Jim Hargreaves and Caricatures from Greenmount Cricket Club

We received a wonderful collection of material a few years’ ago from a private donor relating to her father, Jim Hargreaves. The collection includes theatre programmes for Ramsbottom Amateur Dramatic & Operatic Society alongside photographs of productions as well as four fantastic caricatures of Greenmount Golf Club members (more about these later). We are always eager to learn more of the history behind the items as this helps us provide context when cataloguing them, offering a deeper understanding of the person they belonged to and the period in which they were created. Below is a brief account of Jim Hargreaves’ life as told by his daughter, Val.

Jim Hargreaves

Jim Hargreaves led a remarkable life, contributing significantly to various aspects of his community in Ramsbottom. Born in Major St. Ramsbottom in 1916, he began his professional journey as a Cost Clerk at Walmsleys (Bury) Ltd before becoming the Chief Clerk with the Engineers’ and Surveyors’ Department of the old Ramsbottom Urban District Council, a position he held until the reorganisation in 1974. He transferred to the Chief Executive’s Department at Bury Town Hall, where he continued his dedicated service until his retirement in 1977.

Walmsleys (Bury) Ltd, (Paper Machinery Manufacturers), Wood Street, Bury. Cat Ref B04062

During the war, Jim served with the Army in the 4th Armoured Brigade, participating in the Normandy campaign.

Jim’s artistic talent was evident from an early age, with school reports from Haslingden Grammar School consistently placing him ‘top of the class’ in art and handicraft. Unfortunately, family circumstances led him to leave school after matriculating at 16, preventing him from pursuing formal art education. Despite this, Jim’s passion for art persisted throughout his life.

After marrying in 1942, he settled in Laurel St. in Tottington but maintained a deep affection for his hometown of Ramsbottom. Jim actively participated in various aspects of local life, contributing to organisations like the Ramsbottom and Tottington branch of the National Local Government Officers and serving as an honorary member of Greenmount and Ramsbottom cricket clubs. His amateur artistic pursuits became well-known in the area, with Jim creating individually commissioned posters for churches, businesses, and organisations, including the Bury Times. He also produced beautifully illustrated seating plans for dinners and events.

Jim played a significant role in the Ramsbottom Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society (RADOS), illustrating programmes, painting scenery, and managing props. His involvement included memorable experiences, such as managing the stage entrance and exit of a live donkey during a production of the Desert Song!

Ramsbottom Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society logo, designed by Jim Hargreaves

As a longtime member of Greenmount Golf Club, Jim served as Captain in 1966 and was in his second year as President when he passed away in September 1984. His legacy includes a collection of caricatures depicting well-known club members, showcasing not only their character, professions, and interests but also reflecting Jim’s playful sense of humour. These caricatures, once displayed in the clubhouse, were later returned to their subjects or the Hargreaves family upon his death.

Jim Hargreaves left an indelible mark on Ramsbottom, not only through his professional contributions but also through his artistic endeavours, community involvement, and his ability to capture the essence of individuals through his caricatures. His multifaceted legacy is a testament to a life well-lived and deeply connected to the heart of his community.

Caricatures

As mentioned above, Jim’s Greenmount Golf Club legacy included these appealing caricatures of his fellow club members. This charming collection of caricatures appears to capture the essence of each member, immortalising their unique personalities and no doubt creating a sense of camaraderie within the club. Handwritten on the reverse of each picture are the names of the men depicted apart from the one we’ve featured at the bottom. Judging by the streak of lightning behind this figure and the wings on his heels we’d guess he was a whizz on the golf course! His gown might also suggest a career in education. A headmaster perhaps? If anyone could help identify him we’d love to hear from you!

George Haworth

Pat Ranshaw?

Stanley Whittam

Unknown

Wendy

Fred Dibnah: Crafting a Legacy atop Bury Parish Church

In February 1982, a remarkable steeplejack named Fred Dibnah left an indelible mark on the skyline and the historic Bury Parish Church. Renowned for his skill in scaling heights, Fred embarked on a unique project that reflected both his craftmanship and respect for local history.

The Discovery and Restoration

While diligently working on pointing the steeple of Bury Parish Church, Fred Dibnah discovered that the weather cock was in need of some attention so down it came and off to Fred’s home at Radcliffe Road, Bolton. Upon closer inspection, he noticed that the weather cock bore the date of its manufacture, 1844, and another date, 1852, possibly indicating a prior repair. The names of the then Rector Rev G Hornby, and Church Wardens Mr J Mitchell and Mr H Hacking, were etched alongside, as well as the original makers, Bury firm Holgate & Fishwick of Paradise Street.

