Nelson-Ward then proceeded to read a number of dedicatory prayers following which the clergy returned to the chancel and Sir Hereward Wake to his seat.

The hymn “O, God our Help in ages past” was reverently sung by the congregation and a number of short prayers were read by the Rev. Stanham. The organ pealed forth in impressive rendering of the Dead March in “Saul” and hardly had the last notes died away than the notes of bugles, sounding the “Last Post,” echoed through the building. The buglers were Mr. J. Tearle, of Wolverton, and Mr. J. Lovesey, of Cosgrove. The singing of the first verse of the National Anthem brought to a close an impressive and memorable service.

As the congregation was dispersing, the organist, Mr. J. D. Warren, played as a voluntary, the March Militaire.

Many remained in the church to view the tablet below which were arranged wreaths and floral tokens expressing the feelings of the relatives and friends of the fallen, the flowers forming a beautiful collection. Most prominently placed immediately below the memorial, was a large floral emblem – a token of remembrance from ex-service men. Other tokens bore the inscriptions “I thank God upon every remembrance of you my beloved son, St. Leger Atkinson, 13^th may 1915”: “From Misses Mary and Gune Atkinson”: “From Mrs. Knight and family, in remembrance: “In ever loving memory of Willie and Joe, killed in action from Annie and Doris”: “In loving remembrance of Pte. G. Bugby, killed in action, May 9^th, 1917, from his loving mother and father”: “In loving memory of Pte. G. Bugby, from his loving sisters”: In loving memory of Pte. W. A. Whitehead, killed in action at Fricourt, Sept.  ful [as written] remembrance from the Rev. R. Stanham”: “In remembrance from Mr. Robert Penson and Mrs. Penson."

A war memorial tablet, placed in the Cosgrove Parish Church to commemorate the service and sacrifice of 24 men of the village who lost their lives in the war, was unveiled by Lieut.-Colonel Sir Hereward Wake, Bart.. C.M.G.. D.S.O.. and dedicated by the Rev. H. H. Nelson Ward, of Wicken. There was a crowded congregation. and the service, conducted by the curate-in-charge, the Rev. E. Stanham, was very impressive. Sir Hereward wore the service uniform of the KRRC.

CYCLIST FALLS UNDER WAGON WHEEL.

A motor accident, attended with fatal results, occurred at Cosgrove on Monday afternoon, when a motor cyclist named Arthur James Beasley, a resident of the village, was thrown under the wheels of a steam wagon and crushed to death. The wagon, the property of G. Horne, Ltd., millers, Kempston, Beds was leaving the village and was mounting the incline to the canal bridge. When half way the hill the wagon came level with two men walking in the same direction. At the same time Beasley, on a 2¼ Royal Enfield motor cycle came out from the village and followed up the hill. The road was very narrow, being only twelve feet wide, and the cyclist in attempting to pass between the men, one of whom was walking on the road, and the vehicle, caught one of the men with the handle bars of his machine and the impact caused him to lose control and his balance and fall under the hind wheel of the wagon.

The driver pulled up within a yard, but when it came to a standstill the wagon wheel was resting on the chest of the deceased. The driver drew his machine little further, but when the man was released he was found dead. It was believed death was instantaneous.

The inquest was held at the Barge Inn, Cosgrove, Monday evening, conducted Mr. W. E. Whitton, district coroner. Mr, Clover, managing director to G. Horne, Ltd., represented the firm. Supt. Dunn, Towcester, represented the police.

Evidence of identification was given by the father of deceased, Mark Beasley, a railway electrician, living at Cosgrove. He said his son, who lived at New Buildings, Cosgrove, was 27 years of age, a married man with one child, aged six months. He was a striker in the smithy of the Wolverton Railway Works. He was a very careful rider and was perfectly fit in health and body to ride a motor cycle. Joseph Parker, general labourer, 56, Queen-street, Stony Stratford, said he was walking out of Cosgrove in company with Thomas Jelley. He was walking on the road, Jelley was walking on the grass at the side, about one or two yards in front of witness. They were on the right-hand side of the road and a steam wagon came up on the left. He did not hear anything of the cyclist but felt the handles of his machine touch his arm. The cyclist passed them and came level with the wagon, and as the result of the contact with witness he seemed to lose control of his machine, which swerved to the right and then to the left. Some part of the cycle caught in the hind wheel of the wagon and the man was dragged underneath. Witness did not hear the cycle come up, as the noise of the other vehicle prevented it. The wagon was going very slowly up the hill, having only started at the foot. The vehicle dragged the cycle about a yard and the driver pulled the wagon in about yard’s length.

In reply to Supt. Dunn, witness said he did not think there was sufficient room in the road for the cyclist to have attempted to get through. Thomas Jelley, labourer, Cosgrove, corroborated part the evidence of the previous witness. The vehicle was well on its proper side of the road, and he did not think any fault was attached to the driver. Supt. Dunn pointed out that that type of wagon measured 7ft. 2ins. to 7ft. 6ins, and a man walking took 18ins to 2ft. space, which left 2ft. 6 ins, of the roadway.

Alfred Beard, 30, Church-walk, Kempston, Beds, driver of the wagon, said he had been delivering flour in Cosgrove and was returning home. He did not hear a motor cycle horn; the first thing he knew of was a rattle and a person shouting “Man under the wheel!” He had no side glass to the wagon; there had been one, but it had jarred off. The unladen weight of the machine was 4 tons 18½ cwts. He was travelling at from to 4 miles per hour.

Dr. D. W. A. Bull, Stony Stratford, described the injuries of deceased, which showed that his chest had been crushed. Death would be instantaneous. The Coroner returned verdict of Accidental Death, exonerating the driver from all blame. He commented that it seemed doubtful whether the deceased was not taking an extra risk. Mr. Clover expressed sympathy behalf of his firm the relatives of deceased.

VILLAGE FEAST

The annual village feast was observed last weekend. Owing to the inclement weather of Sunday the customary band concert was unable to be held. The visiting band was to have been the Wolverton Town Silver Band. The visit of the pleasure fair on Monday attracted a large number of young people to the village.

IN THE WRONG PLACE. Arthur Andrews, Cosgrove, was summoned for moving six store pigs from Northampton Cattle Market to premises otherwise than to which licensed at Cosgrove, on June 28th. P.C. Willoughby (Yardley Gobion) stated the case. Defendant said he put the pigs in another place whilst his own place was being disinfected. —Fined 10s.

The Deanshanger troop of Boy Scouts, in charge of Scoutmaster Reynolds, had a wet experience at their week-end camp in the Quarries at Cosgrove. During the thunderstorm in the small hours of Monday they had to excavate trenches to carry off the deluge of water. They were inspected by District Commissioner Oswald Hamilton (“Hiawatha”), of Old Stratford.

THE HOSPITAL, CASTLETHORPE AND COSGROVE JOINT FETE.

The third annual Hospital Fete of the villages of Castlethorpe and Cosgrove was held on Saturday in the field lent by Mr. and Mrs. Bavington. The first fete effort of the neighbouring villages produced for the Northampton Hospital the sum of £100, and last year this amount was doubled. It was hoped, and it certainly appeared possible on Saturday that last year’s amount would be equalled if not exceeded. The weather was ideal, the bright, warm sunshine adding much to the success of the fete, and was the means of bringing many visitors.

The fete was opened by Mrs. J. Whiting, of Castlethorpe who performed the ceremony in the absence through illness, of Lady Holland, of Hanslope Lodge. She was supported by the Mayor and Mayoress of Northampton (Alderman and Mrs. G. S. Whiting), Mr. C. H. Battle, the Rev. R. Stanham (Cosgrove), various officials of the fete committee, and others. The programme the fete included many attractive features. In addition to the many stalls and side-shows, were athletic sports, aquatic sports, a horticultural show, a fishing competition, and an auction sale.

The horticultural show was held in the fete field, the exhibits, 200 in number, being staged in a marquee. The show was the best yet held in the two villages, for quality and quantity of exhibits. The judges were Mr McKinnon, of Hanslope Lodge, and a representative of Messrs. Perkins and Sons, Northampton, whose awards were given as follows. Except where otherwise stated, the prize winners are residents of either Cosgrove Castlethorpe.

FLOWER SHOW.

The awards were;— Collection of vegetables, six varieties (prizes by Mr. M. Jelley), 1 G. F. Haynes (New Bradwell), 2 T. Lord. Kidnev beans, 1 G. F. Haynes, 2 T. Lord. Carrots, 1 A. Shackell, 2 R. Panter. Celery, 1 G. F. Haynes, 2 S. Williams. Cauliflowers, 1 G. H 2 J. Brown. Peas, 1 T. Dillon, 2 Mrs. R. Bavington. Marrows, l G. Williams, 2 T. Lord. Pickling eschalots, 1 F. Hall, 2 Mrs. G. Brown. Spring sown onions, 1 G. F. Haynes, 2 T. Lord. Autumn sown onions, A. Stanley (Maids Moreton), 2 G. Pettifer. Tomatoes, 1 J. Brown (Old Stratford). Potatoes, white round, 1 G. Williams, H. Ward; coloured round, 1 G. F. Haynes, 2 G. Williams, white kidney, 1 G. Williams, 2 G. F. Haynes; coloured round 1 G. Williams, 2 R. Panter. Plums, 1 R. Panter, 2 Mrs R. Brown. Cooking Apples 1 R. Panter 2 J. Brown. Pears  1 R Panter 2 J Brown.

Sweet Peas four bunches 1 Mrs S. Williams 2 F. Childs. Hardy flowers six bunches 1 Mrs S. Williams 2 A. J. Childs. Bouquet of Flowers 1 Mrs S. Williams 2 Mrs Childs. Roses 1 F. Sawbridge.

Hen’s eggs white 1 Mrs R. Brown, brown 1 Mrs Geo. Brown, ducks’ eggs 1 Mrs R. Bavington.

Collection of vegetables four varieties (Prizes by Messrs Thomas Perkins Northampton) 1 S. W. Williams. Spring sown onions (Prizes by Messrs Clarke and Son Castlethorpe) 1 G. Williams 2 W. Wise. Peas (Prize by Messrs Clarke and Son) W. Wise. Carrots (Prizes by Messrs Clarke and Son) 1 W. Wise 2 G. Williams. Collection of potatoes four varieties (Prize given by Mr F. Williams) 1 G. Williams 2 S. Williams 3 F. Hall. Heaviest marrow G. Noble. Bouquet of Wild Flowers (children) 1 Gladys Lord 2 W. Scott 3 Violet Williams.

At the close of the show the exhibits were sold by public auction and the proceeds given to the fete funds. There were also sold collections of fruit and vegetables given by Mr Fergusson and Mr H. Cook.

SPORTS

The athletic sports gave the following results:

80 yards flat (girls under 10) 1 L. Gascoyne 2 V. Williams 3 H. Castle.

80 yards flat (boys under 10) 1 R. Brown 2 F. Copson 3 A. Brooks.

80 yards flat (girls 10 – 14) 1 D. Jelley 2 M. Willison 3 D. Willison.

80 yards flat (boys 10 – 14) 1 S. Chapman 2 A. Jelley 3 J. Dunkley.

60 yards egg and spoon race (Ladies) 1 Miss Jelley 2 Mrs Cooper 3 Mrs Summers

100 yards Boot race (over 14) 1 J. Worker 2 J. Tilson 3 W. Worker.

40 yards swimming (boys under 10) 1 F. Payne 2 A. Jelley 3 W. Luck

80 yards swimming (open) 1 Ridgway (Hanslope) 2 A. Stevenson (Wolverton) 3 F. Stevenson (Wolverton)

Walking greasy pole over canal for leg of mutton won by Mr C. W. Harding.

Pillow Fight over canal 1 A. Stevenson 2 F. Stevenson

A fishing competition took place at the canal in the fields owned by Mr Bavington. Seventy anglers took part and three hours fishing produced the following winners:

1 Hill. (Northampton) 26 ozs; 2 S. Tapp 22 ozs; 3 J. Wesley (Northampton) 13 ozs; 4 A. Bason (Northampton) 12 ozs; 5 F. James (Northampton) 11 ozs; 6 W .Tue (Wolverton) 10 ozs.

For smallest fish caught Bunyan (Northampton). The prizes won were handed to the winners by Mrs. T. Whiting.

An auction sale of gifts to the fete committee was carried out in the evening by a representative of the firm of Messrs. Wigley, Son, and Gambell, auctioneers, Newport Pagnell, when some good prices were realised. A varied assortment of articles was disposed of. In addition to the many gifts in kind, the fete committee received several handsome gifts of money. During the afternoon and evening the Hanslope Excelsior Band, under the conductorship of Mr. A. Key, played selections and dance music. The Hospital Fete Committee of the two villages is a large and representative one of all sections, and has for its presidents, Lieut.-GeneraI Sir Arthur Holland, of Hanslope Lodge, and Capt. Fergusson, of Cosgrove. Each village has its own committee and chairman, these being Mr. Malcolm Jelley (Cosgrove) and Mr. H. Dolling (Castlethorpe). Mrs. E. Basington was a hard-working hon. secretary.

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS. Friday—Before Mr. J. A. Knapp (chairman), Mrs. Knapp, Dr. T. S. Maguire, Mr. S. F. Jones, Mr. Purslow, Mr. F, Vickers, Major J. Brougham, and Mr A. Gray.

Albert Henry Burge, labourer, 35, the Green, Stony Stratford, was summoned for riding bicycle without a light at Cosgrove on August 28—Defendant pleaded guilty, and, on the evidence of P.C. Willoughby, was fined 5s.

The Grafton were at Cosgrove on Wednesday, and provided some excellent going for their followers. Finding at Cosgrove Wood hounds drove him with a capital cry over the Watling-street road almost to Potterspury before turning back over the same line and marking their quarry to ground, from whence was evicted and killed after a capital 45 minutes.

E. A. TOMPKINS MOTOR SERVICES

BETWEEN NORTHAMPTON AND COSGROVE.

Passengers picked up and set down at St John street, Northampton, and Barley Mow, Cosgrove, Leaves Northampton ... 8.0

Wootton .. 8.10

Collingtree Turn 8.15

Courteenhall ... 8.20

Roade 8.25

Ashton 8 30

Hartwell 8.40

Hanslope 8.50

Castlethorpe ... 9.0

Arrive Cosgrove  9.5

[Return route the same – approximately four buses daily]

COSGROVE

An enjoyable entertainment was provided in the village on Saturday evening by the “Gilwellians”, the concert party of the Wolverton Troop of Boy Scouts, who are touring South Northants and North Bucks, generously giving their services for the benefit of the Scout and Guide movements, with an endeavour to increase interest of the general public in these organisations. This concert attracted a large audience, which filled the Mission Hall. The programme presented was of its usual enjoyable character, the company being admirably led by Scoutmaster C. F. Andrews. At an interval of the programme, Miss Waydeline, the captain of the Girl Guide movement in the village, expressed thanks for the excellent entertainment provided, and further remarks were added by District Commissioner Oswald Hamilton and District Scoutmaster W. H. Holloway. The proceeds of the entertainment were for the benefit of the funds of the village company of Girl Guides, which was formed a year ago, and at the present time is badly in need of funds. Miss Waydeline entertained the artistes to supper.

At the present time there is only unemployed man at Cosgrove, against 26 a year ago.

RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL.

A meeting of the Rural District Council followed [the Board of guardians meeting], Mr. H. T. F. Weston presiding.

The Deputy Medical Officer of Health (Dr. H. Gooch) reported that during the month there had been four cases of scarlet fever at Deanshanger. There was case of pneumonia at Potterspury. Measles are prevalent at Cosgrove and Yardley Gobion. There was a marked decrease in sickness throughout the district during the past three weeks. The closing of the Cosgrove Schools for three weeks from May 23rd was approved, as also was an application by Dr. Gooch for the Yardley Gobion Schools to remain closed for a further week.

OUTING. The Harding-street Tavern Sports Club's annual outing took place Saturday, when a party numbering 33 journeyed to Cosgrove. In the afternoon several kinds of sports were enjoyed, at 4.30 the party sat down to tea at the Barley Mow Inn. After a ramble round is the evening a concert took place at the Barley Mow. Mr Ted Spencer, the light comedian, comedian, kindly gave his services, and others who contributed to the programme were Messrs. P. Barber. J. Oakenfull jun., (2) H. Sharman. G. Anthistle (2), C. Bannard, A. Pearson, W. Mann. S. Oakenfull, sen. (recitation). S. Onkenfull, jun., J. hunch. and E Oakenfull. Votes of thanks well proposed and seconded during the evening to Mr. and Mrs. Jelley, Mr. and Mrs. Crouch, Mr. E. Oakenfull,. Mr. W. Baker, Mr. F. Barber, and the artistes. Mr. G. Anthistle gave a special item, " How I lost my money." The party reached home about 11.20 p.m. after a most enjoyable day.

Maxwell Haydon Eves, apprentice toolmaker, Cosgrove, was summoned for travelling on the L.M. S. Railway without having previously paid his fare.

Mr. W. F. Yates, Euston, prosecuted on behalf the railway company, and Mr. E. D. Bowen-Davis, Newport Pagnell, represented defendant and pleaded guilty.

Mr. Yales explained that defendant was seen to come from, Cosgrove by way of the fields to Castlethorpe and travelled by the 6.45 to Roade. The following day the porter who saw him asked him what he did when he got to Roade. First of all he replied that a fellow passenger paid the 7½d for him, and then he said paid the stationmaster. Eventually he admitted that he had no money that morning and that was why had not paid the fare. He did not go through the regular entrance at Roade.

Mr. Bowen Davis said he was not present to justify his client’s action. It was an unpardonable offence and a mean fraud, particularly when the fare was only 7½d.

Defendant was in the Army from 1918 to 1920 and until last May was out of work. He was now apprenticed at a salary of 5s. per week, and was the only child of a widowed mother, a retired school teacher, so that whatever penalty the Bench inflicted must be paid by the mother, whose pension had not yet been fixed. She was very anxious that no conviction should registered if the Bench could see their way to go so far. The case had very properly been brought, but he would suggest that justice would met by the Bench ordering the mother pay a sum of money to some railway charity. He could only suggest that defendant’s straitened circumstances prompted his action in the matter.

The Chairman said the Bench very much disliked convicting young people like the defendant, but he should have thought of all these things before. He would have to pay the costs, 5s., and be bound over for 12 months.

COSGROVE

The village feast was observed last week end at Cosgrove and on Sunday evening the Bradwell United Silver Band, under the conductorship of Mr  J. E. Johnson, visited the village and entertained a large gathering with an excellent programme of music.

HOSPITAL FETE.

