Northampton Mercury - Friday 05 January 1940

COSGROVE

Mr. and Mrs. H. Barby, of Woodbine Cottage, Cosgrove, have celebrated their golden wedding. They were married at Passenham Parish Church at Christmas. 1889, and are aged and 70 respectively.

Cosgrove Soldiers Gift Parcels

The sum of £6 12 6d was collected in the village of Cosgrove to provide Christmas parcels for men of that village who are serving in His Majesty’s Forces. Parcels were sent to Ptes Davess, A Noble, E Brown, W Brown, A Whittaker, Gunner W Ward; also V Meakins, S Welch, A Castle, R Chown, K Prisley (all RAF), F. Hillyer (Royal Navy), and S White (Royal Marine).  Letters of thanks have been received from the men. The organizers of the fund express their thanks to all who subscribed.

Mr. F. J. Swain was re-elected Chairman at the animal meeting Wolverton Amateur Athletic Club. The whole of the retiring committee was re-appointed, including Mr. F. G. Seabrook who is serving with H.M. Forces. Mr. R. H. Herbert (Cosgrove) was appointed captain of the cycle section and delegate to the National Cyclists Union. The membership was reported to be 59, compared with 50 the previous year.

Grand Union Canal - Difficult time ahead

AT the annual meeting of the Grand Union Canal Company on Wednesday week the chairman said that the war had caused a reduction of tonnage carried and the closing of the canal six weeks early in the present year had made the position worse.  Between London and Berkhamstead there were sixty timber merchants who in normal times received their supplies by canal, and this traffic had decreased seriously.  The Carrying Company had suffered from a lack of skilled boatmen.  The future could not be forecast, but undoubtedly the management had a difficult time ahead.

Cosgrove Hospital Effort

During the year 1939 a no less sum than £60 was raised by donations and contributions by the  Cosgrove Hospital Week Fund.  This was revealed at the annual general meeting of the fund held in the mission hall, which was also stated that during the year three hospital inpatient and seven outpatient vouchers were used.  A letter from Mr. R C T Dyer expressed appreciation of the collectors’ efforts and also the response by the people of Cosgrove.  The collectors for the fund on Mrs. G Brown, Mrs. G Noble, Mrs. H. Herbert, Mrs. H Gascoigne, and Mrs. Davess.  The last named and Mrs. Herbert asked to be relieved of those duties; Mrs. Herbert had been a collector for the past seven years.

The Egg Week collection in Cosgrove is being taken during the week 13^th to 20th April.

Cosgrove’s Garments for the Forces

Over 200 knitted garments had been made by the members of the Cosgrove Women’s Institute and sent to the Forces.  At the monthly meeting of this Institute in the Old Schools, Mrs. Atkinson presiding, there was a fairly lengthy business agenda and afterwards a puzzle corner arranged by Miss Higgins, Hon Secretary, was enjoyed.  The monthly competition for the best supper dish costing not more than sixpence was won by Mrs. Goodridge with Mrs. Field second.  Games were indulged in during the social half hour.  The tea hostesses were Mrs. Hillier and Miss Marlow.

“Evidence Wrong” Says Lady Motorist

“All his evidence is quite wrong,” declared Mrs. Penelope Winterbottom, of Cosgrove Hall, Stony Stratford, at Northampton Borough Police Court when police constable had given evidence against her on a speeding summons. She denied the offence.
P.C. Huckvale said that, when stopped, Mrs. Winterbottom said she did not think she was doing the speed suggested, and remarked to a companion, “They want a job. Why aren’t they in the Army?”
Defendant said : “I have driven in three countries and this is the first time I have been stopped on the road. I am terribly careful about it.’’ She was fined £2.

Amended Sewerage Scheme for Villages in South Northants

The Towcester Rural District Council at its full meeting on Tuesday, 28 April approved amended recommendations of the Public Health Committee relating to the proposed sewerage scheme for the villages of Deanshanger, Cosgrove, Old Stratford, and Furtho, costing £19800.

The suggested savings to the original scheme which was to cost £24,000 are as follows: at Deanshanger, instead of pumping the sewage from A to B as shown on the plan, it is just possible to convey the sewage of Deanshanger to the Oxhouse site by gravity, and so omit the pumping station entirely.  There is no appreciable saving of capital costs by this alteration, but the saving in annual costs will be considerable.

At Cosgrove, long gravitating sewer to be omitted and the whole of the Cosgrove sewage to be pumped direct from Cosgrove on to the Oxhouse site, saving £2750.  At Old Stratford, omit on the Mount Hill estate west  of Mount h]Hill Avenue sewers shown on the plans in future roads to be laid out further south west, saving £200.  At Deanshanger, omit sewer from the bridge near the Manor Farm going north across the canal up to “The Kiln” saving £300.

Deanshanger and Cosgrove Water Supply

It was reported to the appropriate committee by the Chief Sanitary Inspector that considerable trouble had been experienced recently in connection with the water supply had Deanshanger and Cosgrove.  In the latter parish the supply had failed on two or three occasions, and he had discovered two or three broken lengths of pipe at Deanshanger and Old Stratford, which had been repaired.  Water was now available again at Cosgrove, but the supply was not entirely satisfactory, and he was making further investigations.

Mr. Montgomery’s stated that he was of the opinion that the shortage of water was chiefly caused by the quantity used from the Council’s mains by the Morris Ashby Smelting Company.  This firm had three connections from the Council’s mains, and the meter was provided in respect of one connection only, which registered approximately 7000 gallons per day at the present time.

The Committee had carefully considered the matter and resolved: that the two connections from the Council’s water mains to the Morris Ashby Smelting Works which are not controlled by a meter to be disconnected forthwith, and that the company be informed that this Council are only able to supply them with water by meter for purely domestic purposes, and not for trade use.  This decision was approved.

A Garden Party at Cosgrove

By the invitation of Mrs. Atkinson, a garden meeting was held by the Cosgrove Women’s Institute in the Priory Grounds on Tuesday afternoon.  Miss Lees spoke of the work of the Red Cross and St John Ambulance Brigade and during the afternoon funds were raised for Red Cross work.  The speaker was thanked by the President Mrs. Atkinson.  A gift stall was arranged and sideshows, which produced the splendid sum of £4 5s  9d.  The monthly competition was for vegetable headdress, which resulted in Mrs. Loughrey being first and Mrs. W. Clarke second.  A large number of members and friends were entertained to tea by Mrs. Atkinson, the hostess.

The funeral of Mrs. H. Barby

The death took place on Saturday, 6 July, of Mrs. H. Barby of Cosgrove, at the age of 71 years, after much suffering.  A year ago she underwent an operation at the Northampton General Hospital, where she spent her 70^th birthday.  She bore her illness with much patience.  Mrs. Barby was of a very homely and kindly disposition and was well known for her willingness to help those suffering through illness.

The funeral at Cosgrove on Wednesday, 10 July, was conducted by the Rev. H N C Hewson (Rector).  The service took place in the Parish Church.

The mourners were Mr H. Barby (husband), Miss E. Barby, Mrs. F. Hillyer, and Mrs. W. Atkins (daughters), Mr. J Barby and Mr. F Barby (sons), Mrs. Joe Barby and Mrs. Andrews (sisters), Mr. T Chapell (brother), Mrs. Ball (grandchild), Mr W. Atkins (son-in-law), Mr. F Barby (brother-in-law), Miss E. Barby (niece), Mr. and Mrs. A Barby (brother and sister in law), Mrs. J Barby (daughter in law), Mr F. Johnson (friend), Mrs. G Barby, Mrs. T. Pratt, and Mrs. G Tapp (nieces).

Beautiful floral tributes were from: Her sorrowing husband and daughter Ethel; with deepest sympathy, from Jim and Stella; to the best of mothers, from Myrtle and family; to a darling mother, from Maud, Bill and Frank; from sister Patty; Sister Laura, and Percy and George; Brother Tom: Frank and Mona and Brian; Fred and Ethel; fans and Arthur; Doll and Eric and Mother; George, Ede and family; Ted, Doll and family; Ivy and Lily Pratt; Doris and Gladys Pratt; Nett and Gerald; Joy and baby boy; Arthur and Mrs. Noble; Mrs. Whiting; W and M. Atkins (Wicken); Mrs. Hillyer and family; Mrs. Tapp (Yardley); Mrs. Hewson; Mrs. Eglesfield and family; Mrs. Holman and family; Mr. and Mrs. G Brown and Sid; Mrs. Tack; Mr. and Mrs. Bushell; and Women’s Meeting.

Distressing Drowning at Cosgrove – Wolverton Lady’s Suicide

That she was worried concerning the filling up of the new pension form was disclosed at a Cosgrove inquest on Wednesday evening at the Plough Inn, when Mr. W E Whitton, the South Northants Coroner, nor conducted an inquiry into the death of Mrs. Ellen Elizabeth Harrup, aged 59, of 152 Church Street, Wolverton, whose body was found in the canal in the Buckingham Arm, Cosgrove, that morning.  Superintendent Barker watched the proceedings on behalf of the Northants County Police.

Husband’s Evidence

Harry French Harrup (70), railway pensioner, identified the body as that of his wife.  He said they had been married about 40 years and his wife was a native of Winslow.

The Coroner: Did she suffer from ulcers in her legs?  Yes.

And she was having treatment for them from Dr. Lawrence of Stony Stratford?  Yes, and went to see him the previous night.

Was her health poor in consequence?  A bit run down.

Was her eyesight poor?  Well, she wanted glasses.

Did you wear glasses when walking?  Sometimes.

Did the ulcers affect her walking?  Not so much.  Only when they were very bad.

Had she been depressed at all lately?  Yes she hands.

Was there some particular reason for being depressed?  You have the reason, I think.

Was it in consequence of your applying for an increase of pension?  Yes.

And she failed to disclose to you that she had some money in the Post Office Savings Bank?  Quite right sir.

And you had a bit of a row about it?  No.

Did you think you would get into a row?  I merely said I should get into one, and I should.

And that worried her?  It must have done.  But I was going to put it right this morning.

The husband said he last saw her alive at about 6.30 am that day, when she got out of bed.  She usually got up before him so it was nothing out of the way in getting up when she did.

The Coroner: and she did not come back?

Witness: no.  I dozed off and about 7.30 am when I got up and found she was not at home I started going round Wolverton to friends to see if she was there.

The Coroner: has she ever threatened to take her life?  Not that I am aware of.

Always lived very happily?  Yes.  We have had a few squabbles but nothing out of the way.  Most people do I think.

Young Lady Discovers Body

Miss Margaret Louise Denyer 20, machinist, of New Buildings, Cosgrove, stated that about 10.30 on Wednesday morning she was walking along the Buckingham Arm of the canal at Cosgrove towards Old Stratford, when between the Cosgrove locks and the first bridge she saw the body of a woman, and face downwards, in the water.  It appeared to be in a stooping position.

Witness saw a tweed coat lying at the bottom of the hedge, just the opposite where the body was.  She immediately went and telephone the Potterspury police.

The Coroner: did you see any signs of slipping?

Witness: I did not look.

PC William Henry Mountford of Potterspury said that when he arrived at the canal the body was still in the water lying face downwards near the edge of the bank.  He removed the body and found life extinct, the body having been in the water for 5 hours.  In deceased so right hand was clenched at top set of false teeth.  He made a search in the vicinity of where he recovered the body and in the hedge fund account.

The Coroner: what was the depth of the water?  3 feet 6 inches.

Was there any signs of falling or slipping?  No sir.

Was the coat neatly folded up?  Yes.

And appeared as though it had been deliberately placed there?  Yes sir.

The Coroner, in summing up the evidence, said that in consequence of the position in which the coach was found, neatly folded up, it showed that the person intended to take her life, as he found it was the deliberate intention of suicide, but there was no doubt the mind was unhinged and his verdict was “suicide while the balance of her mind was disturbed”.

The Coroner: I am very sorry Mr. Harrup that you have lost your pal.

Mr. Harrup: Yes but that doesn’t help me.

Cosgrove Mission Hall Outing

Members of the Cosgrove mission hall journeyed by motor coach to which steed park, Kettering, on Tuesday for their annual outing.  An enjoyable time was spent in the amusement ground.  Unfortunately, one youngster of the party, named Hillyer, was struck above the eye by a swing, and several stitches had to be inserted in the wound.

Wolverton L.M.S. Retirements. Mr. Gascoyne, of Cosgrove, passed into well-earned retirement from the Road Vehicle Shop where he was a machinist.

DEATHS BUTCHER. —Suddenly at Buckingham, on Nov. 4th, Mrs. Sarah Ann, late of Cosgrove, the faithful friend of Mr. and Mrs. J. O. Murphy.

Mrs. PY Atkinson, of the Priory, was again the organiser of Poppy Day at Cosgrove and reports a total realized of £8 10s 0d from the sale of poppies by Miss Kath Bushell and Miss Marjorie Brown, her two collectors.  The total represents an increase of £1 3s 6d.  A wreath was purchased by the ex-Servicemen at a cost of 17s 6d. and this token was laid at the foot of the memorial tablet in the Parish Church by Captain PY Atkinson on Sunday afternoon.

Mrs. Winterbottom’s Concert Party Entertains Troops

A variety entertainment was presented to troops on Thursday, 2^nd of January by Mrs. G H Winterbottom of Cosgrove Hall, and her talented concert party, in the Science and Art institute, Wolverton.  There were also a number of members of the general public present.  The artists were: the Rhythm Aces band, under the conductorship of Mr. Douglas Dytham, which gave selections and accompanied the performers; Miss Eileen Brickwood (songs and dances); Captain S L Trevor (songs); “The Three Geners”, Mr F. Nicholls, Mr L. Nichols, and Master Carl Nicholls (instrumentalists); Mrs. Winterbottom and Mr. Eric Kitchener ARCO in song scenes.  Mr. E W Butler, of Wolverton, compered the show.  Judging by the applause of “Tommy Atkins” an enjoyable evening was spent.  Thanks to Mrs. Winterbottom and artists were voiced by the Officer Commanding.

Stony Stratford Police Court

Rita Meakins, Cosgrove fined 10s. for riding pedal cycle without proper lights.

Cosgrove WI Parties

New Year parties for members of the Cosgrove Women’s Institute and children of the village were held on successive days in the Old Schools.

On the first day the members’ party took place when an enjoyable time was spent.  A competition for the best disguise was judged by Mrs. G Brown, whose placings were: 1 Mrs. P Y Atkinson (parachutist), 2 Mrs. Lord (Victorian lady).  A prize for the same was generously given by Mrs. J. Clarke.

Tea was partaken, followed by games and dancing, with misses Andrews as accompanist.  About 50 children were entertained the next day, when prizes were presented four winners of games, etc., the donors of prizes being Mrs. A Bushell, Mrs. Gallop, Mrs. Brockway, and Mrs. B Kightley.

Responsible for arranging an enjoyable programme of singing, dancing, and games were Mrs. Lovesey, Mrs. Loughrey, and Mrs. Gallop.  Recitations were given by Mrs. Hillyer and her little granddaughter.

After five years as Hon Secretary, Miss Higgins has resigned, during which time she has performed a valuable work for the Institute, and the vacancy has been filled by Mrs. B Kightley.

Stony Stratford Police Court

Defendant was fined 10s. Bennett Kightley, chauffeur, Cosgrove, pleaded guilty to failing to immobilise a motor-car and leaving it stationary with headlights showing. P.C. Pointer gave evidence and Kightley stated that he was away only two minutes. He was fined 10s.

Stony Stratford Police Court
Gordon Freestone, Cosgrove, was ordered to pay 4s. costs, for not having his cycle lamp properly blacked-out, and was stated to have attended the previous Friday, there was no Court,

Home Guard Whist Drive

The Home Guard held a whist drive in the Old School on 27 February.  There was a good attendance and during the interval refreshments kindly provided by Mr. R King, were served by members of the Home Guard with the assistance of Miss Marlow.  Platoon Commander Prisley was MC and the prize winners were Mrs. Denyer, G Hill, Mrs. S. Williams, Miss E Prisley, Mr. Prisley, Master J Smith, Mr. C Hill and Mr F. Lambert.

Children’s parties

A children’s party was held in the Old School on Wednesday, 26 February.  The evacuees were entertained by the billeting officers, Mr. and Mrs. Prisley, through the medium of the grant from the LCC and the residents children were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Jelley.  The party began when six the little ones sat down to tea at 3.30 and there were games and songs until eighty more guests arrived including 20 boys from Holloway Secondary School.

Mr. Mrs. Whiting greatly amuse the children with his conjuring tricks.  The little ones left at 630 and the older ones had settled down to enjoy a programme including some piano accordion solos by Master Frank Hughes accompanied at the piano by Mrs. Elsie Prisley, and songs by Master Vincent Lovesey.  There were games and dancing with Mrs Andrews at the piano.

The high spot of the evening was a performance by “The Three Geners” which was greatly enjoyed by all.  Refreshments were served by the following members of the WVS: Mrs. Whiting, Mrs. J. Clarke, Mrs. Lovesey, Mrs. Chown, Mrs. Hill, Mrs. Kightley, Mrs. Andrew, Mrs. Jelley, Mrs. Prisley and Miss Marlow.

Towards the close of the evening Mr R. King, master in charge of the Holloway boys, thanked Mr. and Mrs. Prisley, Mr. and Mrs. Jelly, and the members of the WVS for making the parties such a success.  Mr. King also expressed his thanks to the Foster mothers for taking and caring for the evacuee children.  Mrs. Prisley, in reply, thanked Mr. King for his great help with the billeting of the Holloway boys; Mr. and Mrs. Jelley for amalgamating the two parties, and the WVS for their help so readily given.  The party closed with the singing of the National Anthem.

Stratford Offences. —At Stony Stratford Police Court,

Dick Edward Lavington, Cosgrove, Sidney Carter, Yardley Gobion and Charles Johnson, Deanshanger, were summoned for riding bicycles without proper lights. Lavington was fined 15s. and the other two 10s. each.

Cosgrove Missing Man Now Prisoner of War

Mr. W E Ratcliffe of Bridge Road Cosgrove, who was reported missing in June, has now sent a letter to his brother to say that he is a prisoner of war.  Prior to joining the army he was employed by the Northants County Council.

Poppy day

Mrs. PY Atkinson of the Priory, Cosgrove, made the necessary arrangements for the sale of poppies in the village of Cosgrove, where the amount raised was £9 6s 0d, which together with a wreath costing 17s 6d, the total amount was £10 3s 6d.

The sellers were Miss Kathleen Bushell, Miss Betty Hillyer, Miss Doris Lane, and Miss Gladys Loughrey.

Remembrance Day at Cosgrove

9 November was observed as Remembrance Sunday, when two services of a special character were held in the village of Cosgrove.

In the afternoon a large and representative congregation assembled in the parish church, members of the local branch of the British Legion, the Home Guard, the Boy Scouts, and the general public being present.

In the course of a short address the Rector, the Rev. H N C Hewson remarked that it was proper to refer to the day as Remembrance Sunday rather than as Armistice Sunday, for there could be no real armistice with evil, and no truce with the powers of darkness.  We did well, however, to remember with profound gratitude those who answered the call and made the great sacrifice in the last war.

During the service the names of the fallen were read, and ex-service men, led by Captain P Y Atkinson, placed a wreath in the Church in their memory.

By the courtesy of the Rector, the lesson was read and prayers were offered by Mr. H J Harris, representing the Baptist Mission Hall in the village.

In the evening a goodly number of worshippers attended the Mission Hall, where the service was conducted and an address given by Mr. Harris, Hon. Lay Pastor.  Taking as his text the words “We are debtors”, he spoke of the burden of debt which those who survived the last war owe to those who never returned, and also to those who in many ways are serving their country in the present conflict.  It was adept at only impossible to discharge, though it could at least be acknowledged.  It could be acknowledged by accepting without complaint whatever restrictions and inconveniences had to be borne by the public, for these were scarcely worthy of mention compared with the real sacrifice so many and being called upon to make.  The debt could also be acknowledged by maintaining is steadfast faith in the ultimate triumph of right.  The forces of righteousness were not to be counted by battalions, but they were overwhelming, and indeed omnipotent.  All that was best in every land was working unceasingly and relentlessly to bring about the downfall of tyranny and oppression.

The offerings in both places of worship were in aid of Earl Haig’s fund.

Cosgrove Water Scheme

The Finance and General Purposes Committee received an application from Mr. H R Canvin, caretaker of Cosgrove, etc., Joint Water Scheme, for an increase of wages.  After having the observations of the Sanitary Inspector and the representatives of the parish, the Committee was satisfied that an increase should be granted, and recommended to the council to agree that the wage be increased from £3 per quarter to 10s per week as from 1 October last. The council agreed.

Aid to Russia

The sum of £3 was collected during Christmas time at the Plough Inn and will in due course be forwarded to Mrs. Churchill’s “Aid to Russia” fund.  A pleasant time was spent at his local hostelry over the Christmas season, and entertainment was provided for the customers by Mrs. Mack, a lady who was bombed out of her home in London, who gave clever impersonations much to the delight of the audiences, who generously contributed to the collection taken.

Gifts Sent to Cosgrove Serving Men

Thirty two men of the village of Cosgrove have been sent a gift of 10 shillings each through the kindly thought and work of Mr. and Mrs. Brown of the Barge, Cosgrove, who, with the help of customers of this house, raised the excellent sum of £16 for that purpose.

Mr. Brown is a native of the village and has lived at the Barge all his life.  He and his wife have always taken an active interest in the welfare of the village.

A Cosgrove baker, Eric Harold Norman, pleaded guilty to failing to immobilise his motor-van and parking it on the wrong side of the road at night. He was fined £1 for each offence.

Cosgrove Red Cross Effort

An example of what even a village can do in a good cause when it makes up its mind was provided on Friday week, when the Old School at Cosgrove was filled to capacity.  The occasion was a social evening arranged in aid of the British Red Cross fund, and as a result a substantial sum will be handed over to that worthy organisation.

The room was gaily decorated, and a large company spent a thoroughly enjoyable evening.  A great attraction was provided by a number of Service men who had come over to entertain the audience.  They were accompanied by their officer, and they gave excerpts from their Christmas pantomime (now widely known) “Aladdin”.  They also gave some particularly clever conjuring tricks.

A concept followed, given by some 50 village children, the youngest of whom was but for years old, the children making a pleasing picture in their fancy dresses and red white and blue forage caps.  Their chief item was a rendering of the “Mad Hatter’s Tea Party” which they carried through without a hitch.  They had evidently been well trained by Mrs. Malcolm Jelley.

Mr. Edgar Foale of Wolverton, contributed three monologues, which were much appreciated, while several members of the Wolverton Secondary School band, with their violins and drums, accompanied the pianist, Mrs Andrews.

Hot pies direct from Mr. Newman’s bake house was served during an interval, and commanded a ready sale.

Gifts in money and in kind had previously been received from many donors.  From the Hall and the Rectory down to the humblest cottage home, residents had given generously in aid of the cause, whilst several friends outside the village also contributed to the success of the effort.

An iced Christmas cake was given by Mrs. Alfred Smith, a pork pie by Messrs.  Canvin, butchers; soap, etc. by Cox and Robinson, and coal by Mr. Willingham of Hanslope.  Mrs. Winterbottom gave 50 sausage rolls and a large slab of cake as refreshments for the children who took part in the concert.  During the evening the gifts received for the fund were auctioned by Mr. Malcolm Jelley.  Included in the auction was the beautifully made model of a galleon, the work of Louis Hill.  This fine piece of workmanship realise the sum of 12s 6d.

Altogether the Red Cross fund will benefit to the extent of about £21, and it may be mentioned by way of postscript that this highly satisfactory result is due in no small measure to Mrs. Feil and her daughter, who planned and carried through the effort with enterprise and enthusiasm.

A whist drive was organized by Cosgrove Women’s Institute on 12^th of February in aid of the Royal Alfred Merchant Seamen’s Institution, whereby £2 12 0d was raised.  The prize winners were: ladies, 1 Mrs. Prisley, 2 Mrs. Denyer, highest half Mrs. M. Clarke; men, 1 Mr. King, 2 Mr. Horne, highest half David Brown.  Several donations were received from the players.  The MC was Mr. Ben Kightley.

Cosgrove Women’s Institute

A whist drive on behalf of the village Comforts Fund was organized by the Cosgrove Women’s Institute, and held on 12 March in the Old School.  40 persons took part, with Mrs. A Loughrey as M C and she had the good luck to win both gents first prize and lucky score card prize.  Other winners were: gents 2 Mr. Brockway, highest half Joan Whittaker; ladies 1 Miss Marlow, 2 Mrs. Whittaker, highest half Miss Anne.  A competition for a cake generously given by Mrs. A Smith was won by Mrs. Sid Bushell.  Tickets were sold by Mrs. Loughrey.  As a result of the effort the sum of £1 4s was realized.

Footballers Missing At
Singapore

North Bucks footballers are among those from Wolverton neighbourhood posted as missing at Singapore. They include : Jack Smith who is years of age and played for Wolverton Town as outside left; Ken Baines, of New Bradwell, a former Corinthians player, aged 27 years ; John Eglesfield who was with the United Counties Bus Co. prior to enlistment and was a clever inside right for Cosgrove F.C. prior to the war.

Violet day

An additional collector for Violet Day at Cosgrove was Miss Cynthia Tompkins.

“Dry” Cosgrove Feast

Sunday last was Feast Sunday at Cosgrove, but the influx of visitors who enjoyed a popular walk to the South Northants village was on a very small scale, owing possibly to the fear of finding the village “dry” after a mile or so walk.  Those who did venture found by half past seven “no bee” notices outside the “locals”.

“I well remember the time when you couldn’t move in here on Feast Sunday”, was the remark made in one “local”; whilst another said “So and so house used to tap nine barrels on Feast Sunday”.

Although it was rumoured that a band might have visit the village on one Sunday, we hardly think this hope will materialise.

A whist drive held in the grounds of the Barge Inn, Cosgrove, in aid of the Comforts fund, by permission of Mrs. G Brown, produced a sum of £2 12s 0d.  Mrs. Brown also gave the refreshments and a ladies “nightie” for a draw, Miss Joan Whittaker being the lucky winner.  The whist drive winners were: Ladies: 1 Mrs. H Castle 2 Miss Brooks; high half, Mrs. Williams.  Gentlemen: 1 Mr. Crowder 2 Mr. Hill; high half Mr. G Hill.  Scorecard Miss J. Whittaker.  Mrs. Gallop was MC.  Mrs. Hill gave a cake for competition and this was won by Mrs. J Brown.

