THE FEATHERSTONE .......CHRONICLE........ ..........the 1960s...........: 1969

A HISTORY OF FEATHERSTONE

1969

THE COUNCIL

JANUARY Mr G B Copley of Pontefract, the acting clerk for the council, was appointed full-time. Security checks by men with dogs had reduced vandalism at the Post Office Road depot and the sewage works where fencing was being installed.

Cr Lily Fox said the public toilets on Pontefract Road had been vandalised and were a disgrace to the town. All the windows had been broken. The photo is from the Express.

After representations from the Welfare Rugby League Football Club it was decided a rota would be drawn up for popular dates for dances at the Lister Baths.

There were complaints about condensation in council houses with gas fires. The surveyor stressed the need for proper outlets at the back of gas fires to take away the products of combustion. He said the council could not be responsible for condensation produced as a result of tenants fitting gas fires.

FEBRUARY The Ratepayers' Association complained about sewage being tipped on a proposed site for playing fields on The Priory Road Estate. The architect said sewage sludge was being tipped to facilitate the planting of grass on clay soil. There was no danger to health whatsoever, and the smell was hardly discernible. The public health inspector, Mr B Ellison, said it was the dried solid left after processing and was used on farms. It was not objectionable and certainly not harmful.

Cr Lily Fox explained to a meeting why she had prohibited Saturday night dances at the Lister Baths. She said the second dance was just a shambles, and she was contacted by residents of Lister Close complaining about the foul language.

Cr G Holt said when he heard about the incidents he was disgusted. The clerk said the police visited the Lister Baths at 11.45pm and two local youths were arrested. Most of those who attended were teenagers, and a licensed bar was available. Cr H Wright said there were people who caused bother and spoilt things for everyone else by running riot all over the place.

It was said a dance took place the previous night with 600 people present and no bother. It was agreed to leave the matter with Crs Fox and Townsend.

The condition of Regent Street was strongly criticised. Cr N Longbottom said there were some potholes where people can get buried. Cr F G Smith agreed and said he thought the council had already instructed the architect to prepare a private street works scheme.

MARCH The surveyor, Mr G F Adamson, submitted a list of 490 houses which he recommended should be included in the 1969 painting programme. Cr Lily Fox said when the district auditor went round the district he said some houses would turn into slums if they were not painted. Cr S Gascoyne said we are behind in the painting because we are frightened to put 1d or 2d on the rates. It was agreed to advertise for tenders for the painting programme.

The council decided to continue to press for a reduced television licence cost for old age pensioners even though they had a letter from Mr J Harper MP saying there was no possibility of a reduced fee outside communal centres.

The surveyor reported he had examined 38 houses on the Leatham Estate and 30 were found to have faults. There was no one at home at 30 houses so further visits would be made. The faults included flat roofs over porches leaking, ceilings and walls cracked and badly fitting doors. Cr R Widdowson said the possible causes were sub-standard materials, sub-standard workmanship, or mining subsidence. The matter was referred to a sub-committee.

A petition from the residents of Huntwick Crescent was sent to the council complaining about the street lighting and the children ruining the grassed areas by playing games on them. Cr J Bettridge said some residents had complained to the Yorkshire Electricity Board. Cr G Holt said one of the grassed areas was unwalkable. Cr Gascoyne said he had seen lorries and a car parked on the grass. It was agreed council officials should investigate the complaints.

The council applied to stop-up part of George Street and Phipps Street to allow the modernisation of George Street School.

Cr S Gascoyne brought up the problem of people parking cars in Station Lane and causing problems for through traffic. Cr F G Smith said there were three parking areas but doubted if anyone used them. He said there were usually only four or five in the large car park at the back of Lions supermarket.

With a rate rise imminent the council decided to axe the annual civic dinner, attendance at conferences and the annual Year Book. Cr R Widdowson said these events were not really necessary.

APRIL There was further vandalism at the sewage works. The surveyor said he believed he knew who was responsible but when the police went to interview him the boy had absconded from home.

The West Riding County Council had for years a project to improve the bend at the junction of Ackworth Road and Pontefract Road, but lack of finance was always cited as the reason for the delay. Now, Mr J Harper MP and the council decided it had gone on long enough. Making the bend less severe and widening the narrow pavement, considered dangerous fur pupils attending Purston C of E School, would entail the demolition of Eureka Cottage and taking some of the school playground. The NCB said they were out to tender for the demolition. A field behind the school had been allocated to the school but it was in a very bad state and could not be used. The photo of Eureka Cottage and the Jubilee Steps pedestrian crossing is from the Express.

