FATAL MOTOR SKID
SALTAIRE FAMILY IN CAR CRASH
WIFE KILLED AND HUSBAND SERIOUSLY INJURED
An alarming motor accident occurred on the London Road at Baldock, Hertfordshire, on Sunday afternoon (14 February), in which a Saltaire family, Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Henry Simpson, and their son, of 11 Victoria Road, Saltaire, were involved.
The accident was the result of the car having skidded on account, it is thought, of the wet state of the road. Mrs. Lucy Simpson was killed, and her husband, who was seriously injured, was conveyed to the Letchworth Hospital in an unconscious condition, where he was detained. Their little son, apart from suffering from shock, was apparently none the worse for the alarming mishap.
The discovery of the accident was made by Arthur James Westwood and Sidney Smith, two Baldock youths who were cycling from Biggleswade. They heard cries for help coming from under the car, and they ripped off the hood in order to extricate the unfortunate family.
One of the youths stood by while his companion proceeded to Baldock to report the occurrence. The ambulance attended and conveyed Mr. Simpson to Letchworth Hospital, and the boy was taken to his grandfather’s home at Ilford. The body of Mrs. Simpson was removed to Radwell Village Hall.
Mrs. Simpson was the younger daughter of Mr. Thomas Dyson, and the late Mrs. Dyson, of 30 Pickford Street, Milnsbridge, near Huddersfield. Before coming to reside at Saltaire, Mr. and Mrs. Simpson had a general grocery business formerly owned by Mrs. Simpson’s father in St. Andrew’s Road, Huddersfield.
Mr. Simpson regained consciousness on Monday, and he was able to make a statement to the police in regard to the matter.
About 12 months ago Mr. Simpson set up business as a confectioner at Saltaire.
The inquest was opened by the Hitchen Coroner on Tuesday, but after evidence of identification had been given, it was adjourned for a fortnight for the attendance of Mr. Simpson.
Mrs. Mary Simpson of Thorold Road, Ilford, mother of Mr. Simpson, said that her son was driving to London to pay her a visit at the time of the accident. Mr. Simpson purchased the car two months ago. She did not know whether he had driven it before.
Dr. Watson, of Baldock, said that Mrs. Simpson died from haemorrhage of the brain caused by a fracture of the base of the skull.
SALT’S HOSPITAL BOARD
A meeting of the Sir Titus Salt’s Hospital Board was held on Wednesday evening (24 February), the chairman (Mr. Walker Cryer) presiding. There were also present Messrs. E. Reynolds, D. B. Chadwick, T. Kendall, E. Cowgill, F. Lister, and Dr. Thornton, with the clerk (Mr. T. Luxton.
The clerk reported that 88 out-patients had made 750 attendances during last month. There were 12 in-patients.
The principal donations during the month were £42 from the Saltaire Conversazione Committee, £26 0s. 9d. from the Shipley District Friendly and Trade Society, and £13 from the Charlestown Combing Company. The principal donation to the extension fund was 10 guineas from Messrs. A. Linley and Sons. The total either promised or sent is now £3,075.
Mr. Cryer stated that he had written to the education authority in Shipley regarding the possibility of arranging concerts to be given by school children under the direction of their teachers on similar lines to those given during the Education Week. He had received a letter from Mr. W. Popplestone, Director of Education, stating that instructions had been given to head teachers to make arrangements for concerts to be given for the benefit of the Hospital Extension Fund.
SHIPLEY URBAN COUNCIL MEETING 23 FEBRUARY
Gifts to Saltaire Library
Mr. Fred White (chairman of the Libraries Committee) said he had received a letter from Mr. E. Clifford Fry stating that as he was leaving Shipley he should like to mark his father’s long connection with the Saltaire Institute, and his own participation in an honorary capacity in many of its activities, and Mr. Fry asked the committee’s acceptance of several well-bound books which would be suitable for reference in the general section, and possibly be of great use to students.
Mr. White, in acknowledging the gifts, cordially thanked Mr. Fry.
