NEW SALT’S HOSPITAL FUND TOPS £20,000

The new building fund of Sir Titus Salt’s Hospital has reached £20,556, contributions during the past year having amounted to £1,254. The scheme is still held up because of the war.

These facts are revealed in the annual report, which shows that 428 in-patients and 2,525 out-patients received treatment at the hospital during the year. Of the admissions 177 were from Shipley, 69 from Saltaire, 59 from Windhill, and 78 from Baildon.

The financial statement reveals that after £800 was transferred to the reserve account, there was a credit balance on the year of £744.

SALTAIRE C.C. WHIST DRIVE

A whist drive organised by Mrs. Lambert and Mrs. Atkinson, of Saltaire Cricket Club, was held in the York Room, Victoria Hall, Saltaire, on Wednesday (12 January).

Thirty-four tables were engaged. The M.C.’s were Mr. W. D. Ogden and Mr. P. Taylor. The prize-winners were: —

Ladies: 1. Mrs. Topham; 2. Mrs. Garnett.
Gentlemen: 1. Miss Sutcliffe; 2. Mrs. G. Crossley.

The refreshments were under the supervision of Mrs. Lambert and Mrs. Atkinson. The proceeds, which amounted to over £12, were in aid of the Saltaire Cricket Club Funds.

SHIPLEY CATHOLIC MEN’S DANCE

About 300 guests danced to the rhythm of the Aeolian Dance Band at the Catholic Men’s Society Club dance at Victoria Hall, Saltaire on Saturday evening (15 January). The dance, which was in aid of the Catholic Men’s Society Club Fund, was organised by Mr. V. Wensworth. Mr. T. Duggan acted as M.C., and the refreshments were provided by the ladies’ committee.

A SALTAIRE CONCERT
In Aid of Starving Greek Children

A concert in aid of the “Bradford Fund for the Starving Children of Greece,” was given in the Saltaire Methodist Sunday School, on Thursday, 20 January.

The programme opened with choruses by the popular “Texas Rangers” in numerous camp songs. An operetta “Topsy Turvy Christmas” was played by a number of girls of the Sunday school, who were trained by Mrs. Leonard Gray and Mrs. Wesley W. Brown.

The principals were: Father Christmas, Vera Brown; Grandmother, Audrey Gray; Prudence, Elisabeth Brown; Pandora, Sally Berry; Roy, June Scott; Rob, June Watson. Accompanist, Miss Marguerite Brown.

The cast was as follows: Guests: Stella Hinton, Betty Halliday, Margaret Lambert, Margaret Eccles, June Holroyd, Joan Booth. Fairies: Shiela and Brenda Sunderland, Margaret Kirkwood, Anne Learoyd, Eileen Jowett, Shirley Priestly, Betty Murgatroyd, Patricia Barton, Joyce Mayes, Dorothy Eccles. Kitchen Band: Jessie Kitchen, Jean Atkinson, Gwen Hodgkinson, Kathleen Robinson, Margaret Butler, Dorothy Houghton. Cats: Kathleen Hardy, Jean Stone, Pauline Tree, Lilian Wright. Dolls: Violet Reynolds, Enid Selby, Patricia Booth, Betty Gillot, Marian Bullock, Mary Robinson, Kathleen Wright. Miss Jessie Kitchen was head maid and soloist.

All entered fully into the spirit of the play and delighted the large and appreciative audience.

The second part of the programme was fully sustained with a number of miscellaneous items by the following: Mrs. Margaret Hollingsworth (soprano), Mrs. Mabel Clements (pianoforte solo and accompanist), Miss Betty Kendall (elocutionist), Rev. G. W. Harrison (violin), little Miss Anne Learoyd (ballet dance), Mr. Arthur Chapman (tenor), and Mr. Robert Newsome (baritone).

All of whom very ably contributed to a most successful evening’s entertainment, as a result of which close on £15 has been handed to the Treasurer of the fund.

SALTS (SALTAIRE) CRICKET CLUB
ANNUAL MEETING

The annual meeting of Salts (Saltaire) Cricket Club was held in the Sports pavilion on Monday evening (24 January). Mr. A. Doyle (chairman) presided over a good attendance.

In the course of his remarks the Chairman said that the story the balance sheet had to tell for season 1943 was one relating to the remarkable progress the Club was making.

“It is remarkable,” he said, “that this progress is maintained in war-time, and at the end of hostilities the club will venture out on the New Building Scheme. Plans are ready and approved by the Committee, and when the work is completed the Salts’ ground will be the best equipped ground in the district.

“Of all the tasks before us none is more important than the coaching of our young players, and with this object in view, our secretary has secured the services of Mr. A. Shackleton. You all know the coaching capabilities of Mr. A. Shackleton, and our secretary has done very well in making this appointment.

“Last season our ground was selected by the County Committee for the purpose of coaching the young players, and Mr. George Hirst, the County coach, was in attendance. Next season our ground will be used again by the Yorkshire County coaching staff, and I appeal to the young men to get down to some serious net practice. The Club is looking forward to the future with confidence, and everything points to another good season in 1944.

In conclusion, I wish to congratulate Mr. W. L. Smith on his work as secretary of the Club, he has gone through another successful season, and he is steering the Club from one success to another. I also wish to express our thanks to Mr. A. Grange, the treasurer. Mr. Grange must feel very proud of the financial position of the Club, and he deserves our congratulations.”