Cr N Longbottom said some landowners could put off industry from coming to Featherstone by asking ridiculous prices for their land. One owner asked for the astonishing sum of £4,480 an acre. The council would not stand for this, and the district valuer could be called in. Otherwise the council would use the power of compulsory purchase.

To deal with congestion in Station Lane the police suggested a parking ban on the west side from Whiteley Street to the level crossing and on the east side from Maxwell Street to the crossing. Parking limited to 30 minutes to be allowed at the west side from Fearnley Street to Maxwell Street.

Cr G Holt said he didn't want yellow lines all over Station Lane, but something should be done. It was agreed to discuss the matter fully at a later meeting.

MAY There was strong criticism of the action of Cr D Gray in providing a reference for the former clerk, Mr H Tattersall, and a meeting was called to consider the conduct of the chairman and take necessary action thereon.

Cr Gray supplied a reference to Mexborough Urban Council in support of an application by Mr Tattersall for the post of deputy clerk. Mr Tatterasall later withdrew his application. Cr Gray did it without referring the request to other councillors. He said I am allowed to give a reference to anyone as an individual.

Cr Longbottom said he did not see how the chairman could send a reference when the majority of councillors had decided the former clerk should be suspended. He wanted it to be clear Cr Gray did it off his own bat. Cr Gray replied if anyone wants to say I have given a false reference, let him say so. Cr Widdowson proposed it should be put on record the council was not associated with the reference which was the sole action of Cr Gray. That was passed.

Cr Longbottom proposed and Cr Holt seconded a motion of no confidence in the chairman. Seven voted in favour and two abstained.

Only the South Ward seat was contested in the elections. The result was:

A Edgar (Ratepayers) 983 S F Gascoyne (Labour) 571.

Unopposed were R Widdowson (Central), J H Livesey (East), D Townsend (North-West), all Labour.

Cr J H Livesey of Ackworth Road was elected chairman for the 1969-70 year. For the first time the Ratepayers councillors were appointed on various sub-committees. The photo is from the Express.

JUNE Mothers in that part of Lister Road that backed onto the muckstack complained that whenever it rained water ran off the stack and into the street. After a while it smelled like a sewerage works, and it was a danger to their children. They also said there wasn't a proper barrier to keep their children off the railway line. Cr Longbottom said small children could now cross the stacks and go through the fence onto the railway lines. It needs far tighter safely precautions to stop this possible danger.

The Minister of Housing and Local Government refused to confirm a compulsory purchase order for 3.8 acres of land at North Featherstone for use as playing fields. Mr G W Cressey of Hall Farm, Ackton, had objected on the loss of agricultural land and suggested the local children could use the playing field at St Wilfrid's Catholic High School. Cr Longbottom said this business has gone on for four years and I have had a deputation of children at my home asking just where in North Featherstone they can play. It was decided to look round for other land.

Mr H L Tuby made representations to the council against a decision not to permit amusements with prizes at three shop units in Station Lane. Cr G Holt said we shall fight this to the bitter end. This precinct was put up to help trade. Mr Tuby said it was coming to a time when there was no ground for fair people. We have to settle down and take something static.

JULY Speaking after the district auditor's report for 1967-68 was published, Cr Widdowson said the auditor was satisfied by the way the arrears were being collected in. The housing repair fund had dropped from £1,800 in 1966 to nothing. He said we are on the right lines to build it up again even if the methods are a little unpopular.

AUGUST A special meeting was held to discuss the Redcliff Maud report on local government reorganisation. which recommended the abolition of urban councils in favour of much larger unitary authorities. After all the councillors had expressed reasons why it should not happen, the clerk pointed out there was a lot more to come concerning the report and present discussions were only scratching the surface.

A petition organised by Purston greengrocer John Walker containing over 100 signatures and objecting to a planning application for the old Co-operative Society premises in Pontefract Road being turned into a bingo hall and amusement centre, was sent to the council.

He told the Express "Children will be coming from all over this area to use the machines, and with music blaring out it will not be a comfortable place to live" He said the council were against these applications, but could be overruled by the county council.