SHIPLEY EDUCATION COMMITTEE MEETING 22 FEBRUARY
At the Higher Education Sub-Committee a letter was read from the County Committee intimating that certain pupils who were awarded Salt Scholarships to the Salt Boys’ High School four years ago were under sixteen years of age when they left school. The County Committee therefore requested that the Governors, when awarding the Salt Scholarships in future, would make them tenable until the end of the term in which the pupils would attain the age of sixteen years.
A letter was read from Salts (Saltaire) Limited, intimating that they had no field which they could let as a playing field for the Boys’ High School. Recommended, that the Chairman of the Sub-Committee, Councillor Horne and the Director be requested to make further enquiries for suitable land for a playing field for the Boys’ High School, and report to the next meeting of the Sub-Committee.
THE “SEARCHLIGHT”
COMMUNISTS BUSY AT SALTAIRE
EFFORTS TREATED AS A JOKE
The Shipley Communists are stated to be making an attempt to convert the workers in Saltaire Mills to their ideas, and to this end a Communist journal has been published under the title of “The Saltaire Searchlight,” a publication containing four pages of typewritten matter. The publication is not distributed in the mill itself, but on the bridge in Victoria Road.
Two issues of the “Searchlight” have so far been made, the first being distributed free, and the second sold for one penny a copy.
On the title page of the first issue an explanation was given as to why it had been published, including the following: —
The “Searchlight” is a factory paper and is going to make Salts into a 100 per cent. organised workshop with a real live Workshop Committee at the head of the workers. . . We invite you to write to the “Searchlight,” and we shall publish your letters; there is no need to send your names and addresses, so there is no danger of you getting the sack.
The paragraphs printed make a number of allegations against the firm of Salts (Saltaire), Ltd., regarding wages, bonuses, etc.
The campaign, however, has not been thought serious enough to call for any official consideration by the firm, and is being treated more or less as a joke by the officials.
The attack is to some extent directed against the trade unions, as will be gathered from the front page paragraph, which implies that the workpeople are not at present properly organised.
On the title page it is stated that the publication is issued by the Salts’ Communist Group, Shipley, and bears a sickle and hammer, the insignia of the Communist movement.
An idea of setting up Factory Committees in an attempt to usurp the functions of the trade unions is shown by a paragraph under the heading of “Saltaire Workers’ Next Task--A Factory Committee.”
This points out that trade unions would probably consider many of the grievances outlined in the pamphlet too small to worry about and continues: “If all departments in the mill had their representatives on one committee unity of action would be assured.”
SHIPLEY OPERATIC SOCIETY
“H. M. S. PINAFORE”
THREE NIGHTS PRODUCTION - OPENING PERFORMANCE LAST NIGHT
Shipley, although containing many vocalists of ability and artists not lacking in histrionic talent, has apparently since the war been neglected with regard to an operatic society. Philanthropic work, which has always received excellent support in Shipley and district, has felt the need of entertainers who will bring in funds to the various benevolent causes in the township.
It is hoped that as a result of the society’s three nights’ efforts the Saltaire Hospital and Shipley and District Nursing Association will receive substantial financial aid.
There was a gratifying audience at the opening performance, which was given at the Victoria Hall, Saltaire, last (Thursday) night (25 February), and the opera will be repeated this evening and to-morrow evening.
NURSING ASSOCIATION DANCE
Organised by Miss Akam, Miss Gregson, Miss Webster and Miss Pullan, a successful dance in aid of the Shipley and District Nursing Association took place in the Victoria Hall, Saltaire, on Tuesday evening (9 February). Upwards of 170 persons were present, and a delightful time was spent dancing to the strains of the Brooklyn Dance Band. Mr. Geoffrey Denby was a capable M.C. Supper was served in the York Room.
SHIPLEY POLICE BALL
SUCCESSFUL EVENT AT VICTORIA HALL
The second annual whist drive and dance arranged by the Shipley Section of the Bradford Division of the West Riding Constabulary which took place in the Victoria Hall, Saltaire, on Wednesday evening (10 February), was as big a success as was the first social arranged by the section last year.
Both the Victoria Hall and the York Room were well filled with gay throngs of dancers numbering almost 400, and with the floor in excellent condition, and the music of a very high order, there was nothing lacking to provide a really enjoyable evening.