Fred at his workshop on Radcliffe Road, Bolton. Bury Times 17 Feb 1982

Crafting the New Weather Cock

Fred, true to his steeplejack roots, took it upon himself to fashion a new weather cock that paid homage to the original while adding his own unique touch. Using steam to rivet the new stand together, Fred employed his skills to ensure durability and longevity, just as the original copper weathervane had endured for decades. Fred painted the new stand black but the cock itself would be painted gold, a nod to the cock’s original design.

Bury Times, 17 Feb 1982.

Preserving Local Heritage

Not content with a mere replication, Fred decided to personalise the weather cock further, stamping his own name to the freshly-blasted vane. Acknowledging the importance of local history, Fred sought to include the present Rector at the time, Canon J. R. Smith. All those names going down in history! And a weather cock that serves as testament to the skilled hands that shaped it.

Fred Dibnah’s Bottle-Smashing Extravaganza: Cheers to Charity in Bury

Fred visited Bury again in the winter of 1982, this time for a bottle-smashing extravaganza in the Rose and Crown on Manchester Old Road. The purpose? To turn a night “on the bottle” into a charitable spectacle that would benefit the Brookvale and Birtle View special schools. Fred smashed open the bottle filled with cash, the culmination of a year-long fundraising effort from the pub’s patrons.

This photo appeared in the Bury Times capturing Fred in his best pin-stripe suit! Positioned on the left, Fred is shown in the midst of his ‘smashing’ time, surrounded by assistants, and a sheet full of cash.

Wendy

Collection Highlights: Accessions 2023

The start of the year is an exciting time for us as we look back on what we’ve achieved through the old year while looking forward to another year full of surprises. We’re always blown away by the amount of new material that is deposited with us throughout the year and it’s mainly down to thoughtful members of the public who recognise the value in preserving irreplaceable historic records. 2023 was no exception!

A great way of showcasing what we have collected throughout the year is through The National Archives’ Accessions to Repositories Survey – this is conducted annually. Our contributions are featured on The National Archives’ Discovery pages, an opportunity to make information about our holdings available before the material is fully catalogued. It’s never a chore filling in the return in January as this is our chance to appreciate the depth and breadth of our collections.

In 2023 we acquired over 50 new sets of records! What better way to start the year by sharing some of these with you.

Photographs of Whitefield

Combining his passion for photography and a love of the local area, Denis Royle has made it his mission to produce a photographic record of many buildings in the district prior to redevelopment and demolition. The photographs he’s taken over the years showcase his appreciation for preserving the architectural heritage and historical significance of Bury and the surrounding area; not only documenting the physical presence of a place but also serving as a tribute to the stories and memories created within them. Denis is a true ‘Heritage Hero’!

Denis Royle visits Bury Archives bringing a selection of his work

Denis is justifiably proud of his heritage albums and is not ready to hand them over to the archives but was more than happy for us to produce digital copies of a curated selection. The resulting images, mainly of Whitefield, include fabulous captures of the interior of the old Church Inn on Bury New Road in Whitefield. Prior to its demolition in 2007 (to make way for the new Morrisons Supermarket) the Church Inn was one of the oldest pubs in the area being built a few years after Stand Church was completed in 1826.

The Church Inn, corner of Bury New Road and Stanley Road, Whitefield in 2006. ©Denis Royle

The Church Inn snug, Whitefield, 2006. ©Denis Royle

As the physical landscape changes, Denis’s visual documentation ensures that the stories and experiences tied to these spaces, like a beer or two in a cosy snug, remain alive for generations to come. A full list of images that make up this 2023 accession can be viewed here.

Memory Albums

Throughout our lifetime, we amass all sorts of memorabilia: photographs, event programmes, certificates of achievement, news articles, and letters – many of which we find hard to part with as they represent pieces of our personal narrative. Perhaps they get shoved in the loft or spare room waiting for that ‘sort-out’ time that never seems to arrive. If this sounds familiar then be inspired by our next accession: four fantastic albums of memories meticulously organised and arranged by another one of our ‘Heritage Heroes’, Irene Priestley.

Albums created by Irene Priestley and donated to Bury Archives in 2023.

Irene has donated many items to our archives over the years including material relating to her father, Leslie Priestley, whom we featured in an earlier blog post, and this recent donation is a welcome addition. The albums are a celebration of Irene’s journey as a pupil at Bury High School and Bury School of Arts & Crafts, as well as her involvement with Bury Art Society and Bury Cyclists’ Touring Club. The albums not only reflect Irene’s personal experience and memories but provide an enriching glimpse into the history and culture of Bury, making them an invaluable resource for researchers, cultural enthusiasts, and local historians alike.

