1935 1965 History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Fordhouses Wolverhampton
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History of St. Anthony of Padua
Catholic Parish,
Fordhouses
Wolverhampton
1935 - 1965
Acknowledgements In a document of this type it would not be possible without the help of others, those who provided information, those who provided photographs, those who provided newspaper cuttings, those who provided copies of Mass books and those who provided stories and anecdotes they remember from the past. For all of those people we give our sincere and grateful thanks. Much of the current material was provided by Christine Turner, Gwen Kelly, Elizabeth Love, Trevor Stockton and Patrick Finnerty, Obituaries of past Priests was provided by Birmingham Archdiocesan Archives, to all these a special vote of thanks is made. In 1973 Fr. Kelly instigated the collection of historical facts relating to the History of the Parish. Most of the information was provided by Tom Martin and Florence Fincher, we thank them and others for their contribution. It is not known if this information was never made into any firm record. The information collected has now become available together with Parish Newsletters, Parish magazines, documents, photographs and letters. These have been included this publication. Taken from articles in the St. Anthony’s News magazine written by Mr. T. M. Martin Taken from notes written by Mrs. Fincher 16th October 1975 Taken from notes written by Fr Vincent Lucas The section “The Early Church in Wolverhampton” was compiled by the authors of “A Brief History of the parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour” from various souses of public domain information on the Internet. It is reproduced here with their kind permission. Please note that if any article has had to be re-typed because of its poor reproduction quality spellings, grammar, punctuations or layout has not been corrected. Articles remain in their original published form. First edition: October 2018 Revised: - April 2019, June 2019, June 2020, December 2020, February 2021 and June 2021 Compiled and Edited by: Anthony Clemson Please Note: It is inevitable that in any document of this type there may be inadvertent errors or inaccuracies, if so, every effort will be made to amend them in any new edition. We should look on this type of publication as a living document and are always grateful for corrected information or new information, such as photographs, newspaper cuttings, certificates etc. It is quite possible that there are aspects of parish and school life that may have been missed or not done justice to; if you can help us to add to the knowledge and history we would be pleased to have any new material to add to future editions of the book and our parish archive. Thank you History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 2 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965)
The Early Church in Wolverhampton
The first religious house was established in Wolverhampton
in 994 by Lady Wulfruna, a rich noblewoman. She wanted
the priests to pray for her soul and that of her husband,
daughter and a kinsman.
The oldest part of St. Peter's Collegiate Church
still existing is the tower which was built in the
thirteenth century. Over the years, until the
Reformation, the Church served the Catholic
people of the area; they supported, extended, and enlarged it.
The Reformation and the Recusants
In the Tudor period, King Henry VIII fell out with Pope Clement VI over his wish for an
annulment of his marriage to his first wife, Catherine of Aragon - as a result he severed this
country's links with the Roman Catholic Church. About 1536, he began to dissolve all the
monasteries and take their riches for his own use; this included the church of St. Peter,
Wolverhampton. For the next 200 years the lives of Catholics in the town were very unstable;
their religion being banned under some of the monarchs, then briefly re-instated when the
Catholic Queen Mary ruled. From 1571, because of the political situation, (Catholics were
accused of trying to overthrow Elizabeth I) it became an offence to be a Catholic and to
practise the Faith, anyone doing so could be fined and their lands seized. Harbouring priests
was illegal and the priests and lay people could be imprisoned and sometimes executed for
taking part in the Mass. Those Catholics who refused to give up their Faith were known as
recusants. The local Protestant clergy were required periodically to supply lists of the
recusants so they could be fined.
Recusants and the Church in Bushbury
The parish of Bushbury had three well-known recusant families: the Giffards of Chillington
Hall, the Underhills at Northycote Farm and the Whitgreaves of Moseley Old Hall.
Chillington Hall Northycote Farm Moseley Old Hall
History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 3
Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965)
There were also a number of less well-known recusants in the Bushbury and Wednesfield
areas; they all, gentry and workers, feature on the records of fines levied for being Catholic.
The Catholic Giffards, Underhills and Whitgreaves are now commemorated in street names
and schools in this area.
Moseley Old Hall (home of the Whitgreaves
until the late 1800's) was built about 1600 with
various priest’s holes and a secret chapel
because hearing Mass was a crime at that time.
The family remained staunchly Catholic over
the years despite the heavy fines they paid.
During the 1700's two of the sons became
Jesuit priests and returned to serve at Moseley.
It also featured in the escape of Charles II after
the Battle of Worcester.
Eventually, with the Catholic Relief Act 1829, the
punitive religious laws started to be relaxed and
eventually the chapel at Moseley could be used
openly. Later, the Whitgreaves moved to nearby
Moseley Court where a private Chapel was built
and used until it was demolished in 1922.
Moseley Court, early in the 20th century
These were the only places where Mass could be celebrated in the area until the churches of St’s.
James and Francis (1923), and Our Lady of Perpetual Succour 1934 and St. Anthony’s 1936 were
built, unless Catholics travelled into Wolverhampton to worship.
History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 4
Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965)
History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish,
Fordhouses
Wolverhampton
1935 - 1965
The Early Years
Early days in the parish.
In the period between the wars new housing estates around Wolverhampton were completed
and the churches of Ss. Mary & John, Ss. Peter & Paul and St. Patrick’s which served the
Catholics of the town conveniently for so long, were now at a considerable distance from the
new centres of population.
It was in these circumstances that Father O'Connor, parish priest of St. Patrick's, began a
Mass Centre for the Catholics of Oxley and Fordhouses. Through the generosity of Mr. F.
Clarke, licensee of the Three Tuns Hotel, Oxley. Mass was said in the Assembly Room of the
Hotel. An article in the Express and Star of the 7th January 1939 states that an average of 200
people attended Mass at this Centre and on occasions so great was the number that the
billiard room was also brought into use. This venture begun by Fr. O'Connor was made more
permanent when Fr. M.A. Gordon was appointed parish priest in 1938 and took up residence
in the parish house in McLean Road.
Here in McLean Road a Chapel was opened. Services were held on Sunday evening and on
weekdays, attended by a congregation of about 30-40. Sunday Mass was still said in the
Three Tuns Hotel.
