A HISTORY OF FEATHERSTONE
1981
THE COUNCILS
JANUARY Wakefield District Council planning committee agreed to send a deputation to the Energy Secretary to stop further opencast projects because of damage to the environment and the job prospects of men working in deep mines. Cr Norman Longbottom said existing schemes at Featherstone could help cut the spoil heaps around the town by two-thirds aand provide a place for waste disposal from Ackton Hall Colliery. But mines were stockpiling coal and others were closing.
Deputy Mayor of Featherstone, Cr Roy Widdowson of Hillcrest Avenue, received the British Empire Medal in the New Year's Honours List. Photo - the Express.
The Town Council wanted the Citra factory on Wakefield Road to have an access to the main road to stop the need for heavy lorries using Priory Road for access. Wakefield District Council planners said they were already in consultation with Citra about this, but a nearby house would have to be demolished and the householder refused to sell.
MAY The election result for the West Yorkshire County Council was:
Keith Wilson (Labour) 3.043
Geofrrey Heathote Bratt (Liberal) 423
JUNE All 50 tenants in the Howard houses in Leatham Crescent signed a petition about the heating system, the poor condition of window frames and other minor problems. Wakefield Council agreed to start improvements in the next financial year. Mr Ted Cantle said the houses had already lasted 35 years and with improvement would last another 30 years.
Wakefield Council was considering building a 32 home estate on land made available by the Andrew Street and Gladstone Street clearance.
OCTOBER The police and fire brigade were concerned about cars parking on both sides of Fearnley Street which caused difficulty for large delivery vehicles, and could block access to the car park and the rear of the shops. The county council considered introducing parking restrictions on the north side of the street.
The district council passed plans for a new vicarage at St Thomas's Church. Revd A S Ramsden said the old vicarage would be sold. It was too expensive to heat and had been affected by subsidence.
Wakefield District Council was given permission by the Department of the Environment to prohibit traffic from Back Albert Street junction with Back Station Lane.for a distance of 24 metres.
THE ROVERS
At the half-yearly meeting in January the secretary, Terry Jones said "We need to have an average attendance of 4,000 to make ends meet., and this has only been reached on three occasions so far this season. Every time the gate is below 4,000 the club is losing money. We have the worst attendance record in the First Division with an average attendane of only 2,800 at our home matches to date".
He was pleased to report a satisfactory return to the First Division, and said the players have shown they can now hold their own with the best teams in Division One. The membership had increased from 635 last season to 915.
Allan Hewitt resigned as chairman and was replaced by Bob Ashby. Photo - the Express.
The Rovers held a gala in May to raise funds for the club's gymnasium fund. They were hoping 1,000 people would turn up and were disappointed when only about 400 arrived.
The event was opened by the Rovers' queen Miss July Pickering, and was expected to raise about £400, maily due to generous sponsorship by local firms and organisations.
At the annual meeting in July, the secretary, Terry Jones, reported a loss on the season of £12,171. He said it was a financial plight which would probably always afflict the club. He said we need an average home game attendance of 4,000 to break even. The average attendance was only 2,996. On the playing front he said "We did achieve our main objective. We managed to hang on to our First Division status".
The chairman, Bob Ashby, said the social club was losing money, but a meeting was to be held with a group of interested members who were prepared to run the club. Mr Donald Hunt said the fund raising for floodlights had only been temporarily paused to give priority to a gymnasium for the players.
THE AMDRAMS
The Featherstone and District Amateur Musical and Dramatic Society performed Viva Mexico at Castleford Civic Centre in February. The Express reviewer said the producer, director and choreographer Keith Fieldhouse could feel proud of a show which furthered the already good reputation of the society. The photo is from the Express.
They now needed a larger room for the choreographic preparations. The room they used in Pontefract was needed for a factory expansion. Chairman Jenni Fieldhouse said we are already running at a loss and cannot afford to pay hall charges. We need to find somewhere in Featherstone.
In December Rock Nativity was put on at Castleford Civic Centre. The Express commented "All the numbers were performed with infectious enthusiasm by all the cast. They all used their vocal and acting talents to maximum effect. The society is already highly regarded in the north and producer Keith Fieldhouse's hard work on this show will enhance his reputation". Photo - Express.
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WAKEFIELD ROAD MARKET?
Mr John Box of Wakefield Road Motor Auctions applied in May for permission to hold a market on seven acres of land. He applied last year and was refused. He said many traders had expressed an interest in the plan and he hoped to have about 150 stalls on Fridays from midday to 9pm. The market would cover two acres and there would be five acres parking space.
He said if the plan was again refused he would appeal. He claimed he was able to hold 14 markets a year without planning permission and he planned to hold the first on May 25. Mr Gerald Holt, the chairman of Pontefract Market Traders, said with the number of markets already in the Wakefield area, he could not see that a Featherstone market was needed.
The market and gymkhana had over 150 stalls and was attended by hundreds of local people. It was deemed a success and another would be held. On being told the council was considering a market in Station Lane he said he did not think a council-organised market would affect his trade.