Bury High School Album

Photograph from Bury High School Album, Lower Third Form, 1950-51

The album on Bury High School contains Irene’s recollections of her first term at the school in September 1950. Irene remembers shopping at “Sam Taylor’s Emporium in Silver Street” for her school uniform that was a “size too big” so that she could “grow into it”. Strict school rules meant that hats had to be worn at all times when in uniform and “eating in the street whilst in uniform was strictly forbidden”. There are fond memories too, of the Music Teacher, Mr Barratt, “a lively and enthusiastic man” who “fired most of us with an interest and enjoyment of music even if we could not play an instrument.”

Bury School of Arts & Crafts Album

Irene was one of the last full-time students at Bury School of Arts & Crafts from 1955-1957. It’s clear from Irene’s observations that the tuition she received here was first-class, “the methods and enthusiasm” of teaching staff meant lessons were not only informative but enjoyable too! The two years spent here not only equipped Irene with a solid foundation in painting and lithography, but also sowed the seeds for her artistic development in the years to come. Not to mention the cultivation of lasting friendships with her fellow students. While this album is very much a tribute to her time at the school it also serves as a detailed chronicle of the school’s history from its establishment in 1894 to its eventual closure in 2004 with many news articles and photographs such as the ones below:

The Mayor of Bury, Cllr Richard Fletcher, opening the gates of Bury Arts and Crafts Centre at the Centenary in 1994 with a golden key, an echo of the actual opening ceremony when the Earl of Derby did the same thing in 1894 (shown in news article above).

2023 was our year for Bury School of Arts & Crafts as we accessioned two other sets of records: a transfer of material from The Fusilier Museum that consist mainly of administration papers for the Arts & Crafts Centre and a separate donation from a donor whose parents were involved with the school during the 1960s and 1970s. This latter collection consists of 8 boxes of 35mm slides and around 20 photographs of the school’s ‘end of year show’.

2023 Accession, 35mm slides and photographs relating to Bury School of Arts and Crafts

Billy Nixon’s Football Scrapbook

Our next 2023 highlight was the transfer from Prestwich Library of this unique ‘scrapbook’ belonging to Billy Nixon, a well known local sportsman from Prestwich. In, presumably, Billy’s hand on the front cover it simply states ‘Football Scraps’. Clearly testament to the cliché “never judge a book…” as this is so much more than a few scraps; there are some captivating images contained within its pages and not just relating to football!

Billy Nixon (referee) giving a corner for Fulham at Fulham v Coventry City. Apr 15 1939.

Testing the ice at Brentford. Matches called off between Brentford v Arsenal at Griffin Park. Billy Nixon (referee) 2nd left. c.1946

A report in the Prestwich & Whitefield Guide at the time of his death in 1976 describes Billy as “a keen and active sportsman” and “in his younger days he was a good footballer, but in the 30s turned his attention to controlling the game and became a first class referee”. Evidence of this is displayed in the scrapbook referencing a promotion to the Football League list, and letters of appreciation from various football associations such as the one below:

Billy was also life member, and for many years chairman of Prestwich Church Institute. In addition to his administration role it’s no surprise that Billy found time to be involved with the Institute’s sporting amenities. The photograph below shows Billy presenting a cup to Mr E Smith, winner of the Institute’s annual bowling handicap in August 1949. Noted elsewhere in the scrapbook is Billy himself reaching the finals of another year’s handicap.

Billy presenting cup to winner of bowling handicap, Mr E Smith, Aug 1949 at Prestwich Church Institute

Thank you to all our supporters and all of you who have donated to our service over the years. We look forward to sharing more highlights from our collections in the future. Meanwhile, if you are interested in donating material to Bury Archives, please drop us a line via email: archives@bury.gov.uk

Wendy

Photographs of the Month: Christmas Past

To celebrate the festive season this year we’ve been riffling through our photo archive in search of Christmas goodies to share! And here we have three very special photographs that perfectly evoke the customs and traditions of Christmas past…

Caledonian Society Christmas Party 1923.

Our first photograph is of the Caledonian Society’s Christmas Dance held on the 14^th December 1923 at the Athenaeum Hall, Bury. The Society had formed in early 1921 and this was only their second annual ball, but what a turn-out! The photographers Romney and Venn of Bury have used flashlight to create this fantastic group shot and, to avoid the dreaded ‘flash-eye’, have asked their subjects not to look directly in camera.

Thanks to Romney and Venn, we have a clear view of the dancers on the front row attired in Highland dress, one of whom (Miss Elsie M Simpson) won the prize for best costume. But which one is she? A reporter from the Bury Guardian declares her a worthy winner, “who looked charming in her picturesque character of Bonnie Prince Charlie”. No doubt Elsie had fierce competition, not least from Nellie Hayes, “A sprightly young lassie” who danced merrily to the tune of a traditional hornpipe.