The inhabitants of the adjoining villages of Castlethorpe and Cosgrove combined on Saturday for their annual effort for the Northampton Hospital. As in previous years, the proceedings were staged in a field near the Navigation Inn, midway between the two village. Sports were held, and a flower show, in addition to other amusements and other means of money raising. The fete was opened by Mrs. Seton, of Castlethorpe, and on the platform were Mr. Mr. Dolling (in the chair), Sir James Crockett. Mrs. Earl (Mayoress of Northampton), the Rev. R. Stanham (Cosgrove), and Mr. J. Whiting (Castlethorpe). Sports, telling the ticket, pillow fight over the canal, and walking the greasy pole over the water, created endless amusement. There was a thread-needle race, and a tug-of-war between teams of six representing the villages of Castlethorpe and Cosgrove.
The flower show, under the secretaryship of Mr. S. Williams, attracted over 60 entries from the two villages. The exhibits were judged by Mr. Buckingham, of Wicken Park, and Mr. Pitson, of Wicken Rectory. Later in the day the exhibits were sold by auction for the fete funds. The auctioneer was Mr. Johnson, of the firm of Messrs. Wigley, Sons, and Gambell, Newport Pagnell, who also offered for sale a number of fowls which were gifts to the fete committee, and miscellaneous articles. One outstanding article offered was "a coin of the realm, not seen for many years." which was given by Sir James Crockett. The value or nature of the coin was not disclosed until after a sale had been effected, when it, was found to be a gold sovereign.
A fishing competition attracted over 80 entries, all the winners being Northampton anglers as follows: 1 Miss P. E. Darnell 2 W. Wright, 3 S. Robinson, 4 W. Johnson, 5 C. R. Jones, 6 J. Singlehurst; smallest fish caught, P. Love. Miss Darnell was the only lady angler amongst the competitors, the greater portion of whom were from Northampton. Side-shows were under the charge of Mr. H. Dolling. and were conducted by Messrs. P. Mills (table skittles), Brown (ground skittles). Mrs. C. Harding (sweet, etc.), Messrs. F. Clarke and P. Dolling (bowling for a pig given by Mr. J. Whiting, Castlethorpe, Miss Phyllis Barrington (cake guessing competition), Mr. M. Jelley (cocoa-nuts) Mrs. Benson and Miss E. Burbidge (refreshments). Mr. C. H. Battle, secretary of the Northamptonshire Hospital Week movement, was present in the evening and rendered practical assistance to the Promoters. The Yardley Gobion Britannia Band, under the conductorship of Mr. J. Horton, played during the afternoon and dance music in the evening. On Friday a number of ladies visited Wolverton selling artificial roses for the fete fund. The fete committee, a representative body of the two villages, has as its chairman Mr. S. Williams (Cosgrove), with Mr. H. Dolling (Castlethorpe) vice-chairman, and Mrs. Bavington (Castlethorpe) secretary.

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS. Friday.—Before Mr. J, M. Knapp (in the chair), Mrs. Knapp, Mr. H. T. F. Weston, Sir. S. H. Wheeler, Mr. F. Vickers, Mr. S. F. Jones, and Mr. A. Gray.

Arthur F. Jelley, farmer, Cosgrove, was summoned for allowing cows to stray.

Mr. H. M. Beattie (Northampton and Stony Stratford) represented defendant, and pleaded not guilty.

P.C. Willoughby stated the facts. Supt. Dunn and P.S. Summers said they had to pull up their car in consequence of the cows crossing the road. The defence was that the cattle had not been left by the driver, a youth named Bushell, more than two minutes when officers came along. A County Council roadman, John Osborne, of Paulerspury, also gave evidence.

Defendant, against whom there were several previous convictions, was fined 30s.

COSGROVE

Entertainment

In the Cosgrove Mission Hall on Saturday evening and enjoyable programme was presented to a full audience by a party of Wolverton friends, whose efforts were greatly appreciated. Mr C. P. Woollard of Stony Stratford, presided. Solos were given by Miss Benbow, Miss Clark, Messrs King, Taylor, Pack and Barden, and recitations by Miss Carte,. Miss Pariss and Mr King, to all of whom hearty thanks were accorded.

GAVE GIRL A BLACK EYE.

Walter Stanley- Lord, fitter, Cosgrove, was summoned for a common assault on Francis May Bushell, at Cosgrove, on September 29th.

Mr. E. H. Redfern (Messrs. Worley and Co., Stony Stratford), who appeared for prosecutrix, said his client did not press the case, but only brought it for protection.

Prosecutrix, a parlourmaid at Cosgrove Hall, said she was returning home from dance at Castlethorpe on Saturday evening, September 29th, when defendant met her in the drive and questioned her as to dancing with young men. He struck her a blow over the eye which resulted in a black eye.

Cross-examined, she said they had been courting together for some time. She did not think they would continue.

P.S. Summers gave evidence of interviewing defendant who expressed sorrow for the incident.

Dr. A. H. Habgood, Stony Stratford, stated the young lady visited him complaining of a headache. She had a black eye. Her symptoms wore consistent with a severe blow.

For the defence. Mr. A. J. Darnell (Messrs. Darnell and Price, Northampton) submitted it was apparently a temporary quarrel which ended in a foolish blow. He did not seek to justify or mitigate it, but he thought the interests of justice would not suffer by the Bench binding over his client to keep the peace. It might result in the two young people coming together again in the future. He expressed his client’s deep regret to complainant for the incident.

Fined £2 and ordered to pay £1  11s. 6d. costs.

ANGLING

The fifth competition of the season arranged by the Angling Section of the Kingsley Park Club and Institute was held on Sunday in the Grand Junction Canal at Cosgrove. The weather was stormy and the wind spoiled the sport.

Fifteen members fished and ten weighed in for the six prizes. The result was

1 F. Garratt 14 ozs; 2 J. Hunt 6½ozs; 3 G. Phipps 5½ozs; 4 W. Jones 4 ozs and B. Shaw 4 ozs; 6 J. Daniels 3½ozs and  C. Law 3½ozs.

COSGROVE LANTERN LECTURE

An interesting Lantern Lecture was given in the Cosgrove Mission Hall on Saturday evening by Messrs A. Rainbow and W. Bull (New Bradwell). The subject was “Romantic Castles of North Wales” and comprised a series of lantern views, generously loaned by the L M S Railway. There was a large attendance.

Whilst fishing in the Broad Waters, Cosgrove, at Christmas, Mr. Ben Bull, jun., of Stony Stratford, landed a fine pike, turning the scales at 15lbs

Wolverton Diamond Wedding
MR. AND MRS EDWIN ATTERBURY.

Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Atterbury, of 5, Glyn Square. Wolverton, quietly cerebrated their diamond wedding last Monday. Their respective ages are 81 and 79, and they were married at Cosgrove Parish Church on Christmas Eve, 1863. At the time Mr. Atterbury had just finished his apprenticeship as a fitter and turner in Wolverton Carriage Works. He was in the Loco Department, afterwards transferred to Crewe, but remained at the Company's Gas Works, which the old Loco Department adjoined. He retired May 1913, at the age of 70, after 57 years’ service, when was presented with an English lever silver watch.
Mr. Atterbury is a Congregationalist and until two years ago was deacon and financial secretary, offices he held for a lengthy term of years. The same year he celebrated his golden wedding. Despite a tittle deafness, Mr. Atterbury is very active and his wife is still able to do her household duties. They are going down the vale one of the happiest couples is possible to find. Both were born at Cosgrove. Mrs. Atterbury’s father was an overseer of the Grand Junction Canal. She recalled a time when after a severe frost she heard the ice crack on the canal half a mile or more away at the Castlethorpe Wharf.
The old couple had a family of ten children, of whom seven are living, viz.: Mr. E. Atterbury, Victoria Street. Wolverton; Mr. Will Atterbury, farmer, Shenley, Mrs. Ball and Mrs. Smith (widow). Stony Strafford; Mrs. Blackledge, Watford; Mrs. Brown, Bradwell; and Mrs. Allen, Brighton. There are five great-grandchildren.

Whilst fishing in the Broad Waters, Cosgrove, at Christmas, Mr. Ben Bull, jun., Stony Stratford, landed fine pike, turning the scale at 15 lbs.

COSGROVE. At the Mission Hall on Thursday last, Mr. F. W. Downing, of Stony Stratford, and his daughter, Miss Downing, were the recipients of an armchair, a thermometer, a clock, a music case and framed lists of the 62 adult subscribers in recognition of their work in the Sunday School. Mr. Downing has been the superintendent for 27 years, and addresses of appreciation were made by Mr. C P. Woollard, who presided, Mr. S. Williams, Mr. G. Williams and Mr. Parratt. Mr. Downing acknowledged. and a concert by the children followed.

DROWNED AT COSGROVE.
SAD END TO A SUNDAY AFTERNOON WALK.

Thomas H. Payne, boy of seven years of age, drowned at Cosgrove on Sunday afternoon.
Payne, whose parents live at Cosgrove, had attended Sunday school, and afterwards went for a walk with a companion named Lovesay. They went along the Grand Junction Canal footpath between Cosgrove and Castlethorpe Bridge, and when they reached the culvert which carries surplus water from the canal. Payne stepped on to it, slipped and fell into the water. A very strong stream was flowing, and Payne was swept away.
Lovesay called upon two men, Mr. B. Cornhill and Mr F. Williams, of Wolverton, who were passing, and the body was recovered. Mr. Cornhill and Mr. Williams tried artificial respiration for half-an-hour without result, and when Dr. Hefferman arrived from Stony Stratford he could only pronounce life extinct.
An inquest is being held this afternoon.

WALKED AWAY.
STRANGE CONDUCT OF YOUTH AT COSGROVE.
WHILE BOY DROWNED.

A strange story of how a boy of fourteen whose dog is said to have knocked a buy of seven into the canal at Cosgrove on Sunday afternoon, and who walked away while the unfortunate boy drowned, wars told at the inquest on Thomas Hillyard Payne, at the Plough Inn, Cosgrove, on Monday afternoon, Mr. W. Whitton, the Coroner for South Northamptonshire, conducted the inquiry, and a jury of twelve was sworn.
Thomas C. Payne, the father, a coach maker at Wolverton Carriage Works, stated that he last saw his son alive at about a quarter to two on Sunday afternoon just before the boy left home for the Mission Hall Sunday School. Deceased was in the house again at three o'clock, and about threequarters of an hour later, a boy named Lovesay ran into the house and said that Tommy was in the canal, and he could not get him out. Witness I went to the canal and when nearly opposite the overshot saw his son face downwards in the water at the outlet to the culvert. Lovesay told him the boy fell in the tunnel, and witness ran down the field to the outlet and waded into the river and got the boy out, but he appeared to be dead. Unfortunately witness did not know anything about artificial respiration, but some men who were following him took the lad in hand.
In reply to the Coroner, he said there was no grating to the entrance of the overshot. The tunnel would be about 30 inches high, and he considered it about the most dangerous place possible to fall in. He had cautioned the boy, as had also his mother, against going near the water, but it seemed to have had a fascination to him.
Thomas Lovesay, the boy's companion, who gave his evidence in tears, said they walked across the fields up to the canal and watched the water rushing through the sluice. They were looking at the water when a big boy came along with a dog and pushed against Tommy Payne, who lost his balance and fell in.
The Coroner: Accidentally?—Yes.
Witness said he called to - Payne, but as he did not answer, he ran home and told Mr. Payne.
In reply to the Coroner, Lovesay said he did not know what the name of the other boy was. The other boy saw young Tommy go down and did not say a word, but went away. He would recognise the boy again.
Mrs. Lovesay, who was present at the inquest, informed the Coroner that the boy, so far as she could make out, was about 14 years of age. She had questioned her son in every way, but he stuck to the same story.  Dr. E. G. Heffernan, assistant to Dr. D. W. A. Bull, Stony Stratford, said he arrived at about 4.25 and used artificial respiration until five o'clock without success. Upon examining the boy he was of opinion death was due more or less to shock. He might have banged his bead against something, but there were no external marks. There were appearances of drowning.
The jury returned a verdict of "Death from misadventure by a fall into the sluice, partly from shock and partly from drowning.”
Upon the suggestion of the Coroner, it was decided to make representations to the Canal Company for the culvert to be protected with a grating.
The Coroner remarked it was a very mean and miserable thing for the other boy to go away.
Sympathy was expressed with Mr. and Mrs. Payne.

COSGROVE VILLAGE HOSPITAL EFFORT

With marked enthusiasm and their forces splendidly organised, the people of Cosgrove, mindful of the value of the Northampton Hospital, have set to work to raise funds for that most deserving institution. A representative committee has been formed, and they launched their first effort with gratifying success on Saturday week. The proceedings took the form of a “social” and a very enjoyable affair it proved. The schools were crowded, and vocal and instrumental music, followed by a dance, provided an evening’s real pleasure. Cosgrove people are to be heartily congratulated on the splendid manner in which they supported the committee’s efforts. The financial result was a sum of £14 for the Hospital Week Fund. Mrs Keech was heartily encored for her songs, and the vocal efforts of the following were much appreciated:

Miss L. Williams, Miss N. Hillyer, Miss N. Wilcox, Miss B. Noble and Messrs P. Horne, H. Eglesfield and M. Carter. The whistling solos by Mr P. Horn were very clever and well done. Mr A. Andrew of Newport Pagnell played the accompaniments and also supplied music for dancing, for which Messrs P. Horn and J. Knight officiated as MC’s. The arrangements were made by Mrs Arthur Andrew, Mrs Brown, Mrs Garratt. Mrs A. F. Jelley, Mrs M. Jelley and Mrs Penson, who are arranging for a concert in the course of a week or two for the same object.

STRANGE CONDUCT OF YOUTH AT COSGROVE WHILE BOY DROWNED.

A strange story of how a boy of fourteen whose dog is said to have knocked a boy of seven into the canal Cosgrove Sunday afternoon, and who walked away while the unfortunate boy drowned, was told at the inquest on Thomas Hillyard Payne, at the Plough Inn, Cosgrove, on Monday afternoon,

Mr. W. E. Whitten, the Coroner for South Northamptonshire, conducted the inquiry, and a jury of twelve was sworn.

Thomas C. Payne, the father, a coach maker at Wolverton Carriage Works, stated that he last saw his son alive at about a quarter to two on Sunday afternoon just before the boy left home for the Mission Hall Sunday School. Deceased was in the house again at three o’clock, and about three quarters of an hour later, a boy named Lovesay ran into the house and said that Tommy was in the canal, and he could not get him out. Witness went to the canal and when nearly opposite the overshot saw his son face downwards in the water at the outlet to the culvert. Lovesay told him the boy fell in the tunnel, and witness ran down the field to the outlet and waded into the river and got the boy out, but he appeared to be dead. Unfortunately witness did not know anything about artificial respiration, but some men who were following him took the lad in hand.

In reply to the Coroner, he said there was no grating to the entrance of the overshot. The tunnel would be about 30 inches high, and he considered about the most dangerous place possible to fall in. He had cautioned the boy, as had also his mother, against going near the water, but it seemed have had a fascination to him.

Thomas Lovesay, the boy’s companion, who gave his evidence in tears, said they walked across the fields to the canal and watched the water rushing through the sluice. They were looking at the water when a big boy came along with a dog and pushed against Tommy Payne, who lost his balance and fell in.

The Coroner; Accidentally?—Yes.

Witness said he called to Payne, but he did not answer, he ran home and told Mr. Payne.

In reply to the Coroner, Lovesay said he did not know what the name of the other boy was. The other boy saw young Tommy go down and did not say a word, but went away. He would recognise the boy again.

Mrs. Lovesay, who was present the inquest, informed the Coroner that the boy, as far she could make out, was about 14 years of age. She had questioned her son in every way, but he stuck to the same story. Dr. E. G. Heffernan, assistant to Dr. D. W. A. Bull, Stony Stratford, said he arrived at about 4.25 and used artificial respiration until five o’clock without success.

Upon examining the boy he was of opinion that death was due more or less to shock. He might have banged his head against something, but there were no external marks. There were appearances of drowning.

The jury returned a verdict of “Death from misadventure by a fall into the sluice, partly from and partly from drowning.”

Upon the suggestion of the Coroner, it was decided to make representations to the Canal Company for the culvert to be protected with a grating The Coroner remarked it was a very mean and miserable thing for the other boy to go away. Sympathy was expressed with Mr. and Mrs. Payne.

Cosgrove who have in previous years combined with Castlethorpe in annual fetes for the benefit of the Northampton Hospital, are this year making their own village effort.

THE HARDING-STREET TAVERN

Sports Club held their annual outing, on Saturday last, a party of 45 journeying to Cosgrove by char-a-banc. Sports took place, and after a very close final, the result was: 1 W Woods. 2 F. Wade, 3 Barber and A. Woolley. Skittles sealed handicap: 1 A. Underwood, 2 J. Pilsbury 3 G. Cosford and G. Bliss. A splendid tea was provided by Mr. and Mrs. Crouch. In the evening a concert took place. Mr. Ted Spencer, the well-known light comedian, and the following contributed: Messrs. J. Oakenfull, W. Mann, S. Oakenfull, jun., F. Barber, T. Wills, S. Oakenfull, sen., G. Anthistle, J. Nutt. Mr. F. Barber was at the piano.

AT COSGROVE. Colonel Kerr addressed his first meeting at Cosgrove on Tuesday evening, the Mission Hall holding a good attendance of villagers. Mr. Kingsley-Johnson presided, supported by Colonel Kerr and Mr Kemp, the organiser. Colonel Kerr, who received a good reception, said that if it was the intention of the Liberals of the constituency to return a Liberal candidate they must all work to that end. Every Liberal in the division must try and find another Liberal, and if only each found half a Liberal they would be in comfortably next time. He thought they could not anything but pleased with the result of the last election, considering there bad not been a Liberal candidate for 15 or 16 years. Appealing to the ladies, he urged them all, whether Liberal, Conservative or Labour, to use their vote. They had no cause grumble at any Government if they did not vote.

COSGROVE CONCERT

The Cosgrove inhabitants are working very earnestly in their endeavours to make their first annual effort for the benefit of that deserving institution, The Northampton Hospital, a thorough success. Other years they have combined with the neighbouring village of Castlethorpe. Numbered among the successful functions of a social character they have already held, was the concert which attracted a crowded attendance to the Council school on Friday March 15^th and as a result of which the funds were added to, to the extent of £16/16/6. A very lengthy programme was provided to the delight of all present and the enjoyment was demonstrated by the rounds of applause which greeted each of the excellent contributions made by the artistes.

Miss Lizzie Williams gave, in a pleasing manner, the song “Mother Mine”, as did also Miss Knight “Mary of Argyle”, Miss Atkinson “I love the Moon” and “Love’s a Merchant”, Mrs Keech and schoolgirls “Little Sleepy Eyes”, Miss Bessie Noble “Smilin’ Through”, Miss Nancy Hillyer “I Passed by your Window”, Mr E. Kingston “Dear Old Dad of Mine” and Miss Nellie Wilcox “It’s Better to Laugh than Cry”. Mr P. Horn contributed humorous numbers and also appeared with success in a duet with Mrs H. Keech. Songs were also given by Mr J. Knight. Miss Vera Dewick, a pupil of Miss D. Coker, Wolverton, delighted with skilfully executed dances, whilst the schoolchildren added a song and dance, “The Fairy Song”, and Misses Bessie Noble and Muriel Eglesfield contributed a duet and dance “The Fairies’ Home”. Recitations by Miss Hilda Castle, Miss Violet Williams and Mrs Garratt were enthusiastically received, A sketch entitled “Impossible Perkins”, by Miss L. Bushell, I. Jelley and I. Knight, was excellently contributed as was also a sketch “Only Peggy”, by Misses Mabel Castle, Nancy Hillyer, Phyllis Gascoyne, Edna Nicholls, Nellie Willcox and Lizzie Williams. Mrs Andrews of Newport Pagnell, at the pianoforte, very ably accompanied the musical items.

COSGROVE.

A GARDEN FETE in aid of the Cosgrove Mothers’ Union was held in the grounds of Cosgrove Priory, the residence of Mrs Atkinson, the president. Mrs Atkinson, together with the Misses Atkinson, Captain P. Y. Atkinson and Mrs Fergusson, of Cosgrove Hall, were moving spirits in the proceedings, which included an enjoyable sports programme for the village inhabitants. A decorated bicycle competition was won by Miss Bessie Noble. A Handicap (boys 13 – 17) was won by W. Luck, and an egg and spoon race for adults by Miss Hurst. Assisting in the arrangements of the fete were the members of the committee of the Mothers’ Union.

