OLD WHITTINGTON ONE PLACE STUDY BLOG: 2018

Monday, 31 December 2018

HARRY HIGGINBOTTOM

I have just completed my research into the life of Harry Higginbottom and it can be read at https://oldwhittingtonops.com/higginbottom-hy/

If any desendants of Harrys family have any information they would like to add then please get in touch.

Wednesday, 21 November 2018

JOHN ATKINSON

I have posted John Atkinsons story on the webpage. I was contacted by Johns great grandson and he kindly offered me the family research into his great grandfathers life.

On this occasion I have just had to add

the documents and pictures. I would like to thank John for his help and the research can be read at

https://oldwhittingtonops.com/atkinson-john/

Sunday, 11 November 2018

REGINALD DRAYCOTT

TODAY WE REMEMBER

Today as we remember all of the casualties of WW1, we remember an Old Whittington man who died on 11th November 1915, Reginald Draycott who was 20 years old when he was killed and is buried at Rue-des-Berceaux Military Cemetery.

Reginalds story can be read here https://oldwhittingtonops.com/draycott-reginald/

11th November 1918

As we remember all of the Old Whittington men here are some of the pictures

Friday, 9 November 2018

EDWIN HEWKIN

I have just finished my research on the life of Edwin Hewkin who lived for a time on Sheffield Road Brushes/Sheepbridge area. He was listed as missing on 3rd May 1917, he was 25 years old.

Edwin is commemorated on the Arras Memorial and remembered on the Old Whittington and Brushes War memorials.

Edwins story can be read here https://oldwhittingtonops.com/hewkin-edwin/

Friday, 2 November 2018

W H BESWICK

I am currently researching W H Beswick who lived at Church Street Old Whittington, and came across this photograph in the Derbyshire Times 28th October 1916.

William died on 15th September 1916 aged 29 years. If there are any descendants of the Beswick family who would like to contribute to Williams story then please get in touch either through this page or via the website contact page https://oldwhittingtonops.com/contact/

Thursday, 1 November 2018

WE REMEMBER IN NOVEMBER

WE REMEMBER IN NOVEMBER

In this month of the centennial of the Armistice we remember the following men from Old Whittington and the Brushes who died in November between 1914-1918.

Charles Leggitt        5th November 1917

Bernard Dyson        6th November 1918

Reginald Draycott   11th November 1915

Matthew Clayton     22nd November 1915

Walter Butt              30th November 1917

I have already researched Matthew's,Bernard's and Reginald's stories and they can be read at https://oldwhittingtonops.com/

IN FLANDERS FIELD

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

by John McCrae, May 1915

(November 30th 1872 - January 28th 1918)

Tuesday, 30 October 2018

JOHN SANDERSON

I called at Old Whittington library this afternoon to check on the WW1 display.

There have been a few visitors who have left encouraging comments. Its nice to know that the display is creating some interest.

A lady called Veronica Sanderson Element contacted me to ask if she could add her grandfather (John Sanderson)to the display. Although he survived the war he never recovered from his experiences and Veronica has written a lovely tribute to him.

I have attached a copy of this for you to read in case you have no opportunity to visit the display.

Monday, 29 October 2018

GEORGE STRAW

I have just completed my research into the life of George Straw who died on 18th September 1918 and his story can be read at https://oldwhittingtonops.com/straw-george/

PHOTOS

A couple more photos from the Derbyshire Courier

Pte Harry Higginbottom Killed in Action 26th September 1918 and L/Cpl Frederick Walker Killed in Action 18th September 1918.

I haven't researched either men yet and if any family of the two men have any stories or information they would like me to include then please contact me.

Thursday, 25 October 2018

PHOTOS

I found some more photographs yesterday, from the Derbyshire Times, of men on the War Memorial. it certainly brings the names on the memorial to life when you see the faces of the men.

Horace Aaron, Herbert Pollindine, Alexander Carlile and Edwin Hewkin. Some of the pictures aren't very clear but they are now 100 years old.

All of the pictures I have found so far can be seen at https://oldwhittingtonops.com/photos-of-the-men/

Tuesday, 23 October 2018

THE BRUSHES WAR MEMORIAL

The Brushes War Memorial

I have just got back from checking on progress on the clean up of the War Memorial.

The Council have certainly done as promised, the difference is amazing and I hope everyone agrees that Chesterfield Borough Council and Sheepbridge Business Centre deserve a huge thank you for restoring this memorial.