We’re told that the group assembled for their photograph during the interval, perhaps before they’d lost count of ‘wee drams’? And the partying carried on until 2am! Ending with a rendition of Auld Lang Syne and, “in true Scottish fashion, was joined in by all present forming a ring extending to the full capacity of the ballroom”.

Mayor’s Christmas visit to Town’s Darby and Joan.

Our next photograph shifts away from Christmas party razzle-dazzle to a much quieter and more intimate scene. Here we have Mr and Mrs Kelsey of Ormrod Street, Bury, who would have been married sixty-five years at the end of January 1939. In celebration of their long marriage, a special visit from the Mayor, Councillor William Hartley, and Mayoress was made on Christmas Day 1938. The picture captures the moment when Councillor Hartley hands Mrs Kelsey a surprise gift, a framed photograph of himself and the Mayoress – a companion piece perhaps to another treasured possession: a framed telegram from Their Majesties King George V and Queen Mary sent when Mr and Mrs Kelsey celebrated their Diamond wedding in 1934.

In an interview published in the Bury Guardian, the Kelseys look back on their time together:

“… we were married in ’74 at St James’s in Oldham. We came to Bury about 54 years ago and we have lived in this house ever since it was built…”

That’s over a half-century worth of Christmases spent by this cosy cottage fireside. What memories Mr and Mrs Kelsey must share! Not to mention the traditions kept, developed, and passed on to their six children, six grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

The Raleigh Chopper.

Moving further into the 20th century, families became increasingly immersed in the world of Christmas advertising, initially through radio and later television. Consequently, parents experienced mounting pressure to buy the latest toys and gadgets for their children. For young boys growing up in the early 1970s, the coveted Christmas gift was the Raleigh Chopper Bike. In 1971, The Co-op in Bury were selling these highly-prized ‘Easy Rider’ style bikes with a hefty price tag: £35.60. That’s over £400 in today’s money!   

The photograph above depicts an icy-cold winter scene of a snow-covered Simister Lane in Prestwich. What makes this image special are the two young boys duffle-coated up against the cold, one on a Chopper-style bike. It’s not clear when the photograph was taken but it appears to capture the essence of Christmas holidays and getting as much fresh air as possible before returning to school. And what better way to do this but on your new Christmas bike!

Wendy

 

We will remember them…

To commemorate Remembrance Day this year we have selected two photographs of soldiers from our archive to share with you. These images, along with newspaper obituaries and related documents guides our understanding of not only the sacrifice made by these brave individuals but also the impact their deaths had upon the grieving families.

Our first photograph is a portrait of a family: a husband and wife and their three children. The seated man is Sergeant Thomas Richard Marsden who was killed in action on 1^st July 1916. A report in the Ramsbottom Observer tells us that Sergeant Marsden was “45 years of age” and “leaves a widow and three children – two daughters and one son”. The report goes on to say that he was home on his last leave in September 1915.

Bury Archive Service Cat Ref MMX/54 Carmyllie Collection

Before he joined the army Sergeant Marsden was employed as a machine printer at Turnbull and Stockdale’s printworks, Stubbins. He was also involved in work for St Andrew’s Parish Church. His son, Allan, is reported to have been serving as a private with the Loyal North Lancashires.

We hold many photographs of military personnel, but these usually portray the solitary soldier. Being surrounded by family, as in this image, you get a real sense of the devastating loss endured by Sergeant Marsden’s wife and three children. An added poignancy being that his son, Allan, was following in his footsteps.

Thankfully, while this family lost a husband and father, Allan survived the war – a marriage certificate from 1925 lists his occupation as ‘photographer’. If he specialised in portrait photography, no doubt he would have produced many family photographs during his career but perhaps none so memorable as this one: the last picture taken with both his parents and sisters; a complete family unit.

Our next photograph is a portrait of Pioneer James Arthur McCrakan (known to his family as Arthur) who was killed in action on 18^th November 1916 serving with the signalling company of the Royal Engineers. In a letter sent to Arthur’s wife from his commanding officer we learn that “he was killed doing his duty – being out mending cable lines at the time when a shell hit the party he was with – the other three signallers being seriously wounded”.

Bury Archive Service Cat Ref WMX/1/1

A report in the Bury Guardian gives a full account of his active service: as one of the first to volunteer in Bury to serve as an ambulance man in the Boer War; as an orderly with the St John Ambulance Brigade and later joining the South African Constabulary (the Baden Powell Police). Before joining the Royal Engineers, he was an electrician for a firm in Heywood.