PATHETIC LETTER TO WIFE

Mr W. Whitton, Coroner for South Northants, held an inquiry at the Barge Inn Cosgrove on Tuesday afternoon into the death of Mr Thomas Timothy Sharpe, aged 57, of 22 Cambridge-street, Wolverton whose body was recovered from the Grand Junction Canal, at Cosgrove on the previous afternoon. Evidence of identification was given by Thomas Freeman Sharpe, a son of deceased, who stated that his father suffered from chronic asthma, and was under the care of a doctor. He had had the complaint for about 20 years. He had been rather quiet during the previous few days.

Reginald Eales, labourer, Manor Cottages, Old Wolverton said that whilst he was walking with friends along the canal from Old Stratford to Cosgrove, he noticed a man’s coat and walking stick lying on the  bank. He then saw the body in the water.

Frederick Joseph Clarke, farmer, Cosgrove Locks, who was called by the previous witness gave evidence of recovering the body and finding a letter in the deceased's coat pocket. The letter, addressed to his wife and children, stated; “Forgive me for the sorrow l am causing you. I know you have all been good to me, but I can’t stand any more of this suffering, week after week. I shall be better out than in this world. Goodbye and forgive.”

The Coroner returned a verdict of “suicide by drowning during temporary insanity”, and expressed sympathy with the widow and family.

COSGROVE HOSPITAL FETE. A SUCCESSFUL EFFORT.

A successful fete and flower show on behalf of the Northampton General Hospital were held Saturday in the grounds of Cosgrove Hall, kindly lent by Mrs. Richard Agar, who performed the opening ceremony, and was presented with bouquet of pink carnations by Miss Mary Whiting. The flowers were afterwards sold by auction for the funds. An address on the work, cost of maintenance, and projected improvements to the Hospital was given by Sir James Crocket J.P. with an appeal for assistance. He was warmly thanked at the close.

A programme of sports was gone through, under the superintendence of Mr. H. Tooley. whilst there was an excellent entry for the flower show, the exhibits in which, together with goods obtained from a house-to-house collection, were subsequently sold at good prices, Mr. Hedges being the hon. auctioneer. Theatrical performances were given, in the afternoon and evening, by a London party. Other attractions were a fishing competition, Mr. A. Jelley acting hon. secretary; a tennis tournament, arranged by Miss Kingsley Johnson, and on the courts at the Hall and Cosgrove Rectory, and the following side shows:  Football. Mr. F. Johnson and Mr. T. Cummings; skittles, Mr. C. Knight and Mr. C. Evans; coconuts. Mr. Willow and Mr. T. Haynes; Wembley Bill, Mr. P. Horn; fancy stall, Mrs. Andrews.

The Stony Stratford Band played during the afternoon and for dancing in the evening.

The arrangements were carried out by the following:—

President, Capt. A. Ferguson; chairman, Mr. S. Williams; secretary, Mr. E. Jelley; treasurer, Mr. A. Andrews, committee, Messrs. Dillow Payne, E. J. Lord, T. Lord, H. Gascoyne, F. Hall, A. Childs, G. Williams. J. G. Knight, A. Jelley, T. Cummings, H. Tooley, P. Horn, M. Carter, C. Evans; ladies’ committee, Mrs. Andrews, Mrs. T. Lord, Mrs. G. Brown, Mrs. R. Lenson, Mrs. M. E. Jelley, Mrs. F. A. Jelley, and the Misses Knight and Jelley.

COSGROVE. CHAUFFEUR FINED.

At Leighton Buzzard Police Court on Tuesday, Alec Smith, chauffeur, employed by Mrs Ferguson, of Cosgrove Hall, Stony Stratford was summoned for driving at an excessive speed.

P.S. Wilshire said the defendant's speed was 34½ miles per hour, and he did not decelerate when near the Sheep-lane cross-roads.

Defendant denied the speed alleged, and said he began to decelerate 200 yards before he reached the cross-roads.

Mrs Ferguson, defendant's employer, said she could strongly deny that her chauffeur was driving at a dangerous speed.

A fine of £3 was imposed.

COSGROVE

On Wednesday evening the Rev R. Stanham was presented with a cheque for 13 guineas by the parishioners, who sympathise with his in his removal from his sphere of work after nearly six years’ service there and over 30 years’ work as a clergyman. The presentation was made at the Rectory and was almost entirely subscribed by the people of the village and of Old Stratford, which forms part of the parish.

JOINT DEMONSTRATION. Col. C. S. Kerr, prospective Liberal candidate for the Daventry Division, made a fine speech at a highly successful Liberal demonstration at Cosgrove on Saturday. Col. Kerr caused much amusement by reading a Conservative appeal for funds. The demonstration, held in the Rectory Grounds through the kindness of Mr. and Mrs. R. Kingsley-Johnson was arranged the Daventry and North Bucks Liberal Associations, with the purpose of advancing Liberalism in both divisions. Mr. T. Keens. M.P. for the Aylesbury Division, delivered two vigorous speeches. Col. Kerr spoke in the evening, when Mr. J. B. E. Campion. J.P.. C.C.. presided, supported Col. Kerr. Mr. T. Keens. Mr. C. F. Alsop (Roade). Mr. R. Kingesley-Johnson and Mr. W. Dunkley. Blakesley president of the South Northants Liberal and Radical Association.

“The feudal system is not yet defunct in South Northamptonshire,” said Mr. R. Kingsley Johnson, in whose grounds the demonstration was held. A great deal is cut away,” he added, “but much remains, and if you go into practically any village within a radius of ten miles of Cosgrove you will find the family and territorial influence so great that the people dare not confess their political opinion. If they are Conservative, they are all right, but if they are Radicals they must look out for themselves. I have had some of it. It has been said I had the greatest impertinence to come into Cosgrove and be a Radical. There is no doubt about it; it is incontrovertible.”

COSGROVE

A successful dance was held in the Clubroom of the St Peter’s Football Club on Thursday last, when about 40 dancers enjoyed the dance music provided by Mrs Keech at the piano. Mr C Evans was the MC. This was the first of a series of weekly dances in aid of Football Club funds.

TO FIGHT NORTH BUCKS.

It is welcome news that the Liberals of North Bucks are to fight. On Tuesday the Liberal Three Hundred of North Bucks adopted Mr. R. Kingesley Johnson as candidate. The meeting was most enthusiastic under the chairmanship of Sir Herbert Leon. Mr. Kingesley Johnson, who lives at the Rectory, Cosgrove, is a native of London, being born at South Kensington some fifty years ago. Educated privately, he took his M.A. degree and then took up the profession of an Army and 'Varsity coach at South Kensington and Queen's Gate. During the war he joined with the famous footballer W, N. Cobbold, at West Wratting Park, Cambridge, in training officers.

A STAND FOR LIBERALISM.

Two years ago he took up his residence at Cosgrove, and in that border village of South Northants commenced to bring the light of Liberalism into the life of the district. He is a well known writer on politics, theology and sociology. He has celebrated his silver wedding, and has a son—whose ill health caused him to leave the Royal Navy—and two daughters. Mr, Kingesley Johnson is standing because he believes that it is as essential now as ever it was that Liberalism should speak with no uncertain voice and not merely assist the Socialists to fight reaction and the Tories to fight crude economic fallacies.

PARLIAMENTARY GENERAL ELECTION. 1924.

Buckingham Division of the County of Buckingham. ALL PERSONS having any CLAIMS or DEMANDS against Mr. RICHARD KINGESLEY-JOHNSON, of THE RECTORY. COSGROVE, Northants, a CANDIDATE at the above-mentioned Election, or against me, the undersigned, his duly appointed Election Agent, or any Sub- Agent duly appointed by me, for work done, services rendered, or goods; supplied in connection with the same. ARE HEREBY REQUIRED to send particulars thereof in writing to me at the undermentioned address, WITHIN 14 DAYS after the day of the date hereof, failing which such claims or demands will be barred.
Dated this 30th day of October, 1924.
(Signed) H. MUSK BEATTIE.
Election Agent. The Pavilion, Bletchley Park. Bucks.

A DESPAIRING NOTE.
INQUEST ON MR. J. WATSON,
OF WOLVERTON.
VERDICT OE SUICIDE.

The inquest was conducted by Mr. W. Whitton, District Coroner, at the Barge Inn, Cosgrove, on Wednesday afternoon, into the circumstances of the death of Mr. Joseph Watson, of Wolverton, whose body was found in the river near Cosgrove, on Tuesday.
Mr. W. S. Parrott, Stony Stratford and Wolverton, represented the Wolverton Benefit Building Society, of which Mr. Watson was secretary.
Mr. William Watson, coach-painter, 130, Cambridge-street, Wolverton, said his brother was a cashier in the Railway Works at Wolverton. He had not at any time threatened to take his life.
Mr. Henry Clay Jenkins, Wolverton, railway accountant, stated that he saw Mr. Watson on Tuesday morning, when he sent for him to his office to discuss business matters. He asked deceased how he was and he replied that he was just as usual. At 1.45 the same day he received a message that Mr. Watson had not been home to dinner and he caused inquiries to be made. It was found that shortly after 11 o'clock, before going to the bank with the day's cash, Mr. Watson had left the keys of the Railway Office safe with the deputy cashier.
Witness had the safe opened and found three letters—one addressed to Mrs. Watson, one to witness, and the other to the directors of the Building Society. The Coroner read the letter addressed to witness, as follows: --
Dear Mr. Jenkins.—Forgive me. You have been very kind and helpful, and the staff generally has been kind. It seems an awful ending to a long service but I am completely done. Have tried to please. My accounts are quite correct. Do what you can for my wife if anything happens. I have had an awful time—mental depression and have tried to keep a smiling face at home and in the office. My wife has been kind and patient, but of course it has been a trial to me. Forgive me please. —Yours, J. Watson. Witness afterwards had the safe checked and found everything correct. The Works Manager sent a search party out after deceased, and the office staff went across the fields to see if they could find him. P.C. Bonner, Wolverton gave evidence of the discovery on Tuesday afternoon in of a hat and coat on the bank of the river Ouse, near the Iron Trunk, Cosgrove. In the pocket of the coat was a postcard upon which was written: "Love to all. May God forgive me, Distracted."
The Coroner said it was a very sad ease. A perfectly honest, straightforward man, for some unknown cause, took his life. He returned a verdict of "Suicide during temporary insanity." Mr. Parrott stated that the annual audit of the Building Society had recently taken place and the auditors’ certificate had been received that everything was in perfect order. Mr. Jenkins said that Mr. Watson was a man of the most generous and kindly disposition, and everyone who came into contact with him and everyone who knew him held him in very high esteem. He would be very much missed in Wolverton.

COSGROVE DANCE.

A very successful fancy dress dance was held in the Schools on Saturday in aid of the Hospital Funds. The judging of the fancy dress was carried out by Mr and Mrs. Ferguson (Cosgrove Hall), Misses G. and M. Atkinson (Cosgrove Priory), and Mrs. Johnson (Rectory), who made their awards follows:—Girls, under 14, 1 Miss Wilcox (Indian), 2 Miss E. Nichols (Father Christmas), 3 Miss D. Eglesfield (Christmas Cracker);

Boys under 14, 1 Master A. Bushell (baker) and Master K. Pettifer (potentate), 2 Master J. Wilcox (rag and bone);

Ladies, 1 Miss Downs (snowman). Miss Bruce (danger signal), 3 Mrs Wilcox (departed spirits); Gentlemen, 1 Mr. Hillyer (slavey). 2 Mr. E. Hillyard (scarecrow), special Mr. Tooley (rag and bone).

C. Williams, who presided, thanked the judges tor their presence, Mr. Ferguson replying. The duties of M.C. for the dance were carried out by Mr. F. Horne and Ml J. Knight, whilst Mrs. A. Andrews played the music. Secretarial duties were earn out by Mr. C. Evans. Refreshments were served by lady members of the committee.

VERDICT OF SUICIDE.

The inquest was conducted by Mr. W. E. Whitton, District Coroner, at the Barge Inn, Cosgrove, on Wednesday afternoon, into the circumstances of the death of Mr. Joseph Watson, of Wolverton, whose body was found in the river near Cosgrove, on Tuesday.

Mr. W. S. Parrott, Stony Stratford and Wolverton, represented the Wolverton Benefit Building Society, of which Mr. Watson was secretary.

Mr William Watson, coach-painter, 130, Cambridge-street, Wolverton, said his brother was a cashier in the Railway Works at Wolverton. He had not at any time threatened to take his life.

Mr. Henry Clay Jenkins, Wolverton, railway accountant, stated that he saw Mr. Watson on Tuesday morning, when he sent for him to his office to discuss business matters. He asked deceased how he was and he replied that he was just as usual. At 1.45 the same day he received a message that Mr. Watson had not been home to dinner and he caused inquiries to be made. It was found that shortly after 11 o’clock, before going to the bank with the day's cash. Mr. Watson had left the keys of the Railway Office safe with the deputy cashier. Witness had the safe opened and found three letters —one addressed, to Mrs. Watson, one to witness, and the other to the directors of the Building Society.

The Coroner read the letter to witness, as follows;

Dear Mr. Jenkins. —Forgive me. You have been very kind and helpful and the staff generally has been kind. It seems an awful ending to a long service but I am completely done. Have tried to please. The accounts are quite correct. Do what you can for my wife if anything happens. I have had an awful time —mental depression and have tried to keep a smiling face at home and in the office. My wife has been kind and patient, but of course it has been a trial to me. Forgive me please.—Yours, J. Watson. Witness afterwards had the safe checked and found everything correct. The Works Manager sent a search party out after deceased, and the office staff went across the fields to see if they could find him. P.C. Bonner, Wolverton, gave evidence of the discovery on Tuesday afternoon of a hat and coat on the bank of the Ouse, near the Iron Trunk, Cosgrove. In the pocket of the coat was a postcard upon which was written: Love to all. May God forgive me. Distracted.”

The Coroner said it was a very sad case. A perfectly honest, straightforward man, for some unknown cause, took his life. He returned a verdict of “Suicide during temporary insanity.”

Mr. Parrott stated that the annual audit of the Building Society had recently taken place and the auditors’ certificate had been received that everything was in perfect order.

MR. J.J.  ATKINSON

IMPRESSIVE FUNERAL AT COSGROVE.

We regret to announce the death of Mr. John J. Atkinson, Cosgrove Priory, which took place early on Friday morning, after a lengthy illness.

Mr. Atkinson, who was over 80 years of age, had resided in the county for at least forty years. He took an active interest in the Unionist cause for the Daventry Division, and represented the Passenham Division on the County Council for many years prior to 1922, when he did not seek re-election. In his own parish he was deeply interested in church life, and was churchwarden at St. Peter's Church for many years, an office he held at the time of his death. Mr. Atkinson, who was an engineer and a barrister, had travelled extensively, and many were the stories he told of the Far East. He leaves a widow, a son and two daughters to mourn their loss

It will be recalled that his elder son, Captain St. Ledger Atkinson, who commanded the 6th Signalling Troop of the Cavalry Brigade the 6th Division, was killed in France early in 1915. At the memorial service held at Cosgrove Church, the late Mr. Atkinson read the lesson, and at the close paid a touching tribute to his son. “There is not a real man here,” he said, who will not wish for such an end as this, and who does not thank God with me for having given me such son."

THE FUNERAL.

The funeral of the late Mr. J. Jepson Atkinson, The Priory, Cosgrove, look place on Tuesday afternoon, in dull December weather. The small Church of St. Peter and St. Paul held a crowded congregation of public mourners, among whom were many well-known residents of the district. The service was conducted the Rev. J. Stockton (curate-in-charge), assisted by the Rev. A. G. St. John Mildmay (Wolverton Holy Trinity) and the Rev. F. Nelson Ward (Wicken). The interment was in the cemetery adjoining the churchyard. The coffin of polished Oak, with Gothic mounts, was lowered into a bricked grave lined with evergreens, white chrysanthemums, narcissi, white statice, and laurustinus. The grave was lined by Mr. T. A. Lord, of Cosgrove Hall, who for a long period was a gardener to Mr. Atkinson. The coffin bore upon its breastplate: J. Jepson Atkinson, died December 12th, 1924, aged 80 years,''

Children from the village school were present under the charge of Miss Keveren.

Hymns sung during the service were “Come unto Me, ye weary," and " O God, our help in ages past." The organist was Mr. M. H. Eves. The family mourners were: Mr. Philip Atkinson (son). Miss Atkinson and Miss G. Atkinson (daughters), Capt. J. Foster, Miss Foster. Major A. W. Foster. Mrs. Gaulburn, Mrs. Wilkinson, Mr. 11. Wilkinson, Mr. Trevor Ward, and Major Arbuthnot.

Among those present were: Lord and Lady Penrhyn, Lord Hillingdon, Captain the Hon. & Mrs. E. A. FitzRoy, Sir Thomas Fermor Hesketh, Admiral Purefoy (Shalston). Colonel Wood (Syresham), Colonel R. H. Loombe (Grafton Regis), Colonel Hill (London). Major Williams (Blakeslev) Rev. W. J. Harkness (Hanslope). Mr. W. W. Carlile (Gayhurst), Mr. T. D. Kellie MacCallum (Chief Constable of Northamptonshire), Miss Balfour and Miss Wells (Cosgrove), Mr. A. R. Elmes. Mr. 6. Hamilton, Mr. J. D. Lees (Whittlebury Lodge). Colonel Douglas Pennant (Sholebrooke Lodge), Mr. Bywaters (Castlethorpe), Rev. Jacob Thompson (Grafton Regis). Mr. S. P. Starsmore, C.C.. Mr. O. Harris (Deanshanger). Mr. W. W. Dickens (Stonv Stratford), Rev. Stanham, Rev. and Mrs. A. P. Symons (Potterspury). Captain Loftus (Brackley), Colonel Clinch (Blisworth House), Miss Maguire, Dr. D. W. A. Bull, J.P. (Stony Stratford), Mrs. Richard Agar, Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Ferguson (Cosgrove Hall), Dr. Ryan, Major Ryan. Rev. W. W. Colley. R.D. Mrs. Colley (Blisworth). Mr. C. R. Whiting (Churchwarden), Mr. N. Montgomery and Mr. Canvin (Deanshanger Conservative Association), Major Sir Everard Dunoombe, Bart. (Great Brickhill). Major Pollexfen (Old Stratford), Mr and Mrs R Kingsley Johnson (Cosgrove), Mrs Grant Thorold, Mrs Cooper, Messrs A. F. Jelley, W. Clarke and E. Gee (Cosgrove Parish Council).

Amongst the wreaths were tributes from the Deanshanger Conservative Association and the schoolchildren of Cosgrove.

NOT UNDER CONTROL.

George Stewart, labourer, Cosgrove was summoned for not having proper control of a horse, whilst passing along the highway at Castlethorpe, on Thursday, Dec 13

Defendant pleaded not guilty.

PC Johnson stated he saw defendant driving a horse attached to the millers' cart along the road. Defendant was sitting in the bed of the cart with a sack over his head and the driving reins were hanging loose.—He admitted having his eyes closed. Defendant in explanation stated there was some loose meal in the cart and the dust blew up into his eyes.—Fined 5s.

At the Parish Church of SS Peter and Paul, Cosgrove, on Sunday, an organ recital was given, following Evensong, by Mr M. H. Eves, the organist. His programme included “Barcarolle in F” (Herbert Bath), “Tocatine” (Herbert Bath), anthem “Rejoice in the Lord” (Alfred Hollins). The proceeds were on behalf of Church expenses and organ funds. The latter fund is being raised to allow of certain repairs being carried out to the present organ, and a new keyboard being obtained.

A FOG TRAGEDY AT COSGROVE.