Detective Officer Shaw, who acted as secretary, had made every arrangement possible for the comfort of those taking part, and the programme of dances was carried through without a hitch. For the whist drive, also, excellent arrangements had been made and 10 tables were occupied. The M.C.s for whist were Police-constables Richardson and Shaw, and for dancing honorary bouquet was Police-constables Smedley and Bentley.
The ubiquitous and local Orchestra played for dancing. Inspector Blenkin was chief steward, and other stewards from the Shipley section were Sgts. Williams and Gatenby, P.C.’s Reynolds, Pleasant, Angier, Wilson, Schofield, Riley, Pettit, Duper, Sugden, White, and Rhodes.
The whist and spot dance prizes were presented during the evening by Mr. George Firth, of Ash Mount, Commander of the Shipley Division of the special constabulary who was supported by Supt. Woodcock.
The whist drive prizes were won by: —
The whist drive prizes were won by: — Ladies: 1, Miss Brearley; 2, Miss Booth; 3, Mrs. Suddards; 4, Miss Baird; consolation, Mrs. Gordon. Gentlemen: 1, Mrs. Batting (playing as gentleman); 2, Mr. Murgatroyd; 3, Mr. Barnett; 4, Mrs. Hartley (playing as gentleman); consolation, Mr. Smith.
Spot dances, Mr. P. Hustwick and Miss N. Brown, and Misses Bartle and Coates.
WOMEN UNIONISTS’ SHROVETIDE SOCIAL
The Shrovetide social held under the auspices of the Shipley Women’s Unionist Association, which took place in the Victoria Hall, Saltaire on Tuesday evening (16 February), proved a popular and most enjoyable function.
Upwards of 180 persons were present, and of these 132 took part in a whist drive, which was controlled by Mr. A. Chester.
Mrs. Frank W. Rhodes (Chairman of the Shipley Divisional Women’s Unionist Association) presented the prizes as follows: --
Ladies: 1, Miss Rooks; 2, Mrs. G. W. Woodhams; consolation, Mrs. Allen.
Gentlemen: 1, Mr. H. Chippindale; 2, Mr. G. Parkinson; consolation, Mr. W. A. Butland.
An excellent supper was served during an interval. Dancing followed, the duties of M.C. being capably carried out by Mr. Thomas Kendall. Mr. Arthur Tillotson’s dance band supplied the music.
The arrangements for the social were admirably carried out by the ladies’ committee, with Miss K. Russell as secretary.
EMPLOYEES’ SOCIAL
The staff of Messrs. Blythe and Berwick, Ltd., Bradford, held a successful whist drive and dance on Thursday (11 February) at the Victoria Hall, Saltaire. About 300 persons were present, 25 tables being occupied at the whist drive.
The prizes which had been provided by the firm were presented by Mrs. W. H. Berwick. Mr. J. A. Sladen was the M.C. for the dancing, and Mr. S. Wigglesworth was the M.C. for whist. The music for the dancing was supplied by the Parisian Syncopated Orchestra.
During the interval Mr. H. Goodwin, who had carried out the secretarial duties, mentioned that the function had been organised for the purpose of inaugurating a benevolent fund for the men. The whole of the proceeds were to be devoted to that object.
The winners at whist were: --
Ladies: Miss C. Jackson and Mrs. Skirrow.
Gentlemen: Mr. A. Teasdale and G. Thorndike.
Prizes for the highest score in the first half were won by Miss Appleyard (playing as gentleman) and Mrs. Dennison, and prizes for the highest scores in the second half went to Mrs. Marsh (playing as gentleman) and Mrs. Brook.
(Colin’s note - Messrs. Blythe and Berwick, Ltd. was a prominent transport and haulage company based in Bradford during the early 20th century.)
EMPLOYEES’ CHARITY CARNIVAL
A fancy dress masked carnival and whist drive organised by the employees of Messrs. William Oddy & Co., Ltd., Junction Mills, Shipley, in aid of Sir Titus Salt’s Hospital, Saltaire, took place in the Victoria Hall, Saltaire on Friday evening (12 February).