Commanding Officer’s Letter

Arthur left a widow and one child. A letter sent to them shortly before his death reveals a kind and considerate man, a loving father and husband who expresses his delight in learning of their good health, advising that cod liver oil would help “fortify [them] against colds”. There are also some tender reminiscences, he writes of “often thinking of our past, far back to our courting days, we were happy then, never thought of having to separate, did we”. Clearly homesick, Arthur misses his wife and son, but also hopeful, “God was kind to me in the Boer War, He might remember me in this”.

Arthur’s Letter

Arthur’s Letter

Arthur’s letter was franked on 20^th November 1916, two days after he met his death. For his wife to receive, in quick succession, a letter full of comfort and hope and another that so completely obliterates both must have been unbearable.

It is hoped that Arthur’s family found solace and support when a tribute to Arthur was made a few months later during a special Memorial Service held at Castlecroft Church.

Order of Service Programme

Wendy

Black History Month

October is Black History Month in the UK. It is a month to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of black people to British society. To mark this special month we’d like to share a popular post from last year!

Resettlement of Ugandan Asians in Bury

Coronation Day: Past Celebrations

As we look forward to the Coronation of King Charles III we’d like to take this opportunity to reflect back on past Coronation Days and how these were celebrated in Bury and the surrounding townships. With some images chosen from our Photographic Collection we will lead you to fabulously decorated buildings, through factories and streets and into the heart of what it means to celebrate in style!

Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation was an occasion when the folk of Radcliffe got competitive and creative just outside their own front doors. Encouragement for this came from the Town Council who were to award a prize of £10.00 to residents for the best decorated street in the town. Despite wind and pouring rain undoing earlier efforts – all was neat again for judging day and Norman Street received first prize.

Norman Street, Radcliffe, June 1953, Image Ref: B07482

Our picture here shows the two blank gable ends in the street being used to display large, framed portraits of the Queen and Duke. A news report helps splash colour on this monochrome scene:

“Each house window was garlanded with red white and blue paper chains and every window-sill sported a window box of artificial flowers in the same colours. The lamp standard in the street had been wound round for its whole length in red white and blue tape, and as a finishing touch, the decorators had removed the ordinary bulb and inserted one banded in the national colours.” (Radcliffe Times, 5^th June 1953)

Countryside and seaside trips were promised for the 42 excited children of Norman Street eager for their share in the winnings.

The tradition of lighting bonfires to commemorate Royal events is the feature of our next picture. This huge mound of baskets, barrels, planks, staves and logs was to be Bury’s addition to the many bonfires which flamed into the darkening northern skies on the evening of Thursday 22^nd June, 1911. Situated on what was known as the fair ground, this spectacle attracted thousands of people in celebration of King George V Coronation.

Coronation Bonfire, Fair Ground, Bury, June 1911. Image Ref: B05466

At over 40 feet high, containing 60 or 70 tons of material, and at least 20 yards in diameter at the base, the Bury Guardian reported that this was the largest bonfire for miles around: “it had been ingeniously constructed. There was a main flue, and six flues surrounding it, and all converging on the centre, so that it could be lighted no matter which way the wind was blowing”

Beat that, Bolton!

Staying with the Coronation of King George V we move to Unsworth: “the village had been decorated and presented a fine appearance” reports the Bury Guardian, and “a great deal of enthusiasm in the Coronation was displayed.” In the afternoon the villagers assembled at Parr’s and sang the National Anthem before forming their procession lead by the Levenshulme Band. Unsworth’s Primitive Methodist, North and South Wesleyan churches and the Parish Council were amongst the train of walkers and somewhere in there was the Radcliffe Parish Church Fife and Drum Band. Afterwards sports of various kinds were enjoyed in a field lent by Mr James Hulme of Higher House Farm. Children went on to receive souvenir medals, old folks too! And what for the little dog who seems certain of its place in the festival?

Coronation Celebration, Unsworth, June 1911. Image Ref: MLP/130

We have many photographs of factories and mills celebrating royal events – the photographer usually having done their best to capture the whole factory floor bedecked with flags and bunting and smiling groups of workers. While these busy scenes allow us a larger window to look through, this intimate portrait of two mill girls holds a special charm of its own.

Coronation Celebrations, August 1902, at Ring Mill, York Street, Bury. Image Ref: B04018

The occasion here is the Coronation of Edward VII in August 1902 and the location is Ring Mill on York Street, Bury.

The looms in the foreground of this picture and hanging paperchains above act as natural framing, giving context and also directing our eyes to the two Bury weavers who, shuttles in hand, look directly at the camera. “Click” – a special moment captured!