Monday night’s dense fog, one the worst experienced in the locality was the cause of tragedy near Cosgrove in which Henry Thomas Giles, who resided at The Green, Cosgrove, lost his life.
Giles, who was about 50 years of age, left his work at the Works at about seven o’clock to return home along the towing-path of the canal. The last heard of him was that he shouted “Good-night’’ to a cyclist named Haynes who was passing between the Iron Trunk, which spans the river Ouse, which is the boundary between Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire, and the lock. The next morning his cap and pipe were found floating on the water between the Trunk and Cosgrove Locks,
Dragging operations were conducted until dusk Tuesday, and were resumed eight o’clock on Wednesday morning by the Northamptonshire and Bucks police, and at 2.20 in the afternoon the body was recovered about 50 yards on the Old Wolverton side of the Iron Trunk. It was taken to the Locomotive Hotel, Old Wolverton, to await the inquest. Giles was a married man with three sons, all at work, and a daughter of school age.

AN OPEN VERDICT. TRAGEDY OF A FOGGY NIGHT AT OLD WOLVERTON.

The Deputy Coroner (Mr. W. J. C. Ray) conducted an inquiry at the Locomotive Hotel, Old Wolverton, on Thursday into the death of Henry Thomas Giles, of Cosgrove, whose body was recovered from the Grand Junction Canal on Wednesday. Supt. E. Callaway represented the police.

Mary Jane Giles said her husband was 52 years of age. When he left home at 7.10 a.m. on Monday morning for his work Wolverton he seemed quite bright and happy. He did not return, and at ten o’clock her son went to look for him.

Henry Lewis Haynes, a coach finisher, Cosgrove, said he left work at 7 p.m. on Monday, and cycled from Wolverton, along the tow path of the canal. It was a foggy night, and he had to ride very slowly. When about 50 100 yards past the Iron Trunk he passed Giles walking towards home. He was as far away from the water as was possible. He noticed nothing unusual about his walk, and said “Goodnight, Harry.” Deceased did not reply. He was walking along a small path made by the barge horses. Frederick Joseph Clark, the Locks, Cosgrove, said he heard of the occurrence at 8.15 on Tuesday morning. He searched the bank of the canal both sides from the Locks to the Iron Trunk. When he got half-way to the Trunk he saw a cap floating in the middle of the Canal. He afterwards found a pipe about 20 yards from the Locks, which would be about a quarter of a mile from the cap. He helped drag for the body, which was found on Wednesday, at about 2.20 p.m., about 100 yards on the Old Wolverton side of the Iron Trunk. He knew Giles well and he knew of nothing to account for him being in the water. It was a very bad night and he did not himself consider it safe to walk along the bank that night.

P.C. Bonner, Wolverton, said there was message of any sort in the clothing. P.S. Rollings, Wolverton, stated there were three marks on the back of his head, hut no marks to indicate foul play. Dr. E. J. Penny, Wolverton, stated death was due to drowning.

The Coroner, in recording his verdict, said death was due to drowning, but there was no evidence how the man got into the water. He expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Frank Noble, manager, Coventry, was summoned for carrying an unauthorised person in a motor car with a limited trade licence at Cosgrove on February 10. Jesse William Morris, driver, Coventry, was summoned for aiding and abetting. Morris admitted carrying a passenger without the knowledge of his employer. He was fined 10s. and Noble 5s.

WILL OF MR. J. J. ATKINSON. THANKS EVERYONE FOR “A VERY HAPPY LIFE.”

Mr. J. J. Atkinson, of Cosgrove Priory who died recently, age 80, left unsettled property of the gross value of £7,318 7s. 10d. Probate has been granted to Mrs. Atkinson, the sole executrix, to whom after bequests of £500 to his daughters, he left his property for life with remainder to the children.

In his will, Mr. Atkinson says:— “I give my soul to God and body to the earth —or better still the sea—or better still to my University; but all as my wife shall appoint, and I thank her for forty years’ joy of living. I won’t say a thing to thank my son for what he did for us. Everything that I have is settled upon him. Thanking everyone concerned for very happy life.”

GRATITUDE ALL ROUND FOR VERY
HAPPY LIFE,
PROBATE OF WILL GRANTED TO WIFE.

The late Mr. J. J. Atkinson, of Cosgrove Priory, Stony Stratford, one of the oldest members of the Grafton Hunt, and one of the original members of the Northamptonshire County Council left unsettled property of the gross value of £7,318 7s, 10d., with net personally £7,263 11s. Probate of his will was granted to his widow, Mrs. Isabella Atkinson, of the same address, the sole executrix.
Mr. Atkinson states in his will: I give my soul to God, and my body to the earth—or better still the sea—or better still to my University; but all as my wife shall appoint; and I thank her for 40 years’ joy of living. I won’t say a thing to thank my son for what did for us. Everything that I have is settled upon him. Thanking everyone concerned for a very happy life.”
Mr. Atkinson left each to his daughters Mary and Gune, thanking them “for standing by us in the war-time”; and to his daughter Gune he left the sole control and two-thirds of the profits of my patent armour lead."
These bequests were additional to the provision made for his daughters by settlement. He left £100 to each his nephews. Frank and Hugh Wilkinson, and his niece, Audrey Wilkinson: £25 each to John Hobson. Gertrude Marlow and Arthur Eglesfield; to Mary Hillyer: and the residue of his property to his wife for life, with the remainder to his children.

COSGROVE. LIBERAL SOCIAL.—

A very successful social and dance was held in the Schools at Cosgrove Saturday, the object being the formation of a Liberal Association in the village. There was a large number present. The room had been tastefully decorated by the committee formed to carry out the arrangements. During the evening Mr. C. F. Alsop, of Roade (chairman of the Daventry Division Liberal Association) spoke on the formation of the association and its workings, and Mr. Kingesley Johnson made a short speech. Games and dancing were interspersed with songs and recitations, and there was an interval for refreshments. Altogether an enjoyable evening was spent. Mr. H. Tooby acted as M.C. The following committee was responsible for the arrangements: Mr. G. Williams, Mr. A. Childs, Mrs. H Tooby, Mrs. F. Hillyer, Mrs. F. Hall. Mrs. G. Williams Mrs. A. Bushell, and Miss Rose Fleming.

A sacred cantata, “From Manger to Cross”, was effectively rendered on Sunday afternoon in the Cosgrove Mission Hall by the Stony Stratford Baptist Church Choir under the direction of Mr Herbert Webb. Mr A. Aspray was the organist. There was a good attendance and the collection taken was on behalf of the Sunday School in connexion with the Hall.

TRYING MACHINE. Thomas Brumwell, cycle and motor engineer, Stony Stratford, was summoned for using a motor cycle on the highway, at Cosgrove, on April 23rd. bearing a limited trade licence, without carrying a duplicate entry in the book, and was fined 10s.— Frederick Montague Woollard, farm pupil. Stony Stratford, was summoned for aiding and abetting, and the case against him was dismissed.—Brumwell stated a duplicate was made out’ but was not taken by Woollard, who was using the machine with a view to purchase. Woollard pleaded ignorance of the regulations.

ROAD RACE AT WOLVERTON
INTERESTING CONTEST FOR NOVICES,

A three-mile road race open to novices who had not won a prize since leaving school was inaugurated by the Wolverton Amateur Athletic Club, who supplemented gifts silver and bronze medals by a Sunday newspaper with silver medal for the first clubman home.
There were 27 entries, and runners turned out for a course which reached the outskirts Stony Stratford and back. The judges were Captain C. O. D. Anderson and Mr. Sid Coles, the former also acting as starter, and Mr. A. J. Wesley was timekeeper.
A gruelling finish was fought out by A. Guntrip and G. Stewart (Cosgrove), but the former made a spurt in sight of the tape and gained the verdict by five yards, his time being 17min. He thus gained two silver medals. Bronze medals went to Stewart and R. L. Ditum (Hanslope), and the other silver medals went to the fourth man, F. Barby (Cosgrove) as the first unattached man home. A number of people watched the race.

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS.

At the Stony Stratford Police Court, on Friday morning, before Mr. S. F. Jones (in the chair), Mr. S. H. Wheeldon, Mr. C. P. Woollard, Mr. W. Purslow, Mr. A. Sharp, and Lieut.-Col. L. C. Hawkins, C.C.

NO LIGHTS.

Frederick Percy Morby, baker, Harpole, was summoned for driving a motor car without having offside lighted lamp attached at Cosgrove, at 10.10 p m on May 2nd. —Defendant was fined 10s.

FEAST SUNDAY

The time honoured village Feast was observed on Sunday last at Cosgrove. Yardley Gobion Britannia Band gave a programme of music in the village, and there were a large number of visitors during the evening.

FETE AT COSGROVE.

Cosgrove Hospital Fete was held on Saturday last in the picturesque grounds of Cosgrove Hall by kind permission of Capt. A. A. Fergusson. The opening ceremony was performed by Mrs. Atkinson who was presented with a bouquet of white carnations and roses by Miss Mary Whiting. An apology was received for the absence of the Manfield Choir, Northampton, owing to the death of Mr. James Manfield. Their place was taken by Northampton Concert Party. Stalls and amusements were under the charge of Messrs. P. Horne (Wembley Hell), B. Noble (Spinning Jenny), E. Kingston (Darts). E. Hillyer and H. Tooley (skittles), T. Cummings (ground skittles for pig). B. Gascoyne (bowling for a pig), T. Dillon and F. Hall (coconuts), P. Childs (hidden treasure), T. Payne (houp-la), Mesdames T. Lord and Andrews (provisions). Mrs. M. Jelley and helpers (teas and refreshments). The 1st Stony Stratford Boy Scouts under Scoutmaster T. G. Dicks, gave a clever gymnastic display. Selections were played by the Yardley Gobion Britannia Band.

In connection with the fete a horticultural show was held, the exhibits being sold for the fete funds. The winners were: Carrots, S. Williams; white cabbage, O. J. Child; cauliflower, T. Webster ; beetroot, 1 T. Payne, 2 T. Stewart; peas, 1 T. Lord, 2 K. Barby, 3 W. Stewart; shallots. 1 A. Keightley, 2 H. Gascoyne; Spring-sown onions, 1 R. Ince; autumn sown onions, 1 W. Stewart, 2 K. Barby; tomatoes. S. Williams: potatoes, round, A. Bushel, 2 S. Williams; kidney, 1 S Williams, Mrs. A. Jelley; fruit, Mrs. Childs; gooseberries, 1 T. Lord, 2 A. J. Childs; black currants. 1 Mrs. Carter, S. Williams; red currants, 1 Mrs. Carter, 2 S. raspberries, 1 A. J. Childs. 2 G. Jv.ng; sweet peas, 1 N. Overton (New Bradwell), J. Webster; bunches of flowers, 1 T. Payne. 2 N. Overton; bouquet of flowers, 1 Mrs. S. Williams, 2 Mrs. Childs; roses, W. Stewart; carnations, F. Childs. A. J. Childs; collection of vegetables. S. Williams; window or flowering plant (prizes by Capt. A. A. Fergusson), 1 G. Taylor, 2 T. Payne, 3 T. Williams; 12 roses (by Mrs. Agar). 1 Mrs. C. Ashley, 2W. Stewart; bunch of cut flowers (by Mrs. C. R. Whiting), 1 G. Williams, 2 N. Overton; bouquet of wild flowers, children (by Miss Williamson), 1 Hilda Castle, 2 Ivy Williams, 3 Florrie Swain; eggs (prizes Mrs. Andrew), 1 C. B. Whiting.

The secretarial arrangements for the fete were carried out Mr. B. Evans, and for the Horticultural Show Mr. S. Williams.

FISHING COMPETITION. . In connection with the fete a fishing competition was held on the previous Saturday, the winners being; 1 S. Illing, Wolverton, 1lb. 5½oz.; 2 H. Wright, Northampton, 1lb. 3oz.; 3 W. Brocklehurst, Wolverton, 11½oz.; 4 S. Tite, Deanshanger. 11oz.

COSGROVE.

A GARDEN PARTY was held Tuesday Cosgrove Rectory by the invitation of Mr. and Mrs. R. Kingesley- Johnson, and was attended by members of the Women's liberal Associations from the vicinity.

DEATH OF MRS WILLIAM CLARKE

It is with much regret we record the death of Mrs Jane Clarke, the wife of Mr William Clarke, who passed over on Monday 17^th August, after much suffering, patiently borne.

Mrs Clarke, who was 73 years of age, was well known in the village and in also in the neighbourhood and her demise will be much felt. She had lived in Cosgrove for over 30 years past and took a deep interest in the village life, at one time having been associated with women’s organizations there.

Residing as she did at the Locks, she came into close contact with the canal boat people in their journeys to and fro on the Grand Junction Canal and among these people she was held in the greatest esteem and respect which had been earned by her kindly disposition and generous nature.

The funeral took place on Thursday (yesterday) afternoon at the Cosgrove Parish Church.

THE A.O.F. SPORTS

G. White, of Wolverton, will prove a formidable competitor in the 220 yards flat race, for he finished third in the mile Marathon race at Stamford Bridge this year, and the cycle events will bring out J, G. Knight, of Cosgrove, who represented England in the Olympic Games last year. This year while competing in Holland, he carried off the Danish Cup.

A party of Buckingham Women Liberals, numbering about 50, visited Cosgrove on Tuesday afternoon, where a garden party at Mr. Kingesley-Johnson’s residence, the Rectory. The party arrived by motor coaches about 3 p.m., and spent the afternoon strolling round the grounds, after which a number were shown round the church and explored the tower. Tea was served on the lawn. Speeches followed, Mr. R. Kingesley-.Johnson and Mr. H. J. H. Dyer being the speakers.

The entries for the first annual sports of the A.O.F. in aid of the Manfield Hospital at Northampton have exceeded those of Hospital Sports (444) by over a hundred. Among the interesting competitors are G. White, of Wolverton, who finished third in the 26-mile Marathon Race at Stamford this year. - G. Knight, of Cosgrove, another entrant, represented England in the Olympic games last year, and this year carried off the Danish cup in Holland. C. Cole, the quarter-mile, half-mile, and mile cycle champion of Bucks, is competing, and there are entries from Coventry, Birmingham, Yorkshire, and Ireland.

CAUGHT FAIR.

Walter Jelley (23), railway labourer; Claud Meakins (16), apprentice painter; Sidney Bushell (21), farm labourer; Frank Johnson (23), railwayman; Herbert Gascoyne (17), apprentice fitter; Ernest Pettifer (23), farm labourer; and Edward Eglesfield (15), railway works labourer, all of Cosgrove, and Frank Huckins (21), apprentice tinsmith, Castlethorpe; were summoned for playing a game of chance (pontoon), at Cosgrove, on Sunday, August 30th. All except Johnson appeared and pleaded guilty.

P.C. Willoughby stated that at 12 (noon) when on a bridle road, he saw nine youths playing cards. Defendants quickly picked up the money, but witness seized the cards. Jelley admitted they had been “caught fair.”— Defendant had nothing to say to the bench.

The Chairman remarked that the elder defendants ought to know better than lead the youngsters astray. The two youngest were fined 5s. each, and the others 10s. each.

Harry Castle, coal porter, Cosgrove, was summoned for working a horse in an unfit state at Hanslope, on Wednesday, Sept. 22. Defendant pleaded not guilty.

P.C. Johnson. Hanslope, stated that he saw defendant driving a heavy cart mare attached to a coal cart. The horse was very lame, and had great difficulty in walking. He examined it, and found the off fore fetlock joint was swollen, hot and tender to the touch. He caused the horse to be detached from the trolley and put in an adjoining field, as it was not fit to travel on the road.

Defendant said the mare was all right when he started out that morning, or he would not have used it. In reply to the Bench, P.C. Johnson said that defendant was only the driver of the mare; the owner lived at Delapre Park, Northampton.

This being the first case against defendant, the Bench dealt with it leniently, and imposed a fine of 30s. The Chairman expressed the hope that offence would not repeated.

STONY STRATFORD SESSIONS. Friday.—Before Messrs. S. F. Jones (in the chair), C. P. Woollard, Sharp, A. Gray, and W. Purslow.

ROAD OFFENCES. Arthur Owen Andrews, motor driver, Cosgrove, summoned for driving a motorcar without any lighted lamps attached, Passenham September pleaded not guilty.

P.S. Summers said Defendant had no lights.

Defendant said his electric battery had failed, and contended there was a dim glow in the lamps.—Fined 10s.

Edmund John Pack, yeast merchant, 159, Broadway, Northampton, was summoned for driving a motor-car without proper lights, at Cosgrove, on Sept. 20.

P.S. Summers said defendant was driving a car without an off-side light. Defendant explained to him that the light must have blown out as he went over the bridge at Stony Stratford. The lamp contained plenty of oil and wick, and burned well when lighted.

Fined 10s.

Receiving Order – The following appears in the “London Gazette”: John Samuel Wilcox, lately carrying on business at Elms Farm, Cosgrove, smallholder and now residing at Astcote, and working as a farm labourer.

TIED HOUSES.

Mr. Kingesley-Johnson on Monopolies.

GREED AND UNFAIRNESS.

To the Editor of the Mercury.

Sir, —I was very interested to read the letter signed “Publican,” for it is a significant indication of an up-rising against the conditions under which the licensing trade is carried on in this country, that there should exist in these days a body of men, practically body and soul in the power of the monopolistic brewers, is strange phenomenon. If at last, in vindication of their rights in common with other citizens, they turn, it is a hopeful sign not only for the betterment of their own status and the assertion of their manhood, but in the cause of a truer temperance.

I hold strongly that the greatest barrier to temperance and the strongest fortress of the drink in its worst effects, lies in the brewers’ monopoly. It is a monstrous shame that these people should have it in their power to acquire licensed property at fancy prices to keep alive a traffic that might otherwise be dispensed with in that particular spot, or to keep in subjection a class of their fellow men who needs must knuckle under to live at all. Brewing in itself may not have been any worse than other business, but there is no doubt whatever that many of these men know perfectly well the dreadful effects of the concoctions they sell upon their weaker fellows and thus live and thrive exceedingly upon the bodies and souls of thousands.

The absolute greed and unfairness of this class is shown again, your correspondent points out so clearly in his letter in their relations with their tied tenant. If temperance people wish to secure temperance —not necessarily total abstinence —let them rather attack this giant monopoly; let them free a deserving class many ways in these days from the tyranny forced sale good, bad, and indifferent liquors. If there is to be beer at all, let it be pure, and let the publican, like any other man, his own master, be able to buy in the best and cheapest market.

More licences would be extinguished automatically by the abolition of the tied house than Local Option would bring about in generations. The publican would have a greater incentive to keep his record clean and his status as an independent citizen —unfettered —would have a moral influence upon his relations with his fellows. Many facts could be given also of the arbitrary conditions placed upon the publican in a tied house in regard to anything, outside the drink-selling part of the business, which might be good for the amenities of the district.

Yours faithfully,

R. KINGESLEY-JOHNSON, Cosgrove Rectory, Stony Stratford.

Walter Wm. Dickens, farmer. Stony Stratford, was summoned for allowing 61 lambs to stray on the highway at Cosgrove, on October 5th. —P.C Willoughby stated he found the lambs on the roadway, and they obstructed three cars and two motor cycles whilst he had them under observation. He turned them into a field.

Defendant said the lambs must have got through the gaps, gone across a neighbour’s field and through some barbed wire on to the road.

He was ordered to pay costs of 4s.

COSGROVE. LIBERAL ASSOCIATION

A very successful social and dance were held in the New Schools on Saturday, the room being tastefully decorated. A capital programme of songs and dances was much enjoyed by the large company. During the evening Mr. Kingesley-Johnson gave an interesting address on the political situation today. There was interval for refreshments; the Ladies’ Committee ably carried out the catering arrangements. The committee wish to thank all those who contributed towards an enjoyable evening spent in the cause of Liberalism.

LIBERALISM

A successful social and dance was held by the Cosgrove Liberal Association in the new school on Saturday last, the room being very tastefully decorated for the occasion. An enjoyable programme of songs and dances was taken part in by a large company present. During the evening Mr R Kingesley Johnson gave an address on current politics. There was an interval for refreshments, the ladies’ committee ably carrying out the catering arrangements.

