News from the Past Researched by Mike Belcher
10/10/1908    The cheque from Mr.Carnegie towards the church organ fund at Wyrley church for £125 has been received and it is a very welcome contribution.  It was accompanied by an ordinary letter. The entire cost of the organ is £284, of which there is, or was, £159 to raise, a greater proportion of which is to hand.  The public of the district are proud of the new instrument, but there is still a small amount outstanding.

10/10/1908     Sudden Death at Great Wyrley Colliery
A painfully sudden death took place on the bank of the Great Wyrley colliery, on Saturday morning.
Thomas Rogers, of Littlewood, being found dead on the pit bank.
On Monday afternoon Mr.T.Allen Stokes (coroner) held an enquiry at the Woodman Inn, Littlewood, Mr.Geo Pearson being the foreman of the jury.  Mary Rogers identified the body as that of her late husband Thomas Rogers, an engine driver, who lived at Littlewood, and was 59 years of age.  He was employed at the Great Wyrley Colliery.  On October 2nd he left home at about 7pm and appeared alright.  He did not complain of anything.  He was brought home about 9 o’clock.
Thomas Pepper, horse fettler of Great Wyrley Colliery, said he was at work on October 2nd, and at about 7-40 he went to the pit top.  He saw the deceased sitting on some pieces of timber at the top of the pit.  His head was resting on top of his hand.  Witness went to deceased and spoke to him, but got no reply.  He struck a match and from his looks he thought he was dead.  He went to the lamp house for a light and called for assistance.  Dr.Munro was sent for, and when he came he saw he was dead.  Officer Cooper said he was present when Dr.Munro examined deceased.  There were no marks of violence on the body.  The jury returned a verdict of “death by natural causes”.

24/10/1908    The Catholic Mission hall of St. George, Church, will be opened on Sunday next October 25th.  Solemn mass will be sung at 9am and a sermon preached by the celebrant Rev.W.R.O’Keefe.  The premises were formally used as a market hall.  A complete transformation internally has taken place, and the building now presents a devotional appearance.  Services will be held at regular periods to meet the convenience of all those for whom they are intended.

31/10/1908     CHESLYN HAY UNITED v WALSALL RESERVES
The return fixture in connection with the Walsall League took place on the Barn Flat on Saturday.  This was the wake fixture and there were a good number of spectators present.  From the commencement with the slope in their favour the United pressed.  The shooting of the forwards was poor.  After about fifteen minutes play Stanton scored for the homesters.  The visitors played up well but were unable to score.  The United scored again and when half time arrived were leading 2-0.  The second half was well contested both ends were visited in turn.  The visitors tried hard to reduce the homesters lead but met with a stubborn defence.  The United forwards went away with a rush and beat Urmston with a good shot.  Smith was next called upon to save and defended his citadel well and the end came with United leading by three goals to nil.

21/11/1908    It is not a frequent occurrence that a house is demolished in Cheslyn Hay, but it seems that the late Mr.W.Crutchley had a house near the Salem schools.  It spoiled the appearance of the entrance to the school, but it was an old house and vacant houses are scarce in the township.  Mr.Crutchley left it to the trustees of the Salem and it has been determined to remove it.  It has been demolished and it is stated that a new house for the caretakers will be erected on the site, but it will not be so wide in the frontage, thus the entrance to the new schools as they are termed will be added to in appearance.

21/11/1908    There are many who remember the public spirit which was displayed in providing public seats for the township soon after the passing of the 1804 local government act.  Several were provided by public subscription.  It seems that a more go-ahead feeling was observable then than it is now experienced.  One of these seats was placed at the end of Coppice Lane on the opposite side of the road to the entrance to Great Wyrley Cemetery.  Here it has been used for the resting place of many and especially the aged, but the younger generation utilise it so that it has been called a nuisance because of the noise created.  It will have to be removed in consequence of building operations, and some people will not be sorry, for some youths like, apparently, to cluster there, and their remarks are not always courteous to passers by.  The pity of it is that the youths do not better recognise the public spirit of those who paid for the provision of the seats, and seek to avoid
complaints being urged against these which have really been of use to the aged and feeble.

