St. Andrew’s Mothers’ Meeting, Hadfield.
Golden Jubilee
1893 - 1943

The initial meeting convened by the Vicar, the Rev. J. Hadfield, was held in the bottom class rooms of the School on the first Monday in October, 1893. The Vicar presided, and there were about a dozen Mothers present, one of whom is still with us—Mrs. Hutchinson, Secretary for a long number of years, is 85 years of age, and still takes a very great interest in the Meeting.

It was decided to hold meetings every Wednesday afternoon, and Mrs. Hadfield was elected President and Treasurer, and Mrs. Walker, Secretary. Membership cards were printed with Rules and Forms of Service. These included a hymn and a short address by the Vicar. Subscriptions were to be 1d. weekly. For some years the meetings were held in Taylor’s Dining Rooms, first over the shop and then in a room at the back used for parties.

Some very enjoyable parties were held there, notably one, a hot supper provided by the Mothers for the Choir (mixed), which was much appreciated. This was recalled to mind by one of them recently. Later it was decided to hold the Meeting in the Library, and afterwards it was found more convenient to have the meetings in the evening in the School.

The upstairs class room was chosen, and there was a piano to accompany the singing, but later this was removed, so now the music is purely vocal.

The first public function they took part in was a “ Rustic Fair ” and Sale of Work, in March, 1894. Their stall was stocked with home-made articles, and Mrs. Dr. White, one of their officers, furnished a fancy stall. They have furnished a stall at every bazaar and sale of work since that date.

When Mrs. Walker died in May, 1894, Mrs. Garlick was elected in her place as Treasurer, which office she held for 34 years. Mrs. Martin and Mrs. Hutchinson were elected to Secretary and Treasurer respectively of the Sewing Fund.

The first Annual Trip was held on the first Tuesday of July, 1894. A company of sixty, including the Vicar, the Rev. J. Hadfield, the Curate, the Rev. J. A. Martin, the Churchwardens, and Mothers and friends travelled in two saloons on the railway to the Dukeries. On their arrival at Worksop, they had dinner at the Golden Ball, then proceeded by conveyances (no charas in those days!) through the forest, passing Clumber, which was not open to the public. At Welbeck Abbey, the seat of the Duke of Portland, they visited the underground rooms and riding school, also the Major Oak, and a short stay was made at Edwinstowe, where, an old man playing an harp coaxed a few coppers from some. Unfortunately, a thunder storm came on as they were returning and some shoulders were wet with dripping umbrellas; however, there were no ill-effects and everyone returned home quite happy. The Mothers have continued to have their annual trip on the same date ever since.

In November, 1899, their esteemed President, Mrs. Hadfield, passed away, deeply mourned by all. Mrs. Dr. White was elected, and during her office she gave several garden parties at her home in Hadfield Road. A photograph was taken at one of them, and is at present hanging in the School. On the death of her husband, Mrs. White went to live at Purley, and died there at the age of 82.

In 1901 the Rev. T. A. Martin was appointed Vicar of Charlesworth, so Mrs. Rigge took Mrs. Martin’s place. That year, Mr. and Mrs. Martin invited the Mothers to tea at Charlesworth Vicarage. First they went by wagonnettes to Marple, where two members were taken ill, and it was some time before brandy could be obtained. From that time, Mrs. Garlick never went on the trip without a little brandy in case of need.

After Mrs. White resigned, Mrs. Ebsworth was elected President, and on her death Mrs. Birch was chosen. She very kindly gave garden parties at her home in Dinting Road, also Bridge Drives, etc., and a stall of glass and china goods to raise funds for sales of work, etc. On her retirement, an electric reading lamp was presented to her by the Mothers, and Mrs. Storey was elected in her place. She has proved an admirable successor in every way. Other garden parties were held at Mrs. Broadbent’s, Mrs. Sharples’, Mrs. Fidler’s, Hawthorne Cottage, and in recent years, Mrs. Palfreyman, Croft House, gave some very enjoyable parties in her lovely garden, and Mrs. Rhodes gave a garden party, but owing to the rain it had to be held in the School.

In 1928 Mrs. Garlick died, and was deeply mourned by all who knew her, and Mrs. Jones, the Curate’s wife, was elected in her place as Treasurer, and on the appointment of the Rev. Jones to Castleton, Derbyshire, Mrs. Horrocks was elected, and served until 1936, when Mrs. Savage, who had come to live in Hadfield, was elected Treasurer in her place. A handbag was presented to Mrs. Horrocks at Croft House. Owing to the failing health of Mrs. Hutchinson and Mrs. Coulter, who had been acting Secretary, going to live at Milford, Derby, Mrs. Rhodes was asked to .act as Secretary.