A FARMER’S FAILURE

At the Northampton Bankruptcy Court on Friday, before Mr T. M. Percival, John Samuel Wilcox, smallholder, lately carrying on business at Elms Farm, Cosgrove, and now a farm labourer at Astcote, had gross liabilities of £421 12s, of which £271 12s was expected to rank. Debtor had no assets. He attributed his failure to the rent of his farm being too high, bad seasons and lack of capital.

Answering the Official Receiver, debtor, who is 39, said the receiving order was made on October 12 on a creditor’s petition. He served with the Northamptonshire Imperial Yeomanry through the war, and in March 1920 began farming at Cosgrove on a free capital of £133. His father gave him implements worth £100 and the landlords became guarantors for £200 at the bank.

In 1924 he was in difficulties and his father guaranteed a further £200. In March 1924 he was in arrears with his rent and received notice to quit. He owed the landlords £177. He was now working for his father.

The examination was adjourned.

Two obituary notices caught my eye lately and reminded one of our dying industries; first came the death of Mr. George Smith, of Olney, “who for 67 years had been connected with the pillow lace industry of Bucks, and at one period had 3,000 cottagers working on the pillow in their homes for him,” according to the notice in the “Times.”
Next was the account, in this newspaper, of the death of Mrs. Martha Chapman, “the last of the old Wendover lace-makers,” at the age of 83; both cases proving that lace-making was not so extremely unhealthy as was claimed for it, or else that Mr. Smith and Mrs. Chapman were eminently the “fittest,” since by Fate until they had passed the allotted span.
Mr. Smith has secured a certain immortality, which will outlive the memory of those who knew and respected him, in that he figures in Mr. Thomas Wright’s “Romance of the Lace Pillow.”
For instance he became the owner (in 1857!) of a parchment which is thought to be one of the oldest patterns of Bucks Point in existence; Mr. Wright ascribes it to 1700 or earlier, and illustrates it (page 97); the design is a charming one of oak-leaves and acorns, the technical description for those who can understand (I can’t), is as follows: “Acorn-cups, half-stich; accords, whole stitch: tiny fruits, 6 pins of whole stich; circular buds in the ground, 8 pins of whole stitch.” Again Mr. Smith mentioned as having “from 1870 very many tasteful designs,” and as being responsible for a “sacred monogram for ecclesiastical purposes.”
In other words, he stood to the ordinary lace-maker in much the same position as a musical composer stands to a performer of his music, or the playwright to the actor; the names of composers and playwrights are known, however, whilst the designers of patterns of lace are more traditional, apparently Mr. Wright describes 73 different patterns, unless it be that called “Old Woman of Cosgrove”; but whilst Cosgrove is recognised as the Northamptonshire village near Stony Stratford, the eponymous Old Woman lacks even a legendary existence. He does name some of the makers of the parchment-patterns though the seventeenth-century names he offers are really those of the dealers in lace, who are only conjecturally designers. About a century ago, however, there were two famous lace-designers, named Millward and Harbert, both of Olney; the late Mr. George Smith succeeded Mr. Millward. It is tempting to quote from the abundant mass of information collected by Mr. Wright, but readers must have the pleasure of finding it for themselves in the most interesting twelfth chapter “The Lace Schools,” of Mr. Wright’s book.
Turning, for a moment, to the economic side of lace-making, one finds in Pigot’s Directory of 1839 that the industry was even then threatened by its mechanical rival: “The chief manufacturers are those of the lace paper, the former giving employment to a great proportion of the females belonging to the humbler class. Many very young children are also employed in this interesting manufacture, who make the edgings and narrower sort of laces; and there are throughout the country many schools where bobbins on the pillows are actively plied, to the exclusion of the works of the sempstress. But this branch has suffered severely of late years; the article produced from the machines of Nottingham having shorn it, to a great extent, of its prosperity.” Statistics in those days were not very precise, possibly, for on looking at later directories one finds that in 1841 there were 4,440 engaged in the lace-trade, and in 1861 the number had risen to 8,500. The decline of any form of craftsmanship is regrettable, but lace-making is a close and essentially sedentary occupation, and a few old hands, who have lived to great age after a life at the pillow, are conspicuous, whilst the man who have perished are unknown.

RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. A meeting the .Rural District Council followed, Mr. Weston again presiding.

In his monthly report, the Medical Officer of Health stated that respiratory diseases had been on the increase during the past month. There had been six cases of pneumonia—one at Grafton, two at Potterspury and three at Cosgrove. This increase was in common with the rest of the country, due probably to the condition of the weather. Coughs, colds, and bronchitis had increased.

FANCY DRESS DANCE

An enjoyable Fancy Dress Dance was held in the new schools, Cosgrove, on Saturday evening, and a good number assembled, a fair number being in fancy dress. The judging of the latter was carried out by Mr and Mrs Fergusson and Miss Atkinson, whose awards, as follows, gave every satisfaction.

Ladies: 1 Miss N. Hillyer (Dutch Girl); 2 Mrs Grace (Crinoline);

Gentlemen: 1 Mr V. Mallows (Skeleton); 2 Mr A. Jackson (Golliwog);

Girls : 1 D. Grace (Wembley Doll); 2 Miss Holman (Registered Letter)

Boys : 1 F. Green (Cowboy); 2 A. Bushal (Baker)

A vote of thanks to the judges was voiced by the Chairman, Mr S. Williams, and Mr Fergusson who responded spoke of the difficult task they had had. He said they would have liked to have given all prizes. The dance music was provided by Mrs Andrews at the pianoforte, and the duties of MC were jointly discharged by Mr P. Horn and Mr E. Kingston. Refreshments were provided during the evening by Mesdames G. Brown, F. Jelley, S. Williams, T. Lord and Miss W. Childs. Messrs A. Andrews, G. Williams, W. Swain, F. Hall, O. Childs, T. Lord, S. Williams and A. Childs carried out the duties of stewards, and the secretarial arrangements were ably made by Mr C. Evans. An enjoyable evening lasted until close upon midnight. The proceeds of the dance, realising about £5, were in aid of the Cosgrove Hospital Effort Fund.

COSGROVE LIBERAL MEETING.

A most successful gathering was held by the Liberal Association in the New Schools on Saturday. The Red and White Concert Party from Woodford Halse gave a delightful programme. Mr C. E. Whitfield presided over a large assembly, and was supported by Mrs. Campbell Gordon, who gave a stirring and encouraging message in which she urged her hearers to stand by Liberalism. The concert entertainment lasted about two hours, and then, after an interval for refreshments, the rest of the evening was spent in dancing, the Red and White Orchestra supplying the music. Mr. E. Kingston acted as M.C. The committee are congratulated on the excellent arrangements.

MEDAL OF MERIT PRESENTED TO DISTRICT COMMISSIONER J. O. HAMILTON.

The first dinner of the Stony Stratford, Wolverton and District Local Association of Boy Scouts was held at the Victoria Hotel, Wolverton on Saturday evening, when an award of the Medal of Merit, a distinguished honour in the Scouts movement, was made to District-Commissioner J. O. Hamilton for good services to the movement.

For some years, Mr. Hamilton was Commissioner for the Potterspury District of Northants, but became Commissioner of the present association when it amalgamated with the Potterspury District four years, ago. Mr. H. F. Weston, J.P., C.C. (Yardley Gobion), presided and the company present numbered about 40. Following the loyal toast by the chairman, other toasts given were “The Chief," by Mr. G. Mead, Brockhall, assistant County Commissioner for Northants; “Big Wolf” (the Rev. W. H. Shackel), Brockhall, the County Commissioner for Northants by Cubmaster Chapman, Deanshanger; Hiawatha (District-Commissioner Hamilton) by the Rev. H. Shackel, who made the presentation ; “Our Visitors.’’ District S.M. Holloway, responded to the Rev. L. E. Lydekker. District-Commissioner, Linslade; and the Local Association, S.M. J. R. Sowman, Olney, responded to by Hon. A-S.M. Fisher, Wolverton. Thanks to the chairman were voiced by Cubmaster W. Holloway, Wolverton, and Mr. Ferguson, Cosgrove. The harmony of the evening was sustained by Cubmaster W Holloway, Mr. C. W. Archer hon. Cubmaster C. Esson, hon. A.S.M. Fisher, Sowman. and Mr. R. Elmes, Stony Stratford.

Gordon Freestone, a railway worker, of Cosgrove, was summoned for not having his rear number-plate illuminated, at Paulerspury, March 6th

Mr. R. Manning (Becke, Green, and Stops, Northampton) defended, and said that the wire had broken since the journey commenced.

A fine of 6s. was imposed.

Receiving orders to bankruptcy published in the London Gazette include: Kingsley-Johnson R. of Cosgrove Rectory, Stony Stratford, Buckingham.

NO ASSETS.

The Official Receiver (Mr. D. Helliar) has issued the statement of affairs in connection with the bankruptcy of Mr, Richard Kingsley Johnson, Cosgrove Rectory, Stony Stratford. Mr. Johnson, who is a tutor, was Liberal candidate for North Bucks at the General Election in October, 1924, and afterwards was adopted prospective Liberal candidate for the next election. The gross liabilities amount to £1600 18s. 1d., of which £1,575 18s. 1d. is expected to rank. There are net assets, and the deficiency therefore is £1,576 18s 1d. A deficiency account filed by the debtor shows household and personal expenses of self and wife, tutor, and two boys for past year £1,015 18s. 1d., interest to moneylenders £685, political expenditure on campaign total £1,950 18s. 1d. .From this is deducted £350 net profit from business, and excess assets over liabilities, leaving £1,575 18s, 1d.

Debtor alleges his failure to have been caused through being adopted prospective candidate for Parliament and consequential expenses in connection therewith, and inferential effect it had on securing pupils in the first term of 1925. In his observation the Official Receiver states that the Receiving Order was made March 26 on a creditor’s petition, the act of bankruptcy being non-compliance before March with the requirements of a bankruptcy notice issued by two professional moneylenders in respect of judgments for over £1000.

Debtor, aged 53, has been engaged in scholastic work since 1891, and has been a tutor in various parts of the country. In December, 1922, he rented Cosgrove Rectory partly furnished, and coached for the Army, Navy, etc. In October, 1924, he was nominated as Parliamentary candidate, and states that at that time he was solvent, and his personal expenses in respect of that election did not amount to more than £25. December the same year he was adopted prospective candidate for the next election, and in consequence of his activities has spent, he states, about £200 trying to revive the constituency. He attributes his present insolvent position to this, and to the fact that in February 1825, he had recourse to professional moneylenders.

Of the unsecured liabilities £1110 is in respect of money borrowed, and the balance for household and personal expenses. Debtor also states that he became aware of his insolvency in 1925, and has contracted debts since that time, hoping that he might obtain a fair number of pupils.

A sale of property was conducted by Messrs. Wigley, Sons, and Gambell, at Castlethorpe, on Friday

A group of seven cottages the Green, Cosgrove, sold for £550.

A COUNTY WEDDING.

Brilliant Scene at Gayton Church,

MR. WINTERBOTTOM—MISS EYKYN.

 There was. a brilliant scene at Gayton Church when the wedding took place of Miss Cecile Eykyn, the only daughter Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Eykyn, of Gayton House, and Mr. George Winterbottom, the eldest son of Mr and Mrs. G. H. Winterbottom, Horton House. The church was crowded.

The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a sleeveless gown of flesh pink georgette, over an under-dress of silver tissue. Above the waistline the gown was heavily embroidered with opal sequins, and on the right high nestled a cluster of orange blossom. A long veil of Honiton lace, which reached to the ground, was surmounted a wreath of orange blossom. Miss Eykyn’s train was of shot silver lame, lined with pink georgette, and she carried a sheaf of opalescent orchids and white heather, the gift of the bridegroom.

Master Timothy Ellis was the page. Misses Noel, Sheila, and Myra Winterbottom (nieces of the bridegroom) and Miss Jean Loder, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. Loder, of Syresham, all dressed in foxglove pink, attended on the bride. The little bridesmaids’ dresses were sleeveless, with velvet bodices, and petalled georgette skirts, with silk tights and velvet ballet flippers of the same tone. The bridesmaids wore wreaths of auriculas, and suspended from silver ribbons from their silver wands were flowers of the same variety.

Mr. Oscar Winterbottom was the groomsman. The clergy were the Rev. W. Brooke- Rickards, rector of Bucksland, Worcestershire and formerly rector of Tiffield; the Rev W. F Stoker, rector of Gayton; and the Rev. FT. E. Mann, rector of Horton.

In the vestry, after the signing of the register, Miss Chester presented the bride with a silver horseshoe. A reception was held at Gayton House. The bride's mother was dressed in a black georgette dress, with wing sleeves, and inlet bands on the sleeves, and skirt of silver and multi-coloured bead embroidery. Her hat was mastic-coloured Bangkok, with osprey plumes. Mrs. Winterbottom was unable to be present as she is abroad.

Later in the day Mr. and Mrs. Winterbottom left by motor car for their honeymoon, their destination being a well-kept secret of their own. Mrs. Winterbottom travelled in a dress of bois de rose crepe de chine, with a hat and coat of a deeper shade.

In the evening the villagers of Gayton visited Gayton House and drank the health of the bride and bridegroom. Mr. and Mrs. Winterbottom, upon their return from the honeymoon, will reside for a short time Southfield-place, Woodend, formerly the residence of Major the Hon. R. L. Pomeroy. Among the many presents which the bride and bridegroom received were the following;— Bridegroom to bride, satin baby grand piano and motor car; bride to bridegroom, portrait of self and turquoise and diamond tie-pin; bride’s parents, table silver, canteen of silver-handled knives, four silver Georgian candlesticks and candelabra, cut table glass, inlaid Italian ebony and ivory table, and picture by Philip J. Thornhill; bridegroom’s father, cheque; Mr. Roger Eykyn, gun-metal and diamond match-box and gold and sapphire tie-clip; Miss Janie and Miss May Eykyn, six silver plates and twenty-eight Gilray coloured caricatures; Misses Ida, Stella and Auriol Eykyn, casserole on silver stand; Mrs. W. Winterbottom, silver centre-piece; Mrs. G. H. Winterboltom, antique rug; Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Winterbottom, silver tea service; Miss Winterbottom, butterfly wing picture; Mr. and Mrs. Loftus, silver cigarette-box; the Misses Beavan, china parrot; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Moxon, six coffee cups and wooden tray; Miss Bouverie and Miss Uthwatt, silver salver.

POLITICS DID NOT PAY.
Now Mr. R. K. Johnson Got Into Difficulties.
DESIRES TO LIQUIDATE HIS DEBTS.

 " Through being adopted prospective candidate tor Parliament and consequential expenses in connection therewith, and inferential effect it had on securing pupils to the first term of 1925" were the causes of his failure as stated by Mr Richard Kingesley Johnson , who appeared for his public examination before the Northampton Registrar (Mr. T. M. Percival) at Northampton Bankruptcy Court this morning.
Mr. Johnson, who describes himself as a tutor, was Liberal candidate for North Bucks in October. 1924, and afterwards was adopted prospective Liberal candidate for that constituency for the next election.
His statement of affairs showed gross liabilities amounting to £1,600 18s 1d. of which £1,575 18s 1d was expected to rank for dividend. There were no net assets, the deficiency being £1,575 18s. 1d His deficiency account had showed household and personal, expenses of himself, wife, tutor and two boys for the past year at £1,015 18s. 1d., interest to money lenders £685, political expenditure on campaign £250, total £1,950 18s. 1d., but from that had to be deducted £350 net profit from business, and £25 excess of over liabilities, leaving, as stated, £1,575 18s. 1d.
In answer to Mr. D. Helliar, the Official receiver, Mr. Johnson said the petition had been filed by Messrs. Bell, Harris and Dawson, professional money-tenders.
Another matter that contributed towards the causes of his failure was the insecurity of his tenure of Cosgrove Rectory, which he had taken partly furnished. He was 53 years of age, and was a tutor for the Army, Navy, Law, and the 'Varsities. He had been brought up and educated by his grandparents in Lincolnshire, and on the death of his grandfather he removed with his grandmother to Peterborough.
Did you inherit anything when your grandmother died? Between £300 and £400.
You have stated it was £500?—It might have been. I could not remember.
What became of it? - It was expended in fees and other ordinary expenses.
Then you removed to Highbury and commenced business as a tutor, taking private pupils, did you not?—Yes.
And you made a livelihood for 25 years? —Yes. but in 1912 I went to live near Bristol, and did not return to London till 1916.
Debtor said he then became an assistant to a Mr. W. M. Cobbold, of West Wratting, Cambs. at a salary to commence at £210, but he augmented that salary by private work and journalism, making perhaps from £100 to £150 a year that way. When Mr. Cobbold died in 1922 he came to Cosgrove Rectory at a rental of £160 per annum. He left the Rectory on March 25th last.
There was a writ for possession against you, wasn't there? l believe there was, but I had left and it was never served. I went to the White Hall, near St. Ives, and took some of the furniture with me.
In October, 1924, you were nominated Liberal candidate for North Bucks?—Yes.
What were your personal expenses at that election? £25.
The other expenses were borne by the Association?—Yes.
In December, 1924, you were adopted prospective candidate for the next election, .whenever that should be—Yes.
And you say part of your failure is due to moving about amongst the constituency?—Yes.
Why?- I considered it my duty as candidate to do that.
And it cost you £200?—Undoubtedly! Much more.
You were endeavouring to revive Liberalism in the constituency?—Yes.
And you attribute that expenditure to continuing Liberal candidate?—That is so.
In 1925 you began borrowing money from professional moneylenders?-Yes,
Your first transaction was with Mr. Harris, and you borrowed £350. Did you sign a promissory note for £500?--Yes.
You repaid £125—Yes.
And you renewed it, signing another for £600—Yes.
Continuing, debtor said be borrowed £200 from Mr. Dawson to repay £300, and after repaying £125 he renewed that one. Later there was another transaction, and upon the receipt of a further £200, he signed a note for £475. He borrowed £100 from Mr. Michaelson and signed for £200. He had hoped to get his fees in time to meet that note.
In filling in his income tax returns, he returned his gross income for 1922 at £1,200, and after deducting expenses, his net income was about £400 a year. In 1923 it had gone up to £1,421 19s. 8d, and in 1924 to £1,681 gross; but in 1925 it had fallen to £700, and in 1924 it dropped to £310. Knowing this, why did you go to moneylenders? I had to carry on. We had to live and we were hoping circumstances would change, am wiser now.
Debtor added that he could never tell at the beginning of the year how many pupils he would be likely to have, and he had to be prepared.
You put your personal expenses at £1,015 18s. 1d. Have you been extravagant?— No. It all went in political expenses and entertainment, but no one could say we were extravagant personally.
“I have no more questions to put now," remarked the Official Receiver.
" Is it permitted for me to make any statement?' asked the debtor.
Thy Registrar: You are not represented by any solicitor you know, and it would be very unusual. You will be advised to say nothing at this juncture. It is not as though you were dealing in an application for discharge.
Debtor: I only wanted to say, still persisting in my request that I desire to pay all this money off. I would like to pay at about £20 per month or something like that.
The Official Receiver: You must make that suggestion to the Trustee. He will be very glad to hear it. The examination was closed.

Important Dispersal Sale.

MANOR FARM, COSGROVE NORTHANTS,

Close to Stony Stratford. 4 miles from Wolverton (L.M.S. Railway), 2 miles from Castlethorpe (L.M.S. Railway), and 12 miles from Northampton.