The Finchers came to live in this parish in 1934. The nearest Catholic Church was SS. Peter
& Paul. On Sunday mornings buses only ran as far as Goodyears. The first bus was at
9.15am. and then only every hour until 2pm.
1936-37. Goodyears enlarged their Works so that, as a
result, many unemployed people came from the north
and so, many Catholics. Through the efforts of
Councilor Glynn a large room at The Three Tuns Hotel
was loaned and Fr. Donal O'Connor came and said
Mass for us. The room was so crowded that the men
were asked to stand in the Billiard Room through the
doorway of which the altar could be seen.
Fr. Gordon took measures at once to provide for Church. The immediate plan was to build a
Church Hall where Services would be held and which would also be used for social occasions.
Even at this time the Parish was not without important resources. Already, in September 1937
the Diocese had completed the purchase of 7 acres of land at Fordhouses situated off the main
road leading from Wolverhampton to Stafford for the sum of £1,050. Also, half acre of land
near the above was given to the Diocese by the late Alderman J. Cahill.as a site for the future
History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 5
Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965)
Church. He made it clear later, that if the land were not used for this purpose, the Church
Authorities should use it as they thought best.
Ground by now had been obtained through the hard work of Fr. Woulf and Alderman Cahill
and we had a resident priest in McLean road
Fr Gordon who rented two houses one for himself & the other for his housekeeper and
handyman who attended his well-being. It had one very large room instead of two smaller ones.
In the latter we had the use of the large room once a week for our money making efforts.
The beginning of social life in the parish is recalled by Mrs. Fincher, one of the first
parishioners. Here the first social activities took place. “A number of parishioners met here
for a weekly social evening. We were always sure of 20 or 30 people. A small prize for a
raffle and light refreshments were always forth-coming. Fr Gordon bought about six whist
tables to start us off and any over-flow just chatted cheerfully in the kitchen, while preparing
the cup of tea, we decided to give 1 shilling each and of course no limit was placed on the
number of raffle tickets you could buy.
We all enjoyed these happy gatherings which continued until the church hall was finished. At
the close of each evening all the proceeds were handed to Fr. Gordon who was very grateful
for our small but well-meant efforts”.
Fr. Gordon said Mass daily and gave Benediction each Sunday afternoon in McLean Road.
The Union of Catholic Mothers was the 1st society to be formed and soon afterwards the St
Vincent de Paul. We joined forces in raising money. The C.M.S joined later.
The Union of Catholic Mothers and St Vincent De Paul Brothers worked like Trojans, the
C.M.S. as well. I was, and always will be very proud of the way my mothers worked. A
register of attendance was kept and I know was still in existence when Fr Lucas was Parish
Priest.
The first U.C.M’s efforts provided the first Chalice and the Benediction Candelabra
The small Sanctuary lamp, a very large brass Crucifix and 4 of the Brass vases were given by
individual mothers. The very smallest vases are a relic of The Three Tuns Mass days.
These seem to have got lost.
The Tabernacle was given by Mr. Gibbons who owned the brass works and belonged to Ss’
Mary & John parish and the larger statue of our lady by old Mrs. Bosi.
Fr. Gordon took measures to provide for a new Church. The immediate plan was to build a
Church Hall where services would be held and which would also be used for social
occasions.
On 18th September 1937, a letter from Arthur Gateley to Fr. Woulfe, concerning the purchase by
the diocese of some 7 acres of land on the main road leading from Wolverhampton to Stafford
for the sum of 1050 pounds.
On 21st September 1937 a letter from Gateley to Fr.Woulfe stating that
Mr.Cahill has transferred his ½ acre gift to the parish. The 7 acres of
land was bought from Moreton, whoever he may be!
Fr. Maurice Woulfe
History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 6
Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965)
A letter from the Church Hall Architects, Stewart McLoughlan, F.R.I.B.A., Royal Liver
Building. Liverpool. to Fr.M.A.Gordon was received requesting payment of 68 pounds (two-
thirds of 6% on 1700 pounds.)
On 22nd June 1939 Fr.Gordon paid 350 pounds on account to Builders John McLean, Coven,
Wolverhampton.
“During May, 1939, the men of the Parish were asked to help prepare the Diocesan
Eucharistic Congress, to be held at St. Chad's College. This they did in the evenings of the
week before the event.
The occasion was an outstanding success. Pontifical High Mass was celebrated in the
morning. Later, Holy Hour was held and a Procession of the Blessed Sacrament was held in
the evening.
The ‘Catholic Times' summed up the event with the words "All roads lead to St. Chad's".
Flanked by wide screens and banked by flowers, the sanctuary made a most impressive
picture. From crowds of 6,000 for Pontifical Mass in the morning they grew to nearly 20,000
in the evening for the mighty Procession of the Blessed Sacrament -a telling demonstration of
faith as the war clouds gathered ominously on the horizon.”
On 5th July 1939, a hut purchased for Scouts at a cost of 24 pounds
Fr.Woulfe paid 42 pounds and 16 shillings to Church Hall Architects, Stewart McLoughlan,
which completed the fees, namely 6% on a sum of 1847 pounds 10 shillings and 4 pence, 68
pounds had been paid previously.
When the land was purchased by the Archdiocese of Birmingham for St. Anthony’s church,
provision was made for the eventual building of a school.
A Proposed layout of the site was draw-up by the
Church Hall Architects. Appendix 43
A Church Hall was built and rented accommodation
provided for the Priest. It became necessary to buy the
present house, 595 Stafford Road, for the Priest until a
new permanent Presbytery could be built to provide
more accommodation for at least another Priest with
suitable rooms for dealing with essential work of the
Parish.
595 Stafford Road as it looks today (2018)
In 1939 the church hall was ready and Bishop Griffin blessed the hall and
the 1st Mass was offered by him. A parish council was soon formed and
we met in the server’s sacristy once a month.
These meetings were few as war was declared in September 1939 and the
hall was sandbagged and the windows blacked out and most of our young
enlisted. We did manage 3 dances a week.
History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 7
Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965)
Extract from “The History of the Archdiocese of Birmingham” History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 8 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965)
On 28th September 1939 marked the official Opening.
On 24th September 1940, Fr.Woulfe paid 197 pounds 18 shillings and 4 pence to Builders John
McLean, Coven, Wolverhampton.