“The following were prize-winners for last season: First team: Mr. H. Beckwith, winner of both batting and fielding prizes (one man one prize rule), batting 16 innings, 3 not out, 475 runs, average 36.5; Mr. F. Coppack, Bowling prize, 20 wickets, 254 runs, average 12.7; Duncan Smith, second bowling and second fielding: Bowling prize, 20 wickets, 280 runs, average 14.0; Jack Dixon, second batting, 11 innings, 6 not out, 115 runs, average 23.0. Second team: Mr. H. Wood, winner of both batting and fielding prizes (one man, one prize rule): Batting 13 innings, 2 not out, 263 runs, average 23.9; Mr. J. Sharp, bowling prize, 28 wickets, 376 runs, average 13.43; Mr. A. Tyreman, second batting, 14 innings, 3 not out, 253 runs, average 23.0; Mr. M. Hodgson, second fielding prize.”

Mr. A. Grange, the hon. treasurer, in submitting the balance sheet, stated that the Club was better placed financially than at any time in the Club’s history.

Mr. Grange paid special attention to the item on the balance sheet named “Social Efforts,” he congratulated the Committee on these efforts which were the means of raising revenue and appealed for more willing workers for these events.

The balance sheet was received with enthusiasm by the meeting and was adopted with applause.

Mr. A. Doyle, the Chairman of the Club, was made a Life Member of the Club in recognition of his twenty-one years’ service as an official of the Club. Special tributes were paid to his abilities, and to the great service he has rendered to the Salts’ Club and to cricket in general. A presentation will be made to him at a special function.

The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: President, Mr. R. W. Guild; hon. secretary, Mr. W. L. Smith; hon. treasurer, Mr. A. Grange; committee: Mr. A. Doyle (chairman), Messrs. H. Smith, S. Riley, J. Hill, A. Tyerman, A. Gill, J. Asquith, H. Wood, F. Hinton, W. Longbottom, H. Burke, R. French, F. Stead, M. Hodgson; League delegates: Messrs. A. Doyle, H. Burke, J. Hill.

RED CROSS FUND DANCE

Another effort has been made by Messrs. Dean and Thompson, Ltd., gown manufacturers, Manor Lane, Shipley, to raise money for war-time organisations. On Wednesday (19 January) a dance was held at the Victoria Hall, Saltaire, organised by the Social Committee of the firm which raised over £70 for the Red Cross Fund.

The guests, who numbered about 500, danced to the lilting rhythm of the Melody Makers Band, while Mr. J. Hullah acted as M.C. The prize winners of the two “Spot Dances” were Miss Irene O’Hara and Mr. Donald O’Hara, Miss A. Whiteley and Mr. Noel Lee. “Illumination Dance,” Miss Edna Lake and Mr. Tommy Kean. Cloakroom Ticket Number prizes, Miss Margaret Swift and Mr. Tom Giles.

The Social Committee comprised of Mr. D. W. H. Walker (Chairman), Miss Speck (Welfare Organiser), Miss F. Allen (Honorary Secretary), Miss A. Tempest (Treasurer), Miss Backhouse, Miss Sheard, Miss C. Heslop, Miss M. Dobson, Mrs. Dockerty, Miss M. Wilkinson and Mrs. Tasker.

Amongst those present were Mr. J. A. Dean and Miss M. Dean, Mr. and Mrs. Allan Heap, and Mr. J. D. Frazer (Education Officer for Shipley).

Refreshments were provided by “Annes,” Saltaire.

ALERTNESS OF A BUS DRIVER

The West Riding Quarter Sessions were continued at Leeds yesterday (11 January).

In the first court, before Judge Stewart, tribute was paid to the alertness of a bus driver in a case in which Michael Scarry (34), seaman, a native of Bradford, was sentenced to three months’ hard labour on a charge of breaking and entering the house of John Taylor, at Cottingley Bridge, and stealing jewellery and money valued at £102.

Mr. A. M. Hurwitz (prosecuting) said Scarry was caught through the smartness of a bus driver, Stephen Basil Beale. Scarry was running in the road to catch a bus at Cottingley Bridge, and Beale, the driver, saw him drop a string of pearls in the road. Saying nothing, Beale, when his bus reached Saltaire, telephoned the police, and a police officer met the bus and questioned Scarry, who admitted that he had broken into a house. The stolen jewellery and a jemmy were found on him.

In a later statement Scarry said he had been absent without leave from his depot for five weeks and had become short of money.

(Colin’s note – Stephen Basil Beale was born 1 January 1907 in Edmonton, Middlesex. In the 1939 Register he was a tram driver living in Bradford. He died in 1982 in Truro, Cornwall.)

BIRTH

MYERS —23 January, to Mr. and Mrs. H. Myers, 53 George Street, Saltaire—a daughter.

DEATHS

CUTLER – 4 January, James aged 85 of 2 Constance Street, Saltaire.
ECCLES – 4 January, Albert Edward aged 74 of 43 Titus Street, Saltaire.
CHAPMAN – 12 January, James aged 80 of 17 Jane Street, Saltaire.

SALTAIRE PICTURE HOUSE

2 January – Manhattan Heartbeat & How’s About It
3 – Crash Drive
9 – Lancer Spy
10 – Bataan
16 – Time To Kill & Frozen Limits
17 – Rhythm Serenade & The Battle Of Britain
20 – Hit The Ice
24 – Hers To Hold
30 – Sherlock Holmes And The Secret Weapon & Personal Honour
31 – Dear Octopus

PRINCESS’S VISIT TO DALES

The Princess Royal yesterday (18 February) saw scores of garments in the making when she made a tour of Red Cross Hospital Supply depots in Wharfedale and Airedale.

SEWING machines were whirring and knitting needles clicked busily in each of the depots, and they stopped only momentarily on the Princess’s arrival. She had come to see the work in progress, and not a formal reception, and the white-coated workers went on with their sewing as she chatted to them.