It was the third annual event the employees have arranged on behalf of the hospital, and an innovation this year—the masked carnival—proved quite a popular success.
A whist drive was controlled in the York Room by Mr. H. Dawson. Thirty-two tables were engaged. The prize-winners were: -
Ladies: 1, Miss Baldwin; 2, Miss Dobson; 3, Mrs. Whitaker; consolation, Mrs. H. Perks. Gentlemen: 1, Mr. N. Lane; 2, Mr. H. Weston; 3, Mr. J. Hey; consolation, Mr. J. Hiles.
A large gathering participated in the dance, for which Mr. B. Shepherd was the M.C., and the music was supplied by Mr. Geo. Ward’s syncopated orchestra.
Mr. R. Gledhill, of Bradford, was the judge for the fancy dress masked carnival, and his awards were as follows: -
Fancy dress--Ladies: 1, Miss J. Williams (squaw); 2, Miss Ethel Hartley (squaw); 3, Miss M. Wain (apache); original, Mrs. M. Craven (the shire).
Gentlemen--Fancy dress: 1, Mr. Greening (Old English); 2, Mr. H. Alderson (Coster); 3, Mr. A. Hanby (Apache). Original, Mr. H. Summerscales (Departed Spirits).
Mr. Gledhill said he was delighted to be present, as over 20 years ago the firm of Messrs. W. Oddy & Co. sent his brother out to Australia, and he had never looked back since. (Applause).
Subsequently Mr. Gledhill and Miss May Kershaw gave an exhibition dance of the French Tango.
Mr. F. Trimnel, the managing director, presented the prizes.
The committee responsible for the affair, which was a great success, were Messrs. F. Stokes, V. Clay, B. Shepherd, H. Dawson, V. Debello, A. Stow, A. Whalley (hon. treasurer) and J. W. Alderson (hon. secretary). Refreshments were served under the superintendence of Mrs. Dickerson.
CRICKET CLUB DANCE
At the York Room, Victoria Institute, Saltaire, on Tuesday (16 February), a well-attended and enjoyable dance organised by St. Margaret’s Church Cricket Club, Frizinghall, was held.
Mr. Walter Long was M.C., and the music was supplied by the Orpheus orchestra.
EMPLOYEES’ SOCIAL
The annual social of the employees of Messrs. Fred Ambler, Ltd., worsted spinners, Dumb Mills, Frizinghall, was held at the Victoria Hall, Saltaire on Saturday evening (13 February), when upwards of 300 employees and friends spent a most enjoyable time.
A whist drive with 19 tables engaged was controlled in the Social Room by Mr. Fred Northrop and Mr. C. Marshall.
Mr. M. Outhwaite (manager) presented the prizes as follows: —
Ladies: 1, Mrs. Cattley; 2, Mrs. H. Robinson.
Gentlemen: 1, Mr. W. Gledhill; 2, Mr. T. North.
Dancing took place in the Victoria Hall to the strains of Mr. Clarkson Barker’s orchestra, Mr. H. Ledgard being the M.C.
During the evening the function was attended by Mr. and Mrs. Fred Ambler, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. S. Ambler, Miss Eveline Ambler and Miss A. M. Pearson.
The Entertainment Committee, with Miss E. Bartle (secretary) was responsible for the successful arrangements of the gathering, and any surplus will be devoted to the Employees’ Benevolent Fund.
WINDHILL CO-OP EMPLOYEES ENTERTAINED AT SALTAIRE
The directors of the Windhill Co-operative Society, Ltd., entertained the employees and friends numbering about 600 to a social, whist drive and dance at the Victoria Hall, Saltaire, on Wednesday evening (17 February).
The affair was most enjoyable, and the arrangements had been ably carried out under the supervision of the secretary (Mr. N. J. Morton), who was unavoidably absent.
The proceedings commenced with the first part of the concert programme in the Victoria Hall.
The President (Mr. Edgar Hyde), who presided, in extending a hearty welcome to the guests, stated that the gathering was the outcome of the diamond jubilee celebrations held last year, when the hope was expressed that a similar gathering would be held annually.