Our final picture is one for the family album, a memory preserved from the Coronation of George VI in May 1937. This smartly decorated house is on Dale Street, Stubbins and although we’re not able to identify the family – their friendly, open faces bring a sense of familiarity. There’s sure to be a neighbourly invitation to go inside, have a cup of tea and listen to the Coronation broadcast on the wireless!

Dale Street, Stubbins, Coronation Celebrations May 1937. Image Ref: B11041

Wendy

Martha Bentley of Walshaw

Our archive holdings are brimming with untold stories, many of them centred around the lives of ordinary men, women, and children. It’s through the preservation of historical documents, family photographs and newspaper reports, we are given the opportunity to explore these individual stories, piecing together narratives of family life and sometimes whole communities.

This story from the archive starts with a single photograph of a woman in uniform.

Martha Bentley Cat Ref: MLP/147/1

It appeared amongst local history items transferred over from Tottington Library so was probably handed in to library staff by a member of the public.

Reverse of photograph: No. 4 Lancashire District, Tottington, Lady Superintendent Miss M Bentley, 4 Hall Street, Walshaw, Bury, Lancs.

The uniform and medals signify that Martha is a member of the St John Ambulance Brigade. This recognition, along with her gentle features immediately puts us at ease: we feel we’re in the presence of someone kind; a caregiver; someone whom we can trust and turn to in times of trouble. The photograph is not dated but appears to be circa 1930s. We have an address so let’s find that address in the 1939 register.

1939 register accessed via Ancestry Library Edition. ©The National Archives

The 1939 register (or National Register as it was known then) was taken on Friday September 29^th 1939, shortly after the outbreak of WWII. There were 102 enumerators covering Bury, Ramsbottom and Tottington and one of them would have knocked on the door of No. 4 Hall Street, Walshaw to collect the completed form and issue Martha with an identity card. Once rationing was introduced in January 1940, the register was then used to issue ration books.

The entry in the register informs us that Martha’s occupation is a ‘cook at a feeding centre’. During such a period of unrest and the fear of bombardment, Martha would have provided a vital role in ensuring the community had food and shelter should attacks be made on civilian targets. Newspaper reports from the period will help build a picture of a community at war.

Newspapers Bury Times September 1939

News items for the area of Tottington, The Bury Times September 1939. Note the last item regarding St John Ambulance Brigade with Martha Bentley as Lady Superintendent.

In September 1939, The Bury Times published requests from local government for volunteers for the home front, “there is need for any number of volunteers. There is something for everybody to do”, the Mayor of Bury was quoted to have said in an emergency meeting of the Town Council. A later report announced that Bury and its districts were “far ahead of most places” when it came down to “men and women in unpaid capacities doing necessary work”.

…the home front is almost as important as the front line and, in some areas at any rate, may at any moment become almost as dangerous.

The Bury Times, September 1939

In the same month it was reported that The Ministry of Health were requesting local authorities to establish emergency stations to provide meals and shelter for those made homeless due to enemy action including refugees. Areas considered targets were the larger cities, such as Manchester. As a result, less built-up districts such as Tottington and Ramsbottom accommodated hundreds of evacuated children from the Manchester area.

It’s not hard to imagine that Martha, already a trained volunteer Superintendent for St John Ambulance Brigade, would have been amongst the many welcoming these little evacuees into the community and overseeing their initial care.

Bury Times, September 2nd 1939

By early September 1939, 1600 children were billeted in the Tottington district. They arrived by train at Bolton Street Station, Bury. After collecting emergency rations from the Municipal Technical College in Broad Street they travelled by bus to Hawkshaw and Walshaw or by tramcar to Tottington.

The evacuees arriving in Tottington were taken to Tottington Methodist School (used as a temporary distributing centre). In addition to their food rations, hot drinks and blankets were provided for each evacuee with assistance from the Women’s Voluntary Service. Members of the St John Ambulance Brigade were also on duty at each of the designated centres, including the school. Whether in her role as cook or St John Ambulance Superintendent, there’s a good chance that Martha would have been there, a calm and comforting presence.

Log Book for Tottington Methodist School. Entry for 3rd September 1939 briefly states ‘war was declared at 11am by this country and her allies against Nazism.’

13th September entry in log book after the evacuation of Manchester children to Tottington. Log Book Cat Ref CTW/7/1

From the 1939 register we know that Martha was born in 1872 putting her age at around 67, and that she is single. Travelling back to the 1921 census offers further information on her occupation at that time: she worked as a ‘calico weaver’ at William Holt & Sons, Walshaw. According to a report in The Bury Times at the time of the firm’s closure in 1942, “Holt’s of Walshaw [was] known the world over” for its luxury bedspreads!

Martha died on 16^th February 1962 not quite reaching her 90th birthday, her address was still 4 Hall Street. Having been such a dedicated member of the community in Walshaw, no doubt she would have been sadly missed in the village.