The Princess, who is Commandant-in-Chief of the Red Cross, also has her own depot at Harewood House, and as she watched the workers she compared the jobs they were doing with the garment-making at Harewood.

She was accompanied by Lady Ramsden, organiser of No. 3 Region (East and West Yorkshire) of the Central Hospital Supply Services of the Red Cross and St. John War Organisation, and by Lady Lloyd, who is a cousin of the Earl of Harewood.

At the Baildon depot, at Kirklands, the home of Mrs. G. Birbeck, the head, the Princess heard that since November 1939, the number of hospital garments made was 2,860, with the addition of 1,120 knitted garments for prisoners of war and many more for the Russians, while £231 had been sent to the Prisoners’ Parcels Fund. She congratulated the members, who number only 12, on their excellent work. Among those who were presented to the Royal visitor was Mrs. V. Clough, head of the Baildon sub-depot.

The Princess Royal’s next call was at the Shipley depot, at the Victoria Hall, Saltaire, where there are about 60 workers. Here she was met by the head, Mrs. G. C. Hay, who presented the members of the committee. Their total of garments, since October 1939, is 14,870, and regular subscriptions are sent for three prisoners’ parcels each week.

Later the Princess went to the Bingley depot, where she was received by Mrs. A. M. Sagar (head of the depot) and Mrs. P. Binns (treasurer and secretary). She had afternoon tea before leaving. Opportunity was taken during the visit of presenting Lady Ramsden with another gift of £50 towards the Red Cross Prisoners of War Fund, the depot itself having adopted one prisoner of war. Two others have been adopted through the depot one by Cottingley and the third anonymously.

(Colin’s note – The Princess Royal was Princess Mary, Countess of Harewood. She was the only daughter of King George V and Queen Mary, and the sister of the reigning monarch at the time, King George VI. She held the title from 1932 until her death in 1965.)

SHIPLEY P.O.W. MEETING
Address by Mrs. Creech Jones

“I bring greetings from my husband to this Club.” This was the message Mrs. Creech Jones brought to the Shipley Prisoners of War Association, at their monthly meeting, held at the Victoria Hall, Saltaire, on Saturday afternoon (5 February).

There was a large attendance, who were pleased to see the wife of the Shipley M.P. among them. The visit was a very pleasant one, and Mrs. Creech Jones said that her husband had been extremely impressed the last time he had visited the Club and saw the wonderful organisation which Mrs. J. L. Wade and the Committee had established. He said it was a tremendous effort of organisation to get such a crowd together, especially on Saturday afternoons to meet in comradeship bound together by one very great bond, but he hoped that such gatherings will not have to take place very much longer.

Mrs. Creech Jones went on to say that many relatives and friends of prisoners of war in Japanese hands have been feeling particularly disturbed this last week owing to the Statement made by the Foreign Secretary (Mr. Anthony Eden) in the House of Commons, and she hoped that the attention drawn to the matter by Mr. Eden and President Roosevelt would result in something being done to prevent recurrence of the brutality to our prisoners in the Far East.

Food, warmth, light, and shelter have been provided by the International Red Cross, but if only we could get representatives of neutral countries into the camps it would inevitably help to do a great deal towards improving the lot of our prisoners.

A majority of the women are homemakers, and despite the fact that they are extremely busy it is up to them to play their part in seeing that the future of the prisoners is assured when they return home. This is a question which the women of our land should particularly think about. If the women take an interest in outside affairs they will make better comrades and companions to the men they are going to welcome back, and with a wider knowledge of affairs will be able to take part in making the world a better place for our heroes to come back to.

“One of the advantages of a club like this,” said Mrs. Creech Jones, “is the fact that you can meet people and talk things over with them, not only concerning your common bond, but also other events. I do hope that this war will soon be over, but we all realise that with the invasion of Europe there will be a large number of casualties, which we must all expect, and the number of prisoners of war is bound to increase. But it is hoped that we can all meet together in clubs such as this and comfort one another and make plans for the future and for our children, some of whom have never seen their fathers.”

Appreciation on behalf of the Committee and herself was voiced by Mrs. J. L. Wade to Mrs. Creech Jones.

Mrs. H. Thompson also thanked Mrs. Creech Jones for her interesting talk and said that great credit was due to the Committee for the work they are doing in such a fine cause.

SALT BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL
First War-time Speech Day

It was quite obvious that the decision of the governors of Salt’s Boys High School to hold a speech day—the first since the war—was evidently appreciated by the parents and friends of the pupils, as there was a large gathering at the Victoria Hall, Saltaire, on Monday evening (21 February), when this function was held.

Councillor J. R. Hardcastle (Chairman of the Governors) presided, and he was supported by Mr. F. Barraclough (Secretary of the North Riding Education Committee), Mrs. Hardcastle, Mr. C. M. Smith, J.P. (Chairman of the Shipley Urban Council), Mrs. Smith, Mr. A. E. Horne, J.P., Mr. E. Craven, Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Roberts, the Rev. H. Bryden (Vicar of Windhill), Mr. Norman Carter, Mr. J. D. Frazer (Director of Education), Mr. A. Spalding (assistant Director of Education (Bradford), Mr. Norman Carter, Mr. G. H. W. Parkin (headmaster) and several members of the school staff.

RAIL MISHAP AT SALTAIRE

During shunting operations at Saltaire railway station, on Tuesday morning (15 February), two or three wheels of an engine were derailed. The mishap caused traffic to be diverted for a while, but there was not much inconvenience, and normal traffic was immediately resumed.

