Here’s one for a quiet Sunday. It’s just a news cutting from a century ago, but turned out to be a possible link back to Andrew’s Kindred.
Lichfield Mercury 2 Nov 1917 p3 col4
BROWNHILLS
Benefit Collection. — On Sunday morning the Brownhills Excelsior Band, under the leadership of Mr. F. Morris, paraded the principal streets, a collection being taken en route on behalf of William Turner, of Watling Street, who has been unable to work for over two years owing to illness. The sum of £5 6s. &d. was collected.
Sparrow Shooting. — A sparrow shooting sweepstakes in connection with the Rising Sun Gun Club, on Saturday, was won by Messrs. J. Buckley, F. Davis, A. Howard, E. Cooper, and J. Mellor, junr. Another sweepstakes was shared by Messrs. Ben Walker, Alf. Howard, and E. Cooper. Mr. A. Howard officiated as referee.
For Orphan Children. — On Friday evening a musical entertainment was given at the Picture Palace by children from the Birmingham National Children’s Home and Orphanage. The proceeds were on behalf of the Institution. Mr. E. H. Barnett, J. P., of Pelsall, presided over a capital attendance. The various items given elicited much applause. At the close a collection on behalf of the Children’s Christmas Tree Fund realised £3 8d. On Sunday afternoon the children gave a musical service in the Wesleyan Church. Mr. S. J. Badams, of Walsall, presided.
Horticultural Society. — A public meeting was held in the Council Buildings on October 25th, for the purpose of considering the formation of a Horticultural Society. Mr. J. T. Jeavons presided over a fair attendance. It was stated that in view of the importance of increased production of food a Horticultural Society would be most beneficial. It was decided to form a society, the following being appointed as the officials:- President, Mr. R. Lane; vice-president, Rev. W. E. Wibby, Messrs. J. Lane, J Bagby, and H. J. Holland; committee, Messrs. J. Lane, J. T. Jeavons, J. Wakelin, E. Cooper, W. Gearry, S. Jones, R. Humphries and J. Holyman; treasurer; treasurer, Mr. J. Stockley, senior; treasurer and secretary, Mr. A. Gregory. It was decided to hold the next meeting about the middle of November.
Regular followers of Brownhills Bob will recognise several of these names, for example Hyla John Holland, after whom Holland Park is named.
I believe the last named in the article was one Alfred Gregory, the High Street boot and shoe dealer (more or less opposite where Aldi is now). I have long thought that the Albert Gregory in Andrew’s Kindred is connected, but have yet to discover the precise nature of the link.
Perhaps the 1939 Register (Findmypast) offers a clue? The order of records is all over the place, but …
High Street, 1, BREWE, confectioner, pastry cook and confectioner [Brewe’s Corner].
3, HAWKINS, canal boat builder and repairer.
5, BAGNALL, draper.
7, COOPER, grocer and provision dealer. [Tim Cooper had a hardware store.]
9, GREGORY, Stanley V, incorporated accountant. [Alf Gregory had a boot and shoe shop.]*
11, HARDING, outfitter.
13, closed record?
15, Jones, shop keeper.
17, Birch, locomotive fitter.
19, Bladon, tobacconist.
21, Lydall, shop keeper (general).
23, Collis, upholsterer.
25, closed records
27, Poxon, Arthur Edgar, butcher (master).
Lloyd, Post Office
* 104 Lichfield Road, GREGORY, ALFRED, born 21 Nov 1898, Boot and Shoe Dealer, Repairer, Master. In 1911 at High Street, boot maker and dealer, born Bloxwich.
The order ties in with Aer Reg’s work A Walk Down High Street Brownhills, reproduced by Brownhills Bob.
Andrew's Kindred 