Stratford Police Court,

Eric Norman, baker, Cosgrove, said that he was delivering bread in Stony Stratford and left his van at the side of the road while making a call. On hearing a dull crash he ran outside to find that his van had been knocked off the road into a telegraph pole.

Cosgrove’s effort

Mrs. PY Atkinson organised Poppy Day at Cosgrove, where the total amount was £6 6s 0d, to which has been added 17s 6d, the cost of a wreath.  The poppy sellers were Miss Betsy Hillyer, Miss Gladys Loughrey, Miss Cynthia Tompkins, and Miss Mary Stuart.

For Comforts Fund.

Over £7 was raised at a social held by Cosgrove Women’s Institute in the Old School in aid of the Comforts Fund.  A pair of curtains given as a prize by Mrs. J Smith was won by Mrs. Giles, and a pair of slippers given by Mrs. Williams went to Miss Marjorie Brown.  A pair of silk hose given by Mrs. Dench was won by Mr T. Atkinson, Old Bradwell.  Mrs Andrews was pianist for dancing and Mrs. Brockway was MC.

MANOR FARM, COSGROVE,
Northamptonshire

Close to Stony Stratford and Wolverton.

135 HEAD OF CATTLE, viz.
38 Dairy Cows and Heifers, 5 in-calf and down-calving heifers, 4 outlaying barren cows, 52 two and three-years-old heifers and Steers, 23 young Heifers and Steers, weaning Calves and two Shorthorn stock Bulls.
3 Strong and Active CART HORSES

to be sold by Auction by
Messrs. Stafford, Rogers and A. W. Merry Ltd.
ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 15th. at 12 o’clock precisely
by direction of Mr. F. A. Hewson (having let the Farm).
Catalogues may be obtained cation to the Auctioneers, Leighton Buzzard and Bedford.

Cosgrove Wedding of Miss Joan Higgins

A quiet wedding took place at SS Peter and Paul Church, Cosgrove, on 30 December.  The bride, Miss Marjorie Joan Higgins, being a well-known resident of the village.

The bridegroom, Gunner Cyril William Brockway, RA, is the eldest son of Mr W. Brockway, of Garden Cottage, Cosgrove, whilst the bride is the youngest daughter of Mr. John Higgins and the late Mrs. Higgins, of Elm Farm, Cosgrove.  The ceremony was performed by the Rev. H N C Hewson, Rector.

Mr J. Higgins gave his daughter away, and a friend of the bridegroom was best man.  Ten greetings telegrams were received by the happy couple.

A whist drive was held in the Old School, Cosgrove, in aid of the Comforts Fund.  The prize winners were: women, 1 Mrs. Chown, 2 Mrs. F. Williams, highest half Mrs. Gallop; Men, 1 Mr. Ron Williams, 2 Mrs. T Kightley, highest half Mr. David Brown; lucky score card Mrs. Prisley.  A parcel of grocery given by Mrs. Freestone was used in competition and won by Mrs. Whiting.

A dance was held in the Old School on Friday by the committee and members of the Youth Service Squad and after all expenses had been met a balance of £5 5s was available for Mrs. Churchill’s Aid to Russia Fund.  The company of about 60 persons spent an enjoyable evening and contributed to the success of the function.  Mrs Andrews played the pianoforte and Mrs. M Jelley was MC.  Refreshments were given by the Squad and their friends.  There was a competition for nine eggs which were kindly given and other gifts were sold by Mrs. Jelley.

Injunction Against
Cosgrove Rector

In the Chancery Division, before Mr. Justice Uthwatt, the Ecclesiastical Commissioners moved for judgment, in default of appearance, against the Rev. Henry Newington Clarke Hewson, claiming an injunction to restrain him from removing any sand or gravel from the glebe of the parish of Cosgrove, vested in him as rector of the parish.
Mr. W. F. Waite, for the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, said their case was that under the glebe land there was a ridge of sand and gravel which was capable of being worked at a profit.
Defendant had no power to excavate it except on the terms that all money received for the sand and gravel was paid to the plaintiffs and applied by them for the benefit of the benefice.
It was alleged that in August and December, 1940, defendant removed sand and gravel for which he was paid £64 3s. 8d. which he had retained for his own benefit.
Mr. Justice Uthwatt said there would be an injunction restraining defendant from excavating the sand or gravel except in the due exercise of the powers vested in him by statue, and an order for payment to the plaintiffs of the £64 3s. 8d.

Bellringers meet at Hanslope

Despite the ban on the ringing of church bells, members of the North Buckinghamshire branch of the Oxford Guild of Bellringers continue to meet quarterly, and on Saturday last Hanslope was the venue.  Members were present from Stony Stratford, Cosgrove, Bletchley, Newport Pagnell, and Hanslope and in order to retain a little of their skill, hand bell ringing was indulged in.  They also entertained children at a treat.

Child Saved from Drowning

Barks by a crossbreed terrier were responsible for saving a nine year old London girl from drowning in the canal at Cosgrove Locks last week.

The child Barbara Broughton, who was on holiday and staying with Mrs. Morris at the Galleon Cottage, went for a walk, and was accompanied by the dog.  No one appears to have seen the child fall into the water between the two lock gates, but the barking of the dog led a small boy living at Mrs. Clarke’s to look out of the window, and he saw the girl in the water.  He and once informed his mother, Mrs. Flindall, home, together with Mrs. Clarke, rushed to the water’s edge.  The lock was full of water at the time.  Mrs. Clarke at the presence of mind to get a broom, and although the child had been under the water twice, she was able to clutch hold of the broom and was rescued.

Two Wolverton pensioners, Mr J. Edwards and Mr W. Dauris, also came on the scene and assisted in carrying the child into Mrs. Clarke’s house, where attention was given to her.  Barbara has fully recovered from her ordeal and has returned to her home in London, where her father is a member of the Metropolitan Mounted Police.

Russian Red Cross.

A splendid effort on behalf of Mrs. Churchill’s “Aid to Russia” fund has again been made at Cosgrove by an evacuee from London, Mrs. Mac.  With the assistance of two or three others she gave an entertainment at the Plough Inn, by kind permission of Mr. C A monk, the licensee, and also made the collection through the village.  As a result of her hard work £10 was realized and she thanks all who contributed.  The money is being forwarded to Mrs. Churchill this week.

A whist drive in the Old School, Cosgrove, in aid of the village Comforts Fund was a successful function.  The prize winners were: Men, 1 Mr. G Horn, 2 Mrs. J Brown; women, 1 Miss D Brown, 2 Mrs T Kightley; highest half, Mrs. Whittaker; score card, Mrs. M. Clarke.  A parcel of grocery given by the committee was won by Mrs. W. Stewart.

A whist drive in aid of the Cosgrove Nursing Association was held in the grounds of the Barge.  The prize winners were: ladies, 1 Mrs. F. Williams, 2 Mrs. J Brown; high half, Mrs. Brown.  Men, 1 Mr R. Williams, 2 Mr. R Gallop; high half, Mr. W Castle.  Score card, Mrs. Hebson.  A cake given by Mrs. G Brown was won by Mrs. Hill, and a bunch of flowers by Mrs. Whittaker went to Mrs. Gallop.

Cosgrove Wings for Victory

A social and whist drive was held in the old school, Cosgrove, arranged by the Women’s Institute committee.  Winners were: women, Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Lord, Mrs. Clarke (sharing first and second prize), Miss Marlow highest score first half; men, Miss J. Whitaker, M G Horn, Mrs. Gallop, and Miss C. Tompkins (sharing highest score first half); Mr. Valentine special score card.  Refreshments were provided, all having been given.  Also a Ministry of Information film show was held in the old school.  All were in aid of Wings for Victory and proceeds realized £18 15s, which included competitions run by Mrs. Gascoygne and Mrs. Chown.  Another competition organized by Mr. Whittaker and Mr J. Whittaker realised the selling of £10 16s of six penny saving stamps and £2 4s for the funds.

A whist drive held in the grounds of the Barge, Cosgrove, by kind permission of Mrs. G Brown, produced £3 for the Comforts Fund for men serving in H M Forces.  The prizewinners were: women 1 Mrs. J Brown, 2 Mrs. Gallop, highest half Mrs. Waine; men, 1 Mrs. Loughrey, 2 Mrs. Brockway, highest half Miss. Tomkins, scorecard Mrs. Waine; special Mrs. F Castle.

Buckingham Borough Police Court

Halt Sign Offence

Michael Fitzgibbon, of Bridge-row, Cosgrove, was fined for failure to conform to Cannon Corner halt sign while driving a motor van. Defendant wrote that he saw two people at the corner who appeared to wave him on. He only stopped for a second to change gear. Res. Cons. Nunn gave evidence that defendant did not observe the sign and stated that defendant replied ” All I can say is that I did stop.” It was stated that defendant drove for a local laundry.

Badger Hunters Dine at Cosgrove

Members of the South Northants badger hunters held their annual dinner on Saturday last at the Barley Mow Inn Cosgrove.  The company numbered twenty-one, and sat down to an excellent meal well prepared by Mrs. A Bushell (hostess) and Mrs. W. Robinson of Deanshanger.  Mr. Will Robinson, of Deanshanger, the Hunt’s leader and well known as the “Badger King”, presided over the gathering.  The harmony of the evening was well sustained by Mr. and Mrs. T Chaytor and Mr. J Virco.

For many years the badger hunters have visited land on Sundays in search of the “night poacher”.  The badger emerges from its subterranean home after nightfall and kills lambs and also poultry, and leaves its mark behind by remains of its prey.  Owing to lack of transport the hunters’ scope during the past season has been somewhat limited, but they captured 9½ brace of badgers, the heaviest being 40lb, obtained from Sir Hereward Wake’s land at Courteenhall.  The hunt also killed 6½ brace of foxes and four litters of fox cubs.

FOR SALE, smart grey Shire Filly FOAL, by Forshaws Topsman XI No. 42503: Dam Ladybird. Farmer Amos, Cosgrove.

Women’s Institute

A whist drive was held by members of the Cosgrove Women’s Institute in aid of the village Forces Fund and prizes were won by: ladies - Mrs. Brown, 2 Mrs. W. Clarke, high half Miss Marlow; men - 1 Mrs. Loughrey, 2 Mr. Valentine, high half Mr. Horn.  Score card Mrs. H Castle.  A doll (dressed) given by Mrs. Eves, was won by Mrs. M Jelley.

The Women’s Institute Cosgrove, held its annual meeting on 7 December, Mrs. Atkinson presiding.  The ballot for next year’s officers and committee resulted as follows: Mrs. Atkinson (president): Mrs. Whiting (vice president): Mrs. W. Brockway, Mrs. C. Brockway, Mrs. R Brown, Mrs. F W Castle, Mrs. Davies, Mrs. Gallop, Mrs. Gascoyne, Miss Marlow, and Mrs. Whittaker (committee).

Reports were given by the president; Mrs. Kightley (Secretary), and Mrs. Whiting (treasurer).  A letter from Northampton General Hospital thanked Mrs. G Brown and the Women’s Institute members for 15 cwt of potatoes in November.  It was reported that the Cosgrove WI savings group had sold £263 15s 6d worth of stamps in the past year, the financial statement being given by Mrs. Chown, the Savings Group Secretary.

A gift stall was held with Mrs. J. Clarke in charge, and this realised over £3.  Mrs. Whiting provided refreshments.

Mrs. Brown, of the Barge Inn Cosgrove, has sent 10s each as a Christmas gift to 54 customers and friends serving in the Forces.  The money was raised by competitions and donations.

Cosgrove Driver Reported a Prisoner

Driver Jack Eglesfield, the youngest son of Mrs. Eglesfield, of Bridge Row, Cosgrove, reported missing in the Far East two years ago, is now known to be a prisoner of war in Thailand.

This reassuring news coming on Christmas Eve, was a good “Christmas box” to his mother.  The notification stated that he was safe and well and working for pay.

He was a former driver with the United Counties Omnibus Company.

News was received by Mrs. Eglesfield, Cosgrove that her son, Driver Jack Eglesfield is safe and well. This postcard of Christmas cheer, came after a silence of two years when Driver Eglesfield was reported missing after the fall of Singapore. Prior to enlistment Driver Eglesfield was well-known in the locality being a driver with the United Counties Bus Company.

During the Christmas festivities at the Plough, Cosgrove, £5 was raised for Mrs. Churchill’s Aid to Russia Red Cross Fund as a result of collections and competitions.  During 1943 £26 was collected in such manner at this licenced house, and 10s each was distributed to the local lads, numbering 53, now in H M Forces.

Semi-detached Houses at Cosgrove

The site required [for building] at Cosgrove is 44 houses and the sites in hand is the one which was negotiated by the District Valuer in 1939 and approved by the Ministry of Health.  The site is a smallholding to the north side of the Yardley Gobion road, having a cottage (which has been condemned) and range of brick and slated out buildings thereon.  Originally it was a site for 14 houses, but under the revised density of not more than six houses to the acre and using a plan similar to that in force for the wartime agricultural houses, and building in pairs instead of blocks of four or more, the site would accommodate three pairs of semi-detached houses.  Two pairs could be erected in the first year’s programme to the west of the condemned cottage, which subsequently would be demolished and a further pair of houses directed at a later date.  Mains water is available, but it will be necessary to provide a booster in Cosgrove, as the pressure at the present time is poor.  This may well be part of a general scheme for the improvement of the Passenham and Cosgrove water supply.

Gifts to Forces

As a result of a fund established at the Barley Mow, Cosgrove, for the purpose of sending monetary gifts to men and women of the village serving in HM forces, Mr. and Mrs. A Bushell have been able to send each person a gift of ten shillings.  Thanks are extended to all who contributed to the fund.

A collection of eggs for the Northampton General Hospital, arranged by Miss. G Brown, of Cosgrove, and collected by Mrs. N Castle, realized 100 eggs and 5s 6d in cash.

News was received by Mrs. Eglesfield, Cosgrove that her son, Driver Jack Eglesfield is safe and well. This postcard of Christmas cheer, came after a silence of two years when Driver Eglesfield was reported missing after the fall of Singapore. Prior to enlistment Driver Eglesfield was well-known in the locality being a driver with the United Counties Bus Company.

Lack of Omnibus Facilities

The question of transport between Towcester, Potterspury, Yardley Gobion, Old Stratford, Cosgrove, etc., was raised at a meeting of Towcester Rural District Council on Friday last when a letter was read from the Chairman and Clerk of the Potterspury Parish Council complaining of the lack of omnibus facilities between the above named parishes in the direction of Stony Stratford.  The council decided to give support to any application to the Ministry of War Transport for an easing of the difficulty.

Cosgrove Fancy Dress Parade and Sports    [Salute the Soldier Week]

The village of Cosgrove exceeded its target of £2000 by raising £3288.

The main items of a social nature were the holding of a whist drive, fancy dress parade, and children’s sports.

On Sunday, 9 July, a picnic tea was arranged, but the venue had to be changed to the Old School, when about 100 children sat to an excellent tea provided by parents and friends.  Mr. Cake and Mister G. Williams, Sunday school teachers, led the children in hymn singing and prayers.  Misses Mary and Marjorie Brown were the pianists.  Upon leaving the school each child was handed a piece of iced cake made and given by Mrs. Johnson.  The T was served by Mrs. Hill, Mrs. Character, and Mrs. Kightley, assisted by the following members of the youth squad - Misses Mary Brown, Marjorie Brown, Cynthia Tompkins, Betty Hillyer, and Edith Clarke.

On the Monday evening an auction sale was held on Mrs. Brown’s lawn, the salesmen being the two Jacks - Hebson and Johnson - the good sum of £20 being realized.

A whist drive was held in the Old School on Thursday evening and was well attended.  Mr J. Hebson was MC with Mr H. Ratcliffe and Mr. R Brown as door stewards.  Refreshments were served by Mr. and Mrs. Hill, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson and helpers.  Prizes were all generously given by village residents.  The sum of £3 2s 6d was raised.  The prizewinners were: highest score, Mrs. B Kightley; ladies, 1 Mrs. W. Clarke, 2 Miss O Luker, 3 Mrs. Kentfield; men, 1 Mrs. J Kightley, 2 Mr J. Lambert, 3 Mrs. J Lovesey; high halves, Mrs. A. Whitaker and Miss A Watton; lowest scores Mrs. F Castle and Mr P. Valentine; mystery, Mrs. Clarke and Mrs. M Brown; scorecard, Mr. P Swain.  Mrs. Mitchell was winner of the competition for a card set.

A fancy dress parade was held on Saturday morning in a field kindly lent by Captain P Y Atkinson.  There was a large attendance and the judges were Mr. and Mrs. Marshall, who gave the following awards:

Children under 7, 1 Rosemary Hebson (Dig for Victory), 2 Sheila Brown (Dig for Victory), 3 Frank Ratledge (Dick Whittington).

Under 10, 1 Marina Whittaker (Departed Spirits), 2 Sheila Cadd (gypsy), 3 Peter Goodridge (commando); consolation, Bryan Alcock (Winston Churchill).

Over 10, 1 Bob Brockway (squander bug), 2 Vera Stewart (scarecrow), 3 Mabel Castle (flower girl); consolations, Yvonne Russell, Nancy Martin, and Dennis Tompkins.

Adults 1 Norman Goodridge and Jack Hebson (on the road); 2 Mrs. J Kightley (salute the soldier), 3 Mrs. C. Tompkins (save more salvage); consolation, Mrs. R Hill (Red Cross nurse).

FOR SALE. Black Pony Gelding, 4 years old. About 13.1 Sound, quiet to ride, drive, Army traffic proof. Amos, Cosgrove.

New Bus Service in South Northants – Links Stony Stratford and Towcester

For some time past endeavours had been made to obtain a bus service connection between Stony Stratford and Towcester embracing a number of the South Northants villages.

The Towcester Rural District Council have successfully taken the matter in hand and a new bus service came into operation on Monday last.  It is understood that the Regional Transport Commissioner has authorised the United Counties Omnibus Company to operate a service between the points as a temporary wartime measure only.

One bus will run in each direction on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.  The bus will leave Stony Stratford Market Place at 2.30 pm calling at Old Stratford Crossroads Cosgrove (second turn), Yardley Gobion (Potterspury turn) Potterspury (Infant Welfare Hut), Paulerspury (Alderton turn), Heathencote turn, and arrive Towcester Market Square 3.02.

The return journey will commence at Towcester Market Square at 7.40 and the same villages will be called at in the reverse order.  The bus is timed to reach Stony Stratford (Wolverton Road) at 8.12 pm.

When the matter came before the Emergency Committee of the Towcester RDC last week, the committee considered that, although the times of the buses were not ideal, the provision of a service was extremely satisfactory and would be of great benefit to the inhabitants generally.

Parish church

At the harvest festival service being held at Cosgrove Parish Church on Sunday next (1 October), Mr. W J Gould, of Wolverton (a licensed reader) will conduct and preach at the morning service at 11 o’clock, while Archdeacon Woodhouse, of Passenham, will take the evening service at 6 o’clock.

A retired schoolmaster, Mr. W. J. Gould, A.C.P., has been licensed as a Diocesan Reader for the Diocese of Oxford and he will conduct the harvest festival services at Cosgrove Church on October 1st. Mr. Gould has been a Reader in the Peterborough district for several years. Last Sunday he assisted at Wolverton St. George’s Church. He has done valued service at Braunston, in Northamptonshire where he was secretary of the Church Council for over twenty years. Mr. Gould has come to reside in Stacey Avenue, Wolverton and his services will be of great help to the district.

A Public Hall for Cosgrove Village?  Generous Offers to Appeal

Cosgrove village is to have a Public Hall.  This was stated at a public meeting held in the Mission Hall on Friday last.  An appeal to the people of Cosgrove in the form of a printed leaflet stated: “or many years the lack of a public hall in Cosgrove has been a very great drawback to the social life of the village.  A committee has been formed with the object of obtaining a building when meetings, socials, dances, etc. can be held.  But without the co-operation of the community as a whole, progress will be extremely slow; so, with the hope of recruiting the interest of all concerned, this appeal is being circulated.”

We understand that captain PY Atkinson has generously offered the ground on which to build, and also offered £100, whilst two more residents, Miss Wells and Miss Balfour, have jointly promised a further £100.

All well connected with the village agree that such a hall is a necessity for the social life of the community, but a number of persons feel that the working committee should have been formed at a public meeting.

WANTED, light MARKET CART pony size. AMOS, Cosgrove.

Prince Galitzine Dies of Wounds

Captain Prince Dimitri Galitzine, son of Countess Marie Kleinmichel and stepson of Count Kleinmichel, has died of wounds on the Western Front aged 26.  He was unmarried.  His father, an Imperial Russian Hussar, was killed in the last war.

Prince Galitzine was well known in South Northamptonshire, and resided in his younger days at Cosgrove Hall, the home of Mrs. G H Winterbottom.  He opened several charitable functions in that locality, and also in North Buckinghamshire.

At her birthday party held at Cosgrove Hall on Monday last, Mrs. G H Winterbottom made a collection amongst her guests, and the large sum of £15 10s was generously subscribed, the money being on behalf of the Red Cross Fund.

The “Dismiss” at Towcester

Six hundred and fifty men from Towcester and district took part in their “Stand Down” parade.  They came from 34 villages comprising 21 platoons - these men of the 13^th Battalion.

Officer commanding was Lieutenant-Colonel P Y Atkinson, who inspected the ranks, took the salute, and addressed the men.

“You have put up a wonderful performance,” he said, “and it demonstrates what grit and determination you all put into your job to bring the Battalion to its present level of smartness and efficiency.  The Home Guard is only standing down, not disbanding”, said the Commanding Officer. “if I give the order to “Stand-to” I shall expect every man to report at once to his HQ, and I know he will.”

Lieutenant-Colonel Atkinson said the Battalion cups were being held, and he hoped that each year the Battalion would be able to make some arrangement to hold competitions for them.  He did not think it was practicable to form a Battalion Old Comrades Association, but he hoped each Platoon would hold together for many years by forming some sort of a club to keep the comradeship and friendship going.

The Commanding Officer expressed thanks to the men, and to their wives and mothers, for their co-operation.

Accompanying Lt. Col. Atkinson when he took the salute were Major R. Wyndham Lewis (second in command) and the Adjutant, Captain Enos Lewin.  Others in command were: “A” company, Major J C Grant Ives; “B” company, Major H Peabody; “C” company, Major W T Griffin; and “D” company, Major J N Beasley.

An RAF Band played selections, and for the march past.

Cosgrove Barge Inn Forces Fund

Generous support has been given during the past year to the efforts organised at the Barge Inn, Cosgrove, on behalf of the Forces Fund run in connection with that licensed house under the supervision of Mrs. G Brown (licensee).  The Fund stands at £55, and no fewer than 55 serving men from the village will receive a Christmas gift of £1 each.

Victory Club, Cosgrove.  Donations Approaching £400

A number of generous donations have been received to the post-war project of building a Victory Club at Cosgrove.  Three cheques of £100 each have been donated by Captain and Mrs. P Y Atkinson, Miss Balfour and Miss Wells, Mr. and Mrs. G H Winterbottom.  Other donors and amounts are: Mrs. Heap £20, Mr. and Mrs. Davies £10, and Mrs. Elder £5.  The organizing committee, under the chairmanship of Norman Goodridge, have organized dances and competitions which have raised nearly £30.  The funds therefore, stands at over £350.  On Whit Monday a garden fete is to be held at Cosgrove Hall, organized by Mrs. Winterbottom, the proceeds being towards the fund.

Cosgrove Youth Club Provides Gifts for Serving Men

Cosgrove youth club organized a most successful sale of work, which was held in the Council School, and as a result over fifty serving men from the village received a Christmas cash gift of 22s 6d each.

Competition winners were Miss Philpotts (Wolverton) and Miss Ruff (Cosgrove).

The Youth Squad held its annual Christmas party in the Old Schoolroom, when invitations were accepted by members of Youth Squads at Old Stratford, Deanshanger and Yardley Gobion.  A most enjoyable time was spent, Mr S. Jones of Wolverton, being the pianist.

Concert for Children’s Hospital

A concert, presented on two evenings at Cosgrove, was attended by packed audiences.  The artists were school girls, all under 16 years of age, has also was the producer, Miss Margaret Ruff.  The proceeds were devoted to the Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital in London.

Cosgrove Servicemen’s Gifts

During the past 12 months Mr. and Mrs. Monk of the Plough, Cosgrove, have collected £40 10s which has enabled them to send 15s each to 54 lads from the village serving in HM forces.  They also collected during the Christmas holiday £4 for Mrs. Churchill’s fund for the Russian Red Cross.  This latter sum is being forwarded this week.

Victory Club Cosgrove

The splendid sum of £36 was raised for the Victory Club Fund, Cosgrove by a jumble sale and auction held in the Mission Hall on Friday last.  The organized were Mrs. J. Henderson, Mrs. J Lovesey, Mrs. W. Clarke and Mrs. C. Harris, who are to be congratulated on a successful effort, especially as the collection of goods was made under the worst possible weather conditions.  The “Two Jacks” did excellent in auctioneering the goods and articles, and were well supported by a generous buyers.  Other helpers were Mr. N Goodridge, Mr C. Harris, Mrs. G Kightley, Mrs. M. Cummings, and Mrs. S. Johnson.  Special thanks to all who so generously supported the efforts and made possible the raising of so excellent a sum.

The late Mr J. Clarke of Cosgrove

The death of Mr. Frederick Joseph Clarke at the Lock, Cosgrove, on 23 March occasioned the deepest regret amongst his many friends.  He was of a genial disposition and held the esteem of the village community and friends of a wider area.  He is passing followed a lengthy periods of ill health, and occurred only a few days after his return home from the Northampton General Hospital, where he had been a patient.  A member of a well-known Cosgrove family, he was a native of the village and had lived there all his life.  Naturally he was deeply interested in the village affairs and the welfare of its inhabitants.  He was a parish councillor, a school manager, and was at one time parish constable before such offices were discontinued.  He was 59 years of age.  A keen sportsman, he was never happier than when he was angling or out with his gun.

The funeral took place on Tuesday, 27 March, when the deceased gentleman was laid to rest in the Cemetery extension of the Parish Churchyard.  The service in the Parish Church and at the graveside was impressively conducted by the Rev. A Woodhouse, Rector of Passenham.