W.I.N.S. DANCE

The W.I.N.S. held their dance at the Victoria Hall, Saltaire, in aid of the British Red Cross on Saturday (19 February). About 400 persons present enjoyed dancing to the music of Harry Jackson and his Aeolian dance band. Mr. Alec Bentley was the M.C., and he deputised at short notice for Mr. Stan Dobson. It was gratifying to see a good few members of the old W.I.N.S. turn up to enjoy themselves and have a chat with their old work-mates. The prize-winners were: — Ladies: Nancy Anderton, Mrs. Costigan, Margaret Wallace, Elsie Johnson. Gentlemen: A.C.1 Eric Smith, Mr. Costigan, Gordon Berry and G. Lovatt. Mrs. Stott, who organised the event, desires to extend her sincere thanks to all those who assisted her in making it an unqualified success.

(Colin’s note - The Women’s Industrial National Service (W.I.N.S.) was a movement aimed at giving women working in factories and industry a sense of status and identity similar to those in the uniformed services like the A.T.S. or the Wrens.)

SHIPLEY ARMY CADET CORPS

On Saturday evening (19 February) a dance was held in the Technical Institute, Saltaire. The floor was crowded, patrons dancing to the strains of Clifford Hayton’s Band. Spot prizes were won by O/S Bonsfield and Miss M. Edwick, and C/Cpl. Robinson and Miss J. Whitfield. There was a large variety of delicacies on sale in the canteen, which was ably run by Mrs. Grafton, Mrs. Beech and Mrs. Brechnell, to whom we owe our sincere thanks. The duties of M.C. were ably performed by C.S.M. Smith. The event was undoubtedly a big success.

N.F.S. DANCE

The “ B “ Division’s own dance band played the music at a dance held by No. 5 Fire Force Area “B” Division for their Welfare Fund at the Victoria Hall, Saltaire, on Friday (11 February). An enjoyable evening was spent by all those who attended.

SHIPLEY TRADERS’ DANCE

About 200 guests enjoyed the happy and successful dance organised by the Shipley and District Traders’ Association at the Victoria Hall, Saltaire, on Wednesday (9 February).

Music for the dancers was provided by the Melody Makers Band, while Mr. J. Hullah acted as M.C.

The committee consisted of Miss Marshall (chairman), Mr. A. Bartle (vice-chairman), Mr. A. W. Ashworth (secretary), Mr. W. W. Vernon (treasurer), and Messrs. F. Warner, A. Andrews, J. Sharples, O. Osbaldiston, H. Claughton, Shepherd, Bryant, W. E. Allsop, Postill, F. Pickles, Miss Hindle, Miss Johnson, Miss Usher, Mrs. McCall, Mrs. W. Lupton Brooks, Mrs. Womersley, Miss Winstanley.

The refreshments were provided by Mrs. Long, St. Paul’s Road, Shipley. The proceeds were in aid of charity.

SALTAIRE CRICKET CLUB DANCE

Another successful dance was held by the committee of the Saltaire Cricket Club at Victoria Hall, Saltaire, on Saturday (12 February), when a large number of guests attended. Music for dancing was played by W. Sutcliffe and his Melody Makers. The M.C.s were Mr. A. Burgoyne (secretary) and Mr. F. Nightingale. The members of the committee were Mr. Cockerham (chairman), Mr. W. D. Ogden (treasurer), Messrs. J. A. Farndale, C. Brooks, H. Ogden, C. Whitelock, W. Richardson, M. Holdsworth and H. Bedley. Refreshments were provided and the ladies’ committee supervised and provided the minerals.

A SALTAIRE WEDDING

At Saltaire Congregational Church on Saturday (5 February), the wedding took place between Mr. Rowland Briggs, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Briggs, Alma Street, Windhill, and Miss Elsie Chester, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Chester, Trench Farm, Baildon. The Pastor (Rev. S. G. McLellan) officiated. Mr. George Sutcliffe was at the organ, and the hymn sung was “O Perfect Love”.

The bride is a member of the W.A.A.F..

Given away by her father, the bride wore a white satin gown with silver head-dress, surmounted with orange blossom, and she carried a bouquet of pink carnations. The bridesmaids were Miss Evelyn Chester (sister), Miss Keda Brannan. Miss Chester wore a pink taffeta gown and Miss Brannan a blue taffeta gown, and they each carried a bouquet of pink carnations.

Mr. Raymond Fillingham was the best man, and the groomsman was Mr. Raymond Chester (bride’s brother).

A reception was held at Trench Farm, Baildon.

(Colin’s Note – Rowland Briggs (13 August 1921 – 20 May 1996), Elsie Chester (18 December 1923 – 18 May 2023), Raymond Kinsey Fillingham (5 November 1919 – 6 April 2010), and Raymond Chester (28 September 1927 – 10 November 2006).)

BOXING AT SALTAIRE A.T.C.
Eliminating Contests

Members of several West Riding Squadrons took part in the Air Training Corps, North-East Command eliminating boxing tournament at Victoria Hall, Saltaire, last Tuesday week (8 February). Sports groups Nos. 1 and 6 took part in the event, and some interesting contests between cadets, representing the various squadrons in this area were decided.

The Shipley Fitness for Service class was also represented, taking part in three of the special contests arranged with members of the Keighley Friendly Societies, A.B.C.

SHIPLEY CHRISTIAN YOUTH SOCIETY

Saturday, 12 February, we held our Club Dance in the Technical Institute, Saltaire. The event was from the start destined to be a huge success, and members have for many weeks been entering into fierce and healthy competition with each other in ticket selling. By 8 p.m. the building was well towards being filled, and by 9 p.m. some 400 persons were present. Success had, beyond their hopes, crowned the efforts of our efficient and hardworking Dance Committee.