21/11/1908    On Tuesday morning a little girl named Rosie Hawkins met with a serious accident.  She was attempting to run across the road when a horse and van belonging to Mr.Perks, came into collision with her.  It was thought at first that the child was killed, but after being attended to by Dr.Syree she recovered consciousness and there is every reason to hope for recovery.

26/12/1908     Advance Cheslyn Hay
OPENING OF NEW FIRE STATION    A PRESENT TO THE PEOPLE
Probably there are few places so peculiarly situated as Cheslyn Hay is.  It is a small parish so far as area is concerned; thickly populated, and the public are of a go-ahead class.  There are some who remember the Cheslyn Hay of a former day; there are some probably who remember the time when the humble donkey played a prominent part; but the Cheslyn Hay of today is very different to the Cheslyn Hay of half, or even a quarter of a century ago.  It is not long since that the roads were badly made and a member of the council advocated public lighting as it would perhaps be the means of staying the “blasphemy” that was sometimes heard when people stumbled in the darkness.  Then it was that people were supplied with water from wells, and the water was probably surface water.  The wonder was that there were no epidemics.  Now there is a public water supply from a waterworks that belongs to the people, and light.  Said a speaker at a meeting a little over a decade ago “We want water and leet, but water is the burning question”.  There is both at Cheslyn Hay now, and good roads, the paths in some places are being covered with granite chippings, and there is a fire brigade, and thanks to Mr.T.A.Hawkins there is a fire station, the building and freehold of which belongs to the parish.  In Station Street at the end of Coppice Lane is a neat substantial structure in the front of which is a stone bearing the following inscription: -
This fire station was presented to the parish of Cheslyn Hay by
Thomas Hawkins Esq., J.P., Nov 1908.
Joseph Brooks, Builder. H.M.Whitehead, Architect.
It was only fitting that there should be a little ceremony at the opening of this building, and this took place on Saturday afternoon.  Moreover, as it was a fire station it was certainly fitting that the firemen should turn out, and, of course, the Cheslyn Hay Victoria Brass Band, the members of which are always ready to render assistance.
Besides local firemen, however, there was a posse of firemen from Brewood, Penkridge, Great Wyrley, and even Stafford sent a contingent.  Thus there was a brave show.  People looked on with interest as a posse from Brewood drove into the yard of the Red Lion, followed by that from Penkridge and Stafford.  Those from Great Wyrley were practically at home, and are as well known as those from Cheslyn Hay.  These, with the band and some members of the Parish Council assembled in the council schools at three o’clock.  It was not long before engineer Whitehead, who was in charge of the foremen called for a “fall in” and a procession was formed marching from the school down the township to the new Fire Engine House.  Here a halt was called and the firemen lined each side while there was a big concourse of people who watched the proceedings with no little interest.  The setting sun shone on the brass helmets of the firemen and the instruments of the band played a tune before the opening proceedings.
Mr.T.A.Hawkins stepped forward and said he had very great pleasure in handing over the buildings and land as a free gift to the people of Cheslyn Hay.  Perhaps they would think of the old saying “Long looked for, come at last”.  He had promised the building two years before and had not forgotten his promise.  He could not, however, find what he considered a suitable site until one day he was driving along the road, and as he passed that place he thought – why that is just the place.  He then took the necessary steps; consulted Mr.Whitehead, and the result was what they saw that day, and he therefore had great pleasure in handing over the key of the building to Mr.Walton the chairman of the Parish Council, as representing the public.  Mr.Hawkins then handed over the key amidst loud applause.  After this had subsided C.R.Walton chairman of the Parish Council, regretted that the health of Mr.Hawkins, of late had not been so good as they would liked to know that it was.  The fire station would be a useful and valuable addition to the parish, and it followed on other institutions that had been provided.  A gift like that to the parish that day was not lightly made, and it was not to be lightly accepted.  Since the formation of the brigade the firemen had had temporary habitation, but now they had a permanent home, and he proposed that the best thanks be tendered to Mr.Hawkins for his kindly consideration in handing such a useful gift over to the parish.
