1913 October

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Alan Huffer

Sale Family Collection. copy in museum

Harvest Hockey

The end of harvest meant that many farms were enjoying their ‘Harvest Home’ or ‘Hockey’ which celebrated the successful gathering of the years produce and moreover the end of a period of day-in day-out non-stop work. Messrs Pickett & Co held theirs on the farm at Ducklake with about 50 present. William Cooper of Dixies Farm had a Harvest Supper for his men who were entertained at the Chaffcutters, a pub in Silver Street.  At one time Mr Cooper had 3 aged labourers on a straw stack whose combined ages came to 227 years. F. Dover, at 80, was the oldest. Mr J. Page entertained his staff and employees at the Two Brewers, a pub on the High Street. Among other events it was noted that the Pig Club had over 70 for its supper at the Stag Inn which was almost next door to the Two Brewers

Another farm labourer was commended for his record service. Alan Huffer had worked continuously for 65 years at Farrow’s Farm. He was now nearly 77 and started work for Mr J.W. Sale’s grandfather at 9 and carried on until an accident 2 years ago in 1911. The picture from about the same time shows him during a moments rest from the harvest. It is taken from a group photo of the men enjoying their ‘beaver’ while their scythes are hung for a moment on the roof of a barn behind them. A copy of the original photograph is in the museum.

The autumn season of Ashwell’s recreational societies was getting into full swing. The Ashwell Choral Society had its first practice at the Merchant Taylors Schoolroom conducted by Mr Hill. They were hoping the Hitchin Amateur Orchestra would accompany them as before. The Ashwell Literary Society’s new series of talks at the Congregational Lecture Hall was inaugurated by local author Mr Reginald L. Hine and his wife on “The world of dreams”

Ashwell Boy Scouts had a weekend camp at Cheyneys Lodge, courtesy of Mr & Mrs S.H. Fordham. It was not far to go but I am sure it was very exciting for the boys. There was more news of the revival of the Football Team. In all 14 matches had been arranged for the coming season including one between Ashwell and Arlesey Juniors.

At the Parish Council quarterly meeting arrangements for the Fire station were approved. I believe it was at the corner of Hodwell and Church Lane. There was also a call for a limit on speed of motor cars through village – the start of a long discussion which has still not been resolved! Perhaps it was put on the agenda because Arthur Goss, an employee of E K & H Fordham, was driving his brewer’s cart when it was in collision with a powerful motor car near the weighbridge (at Radwell on the old North Road). He was cared for by motorists and was now recovering well at home.