CANAL IRONWORKS WHIST DRIVE AND DANCE

The Canal Ironworks have organised a whist drive and dance to be held in the Victoria Hall on Friday (25 February)

VICTORY FLAGS FOR SHIPLEY AND BAILDON

Two Union Jacks, which will not be flown until victory day, have been given by Mr. R. W. Guild, managing director of Salts (Saltaire), Ltd., to stimulate workpeople’s savings in the Shipley and Baildon “Salute the Soldier” campaign.

One flag will go to the large firm with the highest contribution, the other to the winning small firm.

The industrial committee of the campaign organisation will, in addition, set each industrial savings group an appropriate target, and those achieving it will be suitably rewarded.

SALTAIRE PICTURE HOUSE

3 February – Dear Octopus
6 – Hoppity Goes To Town
7 – This Land Is Mine
10 – Victory Through Air Power & All By Myself
13 – The Great Man’s Lady
14 – Heaven Can Wait
20 – The Great Man’s Lady
21 – Millions Like Us & March of Time No.5
27 – Bahama Passage
28 – Stage Door Canteen

SALTAIRE MAN’S COMMISSION

Mrs. A. Gott, of 3 Amelia Street, Saltaire, has been informed by her husband, Jack Gott, that he has been awarded his wings and a commission as a navigator, in South Africa, where he has been training. Before joining the R.A.F. V.R. in 1942, he was a member of the N.F.S. and before that he worked at Salts (Saltaire) Ltd.

Pilot Officer Gott was at one time a member of the Shipley A.T.C. He is also a deacon at Saltaire Congregational Church.

WINGS

Sergeant-Pilot Jack Firth, R.A.F., aged 21, younger son of Mrs. A. Firth, Victoria Road, Saltaire, was recently awarded his wings after training in Canada. Before joining the R.A.F. Sgt.-Pilot Firth worked with his mother at their confectionery business at Saltaire.

FATHER AND TWO SONS

Mrs. W. J. Portsmouth, of 33 Rhodes Street, Shipley, has her husband and two sons serving. L.A.C. W. J. Portsmouth, R.A.F. (47), has been in the Forces since 1940. He served in the last war. Prior to enlistment he was employed at Salts Mills, Saltaire.
Sgt. Alex Portsmouth, R.A.F. (29), has seen ten years’ service. He has been in Japanese hands since the fall of Singapore. Before joining up he worked at Salts Mills, Saltaire.
Steward Leslie Portsmouth, R.N., has been in the Navy for eighteen months, and is on board H.M.S. Tumult. Before entering the Forces he worked at Robinson’s Ltd., Shipley.

SHIPLEY AND BAILDON ‘SALUTE THE SOLDIER’ WEEK
DRUMHEAD SERVICE AT SALTAIRE

There were smart parades of Pre-Service Units and Shipley Youth Movements on Sunday afternoon (26 March), who attended a drum-head service at the Victoria Hall, Saltaire.

Devotions were led by the Rev. F. Shepherd (Pastor of Shipley Congregational Church), and those taking part in the service were the Rev. T. B. Cornish (Vicar of St. Peter’s), Rev. G. W. Harrison (Saltaire Methodist Church), Captain Dalziel (Salvation Army), and the Rev. Canon W. J. Perret (Vicar of Shipley).

The hymn singing was effectively led by the newly formed Shipley and District British Legion Military Band, under the conductorship of Bandmaster Curley.

The Last Post and the Reveille were sounded by Trumpeter L/Cpl. Shooter, and Trumpeter L/Cpl. Liversedge, and the impressive service concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.

SHIPLEY-BAILDON HALF-WAY THERE

Good progress was reported yesterday (28 March) in the Shipley and Baildon “Salute the Soldier” Week. Up to noon the total was £151,722, more than half the target figure of £300,000.

In picturesque national costumes Shipley Girls’ Training Corps gave a charming display of country dancing at the Victoria Hall, Saltaire, last night. Other events were staged by various youth organisations.

SALTAIRE GIRLS’ THREE “GIFTS”

That education should be something more than merely learning to fit themselves for careers was stressed by Baroness Ravensdale, who presented Northern University Certificates to pupils of Salt Girls High School on the occasion of their speech day, held at the Victoria Hall, Saltaire, last night (23 March).

Baroness Ravensdale told the pupils their aim should be to perfect the three gifts—body, intellect, and character.

A report of the year’s activities was given by Miss M. Duckitt, the head mistress, who is retiring at the end of July after 24 years’ service as head mistress.

Appreciation of her loyalty and devotion to the school during her long service was expressed by Mr. J. R. Hardcastle (who presided).

SALTAIRE CRICKET CLUB LADIES’ EFFORT

About 30 tables were engaged at a very successful whist drive held at the Victoria Hall on Wednesday (8 March), by the Ladies’ Effort of the Saltaire Cricket Club, in aid of the Cricket Club Refreshment Fund. Mr. F. Taylor and Mr. W. Ogden were the M.C.s for the whist, and the prizes presented by Mrs. Holdsworth were as follow: —

Ladies: 1, Mrs. Reed; 2, Mrs. Wilson.
Gentlemen: 1, Mrs. Lambert; 2, Mrs. Gray.

The refreshments were provided by the Ladies’ Committee which included Mrs. F. Woodward (secretary), Mrs. Batt (president), Mrs. Whitelock (treasurer), Mrs. M. White, Mrs. M. Holdsworth, Mrs. Greenwood, Mrs. Drake, Mrs. Merral, Mrs. Ogden, Miss Sutcliffe, Mrs. Holdsworth and Mrs. Riley.