Our Primary School became a reality and we had to find £10,000 in addition to our Annual.
Levy towards the cost.
St Anthony, Fordhouses. Parish Boundary
Starting in the north at the junction of the Stafford Road (A 449) with the Road from Shawhall
Farm and Old Mill Farm, adjoining the Bridge over the Worcester Canal:
1. South along the STAFFORD ROAD to Brinsford Lane;
2. East along BRINSFORD LANE to Paradise Lane (both sides);
3. South along PARADISE LANE and its continuation NORTHYCOTE LANE to Legs Lane;
4. South-east along LEGS LANE to Bushbury Lane;
5. South-west along BUSHBURY LANE to the Railway Line (neither side): 6. South along the
RAILWAY LINE and following the WILLENHALL BRANCH LINE to Showell Lane;
7. West along SHOWELL LANE to Stafford Road (both sides);
8. South along STAFFORD ROAD to the Birmingham Canal (both sides); 9. North-west along the
BIRMINGHAM CANAL to the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal north of Dunstall Park;
10. North along the STAFFORDSHIRE AND WORCESTERSHIRE CANAL to the Shropshire
Union Canal at Autherley Junction;
11. West and then north along the SHROPSHIRE UNION CANAL to the Road to Pendeford
Hall at Upper Hattons Bridge about a mile beyond Wobaston Road;
12. South-east along PENDEFORD HALL LANE skirting the grounds of the Hall to the Road to
Old Mill Farm and the Stafford Road (both sides);
13. North-east along the ROAD TO OLD MILL FARM, SHAWHALL FARM and the
STAFFORD ROAD to its end on the Stafford Road near the Bridge over the Worcester Canal
(both sides).
For actual map see Appendix 44
Fr. Thomas O’Doherty succeeded Fr. M Gordon in 1940 and served till 1946.
History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 9
Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965)
In December 1940 the first wedding took place in St Anthony’s Church with Fr. O’Doherty
being the celebrant.
In 1943, strengthening of the roof of the church hall was undertaken by Sandy & Norris,
Architects.
Fr. Cyril Duck succeeded Fr. O’Doherty in 1946 and served till 1950.
21st April 1947 the S.V.P. (Society of Saint
Vincent de Paul) was formed and aggregated
to the Society. Appendix 45
In August 1948 an order was placed for 120 chairs,
polished light oak colour at a cost of 1 pound and
3 pence each and 60 folding chairs at a cost of
1 pound and 7pence each.
In 1949 strengthening of the piers to support roof was undertaken.
Fordhouses became an independent parish in 1938. The first Priest, (who built the church)
was name, Fr. Gordon. He had belonged to a Missionary Society, and I think he went to
Coventry after leaving Fordhouses.
The land was bought at the urgent request of Archbishop Williams, who felt that the area was
going to develop and-would-need a church.
By Fr. Maurice Woulfe of Old Falling, through Mr. Cahill, who was a builder, he was able to
negotiate the purchase. The area of the land is eight acres, and I understand it was bought for
£1000.
Fr. Vincent Lucas succeeded Fr. O’Doherty in 1950 and
served till 1958.
After development of both the Bushbury and Fordhouses
housing estates in 1952/1953 there was a need for places for
Catholic children’s education. After talks with the Education
Department and Fr. Lucas, coaches were made available to
transport children to Holy Rosary School, Hickman Avenue.
One coach was for Bushbury children, the other for
Fordhouses children.
History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 10
Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965)In 1958 money raising ventures were very popular which included dances and whist drives, these were held regularly. St. Anthony's Church is a new one, compared with the ones at Snow Hill and North Street. It was in 1938, that the Archbishop thought that there would soon be so many Catholics in Fordhouses, they would need their, own church, so he asked Fr. Woulfe to see about it. The result was, that eight acres of land was bought and-.a church built. The first Parish Priest was named Father Gordon, and he belonged to the Missionary Society. On Wednesday 22nd August 1951, the Legion of Mary held their first meeting in the presbytery. Those present were; Sr. Roach, St. Stephenson, Sr. Kirk, Sr. Egam, Sr. Lovatt, Br. Martin, Br. Jones. Fr.Lucas was the Spiritual Director. Extract of the minute book for that first meeting Appendix 46 On 14th September 1952 the Legion of Mary arranged their Annual Summer outing to Bala and Barmouth. The cost of the coach fare was 14/- shillings and meals cost 10/- shilling making a total of 24/- shillings. Lunch at was arranged at Bala and tea at Barmouth Baptisms and Weddings during 1952 see Appendix 47 In 1953, Fr. Vincent Lucas rented the house next to the drive, No.648, Stafford Road, Fordhouses at 17 shillings and 6 pence per week. He paid 11 pounds 8 shillings and 4 pence for the September quarter 1953. For the last five weeks of his stay January 1st to February 5th 1959 he paid the sum of 7 pounds 1 shilling and 10 ½ penny ha’penny. (Information from the rent book) Appendix 49 In 1953 it was proposed that four hutment classrooms at Elston hall school could be used for St. Anthony’s children as an annexe to St. Mary’s school. In January 1953 the first issue of St. Anthony’s Parish magazine was produced, it was called “Anthonian” Full version is available see Appendix 50 Full copies of this publication is available on St. Anthony’s website https://www.stanthonysrcchurch.org/st-anthonys-news-index Extract from the first page From the Parish Priest This is the first number of what we hope will become a very popular and instructive magazine. It is appearing much later than it was hoped. The idea is that it should be produced each quarter of the year, in January, April, July and September, and that it should give you all the news about the parish that has happened during the past three months, and all the main events-in so far as we know them-which are going to happen during the coming three months. So the main object of the magazine is to keep you in touch with the parish and tell you all that is happening. We hope to produce it free of cost. As each number appears a copy will be delivered to every Catholic house in the parish. We have chiefly to thank the advertisers for this, who by paying for the advertisements have helped, to a very great extent, to defray the cost of producing this magazine. So we would like to thank them. We hope you will show your appreciation by giving them your support. The advertisers have been chosen with care and we can assure you that you can support them with confidence. It may surprise you to see an advertisement for Punch Stout in History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 11 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965)
this magazine. But it was in the "Three Tuns" that this pariah had its first beginnings. Many
parishioners remember the first Masses which were said there. So we are grateful for the very
important help which the Brewery gave as then.
