News from the Past Researched by Mike Belcher

26/12/1908     New Fire Station Opened at Cheslyn Hay
The Gift of Mr.T.A.Hawkins.
Considerable interest was aroused at Cheslyn Hay on Saturday afternoon when the opening of the new fire station which has been erected in Station Street, and the “christening” of the engine took place.  Both the “house” and the site upon which it stands form gifts to the village by Mr.Thos.A.Hawkins J.P., of Glenthorne, “Chairman of Cannock Rural District Council”. The manual engine, which was purchased some two years ago by the Parish Council at a cost of about £60, had previously been stored in a building kindly lent by Mr.Hawkins.  The new station, in addition to providing accommodation for the engine, also contains a large room for the use of the men.
The Opening Ceremony – The Victoria Brass Band, under the conductorship of Mr.Thos. Holdcroft, with the members of Cheslyn Hay and other local fire brigades, were in attendance.  The firemen in their uniform lined up each side of the entrance gates to the station, and, despite the drizzling rain, there was a large attendance of the local public, including most members of the Parish Council.  Several of the local police were also present, and the gathering presented an animating appearance as Mr.Hawkins stepped forward to formally hand over the new station to the Parish Council.  Mr.Hawkins, who was received with much acclamation, said how pleased he always was to do anything for the good of Cheslyn Hay and district.  He believed that it was about two years ago that he made a promise to Mr.Walton that he would present the fire brigade with a station for their engine, so that it might be said the long looked for gift, had come at last.  The choosing of a suitable site for the edifice had caused some difficulty, but in driving by one day he noticed which had now been utilised for the purpose, and he immediately came to the conclusion that he had at length found the proper place for the station.
He then saw Mr.Whitehead, and instructed him to prepare a plan, and he was successful in agreeing with Mr.Brookes, of Penkridge, as to the price for building the station the first time they met.  His instructions to the contractor were to do the work as quickly as possible, and make as good a job of it as he could (applause).
Mr.C.R.Walton, in accepting the gift of Mr.Hawkins on behalf of the Parish Council, said how sorry they all were that the health of Mr.Hawkins had not been entirely satisfactory of late, but he trusted that he would be spared to live a long life with much happiness and prosperity.  He would like to take that opportunity to refer to the valuable help Mr.Hawkins frequently rendered the public of Cheslyn Hay.  He was sure that both the council and residents deeply appreciated the motive, which prompted Mr. Hawkins to make them the gift of the very substantially-built station, which they now possessed (applause).  He knew the parish council would endeavour to keep the building in an efficient state of repair.  He also desired to thank Mr.Hawkins for the use of the building which had served as a temporary “home” for the engine.
In conclusion, he trusted that the firemen, whose duty often involved a certain amount of risk and danger, would always after a fire be able to return home safe and sound (applause).
Mr.H.M.Whitehead (engineer to the Cannock Rural District Council) proposed that the heartiest, sincerest, and best thanks of those present be accorded to Mr.Hawkins for his exceedingly valuable gift to Cheslyn Hay.
Mr.Percy Carpenter in seconding referred to the fact that he formed one of the small committee first appointed to consider the advisability of purchasing a fire engine for the village.  No one was more delighted than himself that their efforts had been so ably seconded by Mr.Hawkins, without whose aid they could not possibly have attained the success which had now been achieved.  Mr.Carpenter also paid tribute to the public work done for the good of Cheslyn Hay by Mr.Hawkins and his family.  The speaker doubted whether any village of similar size in the county possessed such a fine station as the one just presented to them by Mr.Hawkins (applause).
Mr Hawkins, in replying said that the gift of the building afforded no one more pleasure than himself to give it (applause).
Mrs.T.A.Hawkins, who was cordially received, then proceeded to unlock the door of the new station, and delivered the following address.  It is with great pleasure that I declare this fire station open for the use of the people of Cheslyn Hay.  Having the engine it is necessary to have a house to put it in.  I am glad Mr.Hawkins has been able to provide one for you.  It reflects great credit on the architect, the builder, and all who have been connected with it.  I name this fire engine “Alethea” and feel sure you will find it as useful as you expect, and the brigade when called upon will be quite ready and willing to do their duty.  I thank you for the honour you have done me today: also for the kind reception you have given us (applause).  Mrs.Hawkins, having carried out the “christening” ceremony in a graceful manner by bursting a bottle of champagne over the engine, Mr. Whitehead called for three cheers for Mr.&Mrs.Hawkins.
After the call had received a most enthusiastic response, the company joined heartily in singing “For He’s A Jolly Good Fellow”.
At a suitable interval little Miss Dakin in a nice and becoming manner asked Mrs.Hawkins to accept a gift of a gold bracelet set with amethysts from the residents of Cheslyn Hay as a slight memento of her kindness in opening the new fire station that day.