N.F.S. DANCE

A waltz and slow fox-trot competitions were two of the chief attractions at a dance held at the Victoria Hall, Saltaire, on Friday evening (10 March) by the No. 5 Fire Force Area “B” Division, in aid of their Welfare Fund.

About 300 dancers enjoyed the music provided by the “B” Division Dance Band, and Mr. and Mrs. Horne, of the Textile Hall, Bradford, acted as M.C.’s, and also adjudicated the competitions.

The winners of the waltz competition were Mr. and Mrs. Clough, and the winners of the slow fox-trot competition were Mr. Albert Ellis and Mrs. Peggy Speight.

The refreshments were provided by Anne’s, Saltaire.

DANCING AT SALTAIRE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

Saturday night at the Saltaire Congregational Church Hall is proving to be extremely popular with the Forces. The average attendance at the dances since they were inaugurated four years ago is 150, including a number of Service men and women.

Every Sunday evening there is a show by a concert party, community singing, and an epilogue conducted by the minister, the Rev. S. C. McLellan.

On alternate Thursdays there are dances and devotional meetings for young people, and both events are well attended by the Forces.

SON OF SALTAIRE PASTOR

The Rev. N. J. McLellan, minister of Egerton Congregational Church, Bolton, and son of the Rev. S. G. McLellan, of the Saltaire Congregational Church, has accepted a unanimous invitation to the pastorate of Eltham Congregational Church, London. Mr. McLellan recently graduated from London University with the degree of B.Sc. (economics and political licence) with honours.

During his final year at the United College, Bradford, he acted as student assistant pastor to his father at Saltaire.

MR. “JOE” ELLIS, OF BAILDON, DIES

Mr. Joseph (“Joe”) Whitaker Ellis, formerly a “personality” in the Bradford trade, has died at his home, Hill Foot, Baildon. He was 59 years of age. In his youth Mr. Ellis, a native of Saltaire was with Salts (Saltaire), Ltd., and became their foreign salesman.

After the last war he was made governing director of Pearson and Foster (Bradford), Ltd., Ashfield Mills, Idle. A Freemason, he was a founder-member of the Amity Lodge, Shipley, of which he was twice Worshipful Master, and a founder of the Airedale Preceptory (Knights Templar), of which he was P.P.T., and he was P.P.G.W. of the Province of Yorkshire (West Riding).

For several years he lived at Lorton Hall, in the Lake District.

SHIPLEY URBAN COUNCIL MEETING – Tuesday 28 March

The Libraries Committee reported that the Library Report for the months of December 1943 and January and February 1944, showed:

December—Saltaire 14,353, Windhill 9,275.
January—Saltaire 16,138, Windhill 10,651.
February—Saltaire 15,469, Windhill 10,424.

BOAT HOUSE ESCAPADE OF NINE SHIPLEY JUVENILES

Nine Shipley boys aged 11 to 15 who did wanton and senseless damage to a boat house, boats, and canoes, leaving one canoe in the yard of the Saltaire Congregational Church and causing another to drift over a waterfall, were summoned at Bingley Juvenile Court yesterday (31 March) for doing malicious damage to the Bradford Amateur Rowing Club’s property at Hirst Wood, Shipley.

In all my 33 years’ police experience I have never known of such irresponsible, wanton, and senseless damage as that which has been committed in these cases, declared Superintendent H. W. Atkinson, when the boys were charged. The damage amounted to £181, and in all there were six cases. Some of the boys were involved in more than one of the cases.

It appeared that three skiffs, one dinghy, and five rowing-boats were damaged, and certain damage done to the building itself. Eighty-eight windowpanes, 12 pieces of picture glass, lamps, gramophone records, and a cabinet gramophone had also been damaged.

After a record had been placed on the gramophone and set in motion oil was poured over the machine and it was set on fire, Superintendent Atkinson intimating that it was only by a stroke of good fortune that the premises did not catch fire.

The fireplace, it was stated, had been pulled from the wall and damage also had been done to several boats and canoes, one canoe having been left in the Saltaire Congregational Church yard and another had drifted over a waterfall.

One of the boys, who had been concerned in four of the cases, was bound over for three years, ordered to pay £10 toward the damage, and 16s. 6d. costs. Another boy involved in two of the cases was bound over for two years and ordered to pay £10 damages and 11s. 6d. costs. Four of the boys were bound over for two years, two of them being ordered to pay £10 damages each and the others £3 and £5, while another boy was bound over for one year and had to pay £3 damages. Two boys concerned in the theft of shorts were bound over for two years and one year respectively and ordered to pay 7s. 6d. costs each.

DEATHS

THORNTON – 5 March, Margaret, aged 40, of 33 Ada Street, Saltaire.
ALDERTON —29 March, at 25 Victoria Road, Saltaire, Hannah Eliza, aged 84.
MOSS —31 March, at 18 Gordon Terrace, Saltaire, Ernest William, the dearly-loved husband of Ada Mary Moss. Service at St. Peter’s Church, Shipley, Monday (3 April) at 2, prior to interment at Nab Wood Cemetery. Friends please accept this intimation.

(Colin’s Note – 18 Gordon Terrace was renumbered 85 Bingley Road.)

SALTAIRE PICTURE HOUSE

2 March – Stage Door Canteen
5 – Hold Back The Dawn
6 – In The Navy & Fired Wife
9 – Holy Matrimony
12 – George Washington Slept Here
13 – The Camp Still Burns
19 – The Big Shot
20 – Chetniks & Crime Doctor
23 – Hi Diddle Diddle & What’s Buzzin’ Cousin
26 – The Navy Comes Through
27 – Winter Time (New Mill Worker)

FOUR SONS SERVING
Saltaire Brothers Meet in Italy

Mr. and Mrs. Sowman, of 19 William Henry Street, Saltaire, who have four sons serving in the Forces, have received news by air mail that two of their sons, Gnr. Joe G. Sowman and Leading Aircraftman Edward Sowman, have met in Italy. Both are in good health, and they spent a very enjoyable time together.