The council went to court and obtained an injunction to stop the Wakefield Road markets. Mr Box said he had been told it was not the council's policy to allow private markets. He was very disappointed his market, which had been a great success, had been stopped by the injunction, but because of the cost he had decided not to appeal.
THE GALA
The council's annual Gala was held in July. The proceedings started with a procession from Cressey's Corner led by the Ackton Hall Colliery Band. The Gala was opened by the Mayor of Featherstone, Cr Roy Widdowson who crowned the Gala Queen, Tracey Yelland. The photos are from the Express.
The prizewinners in the fancy dress competition of children age nine and under were (rom the left) winner Kate Dickinson, a gypsy; second Victoria Diffield, a Dutch girl; third Lee Brown, a miner.
AUSTRALIAN CRICKETERS AT FEATHERSTONE.
In July, Featherstone Cricket Club secretary Jack Sykes was at Headingley for the England v Austraia test match. There was an appeal over the public address system for any local side able to let two Australian players play on the Saurday to give them match practice.
Jack amswered the appeal, and Steve Rixon, wicketkeeper, and Martin Kent, opening batsman were duly brought to Featherstone to play against Methley. Kent scored 51 and Rixon 26 in Featherstone's184 for 5 wickets. Methley managed 123 for 6.
The cricket club president, Dr R J Forster, presented the pair with a Featherstone Rovers sweater during the tea interval. After the game they all went to the club headquarters in the Green Lane WMC. Jack Sykes said "I think local cricket received a great boost through these Australians playing for us". The Express photo shows, from the left, Steve Rixon, Jack Sykes, Featherstone captain Ray Crabtree and Martin Kent.
THE ACKTON GALA
The Ackton carnival in July began with a parade from Springfield View to the venue near Ackton Hospital. Those in the parade were the Normanton Drum and Trumpet Band, the Texan Youth Jazz Band majorettes, Red Indians in costume and the floats. The carnival queen was Elizabeth Muttley. There were stalls and a fancy dress competition. The Express photos of the queen and her attendants, and the float The Old Woman Who Lived in a Show are below. The individuals were not identified.
THE KARATE CLUB
The four months old Featherstone Karate Cub held a special event at their headquarters, the Jubilee Hotel, in August in aid of funds fior a kidney machine. Men, women and children took part in junior and senior competitions. The club's instructor was black belt Peter David Martin. The Express photos show Cr Roy Widdowson with some of the competitors and one of the trophies, and Peter Martin breaking a concrete slab placed on his brother Donald's chest.
MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE
Ealy in September, Claire Skitt of Featherstone Lane, went on a day trip to Bridlington. While she was there she threw a bottle containing her name and address into the sea. Weeks later in October she received a letter from four West Germans who found the bottle while on holiday in Agger, Denmark,
Her mother, Glenda, said Claire, who attended North Featherstone Middle School, always wanted a pen friend. Now she has four! Photo - Express.
MOTORBIKE RACER
David Holt of The Orchard, North Featherstone, paid £2,000 for a Honda 125cc racing motorcycle and up to October had travelled to over 60 meetings throughout the country. He had recorded 36 wins plus seconds and thirds, He had come off his bike 14 times but escaped with nothing more serious that burns and bruises.
He was hoping to move up the racing ladder next season and concentrate on national and international events. He was looking for a sponsor so he could buy a 250cc machine. photo - the Express.
GAS EXPLOSION
Reginald and Kate Braithwaite, age 82 and 83, lived in an all-electric sheltered housing bungalow on Wentworth Road with their son Arthur age 58. In December there was a large explosion which seriously damaged their bungalow and set it on fire. The adjoining one was also damaged.
Firemen had to fight their way through the rubble to get the parents out. Arthur was outside when they arrived. Mrs Braithwaite was thought to have been killed instantly by the explosion, and her husband was trapped and had to be released by the firemen. The husband and son were taken to Pinderfields Hospital where Mr Braithwaite died of his injuries. An investigation by NEGAS revealed a broken gas main 12 feet from the bungalow. Photo - the Express.
1981 NEWS ITEMS
JANUARY The Featherstone Miners' Welfare Rugby League team held a fancy drss race around Featherstone on New Year's Day. They visited every pub and club in the town and went around the Rovers' ground at half-time. The event raised £185 for the club's finances. Photo - The Express.
Blair Newton of Ackton Hall Crescent, Ackton, joined the Army when he left school. Three years later it was decided he could help youngsters make up their mind about whether to join by describing his own time in the Light Infantry. The Express pictured him having a spell in the Northgate careers office.
The new Vicar of Featherstone was Revd Eric Cheetham, who was born in Littleborough, Lancashire. He arrived with his wife Ann, four daughters and a dog. photo - The Express.
The Featherstone cubs, scouts, brownies and guides held a bring and buy sale at the Methodist Church Hall for the Blue Peter Appeal for the Year of the Disabled.They raised £141. Photo - The Express.
