Village Life
Life was not all hard work for the Edlesborough villagers. There were Sunday school treats, the harvest band played on the lawn at the old vicarage, which was the scene of many other fetes, garden parties etc. It was renowned for its wonderful rose garden and was managed by a staff of about 10 during the 18th century.
May Day festivities were celebrated on the green, including may-pole dancing and the Green Man.
There were bell ringers’ suppers and Sunday School Christmas parties..
Children were christened in the font of Edlesborough Church
This photograph of the interior of Edlesborough Church shows the Font, Pulpit with Canopy, Chancel Screen and Altar.
Source: CY Photo album
The Edlesborough War Memorial
After the end of the 1914-18 war a Committee was formed under the Chairman the Rev. William Peryy M.A. to raise funds to erect a Memorial to those who had lost their lives durine the war. This was achieved, and on an autumn Sunday afternoon in 1920 a large crowd came to witness Lord Brownlow unveil their Memorial for those who had been killed during the war. The service was conducted by the Rev. Willaim Perry M.A.
This was the last public engagement performed by Lord Brownlow, he died on the 17th March 1921.
A memorial service was held each November from then on (now it occurs on alternate years with Eaton Bray Church).
Source: CY Photo album
Charity Bread Distribution
Some of the Folk of Edlesborough collecting their Charity Easter Bread - this in 1913.
Kate Meakins, Mrs George Tibbett, Mrs Arthur Cook, Mrs Tom Smith, Mr John Smith.
Frank Meakins, Percy Simmons, Sarah L. Cutler, Mary Smith, X, Bernard Tompkins, Alfred Southam.
There were 3 gifts of Charity Bread during each year.
The Christmas one was the Gingers Charity - this was for older people and church going people. The Good Friday one was the Randalls Charity - for housefholders and children under 10 years. This came from an investment of £100 at 2.5% = £2.10s , or 600 pennies - so with bread at 2d per loaf there was plenty to give away. The New Year one was for the Farm workers families and was called the Channells Charity.
All Charity bread was distributed in the Council School by the Chairman and Members of the Parish Council.
M. P. 1913.
Source: CY Photo album
A wagon and four white horses from Mr W Meads from Tring Roller Mills, which often came to Edlesborough.
G.C. 1890
Source: CY Photo album
Celebrations
These 2 photos may have been taken during the coronation of King George VI in 1937 outside the Rule and Square.
On the left Messrs J Payne, Len Smith and the landlord Fred Nash.
On the right E. Ruffel, Sid Simmons, L. Smith, Jess Gray, P. Simmons, A. Tearle, J. Simmons and Lol. Simmons.
Source: CY Photo album
Annual Church Fete
Mr and Mrs F Weedon with the iced cake of Edlesborough Church, the raffle of it made about £10 for the Church Fete. It was won by Mr Peppiatt. (year unknown)
Source: CY Photo album
The Edlesborough church choir going on an outing to Windsor in 1922.
The Charabanc was on hire from M.W. Blake of Dunstable.
It has not been possible to identify all those in the photograph.
Those that are known are Dolly Meakins, Aubrey Meakins, Thomas Smith, George Smith, Claude Smith, John Tibbett, Nellie Tibbett, Mary Tibbett, Clara Tibbett, Mrs Albert Gray, Mrs Rollings and Mr John Jaggard, Fred Sear, Jessie Sear, John Pratt, Donald Jarvis, Albert Smallbones, Reg Birch.
F.S.
Sources: Dawn Clarke and CY Photo album
Vehicles needed fuel.....
Pinetrees Garage
Source: Unknown
A more common form of transport in the 1920s and 30s....
1936 – outside the Tythe Barn.
Jack Lunnon in centre.
Source: Dawn Clarke
1938 - Edlesborough Green, Brook Street far left
Source: Dawn Clarke
1959 – Luton played in the Cup Final.
George Smith, Eric Mead, Percy Simmons, Jack Lunnon.
Source: Dawn Clarke
1993, outside Janes Shoe Shop.
Mick Fountain, Jack Sear, Jack Lunnon.
Source: Dawn Clarke
Celebrating a Long Life
Mrs Sarah Pearson of Edlesborough on her 100 birthday. She was born in 1846 and died in 1947 having a life span of 100 years and 6 months. She was regarded as the Grandma of the Pearson family, having had 6 children and 7 grandchildren. The cake was made by Mr. Howlett of Eaton Bray.
N.D
Source: CY Photo album
Photos of the Ford
Source: CY Photo Album
Edlesborough Football Team, 1930
Source: Dawn Clarke
Edlesborough Cricket Team, about 1955
Back Row - Jack Lunnon, Bob Morton, Chum Bates, Unknown, Unknown, Maunders, Unknown
Front Row - Bill Bodsworth (Binkle), Unknown, Unknown, Percy Simmons, Unknown, John Lyons
Rugby Portland Cement Cricket Team, circa 1969