Gunner Sowman has been in the Army since the outbreak of war; Leading Aircraftman Sowman, whose wife lives at 31 Baildon Road, Shipley, joined the R.A.F. nearly three years ago.

A third son, Driver Jack Sowman, is serving in the Home Forces. A fourth son, Private James M. Sowman, R.A.M.C., died of wounds in Madagascar, and was buried at Durban, South Africa. Before joining the Forces, James was employed by F. Wigglesworth and Co., Ltd., Clutch Works, Shipley.

CONGRATULATIONS

A colleague writes: The Bradford City Tramways are to be congratulated on the efficient manner in which they dealt with the tremendous crowds who had visited Shipley Glen and surrounding beauty spots on Easter Monday (10 April).

I had occasion to go to Bradford in the evening. Joining the queue at bottom of George Street, in Saltaire Road, proceeded along Dove Street, Saltaire Road and Gordon Terrace to Terminus. The queue was five and six deep. Within half-an-hour I was in Bradford.

PRAISE FOR BRADFORD LEAD IN “BRASS BAND WORLD”

“I WISH to congratulate Bradford on being the foremost city in the country with regard to the encouragement of boys in the brass band world,” said Dr. Harold C. Hind, of London, the adjudicator, on Saturday (15 April), at the annual contest of the West Riding Band Society, held for the second successive year at Eastbrook Hall.

First section: Ramsden Trophy, British Ropes, Ltd.; 2, Grand Shield, Salts (Saltaire), Ltd.; 3, Yeadon Trophy, Halifax Home Guard.

SALTAIRE WEDDING

Much interest was evinced in a wedding that was solemnised at Saltaire Congregational Church on Easter Monday (10 April) between Staff Sergeant John Skitt, son of Mr. and Mrs. S. Skitt, of Severn Stoke, Worcestershire, and Miss Cissie McLellan, daughter of the Rev. and Mrs. S. G. McLellan, of Tregarthen, Farfield Road, Shipley.

The officiating ministers were the Rev. S. J. McLellan (brother of the bride) and the Rev. N. Johnstone (uncle of the bride). Mr. G. Sutcliffe was at the organ, and the hymns sung were “O Perfect Love” and “O Love Divine.” During the service Miss Clara Ramsden effectively sang “I’ll walk beside you.”

The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a white taffeta dress and a veil, with a headdress of gardenias. She carried a posy of white hyacinths and violets. The bride was attended by Miss Margery Waite and Mrs. N. J. McLellan (the bride’s sister-in-law). The best man was Warrant Officer W. Christian.

Subsequently Staff Sergeant and Mrs. John Skitt left for their honeymoon at Ilkley.

(Colin’s Note – Samuel J McLellan was pastor of Saltaire Congregational Church from October 1936 to June 1945.)

SALTS (SALTAIRE) LTD.

The directors propose to repay the outstanding 5 p.c. deb. stock and 5 p.c. loan stock, amounting to about £1,300,000. This will be financed by the issue of £900,000 first 4 1/2 p.c. cum. pref. shares for cash, which would be offered pro rata to holders of the deb. and loan stock and the balance made up out of the company's resources.

SALT'S C.C. PRESENTATION

Mr. Arthur Doyle, chairman of the Salt’s (Saltaire) Cricket Club, was on Saturday presented with a mahogany clock in appreciation of his 21 years’ service to the club. The first hon. life member of the club, he has been a playing member for 15 years, was captain for nine years, and has been chairman for four years. Mr. Harold Smith presided and Mr. F. Barker, spinning manager at Saltaire Mills, made the presentation.

SALTS (SALTAIRE) C.C. DANCE

Several hundred people spent an enjoyable evening at the Victoria Hall, Saltaire, on Saturday evening, at a dance promoted by the Salts (Saltaire) Cricket Club.

Arthur Jackson and his band provided the music, and the M.C. was Mr. J. Hullah. Success was due to the enterprise of the cricket club committee, under the presidency of Mr . A. Doyle, with Mr. W. L. Smith (secretary), Mr. A. Grange (treasurer), and Messrs. J. Hill, F. Coppack, H. Smith, H. Burke, F. Stead, A. Tyerman, S. Riley, J. Asquith, W. Longbottom, R. French, M. Hodgson, and F. Hinton.

Refreshments were provided during the interval by Murray's, Oxford House. The proceeds were in aid of the cricket club funds.

A SHIPLEY BRIDE

The wedding took place between Craftsman Frederick Lumb, R.E.M.E., eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Lumb, of 37 Vesper Lane, Kirkstall, Leeds, and Miss Winifred Scott, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Scott, of 30a Bingley Road, Shipley, at Saltaire Congregational Church, on Saturday (8 April). The Rev. S. G. McLellan (minister of Saltaire Congregational Church) officiated.

The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a white moss crepe dress with a tulle veil and a head-dress of orange blossom. The bridesmaids were Miss Betty Topham and Miss Mary Scott (cousin of the bride), who were dressed in pink cloque, and Miss Andrea McGlem (niece of the bridegroom), who wore blue satin. The best man was Mr. John Haywood, and the groomsmen were Mr. Ronald Lumb (brother of the bridegroom) and Mr. Ernest Bover.

A reception was held in the York Room, Victoria Hall, Saltaire, and the bride and bridegroom subsequently left for their honeymoon on the West Coast. The bride wore a brown check suit, with green and tan accessories.