The Vicar of Purston said all the clergy at Featherstone would be meeting to discuss the constant applications to turn premises into amusement arcades. A strong protest had already been sent to the council. He expressed the view that with all these applications for amusement arcades Featherstone could become the Las Vegas of Yorkshire.

SEPTEMBER The police informed the council the air raid shelter at the bottom of Post Office Road was in a dangerous condition because of damage by children. It was decided to demolish it.

During one night 17 lamps were broken in the road between Station Lane and Commonside Lane, and the council clock was damaged. Cr Norah Edgar said the police were informed at 12.30am but did not arrive until 1.45. She later said she was not running down the police but we still have not heard the other side of the story.

Cr G Holt said he was pleased to see the public backing the council in its fight to keep amusement centres out of the town. The clerk said the ex-Co-op application was with the area planning officer.

Concern was expressed about a "mythical road" on the town map which was stopping industrialists from buying the site. The surveyor said it was on a town map sent to the Ministry over four years ago. A review was about to take place. The official road engineer at Leeds said it was not on any map or programme they had which went up to 1981.

OCTOBER A playing field off Priory Road was criticised. Cr G Holt said it wasn't level and heavy rain could cause run off and possible flooding. Cr Norah Edgar said it was not fit to play on, there were rocks on the surface and children were again playing on the road.

NOVEMBER The cost of the Featherstone Amateur Musical and Dramatic Society to the council was a subject of different opinions. It was said the cost of providing a stage and other things was about £300 a year. Cr Lily Fox said this involves the whole population of Featherstone, so we cannot refuse. Cr Widdowson said he was not trying to cut the dramatics out, but suggested we ask them what facilities they need, and then consider it again. Cr J Bettridge said after this financial year we should go into the matter properly with a view to buying a stage. A figure of £3,000 was mentioned some time ago, but with the present system we are going to be paying for ever.

The society's secretary Mr Derek Davis told the Express if they had to pay for the facilities they would have to increase admission prices. That would decrease attendances, and in the long run they might have to leave the town and go elsewhere to do the show.

There was no information from the county council about the proposed bypass road shown on the town map, so the council decided to get in touch with Joe Harper MP to see if he could get things moving faster.

DECEMBER The "Ghost Road" was still causing problems. It was a line on a map showing a proposed bypass which started just past LinPac and came out where the former Hippodrome was. It was stopping industrialists moving in to Wakefield Road, and the council wanted it removing. The county council didn't agree and Joe Harper MP said it wasn't a Government matter so he couldn't help.

Cr J Bettridge said the effect of it appearing in Station Lane could be shattering. We could loose the hall and what effect would it have on pedestrians and shops. Cr F G Smith said it must be seven years since this was first mentioned. Can we have industry in Featherstone, or is the county council going to hold us up deliberately?

It was agreed to press for a meeting at County Hall.

THE ROVERS

Susan Jarvis of Great Preston was selected to be Featherstone Rovers Rugby League Queen in March at a gathering in the Rovers Social Club. Lady Masham was one of the judges and nearly 300 people were present. The photo is from the Wakefield Libraries Collection.

The annual meeting was held in July. The accounts showed a profit on the season of £2,663 but the bank overdraft was £2,866. The financial secretary, Mr J F Reed, welcomed the increase in members subscriptions and total donations from the Joint Supporters Clubs of £4,362.
The chairman, Mr J Jepson, said without such a high degree of enthusiasm, particularly in fund raising, it would not be possible to carry on. We cannot afford the fabulous transfer fees asked today and we must concentrate more on local talent.
The Rovers were in the Yorkshire Cup Final in September against Hull at Headingley but lost 9-12.

THE AMDRAMS

The Featherstone Amateur Musical and Dramatic Society put on the pantomime Mother Goose at the Lister Baths before last Christmas and ended up losing £52 on the production.

In January the secretary, Mr Derek Davis, said we are providing a facility in Featherstone. Otherwise, some people would never see a pantomime or a show, but it makes you wonder whether they want to see one anyway. If we got an average attendance of 300 a night we would be all right, but only 600 attended Mother Goose all the week, and most of these came to the matinee on Saturday afternoon.

He said the society lost £157 in their last show, and estimated the next show in March, The Vagabond King, would cost at least £250. There is a limit to how far you can go. We are generally fighting to pay our way but when shows are so feebly supported it just doesn't give us a fair chance. He praised the free use of first the Welfare Hall and now the Lister Baths. The photo of Mr Davis is from the Express.

