Continuing the story of Elliot Woolford, farmer at Hook Farm from 1899-1941. On Friday December 31, 1915, as the impact of the deprivations of the First World War tighten, Elliot writes about the Childrens’ Christmas Tree – a big event on the local Christmas calendar held at the school in Hook, usually a few days after Christmas. A particularly welcome event, especially in 1915.
Friday December 31, 1915.
I went to Swindon and sold butter 12/- 12 0
Bt Groceries 2/6 Meat 2/3 papers 1/- Cigarettes,
Soap & Diary 3/3 9 0
Dog Biscuits 2/8 Sauceges 7d Sundries 2/6 5 9
Paid Carter 17/- William 14/6 Walter 14/6 Frank 8/-
Clarence 5/6 2 19 6
3 14 3
Carter, William, & Walter, attending to Cows
Frank not at work
Clarence took the milk first time instead of Frank
Amy, & Dora Ody, & Babe, went up to the school tea. Amy was the sole means of they having a tea. She had no difficulty in Begging the money. Miss Dora & Dolly Ody Mrs Newth Mrs & Miss Hale Miss Habgood Mrs Webb Mrs Painter & Mrs W. Ody took their Children & assisted. About a 100 children attended. It was quite a success. Mr Leighton School master & his wife worked hard preparing the school etc.
Weather rough wind & stormy
God save the King
Read more about the Elliot Woolford diaries on the Friends of Lydiard Park website.
This old image of Hook Farm taken 1940-1960 is published courtesy of the Friends of Lydiard Park.
Radnor Street Cemetery 