Mourners present were: Mrs. Clarke (widow), Mrs. Tompkins, Weston Turville (sister), Mrs. J Dallimore, Trowbridge (sister-in-law), Mrs. Holden, Cosgrove (cousin), and Mr. Gosling, Cosgrove (uncle).  Friends present included Mr. and Mrs. C R Whiting, Mrs. Feil, Mr. and Mrs. Valentine, Mr. Crowder, and Miss Barby.  Mr. C R Whiting represented the Parish Council.

Floral tributes bore the inscriptions: In loving memory of my beloved husband, from his devoted wife, “at rest”; In ever loving memory of my Brother Joe, from Pollie, Western Turville; with deepest sympathy, from Bill and Dollie, Torquay; With all our sympathy from John and Kate, Chester; With sincere sympathy, from Father, Ted, May, Jack, Iris and Wilson, Trowbridge; Hilda, Charlie, Linda, Bernard, Phyllis and Bernard, Trowbridge; Rose, Hedley, and family, Bristol; Auntie Kitty and Uncle Fred; Bella and Jack (cousins); Mr. and Mrs. C R Whiting and family; Mr. and Mrs. Flindall; Mr. and Mrs. G H Winterbottom; Mr. and Mrs. Valentine and Mrs. Feil; all at the Lodge, gravel and sand pits; Teachers and Scholars of Cosgrove School; Mr. and Mrs. Ashby, Margaret and Fred.

South Northants Housing Programme - Call for a Working Man’s Pub

Enthusiasm for a “working man’s pub” to be included on a new housing site at Towcester, and less enthusiasm for the suggestion that a church that should be included among the amenities was expressed at a meeting of Towcester Rural Council when the Council decided to build 254 houses in the district as their second post-war year’s programme.

The houses will be allocated as follows: Abthorpe two; Blisworth eight; Cold Higham four; Cosgrove two; Gayton eight; Grafton Regis eight; Greens Norton 22; Lichborough four; Maidford six; Passenham 44; Pattishall 14; Paulerspury 10; Potterspury 12; Silverstone 30; Stoke Bruerne six; Towcester 10; Wappenham eight; Weston ad Weedon eight; Whittlebury four; Wicken two; Yardley Gobion 42.

Parish church

On Sunday, 15 April the local ringers rang 720 changes of doubles on the bells, which were half muffled, for President Roosevelt.

Some Local Boys Home

Many Prisoners of War Arrive in England

The following have arrived at their homes during the past week:

Private W E Ratcliffe, of Bridge Row, Cosgrove

The following have arrived in England and there are now in hospital or reception camps:

Private Ted Brown (24), of 23 Bridge Row, Cosgrove (in hospital).

Private Ted Brown (24), youngest serving son of Mr. and Mrs. J Brown, 23 Bridge Row, Cosgrove, who is a released prisoner of war, is ill in hospital in this country.  He is suffering as the result of having walked about 900 miles, when he lost three stone in weight.  His father is well-known and Wolverton, when he hawks as a greengrocer with a horse and high cart.

While walking in Germany with other prisoners he lived on potato peelings and food put out for pigs.  Prior to joining up he worked in the PO department of Messrs. McCorquodale and Company’s Works, Wolverton. He was captured in 1940 at Dunkirk.  A step brother, Harry Whitehead, has been missing for three years in Malaya, during which time nothing has been heard of him.  His brother, Bill Brown, is in Italy and another brother, Fred Brown, is in Northwest Africa and was also in the first Great War.

Entertainment

By kind permission of Wing Commander A J Briddon, Commanding Officer, members of the RAF presented their fourth edition of “72 Music Box”, a variety entertainment with an all Service cast, at Cosgrove Mission Hall on Wednesday, 16th May.  They came direct from Salcey Forest and were given a warm reception.  The applause was overwhelming and the concert voted a great success.  Every item was outstanding.  The entire proceeds were handed over to the Entertainments Officer of the section and amounted to £12 13s.  After expenses by the RAF Company have been met the balance will be handed over to the RAF Benevolent Fund.  The show was produced by C J Maltby.

The main attraction was a fete at Cosgrove Hall on Whit Monday, by kind permission of Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Winterbottom and the opening was performed by H.M. Queen Geraldine, Albania accompanied by Crown Prince Leka and the Princesses Teri and Danush. The proceeds were devoted to the Victory Club at Cosgrove.

Over £300 Profit from Cosgrove Garden Fete

An estimated balance of £303 is reported as a result of the garden fete and dance held on Whit Monday at Cosgrove Hall, by kind invitation of Mr. and Mrs. G H Winterbottom, and it is interesting to record that of a total income of £343 15s a sum of no less than £142 10s was raised by Mrs. Winterbottom.

The proceeds of the fete were in aid of the Cosgrove Victory Hall, which fund now stands at £783, representing an average of over £100 per month raised since the inception of the fund.

Mrs. Winterbottom thanks to all who generously made gifts and helped in connection with the fete; HM Queen Geraldine of Albania, Princess Royal of Albania, Princesses Teri and Danush, Mrs. Habgood, Mrs. Woollard, Mrs. Gowland, Mrs. Rutherford, Mrs. Sweeney, Captain Parratt, Mr. Davies, Mrs. Hepworth, Squadron Leader Davies, Major Davies, Mr. J Knight, Mr. E H Littledale, Mr. S Ratledge, Mr L. Markham, Lt. Col. P Y Atkinson and Mrs. Atkinson, Mrs. R Whiting, Mrs. Brockway, Mr. Crowder and members of the Women’s Institute.

News of a Cosgrove Prisoner in Japan

The first card this year received by Mrs. Eglesfield, of Bridge Row, Cosgrove, from her son driver John Eglesfield, who has been a prisoner in the Far East since February 1942, states that he is in good health and now in a camp at Osaka.  Prior to joining up he was employed by the United Counties Omnibus Co. as a bus driver.

Private Jack Eglesfield (26), son of Mrs. Eglesfield, of Bridge Row, Cosgrove, is safe and well and has arrived at Melbourne, Australia.  Before the war he was a driver-conductor on the United Counties buses.

Nearly 50 years at the Barge, Cosgrove - Death of Mrs. Brown

Mrs. Elizabeth Brown, one of Cosgrove is best known residents, passed away on Tuesday last, 2nd October, at the Barge Inn, Cosgrove.  She was 74 years of age.  The Barge Inn licence has been held by the Brown family for over 100 years, and Mrs. Brown’s death has severed this long association.  Deceased husband, Mr. George brown, passed away three years ago, and his wife was granted the licence.  She has resided at the Barge for 47 years and during that time has been one of the village’s hardest workers for Northampton General Hospital.  The funeral takes place tomorrow (Saturday).

Cosgrove Hospital Appeal – Target £550 – Raised £120

In the short periods of three months were small village of Cosgrove has raised £120 towards its target of £550 for the Northampton Hospital War Memorial Appeal.  An enthusiastic committee has organized various money raising efforts as follows: whist drive, dance, and competitions £44 4s; charges for fishing, given by Mr. R Whiting, £42 18s 4d; house to house collection £27 9s; collection at Mission Hall, £1 4s; and collection at Parish Church, £3.

In order that the hospital may have the use of the money £100 has already been sent to the organizing Secretary Mr. R C Dyer.

Cosgrove’s Hospital workers comprise Mr. Sam Williams chairman, Mr. A Tack hon. Secretary, Mr. J Hebson assistant Secretary, Mesdames T Kightley, A Loughrey, E. Brockway, D Feil, H Gascoigne, G Noble, G Brown and H Tack, Messrs. W Crowder, C Harris, F. Lambert and L Hill.

Funeral of Cosgrove Resident – Mrs. Elizabeth Brown, Barge Inn

Mrs. Elizabeth Brown, widow of Mr. George Brown, a former licensee of the Barge Inn Cosgrove, was buried on Saturday last.  Deceased lady died at that well-known inn situate by the side of the Grand Union Canal on the previous Tuesday, at the age of 74, after 47 years residence in that licensed house.  Mrs. Brown had held the licence since her husband’s death three years ago.

Of the happy disposition, she was held in affection by all with whom she came in contact, and was well known for her generosity by hundreds of anglers are used to spend weekends fishing the waters in the village.  A staunch hospital worker, her efforts for the Northampton General Hospital have taken place for many years.  Mrs. Brown was a regular worshipper at the Cosgrove mission hall, and on Sunday last at the mission, Mr. H Greenwood, Deanshanger, paid a fitting tribute to her life and character.  The hymn “Peace, perfect peace” was sung.

Many mourners

The Cosgrove Parish Church of SS Peter and Paul held many mourners and sympathisers on Saturday.  The Rev. A Woodhouse Rector of Passenham conducted the service.  The hymns “Rock of Ages” and “Jesu lover of my soul” were feelingly sung, Mrs. Feil being the organist.

Mourners present were: Mrs. Galvinoni of London, Mrs. Cova of Bristol, and Mr. and Mrs. Cawthorne of Stoke Goldington (sisters and brother-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. W. Garratt of Bradwell, Mr J. Garrett of Bedford, Mr. G Garratt of Beachampton, and Mr T. Garratt of Stoke Goldington (Brothers and sisters in law), Mr. S Eglesfield, Mr. and Mrs. C Eglesfield of Stony Stratford, Mr. Ted Eglesfield of Stony Stratford, Mr. and Mrs. A Eglesfield of Wolverton, Mr. F Brown of Aldershot, Mr. and Mrs. F Brown of Northampton, Mr. and Mrs. C Hill, Mr. L Hill, Mr. F Hill of Cosgrove, Mr A. Cadd, of Coventry, Mr. and Mrs. J Hebson, Mrs. J. Johnson and Mrs. T Kightley, Mrs. D. Giddings, Miss M Eglesfield of Northampton, and Mrs. J Brown, of Castlethorpe (nephews and nieces), Mrs. Eglesfield of Cosgrove, and Mrs. H Garratt of Hanslope (sisters in law), and Mr. J Brown (brother-in-law).

Amongst those present in the church were: Miss Baines, of New Bradwell; Mrs. Beale of London; Mr. and Mrs. Gray of Castlethorpe; Mr. and Mrs. G H Winterbottom; Mrs. P Y Atkinson (also represented captain P Y Atkinson JP); Mrs. Nicholls, Miss Wells, Miss Balfour, Miss Wake, Mrs. C R Whiting, Mr. A Tack and Mrs. Noble, representing the Hospital Committee and also the majority of the members of the Women’s Institute, of which deceased was one of the oldest members.

Over Sixty Wreaths

Over 60 floral tributes were received and they were from: Sid; Doris and Charlie; Barge customers; Miss Balfour and Miss Wells; Rodney, Patrick, and Ivor Hickford; Mr. and Mrs. Goodridge, and children; Flo; Alice, Michael, John and Mr. and Mrs. Elderton; Sid Amer; Oliver and Jack; Mr. and Mrs. And Miss Brassington; Edie and Marjorie; Mrs. F. Hillyer and Mrs. G. Williams; Mrs. Cadd and Marion (Wolverton); Doll, Jack, Rosemarie and twins; Captain G H Feil MC; Mim; Annie, Maria, Liza and Rosetta; June and Audrey; Ted, Vera and Lizzie;

Mary, Grace, Gune and Philip Atkinson; Cosgrove Women’s Institute; friends at Chislehurst Kent; Mr. and Mrs. Monk; Mr. and Mrs. Winterbottom; Arthur, Dot and Sheila (Coventry); Mrs. Rivers; Chirp, Win and family; Jack, Joan, Tom and Wag; Nellie and Arthur (Wolverton); Alf Meakins Beachampton; Nellie Jim and Brian (Stony Stratford); Nora, Don and family (Northampton); Fred, Fin and family (Northampton); Jack and family; Rose and family; Ruby and Net; Mrs. Knight; Agnes and Mrs. Dilky; Rose and family (Aldershot); Brother George; Mr. and Mrs. Bushell, and family, and Ted; Pat and Pauline Bushell; F Barby; Mrs. F. Williams; past and present members of Football Club; George, Millie, and family (Potterspury); Hospital Committee; Mrs Baines, Ada, Betty and Mildred (New Bradwell); Little Mary; Anna, Will, Edith and family (New Bradwell); Jack and Lottie (Castlethorpe); Dorrie, Joe, Lou, and Mary (London); Tom and Lottie; Clara, Jack, Ruby and family; Herbert and Minnie; J Brown and family (Cosgrove); Louie and Francis; Miss Wake; friends at Northampton.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. J S. Cowley and Sons 71 High St, Stony Stratford.

Cosgrove Victory Show – Pamela James and pupils

A Victory Show was presented in Cosgrove Mission Hall on 20th October by Miss Pamela James and pupils of Deanshanger, and a large audience supported the effort, which was on behalf of the Northampton General Hospital War Memorial Appeal.  The helpful sum of £9 15s 6d was raised.  During the 2½ hour show many skilful dances were given by the children and the items were well costumed.

Mr. RST Dyer, Northampton, organiser of the appeal spoke during an interval.  When introducing Mr. Dyer, Mr. A Tack, Cosgrove Appeal Secretary, gave details which have already appeared in these columns of the raising by the village of £147 14s for the appeal.  Mr. Tack expressed the thanks of the committee to Mr. H Whiting, who had contributed fishing rents from anglers using his waters, to the extent of £52, 10s.  The Secretary also thanked Miss James, her pupils, and their mothers, for giving their services gratis to raising money for the Hospital.  Mr. Tack regretted the lack of accommodation available for such a fine concert.

Helpers in the effort were: Mrs. Gascoigne and Mrs. Tack, ticket sellers, who also sold tickets for a competition in which the prize was a duchess set given by Mrs. Tack.  This realised £1 19s 6d, the winner of the prize being Mrs. D Freestone; Mrs. A Noble sold programmes; Mrs. Feil loaned the piano; and Mr. Harris and Mr. Lambert were door stewards.

Efforts in Cosgrove during the past month were: dance organised by Mr J. Hebson, raised £6 12s 6d; concert by Mrs Feil, £6 10s; house to house collection, Mrs Brockway, £5; Mr. and Mrs. P Y Atkinson have given a bicycle for competition.

Cosgrove and Yardley Ex-prisoners Home

Driver Jack Eglesfield, aged 28, youngest son of Mrs. A Eglesfield, Bridge Road, Cosgrove, returned last week on the Queen Elizabeth.  Taken prisoner at the fall of Singapore, he was removed to Japan, where he worked in a factory.  Close to the is the atom bomb dropped, which, he says caused complete and utter destruction, leaving nothing but a dark brown mass.

He was relieved, with others, by the American Air Force, and flown to Manila.  On the homeward trip he went via San Francisco and across the United States.  With him was Private Sydney Dickens, aged 33, of Northampton Road, Yardley Gobion, a married man.  Both men speak highly of the American Red Cross.  Gifts of every description were showered upon them.  Driver Jack Eglesfield was formerly employed by the United Counties Omnibus Company, and Private Syd Dickens in the stores department at the Wolverton Railway Works.

Three Celebrations at Cosgrove

When it was known that Driver Jack Eglesfield had arrived at Southampton, Cosgrove was soon daily decorated with flags and “Welcome home” banners.  Many friends gathered at the Barge Inn on Tuesday to drink his health and a happy time was spent.  On Wednesday another party took place at the Plough and on Friday celebrations were continued at the Barley Mow, where a generous gift was handed to Jack on behalf of Mr. and Mrs. A Bushell and customers.

Thanks

Driver Jack Eglesfield of Bridge Road, Cosgrove desires to thank the people of Cosgrove for their generous gifts and a warm welcome home; also to the various organisations for the gifts for him to his mother during his imprisonment.

Cosgrove’s Rector Dies at Great Age

The death of the Rev. H N C Hewson, Rector of Cosgrove, recalls to the memory of many people the occasion when he was inhibited by the Bishop of the Diocese.  After the expiry of his “term” he made an unexpected return to the parish and recommenced his duties as Rector.  His passing took place on Monday last at the Rectory, a few days before his 93^rd birthday.

He possessed a most active mind, and continued his work in the parish to within the past year.  His scattered parish extends to one side of the Watling Street at Old Stratford, and at the age of 80 he commenced to ride a three wheeled cycle to enable him to visit his far off parishioners.  The funeral takes place tomorrow (Saturday).

Wolverton Express 7th December 1945

Rector for 50 years.  Funeral of Rev H N C Hewson

Rector of SS Peter and Paul Church, Cosgrove, for over 50 years, the Rev. H N C Hewson, who died at the Rectory on Monday, 19th November, was interred in the churchyard on Saturday, 24th November.  He had reached the great age of nearly 93 years.  During his long period as rector he was absent from the parish for a number of years following a lawsuit, returning to Cosgrove in 1932.  Son of the late Dr. Hewson, of Rural Descent, whose ancestors date back in a direct line from Edward First, he was educated at King’s College, London.  He was a distinguished scholar and a man of great personal charm.  The late Rector was Vicar of Fringringhoe, Essex, for some time, afterwards coming to Cosgrove, where he will long be remembered in the parish, having a great love for the people.

In 1935 the Rev. H N C Hewson married a second time, the widow of George Edward Teale, whose father was the late Lieutenant Colonel Frederick Teale, of Calcutta, India.  The Rector leaves a widow, and a son of the first marriage.

The funeral service was conducted by the Rev. Woodhouse, Rector of Passenham.

Mrs. H N C Hewson thanks the many kind friends for their letters of sympathy, also for the lovely flowers, and hopes to reply to all personally in due course.

Bellringers of North Bucks Meet Again

North Bucks bellringers at Bletchley gave audible proof that the enforced silence of the war years has in no way affected their art.

Thirty two enthusiasts from Bletchley, Linslade, Woburn, Drayton, Stony Stratford, Cosgrove, Northampton, Milton, and Buckingham, came to St Mary’s church and rang touches ranging from Grandsire Triples to London Surprise.

The occasion was the quarterly meeting of the North Bucks branch of the Oxford Diocesan Guild of Bellringers.  The Rev. A S Berey presided at the business meeting when a few new ringers were enrolled.

Cosgrove Victory Club and Hall Fund reaches £1000: Bazaar and Auction

“We shall make our “thousand runs” tonight,” said Mr. G H Winterbottom at Cosgrove Hall on Friday last, when a bazaar and auction was held there for the funds to erect a Victory Club and Hall in the village.

Mrs. Winterbottom is well known over a wide area of North Bucks and South Northants for her willingness at all times to open functions in connection with charitable, religious bodies, and most especially the Northampton General Hospital; but when she opened this bazaar it was a unique ceremony, being the first occasion she had done so in her own home.

Mr. and Mrs. Winterbottom’s kind gesture is to be commended, as they threw open the spacious drawing room and billiards room to all comers, and by 7.30 pm, the opening ceremony time, the rooms were packed, visitors coming from Stony Stratford, Wolverton, Hanslope, and many of the surrounding villages.

Already Raised £898 – First Anniversary of Fund

The opening ceremony was performed in the drawing room.  Mr. Jack Hebson, hon. Secretary of the Victory Club and Hall committee, told the audience that this Christmas was the first anniversary of the commencement to raise funds for a proposed village hall in Cosgrove.  On behalf of the committee he wished to thank the following generous donors:

Lieutenant Colonel P Y Atkinson, JP, for his gift of £100 and also the land on which to build the hall;

Mr. and Mrs. G H Winterbottom, £50 each;

Miss Wells £50

Miss Balfour £50;

Mrs. Heap £20;

Squadron Leader and Mrs. Davies $10;

Mr. and Mrs. C R Whiting, 20 guineas.

Their thanks were also due to the people of Cosgrove who had worked hard for all their efforts and given generously.

He wished to give special thanks to Mrs. Winterbottom for her outstanding effort in her grounds on Whit Monday, when Her Majesty the Queen of Albania opened the garden fete, from which the magnificent sum of £308 resulted.  They wished to thank Mrs. Winterbottom for her hard work, kindness, and generosity as well as personal discomfort in making the bazaar possible.  There total so far raised amounted to the large sum of £898.  The Secretary concluded with thanks to that evening’s stall holders, and Colonel L. Parratt, who was to conduct an auction of useful gifts.

Town Hall Idea Might Spread

Mr. F S Woollard, in welcoming the gathering, said that’s the idea to provide a village hall might spread, as neither Wolverton nor Stony Stratford had a town hall.  It looked as if Cosgrove was going to realise its ambition before its neighbouring towns; the idea might encourage those in the urban area.

Village Life Very Important

Mrs. Winterbottom, in declaring the bazaar open, said it was a great pleasure to have the unique honour of opening the function in her own house, and more pleasure because it was to raise funds for their village hall, which was a sadly needed want - a building where the people of Cosgrove could dance, hold concerts and wedding receptions, without having to make the long journey toStony Stratford and Wolverton.  “Village life is very important, and anything to bring the residents together should be encouraged and helped, and that is why I ask for your generous help tonight.  Make it your thanksgiving for all our blessings and a great victory,” appealed Mrs. Winterbottom.

Continuing, she said Xmas was near; it was the first Christmas so many children had really known, and there were many gifts on the stores which would make the children happy.  Mr. Hebson, the committee’s hard working Secretary, had told them of the large amount already raised, and she (Mrs. Winterbottom) hoped everyone presents that evening would be present when the hall was opened, when she promised them the best show in this neighbourhood for years.  She wished to thank her very kind friends for all the lovely gifts sent along, and the committee who had worked hard in order to make the bazar a success.

A gift from the committee, a flowering plant in basket, was handed Mrs Winterbottom by Master Robin Winterbottom.

In addition to the income previously given, the following psalms had been raised: Jumble sale by Mrs. W. Clarke, Mrs. H Harris, Mrs. J Hebson and Mrs. J Lovesey £36; Christmas draw run by the committee £20; village dances by the committee £34; bicycle draw £30; whist drives organized by Mrs. J. Johnson £42 16s 3d; Guides efforts Miss Luker and youth movement efforts (Mrs. M E Jelley) £24 9s; concert by the committee £13 10s; Women’s Institute £4 16s.

Brisk business was transacted at the stalls, the good things on the homemade sweet stall being quickly sold out, also the ice cream served by Master Robin Winterbottom.  In the drawing room there was stalls containing made issues and gifts of all kinds, those superintending being: Mrs. H C Clarke Stony Stratford, Mrs. I. Reiner, Miss Pamela Haig, a member of that well-known family of that name, Mrs. G H Winterbottom, Mrs. F S Woollard, and Mrs. G. Davis, wife of Squadron Leader Davis.  In the billiards room or the articles were made by Cosgrove residents and friends, and comprised a wide variety of children’s gifts and useful presents.  In charge were Mrs. G. Beasley, Mrs. H. Cummings, Miss Luker, Mrs. A Loughrey, Mrs. T Kightley, Mrs. Brockway, Mrs. L. Giles, Mrs. R. Davis, Mrs. J Hebson, and Mrs. J Lovesey.

Refreshments were served from the conservatory by Mrs. A. Whittaker, Mrs. W Castle, and Mrs. W. Clarke.  General assistance was given by Messrs. L. Giles (hon treasurer), P Lyman, A Cummings, A Loughrey, P Whiting, R Williams, F. Tustain, and Mr. S Bushell (chairman).  Colonel L Parratt, of Beachampton, conducted a sale of gifts in humorous manner and good prizes were made for poultry, eggs, cakes, and other articles and over £30 was realized.  The whole effort brought in about £115.

A dance was held in the New School had recently, when the sum of £7 4s 2d was raised by this effort organised by Mr. J Hebson in aid of Northampton General Hospital War Memorial Appeal.  Ladies who served refreshments were Mesdames Noble, Gascoigne and Jack.  A competition for a doll given by Mrs. Jack raised £2 16s 8d, the winner being Miss A Wharton.  The draw took place for the bicycle given by Lt Col and Mrs. P Y Atkinson.

A Bazaar was held by the Girl Guides in the Old School on Friday, 7 December, and the sum of £16 10s resulted for the same object.  Miss Olive Luker had charge of the arrangements.

The total of Cosgrove had effort to the Northampton Hospital wall memorial appeal is now £205 8s 2d.

Gala Dance at Cosgrove Hall

Mr. and Mrs. Winterbottom, of Cosgrove Hall, have for many years devoted their energies to raising money for charitable objects, particularly in Northampton General Hospital, and although their thoughts are still for the caring of the sick and suffering they are devoting a large amount of their enthusiasm towards the project of raising money for the erection of a village hall for the use of all Cosgrove residents.

In addition to a generous donation to the funds of £100, Mrs. Winterbottom has, by means of a garden fete at Whitsuntide in 1945, when the queen of Albania perform the opening ceremony, and a Christmas they are at her home, raised a further £500 towards the fund’s total of over £1000.

On Wednesday, 16 January Mr. and Mrs. Winterbottom held a gala dance at their residence, when parties came from a wide area, and among those present were Lord and Lady Denham, Squadron Leader Hamilton Smith, Mr. Peter Fraser and Lady Fraser (Cambridgeshire), Captain J C Grant Ives (Greens Norton), Mr. and Mrs. Gowland (Wolverton Park), Dr. Douglas Bull JP and Mrs. Bull, Dr. and Mrs. A H Habgood, Dr. and Mrs. E D Lawrence, Mr. and Mrs. F S Woollard, Mr. and Mrs. P. Philpotts, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Philpotts, Mr. and Mrs. C Arman, Captain and Mrs. Ferris Loftus (Tingewick), Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Case Tingewick, Lieutenant Colonel L. Parratt, Mrs. Cartwright, Captain Oscar Winterbottom, JP (Cheshire), Major and Mrs. Watts Tingewick, Dr. Orr Northampton Hospital, Captain Cresy, Colonel and Mrs. Byam Grounds, Captain Stephen Trevor, Mrs. B Grattan Holt (Potterspury), Mr. and Mrs. T H C Terry (Hanslope), Mr. Bernard Law (Brackley), Mr. and Mrs. H. Clarke, Mrs. Beveridge Smith, Captain R D Bolton (Chief Constable of Northamptonshire), and Lord Brassington.

Douglas J Dytham’s Rhythm Aces Band, always favourites at Cosgrove Hall, rendered a programme of dance music.  Mr. Peter Fraser expressed appreciation to Mr. and Mrs. Winterbottom for providing a delightful evening. The sum of £30 was raised which was exceedingly good.

Outbreak of Foot and Mouth at Cosgrove

An outbreak of foot and mouth disease at Cosgrove has been confirmed and a standstill order covering a radius of 15 miles as being imposed by the Ministry of Agriculture.

The outbreak was at Elms farm Cosgrove, jointly held by two smallholders, Mr. William Crowther [Crowder] and Mr. John Higgins.  It was reported to the authorities early on Tuesday morning.

