1920 August

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Rev Panajotti Webb

Seaside Outing

August was the month for the Ashwell Church Choir to have their annual seaside outing. In 1920 the ventured to Southend-on-Sea. While the rector, Rev Panajotti Webb was off on his holiday he was replaced by the Rev Hugh & Mrs Hodgson. They were making a welcome return to Ashwell as his father, the Rev Henry Hodgson, was rector from 1851 to 1892.

Sport for the month of August was as you might expect filled by cricket matches. Ashwell beat Stotfold away but the 2nd XI lost at home to Radwell. One of the Radwell players needed stitches to a chin cut and was attended by Dr Woodforde. The first team were beaten by Arlesey and Biggleswade but had victory over their old adversaries Kryn & Lahy from Letchworth. They ended the season runners-up in the league. Meanwhile the Football Club was gearing up to their new season by publishing all the fixtures that had been arranged for the First and Second XIs.

The Ex-Servicemen’s Association AGM was finally held at Three Tuns, after many postponements. The serious business was sweetened by a programme of entertainments.

Two deaths occurred during the month. Gertrude Elizabeth Bullock was only 43 and left behind a family and husband who was a porter at Ashwell Station. Louise Hollingsworth was a popular figure who reached the age of 80. She lived in Gardeners Lane and had been a dressmaker for many years. The Royston Crow says she was formerly a Bryant but modern research suggests her maiden name was Huffer. Her son Fred served in WW1 despite being already in his 50’s.

The W.I. were again highly active and very well reported. The proceeds from the Garden Fete they had held at Bury was divided between the Nursing Association and the purchase of a piano and chairs for the village. The monthly Meeting, at the invite of Mr Page in the garden of Westbury House, was a feast of games and entertainment enjoyed by all.