We hope to include in this magazine useful articles on subjects which might be very important
just at the time when the magazine appears. Anyway it is meant to be instructive and if we can
tell you anything interesting which you didn't know before, then we shall be doing a useful job.
In this number there will be one article on our Parish finances. This article, almost certainly, will
only appear in the first number of each year. The idea of this magazine began with the thought of
telling all the parish what money was being contributed, and what was being done with it. You
have a right to know that. Also because I was grateful for what was being done. But don’t think
this magazine is going to be all about money. Not all-but it is going to tell you what is happening
-and everything else which we think you might like to know.
So here we go. We hope you will like the magazine. It is our first number, so we are rather new
and some things may be changed in future issues. But we welcome suggestions, and if there is
anything which you think would make the magazine more interesting-then let us know.
In April 1953 the second issue of St. Anthony’s Parish magazine was
produced. Front cover and first page are shown in Appendix 52
Full copy of this publication is available on St. Anthony’s website
https://www.stanthonysrcchurch.org/st-anthonys-news-index
Extract from the first page
From the Parish Priest
The first number of our magazine aroused great interest and, I am pleased to say, was very well
received. There were two suggestions for improvement and I hope that this number will, by
incorporating these, raise the standard higher.
THANKS
In connection with the last number my thanks are very much due to Mr. Norman Sergeant of
Renton Road who typed practically the whole number. And I would like to thank also the
printers, Messrs. Parkes of Halesowen, who have helped us to produce a magazine of such a high
standard.
This number is intended to cover the main events of the past three months and the coming three
months. In the past three months we have had the election of Officers both in the Mothers' Union
and Men's Society.
Moving on. Mr. Joseph Owen and family who have gone to Australia. Mr. Owen has been the
Organist and the President of the St. Vincent de Paul Society ever since the parish began. The
family will be very much missed. They take with them the good wishes of the whole parish. We
wish them much peace and happiness in their new surroundings.
The new Fasting regulations for Holy Communion
On Saturday evening of January 3rd 1953, during the 9 o'clock news,
of the B.B.C., England was startled. I think I am right in saying, with
the announcement that the Pope had made very important changes in the rules about fasting before
receiving Holy Communion. Certainly they came as a great surprise. But the Pope has made these
History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 12
Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965)changes with the one object in view of doing as much as he can to encourage people to receive Our Lord as often as they possibly can. How foolish it is to stay away when we can have Jesus Christ all to ourselves for about a quarter of an hour--close to us-listening just to whet we have to tell Him-and with so little trouble to ourselves.” Full texts available see Appendix 54 The Quota System “During the past year the Archbishop has introduced into the Diocese a scheme which has come to stay. He saw that many parishes in the Diocese will soon have to build new schools. These schools, at the present price of building, will cost an average of thirty or forty thousand pounds each. This is a burden which no one parish could carry. It would be almost impossible for any single parish to, find all this much money. So the Archbishop has, spread the burden over all the parishes of the Diocese whether they have schools to build or not. He has placed a tax on every known Catholic in the Diocese and this money goes into a Central Fund and then the cost of all new schools which are built will be paid for out of this Central Fund.” Appendix 56 Union of Catholic Mothers “The elections took place in January1953 and Mrs. Maguire of Lodge Road was elected President; Mrs. Jones of Stafford Road, Vice-President; Mrs. Ridge as Secretary and Mrs. Terry as Treasurer. We were very sorry indeed to lose Mrs. Barnes as President, but she has undoubtedly had a very hard twelve months and with three young children to look after, she felt she would not be doing her duty either to the Mothers' Union or to her own home in accepting office for a further period. We would like to thank and congratulate her very much indeed on the excellent work she has done. She has been a first class President. Mrs. Maguire has started her work well and gathered together an excellent body of mothers who thoroughly cleaned the Church in preparation for Easter and who helped with the Dances in the early part of the year. We wish her every success.” The Young Men's Society “The elections in the early part of the year saw Mr. Fred Jones returned to office as President. We are glad to have him back. He is a tower of strength. Mr. Stanton became Vice-President; Mr. Ramon Bosi Secretary; Mr. John Beswick Treasurer-the four of them making an extremely efficient working body. I would particularly like to thank the four men who recently distempered the Church. They are Mr. Jones, Mr. Barnes, Mr. Lowe, and Mr. Beswick. This was magnificent work. They devoted about five evenings to it and the result is superb. We could hardly have had a better team than this.” “A special word of praise and thanks is due to Mr. Barnes who during the past twelve months has made himself responsible for keeping the church grounds in order-and succeeded so admirably. And he has done most of the work himself. I am very relieved to know that he is going to continue the work during this present year.” In August 1953 the third issue of St. Anthony’s Parish magazine was produced. Front cover and first page are shown in Appendix 57 Full copy of this publication is available on St. Anthony’s website https://www.stanthonysrcchurch.org/st-anthonys-news-index To date (2020) no other issues of “Anthonian” have come to light. Extract from the first page History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 13 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965)