JOHN SALT

AMERICAN wireless listeners to British programmes prefer Northern accents to “snooty upper class voices,” said Mr. John Salt, the B.B.C.’s Deputy North American Director—temporarily home from the States—in an interview tonight at Broadcasting House.

Mr. Salt is a member of the well-known West Riding woollen textile family of that name. He has named his young son, Daniel, after that Daniel Salt, of Shipley, whose son became Sir Titus Salt and the head of the great firm of Salt’s (Saltaire).

From 1936 to 1939 the B.B.C.’s North Regional director, Mr. Salt has been with the Corporation in New York since just after America entered the war. He said tonight that on the evidence of listener research investigations the number of American listeners to B.B.C. programmes has increased during the past two years in the face of the most severe competition.

(John Scarlett Alexander Salt (1905–1947) – son of Gordon Locksley Salt, grandson of Titus Salt jnr.)

SALTAIRE WHIST DRIVE

Thirty tables were engaged at a whist drive organised by Mrs. F. Lambert and Mrs. N. Atkinson for the Saltaire Cricket Club, at the Victoria Hall, Saltaire, on Wednesday evening, 19 April.

The M.C.’s were Mr. T. Cockerham and Mr. W. Ogden.

Mrs. H. Lightowler presented the prizes to the following winners: — Ladies: 1, Mrs. Thomas; 2, Mrs. Pickersgill; consolation, Mrs. Wild. Gentlemen: 1, Mrs. Dennison; 2, Mrs. Murgatroyd; consolation, Miss E. Sutcliffe.

BANDMASTER’S SUCCESS

Mr. Ralph Nellist, the Bandmaster of Salts Junior Band, has recently gained a Licentiateship of the Trinity College of Music, London. For part of the practical side of the examination, he had to conduct and drill a very famous London Salvation Army Band.

Mr. Nellist saw service abroad in the last war with the band of the 18th (Pals) Batt., Durham Light Infantry, as solo cornet, and played with various regimental orchestras.

He is also the holder of a Bandmaster’s Diploma of the Brass Bandsmen’s College of Music (B.B.C.M.). The Hall Royd Methodist Senior and Junior Choirs are under his supervision as choirmaster.

(Ralph Nellist, 26 July 1899 – 29 April 1994)

SUCCESSFUL N.A.L.G.O. FUNCTION

Local Government Officers, clerks, typists, etc., put down their pens and pencils, and forgot about official forms and their other onerous duties for a short while on Wednesday evening (26 April), on the occasion of an Olde Tyme Ball organised by the Shipley Branch of the N.A.L.G.O., (National and Local Government Officers' Association) under the supervision of Mr. Alfred Hart, at the Victoria Hall, Saltaire.

The ballroom was artistically decorated with fairy lights and various kinds of plants and flowering shrubs by Mr. J. Horne (Parks Superintendent), and this lent a perfect setting for the favourite dances of olden days that included the valeta, barn dance, schottische, and the maxina.

Arthur Jackson and his Augmented Orchestra contributed the music with the right tempo for the popular old tunes, while Mr. R. Gledhill made a very efficient M.C.

During the evening a choice assortment of refreshments were provided by Ready's Ltd., Shipley.

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The following winners of the Spot Dances were presented with prizes by Mrs. L. Bateson:—Miss Wear and Mrs. Unwin, Mr. and Mrs. Wain, Mr. Kelsey and Mrs. Cummings.

Amongst those present were:—Councillor C. M. Smith, J.P. (Chairman of the Shipley Urban Council), Councillor A. Alty, Councillor J. Chell, Councillor G. Birbeck, Mr. Norman Carter, C.C., Mr. L. Carter, Mr. H. Barnes (Clerk to Shipley Urban Council), Mr. H. S. Haslam (Deputy Clerk and Solicitor), Mr. H. Burton (Gas Engineer), Mr. J. D. Frazer (Director of Education for Shipley), Mr. J. W. Carlton (Gas Superintendent), Mrs. M. Kendall, J.P., Miss Neville, J.P., Mr. B. Isherwood (Baths Manager), Mr. W. H. Ball (Chief Senior Sanitary Inspector), Mr. L. Bateson (President of the Shipley N.A.L.G.O.) and Mrs. Bateson, F/O. B Cromack, D.S.M., F/O. F. Tattersall, F/O. A. S. G. Rodway, and F/O. F. L. Swift.

The proceeds will be divided between Nalgo B. and O. Fund and Comforts Fund.

DEATHS

SLINGSBY. —13 April, at 8 The Grove, Shipley, aged 68 years, WALTER JOSEPH, dearly loved husband of Edith Alice and father of Arnold and Geoffrey.

Service at Saltaire Congregational Church to-day (Saturday 15 April), at 11.30 a.m., prior to interment at Nab Wood Cemetery.

DAVEY, John Penny – 15 April at 87 Thackley Old Road, Windhill.
FRY , George Cecil – 29 April.
NEWMAN, Henry – Killed in Action, 7 April, in Burma.

CRICKET

29 April – Salts 180/7 dec lost to Halifax 184/8
29 April – Saltaire 205/2 dec drew with Spen Victoria 147/8

SALTAIRE PICTURE HOUSE

2 April – Always In My Heart
3 – Flesh & Fantasy
9 – Nightmare
10 – Sweet Rosie Grady
16 – East Side Of Heaven
17 – First Comes Courage & Two Senoritas
20 – Guadal Canal Diary
23 – Lady In A Jam
24 – Destroyer & It’s A Great Life
27 – The Man Who Broke The Bank At Monte Carlo & Good Luck Mr. Yates
30 – Real Glory