One memorable occasion was when the Mothers had a Potato Pie Supper, to which the public were invited. A large number participated, and afterwards some of the Mothers staged a comic sketch, “’Aving’ eaur fottygraphs ta’en.” Mrs. Flint was “fotty-grapher, ” and Mrs. Butcher and Mrs. Wilding took chief parts. This sketch caused great amusement and is often spoken of to-day.

In their earlier years, the Church Wardens relied mainly on the help of the Mothers, but other organisations have been formed since, and they are now all working together for the Church and Schools.

In March, 1911, the present Vicar, Rev. A. C. M. White, came as Curate, and was warmly welcomed by the Mothers, and after 25 years earnest, untiring service a presentation was made from the congregation, at which the oldest members of the Mothers, Mrs. Hutchinson, had the honour of presiding. Other presentations in which the Mothers took part were :—
To Rev. and Mrs. Hadfield on completion of 25 years’ service as Vicar, and again when the Vicar attained the age of 70; also a Memorial Window was placed in the Church to their memory.
To Rev. and Mrs. Martin when they left for Charlesworth.
To Rev. and Mrs. Jones when they left to go to Castleton.
To Rev. and Mrs. Coulter on his appointment to Milford, Derby.

They also took part in the Jubilee of the Church in 1922. Other gifts to the Church include :—
Altar Rails and two Flower Vases as a War Memorial, 1914—1918.
Churchwardens’ Staff at a cost of £22.
Hassocks for the Church.

Presentations to officers and members were :—
To Mrs. White, Silver Salver.
To Mrs. Martin, Merlin Chair.
To Mrs. Wyatt, cardigan.
To Mrs. Garlick, Gold Brooch.
To Mrs. Hutchinson, Gold Brooch. Later, Clock. 80th Birthday, Cardigan.
To Mrs. Butcher (80), Cardigan.
To Mrs. Flint (80), Handbag.
To Mrs. Coulter, Handbag.
To Mrs. Birch, Reading Lamp.
To Mrs. Patterson, Cardigan.

In May, 1939, an interesting event took place. Mr. and Mrs. Horrocks celebrated their golden wedding and invited the Mothers to tea. In the course of the evening the Vicar, in a happy speech, congratulated Mr. and Mrs. Horrocks and their family, and spoke of the esteem and respect in which they were ’held by all. On behalf of the Mothers, Mrs. Hutchinson handed Mrs. Horrocks a gold engraved umbrella, and Mr. Horrocks a pipe, expressing the hope that they would long be spared to use them. In October, 1941, another golden wedding reception was held at the invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Jackson. During the course of a very pleasant evening, Mrs. Jackson was presented with a lady’s handbag, and Mr. Jackson with a pair of bedroom slippers.

In connection with the annual trips, several may be remembered by little incidents. The first visit to Castleton was in wagonnettes in the pouring rain, so they were pleased to reach the Snake Inn, where a hot breakfast of ham and eggs was waiting for them. On the first visit to Blackpool by train, when they joined “ Mrs. Platt’s Mothers,” all went well until the return journey, when the coupling chain broke, giving everybody a shock, but the line being fairly level the train was soon brought to a standstill. Or. the trip to Lilleshall, one member was taken ill and had to be left in hospital. Happily, she recovered in time to go home in a few days. On the trip to York they had another breakdown, in the charabanc this time, but managed to get home safely. On an outing to Rhyl they had some fun with a man selling rock in the market. The salesman was so pleased to meet the Mothers because his old mother Belonged to a Mothers’ Union, that he sent them a huge bag full of rock some weeks later, which was shared out amongst everyone.

During the present war, trips had to be curtailed, and one year they went to Woodhead, where a splendid tea was served by Mrs. Bagshaw, with a bowling match afterwards, and a social evening was spent in great harmony. One outing to the Pantomime will always be remembered by coming out into the “black-out.” It took us all our time to find our way, with the help of a policeman, to the Midland Hotel, where dinner was waiting for us.

In 1941, Mrs. Hutchinson and the present officers began to discuss the Golden Jubilee of the Meeting, and since them a number of efforts have been given to start a fund for some presentation to the Church. The Vicar was consulted, and he suggested that we could give A LADY CHAPEL to be placed in the Transept. He said it would be a very useful addition to the Church. In the last two years a sum of £200 has been raised for this object.