From the Parish Priest When the last number of our Magazine appeared it was just Easter time. It seems a long time ago but if you cast your mind back you will remember we had a very fine Easter. The Altar of Repose on Maundy Thursday looked particularly beautiful; we had Midnight Mass on Easter Sunday Eve and these new ceremonies are very impressive. Then we had four Masses on Easter Sunday at 8, 9, 10 and 11 o'clock and all were well attended and the parish as a whole deserves to be congratulated on the number receiving Holy Communion. In the afternoon we had children's Service at 3 p.m. and Baptisms at 4 p.m. Five children came for Baptism-all boys. Evening Service at 6.30 p.m. brought to an end a busy and memorable day. “Our Novena this year will begin of course on 15th May 1953 the Friday after Ascension Thursday. There will be two Masses each day for the next nine days (except Sunday) and these eighteen Masses will be offered for the intentions of the Novena. The first Mass will be at 7 o'clock, the second at 9. The Novena prayers will be said at both Masses. At the 9 o'clock a short instruction will be preached in addition. There will be a Novena Service, with Sermon, every evening at 8 o'clock. On Sunday the times of the Masses and evening service will be as usual.” For full text about the Novena see Appendix 59 “On Wednesday, April 22nd 1953 the Scouts celebrated the Fifteenth Anniversary of their Foundation. They had a very good night. There was an excellent attendance of cubs, scouts. parents, and visitors and an abundance of refreshments. A “Thanks” badge was presented to Mrs. Macefield for all the work she had done in the past and which the scouts hope she will continue to do in the future. There were visiting Scout masters and Cub mistresses from Tettenhall and Parkfields. Entertainment was provided by a concert and camp fire given by the Scouts and Cubs, and there was also a film show which was a very good idea and proved a great success. Brian Hadley deserves to be congratulated on organising the evening.” “On Sunday afternoon, April 26th 1953, we had here the Quarterly meeting of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. These meetings are held in different parishes and it is over two years since the last one came to St. Anthony's. Forty six brothers attended from all the surrounding parishes. The meeting began at half past four which is later than usual because of an unexpected Baptism which came along. The meeting was followed by tea which was provided by the wives of our own Brothers and then quite a number of the Brothers stayed for Benediction in the evening. It was a very happy and successful afternoon. We were glad to have the Brothers; we hope they enjoyed their visit, and we hope they will come soon again.” “Our Annual Novena in preparation for Pentecost was big news in the last number of our magazine. It was not as well attended as I would have wished but I do know that it has done a tremendous amount of good. Very, very many more people were making the Novena in their own homes than were actually coming to the Novena Services. Nevertheless I do hope that when we have the Novena again more people will be present in Church and so make the Novena as full and complete as possible. I have not the slightest hesitation in saying that those who did their best to make the Novena as well as possible and said at least the complete Novena prayers; have received very many graces even if they are not at the moment very striking or apparent. History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 14 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965)
I was very pleased to have Father Gerald. He was very pleasant and his sermons were excellent. Those who did not hear them do not realise what they have missed. He tried to do all the good possible whilst he was here. Our Novena finished on Saturday May 24 and Whit Sunday dawned bright and clear. It was a very happy day and our May procession in the evening was a great success. The weather was beautiful; the church was full and we had some lovely flowers.” “On Whit Sunday, May 24th 1953, at the close of our Novena, we are going to crown Our Lady- the beautiful statue which we have in our Church, with a crown of golden roses to show that we recognise Her as Queen of this parish and that we want Her to reign over us all and Her rule be loved and obeyed. This Queen, far greater than Elizabeth, is also our Mother who loves us with a Mother's love even greater than the love and care which our own earthly mothers have for us. And that is why our ceremony on May 24th will be even more intimate and loving-but just as important as that which will take place on June 2nd. Let's recognise its importance and make it as great and as glorious occasion as possible. Let us prepare for it by making a very good Novena and then we feel sure that at the time of the Coronation Our Lady will shower her blessings on us all-those blessings especially for which we have been praying during the Novena.” “On June 7th 1953 in the evening we had our procession in honour of the Blessed Sacrament and this also was a very happy event. We were blessed with fine weather and so were able to go outside and around the grounds. We were helped by Father O'Sullivan one of the Sacred Heart Fathers from Newport, Salop. He preached special sermons morning and evening on the Sacred Heart and we were glad to have him with us. This year we tried a experiment with the strewers of the petals before the Blessed Sacrament. We had six boys. I don't know any other parish which has just boys although I have known parishes where the strewers have been “mixed” boys and girls. I was pleased with the experiment and intend to use boys much more frequently as strewers in the Corpus Christi processions. Our six boys were Phillip and David Anstey, 410 Stafford Rd.; James McDermott, 8 Carrisbrooke Gardens; John Rowlands, 14 Shelley Road; Peter Spencer, 16 Legs Lane and Peter Dance, 31 Probert Rd. The canopy was carried by John Beswick representing the Catholic Young Men's Society; Mr. Tom Martin representing the Legion of Mary; Mr. Robert Murphy the Saint Vincent de Paul Society; and Dr. John Lyne. In connection with these processions there is one person whom we have not so far mentioned. And she is Mrs. Norah Summers. She has been a gem looking after the children during their first Holy Communions, and during May and Corpus Christi processions, coming along to the practices and helping in a host of ways. And to crown all this work she entertained the strewers and attendants to tea. On June, 29th 1953 the Feast of St. Peter and Paul the “Queen,” attendants and strewers went into Town and had their photographs taken and then back to Mrs. Summers' where she had prepared a real children’s tea for fifteen children. They all enjoyed it very much and they now have a permanent record of this great day in their lives. In between the May and Corpus Christi processions came the Coronation. I expect we all have our own memories of this very memorable occasion. We had evening Mass at eight o'clock on Monday, June 1st 1953, and I was very surprised at the attendance. I expected the Church to be packed but it was only half full and the number receiving Holy Communion was also disappointing. Nevertheless it was a great occasion and if we had the time over again I think I would keep it with greater solemnity.” History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 15 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965)
