Stanley Oughtibridge of Swinefleet

In the WEA local history class I run in Goole - new members always welcome - we discuss all manner of subjects Goole related. This morning topics included the history of Fisons, once Goole Tillage, the role Lep played in the war assembling military vehicles and Stanley Oughtibridge.

I am not sure how we came to talk of him but he was one of Goole's characters. He was in fact from Swinefleet and began his career looking after lions in a circus. He then spent many years working in the music halls mainly in the north of England.

He was for many years a familiar figure in Goole, usually immaculately dressed and sometimes wearing spats.

This picture of Mr Oughtibridge, taken in 1989, was provided by Gilbert Tawn.

On a different topic Molly the puppy is growing by the day. She is, like most Labradors, keen to eat almost anything including so far a plug off a lamp, a library book cover and any unwary feet. She is not sure whether to chase chickens or run from them but seems to take most new events in her stride. I only wish her day did not start quite so early!!

Book fair and a new puppy

This has been a busy weekend. On Saturday I went to the local history bookfair at Beverley which was held at the Treasure House. I had a stall and met lots of old friends and some new ones. I managed to sell some of my books about Eastrington and Gilberdyke and had a display of some of my old pictures.
Then yesterday we went to fetch Molly, our new puppy. She is almost 9 weeks old and is a black labrador. She is settling in well although does not like being left on her own and  howled last night. Poppy, our cat remains aloof and suspicious. So far she seems to like eating raw apple and playing but has little idea of using the newspapers we have provided!

Here is Molly.

Local history classes - Howden, Eastrington and Goole

Now that autumn is here with winds and rain it is time for the new term of WEA local history classes to begin.

I teach three classes - one in Howden, one in Eastrington and one in Goole. All three classes have been running for some years and are very friendly. You don't need any experience and you won't be asked to do written work but you do need to be interested in the area where you live.

The class at Howden starts on Monday afternoon, 19th September at 1.30 pm and is held in the meeting room above the East Riding Customer Services building in Howden. This term we shall be looking at the history of the town and studying some original documents. There are frequent Powerpoint shows of local pictures.

The class at Eastrington starts on Tuesday afternoon Sept 20th in Eastrington Village Hall, again at 1.30pm and will look at Eastrington and other villages. Again there will be Powerpoint presentations about the villages.

The Goole class meets in the Ilkeston Ave Community centre at 10am on Thursday  22nd Sept and this term we are looking at the industries of Goole.

The fees are £55 per term [ 10 classes] and £3 for claimants. You can come to the first class and see whether you like it before joining.

Do contact me if you would like more information.