Much pleasure has been derived from these private efforts, which include several silver wedding celebrations and birthdays. Mrs. Haigh had a special celebration by giving the Mothers a party when she became Mayoress. Many other parties followed, too numerous to mention individually. Mrs. Boothroyd, a member, daughter of an old member, has been untiring in her assistance with the catering, along with Mrs. Marsh and a fine committee of helpers. We could not have carried on without their help, and we have been very fortunate indeed in having Mrs. Rhodes to act as pianist for all our functions.

All the members who could not join in these efforts have sent donations to the Jubilee Fund.

Mrs. Storey has had several Garden Parties in her spacious grounds, and they have been well attended. The various games have been enjoyed, and there has always been a delightful tea, with the usual fortune-teller and other sideshows, and one year a dancing exhibition by some small children from Tintwistle. Donations have been made from these events to the Red Cross Society, and also to Wood’s Hospital. One year it was so wet that we had to have an indoor garden party in the School, which proved quite a success, realising the sum of £20. Mrs. Rhodes and Mrs. Palfreyman and Mrs. Weston have also given Garden Parties.

Not all the activities of the Mothers are on the social side. Three years ago the Mothers decided to celebrate Mid Lent Sunday as their own special Mothering Sunday. The Service held each year has been conducted entirely by the Mothers. The wives of the local clergy have been invited to give the address, and Mrs. Flint always read the Lessons along with Mrs. Storey, Mrs. Rhodes, Mrs. Savage and Mrs. Breeze, who have said the prayers.

A special singer has been engaged to give solos, and a number of Mothers have filled the choir, and several have taken the collections. There has been a very good congregation at each service. Flowers have been given for this service and have been taken to the older members who have been unable to be present.

The Mothers have also taken their part in the war effort, some sewing and knitting for the Red Cross, others doing Air Raid Welfare work, and all helping in various efforts for charity. Nor have the boys who are fighting been forgotten. Every Christmas presents have been sent to every son and husband of members who are in the Forces.

The meetings are very well attended every week, with a short service, then tea, and then business is attended to, and afterwards—a good chat!

May we take this opportunity of thanking Mrs. Breeze, who, week by week, makes the tea for the Mothers, and also Mrs. Davies, who takes her place at the table in the absence of any of the officers. Mrs. Davies is nearly eighty years of age, but she is called upon almost every week to do some small service for the mothers; and also Mrs. Flint, who has efficiently presided over the Tourist Club Funds for a number of years, ably assisted by Mrs. Payne.

When asked recently, “ What was the secret of the success of the Mothers?” the reply was “ The absolute unity of the officers and members in working happily together for our Church and Meeting.”

There are now 75 members, whose names follow :—

Mrs. Hutchinson Mrs. Savage Mrs. Storey Mrs. Rhodes Mrs. Horrocks Mrs. Jackson Mrs. Davies Mrs. Flint Mrs. Patterson Mrs. Wood Mrs. Dodd Mrs. Hutchinson Mrs. Hinchcliffe Mrs. Ball Mrs. Lees Mrs. Palfreyman Mrs. Bamford Mrs. Lever Mrs. D. Betts Mrs. A. Betts Mrs. Cooper Mrs. Crook Mrs. Coop Mrs. Breeze Mrs. Fidler Mrs. Payne

Mrs. L. Oliver Mrs. E. Oliver Mrs. Boothroyd Mrs. Merrill Mrs. Fletcher Mrs. Makins Mrs. Johnson Mrs. Turner Mrs. Turner Mrs. Frost Mrs. Harrison Mrs. Ackley Mrs. Wood Mrs. Crabtree Mrs. Evans Mrs. Langfield Mrs. Timperley Mrs. Hallam Mrs. Rowbottom Mrs. Murphy Mrs. Higginbottom Mrs. Muller Miss Storey Miss Lawton Mrs. Thomasson Mrs. Glen

Mrs. Broadbent Mrs. Weston Mrs. Longson Mrs. Marsh Mrs. B. Garside Mrs. Rae Mrs. Blocksidge Mrs. Cadman Mrs. Hampshire Mrs. Hodson Mrs. A. Wood Miss Davies Mrs. Buxton Mrs. Crowton Mrs. Littlewood Mrs. Crowther Mrs. Swire Mrs. Bates Mrs. Fish Mrs. Bardsley Mrs. Hartley Mrs. F Oliver Mrs. Haigh Mrs. Rowbottom Mrs. Holmes

Compiled by Mrs. Hutchinson and Mrs. Savage.

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Last updated: 9 February 2021