The programme opened with the part-song “Music all powerful,” which was admirably rendered by the Windhill Industrial Co-operative Society’s choir, under the conductorship of Mr. J. A. Coates, and in their subsequent efforts the choir enhanced their reputation with commendable success. Madame Florrie Harrison, of Frizinghall, a great favourite at Shipley, and Miss Maud Myers, of Shipley, a noted contralto vocalist, sang several songs in a most delightful manner.
The following quartets were sung with great taste: —
“Little Maiden Mine,” by Mrs. Denby, Miss Baker, Messrs. Todd and Stansfield; “Slavonic Cradle Song,” by Miss Lancaster, Mr. Coates, Messrs. Ramsden and Bateson; and later in the second half (when the concert was continued in the York Room) “In Absence,” by Messrs. Ramsden, Todd, Bateson, and Holmes. Mr. Sam Myers, of Leeds, gave
several humorous ditties and likewise was well received for his clever impersonations of some well-known artists, including George Robey, Mark Sheridan, Sir Harry Lauder, Walter Fyffe, and Bransby Williams. Miss Doris Pickles was an excellent accompanist.
Mr. T. Newbould (vice-president) was the chairman for the concert committee, with Mr. B. Pollard as secretary.
The York Room was utilised for the whist drive, at which no fewer than 66 tables were engaged. Mr. Edgar Hyde acted as M.C., and he was assisted by the following stewards: Messrs. F. Hindle, A. Newall, P. Butterfield, O. B. Raistrick, and C. Batty.
During an interval Mr. Hyde presented the whist prizes to the following successful competitors: —
Ladies: 1. Mrs. E. Wright; 2. Mr. Priestley (playing as a lady); sealed, Miss Wild; travelling, Mrs. Earnshaw, Mrs. Ingham; consolation, Mrs. Sladen.
Gentlemen: 1, Mr. McCone; 2. Mr. F. Glover; sealed, Mr. J. Jennings; travelling, Mr. Bateson, Mr. Wood; consolation, Mr. A. Naylor.
The Victoria Hall presented quite an animated scene when the happy throng of dancers occupied the floor: a large number of the guests being onlookers from the balcony. Mr. H. Ledgard was M.C., and the dance stewards were Messrs. L. B. Thornhill, F. Town, S. Baldwin, G. Dracup, A. Brogden, and H. Jennings. Mr. George Ward’s orchestra played for dancing.
Refreshments were served in the Social Rooms, the catering being satisfactorily carried out under the superintendence of Mr. J. T. Appleyard (bakery department), who was ably assisted by the members of the Windhill Co-operative Society Women’s Guild.
LAWN TENNIS DANCE
The members of the Shipley Lawn Tennis Club organized an enjoyable dance in the York Room of the Victoria Institute, Saltaire, on Friday evening (19 February). Mr. E. Parkinson was M.C., and the music was supplied by the Parisian Syncopated Orchestra.
SALTAIRE MILLS C.C. DANCE
A dance organised by the committee of the Saltaire Mills Cricket Club was held on Wednesday evening (24 February) in the Royal Cafe, Saltaire. There was a good company, and a very pleasant evening was spent dancing to music supplied by Mr. J. Read’s band . Mr. Vincent Wensworth was the M.C.
CHARLESTOWN F.C. SOCIAL
A successful whist drive and dance, organised by the Charlestown Football Club, was held in the Victoria Hall, Saltaire on Saturda (20 February).
Mr. Colin Whitley was M.C. for whist, 27 tables being occupied, and Mr. S. Lamb was M.C. for dancing.
The following were the whist prize winners:
Ladies: 1, Mr. F. Greetham (playing as lady); 2, Mrs. Croft; consolation, Mrs. Sykes.
Gentlemen: 1, Mr. J. Sykes; 2, Mr. W. Stephenson; consolation, Mr. F. Milner.
SALTAIRE CHOIR “GRIFFIN” NIGHT
Saltaire Mills Male Voice Choir held their annual “Griffin” night on Saturday (20 February), Mr. J. Bancroft presiding.