The Featherstone and District Amateur Musical and Dramatic Society celebrated their silver jubilee with a production of The Vagabond King at the Lister Baths in March. The Express reviewer wrote "There were one or two signs of first night nerves among some members of the cast but these had completely disappeared by the end of the first act, and the show moved along at a rollicking pace. The standard of singing both by individuals and members of the chorus was very high. The costumes were both colourful and realistic and the stage settings were excellent.

The photo of the two principals, Matthew McLauchan and Margaret Smith, taken during the interval, is from the Express.

At the annual meeting in May the secretary, Mr D Davis, said they had a loss of £71 on The Vagabond King mainly because of an unexpected increase in the cost of hiring the costumes and a reduction in admission prices. He said unless the society could make more money it could not stage some of the more classical productions. Next year they would produce Chu Chin Chow.

In December the society put on Babes in the Wood at the Lister Baths. The Express report said Andrew Parkes and Catherine Haggerty played the part of the two babes in a self-assured way, and completely stole the show. As a whole the show was extremely well done, with some good acting and fine singing. The photo of Andrew and Catherine is from the Express.

THE CRICKET CLUB

The Featherstone Cricket Club held its annual dinner at the Green Lane WMC in March. The chairman of the council, Mr D Gray, said 1d of the 2d rate increase was for the maintenance of the Miners' Welfare Ground. He continued "I am sure everyone gathered here, and the rest of the people of Featherstone, think this scheme worthwhile".

The President, Dr Forster, said he was glad the club was in a better financial position than it had been for years. He had special praise for Mr Sidney Denton who was in his 50th year with the club.

The taking over of the maintenance of the cricket ground caused a problem. The Council groundsman didn't work Saturdays so he cut the grass and marked the wicket on Friday which the cricket club said was too soon. They were given access to the groundsman's equipment so they could cut and mark the wicket on a Saturday.

YOUTH CLUB AND SCOUTS PROBLEM

The closure of the Welfare Hall last year and the impending closure of the Social Service Centre saw the Welfare Youth Club and the Scouts with the problem of finding a new home. The closure of St Peter's Mission Church on Green Lane provided a way out, and the council considered buying it.

A meeting was held in January between the council, Mr D W Gibson, the area youth officer and Mr K Sedgewick, the acting county youth officer. Mr Sedgewick promised the inclusion in the county council's estimates of a grant towards the maintenance of the property and the provision of a part-time youth leader.

Cr Lily Fox said the parochial church council and the vicar did not object to the scheme and the price was still being negotiated. Cr R Widdowson said he was pleased action was being taken, but they should still press for the main scheme in Purston Park. Cr G Holt said let us get St Peter's underway first.

By November things were no further on so after a meeting at the Clock Cafe the Featherstone Urban Social Centre Committee was formed. Its aim was to press for a multi-purpose building to cater for the various organisations. Previous options were brought up again; the redundant Purston Methodist Church, which would cost up to £2,000 to buy and £10,000 to renovate and the closed St Peter's Mission Church which had been suggested but there was no movement on that.

Derek Davis, secretary of the Featherstone and District Musical and Dramatic Society said because of the extended swimming season they might have to find another building in which to put on shows. The council agreed to hold a meeting at which the possibilities could be discussed.

POOR SUPPORT

The Featherstone Cricket Cub chairman, Mr Mervyn Haytack, was disappointed by the public''s response to the New Year's Eve dance. which he said was their annual bread-winner. The money received generally enabled them to meet expenses during the season. (Only about 200 attended instead of the usual 600.) He thought the lack of support was because of other attractions in the town on the same evening, and they would now have to rely on player's subscriptions.

WILSON STREET YOUTH CLUB

The Methodist minister, Revd M J Collings announced in January three youth clubs would be formed at the Wilson Street Community Centre. They would be graded according to age, church membership and other residents' children. Mr Lister Baynes, a teacher at South Featherstone Modern School would be the youth leader.

Enrollment nights were held and more than 300 children turned up to join; over 50 had to be turned away. Revd Collings said it shows there is a real need for youth facilities in Featherstone.

The club would open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and initially it would be a case of all in together. There were 40 members aged between 8 and 11, 120 between 11 and 13, and 80 members over 13. Facilities would include table tennis, football, badminton, records and a coffee bar.