About 55 animals are involved, including 22 milking cows, in-calf heifers, yearling stores, a fat pig, and a goat.  The work of slaughtering and burning the carcasses started on Wednesday.

A wide area covering four counties, Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Oxfordshire, has been closed for the movement of stock.

Hunting by the Grafton hounds has been affected, and the meet due to be held at Gayhurst, Buckinghamshire, on Wednesday was cancelled.

A collection, organized by Mr. C E Monk, licensee of the Plough, from his customers, realized £28 for serving members of HM forces who previously resided in the village of Cosgrove.  The sum of 13s was forwarded to each recipient as a Christmas gift.  A further collection for Northampton General Hospital raised £5, which was forwarded to Mr. Tack, the local Hon Secretary.

WANTED Healthy Orphan Lambs. Amos, Cosgrove.

Women Elected also at Cosgrove

For the first time in the history of Cosgrove Parish Council women have been elected to that body to take part in its deliberations.  The new council was elected at a parish meeting held in the Council Schools on Monday evening, and the interest aroused was evidenced by the very good attendance of parishioners.

The women members of the new council are Mrs Mabel Jelley, Mrs. Ada L Smith, and Miss Joan Wake, whilst the remaining vacancies were filled by Messrs. Frank Hall, Jack Hebson, Horace C. Jones.

Blind Appeal

A collection was organized at the Plough Cosgrove, for the Christmas appeal in aid of the National Institute for the Blind, Cambridge, and a sum of £5 5s which resulted was sent last week by Mr. C E Monk, the licensee of the house.

Bellringing Memorial peals

On Friday, 12 April at the church of St Giles, Stony Stratford, a quarter peal, 1260 changes, of Grandsire Triples was rung on the bells which were half muffled to the memory of the late Bishop of Buckingham (the late Rev. P H Elliot) and also Mr. R T Hibbert, late hon. Secretary of the Oxford Guild of Change-ringers, who in days gone by was a frequent visitor to the meetings of the North Bucks branch of the Guild.

The ringers taking part in the quarter peal were : T Trussel a 1 F Green 2 H E Edwards 3 E C Lambert 4 J. Higgins 5 W. Dillow 6 J chance 7 H. Tomkins 8 conductor E C Lambert.

The Late Major Grant Thorold

Major Harry Grant Thorold of Cranford Hall near Kettering, has passed away at the age of 75 years.  He had been a magistrate in Northamptonshire for 45 years, and whilst resident at Cosgrove sat on the Stony Stratford bench, which at that time adjudicated on both Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire places.  He also represented the parish of Cosgrove on the old Potterspury Board of Guardians, when that authority held its meetings in the boardroom of the Workhouse Institution at Yardley Gobion. 

Major Grant-Thorold left Cosgrove to live at Cranford Hall in 1922.  A keen sportsman, he hunted with the Grafton and Woodland Pytchley.  During World War I and the South African war he served with the Northamptonshire regiment.  A member of an old Lincolnshire family, he was educated at Eton and Corpus Christi College Oxford.  The funeral service took place at St Andrew’s church Cranford, and cremation followed at Kettering.

Cosgrove Man for Victory March

Mr. A Loughrey of 29 Bridge Road, Cosgrove, has been selected to parade with the Home Guard contingent in the London Victory March on 8th June.

He will be one of twelve members of the Home Guard of the counties of Northampton and Huntingdon, which contingent will comprise one officer and eleven other ranks.  Mr. Loughrey will represent the Towcester and Brackley area, and while serving in the Home Guard held the rank of company sergeant major.

Minister draws Attention to Deanshanger Brook

Only one member of the Towcester RDC was present at the Ministry of Health inquiry at the Town Hall Towcester on Friday, 31 May, to consider the application for a loan of £87672 from the Ministry for works of sewerage and sewage disposal for the parishes of Deanshanger, Old Stratford, Cosgrove, Furtho, Potterspury, Wicken, and Yardley Gobion, but the interest of some of the participating villages in the scheme was evidenced by the attendance of a number of parish councillors, who came from Cosgrove, Potterspury, and Wicken.

……. The report of the District Valuer was awaited on the quarter of an acre of land required at Cosgrove and a half acre of land at Old Stratford.

……. The present water consumption at Potterspury is 15000 – 18000 gallons a day, Cosgrove, Deanshanger and Old Stratford between 35000 – 45000 gallons per day, Wicken 6000 gallons and Yardley Gobion 15000 gallons.

……. Mr Martin Gimson outlined the scheme.

…….  The sewage of Wicken, Deanshanger, and Old Stratford would be conveyed by gravity to a pumping station near the Watling Street bridge.  Sewage from the parishes of Yardley Gobion and Potterspury would gravitate to the same pumping station.  Sewage would be accepted at the point where Wolverton Urban District council proposed to build a pumping station.  It would have to be pumped twice except in the case of Cosgrove, when it would have to be pumped three times.

In closing the enquiry the inspector stated that he had taken the evidence and details to discuss and will be making a report in the near future.

In the London Victory March to be held on the 8th of June, Mr. A. Loughrey, of Bridge Street, Cosgrove, will march with the Home Guard section, representing Towcester and Brackley district where he held the rank of Company-Sergeant- Major.

Tony Lavington 3rd in the fancy dress

Cosgrove Celebrates V Day

Cosgrove had planned a holiday programme for the day, but like many other places in the country, outdoor proceedings had to be postponed due to the rain, and are still to be held.  The sports programme has now been arranged for August Bank Holiday Monday.

The events which did take place proved most enjoyable.  The whole arrangements were made by committee formed to from a public meeting, with Mr. G Hickford as chairman and Mr. J Hebson hon Secretary.  Residents were co-opted to carry through the various events.

A fancy dress parade was held in the early afternoon and proved to be one of the best of its kind yet held in the village.  The entrance assembled at the old school, and from there paraded to the new school.  There were between 30 and 40 in fancy dress, which showed much originality and skill, and they were judged by Miss Wells and Miss Balfour, whose awards, which were as follows, gave every satisfaction:

Girls under 7: 1 June Smith, 2 Diane and Pamela Williams, 3 Sheila Brown.  Special prizes, Hebson twins and Pat Bushell.

Boys under 7: 1 Pat Hickford, 2 Colin Bushell, 3 Tony Lavington.  Specials, Paul Davies, Tony Pollard, and J Pack.

Girls 7 to 14:  1 Pauline Pollard 2 Peter and Brenda Goodridge 3 Peggy Hillyer and Pauline Bushell.

Boys 7 to 14:  1 B Goodridge, 2 G. Williams, 3 Bob Brockway and Rodney Hickford.  Special Donald Kightley.

Adults:  1 Mrs. Castle and Mrs. Clarke, 2 Mrs. Davies, 3 Peggy and Audrey Ruff.

Best decorated tricycle (under 7): 1 Rosemary Hebson

Best decorated bicycle (over 7): 1 Jean Loughrey

Fifty children and about 100 adults were served tea in the Schools, the catering being excellent and a tribute to the ladies responsible.  Mrs M E Jelley had charge and had the assistance of members of the Women’s Institute and other helpers.

Those persons who were unable to attend the tea by reason of age or illness and particles of food send out to their homes.

The children were delighted by a surprise visit of a Punch and Judy show from the Northampton and they also enjoyed games.  Each child received a new three penny piece, the money being given by a generous donor.  There were many other generous donors whose gifts made the whole of the celebrations possible.  The parish council also made a grant of £10 towards the cost.

In the evening there was dancing for adults, Mr. J Hebson and Mr. G Hickford being the MCs.  Savings stamps constituted prizes.  The organizers wish to thank all helpers for their splendid co-operation.

Cosgrove to have Street Lighting

Cosgrove is seeking to improve the amenities of its inhabitants by introducing to the village a system of street lighting to relieve those long dark winter evenings.  Cosgrove has been one of those rural communities of which there have been a number in this immediate neighbourhood in the past where there has been no street illumination, not even by means of the old oil lamps.  Now they are seeking to introduce electric lighting with a hope that an installation may be achieved for the coming winter.

A special parish meeting was held in Cosgrove Council School on Monday, 8th July, for the purpose of adopting the Lighting and Watching Act.  There was a fair number of parishioners present, presided over by Mr. George W Ruff (Chairman of the Council) who was supported by members of the Council and Clerk to the Council.

A scheme recommended by the Parish Council for the installation of eleven lights in the Cosgrove Village itself and seven lights in that part of Old Stratford which is within the parish of Cosgrove, was fully discussed and the resolution to adopt the Act was moved by Miss Joan Wake and unanimously adopted.  The Parish Council will now proceed with the scheme.

As the outcome of the recent Ministry of Health Inquiry into the scheme of the Towcester Rural District Council for sewerage and sewage disposal to Deanshanger, Old Stratford, Cosgrove, Furtho, Wicken, Potterspury, and Yardley Gobion the council has now received the intimation that whilst the Minister is prepared to approve the proposals in principle, he is unable in view of the present shortage of labour and materials to agree to the Council proceeding with the whole of the work.

Cosgrove School Sports

Cosgrove School held its second annual sports meeting on 31 July in a field kindly lent by Captain PY Atkinson.  Children, parents, and friends spent an enjoyable afternoon.  Captain and Mrs. Atkinson were the judges, and also provided prizes for the winners of races.  Lemonade was served to the children and tea to the visitors by a group of mothers.

Only Five Parishes have Good Water

“Typical of the tremendous change in the outlook of local government”, was the comment of Colonel G Ewart Rhodes, MICE, barrister-at-law, when conducting an inquiry for the Ministry of Health, following an application from Towcester RDC for a loan of £280,000 for works of water supply for all parishes within the rural district.  The inquiry was held at Towcester Town Hall on Thursday, 1^st of August.

…….  The question of water supply was of a very urgent nature in the district and many of the Council’s housing schemes were likely to be held up if water was not available at an early date.  Many other villages in the district that possessed piped water supplies were in extremely precarious positions.  Potterspury, where only one hour’s water supply from the mains was possible, had figured in articles in both local and national press, and much adverse criticism of the Council had been made.

…….  There was likely to be an increasing demand for water supplies to farm buildings and fields and the production of clean milk depended on a copious supply of water.  The proposed scheme would deal with the needs of the community for many years to come.

…….  Evidence of the alleged unsatisfactory state of water within the district was given by Mr. DJ Powell sanitary inspector.  Samples of water had been taken in most villages without a tight supply, and of 73 samples taken only seven had been found to be good.  At Potterspury, Paulerspury, parson them, Cosgrove, Furtho, and Yardley Gobion the yield was very much less than the normal consumption.

South Northants Conservatives – Women’s Branch Active at Old Stratford and Cosgrove

Branches of the Women’s Conservative Association in South Northants are being revived in their activities, and the joint branch for Old Stratford and Cosgrove has already got going.  Its second meeting took place on Thursday, 8th August at Furtho House, Old Stratford, the residence of Mr. and Mrs. W W Dickens.

Miss D. Haynes, who holds the position of chairman, presided over the meeting, and which between 20 and 30 new members were enrolled.  Mrs. C R Whiting, Cosgrove, is honorary treasurer, and supported the chairman. Mrs. P Y Atkinson, of Cosgrove Priory (president) was unable to attend.  Mrs B Kightley, Cosgrove, is vice chairman, and Mrs. Whiting the area representative.

Business transacted included arrangements for an outing to the Thames Valley on Thursday, 29th August, also for the holding of the fete early in September at Furtho House.  The committee comprises four persons from each village, viz.  Mrs. H. Dickens, Mrs Biddis, Mrs. Capell senior, and Mrs. Green (Old Stratford), Mrs. Andrew, Mrs. A Loughrey, Mrs S Eglesfield, and Mrs. Johnson (Cosgrove).  The village secretaries are: Mrs. W Slaymaker, Old Stratford and Mrs. Gascoyne, Cosgrove.  A further meeting takes place next week.

Cosgrove V Day Sports

Cosgrove held its postponed V Day sports on August Saturday in a field kindly lent by Mr. W Crowder.  Officials were Mr. Kightley and Mr. A Loughrey (judges); Mr. G Hickford (announcer), Mr A. Tompkins (handicapper), and Mr J. Hebson (starter).  Mr. Jones distributed prizes, which were in the form of national savings stamps.  Mrs. Tompkins and Cynthia Tompkins served lemonade.  The committee wish to thank all helpers and donors who made the programme possible.  Winners were:

Flat race (children under five years), 1 J Tustain 2 M. Ratledge 2 B. Cummings; (girls 5 to 8) 1 R Epsom 2 B Goodridge 3 P Bushell; (boys 5 to 8) 1 P Tustain 2 F. Ratledge 3 R Hills; (girls 9 to 11) 1 P. Hillyer 2 D Tustain 3 P Bushell; (boys 9 to 11) 1 R. Giles 2 T Tustain 3 R Hickford and P Goodridge (girls 12 to 14) 1 J Loughrey 2 H Snelson; (boys 12 to 14) 1 D Kightley 2 P Brown 3 B Goodridge.

Eight and spoon race (under five years) 1 B Cummings 2 J Tustain 3 R Pollard (girls) 1 A Smith 2 H Snelson 3 D Tustain (boys) 1 D. Tompkins 2 G. Williams 3 B Goodridge (women) 1 R. Cummings 2 C. Tompkins 3 M Ratledge.

Sack race (under 8 years) 1 F Ratledge 2 P Goodridge 3 P Tustain; (14 years) 1 T Tustain 2 B Goodridge 3 P Brown; (over 14) 1 G. Williams 2 L Lyman 3 D. Lyman.

Obstacle race (children) 1 D. Tompkins 2 G. Williams 3 D Kightley (adults) 1 H Cummings 2 J Loughrey 3 B. Tompkins

Slow bicycle 1 D. Lyman 2 D Kightley 3 P Brown.

Flat race (women 14 to 18) 1 B. Tompkins 2 J Alcock 3 C. Tompkins; (women over 18) 1 R Hills 2 A Bushell 3 M Ratledge; (men 14 to 18) 1 P Brown 2 D. Tompkins 3 D. Lyman (men over 18)1 A Loughrey 2 M Fitzgibbons 3 H. Cummings; (women over 40) 1 Mrs. Perry 2 Mrs. Tompkins 3 Mrs. Castle; (men over 40) 1 Mr. Loughrey 2 Mr. Alderton 3 Mr. Williams.

Tug of war cup won by a team representing the Barge Inn.

Three legged race (girls under 11) 1 P. Bushell and D Tustain 2 P. Hillyer and S. Newman 3 P Bushell and R. Hebson; (under 14) 1 J Loughrey and H Snelson 2 A Smith and P. Hillyer; (boys under 11) 1 P Goodridge and R Hickford 2 R. Giles and T Tustain 3 P Hickford and K. Davies (boys under 14) 1 D Kightley and B Goodridge 2 P Brown and G. Williams; (boys or girls under 14) 1 D Kightley and B Goodridge 2 J Loughrey and H Snelson 3 P Goodridge and P Hickford; (open) 1 J Loughrey and L Lyman 2 D Kightley and B Goodridge 3 J Loughrey and H Snelson.

Wheelbarrow race (boys and girls) 1 J Loughrey and L Lyman 2 P. Hillyer and D Tustain 3 D. Tompkins and C Tompkins (under 10) 1 R. Giles and K. Davies 2 M. Whitaker and S Wickham 3 T Tustain and P Hickford (men and women) one J Loughrey and C. Tompkins 2 H. Cummings and R Cummings 3 S Ratledge and M Ratledge.

Street Lighting in North Bucks and South Northants

Before the coming winter is attended most towns and villages within 6 miles of Wolverton will, it is hoped, have electric street lighting.

…….  Requests for street lighting have come in to the Wolverton Branch Office of the Northampton Electric Light and Power Company from the Parish Councils of Potterspury, Cosgrove with part of Old Stratford, Haversham and Emberton, whist Beachampton’s case has been before the Company for some time.  Potterspury have requested 30 lamps, Pemberton 8, Cosgrove Village 11, and Old Stratford east side of the Watling Street 7.

……. The Electric Light Company would be only too pleased to speed up the work of installing villages with lights, but Mr. JG the land, the Wolverton branch manager, informed our representative for that there was a great difficulty in preparing materials, while they still had pr-war commitments not yet carried out.

Cosgrove Local Will

Mr. Harry Grant Thorold of Cranford Hall, Kettering, who died on 15th April last, son of the late A W D Grant Thorold of Cosgrove Hall, left £116,327 13s gross, with net personally £58,912 13s 7d (duty paid £20,689).

He left £50 each to E Abbott, housekeeper, George H Smith, chauffeur, Percy Roycroft, gardener, and Robert G Mowlam, gamekeeper, if still in his service, and an annuity of £52 to George Wilson, to be continued to his wife, Annie, on his death; £100 each to Brigadier General Basil Thorold Buckley and Cecil D. Webb, as executors; an annuity of £300 to his Brother Richard; his New Clee, Lincolnshire property upon trust for his children, Richard, Bridget, Rachel, and Priscilla, and their issue and the residue as to one-seventh to his son and two sevenths each to his daughters, certain names to be brought into account.

South Northants Conservatives Outing

A company numbering 64, members of the Old Stratford and Cosgrove Branch Women’s Conservative Association, held an enjoyable outing in fine weather, on Thursday, 29th August, when the Thames Valley District was visited.  Two motor coaches conveyed the party, who visited, amongst other places, Windsor Castle.  Tea was taken at Kew Green.  Arrangements were made by Miss D Haynes and Mrs. W Slaymaker, for Old Stratford, and Mrs. Gascoygne for Cosgrove.

Lorry Drove into Sheep at Cosgrove – Army Sergeant Fined

A farmer was driving 60 lambs he had just collected from Castlethorpe railway station when an Army lorry, are being tested for breaking, drove into the middle of them, killing two, injuring two more so badly they had to be destroyed, and slightly injuring four others.

This story was told at Towcester Magistrates Court by William Starsmore, of Old Copse Farm, Wicken, when Sergeant Guy Peter Rooker, (24) of 12 Special Communications Unit, Royal Signals, pleaded not guilty to driving a shooting brake in a dangerous manner and to not having efficient brakes, at Cosgrove, on 14th September.

Mr G A T Vials (Messrs Ray and Vials) defended.

Starsmore said there was a clear view for 100 yards from a slight bend in the road to where he was driving the lambs, but Rooker drove into the middle of them before he stopped.  Rooker said his brakes would not act, and told witness he was testing them.

According to PC Ostle some of the sheep were limping when he went to the scene.  There was a view for 111 yards down the road from where the break hit the lambs.  With Rooker he later tested the brakes and the vehicle stopped in 25 yards with the foot brake at 25 miles an hour, and 22 yards with the handbrake at 30 miles an hour.

Rucker, in evidence, said he could not see right round the bend because of a dip in the road, and he did not see the sheep until he was 20 yards away.

“They were all over the road, and running and jumping about,” he said. “I was trying to avoid hitting sheep”.

The brakes were effective.  His speed was about 30 miles an hour.

Corporal Arthur Blakeman, REME, said the vehicle could be pulled up in 20 yards.

Captain Norman Wilson told the magistrates of testing there breaks the day before the accident. “the last 10 yards of a 27 yards skid mark was with the brakes full on,” he said.

The magistrates reduce the summons to one of careless driving and a fine of £5 was imposed.  The summons alleging inefficient brakes was dismissed.

A Cosgrove Protest

A letter of protest from Cosgrove against the collection of night soil being carried out so late in the morning at that village and also at Old Stratford came before the Public Health Committee.  The Surveyor reported that the cesspool emptier had recently broken down, the work having to be carried out by the old horse and cart method for about a month while the repairs were effected, but that the vehicle was now in working order again.

Four Airey Houses for Cosgrove

Of the 50 Airey houses to be erected in the area, four are to be erected at Cosgrove and the same number at Grafton Regis with Alderton.

Cosgrove Harvest Services – Soap and Rabbit Gifts

A rabbit and some soap were amongst the gifts at the Harvest services of SS Peter and Paul church, Cosgrove, on Sunday, 20th October, conducted by the Rev. R Arch, vicar of Potterspury, as the parish is still without a rector.  Holy Communion was at 8.30 am when there was a good number of communicants, whilst at evensong the worshippers numbered more than had attended a service there for many years, every seat being occupied.  The offertories amounted to £1 10s 3s (morning) and £7 4s (evening).

Following the evening service the band of ringers under conductor Mr. Lambert, rang a peal on the church bells.

The church was beautifully decorated with an abundance of gifts, including sheaves of oats and barley, also groceries, soap, and a rabbit.  The ladies of the parish carried out the work of decorating, with the assistance of several men.

On the Tuesday evening, in the Old School, Mr. Jack Johnson contacted the sale of gifts in an able and humorous manner.  The good company present it generously, and over £11 was realized.  The entire proceeds from the harvest amounted to over £20, from which is to be taken £15 in order to pay a of the church quota, the balance going to church expenses.

Silver Communion Chalice Repaired

Parishioners were learn with pleasure that the small Elizabethan silver communion chalice, dated 1569, which is a beautiful specimen of ancient craft, has been repaired by the Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company, Regent Street, London, at a cost of £18.  The money to meet the cost is being raised by a domino drives, whilst several parishioners have already sent gifts.  The chalice has been valued at £200.

The Cosgrove Church living has been vacant since the Rev. H N C Hewson died last November, aged 97.  Services there are being conducted by the Rev. R Arch, vicar of Potterspury, and lay readers from Northampton.  Services are held every Sunday evening at 6pm, with Holy Communion at 8.30 am on alternate weeks from Sunday, 17th November.

Donors to the silver communion chalice were Captain P Y Atkinson, Mr. and Mrs. Whiting, Mr. and Mrs. Dickens (Old Stratford), Mr. Alex Hewson, Mr. Gosling, Canon Martin (late Rural Dean), Mrs. Johnson, Derby (a native of the village and in memory of her father and mother buried there in the years 1876 and 1886); domino drives organized by Mrs. Loughrey, Mr J. Higgins, Mr. Slaymaker, Mr. and Mrs. Brassington, Mrs. Feil, Mrs. Stone and Miss C. Phillips Kineton, Warwick.

Armistice Service

The Armistice Service on Sunday next will be at 5pm at Cosgrove Parish Church, where the service will be conducted by the Rev. R Arch, vicar of Potterspury.  All ex-Servicemen are invited to attend the parade.  The Offertory will be for Earl Haig’s Poppy Day Fund.

Special Peal Rung at Cosgrove Church

A Service of Remembrance, Thanksgiving, and Dedication was held at Cosgrove Parish Church on Sunday afternoon, and was conducted by the Rev. R Arch, of Potterspury, and was most impressive.

Captain P Y Atkinson led the ex-Servicemen of both 1914 - 18 and 1939 - 45 wars, and placed a wreath on the War Memorial.  The Last Post and Reveille within sounded by Mr. Harry Lambert of Yardley Gobion, followed by a silence.  After this the hymn “Praise to the Holiest in the Height” was sung, followed by the General Thanksgiving.  A moving and eloquent address was delivered by the Rev. R Arch.

The National Anthem was sung at the beginning of the service, and the hymn “O Valiant Hearts” at the close.

The collection was taken whilst the congregation sang Kipling’s Recessional Hymn.  The collection was for Earl Haig’s Fund for Disabled Ex-Servicemen, and amounted to £5 11s 8½d.

The word of thanks is due to the bell ringers who Sunday by Sunday, call the people to worship.  For this special service they rang a 1260 Plain Bob Minor, and the bell ringers were:

H. Cummings (1) F. Lambert (2) E J Lambert (3) J May (4) J. Higgins (5) and E C Lambert (6) conductor.

Church “Bombshell” at Deanshanger – Objections to Proposed Amalgamation with Cosgrove

A church “bombshell” fell upon Deanshanger this week when, at a specially convened meeting of Holy Trinity Church Council, it was announced by the wardens, Mr. H D Carslake and Mr. W N Montgomery JP that the Bishop of Peterborough contemplated amalgamating the parishes of Deanshanger and Cosgrove.

It was also intimated that it was proposed that the Rev. JS Benson, who is at present living in Deanshanger, and was thought would be inducted to the living early in December, would live at Cosgrove Rectory, and have the oversight of the two parishes, which incidentally would include the village of Old Stratford, seeing that half of that village is in each parish.

Leading the opposition at the parochial meeting were Mr. J A Taylor Brown, the village schoolmaster, Mr. Jack Smith, and Mr J. Roberts, who were quickly and earnestly supported by the majority of councillors.

The churchwardens were unable to proceed with the proposed merger in view of a unanimous vote not forthcoming at the meeting.  Meanwhile, a further council meeting is to be called, while attempts are being made to convene a meeting of all parishioners of Passenham-cum-Deanshanger.

Deanshanger has a population of over 1000 persons, and houses are still going up; in fact, it has been described as the most progressive village in South Northamptonshire, and as such it is desirous of having a resident clergyman.

There is talk of the Parochial Church Council members resigning en bloc should the proposal be enforced, but appeals to higher ecclesiastical powers will probably be instituted by the parishioners.  The merger will not be accepted without protest, and, judging by the voices throughout Deanshanger, the village will fight to the last ditch.

Cosgrove’s Increase

Mrs. PY Atkinson, of Cosgrove, organized poppy day in a village, and the collectors raised £10 15s, which he is five shillings increase on 1945.  Collectors: Miss R Whiting, Miss R Hills, Miss M. Stewart, Miss J Loughrey, and Miss D Tustain.  In addition there is £1 from the sale of the poppy wreath to the Ex-Servicemen, and the church collection of over £5.

An Anniversary Peal

A special peal was rung on the bells of Cosgrove parish church on Saturday, 23 November, a Double Bob Major, 5040 changes in 3hr 52min.

This was the first time this peal had been rung by all the ringers, and it was run on the 50^th anniversary of the conductor’s first peal, which took place at SS Peter and Paul Church, Mitcham, Surrey.

The ringers were: R G Abraham, John Higgins, C Sharp, R H Howson, C S Adams, E C. Lambert (conductor).

Cosgrove Cottage to be Demolished

The Public Health and Housing Committee reported that in order to utilise the remainder of the Cosgrove Housing site for the erection of the four Airey Rural houses allocated to this parish it would be necessary to demolish the condemned cottage standing on the site.  This cottage was still occupied, but the representatives on the Council for the parish of Cosgrove had agreed that the tenancy of the first house at Cosgrove now nearing completion be offered to this tenant in order that the condemned cottage could be demolished at the earliest possible date.

A tender was admitted from Henry Martin Ltd, the contractors engaged upon the site, to demolish the cottage, clearing the walls to ground level for the sum of £60.

