1922 November

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Card sent from the front by Alf Goodchild

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Card sent from the Front in WWl

The ‘Masked Syncopaters’ set off the month with a much enjoyed dance at the Bury. There were obviously very popular as they returned later in the month for a dance in the Assembly Rooms, the large room at the Bushel and Strike.

A Jumble Sale was held to raise money for the perennial problem that is very much still with us today: the Church Tower Restoration Fund. It was held in the Club Room, which could indeed be the Assembly Rooms at the Bushel under another name but most likely was a room attached to one of the other Ashwell pubs.  £30 was raised which was a very good amount for the time.

The W.I. managed to fit in 2 meeting reports the first they had a papier-mâché demonstration. And the second had a more serious subject on women and social work. There was also, presumably in connection with the impending election a special meeting for Women with a lecture about women’s responsibility in regard to the vote – something that would have been new to many.

Ashwell & Hinxworth electors were invited to a meeting at Ashwell Council Schools on the 14^th at 4.30. The main speaker was the very prominent politician Lord Robert Cecil.

The Congregational Church held a concert on 2nd November in the Schoolroom and organised a sale that raised £32.

On the football pitch in Division II the Ashwell 1^st team drew 2-2 with GNR. In Division III, the 2^nd team drew with Letchworth CLB and beat Wymondley 5-0, but Wymondley only fielded 8 men.

Two deaths were reported in the month. Mr Samuel Picking died on the 31^st October aged 66 after an illness lasting 9 months. He was the second surviving son of the late Mr William Picking, carpenter. “Sam”, with brother Herbert had a business as carpenters and undertakers.  Their premises were in Alms Lane which for many years was called Pickings Lane after them.

Mr Alfred Turner Goodchild died at the age of 38 on the 18^th November at his home in Hodwell after 6 months illness. He was born in Ashwell but at 16 he went to London to work as a drayman for Whitbread’s Brewery. The war intervened, he saw active service in France and was rapidly promoted to Corporal.  In the museum we are fortunate to have some cards, several of which are made with embroidered silk, that he sent from the front to his wife and daughter. He survived the war and the family moved back to Ashwell where he worked at Fordhams Brewery until his illness stopped him. He is buried in Ashwell.