Revd Collings said the church was providing a service to the community that appeared to have been neglected in Featherstone. There would be no obligation for the children to attend church, but he would like them to. The groups would be pruned to about 50 members per group. Fees would range from 3d to 6d depending on age. A coffee evening was proposed for Saturday nights limited to churchgoers. The photos of an enrollment night and Mr Baynes are from the Express.

EDUCATION

Cr Norman Longbottom said children in the district were not getting a fair deal after he toured schools in the council area in April and took photos to illustrate his point. He claimed on the local education executive Featherstone were always outvoted by Pontefract and Knottingley. Since 1945 over £600,000 had been spent at Knottingley and over ££800,000 at Pontefract, but only £42,000 at Featherstone. He described the buildings shown in this Express photo behind North Featherstone Secondary School as cattle sheds. He said in winter the children were frozen and in summer roasted to death.

Members of the Pontefract Divisional Education Executive were unhappy about Cr Longbottom's comments. Cr W O'Brien of Knottingley said the statement that Knottingley does not support Featherstone is completely untrue. Ald J Blackburn said at no time has this Executive ever refused to help Featherstone, and it is not good diplomacy, nor an example of good local government, to make such statements. Crs Livesey and Smith of Featherstone said Cr Longbottom's views were not shared by other members of Featherstone Council.

Cr Longbottom said he would put press cuttings and photographs in a shop window in Station Lane in an attempt to secure at least one new school for Featherstone. He reckoned the majority of Featherstone's councillors agreed with him. The chairman of the Featherstone Local Labour Party, Mr E Potts, backed him up. He said the facts revealed by Cr Longbottom were true. People from the county council say it is roofs over heads that matter. It doesn't seem to matter how deplorable a state the schools are in. In June the Executive decided to arrange a meeting with Featherstone's school managers and governors.

In July Cr Longbottom complained empty property in George Street, needed for the proposed new school, had not been demolished. He said children were playing in the property and it was dangerous. H e was told the property could not be touched until the ownership was established.

A new heating system was being considered for Purston School instead of coke- burning stoves. At the meeting of the Pontefract Divisional Executive Committee in September it was said it would cost ££1,200 for a gas burning system. Some members objected saying the local coal industry should be considered. Cr A Wood said if the school managers were going to consider solid fuel heating, they should consider not just the capital cost but the running cost too. Alderman R Egan asked when it would be carried out because we were on the edge of winter.

The West Riding Education Committee said it was proposing to acquire 400 square yards of land at the junction of George Street and Henrietta Street as additional land for George Street School.

At the November meeting of the Pontefract Executive Mr E Johnson, the education officer, said they could not provide new schools unless there was a growing population. That was the policy of the county council.

After the meeting, Norman Longbottom said he was going to call a meeting of parents to discuss the boycotting of the C of E schools until something was done about them. He said he was convinced the West Riding Education Authority, and not the Ministry of Education, was at fault in not providing decent schools for Featherstone.

He said our schools are being patched up, when what we need are new schools, never mind the poppycock by the county authority of new schools being provided only for places where the population is rising. He later told the Express Mrs Fitzpatrick, chairman of the West Riding Education Committee, had promised she would make a full investigation into all the schools at Featherstone.

The immediate outcome was preliminary plans were passed for a four classroom block for the junior school at George Street costing £27,000. It would ultimately be an eight class school. More land was bought from the site of former Phipps Street, and also Wakefield Road, for the school. Also the first phase of a central heating scheme for Purston School was passed at a cost of £632. New heating systems for North Featherstone and Gordon Street Infants Schools were also being considered.

In December the Education Authority approved the purchase of a shop and house and adjoining road in Wakefield Road for George Street School.

THE NORTH LODGE

The tenants in the North Lodge at Purston Park had to be rehoused because of dampness in May and it would cost over £1,000 to put it right, so some councillors wanted to demolish it.

The architect, Mr T Holland, thought it would be a great loss to the town as buildings of such architectural interest were very rare. He said there is very little in Featherstone worthy of preservation and it would be far better to preserve this building that demolish it.

Cr J Bettridge said it was a public danger. The causeway was only 20 inches wide. His view was shared by Cr Longbottom. Cr R Widowson said if the building was demolished there was no proof a realignment of the road would follow. It was agreed the architect would investigate the question of costs.