Mr. P. C. CAMBELL

Is instructed by Capt. A. Ferguson (who giving up Farming),
TO SELL BY AUCTION.
On FRIDAY. MAY 21st, 1926.
The whole of the
LIVE A DEAD FARMING STOCK,
Including;—

18 PEDIGREE SHORTHORNS, including Cows and Heifers of the Non Pareil, Brawith Bud. Roan Lady. Butterfly, and Lady Dorothy strains; also
43 NON - PEDIGREE SHORTHORN CATTLE, viz.:—15 Cows and Heifers in milk in-calf, 17 Steers, and Sturks, 11 Calves;
292 SHEEP AND LAMBS, viz. :-83 Border Leicester Ewes and their Lambs, 39 Oxford Down Ewes and their Lambs. 34 cross-bred Tegs, 3 Oxford Down Rams;
52 SOWS AND PIGS. viz. 5 In-pig Sows, In-pig Gilt, Gilt and 9 Pigs, Gilt and 8 Pigs, 26 strong Store Pigs, and a Large Black Boar;
6 HORSES, viz.3 Cart Mares and Gelding (aged). Cart Mare (8 years). Cart Mare (3 years), and Pony;

Also the
AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS AND MACHINERY
for Farm of 350 Acres, including:—

Agricultural Carts, Waggons, Float, Flat and Cambridge Rolls, Manure and Corn Drills. Binders and Mowing Machines. Elevator and Gear, Ploughs, Harrows, Cultivators, Tedders. Horse Rake. Harness. 5 h.p. Petter Oil Engine, Power Grist Mill. Chaffcutter, and Root Poultry Houses and Appliances; also about
240 ACRES GRASS KEEPING, to be grazed up November 1^st, 1926.
The Sale will commence at 12 o'clock, exact time, with the Implements' and Machinery.
Catalogues may obtained from Capt. A. A. Ferguson, Cosgrove, Stratford; or of the Auctioneer, Newport Pagnell, and Olney.

Northampton Chronicle and Echo Monday 17 May 1926
ACCIDENT. Reginald Morton, who lives at Glebe Farm, Cosgrove, was admitted to Northampton General Hospital at 1.50 a.m. on Sunday, suffering from an injury to the arm.

ACCIDENT. Reginald Morton, who lives at [Glebe] Farm, Cosgrove, was admitted to Northampton General Hospital at 1.50 am on Sunday, suffering from an injury to the arm.

WANTED, HOUSE-PARLOURMAID, age 23-30, housemaid kept; two in family; state age, wages and experience. Miss Balfour, Old Dower House, Cosgrove.

IN AID OF NORTHAMPTON HOSPITAL

The third fete by Cosgrove inhabitants on behalf of the Northampton General Hospital was held on Saturday in the grounds of Cosgrove Hall, lent by Mrs. Agar. Mrs. Atkinson, Cosgrove Priory, who performed the opening, was presented with a bouquet of carnations. During the afternoon there were many attractions, including the usual stalls and side shows; displays by the Wolverton, 2nd Stony Stratford and Potterspury Troops of Boy Scouts; a concert programme provided by the Belton Quartet Party (Wolverton) Mr. Tom Wright, and Mr. F. Nichols (Stony Stratford), and dancing on the lawn to the music rendered by the Yardley Gobion Britannia Band, under the conductorship Mr. F. Horton.

The flower show, under the charge of Mr. A. Andrews, was judged by Messrs. Bavington (Newport Pagnell) and Ince (Cosgrove), and the exhibits, together with gifts, were sold by the Rev. J. R. Stockton. The side show s were under the charge of Messrs. E. Hillyer (skittles for pair of shoes). F. Hillyer (skittles for cigarettes), E. Kingston (darts), F. Hall, C. Meakins (coconuts), Gascoigne (bowling for sack of barley), T. Cummings (ground skittles). Bert Nobles (hidden treasure), Mesdames George Brown, S. Williams A. Childs, G. Williams, F. Hall, and Gascoigne (teas and refreshments), Mesdames T. Lord, and P. Horne (ices). Miss (toy stall), and clock golf. There were several competitions. Messrs. G. Williams and A. Childs were in charge of the gate. A tennis tournament behalf of the fete fund was held on the previous Monday at Cosgrove Priory and Cosgrove Hall, arranged by Miss Atkinson. This produced about £6. Last year the Cosgrove Hospital Fete Committee raised £112.

COSGROVE.

ANNIVERSARY SERVICES at the Cosgrove Mission Room on Sunday were conducted by the Rev. John Haydon of Stony Stratford. Special singing was rendered by the choir and children, assisted by friends from Stratford, Mr. H. Webb being organist and conductor. The collection for the school funds amounted to £1 10s.

INQUEST AT NORTHAMPTON HOSPITAL.

Mr. A. J. Darnell, the Borough Coroner, held an inquest at the Northampton General Hospital on Saturday on the body of Ebenezer Butcher, aged 57, wood machinist, of Cosgrove, who died at the institution on Friday morning. Sarah Ann Butcher, the widow, said that some weeks ago her husband fractured his arm. He was treated at the Hospital as out-patient. Then other things developed. She said ……… that the accident had nothing whatever to with the cause of death.

Dr. J. B. Bell, house physician at the Hospital, said Butcher was treated for a fractured arm but developed a growth. He was admitted and an operation was performed and the growth successfully removed. But the man had other growths and gradually got worse until he died on Friday morning. A post mortem examination revealed the fact that he had cancer on the liver, and that was the cause of death. The Coroner recorded a verdict to that effect.

Wolverton Express 6^th August, 1926

A wood machinist, Ebenezer Butcher, aged 57 years, a resident of Cosgrove passed away on Friday morning at the Northampton General Hospital in which institution he was undergoing treatment.  On Saturday afternoon, Mr. AJ Darnell the borough coroner, conducted an inquest on the body of the deceased.  Evidence of identification was given by Sarah Ann Butcher, the widow, who stated that some weeks ago her husband fractured his arm.  He was treated at the hospital as an outpatient. Then other things developed.

Dr. J B Bell, House Physician at the hospital, said Butcher was treated for a fractured arm but developed a growth.  He was admitted and an operation was performed and the growth successfully removed.  But the man had other growths and gradually got worse until he died on Friday morning.  A post mortem examination revealed the fact that he had cancer on the liver and that was the cause of death.  The coroner returned a verdict to that effect.

Funeral of Mr. Ebenezer Butcher

The funeral of Mr. Ebenezer Butcher, who had resided at Cosgrove for the past 27 years, took place on Tuesday last at the Wolverton St Mary’s Church, and the interment ceremony at the London Road cemetery Stony Stratford.  Deceased, who was a native of Stony Stratford, passed away at the Northampton Hospital on the previous Friday.  He was 57 years of age, and had for 38 or 39 years been employed by the railway company in their Wolverton carriage works as a wood machinist.  The funeral service was impressively conducted by the Rev. E J Payne, vicar of Wolverton St Mary’s, and the family mourners present were: Mrs. E. Butcher (widow), Mr. W T Butcher of Wolverton (son), Mr. and Mrs. H Butcher of Stony Stratford (brother and sister in law), Mr. and Mrs. S Butcher of London (brother and sister in law), Mr. W Butcher of Wakefield (brother), Mrs Twissell of Stony Stratford, Mr. and Mrs. A J Tyrell of Stony Stratford (nephew and niece).

Mrs. Butcher, the mother of the deceased, was unable to be present owing to advanced age, and Mrs. W T Butcher through illness. There were also present a number of his shopmates, and neighbours from Cosgrove, who attended to pay their respects to the memory of one whom they much respected, these included Mrs. Noble, Mrs. Ratcliffe, and Mrs. Wise (neighbours), Mr J. Taylor, Mr H. Dickinson, and Mr. Robinson (workmates).  Representing the Peabody Lodge of Oddfellows to which deceased belonged, were Mr. J Bird, Mr. J Mackerness, and Mr W. Colton.  There was a large collection of beautiful floral tributes.

OUTING

Sunday School children and teachers of the Mission Hall visited Woburn, Woburn Sands and Ridgmont on Sunday by motor.

A service of Remembrance of those who fell in the Great War was held on Sunday afternoon at the Cosgrove St Peter’s Church, and was attended by ex-Servicemen of Cosgrove and Old Stratford, together with village residents, and the Church was crowded. The Old Stratford ex-Servicemen, numbering 14, formed up at the Cross-Roads and proceeded to Cosgrove, where at the Church they were joined by their Cosgrove colleagues to the total number of 40. The whole of the ex-Servicemen were under the charge of Captain P. Y. Atkinson.

The service, which was of a very impressive character, was conducted by the Rev J. H. Stockton, who gave the address. During the service, buglers sounded the “Last Post”, as wreaths, composed of white chrysanthemums, violets and Flanders poppies were placed against the War Memorial tablet. The inscriptions they bore were “In loving remembrance from ex-Servicemen of Cosgrove” and were “In remembrance from ex-Servicemen of Old Stratford”.

At the close of the service the “Reveille” was sounded. The hymns sung were “O God our help in ages past”, “Soldiers of Christ arise,” and “Onward Christian Soldiers.” The collection taken was for Earl Haig’s Fund.

The arrangements for Cosgrove were made by Mr A Smith, and for Old Stratford by Mr W. Slaymaker and Mr C. Butler.

COSGROVE.

A CONCERT held in the Cosgrove Parish Church, on Sunday afternoon, was largely attended, and among the congregation were Lord Penrhyn, Lord and Lady Hillingdon, and Viscountess Ipswich.

The artistes were; Mrs. Lucas (violin). Miss Wilkinson (violoncello), Miss Wood (contralto), Miss G. Atkinson (soprano), Mr. C. F. Trevor (baritone), and Mrs. Wilkinson (accompanist). A collection taken for the Division of the Diocese Fund amounted to £15.

INFLUENZA.

The Medical Officer of Health (Dr. A. H. Habgood) reported that during the past fortnight influenza had been very prevalent. Fortunately it had not been of a severe type, and there were no complications. The Grafton Schools were closed on Monday for ten days, and Cosgrove Schools on Wednesday until January 21st.

INCREASE IN BIRTHS AND DECREASE IN DEATHS.

At the annual meetings of Potterspury Rural District Council and Board of Guardians, Thursday, the Medical Officer reported an increase in births and a decrease in deaths in the rural district.

THE DISTRICT’S HEALTH. At the Council meeting, the Medina! Officer Dr. A. H. Habgood, D.S.O ) gave his annual report. He said the estimated population, of the district was 4.750. During the year the birth-rate was 15.4 and the death-rate 10.9. Cosgrove was the only village which at present had no nurse, and it was desirable one should be provided.

Are instructed by Mrs. Agar to sell by auction as a whole or in lots (unless previously disposed of by private treaty), on Friday, July 15, 1927, at the Cock hotel, Stony Stratford, the valuable freehold

Residential & agricultural property, known as the Cosgrove Hall Estate, near Stony Stratford, the whole comprising an area of about 350 acres, and including the comfortable Georgian residence, having central heating and electric lighting, stabling, garage, lodge, and four cottages, old world gardens and grounds.

The Manor Farm, Cosgrove, with good house, buildings, cottages, and about 300 acres of good grass and arable land.

Particulars, conditions, and plans may be obtained in due course of the auctioneers, Mr. P C Gambell, Newport Pagnell and Olney; Messrs. John D Wood & Co, 6 Mount Street, London, W1; or of the solicitors, Messrs. Wrenstead, Hind & Roberts, Ormond House, 63 Queen Victoria street, London, EC 4

The largest crowd of recent years witnessed the annual athletic sports of the Wolverton AAC in the Wolverton Park on Whit Tuesday.  Fully 4000 people lined the oval.  A lengthy programme of events was well entered and some fine racing was seen.  Finishes were close and the popular winners were recorded by J G Knight and G C White in cycle and flat events respectively.  Other WAAC members figured prominently in the result list.  Undoubtedly the finest race of the afternoon was the invitation Five Mile Cycle Scratch Race, in which Jim Knight, the popular Cosgrove rider, was beaten only by inches by F H Habberfield the Polytechnic crack.  A new feature of the meeting was the introduction of the ladies’ flat handicaps, and among the competitors were national runners.

Cosgrove

Skittles:  Friendly games of skittles were played during the past week between the Portland Arms team, Northampton, and the Barley Mow team, Cosgrove.  At Northampton on Saturday the first game was won by the home team by 40 - 31 and at Cosgrove on Wednesday evening the result was in favour of Cosgrove by 42 - 38.

At the Cock Hotel Stony Stratford on Friday, July 15, 1927 at 3.00 PM exact time

Solicitors: Messrs. Wrenstead, Hind & Roberts, Ormond House, 63 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4

Auctioneers: Messrs. John D Wood & Co, 6 Mount Street, Grosvenor Square, London W1; Mr. P C Gambell, Newport Pagnell and Olney.

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS. On Friday.—Before A Sharp (chairman), C. P. Wollard, and H. F. T. Weston, G.C.

COWS DIDN’T FOLLOW. Richard Leonard Mills, smallholder, Cosgrove, was summoned for keeping a dog without licence, also with allowing two cows to stray on the highway Cosgrove. Defendant pleaded guilty to both offences. He informed P.C. Granger that he was driving the cows and as they went so slowly and he wanted his tea he jumped on his bicycle and went and had it. He thought the cows would follow him. As regards the dog licence, quite slipped his memory. Defendant was fined 7s. 6d. in the first case and 10s. in the other.

Cows didn’t follow

Richard Leonard Mills, smallholder, Cosgrove, was summoned for keeping a dog without a licence, also with allowing two cows to stray on the highway at Cosgrove.

Defendant pleaded guilty to both offences.  He informed P C Grainger that he was driving the cows and as they went so slowly and he wanted his tea he jumped on his bicycle and went and had it.  He thought the cows would follow him.  As regards his dog licence, it quite slipped his memory.  Defendant was fined 7/6 in the first case and 10/- in the other.

At the Cock Hotel, Stony Stratford, on Friday afternoon, Mr. P C Gambell auctioneer, Newport Pagnell and Olney, in conjunction with Messrs. John D Wood & Co London, offered at auction valuable residential and farm property, Cosgrove Hall, by direction of Mrs. B Agar, who is leaving the district.  There was a good attendance.  The whole of the property, about 358 acres, was first offered in one lot, and starting at £7000 bidding rose to £12,000, when the auctioneer announced that it was withdrawn at £16,000.

In the first lot was Cosgrove Hall, a Georgian residence, with a suite of three reception rooms and 14 bed and dressing rooms and fitted with electric light and all modern conveniences together with stabling, garage, and lodge, and four cottages, gardens and grounds, extending over 35 acres.  No offer was made and the lot was withdrawn.

Manor Farm. 307a 0r 18p, was the next lot.  It comprised Old Manor House, farm buildings, three cottages, etc., Bidding was started at £5000 and at £8000 the lot was withdrawn.

The third lot, the Little Manor, 7a.  0r.  3p, comprised a newly erected residence of old stone, with gardens.  Bidding began at £1000 and after three bids of £100 this lot was also withdrawn.

Mr. Roberts, of Messrs. Wrenstead, Hind and Roberts, London, represented the solicitors for the vendors.

Cosgrove

Anniversary Services: The Sunday school of the Mission Hall, Cosgrove, held their anniversary services on Sunday last.  In the afternoon a party of about 50 members of the new Bradwell Primitive Methodist Church choir and congregation, visited the Hall and considerably helped them during the day.  Mr. A E Brown, a local preacher, from Stony Stratford, took the chair in the afternoon, and the new Bradwell friends rendered the concert.  The following rendered musical items, Miss Mabel Waldock, solos; Miss Mildred Waldock, recitations; Miss Mabel Waldock and Miss Christine Waldock, duets.  The choir, under the conductorship of Mr I. Beckett, rendered the anthem, “Marching on to Victory”.  Miss Mabel Waldock presided at the organ.  All the friends from New Bradwell, including Mr. Brown, sat down to tea, served by members of the Mission Hall, Cosgrove.  At the evening’s service the New Bradwell choir led the congregation in the singing.  Miss Mabel Waldock again presided at the organ, and also rendered a solo.  Miss Christine Waldock and Miss Mabel Waldock rendered another duet.  The collections were for Sunday school funds.  The arrangements were made by Mr. G H Cross, Secretary of the New Bradwell Sunday School.

BOY SCOUTS LINE CHURCHYARD AT FUNERAL OF MAJOR POLLEXFEN.

The funeral of Major Arthur Pollexfen, who died suddenly at Furtho House, Old Stratford on Thursday took place on Tuesday afternoon at the Cosgrove Parish Church. The service was conducted by the Rev. J. Stockton assisted by the Rev. H. Nelson-Ward (Wicken). A number of Boy Scouts and Cubs lined the pathway leading to the Church. Among the public mourners were: Captain P Atkinson, the Misses Atkinson, Lieut.-Col. R. F. H. Lombe (Grafton Regis), Dr. A. Habgood D. S.O. (Stony Stratford). Miss Wells, Lieu-Gen. Sir Arthur Holland, K.C.M.G., M.P. (Hanslope Lodge), and Scout Commissioner Oswald Hamilton (Old Stratford). A number of residents of the villages of Old Stratford and Cosgrove also attended.

The quarries at Old Stratford known in the scouts circles as “Hiawatha’s Hunting Grounds” is always a much favoured and pleasant spot for camps, and here during the present week, several visiting troops have pitched their tents and are spending a happy time in work and play.  Everybody in these camps are expected to put in an hour’s service each day in such use or occupations as road making and building for the ultimate improvement of the grounds. 

The 101^st Bedfords (the Kempston Troop) arrived on Saturday by bus and include Scouts and Cubs.  34 in number, they are under the charge of ASM Lesley Egan and the troops have their own chaplain in camp in the person of the Rev. I Hewson.

MOTOR CASES. Benjamin Sidney Whiting, farmer, Castlethorpe, was summoned for driving a motor van and failing to have a current Road Fund licence affixed, at Cosgrove, on August 3rd, also for driving without proper lights.

Defendant pleaded not guilty.

P.C, Granger, Yardley Gobion, said he stopped defendant on the Hanslope-road, Cosgrove, at 12.20 a.m., and upon examining the Road Fund licence found it had expired on June 30th. Defendant produced a current Road Fund licence from his pocket, and said he had only just bought the van, and had fetched it from London that day. He had had a lot of trouble to start the van, and when he got it going he kept straight on. Defendant had no rear light.

Defendant, who said could not get the van to go again and had to walk home, was fined 10s. in each case.

Fergus Reginald Ogden, smallholder, Cosgrove, was summoned for allowing a dog to be on the highway with no name and address on collar. P.C. Grainger (Yardley Gobion) stated the case, and defendant, who pleaded guilty, was ordered to pay costs of 4s.

A MAMMOTH TUSK FOUND IN GRAVEL PIT AT COSGROVE

A mammoth tusk has been unearthed at Cosgrove, which had perished to such extent that when the air got to it, it began to crumble to pieces. It is believed to have been originally six feet long and 18 inches in circumference. It was found in gravel silt at a depth of about 14 feet. Many teeth and other mammoth remains have been found in the same pit of gravel, some as deep as 18 feet or more from the surface.

COSGROVE. DANCE.

A successful dance in the Council Schools on Saturday was behalf of the Cosgrove Football Club. About 90 were present.

COSGROVE.
 FOR THE HOSPITAL.

In connection with the village hospital effort, a dance was held in the Cosgrove Schools on Saturday. About 70 were present. The arrangements were in the hands of Mr. E. Norman (hon. secretary).