Ex Sheep Farmer to be Rector of Deanhanger-cum-Cosgrove

Although objections were raised at a Deanhanger Holy Trinity Church Council meeting in November to the proposed amalgamation of that parish with Cosgrove, the Bishop of Peterborough will induct the Rev.  John S. Benson to the vacant living on Thursday next.  Already resident at Cosgrove Rectory, the new Rector will have the oversight of both parishes and the village of Old Stratford.

41 years of age, Mr. Benson went with his family to Australia at the age of five, and was educated at the Church of England Grammar School, Guildford, in that country.  His athletic prowess included captaincy of School House, Captain of Athletics, vice-captain of Football, and Victor Ludorum, 1924, also Public Schools Half-mile champion (record) and mile runner of West Australia in 1924.

For nine years he was a sheep Farmer, with 2000 acres of grazing property, but on a trip home to England in 1935 he was converted and called to the Ministry.  He studied for Holy Orders for three years at the BCMS College, and became vice senior student, winning the College Bible Diploma and passed both parts of the Ordination Examination.

He was curate at the Holy Trinity Church, Barnsbury, Islington, in September 1939, and was in charge of that church from December 1940 to May 1941, working throughout the first blitz.  When the vicar proceeded to a new living at Holy Trinity, Rusholme, Manchester, Mr. Benson moved to join him until August 1941, when in response to an urgent cablegram from the Archbishop of Sydney he proceeded, with his wife (whom he married in London in 1941), to New South Wales Australia, and was appointed curate of Saint Barnabas, Broadway, Sydney.  From 1943 to 1945 Mr. Benson was acting rector of Corrimal, New South Wales before joining the Australian army as a chaplain, and later served overseas in New Guinea for six months.  He recently returned to this country.

Cosgrove Youth Squad Make a Presentation

At a New Year’s Party organized by Cosgrove Youth Squad, Mr. Ron Williams presented Mrs M E Jelley with a lemonade set in recognition of the help given to the club since its formation four years ago.  The company numbered about 90 members and friends, who spent an enjoyable time in dancing and games, Mrs. Andrew being the pianist, while duties of MC were carried out by Mr. K Garner, Mr. V Lovesey, and Mr R. Williams.  Refreshments were served by members of the Catering Committee.

Towcester Council’s Housing Programme - Sites for Further 268 Houses

Potterspury, Paulerspury, Cosgrove, how Wicken, and the hamlet of Old Stratford, are to be included in the next housing programme of Towcester Rural District Council, it was announced at the monthly meeting.

The Council is to seek sites for the erection of 268 houses as the fourth instalment of its housing programme and it will include the following villages:

Cosgrove 12 houses, Furtho Old Stratford 12, Paulerspury 20, Potterspury 16, Wicken 12 and Towcester 22.

Death of Cosgrove Baker’s wife

The funeral took place on Monday, 17th February of Mrs. Ada Norman, wife of Mr. A W Norman, sub-postmaster at Cosgrove and a master baker.  Deceased lady passed away in Northampton General Hospital on Wednesday, 12th February at the age of 69 years.

It was in 1926 that Mr. and Mrs. Norman took over the business of Post Office Stores, Cosgrove, and up to 1940 Mrs. Norman took a large share of the business activities and gave helpful advice to pensioners in connection with their requirements at the Post Office.  Mr. and Mrs. Norman removed to a private house in the village in 1940.

Two years ago Mrs. Norman’s health commenced to fail, but up to that time she had continued to take an active part in the life of the village.  Her body was cremated at Milton, the ashes being deposited in the Garden of Remembrance.

Buried at Cosgrove to Fulfil a Wish

A possessor of great sporting knowledge, who could quote sporting events of his lifetime in the most interesting and reliable manner, Mr. David Humphreys died at 32 Marina Drive, Wolverton, on Thursday, 27 February, aged 78 years.  Before retiring he was employed in the fitting-shop of the Wolverton L M S railway works.

The funeral on Monday last was at Cosgrove Church, where his wife had been laid to rest, thus fulfilling his dearest wish.  Mourners present were Mr. and Mrs. R H Humphreys, Mr. and Mrs. J E Humphreys, Mr E. Humphreys, and Mr. and Mrs. R. Humphreys (sons and daughters in law), and Mr. C Hotston (brother-in-law).

Messrs. A W Gurney and Son, Wolverton and New Bradwell, made the funeral arrangements.

Snowbound villages in North Bucks and South Northants

Milk, Bread, and the Mail Always Got Through

Practically all the connecting roads between the towns and villages of North Bucks and South Northants were reopened by Monday morning last, after the great blizzard of Wednesday and Thursday, 5th and 6th March.  During the days in which they were isolated, villagers banded together to clear drifts, and valiant efforts by tradesmen got bread and milk through over devious routes.

……. Hanslope and Castlethorpe’s only outlet was by the Cosgrove roads and Old Stratford.  Working parties of soldiers from Hanslope Park help to clear the route.

Special Peal on Church Bells Marks Induction of Cosgrove’s New Rector

To mark the occasion of the induction of a new Rector, the bells of SS Peter and Paul church Cosgrove, were rung with a special peal on Sunday afternoon last in honour of the Rev. John Benson.  It was a quarter peal of 1260 changes of Plain Bob Minor, rung by Messrs. H Cummings, J. Higgins, J May, E J Lambert, E R Lambert, and E C Lambert (conductor).

The induction ceremony was carried out by Archdeacon Grimes, of Peterborough, in the presence of a large and representative congregation. The churchwardens who took part in the service were Mr. John Higgins and Mrs. Dora Feil. A collection taken for the Peterborough Diocesan Ordination fund amounted to £3 8s 2d.

The Rev. J S Benson was inducted Rector of Passenham - the living being held in plurality with Cosgrove - on Thursday, 23rd January.

At the morning service at Cosgrove on Sunday, conducted by the Rector, the address was given by the Rev. Alan Keech, of the Bible church lands missionary society. He has been a missionary in India for nine years, and gave a most interesting account of church work and life in India.  The collection for the B C M S Fund amounted to £3 14s 7d and a collecting box on behalf of this missionary society will be placed in the village shop for the next week or so and any contributions will be gratefully received.  The Rev. Alan Keech hopes to pay a return visit to Cosgrove in May.

HOUSES TO LET COSGROVE, BUCKS. Cottage Residence, Sitting Rooms, 3 Bedrooms, Bathroom. Co’s Electric Light. Garage. To Be Let Furnished for Three Months. Agents : Jackson Stops & Staff, Northampton.

Rector Takes Part in Meetings at Cosgrove

By common consent, the meetings of the Stony Stratford and District Local Preachers Association, recently held at Cosgrove, were among the most successful for a long time.  Members were present from all parts of the Association’s wide area, and, although Cosgrove is not particularly easy of access, they assembled in good numbers.

The proceedings began with a T such as is not commonly seen in these days of austerity, which had been arranged by the ladies of the Baptist Mission Hall, and members sat down at tables which were adorned with spring flowers.  Mrs. G. Williams and her band of willing helpers were afterwards thanked for the provision they had made, and they had the satisfaction of knowing that their hospitality was fully appreciated.

The business meeting followed, under the chairmanship of Mr. E W Peverill, the president.  The Secretary reported that he had had considerable correspondence with the Caravan Mission, in the hope that a series of meetings for children might be held during the coming summer, both at Cosgrove and Deanshanger.  Difficulties connected with the transport of caravan, trailer, and tents, which at one time threatened to make the mission impossible, had been overcome, but unfortunately the project was temporarily held up pending the appointment of a missioner for Northants.

It was reported that Mr G. Daniels, of Loughton, had been in hospital and had undergone an operation, and the Secretary was asked to write to him expressing the sympathy of his fellow members.

Are suggestion was made with regard to the possibility of providing transport to a quarterly meetings, to be paid for out of Association funds.  This suggestion was sympathetically received, although it was realised that some difficulty might be met with.  Eventually the matter was left undecided for the time being, in order that further consideration might be given to it.

At the public meeting in the evening all present were delighted to have the company of the Rev. J S Benson, the newly appointed Rector of Passenham and Cosgrove.  Mr. Benson was invited to read a passage of Scripture.  The address was given by Envoy Lee, of the Salvation Army, who spoke on the words “We spend our years as a tale that is told”.  In a way that gripped the attention of his hearers, the Army officer touched on events in his own life which had proved turning points, and which he could look back upon with satisfaction.

These gatherings at Cosgrove were a source of no small encouragement, for it was realised that whatever differences of thought or of outlook might exist as between one and another, there was agreement on the fundamental things of the Christian faith.

Cosgrove No 6 Clearance Order

Mr. Ridgway stated that one of the cottages comprised in the No 6 Clearance Order owned by Mr. A E Higgs, was now vacant, and asked the committee to consider requisitioning it in order that it could be temporarily re-occupied.  The Sanitary Inspector stated that he was not aware of the interior condition of the cottage at the present time but thought it could be repaired within the Ministry of Health limit on expenditure for this purpose.  The cottage in question was situated near the Aqueduct, [Horse Tunnel] Cosgrove.  The Council decided that subject to the approval of the Ministry of Health the following condemned cottages be requisitioned and repaired by direct labour:

Cottages known as New Buildings, Cosgrove, and owned by the Rev. W W Meadows;

Cottage known as Aqueduct Cottage, Cosgrove, owned by Mr. A E Higgs.

Another Clearance House Vacant at Cosgrove

Mr R. Ridgway CC said that since the last Public Health meeting another clearance house at Cosgrove had become vacant and he thought the council should take requisitioned powers because they had got so many young people married without homes to live in.  The house was owned by Mr. Horne and was vacant that week.

The Clerk: is it condemned? 

Mr. Ridgway: yes. 

Mr. W H Marlow: We want some official knowledge of the condition of the house. 

The council agreed to include the house in the requisition order if the Sanitary Inspector thought fit to do so.

Cosgrove No 6 Clearance Order

Cottage Vacant - Wolverton applicant

The Sanitary Inspector reported that one of the three cottages known as the New Buildings, Cosgrove, comprised in the Cosgrove No 5 Clearance Order was now vacant and in his opinion was suitable for repair and temporary re-occupation.  The owner of the property was the Rev. W W Meadows, and an application had been received from Mrs E I Robertson, of 43 Stratford Road, Wolverton, asking if she purchased the three cottages comprised in this Clearance Order, she could be allowed to occupy the vacant cottage for herself and her husband, who was a repatriated prisoner of war.  The Committee agreed that this cottage could be requisitioned but that the question of the tenancy must be left to the representative on the Council for the parish of Cosgrove.

No Water in Few Months at Cosgrove?

Water is available again at Cosgrove, but with the present pressure and the system of piping through Deanshanger, there will be no water or in a few months’ time.

This was reported by Mr. D J Powell, Sanitary Inspector, submitting a report from the Surveyor.

The Clerk was directed to refer the report to the Council’s consulting engineers to ascertain if the work described by the Surveyor would be of permanent use for the Regional Scheme, and if so, to request them to act accordingly.  The water had been restored, he said, after rectifying and replacing faulty and leaking pipes in Deanshanger.  He said the pressure in Cosgrove was poor owing to the system by which water was delivered from Deanshanger.  The water came from a tower through the village in a 3 inch pipe, and then in a 4 inch pipe on to Cosgrove.  When 50 new houses had been completed in Deanshanger, it was obvious water would not be available at Cosgrove.

Mr. Powell suggested a 4 inch main should be taken from the Deanshanger water tower and connected across the fields to the existing main on the Deanshanger Road, Old Stratford.  This would give Deanshanger, Old Stratford, and Cosgrove a supply of water at reasonable pressure, but it would cost around £1000.

An Innovation – Religious Unity at Cosgrove

Members of the Parish Church and the Mission Hall at Cosgrove, are uniting in the holding of religious services in the village on the first Sunday in each month during the summer.

The first of such services has already been held and the innovation has met with much success, the attendance at this service which was held on the first Sunday in May in the Parish Church being more than the normal combined congregations of the two communities.  The Rector the Rev. J S Benson conducted and the sermon was delivered by Mr. H J Harris, of Stony Stratford, a local preacher and Secretary of the Stony Stratford and District Local Preachers Association.

On Sunday, 1st June at 7.15 pm the United Service will be held in the Mission Hall, conducted by Mr. H J Harris and the Rev. J S Benson giving the address.  On subsequent occasions visiting lay preachers may take part.  A United Sunday school has already been formed in the village and meets each Sunday in the Mission Hall.

Cosgrove Land and Property Sold

Nearly 10 acres of land situated near the centre of the village of Cosgrove, half of which is let to the village Allotment Committee, and three cottages in the village, two of them with vacant possession, was sold by auction at the Barley Mow Inn on Monday last.  Mrs. Ruff, of Cosgrove, was the vendor of both lots.

Bidding for the first lot, the freehold land, rose quickly from £500 to £850 and then by £5.s to £885, the eventual purchaser being Mr. F A Hewson, son of the late rector of the village.  There was not as much interest in the bidding for the cottages, and the auctioneer Mr. M S Eatts, of Messrs. Hawkins Sons and Eatt, of Northampton, remarked that the last bid of £695 was nowhere near what he expected to make of them.  Mr. T H C Terry, of Hanslope was the purchaser.

Messrs Dennis, Faulkner and Alsop, of Northampton, were the solicitors.

Letters to the Editor - Cosgrove Property Repairs

Sir – the letter by Mrs. Lavington, of Cosgrove, in your last issue, should attract the sympathy of many of your readers.  The Council concerned have an obligation to this family.  I for one think this is another case of the consideration by councillors of what is essential work, though it is but the reflection of the attitude of the government department that allows such local government ruling.  Mrs. Lavington has a genuine grievance, but when one remembers that as reported in the press recently, one Council in the vicinity (Wolverton) has recently agreed to an expenditure of £4000, approximately, on what I maintain is non-essential work much against the wishes of the majority of the electors, we are, therefore, not surprised at the Cosgrove decision.

It is hoped the letter will receive the attention of the local Medical Officer of Health, for there is an issue at stake of more importance than the faulty ceiling mentioned by the mother of the two children.  The way is clear to unbiased Councillors: either provide Mrs. Lavington, her husband, and two children with another home, or allow the need for repairs to be done at the small cost named, £50, or approximately.  The latter most easily done at the moment.  It is high time practical men took such matters in hand and got on with the business, that only needs common sense and experience, plus courage to do the seemingly impossible.

A Sympathiser

Cosgrove Sunday School

Sir –

Would you kindly allow me a few lines in which to amplify a paragraph which appeared in your issue of 23rd May relative to the above.

As a matter of actual fact, a Sunday School of some 40 children has existed in Cosgrove Village since the latter part of the 19^th century and for 43 years Mr F W Downing had charge of this work, undertaking the journey from Stony Stratford Sunday by Sunday in every kind of weather. For a considerable number of years he had as his colleague Mr G Williams, who still continues in the work, and it is this school in which the Rector (the Rev J S Benson) is now giving his whole hearted co-operation.

It is, I feel, due to those who have rendered such devoted service that these facts should be put on record.

H J Harris, Stony Stratford

Double Wedding at Cosgrove – Greeted by Church Bells

A unique event for the village of Cosgrove was the double wedding which took place at the Parish Church there on Saturday last, and the church bellringers rang a merry peal in honour.

The contracting parties were Mr Donald Chown, younger son of Mr and Mrs F Chown, of Elm Farm, Cosgrove, and Miss Elsie Prisley, only daughter of Mr and Mrs J G Prisley, of Model Farm, Combs, Stowmarket, Suffolk; also Mr Edwin Lambert, younger son of Mr and Mrs E Lambert, of Church Cottage, Cosgrove, and Miss Olive Williams, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs F Williams, of 21 Bridge Road, Cosgrove.

Miss Elsie Prisley was given away by her father and she wore a powder blue moss crepe dress with halo head dress to match, also a spray of white and red carnations. Her brother, Sergt L E Prisley, RAF, was best man.

Miss Olive Williams was given away by her father and she wore a dress of dusty pink crepe with hat to match, and a spray of sweet peas. The groom’s brother, Mr Jim Lambert, was best man.

The two brides have been firm friends since school days and each received silver horseshoes at the church door when a peal rang out from the church bells. Mr Edwin Lambert’s father and brother are members of the bellringers, and he too belongs to the ringing band.

After the reception both couples went by car to Bletchley Railway Station, where they separated, one pair going to the East Coast and the other pair to Kent. Each received many presents, including  monetary gifts.

Conservative Fete at Cosgrove – Opened by Divisional Chairman

Members of the Cosgrove and Old Stratford branch of the Daventry Conservative and Unionist Association held a garden fete in the lovely grounds of Cosgrove Priory (by kind permission of [Lt] Colonel and Mrs P Y Atkinson) on Saturday last.

Mrs T A Thornton (Divisional Chairman) opened the fete. Teas, refreshments, produce and jumble stalls, and sideshows were served by Mesdames Millward, Kightley, W Slaymaker, A Loughrey, H Dickens, Ratledge, Capel, S Inch, Jeffrey and C Brockway, Misses Vera Toombs, Shirley Holden, Rita Love and Jean Loughrey, Messrs C and P Millward.

A Whist drive was held in the evening, followed by dancing to amplified music. Arrangements for the fete were made by Hon Secretary Mrs Slaymaker and members of the Committee.

Cosgrove Land Girl married

Five years in the Land Army as dairymaid to Captain and Mrs P Y Atkinson of Cosgrove Priory, Miss Olive Luker, daughter of Mr and Mrs Luker of 33 Briar Hill Road, Northampton, was married at St Mary’s Church Far Cotton on Saturday, to Mr Robert Fielding of Wolverton.

The bride was attended by Miss Sylvia Smith (her cousin), Miss Daphne Osborn (cousin of the bridegroom), Miss Christine Sheerman and Master Bernard Bull.

After a reception at the Co-operative Hall, St Leonard’s Road, the couple left for a honeymoon at Ilfracombe.

Details of a development plan issued by the Northamptonshire County Education Committee for future primary and secondary education include proposals for the Old Stratford area, which comprises the villages of Cosgrove, Passenham, Deanshanger, Potterspury, Yardley Gobion and Wicken. Estimated cost for alteration to existing school within this area and the building of a modern secondary school at Old Stratford is £160,873.

…… Cosgrove – The proposed school will provide primary education for children of 5 to 11 plus in two classes for 35-40 children. Two classrooms and a staff room will be arranged in the existing building, and a new hall, cloakrooms and sanitary offices to be erected. A small playing field will be required in addition. The estimated capital cost is £7600, which will be incurred in the years 1959-67.

……Old Stratford - A new modern secondary school will be built to accommodate pupils from the area of both sexes, age 11 plus to 16 years. Estimate capital cost is £52000 to be incurred in 1954-59.

NEW BUILDINGS, COSGROVE, Northants.
A First-class Investment at Low Reserve

E. Faulkner & Company
have received instructions to sell by
Auction the above Freehold Property,
to be offered in one or more lots (unless previously disposed of)
at The Cock Hotel, Stony Stratford, Bucks on
THURSDAY. OCTOBER 16^th 
at 7 p.m.
comprising

(1) Eight Brick-built Cottages with slated roofs, each containing four rooms, outbuildings, sheds, etc.
(2) Three Cottages, adjoining, with similar accommodation, subject to a Demolition Order, but let on the usual licence or Requisition Order issued by the Local Authority.
Most of the cottages are installed with Electric Light, Main Water is available. All let to good tenants.
A compact property. Rentals amount to £112 per annum, owner paying rates amounting to £44 per annum approx. Further particulars and order to view from the Auctioneers: E. Faulkner & Co., F.V.A., Auctioneers, 9a, Stratford Road, Wolverton, Bucks, Telephone No. Wolverton 2158, or from the Solicitors, Messrs. Walton & Ray, Stony Stratford, Bucks, and at Bletchley, Leighton Buzzard, Luton, etc.

Mr Leslie D Meakins and Miss Marjorie P Brown

The bells of St Peter and Paul Church, Cosgrove, greeted Miss Marjorie Pauline Brown, only daughter of Mr and Mrs R Brown of 35 Bridge Road, Cosgrove, when she was married on Saturday 23^rd August to Mr Leslie Donald Meakins, youngest son of Mr and Mrs F Meakins, of Towcester Road Potterspury.

The Rector, the Rev J S Benson conducted the choral service and a friend of the bride at the organ, played for the singing of the hymn “Lead us Heavenly Father Lead us” and the bridal march from “Lohengrin”.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a dress of net and lace trimmed with satin in crinoline style, and a coronet of orange blossom with full length veil, kindly lent by a friend, Mrs A Wilkinson. She carried a shower bouquet of apricot roses.

Her cousins, Mrs Betty Brassett, (Matron of honour) and Miss Rosalie Jolly were attendants, together with a friend, Miss Edith Clarke. All wore dresses of dull figured satin, the matron of honour in apple green and the bridesmaids in apricot, and carried bouquets of white carnations. Mr C Meakins, brother of the bridegroom, was best man.

At the church the bride was presented with lucky horseshoes by Michael Powell, Geoffrey Meakins (nephew of the bridegroom) and Pat and Pauline Bushell, and with wooden spoons by Alan Dunkley and Colin Bushell.

Fifty guests attended a reception held in the Old School, Cosgrove, Mr and Mrs Meakins leaving for a honeymoon at Hunstanton. To the bride the groom gave a travelling case and the reciprocal gift was a leather wallet. The bridal attendants received gifts of brooches from the bridegroom. Included in the many presents received was a monetary gift from the bride’s colleagues in the ruling department of Messrs McCorquodale’s Wolverton. The bridegroom is employed by Messrs R Perris Faulkner, Old Stratford.

The church was decorated by Mrs H Tooley (aunt of the bride), and Miss Marlow.

Ministry Sanction South Northants Sewerage Scheme – But Wicken, Yardley Gobion and Cosgrove Village Scheme Held Over

The Minister of Health has approved in principle the full scheme for sewerage ans sewage disposal for the villages of Cosgrove, Furtho, Passenham, Potterspury, Wicken and Yardley Gobion, but, having regard to present day conditions in labour and materials, has given authority for Towcester Rural District Council to proceed to tender for part only of the scheme covering the Old Stratford portion of the parish of Cosgrove; Passenham, which includes Deanshanger and the Old Stratford portion; Furtho and Potterspury.

….. Mrs M E Jelley, the representative for Cosgrove, asked when could they expect the sewerage scheme at that village. “Is it not a ‘penny wide and pound foolish’ not to go ahead with the whole scheme?”

Mr A E Crisp, Deputy Clerk, said the Ministry had given instructions for the portion of the scheme they could do first, but he thought it could be assumes that the other portion would be done in a reasonable time as the Minister had authorised the Council to purchase land at Cosgrove for the scheme.

At Cosgrove

Poppy wreaths were arranged in Cosgrove Parish Church, the Union Jack draped on the pulpit, and the Cross of St George on the font during Remembrance services held on Sunday morning and afternoon.

The Silence was observed before the morning service, which was conducted by the Rev Dennis Moore, from the Pastoral Aid Society, Cambridge. A record number of ex-Servicemen of both wars paraded at the War Memorial, where wreath was laid by Captain P Y Atkinson.

The Rector, the Rev J S Benson, conducted the afternoon service, when the address was given by Captain E P Flood MBE, MC, Superintendent of Stony Stratford Orphanage. The collection for Earl Haig’s Fund was £5 17s.

A peal of half muffled bells rang before the service and after the muffles had been taken off another peal was rung following the service. Ringers were H Cummings, J Higgins, E J Lambert, F Lambert, E R Lambert and E C Lambert. Mr C Compton of Wolverton was the organist.

Mr R W Keen of Wolverton conducted a special service at the Mission Hall in the evening. On the previous Friday the Rev D Moore gave a lantern lecture on the work of his society.

At Cosgrove

The total raised at Cosgrove was £15 5s (decrease £1); Poppies £8 8s; Church collection £5 17s; and wreath £1. Mrs P Y Atkinson, of the Priory, was organiser, the collectors being Miss A Smith and Miss N Martin.

Cosgrove Rider an Olympic “Possible”

The name of R Herbert, of Cosgrove, is included in a list of twenty one riders chosen by the National Cyclists’ Union as “possibles” for the Olympic Games track cycling events next year. His name has been bracketed against the team pursuit race.

Cosgrove Housing

Towcester Rural District Council has declared the cottage at Glebe Farm Cosgrove unfit for human habitation. The Council’s Sanitary Inspector, reporting upon the defects, stated that taken as a whole, he was of the opinion that it was unfit for human habitation and could not be made fit at a reasonable cost. He had been in touch with Rev J S Benson, the Rector of Cosgrove, who was the owner of the property, who agreed that the cottage was practically too far gone to be worthwhile repairing. The Rector pointed out that all the Glebe property at Cosgrove is in very bad condition. He alleged consistent and persistent neglect by the previous incumbent both at the Rectory and at the farm buildings has led to a position which necessitates expenditure for repairs of all kinds and there is no money available for the extensive repairs necessary to the Glebe Farm Cottage.

The Sanitary Inspector suggested that the tenant of this cottage – an agricultural worker – should be rehoused by the Council as soon as possible and that the Diocesan Surveyor be asked for an undertaking to the effect that the cottage will not be re-let for human habitation until the Council are satisfied that it has been rendered fit in all respects. The Deputy Clerk advised that action should be taken under Section II of the Housing Act 1836, by treating this cottage as an individual unfit property and that a “time and place” notice under that section of the Act be served upon the owners for hearing by the Committee in due course.

It was decided “That upon the representations of the Sanitary Inspector the Council do declare the cottage to be unfit for human habitation within the meaning of the Section II of the Housing Act 1936, and that a “time and place” notice be served upon the owns to either submit a comprehensive scheme of re-conditioning or show cause why a demolition order should not be made in respect of this property.”

Cosgrove Water Supply

“I was Not Very Happy about this Scheme, now I am Rather Miserable” – Coun Mrs Jelley

Cosgrove is very short of water, to the extent that on some days there is not any in some parts of the village. To assist the village the Towcester Rural District Council propose to lay a 4 inch by-pass from the water tower at Deanshanger to the existing 4 inch main leading to old Stratford. It ia estimated that the total cost, excluding casements and legal and loan charges, would be £1356. It was decided to make application for approval of the work.

