Archived Extracts

The "White Lion" Sick and Dividing Society was able to pay out a dividend of 18s. 6d. to each of its 60 members at the annual meeting. The Society continues with the same officials:- Messrs. S. Cartwright (Chairman), R. Bostock (secretary), and O. Hardy (treasurer).

Christmas falling on a Sunday caused it to be very quietly observed, although it afforded greater opportunities from a devotional point of view. At all the churches carol services were held, familiar Yuletide music being the rule. The weather was wonderfully mild, and many people were out in the open-air. In the evening, however, family gatherings were greatly in evidence, New Hucknall Colliery closed down from Friday night until Thursday morning, and the factories have had their usual break.

Lilies, carnations, chrysanthemums and evergreens figured in the Yuletide decorations in the Parish Church. The altar and the windows had been artistically treated by Miss Jessie Pritchett, the whole of the flowers being the gift of the Vicar. The three celebrations of Holy Communion on Sunday morning were well-attended, the last being sung to a setting of Eyre. In the evening a carol service was held ... The organist throughout was Mr. E. Lowe, and the day's offertories in accordance with custom were distributed among the sick and needy.

At the New Fall Street Methodist Church a Christmas effort was made on Sunday by the Male Voice Choir. The preacher during the day was Mr. R. Butler (Newton), who delivered excellent sermons. He also presided in the afternoon at a musical service where a number of items were given in good style by the Male Voice Choir, conducted by Mr. J. Colley. Soloists were Mr. A.E. Cooke (Sutton), bass, and Mr. J. Ball (Stanton Hill), tenor. At the evening service further items were contributed by the Male Voice Choir and Mr. Ball, the music being a very praiseworthy order throughout. The organist was Mr. J.W. Allsop, while Mr. W. Allsop, junr, accompanied the vocalists on the piano. The collections were on behalf of the Trust Funds.

The annual Christmas treat to the Blackwell Road scholars took place on Friday afternoon, the schools being seasonably adorned for the occasion. About 250 children sat down to a substantial spread of pastries, sandwiches, tea and bread and butter, there being present a willing company of helpers. After tea oranges and bags of sweets were distributed, every child departing thoroughly well pleased. Besides Mr. O. Bonsall and staff, assistance was rendered by Mrs. Bonsall, Mrs. J. Ensor, Mrs. Alexander, Miss Winnie Wright and the following old scholars:- Miss Gladys Wright, Miss Marjorie Ensor, Miss Joan Abbott and Mr. Jim Wright. Rounds of cheers were given by the scholars for the teachers and helpers, and the latter were personally thanked by the Headmaster.

On Thursday afternoon the children of the Church of England School in Common Road received their Christmas gifts. The rooms had been decorated and a huge Christmas tree dressed by the staff - Miss Kitchen, Mrs. Dickens, Mrs. Hart, Miss Goodall and Miss Spibey. Among the visitors were the Rev. W.L. Boulton, Mr. C. Bonsall, two former teachers (Mrs. Berresford and Mrs. Heathcote), and Mrs. Alexander. Sutton friends were the Rev. P. Clegg, Mrs. Clegg and Miss Clegg, Mrs. Tinsley, Mrs. J. Kitchen, Mr. Walton and Miss Farnsworth. The children, numbering about 120, sang carols and then welcomed Father Christmas heartily with singing and from a "magic fireplace" filled with packages each child received presents. Besides apples, oranges and chocolates, there were drawing materials, dolls, sewing and knitting outfits, hankies, books, etc. There was even a gift for Santa Claus himself, and the children were made thoroughly happy and sang joyously.

Mr. A. Wilson officiated on Friday at the funeral of Mr. Francis Flowers, of 51 Main Street, whose death occurred after four weeks illness within two months of his 60th birthday. He was a native of Huthwaite and spent most of his working career as a miner, but for the last three years had been employed by the Huthwaite Urban District Council. He was probably the tallest man in the town, being six feet four inches in his stockings, and was a member of a very old Huthwaite family. He leaves a widow and a grown-up family of three. At the service in the Sutton Road Methodist Church the hymn was sung, and Mr. Wilson gave a suitable address. The mourners were: The Widow; Mr and Mrs. T. Flowers, Mrs. E. Platts and Miss L. Flowers, son and daughters; Mr. and Mrs. C. Flowers, Mr. J. Flowers, Mr. Fred Flowers, Mrs. L. Irving (Glasgow), brothers and sisters; Mr. and Mrs. J. Flowers and Mrs. Turner, nephew and nieces; Mr. and Mrs. G. Darby, Mr. and Mrs. A. Reeves, Mr. and Mrs. Hatton, Mr. and Mrs. Clipstone, Mr. W. Reeves, and Mr. H. Reeves, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. The bearers were five nephews, Messrs, Wilfred, Sidney, Charles and John Flowers and A. Reeves, and a personal friend, Mr. Tom Green. There were flowers from Wife and Daughters; Tom, Mabel and Iris; Jack and Family; Lizzie and Husband; Charlie, Wife and Family; Mr. and Mrs. G. Darby and Family; Mr. and Mrs. J. Flowers and Family; Mr. and Mrs. A. Reeves and Family; Mr. Tom Green; Mr. and Mrs. J.G. Wright, Mrs. Maltby; Workmen of the U.D.C.

In the coming year the Midland District Miners' Fatal Accident Relief Society celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of its foundation. The event is one of particular interest to the mining community of Sutton and district, for not a few in this area have had cause to be thankful that the Society was in existence. During the years of its activities the Society has done a very excellent work on behalf miners nad their families, and it is generally recognised that the jubilee should be fittingly observed. This proposal is now under consideration, and on due time details will be published as to the character the celebrations should take.

Congratulations were on Wednesday extended in large numbers to the Duke of Portland on the celebration of his 75th birthday. The Duke was born in 1857, and is still hale and vigorous, continuing to enjoy outdoor exercise and recreation, and taking an active part in public and philanthropic work. His may acts of kindness and generosity have gained for him the esteem of all classes in the County of Nottinghamshire, and he is assured of a hearty welcome wherever he goes. Although not a frequent visitor to Sutton, he has many interests in the district, and an appeal for assistance in any worthy cause never goes unanswered. Many in Sutton have cause to be grateful for the interest and sympathetic help given them by Her Grace the Duchess of Portland, and all will extend to both the Duke and Duchess the hope that they may enjoy many more years of health and happiness.