The Royal Wedding Dress

By Harold Cunliffe

I have known Ian and Audrey Moss for over 50 years, Ian being a former gardener with the local government, then it was following the publication of an image, an unseen image, which I converted from an old glass negative in which I used in my weekly nostalgia column that I once produced that prompted Audrey to make contact with some exciting news.

At the time I converted the old negative into a usable digital image I decided to crop the image to show a certain part of the ancient village of Bowlee.

The image gave a flavour of the sleepy place the village once was, in the days prior to the main road to Heywood becoming a busy highway it is today. Clearly visible is a man on a cycle heading towards the centre of the village and heading in the direction of Simon Lane, and with excitement in her voice, Audrey confirmed that it was her late father who was on the cycle in making his way home for his dinner, who just happened to be the village policeman. The image dates to the post war period of the Second World War, for which the name of Bowlee was well known due to the extensive R.A.F camp being located opposite Simon Lane and next to the local public house, the ‘Jolly Butcher.’ The “Butcher” as it was once known; I say ‘once’ due to building being closed and in poor condition at present following a fire and could be demolished soon. The building has an interesting past. One of the former licensee’s was the Rochdale executioner, John Ellis. In researching Mr Ellis I find that the police kept a watchful eye on the way Ellis ran his pub. In one report two officers made their way to Bowlee one Sunday morning, then in secrecy crept around the building peeping through the windows to make sure that no one was being served alcohol. In more recent times the late Peter Cowap made this pub his local by living close by at Ellis Lane. Talented Cowap was known for the songs he wrote for Herman’s Hermits and his unique way of playing his guitar. At times when I was involved in events which took place on the former R.A,F base I would call in the Jolly Butcher for refreshment in the form of food. One officer of the council made this pub his local. What was rather embarrassing and causing some funny looks was that when he spotted me he would buy me a drink, this being a schooner of sherry! Pete came over one day and asked me why I drank sherry, I replied that I did not like the stuff and had no idea why my colleague thought that I did. Eventually I managed to get my point over by ordering half glass of shandy upon entering the pub. It was when the amalgamation of the local authorities took place in 1974 which saw Middleton along with other towns be amalgamated into the Metropolitan Borough of Rochdale that I was involved in assisting the police within my out of hours call out duty. If you should ever have doubts about drinking and driving, then spend time with a police patrolmen. They see the horrors and loss of life associated with drink driving. Pilsworth which is close to Bowlee was a place mentioned by Mike Harding in his stage show. As a schoolboy Mike would cycle along the peaceful country lanes of Pilsworth during the summer holidays, and taking a picnic too. But the lanes have taken their toll upon people’s lives. A handyman who maintained a little estate at Alkrington, known as the ‘Pines Estate’ lost his life at Pilsworth a few weeks prior to his retirement as he was making his way home to Heywood.

A speeding car had collided withthe poor chap as he rode his motorcycle. One dark winters night at the end of my duty I was making my way home when I spotted a hole in the hedge at the side of the highway which was not present when I passed an hour earlier. In making a search of the area I spotted a Ford Escort on its roof in the field. All the windows were broken. It was a damp night and there was not a sound to be heard. I wondered if anyone was inside the vehicle, so I made myself known, but no reply. Next I put my hand inside the car in confirmation of the presence of the driver, then a hand grabbed my hand, which frightened me to death, in fact I shouted out, a word which I can’t repeat here. Next having realised the seriousness of the situation I pulled the man clear of the vehicle. He was what we call, triple’ X’ having consumed alcohol. I reported the incident to control but before a patrol officer arrived a passing motorist had taken the driver to hospital. Inspecting the wrecked vehicle I spotted children’s toys were strewn about the filed. My blood ran cold. Within minutes an officer had arrived and started his investigation. It was clear that the car had left the road and hit a tree. My initial report to him were, “I believe the driver to be ‘XXX’ and he has been taken to Bury General officer by a member of the public with good intent.” With this information he set off in haste to the hospital. The driver had fallen asleep at the wheel due to drink.

Towns Talented.