Cosgrove

Whist Drive: The Girls’ Friendly Society held an enjoyable whist drive in the Old Schools on Friday evening.  About 60 took part, and the duties of MC were discharged by the Rev. J. Stockton.  The prizewinners were: Ladies: 1 (cut glass jug given by Mrs M. Atkinson) Mr. W Swain (181), 2 (fruit dish given by Miss M. Atkinson) Miss B Tack (172), booby prize (bottle of scent given by Mrs Stockton) Mr. C Knight (132).  Gentlemen: 1 (hall set given by Mrs. C. Compton, Wolverton) Mr. A Noble (172), 2 (scarf given by Mr. S Eglesfield) Mr. E Eglesfield (164) after a cut with two others; booby prize (50 cigarettes given by Mrs Stockton) Mr. W. Sanders (139).  Miss M. Atkinson was responsible for the arrangements, assisted by members of the society.  The sum of about £3.00 was raised as the result of the drive, for the GFS funds.

Outing: the choir of Saint Peter and Paul church, to the number of 28, accompanied by the Rev. and Mrs. J. Stockton and Mr. Stockton Jr., Visited Northampton by motor saloon on Saturday, and attended a performance of Ben Hur.  Miss G. Atkinson, who made the arrangements, also entertained the party to tea afterwards.

COSGROVE.

AN ARMISTICE SERVICE was held in the Parish Church on Sunday afternoon, and was largely attended. The Rev. J. Stockton, curate-in-charge, conducted the service. Wreaths were laid beneath the war memorial tablet in the church by the ex-Servicemen of Cosgrove and also of Old Stratford.

COSGROVE.

A DANCE promoted by the Cosgrove Hospital Effort Committee was held in the Council Schools, on Saturday evening. About 50 were present. Mr. E. Kingston was the M.C.

COSGROVE.

LIBERAL ASSOCIATION. An enjoyable concert and dance was held in the Schoolroom Saturday evening under the auspices of the Cosgrove Liberal Association. The concert programme was given by the Red and White Concert Party from Woodford Halse, and later the Red and White Orchestra played for dancing. During an interval Mr. W. G. E. Dyer (agent) gave an address. There was a large attendance.

COSGROVE WEDDING.

Mr. J. G. Knight, a well known "crack cyclist” of the Wolverton A-.C. and Polytechnic C.C., was married at Cosgrove Parish Church on Boxing Day to Miss Annie Hurst. The Rev R. Stockton officiated, whilst Mr. C. Compton was at the organ. The bride, who was given away by her brother-in-law, Mr. H. Cockerill, wore a dress of ivory crepe de chine, carrying a bouquet of white chrysanthemums. Her bridesmaids, Miss D. Hurst and Miss I. M. Knight, wore dresses of bois de rose crepe de chine, and carried bouquets of bronze chrysanthemums, gifts of the bridegroom. Mr. C. Knight was best man.

A pretty wedding took place at the SS Peter and Paul church, Cosgrove on 26 December when the contracting parties were Mrs. Florence Eglesfield, the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Eglesfield, of Cosgrove, and Mr. Arthur Cadd, the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Cadd, of Yardley Gobion. The Rev. JJ Stockton officiated.  The bride, who was given away by her father, looked charming in a dress of white crepe-de-chine with veil and wreath of orange blossom.  She carried a sheaf of lilies and firm and wore silver shoes and white stockings.  The bride had four maids in attendance: Miss Olive Eglesfield (her sister), Miss Edith Cadd (sister of the bridegroom), Miss Joan Eglesfield (sister of the bride), and Miss Phyllis Thompson (cousin of the bridegroom).  All wore pretty dresses of pink crepe-de-chine with net caps trimmed with silver leaves; silver shoes and flesh coloured stockings.  The two elder bridesmaids carried bouquets of bronze chrysanthemums while the two others carried baskets of similar flowers.  The duties of best man were performed by Mr. Alan Cadd (brother of the bridegroom).  A reception was afterward held at the Cosgrove Council schools where about 80 guests assembled.  The happy couple left later in the day for Coventry where the honeymoon was spent, the bride travelling in a navy coat, skunk fur collar and cuffs, red hat, black patent shoes and lights stockings.  The wedding took place on a glorious day in a burst of sunshine.  The church bells rang a merry peal and the ringers were afterwards entertained at the reception.  The church held a crowded congregation.  The presents, which numbered over 50, were both handsome and useful.

WIFE’S DELAY

Richard Leonard Mills, smallholder, Cosgrove, was summoned for allowing a horse to stray on the highway at Cosgrove Dec. 22.

Defendant pleaded not guilty.

P.C. Granger stated that he found defendant’s pony on the roadway, and it remained there for half hour. He took it back in defendant’s field.

Defendant asked for an adjournment, as he said he had no witnesses present, he only received the summons that morning. P.C. Granger stated that he served the summons on January 7 to defendant’s wife. Defendant added that he had the summons served him by his wife that morning. Afterwards defendant agreed for the case to proceed, and was fined 5s.

Arthur Frederick Jelly, farmer. Bury House, Cosgrove, was charged with allowing the carcase of a cow to remain unburied at Cosgrove, on December 29th, in a place to which dogs had access. P.C. Granger related how he found the carcase which was covered with some sacks, lying near a bridle path at Cosgrove, at 10 p.m. The stomach had been cut open. He saw the carcase again on the following morning, it was covered with snow, and there were marks made by dogs or foxes over it. When he saw the defendant, admitted that it belonged to him. He said at first that he knew nothing about it, but afterwards said that he was going to send to Newport Pagnell to have it taken away, but had forgotten all about it. He opened it with a knife to stop the smell. In reply to the chairman, witness stated that the carcase lay about six feet from the bridle path, and about two fields away from the main road. Defendant was fined £2.

NOT IN PROPER HOLDER. Mary Atkinson, The Priory, Cosgrove, and Dr. William Ward Darley, West Haddon, were summoned for failing to properly attach Road Fund licences to motor cars.

Mrs. Atkinson was fined 10s.

UNLICENSED. Joseph James Pickering, publican, Cosgrove, was summoned for using an unlicensed motor car at Cosgrove on Dec. 24th-

Defendant pleaded guilty.

P.S. Sharman stated that when he stopped defendant’s car he found that the Road Fund licence had expired ON Sept. 30th.

Defendant said he had to deliver some meat for Christmas or otherwise he would not have used the machine.

Supt. Butler pointed out that it was a quarterly licence and it cost £1 7s. fid.—Defendant was fined 35s.

NAVIGATION INN, COSGROVE (Fully Licensed). UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

TEAS, ETC.

TERMS FOR VISITORS.

PLAIN COOKING AND CLEAN BEDS

PARTIES CATERED FOR

GOOD FISHING

MOVE TO RE-OPEN CLOSED ARM OF JUNCTION.

An effort is being made to re-open the Buckingham Arm of the Grand Junction Canal between Berkhamstead and Buckingham, which has been closed 30 years. In order to hear the views of local tradesmen, a meeting, convened by the Mayor, was held in the Council Chamber, at which Lieut.-Colonel Underhill Faithorne, traffic agent and Mr. G. Hatcher, assistant manager, were present representing the Grand Junction Canal Company. Lieut.-Colonel Faithorne stated that the company were prepared to re-open the arm providing a sufficient guarantee in tolls was given by local tradesmen. Already the canal between Cosgrove and Leckhampstead had been re-opened, and the approximate cost of continuing to Buckingham would be between £6,000 and £7,000. They required a toll guarantee of £500. It would be the duty of the Company to keep the canal and locks in good condition, but he recognised the difficulty regarding the absence of wharves, landing stages, and warehouses. The wharf and basin and the lower wharf were privately owned, but the Company would do all they could to provide facilities. Numerous questions as to possible charges and existing difficulties were raised, and it was eventually decided to adjourn the meeting for three weeks order that these questions may be answered privately.

COSGROVE MAN IN HOSPITAL. Mr. William Meakins, aged 40, of Cobb’s Bush Farm, Cosgrove, was admitted to Northampton General Hospital on Wednesday evening, suffering, it is thought, from a fractured shoulder and internal injuries. He was attended by Dr. Bull, of Stony Stratford, who ordered his removal to hospital. This morning he was reported to be fairly comfortable.

Northampton Mercury - Friday 04 May 1928

COSGROVE. DANCE. A Labour party dance was held in the Schools on Saturday evening. About 100 attended. Mr. E. Kingston was M.C.

LESSON. Albert Charles Noble, labourer, Bridge Row, Cosgrove, was summoned for driving a motor-car without a Licence at Wolverton, on Wednesday, May

Percy Joseph Horn, grease maker, Barley Mow, Cosgrove, was summoned tor aiding and abetting.

P C Bonner stated that he saw Noble driving a motor-car with Horn beside him. They stopped near the Gas Works, and then came on again. When witness stopped the car, Horn produced his licence, and Noble said he had a licence. Horn said he was under orders to teach Noble how to drive a car.

The Clerk; It was obvious to you Noble was having lessons?

Yes. Noble informed the Bench that did not think it mattered about a licence when learning. Horn said he told Noble he would have to get a licence. When they saw three policemen along the road he said to Noble: “They will think we are Browne and Kennedy if we turn round now," so, added defendant, they went right past the policemen.—The Bench ordered both defendants to pay costs.

RIDER SERIOUSLY HURT.

Cycle-racing thrills were again the feature of the Wolverton Amateur Athletic Club’s annual sports, which attracted between three and four thousand spectators to the Park ground on Tuesday. Much fine riding was seen, marred only by two accidents, one of which was serious. This happened in the last event of the day, the invitation five miles scratch race, and it resulted in one rider having an artery in his right arm severed. The competitors were finishing the seventh of nineteen laps, and were approaching the grand stand when T. J. Reeks, of Imperial Wheelers, and G. H. Stone, of Tooting B.C., collided. Both crashed on the hard track, and Reeks was helped to the side, his arm streaming with blood. After attention by ambulance men he was carried off on a stretcher, and when a tourniquet had been applied he was removed in a railway ambulance to Dr. J. O. Harvey’s surgery. He was later put on the train for his home in London. He had previously won the half-mile cycle handicap. Stone fell with his leg through a wheel of his machine, but he was not badly hurt. Like Reeks, he had already distinguished himself, finishing first in the three-quarter mile handicap. The other mishap came in the third heat of the race eventually won by Stone, F. G. Mee (Rodney C.C.) and C. J. Pearce (Marlborough A.C.) crashing at bend, in consequence of the bursting of tyre on Mee’s cycle. The Rodney rider was much cut and bruised, and was insensible for a few minutes, but recovered. Pearce, on the other hand escaped very lightly. Notwithstanding these happenings, the sport was extremely good. Except in the ladies’ events, Northampton athletes did little, but members of the Wolverton club were prominent, capturing four races. The outstanding feature was the form of J. G. Knight, the Cosgrove cyclist, who won the quarter-mile N.C.U. (Northants Centre) championship, and the half-mile scratch race.

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY COURT. Wednesday.—Before Deputy Judge J Pritchett.

WANTED DECENT BEHAVIOUR.

The Rev. Henry Newington Clarke Hewson, Cosgrove, sought possession of two rooms at the stables of Cosgrove Rectory, occupied by Charles H. Pryor, bricklayer’s labourer. Defendant said he and his wife were engaged to work for Mr. Hewson, at £1 week with board and lodging, but after Mr. Hewson had got him he refused to pay him his wages and turned him out, because defendant reported him to the inspector for refusing to put his Health Insurance stamps on his card. Mr. Hewson denied defendant’s allegations, and when his Honour made an order for possession in four weeks, Mr. Hewson said he wanted no rent from defendant during that period. He only wanted decent behaviour from defendant and his wife.

Members of the Wicken, Cosgrove and Yardley Gobion Branches of the Girls’ Friendly Society, combined for an outing on Saturday, going by motor saloons to London, where they visited the G.F.S. Home.

FISHING AT COSGROVE
A SPECIAL BUS
WILL LEAVE
THE PLOUGH HOTEL
EVERY SUNDAY at 8a.m.
FOR THE
NAVIGATION INN,
COSGROVE

COSGROVE. LOCAL PREACHERS.

The quarterly meeting of the Stony Stratford and District Local Preachers’ Association was held in the Cosgrove Mission Hall, Saturday. Tea was served Mesdames Lambert J, Williams, and G. Williams, after which a business meeting was presided over Mr. H. Morgan (Wolverton). The hon. secretary (Mr. A. W. Urquhart) reported the receipt of 10s. from Mr. W. Old to the funds of the association upon the winding of the Newport Pagnell Mission Hall. Mr. J. Haynes (Wolverton) was elected vice-president, in place the Rev. John Haydon who has left the district. A public meeting in the evening was presided over by Mr. H. Morgan, and an address was given by Mr. A. W. Urquhart.

The funeral of the late Mr. Joseph Parsons Jelley, whose death was reported in our last issue, took place on Friday afternoon at the Cosgrove Parish Church of SS Peter and Paul.  The service was conducted by the Rev J. Stockton, who also performed the last rites in the village cemetery, where deceased was laid to rest in the grave of his wife who predeceased him six years ago.  The family mourners present were: Mrs. C May, Newmarket, (daughter); Mr. M Jelley, Leighton Buzzard; Mr. C Jelley and Mr. P Jelley (sons); Mrs. E Wingrave, London (sister); Mrs M Jelley (daughter-in-law); Mr. B May (son-in-law); and Miss E. Brandon, Bletchley (friend).  The church held a large number of villagers and friends from Wolverton and Stony Stratford including representatives from the Stony Stratford Co-operative Society and Women’s Guild.  Mr. C Southam and Mr A. Giles, Old Stratford, represented the North Bucks Licensed Victuallers’ Association, of which the deceased gentleman was a member.

FOOTBALL TO HELP THE HOSPITAL.

The principal item at the Wolverton Hospital Fete programme Saturday was the football competition for gold medals. The competition was played off the Park, and eight clubs took part.

The meeting of Cosgrove St. Peter’s and Brackley Town was the closest game of the afternoon. At the end of the allotted time the score stood at one corner each. Five minutes extra time each way was played, at the end of which it was two corners. Another five minutes each way saw the score again level at three corners each. After further five minutes each way, Cosgrove won four comers to three corners. Under the rules of the competition, where no goals were scored corners were taken into the reckoning, but goals beat any number of corners.

At the conclusion of the competition, Mr. J. Purves presented the gold medals to the members the Wolverton team. Mr. W. Dale chairman of the Hospital Effort Committee) proposed thanks to Mr. Purves, and Mr. H. Wheeldon, J.P., seconded the vote, Mr. Purves announced that the gate receipts amounted to £27 Is. 9d. Owing to rain a tennis tournament was abandoned. There were several sideshows and amusements, manned by members of the Wolverton Branch of Toc H. Teas were served under the supervision Mrs. R. Griffith.

Cosgrove Hall sold

In the latest list of residences disposed of privately by Messrs. Hampton & Sons St. James’s Square are included several houses of distinctive character.  One of for instance, is Cosgrove Hall, Stony Stratford, which has been sold for Mrs Agar.  This is one of the best-known houses in the Grafton country and is one of the Georgian period of architecture.  Messrs. Duncan B Gray and Partners (Mount Street), acted for the purchaser.  The surrounding estate of some 1000 acres was broken up in 1919, it may be recalled, by the St. James’s Square agents, for Major Grant-Thorold.

COSGROVE. A parade formed in the afternoon in the centre of the village of ex-Servicemen of Cosgrove, Old Stratford, and Stony Stratford, and members of the Stony W Boy Scouts, who were marshalled by Capt. P. Y. Atkinson. A service at the Church was conducted by the Rev. A. Stockton (curate-in-charge), and at the close of the service the “Last Post”, and “Reveille” were sounded. A wreath was placed at the foot of the War Memorial tablet in the church on behalf of the men of Cosgrove, and another on behalf of the ex-Service men of Old Stratford by Capt. P. Y. Atkinson.

A COSGROVE REQUEST.

Sir, few weeks ago I read in the Daily Echo a paragraph concerning the Northampton General Hospital, how it was in need of funds owing to many accidents and patients. Cosgrove is willing to do its best, just as it always has done. The Cosgrove committee has raised on an average £30 to £40 year until this last year, when someone had the schools banned from them so that they could not hold dances there, If there is anyone who is willing to help the hospital, could they help to get the schools back for dances? We could then do our best for the Hospital. Or if they could not get them back for us, could someone help to build a hall?

Yours, ONE OF THE COMMITTEE.

"AFTER THE BALL.” A collision between a motor-car and a motor-bus occurred shortly after 2am on Tuesday morning on the Aylesbury road, one of the occupants of the bus and the passenger in the car (one of a party returning from a ball at Aylesbury) being so seriously injured that they were detained at the Royal Bucks Hospital. The collision occurred near Stoke-turn. The motor-car is owned by Mr. T. G. Cowan. Beaconsfield, and was driven by Captain Buchanan, and the motor bus by Mr Jelley, Cosgrove, Northants. The bus was travelling towards Aylesbury, behind another vehicle, and the car was one of about twelve travelling in close succession from the ball. The driver the bus was dazzled by the light, and applied his brakes, skidding across the road broadside. The driver of the car did not see the bus in time, and the car crashed into it, the vehicles being locked together. Miss Ena Cowan and Dr. Cook, of Beaconsfield, who were in the car, and Mr. Frank Hillier, of Cosgrove, one of the occupants of the bus, were taken to the Royal Bucks Hospital, the two men being detained. Dr. Cook is suffering from a cut nose and head injuries and Mr. Hillier from a cut hip and a cut in the region of the eye.

FRIDAY NEXT.
By direction of Mrs. B. E. Agar.
As a Whole or in Three Lots.
Freehold.

BUCKS AND NORTHANTS BORDERS.

Castlethorpe Station, 1¾ miles; Wolverton, 4 miles; Bletchley, 9 miles; about 52 miles from London.

EXCEEDINGLY ATTRACTIVE
RESIDENTIAL & AGRICULTURAL
PROPERTY, known as
“COSGROVE HALL,”
NEAR STONY STRATFORD,

of about 350 ACRES, comprising:

T’HE Comfortable GEORGIAN RESIDENCE, about 250 feet above sea level, with good views. Hall, Suite of Three Reception Rooms facing South- East, 14 Bed and Dressing Rooms, several fitted with Lavatory Basins, 5 Bathrooms. Central Heating; Electric Light; Modern Drainage; Capital Water Supply; Stabling; Garage; Lodge and Cottages. Richly Timbered Old-world Gardens and Grounds, 35 Acres.

The Well-known MANOR FARM, COSGROVE, with Old Manor House, ample Farm Buildings. 3 Cottages, and about 307 Acres of good Grass and easy working Arable Land.

ALSO THE LITTLE MANOR, a newly-erected Tudor-style with 3 Reception. 5 Bed. and 2 Bathrooms, and Paddock extending about 7 Acres,

FOR SALE BY AUCTION,

As a Whole, or in Three Lots
(Unless previously disposed of), by
Mr. P. C. GAMBELL,
and
Messrs. JOHN D. WOOD & CO.
(acting in conjunction),

At the Cock Hotel, Stony Stratford,
On FRIDAY, JULY 15th. 1927,
at 3 p.m. exact time.
Solicitors: Messrs. Wrensted. Hind & Roberts, Ormond House, 63. Queen Victoria Street, London, E.C.
Auctioneers: Mr. P. C. Gambell. Newport Pagnell and Olney; Messrs. John D. Wood Co., 6. Mount Street. Grosvenor Square, London, W. 1

MISSION HALL. On Sunday last, at the Mission Hall, the New Year address was given by Mr. C. P. Woollard, J. P. This is the fortieth time that Mr. Woolard has conducted this service in this village. He spoke of the difficulties existing among the churches, and the remedy, which was only by following Christ’s example to live unselfishly for others.

THE FLOOD— Following the rapid thaw on Sunday night and the following morning, extensive floods occurred in the Stony Stratford district. Barely have floods risen with such great speed, and by noon on Monday several villages around were inundated. Villages most affected were Calverton, Beachampton, Deanshanger, Cosgrove, Loughton, Grafton Regis and Yardley Gobion. Water entered the houses in almost all these places.