……. The Surveyor reported that various well in the village, in particular one behind the Council Houses in Bridge Road, and one situate on a smallholding at Yardley Road, had been examined with a view to augmenting the Cosgrove water supply as suggested by the Parish Council, but one had proved to be inadequate both as regards quantity and quality and the second inadequate in quantity. A third alternative was a well situate on a smallholding in Castlethorpe Road near the Navigation Inn, but this was considered to be too far out of the village to be of any practical value. The Surveyor stated that in his opinion the cost in any augmentation of the supply at the Cosgrove end even if a suitable source could be ascertained would be prohibitive, especially in view of the fact that it would only be of a temporary nature, pending the implementation of the Regional Scheme.

The Committee, having carefully considered this matter, agreed with the views expressed by the Surveyor and instructed the Deputy Clerk to inform the Clerk of Cosgrove Parish accordingly.

Not enough Water at Deanshanger

Asked for her views on the matter, Mrs M E Jelley, the Cosgrove representative said:

“I was not very happy about this scheme (the proposed 4 inch bypass main) but I am rather miserable about it now. We had no water yesterday and there was none in my house this morning; it will be more unsatisfactory than ever because there does not seem to be enough at Deanshanger, therefore it does not seem that it is of any good purpose sharing it with us.”

Mr Berridge (Surveyor): There is about six to eight inches of water in the Deanshanger well but I understand that it does make up very quickly at this time of the year.

Mr R Ridgway CC: Mr Dent Young said we should sink the well 75 feet and we have only been down 45 feet. I can see plenty of water running into the brook at Deanshanger; we should go down a further five feet. Something wants doing for Cosgrove. What would you get from private enterprise?

Voices: Water.

Mr A E Crisp (Deputy Clerk): It will ultimately be necessary to lay this extra 4 inch main to supply Old Stratford.

Mr R Ridgway: I have been given to understand that when the new water scheme comes along we are going to have a 2 inch main connected to our water scheme – that will be useless.

In reply to a Councillor’s remark, Mr Berridge said the using of the water for industrial purposes had now been stopped.

Mrs Jelley and Mr Ridgway moved that the matter be referred back, but the proposal was carried.

Cosgrove Land Purchase – Compulsory Order Confirmed

Towcester Rural District Council’s Finance and General Purposes Committee report that indication has been received from the Minister of Health that he is proposing to confirm without modification the Cosgrove No 1 Compulsory Purchase Order.

This Order comprised five separate parcels of land, containing in all ten condemned cottages and adjoining was a further four condemned cottages owned by the Cosgrove Parish Council which had been excluded from the Compulsory Purchase Order in view of the fact that that the Parish Councils were perfectly willing to sell to this Council.

The Clerk submitted the District Valuer’s report upon the purchase of the four cottages, outbuildings, and premises owned by the Cosgrove Parish Council, being part of Ordnance Survey no 222 on the Ordnance Survey Plan (1900 Edition), containing an area of .093 acres, for the sum of £30, the Council to pay the proper legal costs of the acquisition. The Committee considered the price as negotiated by the District Valuer to be high, but in view of the fact that this small piece of land was essential for the development of the Compulsory Purchase Order Site, it was agreed that the Clerk be instructed to proceed with the acquisition thereof in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the District Valuer’s Report.

Cosgrove – Savings Bank

As from Monday last Savings Bank business has been transacted at the sub-post office at Cosgrove, where it is considered that the extension of this facility will be advantageous to the residents.

Canal Weighing House at Cosgrove – Now Used by Ex-Italian POW and Wife as Dwelling

A building at Cosgrove that was once used as a weighing house in conjunction with the canal wharf is now used as a dwelling by an ex-Italian prisoner of war and his wife, an expectant mother, who was formerly a Land Girl on a farm at Castlethorpe.

The Public Health and Housing Committee of Towcester Rural District Council made the following observations on the matter. Their report to the last meeting stated:

The Sanitary Inspector reported that his attention had been called to the fact that a building owned by Mr W D Markham of Castlethorpe and situate near the Navigation Inn, Cosgrove, was being used as a dwelling house. On inspection he found that the building had been at one time a weighing house used in conjunction with the canal wharf – the weighbridge, in fact, still exists by the side of the building.

The building consists of one room on the ground floor and one room above, each about 10 feet square. The upper room is reached by a ladder from the lower room. During the inspection he noted that certain repairs had been carried out to the building, such as alterations to the three windows, construction of a concrete floor downstairs, the insertion of a second hand grate in the living room, internal decorations and repairs to the roof, and in all he estimated that the cost of the work exceeded £10.

The Sanitary Inspector added that he had been in touch with Mr Markham and informed him that no application for the conversion appeared to have been received and that the work had been carried out without the requisite permission being given under the Public Health Act or the Town and Country Planning Act, and it also appears that no licence had been issued for the alterations under the Control of Civil Building. Mr Markham maintained that the building had at one period been used as a dwelling but not within his own memory. The building had never been rated.

The Sanitary Inspector stated that in his opinion the building was unfit for human habitation and it had no sanitary accommodation and no water supply. The building is occupied by and ex-Italian prisoner of war who, after repatriation, had returned to this country and married a local girl and the latter is now an expectant mother. The occupier was working as an agricultural labourer for Mr Markham and the latter desired to retain the services of this man, and the building in question was the only source of accommodation.

The Committee agreed with the report of the Sanitary Inspector, namely, that the property was unfit for human habitation, but in view of the fact that no alternative accommodation could be offered they were reluctant to take action under Section II of the Housing Act 1936, and accordingly adjourned the matter for two months, and in the meantime the Sanitary Inspector was requested to meet Mr Markham and endeavour to arrange for a reasonable amount of improvement work to be carried out in the property such as the provision of a proper staircase, the addition of an outbuilding to serve as a wash house, the provision of lavatory accommodation and water supply.

Cosgrove Housing Site not Approved – Sub-Committee to Meet Again

The Housing Committee reported that they had received correspondence from the Regional Planning Officer of the Ministry of Town and Country Planning intimating that the Rural Land Utilization Officer was unable to approve the Council’s proposals for the acquisition of land on the Yardley Road, Cosgrove, for housing purposes as the field in question was in the nature of a home paddock as essential from an agricultural point of view. The alternative site, namely the land situate below the canal owned by Lt-Col P Y Atkinson and others, was also disapproved by the Rural Land Utilization Officer on the grounds of its importance from an agricultural point of view.

…………….. it was agreed to request this Sub-Committee to meet again at an early date to re-examine the position in view of the attitude of the Ministry of Agriculture’s representative.

Woman Candidate for Potterspury

Several village representatives in South Northants are due to retire from and seek re-election to, if they so desire, the Towcester Rural District Council at the elections on 5^th April.

…… It is more than probable that there will be a contest at Potterspury seeing that at least one new candidate will be nominated in the person of Mrs Thacker, who will stand as a Labour nominee.

…… Mrs Thacker is a retired schoolmistress, having had charge of the Cosgrove School for 18 years up to two years ago. Her public interests include President of Potterspury Women’s Institute; Vice Chairman of Potterspury Parish Council; a Manager of Potterspury School; and a Governor of Towcester Grammar School.

Sudden Death of a Cosgrove Resident

The death occurred suddenly on 7^th March of Mrs Selina Hall, wife of Mr F Hall, at her home, 6 Bridge Road, Cosgrove. Mrs Hall had lived in the village for 36 years.

The funeral service and interment took place at Alderton, her old home, at the Parish Church on 10^th March. The hymn “Peace, perfect peace” was sung, and immediate mourners present were:

Mr F Hall (husband), Mr and Mrs Longman and Mrs and Mrs Vine (sons in law and daughters), Mr and Mrs F Hall (son and daughter in law), Mrs Hall (sister), Mr and Mrs E Hall (brother and sister in law), Mrs jones, Mrs A Hall and Mrs J B Hall (sisters in law), Mrs Lambert (niece) and Mr C Eales (brother in law).

Floral tributes bore the inscriptions: From her Loving Husband, To our dear Mum from Lily and Dick, To out dear Mum from Flo and Cyril, To our dear Mum from Fred and Edie, Julia and Margaret, Sister Emily, Brother Albert, Stella and Alf, Man Lottie and family (Grafton), Sid Nellie and Vera, Sisters and brothers at Northampton, Mr and Mrs Kightley and Don, Neighbour and Mona Olve and Jack, Rita, Friends of the Mission Hall, Cosgrove, Mrs Hinton, Mrs T Stewart, Mrs J Brown, Mrs F Williams, Mrs W Stewart and Mrs Gascoyne.

Funeral arrangements were made by Messrs J S Cowley and Sons, Stony Stratford.

Cosgrove WI entertain the over 70s

On Friday 19^th March, at the Old School, Cosgrove, the over 70s who accepted the WI’s invitation, sat down to a meat tea, points for which were given by Institute members. The guests were waited on by the President (Mrs M Jelley) and the Committee members. Mrs P Y Atkinson (former President) was present by special invitation. Mrs Whiting kindly played incidental music while the guests were at tea and afterwards took part in the entertaining. She also contributed generously towards the good things provided to eat, and also gave three prizes for a competition, which were won by Mr R Pettifer, Mrs Childs and Mrs Castle. The President and Committee would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Whiting for her kindness. As the entertainer engaged failed to arrive, songs were sung by Mrs Whiting, Mrs W Castle, and Mrs Davess and a sketch by Mrs C Buckway and Mrs Lovesey caused much amusement. Mr Jack Brown and Mr Bob Pettifer each sang a song, and Mrs F Hillyer told of the trials of “An Inventor’s Wife” in an amusing monologue, and the rest of the programme included games and dancing. Before the tables were cleared away Mrs Jelley and Mrs Whiting each spoke of the pleasure it had given to provide what they had just enjoyed, to which Mrs F Hillyer replied on behalf of the company present, and thanked all who had contributed towards the meal.

Afterwards all members were welcomed to the social, and the singing of Auld Lang Syne, and cheers for the Cosgrove WI terminated a very pleasant evening.

Escapades of Stony Stratford Boys at Cosgrove : Broke into Church and Cottage

Six boys, whose ages ranged from 12 to 14 years, resident in Stony Stratford, appeared before a Towcester Juvenile Court on Tuesday last, following escapades in the village of Cosgrove, when they broke a church window, entered, and wrenched open a box. The same day they entered a cottage and stole numerous articles and cash.

At the Court they were accused of breaking and entering the dwelling house of Clara Minnie Hooton, at Cosgrove, and stealing the sum of £1 5s in cash, food to the value of 3s 1d, cigarette lighter valued at £1 2s 6d, and electric torch 2s 6d and two door keys 1s, to the total value of £2 14s 1d; also on the same day with breaking and entering the Church of SS Pater and Paul, Cosgrove, with intent to steal. All pleaded guilty.

The mother of the eldest boy was present.

Supt Lee said that the circumstances were that on 16^th April, the boys left Stony Stratford, and having met on the outskirts of the town proceeded to travel round the countryside and commit little acts of mischievousness. They first went to the Church at Cosgrove and one of them broke a window and went into the church and wrenched open an offertory box, and having discovered no money in the box they left the Church.

From there they went and saw Mrs Hooton at her cottage, known as the “Lodge” and obtained some water. Later Mrs Hooton left the house, securing the door, but left three windows insecure. The boys went into the house and stole the money and articles enumerated in the summons. They then returned to Stony Stratford and committed acts of entering shops and stealing property. They were going to the pictures when arrested in Wolverton Road, Stony Stratford. Each of the boys made sufficient statements to connect them with the summons. Some of the property had been recovered.

The boys asked for several cases of larceny to be taken into consideration.

The eldest boys, who had previously been in a home, was sent to an approved school, and the other five were bound over for three years.

Addressing the boys, Mr F J Snelson (Chairman), said they had pleaded guilty to serious charges. They had been very naughty boys, very wicked boys, in fact, and it was very difficult to know how to deal with such boys. As regards the older boys, they had to deal with him more seriously. The other magistrate was Mrs Jenkinson.

Furtho’s Ancient Dovecote – County Council Recommend Restoration

At the meeting of the Northamptonshire County Council yesterday (Thursday) a report of the County Planning Committee recommended that an ancient stone dovecote, situated within easy access of the public highway near the village of Furtho, be repaired, and that the County Council become guardians of it.

The report stated that some years ago money was raised by public subscription for the repair and preservation of the dovecote, but the amount proved inadequate and further repairs are now necessary. The Committee considered the dovecote well-merited preservation and subject to the owner being prepared to enter into an agreement embodying a right of public access, and the adoption of the recommendation, the Committee had accepted a tender of Messrs G Shakeshaft and Son, Yardley Gobion, at the sum of £52 for the work of repair.

What Cosgrove Church Lacks – “People to Fill its Pews” – Says Rector

Writing in the Preston Deanery Magazine for June, the Rector of Cosgrove (the Rev J S Benson) thanks the party of able and willing workers who have scrubbed and cleaned their beautiful old Church.

“Dust and dirt were driven out, cobwebs and corruption cast forth,” writes the Rector, “What lacks it now?”

“A few people to fill its pews! A crowd of folk to come to worship! Is there no remembrance of God among the mass of people today, no reverence for the Sabbath, no realisation of a spiritual need, among the many who are lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God?”

“There can be no doubt that as a nation we are getting further and further away from God. One very much fears that our Government has completely left God out of account in all its political programmes. It is remarkable that responsible persons should so forget England’s history.”

Later, the Rector continues:

“It is thought that at least 90 per cent of the people of England scarcely ever attend a place where God is worshipped and where His truth is read and proclaimed. Sunday newspapers are published and sold in immense numbers; Sunday plays and cinemas and sports meetings add to the din and devilment that drowns the voice of God.

“Sunday is becoming the fashionable day for political meetings. It is becoming increasingly fashionable for buses to be run to seaside resorts on the Lord’s Day (austerity, not sincerity, has for the time being ruled out the cars!). As a nation we have become practically heathen.

“Yes, British might has decayed, and British money dissolved, because British morals are being destroyed – and this is because religion has been given up and God’s House given over. We have in the French Communists (18^th century) and in the Russian Communists (20^th century) an example and a warning of what a community without a Sabbath, ie without religion, must ultimately and inevitably become.”

Cosgrove – Scholarship Awards

Rodney Hickford and Bobby Jones of Cosgrove have been awarded entrance scholarships to Towcester Grammar School.

Cosgrove Cottages Let Water

Mr F J Hulbert (Chief Financial Officer) reported upon four cottages at Cosgrove, the roofs of which let water. The Finance Committee recommended to the Council that the work of repair be put in hand at a total cost of £135. He stated that the four cottages were recently purchased from the Parish Council for ultimate demolition.

Mr Ridgway:

I can understand why we have to increase rents if we take over houses and then have to take money out of the housing account to repair them. I think it is a scandal. I don’t think we should spend £135 which we know is a dead loss.

Mr W H Marlow, Towcester : Do we understand that if we spend £135 they will be made habitable?

The Deputy Clerk : Temporarily.

Mr Marlow ; Can’t this go before the Housing Committee? It is sprung upon us again at the last minute.

Mr G Berridge (Surveyor) : Three houses are occupied and the roofs are in a very bad condition, and it is impossible to do anything without their being thatched. If we wait until we are able to offer then other houses I don’t know what these people are going to do.

Mr Marlow : Why didn’t the Council make the owners put the roofs in order before we bought them, the Council has bought trouble.

The Rev P Hoskin : The staff say the roofs are in a bad way and let water. I can’t understand a member of the Socialist Party thinking about money when the roofs of the houses let water.

Mr Ridgway : I am prepared to say that I can make these roofs tight for £20 and not squander £135, and when I want any lessons I shan’t go to the Rev Hoskins for advice.

Mr Ridgway moved that the matter be referred to the next meeting of the Public Health Committee and this was seconded.  The voting was nine for and nine against and the Chairman gave his casting vote that the matter be considered at a special meeting of the Public Health Committee.

Cosgrove Veteran of Zulu War Still Going Strong

Approaching the age of 90 and still going strong is Mr Tom Jelley, of Cosgrove, a veteran of the Zulu War of 1879 – 80. He joined the 58^th Northamptonshire Regiment in 1876 and is the holder of the Zulu War Medal, in which campaign he was wounded by gunfire in the right forearm at Majuba Hill.

“It was a different war to the last one,“ said Mr Jelley, who added, “It was all march then, when we had wagons drawn by bullocks and they went slow-march all the time.”

Mr Jelley sailed for active service nearly seventh years ago in a vessel named “Russia”.

For eighteen years now he has been a widower, and lives alone in a row of houses known as Parish Council Cottages, and, he says, is quite comfortable. Apart from his Army service, he has lived in Cosgrove all his life and is a member of a well-known family which has been resident in that village for over a century.

Asked as to his own family, Mr Jelley replied: “I have eleven knocking about somewhere – two died out of the thirteen children.” The oldest was sixty five last week.

Apart from attacks of blood pressure, he experiences good health and enjoys his tobacco, beer, and “spotting the winners.”

Death of Cosgrove Licensee – Mr Alf Bushell

For many years licensee of the Barley Mow, Cosgrove, Mr Alfred Bushell passed away there on Monday last, at the age of 71 years. He had experienced indifferent health for some years. The funeral took place yesterday (Thursday) at Cosgrove.

Cosgrove Produce Show

Mr G Williams Gains Highest Points : Mr J Brown’s Seven Firsts.

Cosgrove Produce Association staged its second annual show of vegetables, fruit, flowers, honey and preserves in the Schools on Saturday last, and the officials had their energies well rewarded by the extent of the support of the villagers and neighbouring residents, the exhibits numbering 190.

Although the special prize given by Mrs M E Jelley to the member of the Association gaining most points went to Mr G Williams (chairmen of the Association) with 25 points (5 firsts, 4 seconds, 2 thirds); Mr J Brown can justifiably be proud of his successes, for out of nine exhibits seven gained the premier award (21 points). Mr G H Winterbottom (16 points) was third highest. In the ladies’ section the special prize went to Mrs C Brockway, whose exhibits gained her ten points.

The show not only catered for the gardener and the housewife, but also for children, and classes encouraged nature study drawing and poster design, and thus every member of the household could be actively interested. Mr W Hughes, Stony Stratford, and Mr G Church, Yardley Gobion, judged the exhibits.

Those responsible for arranging the show were : Mr G Williams (chairman), Mr F Tustain (hon. Secretary), Mrs M E Jelley (hon. treasurer), Messrs J Higgins, E Lambert, E R Lambert, G Horn, F Lambert, P Lynburn, Mrs B Tack and Mrs A Whittaker (committee).

Exhibits that were left behind were sold for the benefit of the Association, and the committee was fortunate in having the services as auctioneer of Mr Bill Hurry, well-known member of the auctioneering firm of Messrs Jackson and Stops and Staff, Northampton.

Prizewinners

Open Classes

Section A (open to a radius of five miles) : collection of Vegetables, 1 J Brown (Castlethorpe), 2 G H Winterbottom, 3 Robin Winterbottom; collection of potatoes, 1 G Williams, 2 J Brown (Castlethorpe), G H Winterbottom; kidney beans, 1 G H Winterbottom; tomatoes, 1 Mrs J Clarke, 2 Mrs P Y Atkinson; cauliflowers, 1 G Williams.

Members’ Classes

White round potatoes: 1 J Brown, 2 G Williams, 3 C Hill; white kidney, 1 J Brown, 2 C Hill, 3 F Williams; coloured kidney, 1 S Eglesfield, 2 C Brockway, 3 C Hill; coloured round, 1 J Brown, 2 C Hill, 3 G Williams; carrots, 1 J Brown, 2 C Brockway, 3 W Stewart; bed-sown onions, 1 G Williams,  2 Mrs H Smith, 3 W Gayton; cooking shallots, 1 J Brown, 2 C Hill, 3 F Lambert; pickling shallots, 1 G Hill, 2 G Williams, 3 Master Robin Winterbottom; beetroot, 1 C Hill, 2 G Williams, 3 Mrs H Smith; cauliflower, 1 G Williams; marrows, 1 W Gayton, 2 Mrs A Tack, 3 C Brockway; harvest cabbage, 1 C Brockway, 2 W Stewart, 3 W Gayton; runner beans, 1 J Brown, 2 Mrs J Clarke, 3 G Williams; collection of vegetables (1^st prize given by Mr F Lambert), 1 J Brown, 2 Mrs J Clarke, 3 F Williams.

Fruit (open to radius of five miles): collection, 1 G H Winterbottom; dessert apples 1 G H Winterbottom, 2 A Tack; cooking apples (members only), 1 A Kightley, 2 Mrs P Y Atkinson, 3 G Horn; dessert apples, 1 Mrs A Tack, 2 G Horn; plums, 1 Mrs P Y Atkinson, 2 G H Winterbottom, G Horn,

Flowers (open), chrysanthemums, 1 C Brockway, 2 J Lambert, 3 Mrs Atkinson; cut flowers (members only), 1 G Williams, 2 J Lambert, 3 F Williams; chrysanthemums, 1 C Brockway, 2 G Williams, 3 J Lambert; vases cut flowers, 1 Miss Marlow, 2 J Lambert,  3 Mrs Joan Brockway.

Honey (open): dark (1^st prize given by Mr F Lambert junior), 1 A Townsend; light, 1 A Townsend, 2 G H Winterbottom.

Preserves (members only) bottled soft fruit, 1 Mrs H Cummings, 2 Mrs H Smith, 3 Mrs Fry; hard fruit, 1 Mrs Joan Brockway, 2 Mrs F Williams, 3 Mrs W Brockway; jar hard fruit jam, 1 Mrs H Smith, 2 Mrs C Harris, 3 Mrs Joan Brockway; soft fruits jam, 1 Mrs Joan Brockway, 2 Mrs J Clarke, 3 Mrs F Williams; chutney, 1 Mrs C Harris, 2 Mrs F Williams, 3 Mrs W Clarke; cake (recipe given), 1 Mrs F Williams, 2 Mrs Joan Brockway, 3 Mrs A Tack.

Children’s Classes: nature study drawing; (under 7), 1 Alan Tustain; design suitable for flower show poster (7 to 10 years), 1 June Smith, 2 Jill Tustain; 10 to 14 years, 1 Iris Brewer, 2 Brian Goodridge, 3 Donald Kightley.

Bletchley Postal Area System – Gives Lorry Driver Extra Journey

An incident described by the Bletchley Gazette sets one wondering just how often the Post Office’s Bletchley postal area system leads people astray.

The Gazette records that a large delivery van drew up outside the Gazette office, its driver came in to ask where “Cosgrove, Bletchley” could be found. When the whereabouts of this village was described to him, the driver was annoyed, for he had just come down the main road from Stony Stratford and was going towards Bedford. The parcel measured about 12 inches by 8 inches by about 6 inches deep, and could (apart from the delivery note which had to be signed) have gone by post). The driver was faced with the choice of going back the way he had come for eight or nine miles, or else diverting considerably out of his way on the return journey he had planned for himself.

Older residents will be aware that a vast stretch of territory which includes the whole of North Bucks (except the Olney area), together with parts of the adjoining counties, should include “Bletchley” in their postal address. Thus Cranfield (Beds) becomes Cranfield, Bletchley, Bucks; Cosgrove (Northants) becomes Cosgrove, Bletchley, Bucks; and similarly Old Stratford, Deanshanger, and Wicken, all situate in Northamptonshire, have the “Bletchley, Bucks” postal designation.

And even Wolverton and other towns have “Bletchley” appended as though they are just suburbs of Bletchley. It used to be quite common (and maybe still is) for passengers to alight at Bletchley, imagining that buses will be available to take them to all parts of the postal area. In many cases they should have alighted at a different station, such as Wolverton or Woburn Sands. In most cases there are no buses to take them anywhere.

The Bletchley Gazette suggests that this leads one to ask whether the Post Office can suggest some other scheme which will not make their organisation more difficult but which will make it clear to the stranger that Bletchley is not what it seems. We suggest that possibly some move by the Wolverton Urban District Council, the Towcester Rural District Council and the Newport Pagnell Rural District Council might help to provide some solution to the difficulty that so frequently arises.

That “Bletchley” Designation – Towcester Rural Council to Approach PMG and Local MP for Amendment.

Towcester RDC at its monthly meeting on Tuesday morning was unanimous in its decision to make representations concerning the “Bletchley” postal designation, which is causing so much confusion in various parts of South Northants and North Bucks which come within the Bletchley Postal Area.

….. Mrs M E Jelley, Cosgrove, instanced the lorry driver who passed within a mile of Cosgrove yet went on to Bletchley to find out where Cosgrove was. He had to come back the same way to deliver a parcel.

Towcester Rural District Council - Thatched Cottage Repairs

The Deputy Clerk referred to repairs necessary to thatched roofs of four cottages known as the Parish Council Cottages, Cosgrove, which are condemned and which have been purchased by the Council [Towcester] for clearance in connexion with the future rehousing in the parish. He reminded the Committee that as a matter of urgency these repairs had been considered by the Finance and General Purposes Committee prior to the last monthly meeting of the Council and although that Committee recommended the expenditure estimated at £100 on repairs, the full Council had referred the matter back for investigation with power to act. The property had been inspected by the Vice Chairman of the Committee and by the Chairman of the Council and other members, and those members who had seen the property now agreed that the proposed expenditure of £100 for reairs to the thatch was not excessive.

Mr Ridgway still contended that he could obtain the services of a thatcher who would carry out the necessary repairs for a lesser sum, and he mentioned a figure of approximately £80.

The decision was left to the Surveyor, the work not to exceed £100. Also that essential internal repairs to the vacant cottage be carried out at a cost not exceeding £35 in order to make this cottage habitable for a limited period until a sufficient number of new houses have been erected in the parish.

Housing Sites at Cosgrove

The District Valuer’s reports were submitted in respect of sites required for housing purposes. They included Cosgrove – a parcel of pasture land containing an area of 0.785 acre. Owners P Phipps and Co Ltd and subject to the annual tenancy of Mr J E Burrows, licensee of the Plough Inn Cosgrove. Price £55, the Council to purchase subject to a restriction prohibiting the sale of intoxicating liquors in any building on the site. The Council to erect and maintain a high concrete post and chain link and barbed wire fence on the unfence part of the western boundary of the site and to pay the proper legal costs of the acquisition.

The site of three condemned cottages together with together with buildings thereon forming part of the New Buildings containing an area of 270 square yards. Owner the Rev W Meadows, St Mary’s Vicarage, Newbury, Berkshire. Price £40. The Council to erect and maintain a good and sufficient fence or wall on the eastern boundary of the site and to pay the proper legal costs of the acquisition.

It was decided to proceed with the purchase of the sites.