In July the architect reported the estimated cost of restoring the lodge was £1,300. The South Lodge needed a new damp proof course. The clerk said looking at it from the conservation and preservation view, you must ally the two. It was agreed the cost of the work at South Lodge should be established before any decisions were made.

THE GALA

The council was struggling to cut expenditure and limit rate increases and so decided the annual gala couldn't be afforded. Two men who worked at Featherstone Town Hall thought this was a shame and joined forces to organise it themselves. They were Mr R Sykes of Appletree Road and Mr B Agar of Mount Pleasant Street. Mr B Heighway, the licensee at the Jubilee Hotel said he would organise a peggy competition.

It was held in July. There was no Gala Queen or parade but over 2,000 turned up in Purston Park to see the children's sports including a seven-a-side rugby league competition, netball and rounders. For the grown-ups there were other competitions. Tea-time rain caused the peggy and bowls events to be put off until Sunday. Mr Agar told the Express it was a great day for everybody as there were so many activities. The photo is from the Express and shows Jean Jarvis and Janet Major, fancy dress competitors.

GONE FISHING

Susan Howitt age two of Bedford Close was playing in the back garden in October with two year old Rebecca, daughter of neighbour Mrs Ann Taylor. Suddenly they were not to be seen. Another neighbour, Mrs Mary Waite, joined the search and went to Purston Park and found Susan had fallen into the lake. She pulled her out and Mrs Taylor, a state registered nurse, started artificial respiration. Mr Frank Trafford from the Town Hall arrived to give a hand and Susan was taken to Pontefract General Infirmary. After an overnight stay she was allowed to go home. She said they had gone to look for some fish. The photo is from the Express. Susan Howitt is in the centre, Rebecca Taylor on the left, Mrs Ann Taylor on the left, and Mrs Mary Waite on the right.

NCB RENTS

The Coal Industry Housing Association wanted to increase the rents on the Girnhill Lane Estate by about £1 a week. The residents considered the houses were not worth it. It came to a head in December.

The South Ward Labour Party intended writing to Joe Harper MP, Mr T Watton, secretary of the National Union of Mineworkers at Ackton Hall Colliery, and the Prices and Incomes Board deploring what they regarded as savage increases.

Cr D Gray said the NCB houses were nowhere near the same standard as council houses, yet the proposed increase would put the rents on a par with them. The NCB houses in this district were in a bad state of repair and the coard seems to be using these proposed increases as a means of putting their own house in order.

Cr R Widdowson said the NCB was trying to compare its own property with council property. Structurally their houses were nowhere near the standard of council houses.

Cr F G Smith said the NCB were once again proving to be a bad landlord. It wanted first-class rents for third-class dwellings. Cr G Holt said he had been stressing for a long time the low quality of NCB property in Featherstone.

1969 NEWS ITEMS

JANUARY The Featherstone Fire Brigade won the West Riding County Council Fire Service quiz. The team from the left was Sub-Officer G Price, leading fireman N Millard and firemen G Matthewman, W Cartwright and K Maxwell. Photo from the Express.

Cr Lily Fox welcomed members of the Featherstone Old Age Pensions Association at the Lister Hall. It was their first meeting their since the Welfare Hall closed last year.

Police, council and school officials met to try and find a solution to the chaos at St Wilfrid's Catholic High School when pupils were arriving and leaving. The council surveyor, Mr G F Adamson said two proposals were put forward for a turning circle for the buses in the school grounds. The school authority would provide the £6,000 required for either scheme and their consent would be required. The photo is from the Express.

Last year's Poppy Day collection realised £157.

FEBRUARY The Ratepayers' Association wanted Purston and George Street Schools to be used as polling stations but the council refused. They decided to petition the residents of the Nunns Lane area for support.

MARCH A Featherstone Karate Club was formed with meetings held at the Travellers' Hotel. Boys under 16 were not allowed to join because it could be a dangerous sport. The photo is from the Express.

The Old Age Pensions Association had moved from the Miners' Welfare Hall to the Lister Baths and wanted to know what would happen when the baths opened for swimming. Mr G Windmill said 80 pensioners could be accommodated in an upstairs room, which was more than their usual attendance.

APRIL About 300 people filled the Methodist Church for a performance of Handel's Messiah by members of the church plus a 50 strong choir led by Mrs D Collings.