The Reception. – At the close of the opening ceremony, a procession was formed, and, headed by the band, the party, which included the firemen, council, and others, marched, to Salem Church meeting room, where all were entertained to a knife and fork tea, the catering for which was carried out in a highly satisfactory manner by Mr.&Mrs.Sydney Hawkins, who had the assistance of a large band of waitresses.  The party numbered upwards of 100, and amongst those present were noticed, in addition to the host and hostess (Mr.&Mrs.T.A.Hawkins), Mr.&Mrs.Harry Hawkins, Mr.&Mrs.A.E.Hawkins, Mr.&Mrs.F.W.Hawkins, Mr.Osmond Hawkins, Mr.Clarence Hawkins, Mrs.Low, Mrs.Baggaley, Miss Rosa Hawkins, Rev.F.H.Robinson, Dr.Hosegood, Mr.&Mrs.I.S.Sparrow (Oxley), Mr.H.Davenport (Cannock), Mr.L.K.Fairley (Bridgtown), Mr.J.Rowley, Mr.Gripton, Mr.C.R.Walton (chairman),
with Messrs.P.Carpenter, T.Pearson, J.Kingston, J.Shorter, I.Smith, W.Rogers and Mr.S.Henry Harvey (members of Cheslyn Hay Parish Council), Mr.E.Smith (vice chairman), Mr.W.J.Simkin (clerk), and Mr.W.Kingston (members of Great Wyrley Parish Council).  With the various brigades present, the following officers were in charge: – Penkridge, Chief Officer H.M.Whitehead and Captain Jukes: Cheslyn Hay, Captain Dakin and Leiut. Pendlebury.  Great Wyrley, Captain Wynne and Leiut. Wooton.  Corporal Thorpe and Fireman Johnson represented Stafford.
At the close of this portion of the proceedings, Mr.I.S.Sparrow (the member for Shareshill on Cannock Rural District Council) rose to propose a vote of thanks to Mr.&Mrs.Hawkins for their hospitality.  Although he had not known either long, as one of their guests he was much impressed by their kindness.  The people of Cheslyn Hay knew Mr.&Mrs.Hawkins much better than he did, and were therefore truly grateful to them for their many munificent acts.
Speaking, however, for everybody there, he was pleased to voice the thanks of all to Mr.Hawkins for his excellent gift that afternoon for the village, and also to Mrs.Hawkins for the graceful assistance she had rendered her husband in the matter.
Dr.Hosegood expressed the pleasure it gave him to second the vote.  As medical officer of health for the district, he must say that the providing of a fire engine helped to decrease the peril to life in the township.  To his mind, Cheslyn Hay set a noble example to other places in Staffordshire by the example it made to the good and welfare of its inhabitants.  The gift of such a handsome fire station was a deed they were all truly thankful for, and the function that had been performed that afternoon would count as a red – letter day in the history of the parish.  He wished to thank Mr.Hawkins for the loyal spirit which he had always shown, and more particularly for his latest gift to the township.  He also desired to acknowledge the generosity of both Mr.Hawkins and hi wife in so kindly entertaining them to tea (applause).
Mr.Sparrow having put the motion to the meeting, it was carried amongst a scene of enthusiasm, and cheers were given for the host and hostess and family.
Mr.Hawkins said he could scarcely find words to express his feelings on the hearty manner in which one and all had shown their appreciation of his desire to help the people of Cheslyn Hay.  As the parish grew, the responsibilities also increased, and his sincere wish was that Cheslyn Hay should always be to the forefront in the matter of providing conveniences for the public.  Everyone appeared to desire that the village should be up-to-date, and he shared in this view.  The Parish Council did all that lay in its power, and he was always willing to help all he could.  He new Englishmen were noted for bravery, and he knew their firemen would always gallantly respond to the call of duty.  He agreed with Dr.Hosegood that they could sleep sounder in their beds now that they had an efficient brigade to call upon in the case of an outbreak of fire at night (laughter).  In conclusion, he desired to thank all for their attendance, and especially members of those brigades who were present from other districts.
26/12/1908     From the Editorial Column
Since the passing of the local government act 1894, the parish of Cheslyn Hay has made remarkable progress, and it possesses public conveniences which are equalled probably by no other township of similar size within the county.  Among the various benefits secured has been a good supply of wholesome water provided by the parishes own water works.  From a health point of view, the only advantage of importance now to be obtained is with is improved means of dealing with the local sewage.  Several plans have been prepared, but owing to various difficulties nothing has yet resulted.  However, it is confidently expected that early in the New Year the amended scheme recently prepared by Mr.H.M.Whitehead will be put into effect, and the work commenced.  It is  a great help to the village that they have a hospital near at hand for the isolation of infectious cases, while public lighting of the streets adds to the comfort of the residents.  The purchase of a manual engine, and the equipment of a local brigade has safeguarded the interests of the residents to a considerable extent in case of an outbreak of fire.
While the ratepayers themselves have either paid, or have yet to pay, for the benefits secured, they must feel indebted to the Parish Council for the economical methods which have been adopted in carrying out the various improvements for the public good.  The villagers are also fortunate in having in their midst such a kind hearted and generous gentleman as Mr.Thos.A.Hawkins, J.P., the respected chairman of the Cannock Rural District Council, who has never wavered in his desire to help the township in any way possible.  His gift of the substantially built fire station, which was formally opened last week, should be greatly valued, not so much for its worth, as the spirit which prompted the donor.  It is well known that the name of the Hawkins family has always been closely associated in all matters appertaining to the welfare of the parish of Cheslyn Hay in the past, and it is only two years ago since Mr.Harry Hawkins handed over a recreation ground for the free use of the residents of the village.

No Comments »