23/8/1958 The Man with the Birds

With 180 birds in all, including several first-class young ones of this season, Mr.Kendall, of The Nook, Cheslyn Hay, can be justly proud of his record in this, only his second season. Mr.Kendall, blind in one eye and a cripple as a result of a colliery accident, was in hospital when a doctor suggested that he try cage birds as a hobby. Several of the family rallied round in buying birds, and by the beginning of last season, which started in late July, Mr.Kendall had quite a varied collection. Starting as a raw novice, he was very lucky to have three firsts and two seconds in a show at Cannock Park. Since that day Mr.Kendall has not looked back. In his first full season he won 190 cards for first second and third best birds in classes, as well as three plaques, three cups, numerous diplomas, and several rosettes for best bird in show. Mr.Kendall has even larger plans for his birds this year. He hopes to show in the Birmingham National Open Show, and also in the London National Open Show. He did not enter the latter last year owing to travel problems.

Foreign bird diploma

Of his achievements in the bird world, Mr. Kendall is particularly proud of having won a foreign bird diploma, an honour that has eluded all fanciers on the Chase apart from Mr.Kendall. Of his 180 birds, Mr.Kendall has 70 foreign, the rest being British, Budgerigars, and Roller Canaries. He reckons last season he won every kind of award. One cock Bullfinch which he owns has never been beaten in any show, and he also speaks with pride of a cock Chaffinch and Yellow Bunting. Although the hobby of bird raising is confined mainly to the older men, the standard and number of birds entered for local competitions is ever increasing, a sure sign that the hobby is on the upgrade. Mr.Kendall has birds which range from the size of wrens, to three hens and one cock Golden Pheasant. Mr.Kendall has already started this season with a swing wit 53 prize cards from only four shows, two of which were held on the same day and for both of which many of the birds were entered. Mr.Kendall’s birds will not be at their best for a fortnight or three weeks yet, but are already showing a great deal of promise. Nowadays his family has no worries what to buy him when his birthday or Christmas comes round, for they no that he is interested in his birds and nothing else.

20/9/1958 Estate of Mr.A.S.Hawkins

Mr.Arnold Seymour Hawkins, of Grasmere, Cheslyn Hay, tile manufacturer, managing director of Henry Hawkins Ltd, Longhouse Tileries, Bridgtown, who died on June 20, 1957, left £36,552, 3s-3d. Gross £35,815, 18s-3d. Net value, duty paid £7,777. He left £100 to Salem Methodist church, Cheslyn Hay, and 15 Cross Street, Cheslyn Hay, to Reginald T.Paradine, if still in his service at his death and not under notice. He also left £50 each to the executors, personal chattels to his wife and the residue upon trust for her for life and then to a number of relatives and others.

No Comments »