The Salvation Army had agreed a price of £1,750 for the former Featherstone Methodist Church in Wakefield Road, and now after paying a deposit they were allowed to move in. The commanding officer, Capt R L Philpot, said £500 had already been raised.

For the first time a united service was held at the Purston War Memorial as part of the Easter festival. Present were the Vicar of Purston, Revd R H Taylor, the Vicar of Featherstone, Revd R A Nelson, the Methodist Minister, Revd M J Collings, and the Roman Catholic Priest, Revd E Hanan.

The Ackton Hall Colliery Workmen's Band would have to increase its local engagements to make up the loss of income from the penny a week scheme at Snydale Colliery, now closed. New equipment and outfits would be needed soon at a cost of over £400 said Dennis Metcalfe the bandmaster.

MAY Bessie Major of Rhyl Street retired after being headmistress of North Featherstone Infants' School for nine years. She began teaching at North Featherstone Secondary School in 1949.

A fire was discovered in an upstairs room after school hours when the building in Gordon Street was being used by the Featherstone Miners' Welfare Boys' Club and a women's sewing class. They were evacuated and firemen fought the blaze using breathing apparatus, and part of the roof had to be knocked in to get the fire under control. The cost of repairs was estimated at £5,150. The photo is from the Express.

A fashion show for young people was held in the Featherstone Rovers Social Club by a Wakefield firm. About 160 parents and children attended. The photo is from the Express.

JUNE Ackton Hall Colliery produced 17,195 tons of coal in one week. The production manager, Mr D Hinchcliffe, said it was a marvellous achievement by both men and management. It was very important for Featherstone that this colliery did well.

JULY Featherstone schools won an inter-schools swimming competition at Pontefract. The photo is from the Express.

AAUGUST There was vandalism at the Salvation Army headquarters in Wakefield Road, the public toilets in Green Lane, and the former Purston Methodist Church where over £200 of damage was done to the fittings.

Mrs Gwen Matthewman had knitted a sweater featuring an Apollo space rocket, moon and stars. With the hope of landing a man on the moon shortly she sent it to the Houston Space Centre in Texas asking for it to be presented to the spaceman who first set foot on the moon.

Mrs M Wilks of Leatham Park Road was surprised when her television set burst into flames. She sent for the fire brigade then turned the electricity off and poured water over it and put out the flames before the firemen arrived.

SEPTEMBER The Salvation Army held its Gala Day in the North Featherstone Secondary School playing field. Christine Still was the Harvest Queen. Over 200 people visited the many stalls and watched the sports and games. The event raised £30 and it was hoped to make it an annual event.

Children in Bedford Close were collecting wood for bonfire night and a rival gang set it on fire. The fire brigade were called to put it out.

A "Merry Feast" was held in the grounds of Purston Church. There was jousting, a court jester, tossing the hay, and criminals in the stocks. Musical items were by the West Riding Madrigal Singers.

OCTOBER The Salvation Army, led by Capt. R Panton, were going to form a singing company of 13 children aged from eight to 14.

NOVEMBER The cricket club decided not to have a New Year's Eve dance at the Lister Baths because a late decision by the council didn't give enough time to find a band.

The new Methodist minister, Revd J H McCarthy, said the name of the Wilson Street Community Centre would be changed to Featherstone Methodist Church Hall. This would inform people it was under the jurisdiction of the Methodist Church.

The Gospel Hall visited New Priory to give their 150th service at the council's community rooms for old people.

In poor weather the usual Remembrance Parade was held headed by the Ackton Hall Colliery Workmen's Band. At the Ackton Hall Colliery Memorial, Captain R Panton of the Salvation Army conducted the service. At the Purston War Memorial the Vicar of Purston, Revd R H Taylor, took the service.

DECEMBER Granville Brooks Ltd, undertakers, complained a funeral had been held up at the Station Lane crossing for 16 minutes. The clerk said he had been in touch with British Rail, and the problem seemed to be the difficulty coal trains had in getting out of the colliery yard.

Ackton Hall Colliery produced 4,520 tons in one day, thought to be the highest ever output.

Gwen Matthewman of Featherstone was in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's fastest knitter, and Arthur Armitage of Knottingley as the world's heaviest man. The Daily Mirror decided to put them together and get Gwen to knit Arthur a cardigan. The newspaper photo is shown below.