COSGROVE. WHIST DRIVE.

A successful whist drive was held in the Council Schools, on February 7th, on behalf of the Northampton General Hospital Week Fund. There were 70 players, and many useful prizes, given by Miss Wells, Miss Atkinson, Mrs. Thather, and Mr. Smithy Hemmings, Mrs. Whiting, Mrs. Knight, and Mrs. Brown. The prize winners were; 1 Mrs. Wright, 2 Mrs. Parker, half-time score Mrs. Wyatt, booby prize Mrs. Cox; 1 Mr. A. Nobles, 2 Mr. V. Swain, highest half-time score Mr. Lord, booby prize W. Ratcliff. Refreshments were given and served by the ladies’ committee. The M.C.'s were Mr. Kingston and Mr. Norman.

Skating in North Buckinghamshire

Skaters had a glorious weekend on Saturday and Sunday last, and the centre of activity so far as this district was concerned was the broad waters at Cosgrove, where on Saturday afternoon and all day on Sunday there were four or five hundred people on the large expanse of ice, whilst on the bank there were more than that number of spectators.  Sliding was as much in evidence has actual skating, and old and young alike delighted in the pleasures of the sport.

On Sunday afternoon, it was noticeable that one Wolverton old age pensioner, who had attained his three score years and ten had donned his skates and demonstrated that he had not lost any of the skill that he evidently developed in his younger days.  Very few skaters were on the Buckingham Arm from Cosgrove to Old Stratford on Sunday.  A few of the more venturesome skaters found water in some parts and except for a drenching, suffered no worse harm.

LICENSING. Objections heard at Towcester. Two applications for the renewal of licences in the Towcester divisional district were opposed on the grounds of redundancy at the adjourned licensing sessions on Tuesday. The magistrates present were: Mr. W. Bairstow the chair), Mr. J. D. Lees, Mr. C. E. Grant-Ives, Mr. H. T. F. Weston, Mr. J. H. Snelson, Mr. P, W. Sheppard, Mr. O. Brown, and Mr. T. Amos. The houses concerned were the White Horse. High-street, Towcester; and The Barge, Cosgrove.

With regard to The Barge, Cosgrove, Supt. Butler said Messrs. Phipps and Co. were the owners and George Henry Brown, the licensee. The rent the place was £22, and the rateable value £16. The population of Cosgrove in 1911 was 668 and in 1921 584. There were four full licences and one beer one. During summer time three barrels of beer (36 gallons to the barrel), nine gallons of stout, and six dozen minerals were sold per week. In winter time one barrel of beer, 14 gallons of stout, and about two dozen minerals were consumed. In reply to Mr. W. E. Whitton (for the Licesnsee) the Superintendent said the inn was the most convenient for people using canal and tor fishing parties. Mr. C. E. Burton (for the owners) said he did not oppose the objection. The licence was renewed.

FRIDAY NEXT.

By direction of Mr. P. Howard.

ELM FARM. COSGROVE.

SALE BY AUCTION

(subject to our usual conditions of sale) of the

LIVE and DEAD FARMING STOCK,

including

and the Useful Assortment of FARM IMPLEMENTS,

On FRIDAY NEXT, MARCH 22nd. 1929, THE PREMISES
At Two o’clock.

Catalogues from the Auctioneers: MESSRS, JACKSON STOPS, as above.

COSGROVE. FARM SALE.

MESSRS. JACKSON STOPS, on behalf of Mr. P. Howard, disposed of the farm stock at Elm Farm, Cosgrove, on Friday, when the following were the chief prices:

Scotch Cart £10 15s., mowing machine £7 5s., cows up to £24: young steers £13 5s., heifers £22 10s., bullocks £16 15s., porkets 81s., store pigs 29s. 6d.

AFFILIATION.

Frank Rackshaw Hillyer, stoker, Navy, H.M.S. Victory. Portsmouth, was summoned by Myrtle Barby, single woman of Cosgrove, who applied for an affiliation order.

Defendant denied paternity.

Mr J. Darnell (Messrs. Darnell and Price Northampton) appeared for complainant. The Bench ordered defendant to pay 7s. 6d per week until the child is 14 years age, with 2s costs and Court fees.

WOLVERTON SPORTS
Riders Injured in Cycle Race Spills.
COSGROVE RIDER'S SUCCESSES.

Except for one bad cycling spill, in which two riders were injured, one of them seriously, Wolverton A.A.C. Sports, held in the Park Ground on Tuesday, were a big success. A crowd of between 3,000 and 4,000 watched the events, the entry was the best since the war, and although one or two cracks were absent, the standard of the sport was excellent.
Once again the feature was the brilliant riding of J. G. Knight, the Cosgrove cyclist, who won the half-mile and five miles scratch races.

STREET FOOTBALL.

Alfred Victor Key (20), body maker, 112, High-street; Charles Alfred Bird (19), body maker, 147, High-street; Edward George Nicholas (18), fitter, 3 Temperance-terrace; James Foulkes (l7), painter, 179, High street; and Frederick Henry Key, bodymaker, 112, High-street, all of Stony Stratford, were summoned for playing football on the highway at Cosgrove, on April 27. —Defendants all pleaded guilty.

P.C. Grainger said the boys were playing football on the road, within a few yards of recreation ground.—The Chairman warned the lads of the danger of the practice and fine was imposed of 10s. each.

COSGROVE RIDER’S SUCCESSES.

Except for one bad cycling spill, in which two riders were injured, one of them seriously, Wolverton A.A.C. Sports, held in the Park Ground on Tuesday, were a big success. A crowd of between 3,000 and 4,000 watched the events, the entry was the best since the war, and although one or two cracks were absent, the standard of the Sport was excellent. Once again the feature was the brilliant riding of J. G. Knight, the Cosgrove cyclist, who won the half-mile and five miles scratch races.

A bouquet of Lady Hillingdon roses was presented to Lady Hillingdon at a church fete at Cosgrove, on Saturday. Relief amounting to £180 has been administered by the committee to the Olney factory fire relief fund.

COMIC DOG SHOW.
 ATTRACTIVE FEATURE OF FETE AT COSGROVE.

An attractive fete was held Saturday in the charming surroundings of the Cosgrove Priory, lent by Mrs. Atkinson. The proceeds were behalf the Parish Church funds. Captain Philip Atkinson, who presided at the opening ceremony, pointed out that for the past twenty years the church roof had been patched and patched until it could go no longer. The cost of repair would be about £350. Lady Hillingdon opened the fete, and a bouquet of golden yellow noses, named after her, was afterwards presented to her by little Miss Mary Whiting.

Among those  present were the Rev. J. Stockton, the Rev. E. Ken worthy Browne (Paulerspury), Sir Walter Carlile, Bart., and Lady Carlile (Gayhurst), Lieut.-Col. R. H. F. Lombe (Grafton Regis), and Captain Gore Langton (Padbury). Lady Hillingdon was accompanied by her two daughters, the Hon. Ursula and the Hon. Penelope Mills, who brought large baskets of carnations grown at Wakefield Lawn. Mr. Ian Matheson, Oxford undergraduate, on a visit to Cosgrove Priory, gave selections with the bagpipes, and a little girl in Highland costume executed some pretty dancing. An amusing event of the afternoon was a comic dog show. There were small dogs with large barks, and large dogs with small barks. In the competition for the dog that wagged its tail quickest, the winner was easy first for it started wagging its tail furiously the moment it entered the ring and continued until it left. The dog race was also amusing, for some of the owners, who had to run with their dogs, either got entangled with the lead or fell over the dogs. Mr. Reg Whiting had charge of the show, assisted by Major V. D. S. Williams, of Greens Norton, and the judges were Mr. W. Pope, of Paulerspury (huntsman to the Grafton) and Mr. Leaf, Newport Pagnell.

The results were: Largest dog, . 1 Mrs. Harrison, Tringford (Irish Wolfhound); Miss V. Inning, Greens Norton. Fattest, 1 Mrs. Stevens (spaniel); 2 Mrs. Lombe, Grafton Regis (alsatian). Dog that wagged its tail the quickest, 1 Miss Gore Langton, Padbury (brown and white spaniel); 2 Miss Hope Brooke, Brackley. Best coat, 1 Mrs. Harrison; 2 Miss Hobson. Paulerspury. Queerest looking, 1 Mrs. Ryan, (Yorkshire terrier); 2 Mrs. A. U. Habgood, Old (bulldog). Dog with best looking owner, 1 Miss Gunning, Miss Fraser. Most sporting looking dog, 1 Miss. Ramsey. Miss Fraser. Dog race, 1 Miss Benson, Miss Hope Brooke.

Aquatic sports and dancing were amongst other attractions. Amongst the stalls and sideshows those in charge were: Sweet stall, Lady Wake and daughters; produce, Mrs. Winterbottom; Bunty pulls the String: Mrs. Gore Langton; ices. Miss. W. S. Parrott and Miss Maguire, assisted by Miss Balfour. Miss Wills, Miss Clare, and Mr. W. S. Parrott; tobacco stall and hidden treasure, Rev. J. Stockton; cocoanuts, Major V. D. S. Williams.

Various other sideshows were under the charge of the following members of the Cosgrove Football Club: Messrs. C. E. King, T. Cummings, E. Hillyer, E. Gascoyne, I. Dunkley, W. Luck, S. Eglesfield, E. Eglesfield, E. Kingston, A. Tompkins, F. Johnson, R. E. Johnson, G. Noble. R, Brown, A. Meakins, and C. Knight Members of the G.F.S. looked after a bran pie. Miss Mary Atkinson assisted by Miss Gune Atkinson, superintended the general arrangements.

Miss Irene Horn, the six year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. P. Horn, who won a prize as “Dick Whittington” in the recent Hospital Parade at Newport Pagnell, purchased a fishing rod with her prize money and a draw was organized with the rod as a prize, for the Cosgrove Hospital Week Fund.  The amount realized was £2/5/0 and the winning ticket number (2) was held by Mr T. Payne, of Cosgrove.

Robert Pettifer, aged 52, a labourer, of Hill House, Cosgrove, was taken to Northampton General Hospital on Friday with rib and kidney injuries. He fell off a hayrick while working for Mr. Crowder, and it is suspected that ribs may be broken and a kidney ruptured.

FARMER FINED AT STONY STRATFORD.

At Stony Stratford Police Court on Friday, John Thomas Adams, sen., farmer, Firs Farm. Old Stratford, was summoned for selling milk adulterated with water at Cosgrove on July 6th, and also for a second offence at the name time and place. Mr. W. S. Parrott (Stony Stratford) represented defendant, who pleaded not guilty.
 Frederick Cannon, chief inspector, weights and measures. Northampton stated that complaints had been received by the Bucks County Council of milk supplied from a Northamptonshire dealer and he took samples. He saw Mrs. Adam and purchased two pints of milk from two different pails which were put on one side for a retailer to be called for. He sent samples to the analyst. The following day he saw the cows milked. The samples were certified to contain in one case 11.5 per cent, added water and milk 88.5, and in the other 15.3 added water and 84.7 milk.
Defendant said he did the milking. When he put the first of milk in the dairy it would be over an hour before Mrs. Adams saw it. The dairy was open to access, and the yards gates were open. He had been in business 45 years.
Mr. Parrott said there was no suggestion that either Mr. or Mrs Adams, who were so well-known, were guilty of malpractice. The question was how the adulteration had come about, and it was absolute mystery to his client. With that he must leave the ease in the hands of the Bench.
The Chairman said that defendant was charged with two very serious offences. He was responsible for the milk until it left his premises, and therefore they must consider it a serious offence.
He would be fined £3 in each case.

The annual fishing competition of the Wolverton Social Working Men’s Club took place on Saturday at Cosgrove in canal water. The winners were: 1 L. Allen (14 ozs.), 2 W. Tue (8 ozs.), R. Watson (7¾oz.), 4 W. James (7½ozs.), 5 (4½ ozs.). Mr. F. Lowe had charge of the competition, assisted by Messrs. T. Roberts, R. Mackey, and A. Causer.

A FISHING COMPETITION for the juvenile members of the Wolverton and Stantonbury Angling Association was held in the Grand Junction Canal on Saturday. Forty members took part, and the winners were: 1 C. Pidgeon, New Bradwell, (16¾ ozs.); 2A. Toogood, Wolverton, (6¼ozs.); 3 J. Bates, New Bradwell, (4½oz.); 4 W. Brocklehurst, Wolverton, (4ozs). Mr. F. Dickson carried out the secretarial arrangements.

Over three thousand spectators attended the championship meeting of the Railways Athletic Association at Wolverton on Saturday. It was the first time the meeting had been held outside London.
An unfortunate accident befell G. Knight, the Wolverton A.A.C. crack cyclist and the L.M.S. champion, in the five miles scratch cycle race, in which he was defending his title, Knight is well known in this district, and usually competed at the Bucks Constabulary Sports. Within 100 yards of the winning post, and with a good lead of his nearest challenger, he crashed badly. It appears that at the fourth lap, Felmingham (Bristol South C.C.) took the lead, but G. Knight caught up with him and lay second for several laps, with Newbold (Derby C.C.) in close attendance. Knight showed a fine burst of speed in the last 200 yards, in which he secured a good lead. Just after taking the banking and entering the straight for the winning post, Knight crashed heavily. The other riders, who were some distance behind, had ample time to avoid the fallen cyclist and finish the race in the order, named. Newbold won by two lengths, with Pearce three lengths behind Felmingham. Knight received attention from the Wolverton St. John Ambulance men, and later was conveyed to his home at Cosgrove. He received a nasty injury to the leg, a wound on the temple, and was grazed badly over the greater part of the body, but it is believed no bones were broken.

COSGROVE HOSPITAL FETE. A VARIED PROGRAMME.

Cosgrove Hospital Fete was held on Saturday, in the grounds of Cosgrove Hall, by kind permission of Mr and Mrs. G. H. Winterbottom. For the opening ceremony, Mr. Winterbottom presided, supported by Miss Bouverie, J.P., Mr. C. H. Battle, and members of the Cosgrove Hospital Pete Committee. Miss Gwen Jelley presented Miss Bouverie with a bouquet of roses. Mr. C. H. Battle said that in five years Cosgrove had raised close upon £400 for the Hospital Committee.

There were races for the young people under the charge of Mrs. Freestone, and also a conjuring entertainment, whilst a whist drive for the adults was managed by Mr. A. Clifton. The winners of the latter were: Ladies’ prizes, Mrs. Frater and Mrs. E. R. Side; gents, Mr. Fred Cox and Mr. Faux. A bridge tournament was under the charge of Mrs Winterbottom.

PONY RACING. Pony racing took place under the charge of Capt. Ashley, and the following were the winners: Boat race, 1 Adams, 2 Turnell. Musical chairs, 1 Turnell, 2 Miss Husbands. Trotting race, 1 Sawbridge, 2 Miss Courtman.

Messrs. J. Buckingham (Wicken Park) and Pitson were the judges of a flower and vegetable show staged in a marquee. The first prize winners were: A. J. Childs (2), W. Sanders (2), Gascogne, Master P. Whiting (2), H. Johnson (4), S. Williams  (4), L. Rainbow, E. Owen, G. Williams (4), Mrs. Clarke

The special prizes were given by Mrs. I Winterbottom, Miss Wells, Miss Balfour, Mrs. C. R. Whiting, Mr. A. Andrews, Mrs. Atkinson, Misses Atkinson, and Miss Wilkinson. An exhibition of flowers and vegetables by Mr. G H. Winterbottom, was sold for the funds. Mr. E. Kingstone had charge of the show. Side-shows and amusements were under the charge of: Messrs. S. Eglesfield and A. Tompkins (skittles); F. Johnson and E. Eglesfield (football); L. Andrews and C. Hills (beauty spots): R. Brown and E. King (ground skittles); Mrs. Horn (sweets and toys); Mrs. Lord (ice cream and fruit); Mrs. Noble and Mrs. Cummings (bran tub); Mrs. Norman (lemonade); Mrs. Bushell (jumble stall); Mrs. Brown, Mrs. G. Williams, and Miss Slaymaker (refreshments) ; Mrs. Andrews and Mrs. Gascoyne (Spinning wheel); Mr. C. Evans and Mr. J. Higgins (coconuts); Mr. Clifton (cake competition); Madame Maud (fortune telling). Mrs. H. Tebbutt, of Billing-road, Northampton, gave a nightdress case for competition, and this realised just over £4. The arrangements were made by Messrs, S. Williams (chairman), E. Norman (hon. secretary), Payne, H. Gascoyne, J. Hall, | A Andrews, E. King, T. Cummings, A. Childs, W. Sanders, and W. Swain (committee). The bridge tournament realised £16, the winners being Miss Buzzard and Lady J Briscow. The winners of the tennis tournament were Mr. Hurry and Miss Weston. Mr, G. H. Winterbottom of Horton, gave a pedigree calf which realised 7gns.

Cosgrove Mission Hall

Harvest festival services were held at the Cosgrove Mission Hall on Sunday last.  In the afternoon a party of Stony Stratford visitors provided a musical service, the soloists being Misses Cockerill, W Downing, and Nancy Williams.  Mrs. Lambert gave recitations, whilst Mr. CP Woollard, JP, delivered an appropriate address.  A vote of thanks to the visitors were of was voiced by Mr S. Williams.  A collection was taken on behalf of the Sunday School Fund.  In the evening the service was conducted by Mr G. Faulkner, of Castlethorpe, when there was another good congregation.

Cosgrove

Remembrance Day was observed at Cosgrove on Sunday afternoon by the holding of the memorial service in the parish church of SS Peter and Paul.  This was attended by a number of ex Service men of the village under the charge of Captain P Y Atkinson.  British Legion members were also present from the Stony Stratford branch.  An appropriate address was given by the Rev. J R Stockton and afterwards Captain Atkinson placed a wreath on the war memorial in the church on behalf of the ex-Servicemen of the village.  The “Last Post” and the “Reveille” were sounded by members of the Stony Stratford Group of Boy Scouts.

COSGROVE. ON FRIDAY, December 13, an excellent programme of country dances, choruses, and recitations was given at the Council Schools in aid of their Games Fund. There was a capital attendance of parents and friends, and the performance reflects the highest credit upon the painstaking work of Mrs. Thacker and Miss Keverin. Mrs. Andrew, jun., kindly presided at the piano.

Cosgrove Victory Hall – Jumble Sale and Auction Raises nearly £43

Cosgrove Victory Hall Committee. Continuing its activity in augmenting its finances, organised a jumble sale and auction, and this was held on Saturday 10^th December. Mr F Hillyer (chairman) welcomed Mrs P Y Atkinson of the Priory, who in opening the proceedings referred to Cosgrove’s energetic community in not standing still but forging ahead in order to provide themselves with a completely equipped hall in which they gather for social functions. A floral bouquet was handed to Mrs Atkinson by Miss P Bushell. By the hard work of Mrs J Johnson (organiser) and helpers, the stalls were well laden and many obtained bargains. Mr Jack Johnson impersonated Father Christmas and afterwards auctioned a useful array of goods. A guessing competition was organised by Mr V Lovesey and Mrs Praetor, the prize given by Mrs Gallop being won by Mr A Loughrey. An electric iron, given by Mr L Dewick, Stony Stratford, was won by Miss Wendy Jones. Assisting at the stalls were Mesdames W Clark, H Castle, J Lovesey, W Castle, Harris, Jones, H Cummings, J Hebson, Lavington and Miss Ivy Williams. The large sum, for a function of its kind, of £42 was raised. At the conclusion the secretary Mr J Hebson, thanked all for support, including gifts from residents of the village and also those at Old Stratford, Stony Stratford and Castlethorpe.