Councillor P.Carpenter had very great pleasure in cordially seconding the resolution.  He spoke as one of the first members of the fire brigade committee, and was very pleased to have the opportunity of expressing his thanks for probably there was not another parish which has such a handsome Christmas gift as Cheslyn Hay had (cheers)
The resolution on being put to the meeting was carried with very loud applause.  Mr.Hawkins acknowledged the vote of thanks which was carried in such a hearty manner.  It gave him as much pleasure to make the present as them to receive it.
Mrs.Hawkins then proceeded to unlock the doors, and as they were thrown open she in a kind manner stated that it was with great pleasure that she declared that Fire Station open for the use of the people of Cheslyn Hay.  As they had an engine it was necessary to have a house to place it in.  She was glad that Mr.Hawkins had been able to provide one for them.  It was a building that reflected great credit upon the architect, and builder and all who had been connected with it. (Loud cheers).
Sturdy arms were quickly at work and the engine decorated with a Union Jack in front, and with a suspicious looking parcel by the side of the shafts, was drawn just outside the station.  Engineer Whitehead then asked Mrs.Hawkins to dedicate it.  The public looked on with very great interest and in a pleasing manner Mrs.Hawkins said she named the engine Alethea, throwing a bottle of champagne at it which smashed.  She continued she felt sure they would find it as useful as expected.  She felt sure the brigade when called upon would be quite ready to do their duty.  Mrs.Hawkins thanked them for this honour they had done her in asking her to christen the engine, and for the kind expression of sympathy and the hearty reception she had received. (Loud cheers)  A pretty little girl dressed in white, Miss Elsie Dakin, aged 7, daughter of the captain of Cheslyn Hay Fire Brigade then stepped forward and asked Mrs.Hawkins to please accept a present from the firemen and friends. (Applause)
Although it was not publicly stated what the present was, it may be stated that it was a gold bracelet, which had been subscribed for by the firemen and friends and it may be depended upon that Mrs.Hawkins will highly cherish.
The manner the little girl made the presentation was heartily applauded.
It may be stated that Alethea is the name of Mrs.T.A.Hawkins, which is an old family name, and it is very suitable following as it does the names of that at Brewood, the Evelyn, after Mrs.Monkton, that at Penkridge, after Lady Hatherton, and now at Cheslyn Hay after Mrs.T.A.Hawkins.
The procession then reformed and proceeded up Station Street, the band playing and the firemen’s uniform and that of the band presenting a brave show.  At the Sunday school, Mr.Sydney Hawkins had provided a sumptuous tea of substantial character consisting of cold meat with dainty rolls of bread and sweets with tea and coffee.  The arrangements were complete and the schoolroom was nicely decorated.  Three long tables were laden with the good things and to this full justice was done by considerably over a hundred present.
At this there were present.  Mr.&Mrs.T.A.Hawkins, Mr.&Mrs.H.Hawkins, Mr.&Mrs.Arnold Hawkins, Mr.&Mrs.Fred Hawkins, Mr.&Mrs.I.S.Sparrow, Mrs.Lowe, Mr.&Mrs.C.R.Walton, Mrs.Baggally, Dr.Hosegood, Miss Rose Hawkins, Mr.H.Davenport, Mr.L.K.Fairley, Miss A.Jukes, Councillors E. Smith, W. Rogers, S.H.Harvey, G.Pearson, and others, Engineer Whitehead, Captains Dakin, W.A.Helem, Jukes, Wynne, and Firemen.
At the conclusion of the repast Mr. I.S. Sparrow proposed a vote of thanks to their kind host and hostess.  He had pleasure in attending and witnessing the graceful act on the part of Mrs.Hawkins and the generous gift by Mr.T.A.Hawkins, and he was sure the vote would be approved.
Dr.Hosegood seconded.  That day had been a red letter day in the history of Cheslyn Hay which was one of the most progressive parishes in Staffordshire.  He had great pleasure in seconding the vote of thanks. (applause)  The resolution was put to the meeting and carried with applause, while a dog which had strayed into the school appeared to emphasize the vote by barking lustily.

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