Requisitioning Condemned Property – to be Re-let at Cosgrove

The Sanitary Inspector, the Surveyor and the Deputy Clerk reported upon the desirability of requisitioning further condemned cottages and they included a vacant condemned cottage at The Green, Cosgrove, owned by Mr Hedley J Clarke and recently vacated by H L Williams, who had been rehoused in a new Council House in Yardley Gobion. The cottage was comprised in a clearance order and was adjacent to another condemned cottage which had already been requisitioned by the Council. The cottage now vacant was in a reasonable state of repair and in view of the acute housing shortage in Cosgrove it was recommended that it be requisitioned and re-let as a temporary measure.

Early Start Expected – On Cosgrove Water Supply

At Towcester RDC meeting on Tuesday 21^st September, a letter was read from Cosgrove Parish Council requesting a speeding up of the laying of the piped water supply from Deanshanger to Cosgrove.

Mrs M E Jelley said the matter was urgent and hoped it would be pushed ahead.

Mr Berridge (Surveyor): The pipes are on order and we are hoping to start the work at the beginning of October.

Harvest Services at Cosgrove – Church and Chapel Unite

Worshippers at the Parish Church and members of the village Chapel at Cosgrove united for the evening harvest festival services held on Sundays 3^rd and 10^th October. On the first Sunday at the Parish Church the visiting preacher was the Rev V G Banham, MA, MC, Rector of Aynhoe, near Banbury, who also conducted the harvest service in afternoon at St Guthlac’s Church, Passenham. On Sunday last, at the Chapel, the services were conducted by Mr Ron Richardson of Cheltenham, There was a children’s service, at which there was a record performance. Mr Richardson gave impressive addresses and made a moving appeal for the National Institute for the Blind. Mrs H Cummings was the organist and the favourite harvest hymns were heartily sung. The collections reached the record sum of £4 10s. The Chapel was beautifully decorated on the previous day and the gifts included fruit, flowers, vegetables, eggs, nuts and provisions of many kinds. These were sold on Monday evening by Mr Jack Johnson and the record sum of £16 was raised, bringing the total finances for the festival to £21 10s which is to be divided between the National Institute for the Blind and the Sunday School Funds. Helpers at the sale were Mr George Williams, Mr Sam Williams, Mr R Jones, Mr R Richardson and Miss Mary Stewart.

Temporary Hall for Cosgrove – Erection in New Year

A temporary village hall is to be erected at Cosgrove in the New Year at an approximate cost of £2000 by Messrs Betts and Faulkner, builders and contractors, of Stony Stratford. This welcome news was given at the fourth annual general meeting of the Victory Club and Hall, held in the Mission Hall on Tuesday 126^th October. Mr G H Winterbottom (president) and Mrs Winterbottom were present.

The financial position of the fund revealed it to be very strong, there being a balance in hand of £1295 12s 7d.

Mr J Hebson (hon secretary) voiced appreciation to Mrs A Loughrey and Mrs J Johnson for their efforts in raising £60 by means of whist drives during the past twelve months.

It was disclosed that Cosgrove and Naseby were the two fortunate villages to be granted a temporary hall out of the 78 applications in Northamptonshire.

Thanks were expressed to Mr G S Macwhirter (secretary of the County branch of the Rural Community Council) for his help and advice: also to Mrs Winterbottom, who has been responsible for raising more than half of the total income. Mrs Winterbottom informed the Secretary that she is organising a carnival ball at her home, Cosgrove Hall, to raise money with which to furnish the temporary hall. This generous gesture is appreciated by the Committee,

The site of the hall is in Bridge Row, opposite the Barge Inn, and the land has been given by Capt and Mrs P Y Atkinson of Cosgrove Priory. Sir John Brown, the architect, has drawn the plans. Capt Atkinson has been most helpful as regards legal matters and will represent the Parochial Church Council on the Hall Committee.

Cosgrove Residents Alarmed Over Water Supply – Alleged Contaminated Water has to be Used

A Protest Resolution

Cosgrove residents are alarmed over the repeated failure of their piped water supply by reason of the fact that they then have to return to well water which has been condemned as unfit for human consumption. At a recent meeting of the Parish Council, attended by about 59 inhabitants, it was decided to send a resolution of protest regarding the delay in the new piped scheme, and urged that materials be made available to carry out the work immediately.

The Parish meeting took place on Monday 1^st November in the Council Schools, presided over by Mr G W Ruff who informed the parishioners that a number of complaints respecting the inadequate water supply to Cosgrove had been made over the past eighteen months and had been forwarded to the Towcester RDC. The supply continued to be unsatisfactory and householders were forced to use water from sources which had already been condemned as unfit for human consumption and therefore dangerous to health.

Mr H C Jones (vice chairman) gave a survey of the water supply from March 1947 to the present time and read correspondence that had passed between their Parish Council and the Rural District Council. He expressed an opinion that is was unsafe to use water other than from the piped supply due to possible contamination, but said residents had no alternative but to use it when that supply failed.

Is There Enough Water?

Referring to correspondence from the Towcester RDC that it was prepared to lay a pipeline form the pumping station at Old Stratford by-passing Deanshanger, the question was asked “Is there enough water to maintain a constant supply since the opinion is given in the letter that the yield of water at the source has declined considerably and will continue to do so until the Regional Water Scheme is installed?”

Mrs M E Jelley, the Parish Representative on the Towcester Rural Council, who has repeatedly drawn attention of the Council to the serious water position at Cosgrove, gave information of progress made by the District Council on the “costly” by-pass scheme.

Water Often Dirty

Mr S Williams raised doubts as to the quality of the present supply as he said it was often dirty. He asked if results would justify spending so much money and Mrs Jelley replied that the by-pass pipeline would be part of the Regional Water Scheme.

Mr S Eglesfield led a protest of indignation at the unsatisfactory supply of water seeing thatrates were paid for a constant supply to be maintained and he was of the opinion that a very strong protest should be made to the RDC,

Miss Joan Wake protested against the “dilatory methods of the Ministry of Health.” There was, she said, no doubt that the power of the local authorities to carry out the job for which they were elected had been largely underused.

Rector Proposes Resolution of Protest

The following resolution of protest is disclosed:

“that the public water supply at Cosgrove has been defective and intermittent for more than eighteen months is causing grave inconvenience and serious danger to public health, that a considerable number of complaints have been lodged with Towcester RDC by the Parish Council and Ratepayers, and that the failure of the Ministry of Health to give the necessary approvals to the District Council’s Water Scheme within a reasonable time has compelled inhabitants to consume water condemned as unfit for human consumption. We demand that immediate action be taken by appropriate Ministers of the Government to ensure an ample supply of necessary materials being made immediately available to the contractor in order that the work can be carried out.”

The Rev J S Benson, Rector of Cosgrove moved and Mrs Jelley seconded that the letter of protest be forwarded to the following : Minister of Health, Mr Manningham-Buller, MP for the Division, Clerk of Towcester RDC and the Northamptonshire County Council.

Questions upon restricting the use of water were raised and it was proposed by Mr N C Jones and seconded by Mr A Loughrey that:

“this meeting directs the Parish Council to ask the RDC to ensure that the needs of domestic and agricultural consumers be satisfied before supplying water for industrial or other purposes.”

Both resolutions were carried.

Cosgrove British Legion

A successful whist drive was held by the Cosgrove branch of the British Legion in the Old Schoolroom on Tuesday 9^th November and the Committee thank all who attended and also prize donors for the enjoyable evening that resulted. Prizes, which comprised groceries, tea, cigarettes, eggs, a butter dish and vouchers, were generously given by Capt P Y Atkinson, Messrs P and A Ruff, Mrs E Stewart, Mrs C Brockway, Mr F Pack, Mr G Freestone, and Mrs E Norman, and were won by Miss M Hitchcock, Mr Meacham, Miss J Crowther, Mr J Pollard, Mrs T Lyman, Mr C Hill, Miss Kerr, Miss Loughrey, Mr Welsh and Mrs Feil. Mr E R Brown was hon secretary of the effort.

Poppies – Cosgrove’s Increase

Whereas the sale of poppies increased at Cosgrove the church collection was slightly lower in amount, and the total result was an increase of 7s over the 1947 figure.

Collectors were: Miss A Whatton, Miss N Martin, Miss P Bushell, Miss D Tustain and Miss P Hillyer, to whom Mrs P Y Atkinson (organiser) extends thanks.

Poppies £9 10s; wreath £1 5s; Church collection £4 17s; total £15 12s.

Cosgrove Sale of Work – Father Christmas’s Identity Remains a Mystery

When Father Christmas entered the Old School, Cosgrove, on 26^th November, the children were delighted because he carried a sack filled with gifts – but his identity still remains a mystery.

This happened at a sale of work which was the first effort to be organised at Cosgrove on behalf of SS Peter and Paul Parish Church, and the Working Party members, under the leadership of the Rector’s wife, were responsible.

There was a large company present when Miss Atkinson, of Paulerspury and formerly of Cosgrove Priory, opened the proceedings after being welcomed by the Rev J S Benson (Rector).

Miss Atkinson said her visit brought back many happy memories of her earlier life in Cosgrove, where her interests were bound up, and it was a great joy to be among the village folk with whom she lived for many years.

The stalls held a wonderful array of articles suitable for gifts, and at the conclusion of the sale only a few articles remained. In charge of the stalls were: Mesdames Davess, Lavington, Brassington, Beasley jun, Harris (and her niece from New Zealand), Feil, and J S Benson, Miss A Whatton, Miss Marlow and Mr L Feil. Mr Ted Lambert was door steward. Many gifts were received from parishioners.

The highlight of the evening, especially for the children, was the conjuring exhibition by Mr Eric Lewis of Northampton. Like Father Christmas, the young people were mystified by his tricks.

The sale realised the large sum of £35 and was for church funds.

South Northants Villages – Voluntary Nursing Association

Following the introduction of the Health Service, on 4^th July last, the Wicken, Deanshanger, Old Stratford and Cosgrove Nursing Association has been disbanded and its affairs and assets disposed of by resolution at a general meeting of the members. For the period 1^st June 1947 to 4^th July 1948 the total income of the Association, from subscriptions, donations, and other sources amounted to £260 3s 7d. After remitting to the Northants County Nursing Association the sum of £219, the quota allocated on the County basis, and realising the assets, there remained a balance of £169 8s 2d at the credit of the local voluntary Association, and it has accordingly been handed over. The motor car owned by the Local Association has been transferred to the Northants County Council for the use of the local nurse.

Expressions of regret, but thanks for their valued interest in the village of Cosgrove, have been made to Mr. and Mrs. G H Winterbottom, of Cosgrove Hall, and their departure from the village after 19 years residence there.  During that time, and especially during the past four years, Mr. and Mrs. Winterbottom took a personal share in the village activities, and the raising by them of £600 for a village hall is one practical and tangible landmark that will stand foremost in the remembrance of Cosgrove residents.

The new owners of Cosgrove Hall are the Hon major John Fermor-Hesketh and Mrs. Hesketh of Towcester.

Mr. and Mrs. Winterbottom will also be remembered for their charitable work over a wide area of the countryside.  For several years Mrs. Winterbottom lead a concert party that toured Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire, and Bedfordshire, giving enjoyment too large and small communities, and at the same time raised money for deserving causes, of which the Northampton General Hospital was the largest beneficiary.  The residents of Cosgrove Hall frequently entertained members of foreign royal families.

Raised Several Thousands of Pounds - Village Hall their “Baby”

It is well known that Mr. and Mrs. Winterbottom have raised by dances, concerts, and garden fetes, several thousand pounds, the exact figure is probably unknown.

For some years Cosgrove residents have lacked the building wearing to hold their social functions on a scale in keeping with an active community.  And since the inception of the Village Hall project Mr. and Mrs. Winterbottom have taken a leading part in the raising of funds.

The Hall Fund now stands at £1400, and through the active interest of the Northamptonshire Rural Community Council of which Mr. Kenneth Macwhirter BA is the general Secretary, a temporary building is shortly to be erected on land in Bridge Row, generously set at their disposal by Lieutenant Colonel and Mrs. P Y Atkinson.  The trustees will only have to pay 5s per week for the loan of the building, as through the National Council of Social Service they receive 100% grant towards the erection of the building.  The shell of the building is delivered free of charge to the village and Messrs. Betts and Faulkner, builders and contractors, of Stony Stratford are entrusted with the work of erection.

Gift of Silver Salver from Cosgrove

On Saturday last a large assembly of residents met in the village schoolroom to bid farewell to Mr. and Mrs. Winterbottom and to show their appreciation in tangible form.  The Hall committee had met to present a handsome silver salver to them, which was suitably inscribed.

Mr F. Hillyer, chairman of the Village Hall committee, expressed the thanks of the whole village to Mr. and Mrs. Winterbottom what they had done during their time at Cosgrove.

They had with dances, concerts, garden fetes etc. raised, themselves, the sum of £600 during the last four years.  He further stated that their departure from Cosgrove would not only be a grievous loss to the village, but would be a personal loss to him.

Done Many Good Works in County

He then paid tribute to the assistance which had been given to the committee by the Northamptonshire Rural Community Council, through their general Secretary, Mr. Kenneth Macwhirter, and he asked Mr. Macwhirter to make the presentation to Mr. and Mrs. Winterbottom on behalf of the village.

Mr. Kenneth Macwhirter stated that he knew not only of the work of Mr. and Mrs. Winterbottom but of the many good works they had done in the county as a whole.  He knew that their going to Sunningdale would be a tremendous loss to Cosgrove, but he could assure them that they at least stayed in Cosgrove long enough to know that the Village Hall was assured and would be built in the course of the next few months.  In making the presentation of the silver salver Mr. Macwhirter expressed the best which in the whole village for the future happiness of both Mr. and Mrs. Winterbottom and expressed the hope that they would not lose touch with Cosgrove and Northamptonshire. 

Mrs. Winterbottom, in replying, thanked the village for such a really lovely gift, and stated that they certainly would not lose touch with Cosgrove and the people of Cosgrove, and that they would certainly come back for the opening of the [Village] Hall.  She stated that Major and Mrs. John Hesketh would shortly be taking up residence at the [Cosgrove] Hall and she felt sure that they would take a keen interest in the life and welfare of the village.

Dig First Sod on Hall Site

On Sunday afternoon the whole site at Cosgrove was the scene of enthusiastic activity, with male members of the community busily engaged on preliminary arrangements for the erection of the hall.  In the presence of many villagers and friends Mr. and Mrs. Winterbottom removed the first sod on the Hall site.  The company included the Hon Major Fermor-Hesketh and Mrs. Hesketh, Lord Hesketh of Easton Neston, Towcester, Mr. Kenneth Macwhirter, Captain Hyde Upward, Mr. F S Woollard JP and Mrs. Woollard, and Mr. and Mrs. E D Lawrence, of Stony Stratford.  Mr. and Mrs. Winterbottom left for their future home at Sunningdale, Berkshire on Monday last.

COSGROVE’S OPEN-AIR GOOD-BYE

The future site of Cosgrove Church Hall was the scene on Sunday of a last good-bye from Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Winterbottom of Cosgrove Hall, who left on Monday for Sunningdale. For 19 years Mr. and Mrs. Winterbottom have lived at the Hall. A presentation was made on Saturday to Mrs. Winterbottom of a silver salver, from the villagers. Mr. Winterbottom has been president of the Village Hall Committee and at the presentation the secretary. Mr Jack Hebson, gave a resume of the 19 years Mr. and Mrs. Winterbottom had been at the Hall. He said they alone had raised over £600 for the Village Hall fund by garden fetes, dances and bazaars. The presentation was made by Mr. Kenneth McWhirter, secretary of Northamptonshire Rural Community Council. On Sunday Mr. and Mrs. Winterbottom together turned over the first sod of turf in the field given by Captain P. Y. Atkinson for the village hall. Also present were Lord Hesketh, Major the Hon John and Mrs Hesketh, new owners of Cosgrove Hall, Master Robin Winterbottom, Mr. and Mrs. S. F. Woollard and Miss Pam Woollard of Stony Stratford, Captain Hyde Upward, Mr K. McWhirter, Mr Jack Hebson and Mr. F Hillyer (chairman of the Village Hall Committee).

On the site of the future Cosgrove Church Hall, Mr and Mrs G. H. Winterbottom turn the first sod before their departure to live at Sunningdale. Behind them are seen the new owners of Cosgrove Hall, Major the Hon John and Mrs Fermor Hesketh and Lord Hesketh.

Whist drive – a successful whist drive, held by the Cosgrove branch of the British Legion in the Old Schoolroom on Tuesday, 18 January, was attended by 70 players who spent an enjoyable evening.  The prizewinners were women, 1 Mrs. P Loughrey, 2 Mrs. Oakenson, 3 Mrs. Bason, highest half H. Henson; men, 1 Mr. A Owens, 2 Mr F. Lyman, 3 Mrs. Pateman, highest half Mrs. Lawson; score card prize, Miss. M. Russell; competition prize, Mrs. W. Clarke.

Water drawn from Old Stratford house produced at Towcester Council meeting

Holding up a bottle containing what was described as water, but which was coloured like orange juice, Mrs M E Jelley, of Cosgrove, told Towcester Councillors on Tuesday, 25 January, that the water had that morning had been drawn from a tap at an Old Stratford house.

Councillors laughed, but Mrs. Jelley said it was no laughing matter.

The chairman; I will hand it over to Mr. Berridge( surveyor).

Mr. Ridgway: just fancy that being supplied in the Cosgrove District.

Mrs. Jelley: the complaint is people having to wash clothes in it whilst it is that colour.

Mr. Abbott (Stoke Bruerne) can we send a sample to the Ministry of Health and the Bucks Water Board?

Mr. Berridge: it is nothing but corrosion.  I understand it is a dead end; I am pleased it has been brought to my notice.

Mr. Ridgway: is this council justified in putting on a water charge for the service it is giving to Cosgrove?

Mr. Berridge: the trouble is that it is only a 3 inch pipe.

Mr. Smith: it is said we can get 10000 gallons per day, so there must be a leak there.

Mr. Berridge: yes I should think there is; we started diverting that main this morning.  It is nowhere near 10000 gallons per day.

The matter was referred to the committee.

TEMPORARY VILLAGE HALLS ON LOAN

…..the National Council of Social Service and the Ministry of Education had agreed to issue two standard huts to be used as temporary village halls for Cosgrove and Naseby. In the case of Cosgrove he said that the building had actually started.

HOUSING SITE ABANDONED BECAUSE OF FLOODING

THE Housing Committee report as presented to Towcester Rural Council on Tuesday showed that work had had to be abandoned on the Cosgrove site because of flooding. The Committee reminded the Council that the site was practically forced on them by the refusal of the Ministry of Agriculture to clear the site originally selected on the Yardley road. A resolution to report the facts to the Ministry Health, to hold meeting to select an alternative site, and to transfer the present four contracts to Alderton was passed, after Mr. R. L. C. Ridgway had described the affair as shocking.

Towcester Court Tuesday, 15 March

Failing to conform to traffic signals: Dick Edward Lavington (26), New Buildings, Cosgrove (on a motorcycle), was fined 10 shillings

AMERICAN business interests are taking up more and more of the time of Major the Hon. J. B. Fermor-Hesketh. I understand that he and Mrs. Fermor-Hesketh have gone to the United States for three months. No letters will be forwarded. This is Major Hesketh’s second trip recently to the States, where the Heskeths have substantial properties. The Major and his wife recently moved into Cosgrove Hall, formerly the home of Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Winterbottom.

Cosgrove British Legion Holds First Dinner

A dinner held by the recently formed Cosgrove branch of the British Legion was a most successful function and should encourage the committee to make it an annual event.  It took place on Saturday, 19 March, under the presidency of Colonel P Y Atkinson, CC, who occupied the chair.  Visitors included Lord Hillingdon, Mr. W N Montgomery JP and Mr. H S Bartlett of the Northants County committee.  The last named gave an interesting talk on Legion work.

Entertainment was provided by Mr. F Friday, of Newport Pagnell, magician, and the Odd Spots Messrs. Jim Chaytor and Ron Green.

The committee responsible for the excellent arrangements for the evening was composed of the president, Messrs. A. Tompkins chairman, P Lyman vice chairman, A T Noble hon treasurer, E R Brown hon Secretary, J Pollard, D. Longman, D Lavington, T. Lyman, L Meakins, T Kightley, F Lavington and A C Noble.

Why Cosgrove Lost Four Houses – Waterlogged Site Abandoned

For council houses were allocated to the parish of Cosgrove, but owing to the selected site being found to be waterlogged, the houses were re-allocated to a neighbouring village – Alderton.

The surveyor reported that the Acme Building Company Northampton Ltd., commenced work on the Cosgrove Housing site a short time ago, and when excavations were made for the foundations for the first pair of houses it was found that the land was waterlogged.  The possibility of training the site had been carefully examined and it was found that the sewer was not deep enough to take away the water from the site.

New sewer needed

In the future, when the Deanshanger Cosgrove etc. sewage scheme is carried out the new sewer will be laid in the road in front of the site.  This will no doubt drain the land and overcome the difficulties which now exist.  If the site is not completely drained the new sewer will be deep enough to provide possibilities for the under drainage of the site.

The survey added that after visiting the sights and seeing the amount of water he came to a decision that it was not wise to continue the erection of the houses, and instructions were accordingly given to the contractors to abandon work on the excavations and backfill the trenches which had already been dug.  In order to erect these three houses speedily in accordance with the contract to the Acme Building Company Limited it would therefore be necessary to find an alternative site and the surveyor suggested that the houses be erected at Alderton adjoining the two pairs of Airey houses nearing completion.

With regard to the Cosgrove site the Public Health and Housing committee were reminded that this site was literally forced upon the council by the refusal of the Provincial Lands Commissioner of the Ministry of Agriculture to clear the site originally selected on the Yardley Road adjoining their Airey houses.  In order that further houses could be erected at Cosgrove in the next programme it was therefore essential that an alternative site to be found as quickly as possible, and it was suggested that a sub-committee be formed and that the Land Commissioner be requested to meet this subcommittee together with the County Planning Officer in the village as early as possible.

It was decided that the whole of the facts concerning the abandonment of the Cosgrove Housing sites to be reported to the Ministry of Health; that the Provincial Lands Commissioner of the Ministry of Agriculture and the County Planning Officer be requested to meet a sub committee consisting of the chairman of the Council, the chairman and vice chairman of the Housing Committee, Mrs M Jelley, Mr. R L C Ridgway, Mr. J Smith and Mr. E Warren together with the appropriate officers of the council at Cosgrove, as early as possible in order to select an alternative site and that approval of the Ministry of Health be sought to transfer the contracts already let to the Acme Building Company Northampton Ltd. for the erection of four houses in Cosgrove to the old attend site where water and sewage disposal works are available.

Mr. RLC Ridgway commented that the site was an unsuitable one, and he was not a party to it.  Cosgrove had now got to wait 18 months before getting a site for houses.

Mr W. T Groom.  You were well aware that none of the committee liked it.  It will not necessarily mean that Cosgrove will be without houses for that long time.

Mrs. M E Jelley the village representative, said it was never an ideal site but two of the tenants desired   their houses to be higher up the village.  The land was never fertile.

Cosgrove FC outing

Cosgrove FC combined with the Barley Mow for an outing on Saturday to the model farm at Combes, Suffolk, owned by a former well-known Cosgrove sportsman, Mr. Prisley.

A stop was made on Newmarket Downs and dinner was served at the village inn at Combes.  In the afternoon Cosgrove defeated the village side 2-0, scorers being J Nightingale and J Loughrey.  Combes last season won the Lillistone Hospital Shield.

Tea was taken at Stowmarket and in the evening the visitors won a darts match by 10-8 to conclude an enjoyable day.

NEW ADDRESSES FOR VILLAGES

INHABITANTS of Furtho, Deanshanger, Cosgrove, Old Stratford, and Wicken will be pleased to hear that a longstanding grievance of theirs is being redressed. Mr. R. E. Manningham-Buller, M.P. for the Daventry Division, has been told by the Postmaster-General that Wolverton will be substituted for Bletchley in the postal addresses of these villages. It is pointed out, however, that the new address cannot be adopted for some months as major alterations in staffing are needed at some of the post offices concerned.

Cosgrove Entertains Over Seventies

On Friday, 8 April, Cosgrove Women’s Institute provided a meat tea in the Old School to the over seventies in the village.  After tea a conjurer entertained the guests for about an hour, and then followed songs and other items.  One song that was contributed by one of the old people, Mr. Bob Pettifer.  Mrs. Frank Hillyer gave two of her monologues, and songs were sung by Mrs. F W Castle, Mrs. Gascoigne, Mrs. Whiting, and Mrs. G. Davess.

The committee received the gift of a small barrel of beer from Mr. Sid Eglesfield, at the Barge inn, which allowed the over seventies to have their glasses filled during the evening.  The gift was appreciated by the old folk, and on behalf of the guests, Mr S. Williams thanked Mrs. M E Jelley, president, the committee, and all who had helped to make the party a success.  The singing of Auld Lang Syne and the National Anthem terminated the proceedings at about 10 o’clock.

Cosgrove Housing

The Clerk was instructed to proceed with the purchase of about two acres of land at Cosgrove for housing purposes from Miss D B Ingram, of New Bradwell, for the sum of £340 in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the District Valuer’s report.

In view of the fact that the Council had temporarily abandoned to the housing site at Cosgrove on the opposite side of the road to the land now under discussion in view of flooding, one Councillor queried the desirability of proceeding with this purchase.

The Clarke said that the land owned by Miss Ingram now under discussion, was included in a Compulsory Purchase Order and the Council were therefore bound to proceed with the acquisition thereof even should it prove unsuitable for building purposes at a later date.  Two parcels of land comprised in this Compulsory Purchase Order had already been acquired, and the Council must therefore proceed with the purchase of the remainder of the land comprised in the order, and if it was subsequently found to be unsuitable for building purposes they would, of course, be at liberty to consider selling the whole at a later date.

New Cemetery Ground at Cosgrove

The new burial ground is to be adjacent to the present one and island known as the Old Orchard and part of the Rectory grounds.  The land is to be the generous gift of Colonel P Y and Mrs. Atkinson, of the Priory, which represents the gift of £50, but a further £150 will be needed for the land to be laid out for the purpose required.  It was decided to endeavour to raise the money by voluntary subscriptions.  Further donations were promised from Mr. and Mrs. W W Dickens, Mr. and Mrs. M E Jelley, and Miss Joan Wake.  Other donations will be gratefully received by the Clerk or Chairman.