Naturally Audrey wanted a copy of the image which I had used in the newspaper feature having been born and spent her childhood in this district, plus the image had an emotional link to that of her late father, which we at the newspaper were happy to provided copy of the image along with our compliments. But this was not the only surprise that was in store for the Moss family. I have friends who are involved in art. Should any of the group spot an image in my column I gave them automatic permission for them to make a drawing or sketch, in which the results I always found fascinating in the way they would use their skill and artistic licence to improve or amend the picture. Audrey telephoned to say a member of the art group, Dorothy, had made a drawing of the image used in the column showing Bowlee, which included her late father on his bike. This artwork was purchased by her and is now framed and in pride of place in the Moss household.

Amazing piece of ‘Royal’ history.

Audrey has a many fond memories of growing up in the village prior to the row of cottages being demolished to make way for road improvements, improvements which sadly did not transpire. One memory relates to the time that as a young child she managed to remove a brass stud from her pram then promptly swallow it. Her mother witnessed her doing this and rushed her to the doctor where he prescribed medication which would ‘fast track’ the stud through her system, but if that failed the doctor said that she would have to be admitted to hospital. The medication was efficient in its work and the stud was recovered. Another memory she has relates to a old lady of advancing years who lived at the first cottage on the ancient lane. The story goes, that one day when Audrey was around six years of age she was gifted a couple of brightly coloured ribbons, made from pure silk. The lady who owned the ribbons stated that Queen Victoria’s wedding dress was made in North Manchester with the ribbons being made at the silk mill at Bowlee, which was in sight of the cottages. The ribbons to hand were made at the same time Queen Victoria’s ribbons were made and they were a keepsake to be used as bookmarks, maybe this is why they are in such good condition today. Mrs Moss kindly loaned the items to be copied for the benefit of our readers. It is thought that the staff at the mill made these bookmarks during their dinner break as gifts. who looked tired and hungry, then had spotted a light on so decided to enquire if he could have a glass of water. P.C.Moar had read a circular informing all officers to be on the lookout for an escaped prisoner from Strangeways prison, Manchester. Moar invited the young man into his home where he offered to provide the poor fellow with some breakfast. Policeman Moar normally placed his helmet on a hook behind the front door, then as soon as the prisoner took his seat at the dining table he spotted the helmet and realised he had made a grave error. Next he jumped up and quickly made a dash for the door, but P.C.Moar was one jump ahead in having his cuffs to hand which prevented him escaping. No doubt the escapee in proceeding through this sleepy village felt confident and had no reason to think that it had its very own village policemen, then, of all the houses to pick, he chose one which contained an officer of the law.

Letters from the camp.

a devoted wife and have a home of their own along with two children. It seems like all her friends were given updates on this love affair including the Padre. In one of her letters she commented that after Communion the Padre enquired as to the wellbeing of Harry and passed on his blessing to them both that one day they will both be together, then wondered if Elsie could find time to darn his socks. Bowlee was the base of the Barrage Balloons, it is documented that the work was hard. In one of her correspondences she mentions that she received an injury to her left hand which made letter writing difficult.

He chose the wrong house.

Mrs Moss related the time that her late father, P.C.Moar had completed his night patrol covering his beat and returned home on his bike. As he was seated in his armchair a knock came to the front door. Upon answering he was greeted by a young man

There are times when I am surprised at items which turn up from the past, especially those with local interest. It was following a story which I had covered relating to the R.A.F camp at Bowlee that a number of letters had been unearthed. They were between a sailor, Harry Bunkle who was serving on H.M.S. Kent and a W.A.A.F. Elsie Tomlinson who was in service at Bowlee. The letters detail her comments of what life at the camp was like during wartime. Elsie in her daily correspondence was no doubt madly in love and stated that she could not wait to meet up with her intended husband. You can, upon reading the letters that she felt the heartache of being apart from the person she loved so much. Each letter ends with dozens of kisses and, “Look after yourself for me. I’ll love you always darling. Your ever loving wife to be. All my love, Elsie.” One of the letters has been cut by a censor to remove information which could have been of benefit to the enemy. Harry was on board H.M.S. Kent when it sailed from Scapa Flow to meet up with a convoy where she provided an escort to H.M.S. Renown in bringing back Churchill from Canada. Miss Elsie Tomlinson constantly makes the comment that she can’t wait to be Mrs Bunkle and the desire to make Harry