“Our Annual Garden Fete was held this year on June 13th, the Feast of St. Anthony. We always have it on the first Saturday following this Feast. A lot of work had gone into the preparation and the Committee deserves special mention. They were Mr. Fred Jones, Mr. Tyrls, Mr. Brian Hadley (who represented the Scouts) and Mrs. M.Guire and Mrs. Jones, who represented the Mothers. Mr. Moynihan was Treasurer. The day was fine. By the time we were ready to open everything looked in first class form but this year we had no opener. We had written to the Archbishop and later he became very ill. Bishop Bright already had an engagement booked. We wrote also to Mr. Stanley Matthews who is a personal friend of Mr. Jones but he was touring at the time in Ireland. So we opened with no one more eminent than myself. The side shows were attractive; the refreshments were excellent. We had a demonstration of judo which greatly interested the onlookers. Later there was a concert by the “Gad abouts” and to finish the day, dancing to Stan Turner and his band. The whole day was bright and cheerful and everyone who came enjoyed themselves and spent well. BUT we only had half the attendance we had the previous year; exactly what was wrong we do not know but the Fete was shockingly supported by our own parishioners. Parishioners do not seem to realize the obligation and the privilege they have of helping this parish to grow. They could hardly invest their money in a more deserving cause. We have a big and important future before us and it should be our joy and. glory to help in this work. Whatever we contribute will be devoted to the honour and glory of God. We have an obligation of “supporting our pastors” which means contributing to everything which will help the progress of the parish. I have no hesitation at all in asking you to be as generous as possible because I know it will bring its reward. I am sure you all want this parish to grow and flourish and this can only come about if we contribute according to our means. We have no other source of funds except what we as a parish raise. If we fail to contribute and fail to help in the activities of the parish, then we shall be responsible for not helping the parish to develop as it should. Let's all enter into this glorious work. We have our Pools starting soon. Let's all join in this and so help the parish. We shall be helping ourselves and our friends also. We can all afford to “have a go” in this and it provides a very pleasant and easy way of fulfilling our obligation. I hope you all will have a very successful football season. Our Garden Fete counting money from all sources will make a profit of about seventy pounds compared with a hundred and twenty last year. And I can't leave this subject without a special word of thanks to Mr. Barnes who single handed scythed nearly half an acre of land in readiness for the Fete.” “We are very pleased to announce that once more we shall be going in pilgrimage to St. Winefride's at Holywell. This year it will be on Sunday, Sept ember 13th, and coaches will leave St. Anthony's at 10.30. The fare which includes a meat tea at Pantasaph will be sixteen shillings for adults and ten shillings for children. I know a number of people are looking forward to this pilgrimage and we advise you to book as soon as possible.” Full text about the life of St. Winefride, see Appendix 62 “When the last number of our Magazine appeared it was just Easter time. It seems a long time ago but if you cast your mind back you will remember we had a very fine Easter. The Altar of Repose on Maundy Thursday looked particularly beautiful; we had Midnight Mass on Easter Sunday Eve and these new ceremonies are very impressive. Then we had four Masses on Easter History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 16 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965)
Sunday at 8, 9, 10 and 11 o'clock and all were well attended and the parish as a whole deserves to be congratulated on the number receiving Holy Communion. In the afternoon we had children's Service at 3 p.m. and Baptisms at 4 p.m. five children came for Baptism all boys. Evening Service at 6.30 p.m. brought to an end a busy and memorable day. The Church looked beautiful. It had been specially cleaned by the Mothers and the Legion of Mary had also done their share. We had a lovely lot of flowers and we are extremely fortunate in having Mrs. Irma Bosi to arrange them. I am sure no parish has anyone better doing this work. Her arrangement and selection of the flowers displays them at their very best and her whole work is a prayer. She does it all with the one motive of doing what will please Almighty God most. She considers all the hours she spends at this work as a pleasure and a holiday. We have reason to be glad that Mrs. Bosi is in the parish and grateful for all the work she does.” “This year Our Lady was crowned by Caroline Pilkington of 55, Wentworth Road. The names of all the girls of nine years of age attending St. Peter and Paul's and Holy Rosary Schools were put in a tray at the feet of Our Lady for nine days. Then one was chosen after evening service on the Sunday two weeks before the actual crowning. The page boy who carried Our Lady's crown on a white satin cushion. and the six attendants who carried the " Queens " train, were all chosen from those children who were soon to make their first Holy Communion. This year the page boy was John Rowlands of 14 Shelley Road, and the six attendants were Elizabeth Jones of 136 Wentworth Road: Margaret McMahon of 3 Hatherton Gardens: Monica Dowen of 165 Marsh Lane: Patricia Burmiston of 25 Cromwell Road: Veronica Jones of 31 Cottage Lane and Janet Leary of 4 Elmcroft Gardens. The statue of Our Lady was carried by four young ladies of the parish, Marie O'Malley: Mary Platt, Monica Kirk and Mary Gill. We are extremely grateful and indebted to Mrs. Knight and family and Miss Beatrice Bowers for the gift of the marvelous crown of golden roses and the six poesies carried by the attendants. There could not possibly be better and they were a dream to look at. Twenty one roses went into the making of the crown and