11/7/1908 Cheslyn Hay – The Late Mr.Bird

The funeral of the late Mr.W.Bird took place on Sunday at Cannock Cemetery. The deceased had passed the years allotted to man by holy writ, and until the last few months was hale and hearty. He passed away at the Rose and Crown Inn, which he had occupied for some time and previous to that for nearly two decades he occupied the White Lion at Churchbridge. Previuos to that he occupied the Yew Tree, Norton, the Fleur de lis, Norton, and earlier the Swan and New Inns, at Cannock. He was a typical Licensed Victualler, courteous to customers and quiet. The late Mr.Bird was generally respected.

1/8/1908 More homes are now being erected at Cheslyn Hay, those now in the course of erection will be of the character of shops. One chap remarked as he looked at the open space where the windows are going to be, that “We are getting more like London every day”. Birmingham and Walsall will not “be in it” soon.

1/8/1908 A Pleasant Gathering at Cheslyn Hay

THE OLD FOLKS ENJOY THEMSELVES
Those who visit Cheslyn Hay after an absence of several years cannot help feeling surprised at the changes that have been effected. The streets are well metalled and are kept in order while what at one time appeared a derelict piece of land adjoining Salem Church is one of the prettiest pieces of lawn for some distance around. The land adjoining the pleasantly situated dwelling of Mr.H.Hawkins and the gardens and grounds are now in excellent condition. It is remarkable the progress the ornamental trees and shrubs have made, and hence the old folks who attended the party on Wednesday evening were like the owner very pleased at the surroundings. The fact is that Mr.&Mrs.Hawkins apparently it is a duty to do something to make the old folks happy. Thus on Wednesday evening a good number, probably 200 old folks, were invited to take tea on the lawn. It was too, a nice tea; very delicately and prettily arranged; that’s a fact; and it is also a fact that many of those invited did duty to it; enjoyed themselves and greatly appreciated the kindness of the host and hostess. After the tea there was an entertainment when Dr.Syree attended with a capital gramophone and rendered some choice selections. It was a powerful gramophone, and one that could be heard distinctly throughout the grounds. It was an interesting sight to see the guests. One sturdy old gentleman said that he was 88 years old and said he felt as well as possible. He and others enjoyed the good things, and the entertainment, the stroll in the grounds, the gossip on the lawn, where the host with a cheery welcome, and the hostess with a pleasant smile made all and sundry at home. It was one of those gatherings which show that there are a number of those who “have” delight to make those that “have not” happy.

29/8/1908 Sad Death at Cheslyn Hay

A FALL DOWN STAIRS
A sad story was told at an inquest held by Mr.Allen Stokes (county coroner) at the Red Lion Inn, Cheslyn Hay, on Tuesday. The enquiry concerned the death of Mary Ann Courtney (37) wife of Edward John Courtney, miner, of Queen Street, Cheslyn Hay. Courtney told how he and his wife sat drinking for an hour and a half on Saturday night. They went home together at closing time, his wife appearing to be in her usual health. They had a pint of beer between them with their supper, and Courtney gave his wife a lemonade bottle containing a quarter of whisky, telling her to keep it by for the next morning (Sunday) so that they could have it “in a cup of tea”. The man went to sleep on a sofa downstairs, leaving his wife sitting close by at a table. Shortly after two o’clock in the morning he awoke, and on getting up to look for his wife found her lying at the bottom of the stairs. Describing his movements Courtney stated; “I took her hand and shouted “what’s the matter Polly”, I got no answer and I was so frightened at her looks that I ran out of the house. The man called up his next door neighbours and examination revealed the woman to be dead. There was a scalp wound and the scull was fractured, and Dr.A.H.Syree, who was called in, could only pronounce life extinct. When he invited the neighbours to enter the house Courtney said his wife had fallen down stairs. Accidental death was the verdict returned.

5/9/1908 Cannock Rural District Council

This meeting was called to receive the report of the Isolation Hospital Committee.

The chief business was to consider the appointment of Hospital Nurse Matron, and that of Probationary Nurse. The following had been selected out of a number of applicants: for the appointment of Nurse Matron – Miss Maude B.Akehurst, City Hospital, Seacroft; Miss Elizabeth Bateman, Borough Hospital, Deans, Bolton; Miss Edith Carder, Women’s Hospital, Harrow Road, London; Miss Mary Whillock, The Infirmary, Seaham Harbour; for the appointment of Probationary Nurse – Miss Nellie Payne, Cross Street, Kettlebrook; Miss Marion A.Hepden, Brooklyn Street, Crewe. The candidates were interviewed by the council and for the latter post the Crewe lady was appointed. For the Nurse Matron Miss Maude B.Akehurst was appointed.

19/9/1908 A very unfortunate occurrence took place at Cheslyn Hay this week. A number of lads had been playing together, after which, a bottle of ginger beer was purchased. Fred Whitehouse aged 15, son of Mr.Haydn Whitehouse was proceeding to open the bottle when it burst and the glass marble struck in his eye. Dr.Syree saw that the eye was very effected and ordered him to the Wolverhampton Royal Hospital. It is regretted that the eye was so injured it had to be removed.

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