She wrote this from the sick bay and the paper used was of a blue colour, being totally different from the other letters written on white paper, no doubt she borrowed a few sheets from the Medical Officer. As we approach the third quarter of 1943 we read that Elsie was to travel to Yorkshire to make arrangements for their wedding. In the final letter which is similar to all those in the collection in having the words, “On Active Service” at the head and positioning the postage stamp at an angle which was a code to show your affection, Elsie said that she would miss a concert at the camp put on by ENSA due to leaving that day for Yorkshire. Miss Gracie Fields was to perform at the base in the first show of her tour of the North West, and as a treat each person attending the concert was to be given tobacco or a bar of chocolate. Elsie was sad that she missed out on the chocolate, “I have not had chocolate for ages and could just do with that” she said. Many people thought that ENSA stood for ‘Each Night Something Awful.” Unfortunately my collection of personal letters between the wartime romances does not confirm if Harry ever married his beautiful bride and settled down to a peaceful family life or if they did indeed haveany children. With the aid of the internet and digital technology I can report that there is a listing showing that between July-AugSept of 1943 Harry Bunkle married Elsie M. Tomlinson in the district of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. Other listings show Barbara Bunkle born in 1947, Andrew 1950 and Stuart in 1954. The last document in the file shows; Harry Bunkle (D.O.B. 7th August 1917) in the death index, entry 233, dated May 1995 aged 77 years at

Mansfield. It was always the wish of Elsie to settle down with the man she adored to live a happy life and having a family consisting of two children. It seems that her life was fulfilled.

Amazing discoveries.

Once the R.A.F. camp at Bowlee had been cleared the area was used for recreational purposes. A golf range was built along with football pavilion and pitches. One large grassed area of land was divided into two parts due to a brook passing over the area. One job I was allocated, and during a very cold period I may add, was the culverting of the brook which crossed the site to produce a large grassed area which could be used for sporting events. This area was indeed made use of. During the summer months horse shows and gymkhana’s took place. It was a Sunday when a gymkhana took place saw yours truly on duty providing cover as a St John Ambulance first aid volunteer. With this event being out in the open we decided to use the ambulance. As always I was the principal driver, all the other members were not keen stating it was due to their age. It was not long before we had our first casualty, a call to attend to a 13 year old girl who had taken a fall from her horse. We did the best we could in treating the young lady in the field, but it was obvious that she required hospital treatment. Her leg was broken. At Booth Hall Hospital, Blackley, the girl was attended to promptly. As I waited outside in the ambulance the girl’s father came out of the hospital for a chat, he was full of appreciation and praise for the service in which the brigade provided. I offered to transport them home once the plaster was applied, but as I spoke the girl’s father was summoned back in to the hospital.

Within minutes the father returned and this time he looked a little distant, “They have found a foreign body in her foot and an operation is required to investigate, and soon too.” Naturally I offered comfort but he said that he was fine. The following day I was informed that the girl had made a full recovery and was in possession of the foreign body which was extracted from her foot. The object removed had been in her foot for around twelve years. It transpired that the girl had trodden on a needle as a toddler which had embedded itself into her foot and had been there all the time that she was growing up, and then came to light under the x-ray. A local doctor we were informed recorded a similar incident. He had a patient who developed symptoms which pointed to consumption. The man had a constant cough and his voice was husky. No matter what treatment the surgeon provided his patient he was deteriorating and going downhill fast. Then at the point of no hope the patient suffered a fit of violent coughing which caused a dark hard object to be expelled out of his mouth. Upon examination it was a pin that the man had swallowed as a child. Once the object was no longer lodged in his throat all symptoms disappeared. The pin had been in his larynx for 38 years.

By Royal Appointment.

I have always thought that in Lancashire we have some talented folk. From my observations at an early age I was inspired by people who could turn their hand to any task. One summers day I was standing next to my dad as he and other menfolk chatted away enjoying the warm summer evening overlooking the “Cut,” a name given to the canal. Rats were seen swimming along the canal and making their way in to the holes in the canal wall. An elderly gentleman who lived opposite our home in Newton Heath was fixing a clock. I thought that he was a clever chap to be able to put the mechanism back together. Then he said that he had could not complete the repair because he had lost one of the cogs. My dad instructed him to look in his trouser turn-up, and sure enough, there it was. Men had big turn-ups in those days. A few years alter I was in class at Durnford St School when I noticed in the street opposite a man had fixed a ladder up to roof height at one of the houses. I was fortunate enough to have a position in class which was next to the window. I could not take my eyes off the workman as he removed the old slates and renovated the roof. In fact this was of more interest to me than geography. What I learnt that day came in handy in later life. It looks like H.M. Queen Victoria had confidence in the skills of the folk from up North. Blackley which was once a small village north of Manchester received an ‘Appointment’ in which they were to make the wedding dress for Her Majesty. The dress was to be made of pure silk, the colour chosen and design was drawn by the young Queen’s own hand.