they were interspersed with forget-me-nots. The poesies were composed of sweet peas, hydrangeas and carnations. Miss Bowers is a non-Catholic and she asked if she may have the privilege of giving the crown. The procession went extremely well and reflects great credit on the church wardens and all those who helped to organise it. By kind permission of the chief constable we were able to go along the Stafford Road which added greatly to our procession.” “On June 7th 1953 we had thirty two children make their first holy communion. This is the largest number we have had. There were fifteen boys and seventeen girls. The boys were:-Peter Spencer 16 Legs Lane, Bushbury, Arnold Birkett 1 Elmdon Road, Philip and David Anstey 410 Stafford Road, Roger Stanton 6 Morrison Road, James McDermott 8 Carrisbrooke Gardens, Leonard Davies 7 Carrisbrooke Gardens, John Rowlands 14 Shelley Road, Michael Orr, 1 Rushall Road. John bowling 32 Brunsford Road, Gerald Byrne 86 Stanley Road, Kenneth Keady 115 Stanley Road, Brian Grainger 38 Stanley Road, Patrick McGloin 37 Browning Crescent, Edward O'Carroll 28 Kipling Road. The girls were:-Christine Williams 90 Kipling Road, Christine Jones 19 Whetstone Grove, Elizabeth Walsh 12 Fordhouse Road, Patricia Burmiston 25 Cromwell Road, Monica Dowen 165 Marsh Lane, Veronica Jones, 31 Cottage Lane, Sheila Blakeman 130 School Lane, Jean History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 17 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965)
McMahon 3 Hatherton Gardens, Dorothy Winters 124 Fordhouse Road, Elizabeth Jones 136 Wentworth Road, Geraldine Wesley 122 School Lane, Geraldine Evans 8 School Lane, Kathleen Moroney 34 Browning Crescent, Mary McGloin 37 Browning Crescent, Janet - Leary 4 Elmcroft Gardens, Catherine Budge 2 Meriden Road. They had breakfast afterwards in a large marquee loaned to us by the 41st Group of Scouts The breakfast was a truly magnificent one. The mothers not only provided it but served it very efficiently and joyfully.” In the evening we had our procession in honour of the Blessed Sacrament and this also was a very happy event. We were blessed with fine weather and so were able to go outside and around the grounds. We were helped by Father O'Sullivan one of the Sacred Heart Fathers from Newport, Salop. He preached special sermons morning and evening on the Sacred Heart and we were glad to have him with us. This year we tried a experiment with the strewers of the petals before the Blessed Sacrament. We had six boys. I don't know any other parish which has just boys although I have known parishes where the strewers have been “mixed” boys and girls. I was pleased with the experiment and intend to use boys much more frequently as strewers in the Corpus Christi processions. Our six boys were Phillip and David Anstey, 410 Stafford Rd.; James McDermott, 8 Carrisbrooke Gardens; John Rowlands, 14 Shelley Road; Peter Spencer, 16 Legs Lane and Peter Dance, 31 Probert Rd. The canopy was carried by John Beswick representing the Catholic Young Men's Society; Mr. Tom Martin representing the Legion of Mary; Mr. Robert Murphy the Saint Vincent de Paul Society; and Dr. John Lyne. In connection with these processions there is one person whom we have not so far mentioned. And Sheila Blakeman 130 School Lane, Jean McMahon 3 Hatherton Gardens, Dorothy Winters 124 Ford-house Road, Elizabeth Jones 136 Wentworth Road, Geraldine Wesley 122 School Lane, Geraldine Evans 8 School Lane, Kathleen Moroney 34 Browning Crescent, Mary McGloin 37 Browning Crescent, Janet - Leary 4 Elmcroft Gardens, Catherine Budge 2 Meriden Road. Obituaries, Baptisms and Weddings during 1953 see Appendix 63 A school for St. Anthony’s was to be put forward in the 1954/55 programme, the moneys proposed for St. Anthony’s school would be 40,000 pounds. In 1956 a letter from director of education suggested that planning should go ahead on St. Anthony’s School On 9th July 1957 Fr. Lucas received a document detailing a rent raise. The current rent was 17 shillings and 6 pence per week, the increase was 7 shillings and six pence per week payable from 14th October 1957. Appendix 66 History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 18 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965)
In March 1958, St. Anthony’s School was included in ministry of education reserve list.
Initial costings
were made and
submitted for
the building on
the school.
An Artist's impression of St. Anthony's School was produced. Appendix 67
Prior to the School opening General Statistics of Catholics attending School were complied,
recording data from 1942 to 1958. Appendix 68
In 1958 Catholic organisation were set up and included “The Mothers Union” and “The CYMS”.
Fr. Pat Taylor succeeded Fr. Vincent Lucas in 1958 and served till 1973.
On 23rd December 1958 Rev. P Taylor and Parishioners of St. Anthony’s
Fordhouses received an Apostolic Benediction from his Holiness
Pope John XXIII. Appendix 69
In 1958 the 1st Fordhouses St. Anthony’s Girl Guides was set up.
Mick and Peggy Ralph
St Anthony's Old Church
1959
In 1959 the purchase of house, 595 Stafford Rd took place at a cost of 2094 pounds and 6 shillings.
On 18th February 1959 Fr. Patrick Taylor wrote to the Licencing Authority asking for the name
to be changed on the Tobacco Dealers Licence. Appendix 70
History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 19
Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965)On 15th May 1959 Fr. Patrick Taylor was granted a Tobacco
Dealers Licence for a (Quarter Year) at a cost of 1s. 3d.
Appendix 71
On 6th August 1959 Fr. Patrick Taylor was granted a Tobacco
Dealers Licence for a (Whole Year) at a cost of 5s. 3d.
Appendix 71
In 1960 St. Anthony’s Primary School Opened.
Mr John Cuthbert, was the Head teacher and served the school
between May 1960 and July 1988.
In 1963 St. Anthony’s Brownie pack was formed.
Visiting parishioner from
Fr. Taylor's previous parish
Bill Morgan, George Roberts,
Steve Turner, Fr. Pat Taylor,
Rev Bishop Cleary and Tom
Martin.
On the 3rd December 1963 the US President, Lyndon Johnson posthumously awarded Pope John
XX111 the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States’ highest civilian award. The
citation for the medal reads:
“His Holiness Pope John Paul XXIII dedicated Servant of God. He brought to all citizens of the
planet a heightened sense of the dignity of the individual, of the brotherhood of man, and of the
common duty to build an environment of peace for all humankind. “
In 1964 The S.V.P. (Society of Saint Vincent de Paul) began raising funds to purchase a mini
bus to help older parishioners attend Mass. Old Time dances were held each Wednesday in the
school hall.