MARCH Carrinton Viyella, the parent company of Gaunsons Ltd who employed over 300 at their Featherstone clothing factory announced a loss of £31.6million for 1980.They blamed cheap imports and reduced demand and were closing down some of their manufacturing.
Mr J Hicks, the personnel manager at the Featherstone Lane factory said their future was secure. The trouser making floor was inundated with orders, and the jacket making, which had been on short time for 18 months was expected to resume to full time soon.
A bottle was placed on the bar at the Junction Hotel to raise money for the Hospital Comforts Fund. Six months later it was emptied and found to contain over £77. The Express photo shows, from the left, Mrs M Goodfellow, Mr D Lonsdale, Mr Don Goodfellow (the landlord), Mr T Pitchard-Barratt and Mr D Cameron. A similar bottle at the Featherstone Hotel contained £83.
APRIL Light Infantry soldiers were touring the area to fly the flag. The Express photo shows one at Featherstone High School. He said we are not recruiting. We are letting people see something of their county regiment.
Paul Lyman of Featherstone High School was presented with a plaque by Cr Roy Widdowson on behalf of Featherstone Town Council for playing in the English Schools Under-16 team against France. Photo - The Express.
MAY Dr George Ward of Pontefract had been a general practitioner at Featherstone Hall in North Featherstone for the past 13 years. He had just been made a Fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners. Photo - The Express.
Paul Metcalfe age 18 of Alexander Road was competing for the first time in the Waterloo Spring Handicap Bowls Tournament held in Blackpool. Last year he won the Castleford and District Youth Handicap Competition. He was a member of the New Purston Bowling Club. Photo - Express.
The original Purston School built in 1861 was demolished.
Harris Brothers named one of their printing machines after the former Vicar of Featherstone, Revd R A Nelson, to commemorate his 22 years at Featherstone Parish Church.
JUNE The governors of Featherstone High School wanted the ornamental pond filling in because they considered it a health hazard. They suggested the council should consider using waste material from Ackton Hall Colliery for the purpose.
Weekly exercises to music were held at Brentwood House run by class teacher Mrs M H Siddans.
JULY Eight miners from Ackton Hall Colliery took part in a sponsored "canteen crawl" to raise money for the Pontefract and Castleford Spina Bifida Association. They visited ten colliery canteens in a 30-mile ten-hour trek and hoped to raise more than £500. Photo - Express. Those named, order not given, were Bob Woodhead, Kevin Holmes, Bob Whitworth, Kevin Anderson, Kevin Stevens, Martin Oxley, Colin Machen and Gary Stafford. The event raised £743.67
Mrs Kathleen Peasant, headmistress of All Saints' School, North Featherstone, retired, and the Express pictured her being toasted by some of her pupils.
Celebrations were held across the district for the wedding of Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer. This one was for Gladstone Street and Dixon Street. Photos by Rich Short.
AUGUST Wakefield Council had a holiday project which would last until August 21. Activities for pupils from five to 13 would include a treasure hunt, a sports day and a disco. There would be visits by local police and the fire brigade. The photo was taken at North Featherstone First School by the Express.
OCTOBER The Road Safety Committee were concerned about people crossing the railway lines where it was not allowed, mainly by people on Rovers' match days, to get to and from the ground. The Rovers would be asked to make an announcement over the public address system. Cr E Jarvis said high speed trains now passed through Featherstone on Sundays. Supporters were going over the lines in droves. Adults were crossing and children were following suit. It had become a habit and British Transport Police had been called out on may occasions.
The Methodist Church was full to see the new Sunday School Queen, Kathryn Sykes, crowned by the retiring queen Virginia Malpass. One of the new queen's first duties was to present prizes to Sunday School children.
IMI Radiators Ltd, the owners of the Birshall works in Station Lane, said 80 of their 90 employees would be made redundant because of the recession. There had been an 80% cutback in orders from International Harvesters, British Leyland, Talbot and Vauxhall.
DECEMBER Twelve-year-old Purston girls Tracey Hollis of Little Lane and Ellen Bames of Wentbridge Road scoured the fields of Featherstone looking for pieces of pottery.. Their collection had reached over 100, and they were offered the chance to travel to London to appear on a television programme called Free Time. Photo (Ellen on the left) - The Express.
The Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal raised £533.23, the Methodist Church's annual Christmas fair raised £1,100, and Featherstone Parish Church raised over £300 at their Christmas sale in All Saints' School.
Kathryn Sykes age 15 of Bedford Close, Purston, joined Featherstone Methodist Church Guides when they were formed in 1978. She now became the group's first one to receive the Queen's Guide Award. Photo - Express.
Members of Featherstone Hospital Comforts Fund made their annial visit to Ackton Hospital accompanied by members of the Gospel Hall. They joined in carol singing and distributed gifts to the patients.
Mel Tordoff, owner of a Station Lane carpet shop, arrived one Monday morning to find manager Colin Williamson bailing out water from a burst pipe. He said it caused about £30,000 worth of damage but he was insured.
This Express photo shows, from the left, Ivy Lai, Charlotte Morgan and David Andrews preparing the Christmas Grotto at Regent Street First School.