From my research I find that the contract was given to Asshenhurst Works, Messrs, James Houldsworth & Co of Blackley New Road. Later the site was used to manufacture cables under the name of Connolly’s Cables. Interest in the factory which produced the wedding dress increased, and we find that Disraeli and his wife visited the works they were shown the actual drawings, a special detailed document which they were proud to own being submitted by Queen Victoria. It does make you wonder how Victoria knew about this works, because in 1840 Blackley Village was not a large built up industrial area which it later became. In 1714 the village had 450 inhabitants, then in 1851 the population had only grown to 3,503 persons. Interestingly when the researchers for the television programme, ‘Who Do You Think You Are’ made contact they were keen to acquire information on the former Blackley match factory where one of Bill Oddie’s ancestors once worked.

A Gift to Heywood.

It was the 9th August 1873 when a train left Bury then picked up passengers from Middleton and Middleton Junction stations which comprised of five carriages and a wagon. The last carriage was filled to capacity with passengers, mainly female. The wagon contained apparatus belonging to the famous Fossett’s circus. It was as the train was proceeding at a slow speed towards Miles Platting station and passing the sidings of Wilson’s brewery that the last two carriages of a train became accidentally derailed as it passed over a set of points. The wagon and last carriage rolled over on to its side which caused panic amongst the eighty occupants of the carriage. Several of the male passengers had escaped through the broken windows with two of them being severely injured. Mr James Houghton was very badly crushed by the carriage and Charles M. Newhouse who was also badly injured were both transported to the waiting office at Miles Platting Station on a board with a cushioned top. A special train was provided and the injured were taken to Victoria Station, from there both men were carried at shoulder height on stretchers to Manchester Royal Infirmary. Sadly Charles M. Newhouse, aged 36 years of age, a master cotton spinner, Egerton Villa, Heywood died from his injuries during the same afternoon. Of all the other passengers who suffered injuries were seen by a doctor at the station then given transport to their home address. One victim was Mrs Hulbert, wife of John Hulbert of Middleton who suffered an internal injury. The Hulbert family were very well known for being the proprietors of a coal and scrap metal dealership that we featured in the February issue of this magazine. I have often made a comment regarding the first place in which I was employed upon leaving school, which was as a cabinet making factory at Heywood based in the Albert Mills. Ironically Charles Newhouse who died intestate was an enterprising townsman who owned the Albert Mills. The value of the considerable estate fell into the hands of Her Majesty, as the Duchess of Lancaster. The Royal Lady decided that the town of Heywood should benefit from his wealth so the value of his estate was gifted to fund the construction of a public park, “Queens Park,” where upon completion was to be maintained by the ratepayers of Heywood. The site chosen consisting of twenty acres was at the rear of Heywood Hall and extended to the river Roach. It is reported that on the day that the new park was officially opened the town of Heywood saw such rejoicing to a level which had never been seen in the history of the town. Thousands of people arrived to witness the processions. Imagine the public reaction if Her Majesty had attended the occasion.

Memory of Queen Vic.

As a child I have memories of standing in front of the large Queen Victoria monument in Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester, which many towns also erected monuments in her honour. At Middleton, Manchester a park and library exist in her memory. We find that the public held celebrations when the Queen attained her 50th and 60th anniversary. Recently a book was found which documented the life of Queen Victoria and was given to a member of the Sunday school at the New Jerusalem Church by the Mayor and Mayoress of Middleton to 9 year old Percy Walker. We discover this information by the fact that on the inside cover a beautiful inscription still exists which is dated the day prior to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, which was the 20th June 1897. Ex-Mayor and expert grower, Mr Sam Barlow owner of Stakehill Works near Rochdale was commanded to send a selection of his fruit to be presented to Queen Victoria. Barlow had gained a reputation for his horticultural expertise and is documented as being a prolific exhibitor and also a judge at flower shows.