On November 29, 1964 a year after the Second Vatican Council’s
Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy was enacted the “New Mass”,
as it was then called, was introduced into US parishes. A fairly
typical description of what Catholics experienced at Mass on that
day, the Sunday after Thanksgiving, is this:
History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 20
Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965)Parishioners sitting in their places that morning knew something was different from the moment the Mass began. The week before, the priest and altar boys had entered in silence; now everyone was expected to sing at least two verses of a processional hymn. The scriptural passages for the day were read aloud in the vernacular The priest, standing behind a new altar set up in the middle of the sanctuary, still said some prayers in Latin, but the people were encouraged to recite others along with him, again in their own language. The distribution of Communion was now different. In the past, the priest had repeated a prayer in Latin as he worked his way along the line of parishioners kneeling at the altar. He now paused in front of each parishioner, in many places standing rather than kneeling, held up the Communion host so they could see it, and said, “Corpus Christi” (“the Body of Christ”), to which the communicant responded, “Amen”. In a few months this, too, would be said in English, and the altar rail itself would be gone. 1965 On 5th January 1965 the C.Y.M.S. arranged an “Old Time Dance in the School Hall. The first vernacular Masses were read in Irish Catholic churches on March 7th, 1965, bringing to an end the widespread tradition of the Latin Tridentine Mass, which had lasted since 1570 and which was the most widely celebrated Mass liturgy in the world. The implementation in of the “New Mass” in English churches was devolved to the various Archdioceses who in turn devolved it to the various Deanery’s and Parish churches. It was now up to the local parish priests to make the change when they thought the time was right. The second Vatican Council closed 1965, having begun in October 1962. One of the major changes it ushered in was the saying of the Mass in vernacular languages. When Mass began to be celebrated in our church with the Priests facing the congregation a new altar was constructed by a member of the parish Mr Denis Franks. Having been made redundant from Guy Motors he retrained and became a woodwork teacher St. Edmunds School. The altar was used until the new church was opened. It was then used in the sacristy for weekday masses until a smaller one was built. In 1965 planned giving began in the parish. In July 1965 the first issue St. Anthony’s News was produced. Full copy of this publication is available on Appendix 72 Full copy of this publication is also available on St. Anthony’s website https://www.stanthonysrcchurch.org/st-anthonys-news-index In 1965 the offertory promise campaign was initiated. The income for 1965 was 4630 pounds 18 shillings and 11 ½ penny ha’penny and the expenditure was 4329 pounds 7 shillings and 2 pence the estimated cost (at the time) of a new church was 50,000 pounds and a new presbytery at 10,000 pounds. The offertory collection on 17th October 1965 was 74 pounds 10 shillings and 10 ½ penny ha’penny History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 21 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965)
In the July 1965 edition of St Anthony’s News the following articles appeared. A MESSAGE FROM OUR PARISH PRIEST. Dear Parishioners, How often we hear "I didn't know" - or "if only we were told”, this Newsletter, we hope, will provide a much needed link between us all. This can only be achieved if we take the trouble to read its pages each month. I feel confident that you will be interested in the various activities of the Parish, and maybe see some way in which you can take a more active interest. We have a great deal to accomplish and the efforts of every parishioner will be needed. Our encouragement will then be that we are all doing our 'bit' together. Remember "The Family that prays together - stays together" - the Parish that pulls together - achieves its aims, and more quickly. EDITORIAL. Much of what could be said here has been said so much better by our parish Priest. We would only like to echo the thought that this periodical should be a link. Just as this is our Parish so this is our monthly news. It will be written month by month by all of us. It will record our comings and goings, our successes, our failures. In it we will be able to remember past events and remind ourselves of future ones. All have a right to contribute - will you? Do you have an item of news? - send it in. Have you been on an interesting trip, holiday, retreat, pilgrimage? - tell us about it. Is there a "bee" in your "bonnet"?- write to the editor about it. Contributions should be written out and slipped through the Presbytery letter-box. Finally, when you have read this from cover to cover, come along to the Discussion at 8 p.m. in the school tonight, (Sunday 11th) and give your opinion of this first attempt to forge a link. In the July 1965 edition of St Anthony’s News a Statement of Accounts for 1964 was released. For full text of Statement see Appendix 74 NEWS FLASH. "Kaa", better known as Miss Gilliam Brittain, assistant Cub Mistress with the Pack, has just announced her engagement to Trevor Reynaert who is at present serving in the Royal Air Force at Locking, Weston-Super-Mare. Trevor is also a member of the Group, a first class scout and, a founder member of the Band, being an accomplished musician on the Bag pipes. The Pack would like to wish them every happiness for the future. Two pupils of St. Anthony's School have been accepted as prospective Church Students and will be going to Cotton College in September. Philip Blandford, who is a student with the Claretian Fathers is completing his novitiate. Pray for them. Four boys and three girls at St. Anthony's School have been offered places at Grammar Schools. SCOUTING NEWS. Kingfisher Patrol of 36th Wolverhampton (St. Anthony's ) Scouts spent Whitsun in camp, at Heythrop College. They travelled down with 8th Stafford in an open lorry. Camp was opened by the College Rector and over the weekend there were several competitions in which the scouts could gain points for tent and kitchen sites, cooking (a herring and a potato!) and uniforms. One lad gained a proficiency badge whilst there, and the Patrol came 15th out of thirty - six. History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 22 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965)
Mass was available each morning, (6.15. a.m. for the cooks) and there was afternoon service on Sunday. What with competitions, swimming and camp - fire sing-songs the lads were ready for "lights out" at 10.30 p.m. Skipper and Mr. and Mrs. Reynaert visited the Camp on Whit Monday, and the whole patrol, K. Hammond (Patrol leader), I Lewis (Second), J. Corrigan, R. Wiggins, K. Wood and J.Ryan had a great time even though the rains came on Tuesday when they were breaking camp. The report on the Cub Camp is held over until -next month because of pressure of space. PRESIDENT: MRS. F. Markland. MEMBERSHIP: 20. The Union of Catholic Mothers will be holding a Jumble Sale on Friday, July 16th, in aid of mothers funds. The monies collected from these enterprises are given to the Parish Priest at the end of each year, so that the mothers always hope for good support. In addition to usual weekly subscriptions, the Union are also starting to collect extra monies each week from members to pay for the Old Fo1ks' Christmas Party. Would friends please remember Mrs. Hammond in their prayers as she has just had a spell in hospital. We wish her a very speedy recovery. THE COVENANT SCHEME. The Scheme has been in operation in the Parish since 1960. Last year we received just over £300 refund from the Inland Revenue. Seen at Mass recently were Mr. and Mrs. Hughes who are making a welcome visit to the Parish with their new baby -Julian Paul. Guess who's a proud Grandad then! Steve Corrigan - a member of Junior C.Y.M.S. is going to a Junior Leadership Course this month at Soli House, Stratford-on-Avon. RECIPE FOR THIS MONTH. Coconut Slices. Using home made or bought sponge, cut into slices. Make a puree of any jar and hot water, and dip slices of sponge into puree, coating all sides well. Carefully roll slices in dessicated coconut, and hide away from the family till cold. GRAND SLAM Prize money paid out in this Parish up to the end of June totalled £42, l0s.0d. Are you a member? or better still, an agent? See you at the "Shed WELCOME HOME TO - Terry Woodbridge on embarkation leave before being posted to British Honduras. Don't forget to write Terry!! Robert Brandon having finished his first year at Cambridge University, and Christopher Cuthbert having done the same at Aberdeen, and spent the last fortnight flying with his University Air Squadron in 'Wiltshire. It was nice to see Fred and Doris Jones visiting the Parish Garden Fete. GARDEN FETE .1965. The Whit Garden Fete was blessed with good weather again this year, and those who attended had an enjoyable afternoon. The two or three new features were quite well received, particularly the "Horse Races" in the arena. All credit to those good folk who put so much time and effort into the Fete. History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 23 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965)
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