Accessed via Ancestry Library Edition: England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations) © Crown Copyright

I hope this short article shows how we can engage with genealogy on a more meaningful level once we introduce a combination of records. Why not try it with your own family history? – begin with a photograph, a date, build up information with census records. Once you have the basics start to explore local newspapers which help give context and then check relevant archival records: school, parish or business records are just some of the records to research.

Check out our summary of catalogue resources for details on the types of records we hold to help you with your research.

List of local newspapers held on microfilm.

Wendy

New Collection: The Fall

To introduce a brand new collection we hear from Archivist, Ian Johnston. Ian was instrumental in ensuring these unique papers are preserved here at Bury. Also, we welcome former Archivist, Helen Lindsay, for her thoughts on The Fall, Mark E Smith and their roots in Prestwich.

Soon after starting my role as the Borough Archivist for Bury Archives, I learned via social media that a treasure trove of items which had belonged to Mark E Smith, the lead singer and lyricist of local music band The Fall, were shortly coming up for sale at auction: Auction Search (omegaauctions.co.uk). The Fall are widely regarded as one of the most important and influential post-punk bands, and Smith spent much of his life in Prestwich: We are The Fall – a tour of The Fall’s Prestwich in the footsteps of Mark E Smith (railholidaymaker.com).

Borough Archivist, Ian Johnston, with donated The Fall items

I believe it’s vital that archive services try to acquire records of such cultural significance, although, in general, I don’t think they should pay for them – especially since auction prices can often be unrealistically inflated. I spoke to a friend about this dilemma, and as a consequence he took it upon himself to set up a crowdfunding page to raise money to bid for items at the auction – anything which he won, he would then donate to Bury Archives: Crowdfunding to Keep Mark E Smith’s archive in Bury on JustGiving.

I was amazed that, in the space of a few short weeks, well over £1,000 was raised and delighted that a number of lots – including a hand-written setlist for The Fall’s concert at Prestwich Hospital in November 1978 – were acquired. Furthermore, as a direct consequence of this crowdfunding campaign, we subsequently received a donation of two fantastic The Fall posters!

Poster donated to Bury Archives. Artist unknown.

Notebooks Out, Archivists!

by Helen Lindsay

As a fan of The Fall since my schooldays, I was thrilled to hear that Bury Archives had acquired original material from the papers of front man and Prestwich resident, Mark E Smith, who died in January 2018.

MES, as I will call him (and as he often referred to himself in song), left behind a huge body of work spanning five decades and a significant void in our cultural and musical landscape.

In my youth, being a local resident I hoped to spot him around town but sadly this was not to be. I was delighted to identify local landmarks on video and record covers, such as Prestwich pub The Red Lion (Wings), Heaton Park boating lake (Cruiser’s Creek) and the picturesque approach to Victoria Station captured on the sleeve of This Nation’s Saving Grace. I feel a heritage tour coming on…

Former Archivist and fan of The Fall, Helen Lindsay, makes a special visit to view the new collection!

Having access to original MES papers in our very own Archive here in Bury provides a valuable local connection to this remarkable musical legacy and, having pondered and attempted to analyse them on many a record cover, I thoroughly enjoyed reading MES’s notes written in his own unique hand.

Helen’s collection of The Fall albums

Art Museum Assistant (and The Fall fan), Lee Crocker, with donated posters

Catalogue Listings:

1. The Fall/Mark E Smith typed 1970s set lists – four pages, each bearing a set list, date and notes on support, as typed by Mark E Smith following the concerts. Concerts include Vortex Club, London. Rock against Racism, Rafters, The Squat.
2. The Fall, a handwritten 1978 set list. Likely by a band member, possibly not by MES. For The Fall’s concert at Prestwich Hospital, November 1978. Also with notes on the tracklist for the Peel Session.
3. The Fall, an annotated tour dates sheet by Mark E Smith, 1987 for The Fall’s April/May tour. With handwritten annotations by MES.
4. The Fall, a tour itinerary with Mark E Smith handwritten set list. A ring-bound tour itinerary for The Fall’s 1990 EU tour.
   

Timberhurst: a Military Hospital

Shortly after the outbreak of war in August 1914, local paper manufacturer, Oswald Wrigley offered his late father’s residence, Timberhurst, to the authorities for use as a military hospital. This grand mansion, situated at Heap Bridge, Bury was soon adapted, being equipped with 24 beds occupying 4 wards. The initial staff consisted of a matron and two nurses from the Red Cross Society, assisted by volunteers from the St John Ambulance Brigade and Nursing Division who had recently gained experience at Bury Infirmary.