Under the conductorship of Mr. J. Midgley, selections were rendered by the choir, and individual items were contributed by Mr. F. St. Clair, Mr. A. King, and Mr. P. Dickinson. The accompanist was Mr. H. Briggs.
A vote of thanks was accorded to the “Griffins” who had been responsible for the arrangement of the programme. Mr. A. Hodgson responded.
SALTAIRE DANCE
The members of the Saltaire Mills Sports Association, physical training section, held a dance on Saturday evening (20 February) in the Royal Cafe, Saltaire. Mr. S. Webster was M.C., and music was provided by Mr. H. Waller’s orchestra.
YOUNG LIBERALS’ DANCE
The second annual dance promoted by the Shipley League of Young Liberals was held in the Victoria Hall, Saltaire, on Friday evening (19 February). Upwards of 150 persons were present, who were received at the reception by the host and hostess (Mr. and Mrs. B. H. Hall, of Nab Field, Shipley).
Amongst those present were Mr. E. Cowgill (Chairman of the Shipley Urban Council), Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Hall, Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Airey, and Mr. Thomas Luxton, the newly appointed Liberal agent.
Mr. L. F. C. Cooper was an energetic M.C., and the music was supplied by the Ideal orchestra.
Refreshments were served under the supervision of Mesdames Ward, Parkinson, Hart, Sykes, Dewhirst, Misses Sanctuary, Whitaker, and I. Parkinson.
It was a most enjoyable social function.
NORTHCLIFF GOLF CLUB
A whist drive organised by the ladies’ section of the Northcliff Golf Club was held at the York Room of the Victoria Institute, Saltaire, on Saturday evening (20 February). Thirty tables were engaged, Mr. S. Sheppard being the M.C.
Mrs. Johnson (president) won the ladies’ first prize, which was presented to her by Mr. Herbert Gill. Mrs. Johnson then presented the remainder of the prizes as follows: —
Ladies: 2, Mrs. Dobson; consolation, Miss Birch.
Gentlemen: 1, Mr. Phillips; 2, Mr. E. Mann; consolation, Mr. F. Stringer; special prize, Mr. J. Humphries.
Afterwards a concert, arranged by Mr. Sydney Weldon, was much enjoyed. The programme was contributed to by Miss Elsie Hill (soprano), Miss Helena Marshall (contralto), Mr. Sydney Weldon (tenor), Mr. William Nutter (bass) and Mr. James Hall (entertainer). Mr. A. R. Knight was an efficient accompanist.
CONVERSAZIONES’ COMMITTEE DANCE
The members of the committee who arranged this year’s Saltaire Conversaziones held a ball in the York Room at the Institute, Saltaire, on Tuesday evening (23 February). The room was illuminated with coloured electric lights copied from the conversaziones, while the supper room was also arranged and lighted on the same lines as it had been for those events.
Amongst those present were Mr. and Mrs. Victor Waddilove, Mr. A. E. Horne, Mr. T. F. Doyle, Dr. and Mrs. Percival Ward, Mr. E. Clifford Fry, and Mr. and Mrs. H. Barnes.
After the supper, Mr. C. H. Ingham (chairman of the Conversazioni Committee) thanked the members for their help, which had made it possible to hand over seventy guineas to charity.
The Gresham Dance Band provided the accompaniments for dancing.
BOXING AT SALTAIRE
The amateur boxing tournament promoted by the Saltaire Mills Sports Association under the able secretaryship of Mr. G. H. Glover, which took place in the Victoria Hall, Saltaire, on Thursday (18 February), can, without any exaggeration, be said to be one of the most outstanding events of its kind to take place in Shipley for some time past. From the character of the contests which had been billed a good evening’s sport was expected, and those expectations were more than fulfilled.
FOOTBALL
Bradford Combination League
6 February – St. Bedes 3 Saltaire 2
20 – Saltaire 1 Bank Top 2
27 –???? Terrace 3 Saltaire 1
HOCKEY
20 February -
Saltaire 0 Joseph’s 2
Saltaire 4 North Bradford 0
27 February -
Allerton 6 Saltaire 1
Saltaire Mills 2 YWCA 1
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