The question of a traffic control at the crossroads, Old Stratford, was discussed.  The members viewed with concern the danger at this point to children who had to cross this busy road in order to board the bus for school.  The need for a pedestrian crossing was expressed and a letter to this effect was decided to be sent to the County Council urging their earnest attention to the matter. 

Appointment of school managers: Mrs. M E Jelley and Mr F. Tustain.

GOUGING OUT HEART OF ENGLAND

MISS J. WAKE AND COUNTY’S DERELICT ACRES

STRONG criticisms were voiced by Miss Joan Wake on the subject of iron-ore devastation at the annual meeting of Northamptonshire Association of Parish Councils held at Northampton County Hall on Saturday.

A resolution proposed by Miss Wake, as chairman of Cosgrove Parish Council, was: “This parish council of Cosgrove has heard with dismay of the application by the ironstone companies to make open-cast workings for ironstone over an area of 70,000 acres in the neighbourhood of Kettering, Thrapston, Oundle and other parts of the county, involving the destruction and devastation of some parishes, and beg the Northamptonshire Parish Councils Association to take the matter up with the Government as one most urgently affecting the future of the county, the welfare of its inhabitants and its agricultural productivity, and to press for compulsory restoration of the soil and the postponement of all deep opencast mining in those areas where restoration is physically impossible until all the other areas have been mined.”

TO FIND REMEDY

“Wringing our hands and recriminations about how this dreadful thing has come about are quite useless.” said Miss Wake; “The question before Northamptonshire is how to find a remedy and see that the remedy is applied. Already," she said. “3 000 acres lie waste, farmsteads and cottages have been pulled down, roads and footpaths destroyed, houses and hamlets left islands in the sea of destruction are deserted, the inhabitants driven out by the advancing tide of desolation. If this not stopped, what is happening to single houses and hamlets will soon be happening to whole villages; the churches will crumble into ruin and the population, which has lived and flourished for centuries in the district, will fly, deprived of their means of livelihood.

A sinister fact is that the ironstone companies are buying thousands of acres and are probably now the largest landowners in the county” Miss Wake continued. “The Ministry of Town and Country Planning now has powers to stem this devastation, but in the past this ministry has been beaten by other ministries. To use its powers effectively it must itself be impelled by the irresistible force of public opinion. The peril of the present situation she said was that the ore was being worked by powerful companies with headquarters Glasgow, Birmingham and London with immense wealth behind them and able to exploit to the full the latest inventions of American brains —Invention of these monstrous machines for digging out the ore. So, the heart of England is to be gouged out by these companies and sold to America.

STRAIGHT TO THE GOVERNMENT

Though the ironstone companies were undoubtedly doing very well out of this business, it would be true to say that with taxation at its present level, by far the greater part of the profit from that exploitation was going straight into the pockets of the Government. Unless the pressure of public opinion is exerted to the utmost nothing will be done,” said Miss Wake, “It is with the object of rousing, focussing and expressing Northamptonshire’s opinion that I move this resolution.”

She was supported by the chairman of the Executive Committee. Mr. W. Loakes, who said no small villages or hamlets would be left if the present plans were continued. The resolution was carried unanimously, and sent to the National Association of Parish Councils for action.

Two sisters, Edith Lilian Wake and Winifred Mary Waite, of The Green. Cosgrove, both printers’ rulers, were fined 10s each for failing to comply with a halt sign at Cosgrove whilst riding cycles. In explanation they said they were late for work. For a similar offence. John William Loughrey (17), apprentice carpenter, of 29, Bridge-road, Cosgrove was also fined 10s.

Cosgrove Cottages to be Requisitioned and Repaired

The Sanitary Inspector reported that together with the Surveyor he had inspected the vacant condemned cottage at the Green, Cosgrove, owned by Mr. Hedley J. Clarke, of Bletchley and comprised in the Towcester Rural (Cosgrove No 4) Clearance Order, 1937.  The cottage was in a reasonable state of repair and invest the players opinion could be rendered fit for further occupation for a temporary period at a cost of between £35 and £40.  In view of the fact that the two other cottages also owned by Mr. Clark, comprised in the same clearance order were now held by the Council under requisition it was recommended that this further cottage be requisitioned.

Subject to the approval of the Ministry of Health the cottage is to be requisitioned and repaired at a cost not exceeding £40.

Wedding Bells at Cosgrove

The bells of the village church of SS Peter and Paul at Cosgrove rang out on Saturday when Miss Elizabeth Hilda Brown was married to Mr. Leslie Arthur Reynolds.  The bride is the fourth daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J Brown, of 23 Bridge Road, Cosgrove, and the bridegroom, who has been residing at Stony Stratford, the fourth son of the late Mr. and Mrs. A. Reynolds, formerly of Wolverton.

During the past football season of the bridegroom transferred to the Cosgrove club and was a member of their team that won the Eastern section of Division II of the North Bucks League.

The service was conducted by the rector the Rev. J S Benson, and the organist, Mr C. Compton, played for the singing of the hymns “The Voice that Breathed o’er Eden” and “Praise my Soul.”

Given in marriage by her father, Mr. E R Brown, the bride wore a gown of heavily figured satin with a headdress of orange blossom and an embroidered net veil.  She also wore triple pearls lent by her sister, and carried a shower bouquet of red roses.  Miss Mary Brown, sister of the bride and Miss Ethel Butler, friend of the bride, were bridesmaids, wearing full length crepe dresses in a floral design of red roses on a white background, with headdresses of white roses.  They carried bouquets of cream roses. Mr E. Reynolds, brother of the bridegroom, was best man. As the bride left the church she was presented with lucky horse shoes by Miss Sheila Brown, Miss Pamela Reynolds, and Master John Reynolds.

70 guests attended a reception held at the New Schoolroom, the happy couple late later leaving for a honeymoon in Kent.  The many gifts they received included an monetary present from colleagues of the bride in the Envelope Room of Messrs. McCorquodale’s Wolverton Works, and a gift from Cosgrove Football Club.  The bouquet of the bride was placed upon the grave of the bridegroom’s parents.  The bridegroom is a bodymaker employed in Wolverton Railway Works, and he and his bride will reside at 1 New Buildings Cosgrove.

Cosgrove Still Requires a Councillor

When a parish council elections were held in May, there was no activity in the village of Cosgrove.  The first year of the new electoral proceedings, and electing Councillors represent the parish by ballot instead of by a show of hands at the annual meeting, attracted only three men and three women for nine vacancies.

The position had to be reported to the Northamptonshire County Council, who called for further nominations, and an election if necessary.  But would be councillors for the village still remain reticent in coming forward.  Only two nominations have been received - Mr. Richard Joseph Lovell Feil, schoolteacher, of the Green, and Mr. John Higgins, of Elm farm - and the position has now again to be referred to the County Council for a further ruling as to how the missing Councillor is to be found.

In the meantime the affairs of the parish are conducted by members of the Council who have been returned unopposed.

Saturday was “Red Letter Day” for Cosgrove - Opening of Victory Club and Hall

Saturday last was a red letter day for the residents of Cosgrove, as a five year dream came true when Captain P Y Atkinson of the Priory declared open a spacious Victory Club and Hall, the first brick and mortar building to be erected since the war under the auspices of the Northamptonshire Rural Community Council.  The initial cost is in the vicinity of £2000 which is mainly provided for by the Community Council, and the hall is loaned Cosgrove at a nominal rent of 5s per week.  It is described as a temporary building, but speakers thought it would be standing for many years.

The building is situate on a plot of ground generously given by Captain P Y and Mrs. Atkinson, in Bridge Row, and there is space for other amenities.  There are two pathway entrances constructed of concrete which was the work of the organising committee.  The overall dimensions of the hall are 68 feet by 24 feet, with the main hall 54 feet long by 24 feet.  The erection by Messrs. Betts and Faulkner of Stony Stratford was a speedy one, the work having been started in March last.  Amenities of the hall comprise a stage, electric light, double exit doors to each side of the hall, ladies and gentlemen’s cloakrooms, electric clock given by Mr. C Eglesfield, bath and three showers, central heating with overhead pipes, kitchen and committee room.  All the electrical work was carried out by the staff of H H Lampitt, Wolverton.

The idea of starting a fund for a village hall was conceived following the cessation of the home guard, and during the five years that efforts are being made the large sum of £1450 has been raised towards that total.  Mrs. G H Winterbottom formerly of Cosgrove Hall, and now of Sunningdale, and the late Mr. Winterbottom gave generously and were instrumental in raising a substantial amount.  It was unfortunate that they were not present to see the project brought to our most successful conclusion.

Villagers Respond Invitation

Cosgrove is indebted to the Community Council for the interest it has taken, and especially to its Secretary, Mr. Kenneth Macwhirter, for assistance by way of the information he has continually provided for the Cosgrove Committee.  All villagers were invited to the opening ceremony and they responded in a large number.

Great Day for the Life of the Village

Mr F. Hillyer, chairman of the Hall committee, presided at the opening ceremony, supported by Captain P Y and Mrs. Atkinson, Mr. Manningham Buller, MP for the Division, Hon. John Fermor-Hesketh, Cosgrove Hall, Mr. K Macwhirter, Mr. J Hebson Hall Secretary Mr. J. Jones Hall treasurer and Mr. W N Montgomery JP CC Deanshanger.  The Rev. J S Benson, Rector of Cosgrove, and his wife, were present.

Mr. MacWhirter said it was not only a great day for the life of Cosgrove, but in the life of the Rural Community Council, because it was the first village hall to be built of bricks and mortar in Northamptonshire since the war.  That was not saying so much for the Rural Community Council as it was for the people of Cosgrove and the Hall Committee. Theirs was a community that had raised just over £1400 towards the building of a permanent hall, and the scheme of providing a temporary hall enabled them to retain a lot of the money towards a permanent hall, and was giving them a hall in which to raise more money.  He was quite sure that we the existing costs a permanent all would cost not less than £6000.

Erected in Record Time Thanks to Builders

They were able to have that hall not only because the committee had worked hard but because as soon as the starting date was fixed they could go ahead because of the generosity of Captain Atkinson in offering them the site upon which the hall now stood.  P Mr. Mcwhirter, could not conclude without giving words of praise to the builders Messrs. Betts and Faulkner of Stony Stratford.

“You are lucky in having a firm of builders which has taken an interest in village life for the wellbeing of the village people.  There has been no delay.  There are other halls being built in other parts of the country, but I think this one has been built in record time, and all because of the interest that the members of the firm had taken in the project” said the speaker.

“This is Cosgrove’s Village Hall for so long as you need a hall of this kind and until you can build a permanent one as you can visualise” he concluded.

Everyone’s Happy Day

Captain PY Atkinson began “This is a very happy day for me and a happy day for everyone in Cosgrove.” He recounted how, following the lay down of arms by the Home Guard, he was asked to give his support to the projects of commencing a fund for a village hall.  He felt that the day was an historical one in the life of Cosgrove and that some record should be kept of it, because something had been accomplished that had been needed for a very long time.  It was a magnificent hall, with all the necessary facilities.  Captain Atkinson records that Mr. Goodridge was the chairman of the first committee; then they were told that Mr. Macwhirter and his council would come forward and help, which gave them renewed vigour, and organizing went on wonderfully.

Combined Operations

Later arrangements were handed over to what he would term “Combined Operations”, the ladies being brought in and many other people came on the job under the able management of Mr. Hillyer.  Many times he had seen chaps in their shirtsleeves working hard on the job and it was a credit to them, and he was sure the village was grateful to them.  Cosgrove could live and be merry now in their own hall, said Captain Atkinson in declaring the hall opened.  Mrs. Atkinson was handed a floral gift by Sheila Brown.

Wished Hall Like it in Every Village

Mr. Manningham Buller in congratulating all concerned on the achievement, said Cosgrove was a fortunate village and he only wished there was a Hall like it in every village in the Daventry and Towcester division, then the life of village people would be improved.

Major John Fermor-Hesketh the Hall president, he said he was present when the first sod was cut and it was marvellous that the Hall had been erected in such a short time.  It was a magnificent building.

Mr. Jack Henson, Hall Secretary, said he had waited five years for that day.  He wished to thank Mr. Macwhirter and his counsel for the great assistance given them, and to Mr. Betts for his interest.

Mr. Hillyer, in concluding the happy ceremony, called for the support of the village in enabling the committee to run the organisation successfully.  He thanked all present for their cooperation.

All the schoolchildren of the village that city provided by the committee and friends.  Mrs. J. Johnson was assisted by willing helpers in the tea arrangements.  In the evening there was a film show, and a concert by Mr. Leo Bostock, Mr J. Poole, Mr T. Clarke and the “Odd spots”, Ron Green and Jim Chaytor.  Dancing concluded a most successful event with music by the Night Riders band of Newport Pagnell.

Gifts included - 10 chairs and cream tea pot (Mrs. Bushell); mirror for gentlemen’s cloakroom (Mr. E J Wickins); electric time piece for main hall (Mr. C Eglesfield); armchair for chairman (Mrs. Brown in memory of her son killed in the war); electric iron (H H Lampitt, Wolverton); and flag and pole by Messrs. Betts and Faulkner, Stony Stratford.

The Hall Committee comprises Messrs. F. Hillyer (chairman), J Hebson (Secretary), J. Jones (treasurer), P Whiting, A Tompkins, A Cummings, S Bushell, H Smith, B Gallop, F. Tustain, G Hickford, D Lavington, C Harris, Mr. and Mrs. J. Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. A Loughrey, and Mr. and Mrs. T Kightley.

VILLAGERS MOURN FOR MR. G. H. WINTERBOTTOM SUPPORTER OF GOOD CAUSES

MEMBERS of the former household staff and the villagers mingled with the many personal friends from over a wide area round the family grave in Horton churchyard for the funeral of Mr. George Harold Winterbottom, yesterday.
The service was conducted by the vicar, the Rev. A. S. Dainton.
Mr. Winterbottom, who died at Kingswood, Sunningdale, was 59. Mr. and Mrs Winterbottom, who sold Cosgrove Hall, where they had lived for 19 years, to the Hon. John and Mrs. Fermor Hesketh in January, were well known in the county and North Bucks for their interest in efforts for charity.
Mr. Winterbottom, whose family home was Horton Hall, was educated at Eton and Cambridge, where he won cups for running. He was keen cricketer and an enthusiastic supporter of Northants C.C.C., particularly during their lean years.
Both he and his wife had also worked for the Northampton General Hospital. Mrs. Winterbottom a talented singer, organised many concerts for charity before and during the war. They raised £600 for Cosgrove village hall, which was opened last Saturday.
The principal mourners were: Mrs. G H. Winterbottom (widow), Mr. Robin Winterbottom (son). Captain and Mrs. Oscar Winterbottom, Mr. and Mrs. Ian Winterbottom, Mr. and Mrs. Alastair Winterbottom (brothers and sisters-in-law). Mr. and Mrs. Ferrers Loftus (brother-in-law and sister), Mrs. G. H. Winterbottom (step-mother), Miss Heather Loftus (niece), Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Case (nephew and niece).

STAFF ATTEND

A floral cricket bat from the members of the former staff were; Mrs. T. N. Cave. Mrs P. D. Harrison. Mr. J. Page-Blair, Major Hyde-Upward, Captain T. O. Llewelyn (Life Guards). Captain C. H. Piff (Royal Horse Guards). Mr. H. C. Hepworth. Colonel Bruce Logan, Mr. Malcolm Wombwell, Captain E. Crane. Mr. R. O. and Mrs. Lee. Mr. J. Whitmore Jeffery. Lieut.-Col. L. Parratt. Bunt A. J. Norris (representing the Chief Constable for Northamptonshire Constabulary. Captain R H. D. Bolton). Mr E. M. Witham (representing Northamptonshire County Cricket Club). Mr. D. C. Lucas. Mr. A. Sansome and Mr. C. Longland (representing Horton Cricket Club) Mrs. J Johnson (representing Cosgrove Victory Hall Committee), Mr D Miles (representing Jeffery and Sons Ltd.). Mr. F. Elliott. Miss G. Elliott. Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Woollard. Mrs Houghton Mrs. Cummings Mrs Heap. Mr. E. C. Lambert. Mr. G Hooton Mr, R. H. Maycock, Mrs. Kightley. Mr. F. Roberts. Mr. W Clifton. Mr J. H. Berry. Mr G. Whymant. Mr. R Bennett. Mr. R. Samples, Mr. P. Kightley. Mrs. A Elliott. Miss Slade. Mrs Stretch Miss Everatt and many others. Major E. H. Allday and Mr. B. Kightley, the churchwardens, preceded the cortege. Mrs. Berrill officiated at the organ during the service. A replica of a cricket bat midst a diffusion of flowers from the members of Horton House Cricket Club in memory of ‘‘a very generous and kind president.” was one of the many tributes. Others included those from his old staff at Cosgrove Hall and the Cosgrove Victory Hall committee. Remaining tenants of the late Horton estate, members of the Northamptonshire County Cricket Club, Newburgh Priory Staff, the staff of the Kingswood House. Sunningdale; Chairman and directors of Nosmos Photographies Ltd., and the director of Winterbottom Book Cloth Co. Ltd.

Saturday last was a “red letter” day for Cosgrove, as a five year dream came true when Captain P Y Atkinson of the Priory declared open a spacious Victory Club and Hall, the first brick-mortar building to be erected since the war under the auspices of the Northamptonshire  Rural Community Council. The initial cost is in the vicinity of £2000 which is mainly provided for by the Community Council and the hall is loaned to Cosgrove at the nominal rent of 5s per week. It is described as a temporary building, but speakers thought it would be standing for many years.

The building is situate on a plot of ground generously given by Captain PY and Mrs Atkinson, and there is space for other amenities. There are entrances constructed of concrete which was the work of the organising committee. The overall dimensions of the hall are: 68 feet by 24 feet with the main hall 54 feet long by 24 feet. The erection, by Messrs Betts and Faulkner, of Stony Stratford, was a speedy one, the work having been started in March last. Amenities of the hall comprise a stage, electric light, double exit doors to each side of the hall, ladies and gentlemen’s cloakrooms, electric clock (given by Mr C Eglesfield), bath and three showers, central heating with overhead pipes, kitchen and committee room. All the electrical work was carried out by the staff of H H Lampitt, Wolverton.

The idea of starting a fund for a Village Hall was conceived following the cessation of the Home Guard, and during the five years that efforts have been made, the large sum of £1,450 has been raised. Toward that total Mrs G H Winterbottom, formerly of Cosgrove Hall and now of Sunningdale, and the late Mr Winterbottom gave generously and were instrumental in raising a substantial amount. It was unfortunate that they were not present to see the project brought to a most successful conclusion.

Villagers Respond to Invitation

Cosgrove is indebted to the Community Council for the interest it has taken and especially to its secretary, Mr Kenneth McWhirter, for assistance by way of information he has continually provided for the Cosgrove Committee. All the villagers were invited to the opening ceremony and they responded in a large number.

Great Day for the Life of the Village

---

Wolverton Express 9th September 1949

STRATFORD COURT CASES

Cases heard by Stony Stratford Magistrates included:

Wilfred Joseph Whitehouse, New Buildings, Cosgrove, fined £1 for leaving standing motor-vehicle with the engine running.

Conservatives Amalgamate Old Stratford and Cosgrove Branches

Men’s and Women’s branches of the Old Stratford and Cosgrove Conservative Association have joined forces by amalgamation.  This took place at a meeting in the Memorial Hall, Old Stratford, on Thursday, 6 October, and the following were appointed officers and committee: Captain P Y Atkinson (president), Mr. Montague Watts (chairman), Mr. and Mrs. S Hinch (vice chairmen), Mrs Montague Watts (Hon Secretary), Mr. R Walker (Hon treasurer), Mesdames Horn, Turner, H Dickens, Jeffrey, and Capell, Messrs. P Millward, Hotston, J. Webster, Sandas and Ware (committee), Mr. Turner and Mrs. Capell (auditors).  The company was addressed by Mr W. T Groom, of Towcester.

Cosgrove Housing Site – Land Commissioners Objection to Yardley Road Field

A letter submitted to Towcester Rural District Council’s Housing Committee from the County Planning Officer enclosed a copy of the observations of the Senior Assistant Land Commissioner on the proposed acquisition by the Council of land at Cosgrove containing 4.4 acres for housing purposes and situate on the Yardley Road Cosgrove.  The Land Commissioner, stated the letter, was not prepared to release this field as he was of the opinion that it would cause a great inconvenience to the farmer in question as it is the only turn out adjoining his home buildings and is used during the summer for horses and cows and in the winter months all his dairy cows are turned out into it for exercise.  Without this field the animals would have to be driven twice daily to a field approximately ¼ mile away, crossing over the crossroads in the village.  He suggested as an alternative that the Council should acquire arable land owned by Colonel P Y Atkinson and owned by Mrs. Heap, of Cosgrove.

The Deputy Clerk stated that a reply had been sent to the County Planning Officer stating that the Council were very surprised to note that the Land Commissioner is not prepared to issue clearance as it was felt that the Subcommittee which met him in Cosgrove on 24 June last had convinced him that this particular site was of more importance for housing purposes than for agriculture.  It was also pointed out that it was surprising to note that this field is stated to be used during the summer for horses and cows, and in the winter months for all dairy cows at Mr. Maycock’s farm, as it was obvious to the farmer members in particular of the Subcommittee, and the Senior Assistant Land Commissioner admitted, that at the time of the inspection, which was quite definitely in the summer, the field did not appear to be in use at all and was largely filled with nettles and rank grass.  Further, it could not be agreed that the alternative field for cattle was anything like a quarter of a mile away from the home farm buildings.

The alternative site suggested by the Land Commissioner does not appear to be suitable in any way and from a good planning point of view it was not thought that the County Planning Officer would be prepared to approve council housing development on the site.  This field in question is situate on the road leading from Cosgrove to Old Stratford and was some distance from Cosgrove Village.  Although some eight bungalows had already been erected by private enterprise on plots of the adjoining field, the majority of these were erected prior to planning control and this is the type of sporadic development which should not only be discouraged but disallowed.

The Deputy Clerk stated that after further consideration of the Council’s observations the County Planning Officer was of the opinion that the only course left open to the Council is for them to make formal application to the Ministry of Health giving the Land Commissioner’s observations and pointing out the most difficult position in which the Council find themselves concerning a housing site in Cosgrove and leaving it to the Ministry of Health to determine at regional level with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries as to whether the land in question is most necessary to housing or agriculture.  The County Planning Officer further suggested that if the Council agreed to this course the Land Commissioner should be informed of the action they proposed to take which would then afford him the opportunity of reconsidering his decision.  It was decided to make the necessary application as suggested.

Father Christmas at Cosgrove Church Sale of Work

Their heartiest cheer at Cosgrove Parish Church sale of work in the Victory Hall on Saturday last was when Father Christmas (Mr. Jack Johnson) appeared, complete with a sack full of articles.

Earlier in the evening Mrs. Fermor-Hesketh, of Cosgrove Hall, had opened the proceedings and was handed a posy by four year old Esther Benson.  The Rev. J S Benson (Rector) welcomed Mrs. Hesketh, and expressed thanks to all who had worked hard in providing the stalls with such useful gifts.

Stallholders were: Miss Marlow, Mrs. G. Lambert, Mrs. Davess, Mrs. G. Beasley, Mrs. C. Brockway, Mrs. Feil, sons and daughter, Mrs. Lavington, Mrs. Harris and niece.  Mr. Ted Lambert was door steward.  Refreshments were served by Mrs. J. Johnson and Mrs. J Hebson.  The Rector is grateful to the hall committee for their cooperation.  After expenses have been made to the proceeds amounted to £40 5s - an increase by £5 on the result of a similar effort last year.

HOUSES COST MORE THAN THE TENDERS

LARGE increases over tender prices covering 58 houses of the first instalment of the post-war housing programme was disclosed at a meeting of Towcester Rural Council on Tuesday. Commenting the increases Major J. C. Grant-Ives, chairman of the Finance and General Purposes Committee, said it was due to conveyance of labour, owing the fact that local labour was not available, and wage increases Contracts of the future would be firm contracts. The summary of building costs of these houses showed that the average percentage increase over tender price was 15 per cent. However, it had to be remembered that these houses were begun immediately after the war when the position concerning labour and materials was most difficult. Tender prices for the 58 houses amounted to £70,266, and the final cost of them was £80,937. The average cost per house was £1395 The houses were erected in Silverstone. Whittlebury. Cosgrove. Blackwell End. Potterspury. Church End, Potterspury, Wicken, Paulerspury, Shutlanger, Blakesley, Maidford and Abthorpe.

Concert in Cosgrove Parish Church

A large congregation in Cosgrove Parish Church on 27 November heard excellent singing by the Madrigal Society members of Stowe School Buckingham.  The choir of 25 boys was conducted by Major Huggins, and sang unaccompanied.  Several solos came from Handel’s Messiah.  The item “The Turmpet Shall Sound, with trumpet obligato, was most impressive.  Other outstandingly rendered solos were “He shall feed His flock” and “Who shall stand when He appeareth”.

A collection amounted to over £11 and in addition a friend sent a golden half sovereign which when realised, will augment the total which is towards the Diocesan Reconstruction Appeal.  Mrs. P Y Atkinson of Cosgrove Priory was responsible for this visit of the choir.

35 years Voluntary Ambulance Work – Death of Miss M M Knight

The funeral took place at stony Stratford on Monday last of Miss Maud Mary Knight of Belmont below Wolverton road to stony Stratford, who died in Northampton general hospital on the previous Thursday 15 December, aged 69 years.  Miss Knight was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. JG Knight, of the Plough Inn Cosgrove.  Her life had been marked by 35 years voluntary work in connection with St John Ambulance, and about three years ago she was honoured in being made a Serving Sister, and received the decoration of that order in July this year.  She was attached to the Northampton Brigade.  During the last war Miss Knight was an officer in the Women’s Voluntary Service.

The service in St Giles church was conducted by the Rev. E A Steer RD Vicar, and Mr. G Webb, organist, played for the singing of the hymn “The King of Love.” The interment was in the London Road cemetery.

Cosgrove Garden Ground to be Purchased

The District Valuer’s report was submitted on the acquisition of 422 square yards of garden ground owned by the Cosgrove Parish Council.  The purchase price was £20 and was subject to half yearly tenancy at a rental of 16s per annum and the council to pay the vendors proper legal costs.

It was explained that this small plot of land was essential to the Council for the erection of a pair of houses or bungalows at a later date and was adjoining the three condemned cottages at New Buildings which the Council had recently purchased from the Rev. W W Meadows for ultimate demolition and redevelopment of the whole area.  The council agreed to the purchase.