Names, addresses and regiments of the first patients at Timberhurst. Bury Guardian, Nov 11th 1914

Generous donations were received from local businesses and other members of the community to make the hospital as comfortable as possible for the many wounded men who came through its doors. The initial four wards were all situated at the front of the building, enabling patients to benefit from the best views of the garden. A Recreation Room was created on the ground floor described in the Bury Guardian as, “luxuriantly equipped with easy chairs, tables, note-paper, pens, ink and pencils, and table games of various descriptions. Some literature has also been provided, so that there is much here to enjoin the men to forget their cares for a while”.

Staff from Timberhurst Military Hospital. Archives Cat Ref: FMX/12/1/4 ©BuryArchives

The note-paper, pens and pencils were not always used to write home to loved ones as we can see from this handmade Timberhurst Gazette: a collection of humorous sketches and musings on life inside the hospital with lots of playful (and sometimes intriguing) references to the nursing staff. “What do those neat attaché cases, the nurses carry, contain?” We’d really love to know!!

Hand drawn Timberhurst Gazette. Archives Cat Ref FMX/12/2/8

In November 1914, a piano was loaned to the hospital from James Whittaker, proprietor of the music shop on Silver Street. Once the piano was installed at Timberhurst, concerts and plays became a regular feature enjoyed by both staff and convalescents. So successful these weekly concerts became that many other soldiers from neighbouring hospitals received invitations. Reviews published each week in the local press describe unforgettable evenings of music, laughter, and song. For the wounded men, this would have been a far cry from what they had endured on the battlefields of France.

Bury Guardian concert report

Summer parties

During the warmer months day trips were arranged, often to scenic locations. One such day was in August of 1915: forty soldiers from Timberhurst were taken to Pickmere Lake in Cheshire where, “rowing was indulged in by all who were able”, while the less able patients spent their afternoon in gardens, “returning with huge bunches of flowers and baskets of plums and pears” (Bury Guardian, 28 August 1915).

The grounds at Timberhurst, with their beautiful gardens, were a perfect location for garden parties. On these lovely sunny days the soldiers would enjoy ‘domino drives’ on the lawn. In summertime too, the Hospital Committee held ‘open days’ for public inspection where on occasion Besses o’ th’ Barn Band would play. These special days were a regular feature and important for ensuring continued support from the community who, “showed a ready disposition to support so valuable a home for wounded soldiers” (Bury Guardian 10 Jun 1916).

Garden Party at Timberhurst. Archive Cat Ref: FMX/12/1/10. ©BuryArchives

Christmas at Timberhurst

The spirit of this season was in dazzle-mode at Timberhurst! A real demonstration of community compassion was underway – gifts and donations were sent in from the folk of Bury who saw that the soldiers under care at the hospital did not go short: sweets, cake, jars of jam, pound after pound of choice tobacco, pipes and cigarette cases. A Christmas ‘parcel’ was given to each patient on 25^th December. Christmas dinner was the traditional celebratory feast of turkey, goose and plum pudding.

Bury Guardian appeal for Christmas Gifts

These small acts of kindness were recognised by one esteemed visitor to the hospital during the festivities in December 1915 – writing to the editor of the Bury Guardian he remarked that “Timberhurst, [was] a place where the sick and wounded have been tended and cared for, and where everything that possibly can be done to alleviate the suffering of our heroes has been done”.

He admired the halls which were “magnificently decorated”; in the wards hung paper streamers in colours of red, white and blue. Chrysanthemums and evergreens “beautifully adorn” each room, “I shall never forget the scene or the impression it made on me”.

Christmas at Timberhurst c.1915/1916. Archives Cat Ref FMX/12/1/10 ©Bury Archives

Our visitor (whose entertaining letter to the Bury Guardian is simply signed JB) then joined the audience to be entertained with a play, “The Emancipated Ladies’ Club”, in which members of staff took part.

During the interval JB was taken on a stroll to see the rest of the hospital; what a shock he had on entering one ward to be met with “a number of ladies dressing”, after heading swiftly to the door to avoid further embarrassment, his guide reassured him that these were soldiers getting ready for their part in the next part of the programme, another play entitled “An Unexpected Entertainment”.

Soldiers taking part in a play at Timberhurst. Archives Cat Ref: FMX/12/1/10. ©BuryArchives

Through the continuing support of all who were connected to the hospital and the wider community the number of beds increased from 24 to 137 by the end of 1918. Thanks to the joint efforts of The Red Cross Society and St John Ambulance Brigade, Timberhurst carried on its work as a Military Hospital until April 1919. By that time it had provided sanctuary to more than a thousand wounded soldiers.

Printed in Bury Guardian 23 Jan 1915

Wendy