What follows are news snippets with Crich Parish interest from various newspapers for the period 1925 to 1929.
As with all transcriptions there could be "typos" which is always a possibilty with audio trancriptions, although care has been taken.
The following index shows parish names that appear in some of the reports – allow for spelling variations; plus omissions are possible owing to human error. The list is of transcribed names, there are other names in the images.
| ALLEN | CHELL | GAUNT | JONES | REDFERN |
| ALTON | COLEMAN | GELDART | KING | RICE |
| AUSTIN | COOPER | GRAVES | KITCHENER | ROLLINSON |
| BALDWIN | CORKER | GREENHOUGH | LANDER | ROWE |
| BARKER | COUPE | GRIFFITHS | LEAM | RYDE |
| BERRESFORD | COWLISHAW | HAMBLETON | LEE | SEALS |
| BETTS | CURTIS | HARRISON | LUDLAM | SMITH |
| BINGHAM | DAVIDSON | HARTSHORN | LUDLOW | SNOW |
| BLOUNT | DAWES | HAWKES | LYNAM | STREET |
| BOAM | DAY | HAYNES | MACDONALD | SULLEY |
| BOWER | DEACON | HEAPPEY | MARSH | TOMLINSON |
| BOWMER | DOWLER | HENSON | MARTIN | WARD |
| BROWN | DUFFIELD | HICKLING | NAWSON | WATKINS |
| BRUMWELL | DYSON | HOGG | OLDFIELD | WHITE |
| BYARD | EDDOWES | HOLMES | PARKIN | WILLIAMS |
| CARLIN | ELSE | HOUSLEY | PERRY | WOOLLEY |
| CAULDWELL | FLINT | HUMPHRIES | POYSER | WRAGG |
| CHECKLEY | FRANK | JENKINSON | RADFORD | YATES |
In the transcriptions names have been capitalised to aid quick searches; also some transcriptions have had minor edits.
Many of the newspaper reports of weddings at the time contained full details of clothing, bestman, bridesmaids, congregation and a list of presents received. Only the basic marriage details have been transcribed. Similarly funeral reports often gave long lists of mourners and floral tributes received. Refer to the original newspapers, which can be found on the Find My Past website, if the additional information is of interest.
During this period there were a great many references to the Crich Memorial Tower, the poor state of the Crich roads, sports reports and Crich Parish Council meetings which have not been transcribed. There were fewer reports on other aspects of Crich life than in earlier newspapers although photographs were being used with increased frequency.
1925 newspapers
Derby Daily Telegraph 8 January 1925
John HOGG, Crich and Scott NAWSON, Fritchley, summoned for violent conduct at Bull Bridge, on December 13 did not appear. They were fined 7s 6d and 5s respectively.
Derby Daily Telegraph 5 March 1925
Samuel REDFERN (14) and Dennis MARTIN (16), living at Town End, Crich and Folds-yard, Crich, were charged with wilful damage to a winch, the property of the Derbyshire Fluorspar Co. Ltd., at Crich, on February 15. The charge was admitted. Sgt HUMPHRIES gave evidence, and the manager of the company said it was no unusual thing to find damage done through mischief at the weekend. The case was not pressed, and the fine was 10s each.
Derby Daily Telegraph 5 March 1925
Walter HENSON, The Common, Crich, was charged with breaking and entering the lock-up shop of Louis BLOUNT, and stealing three dry batteries, value 1s 3d on February 22. The shop window was broken and the articles extracted. Percy SMITH, a youth, was with HENSON on the Sunday, and was given a dry battery by him. When charged HENSON pleaded guilty, and was ordered to pay expenses only.
Ripley and Heanor News 20 March 1925
DEATHS – On March 10 at Crich, Nita KING, aged six months.
Derby Daily Telegraph 30 April 1925
Joseph HARTSHORN (Crich), James BLOUNT (Crich), Bernard INMAN (South Normanton), and Walter EATON (Somercotes) were caught playing football on the highway at Crich on April 8. Three of the defendants were men and the other a youth. They were fined 7s 6d each.
Ripley and Heanor News 1 May 1925
DEATHS –
On April 27, at Crich, Elizabeth GREENHOUGH, aged 64 years.
On April 29 at Fritchley, Henrietta ROWE, aged 68 years
Derby Daily Telegraph 28 May 1925
Alfred BOWMER, Crich Common, on two charges of failing to illuminate rear index plate of a motorcycle and for driving a motorcycle without being licensed on May 7. Pleaded guilty through Mr W.W. SHEPPARD, Ripley, who said the case was one of omission or oversight. Defendant he said, was not aware of the actual time, and it was not dark. The fine was 17s 6d in the two cases.
Ripley and Heanor News 3 July 1925
Wednesday in this week was one of the nights on which the beacon light on Crich Stand shone out, it being the anniversary date of the greatest battle on the Somme in 1916. The official records show that in this stubborn action against impossible odds the gallantry of the British troops was so universal, and so absolute that it was impossible to select units for special mention. Men performed the incredible in every mile of front, and amongst them were Sherwood Foresters. The next time the beacon will be lighted is on the last day of this month – July 31 – our success at the third Battle of Ypres.
[see the article about the various beacons at the Memorial Tower: Crich Beacons]
Derby Daily Telegraph 17 September 1925
Five Crich youths, Henry HARRISON, Baden WRAGG, Richard WARD, Henry DOWLER, and Henry ELSE, were summoned for gaming at heads and tails at Crich on September 6. Fined 7s 6d each.
Derby Daily Telegraph 23 October 1925
Mr A.N. WHISTON, conducted an inquest at Crich this (Friday) afternoon on the body of Hilda LUDLAM, of Crich Common, whose body was recovered from the canal yesterday.
Derby daily Telegraph 9 November 1925
Albert Edward ROLLINSON (18), of Fritchley, was working on a power driven hay chopper, at Crich, on Saturday, and when putting the machine into gear his arm slipped into another cutter and was completely severed. He has been admitted to the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary.
[Note: the accident happened on the farm of Robert SEAL. “Teddy” ROLLINSON in later years became Crich’s postman. See the article on Teddy ROLLINSON]
Derby Daily Telegraph 12 November 1925
At Belper police court, today, William James HOLMES, of Morewood Moor, Crich, was charged with neglecting to provide for his wife and six children, whereby they became chargeable to the common fund of the Belper Union. The offences were admitted.
[There followed a report of the hearing]
He was sent to prison for a month with hard labour.
1926 newspapers
Ripley and Heanor News 29 January 1926
DEATHS – On January 22, at Liverpool, Harold Joseph CURTIS, of Crich, aged 32 years.
Ripley and Heanor News 20 February 1926
We have been asked to state again the date on which the commemoration beacon is lighted on Crich Stand. They are as follows: –
March 10, when the Sherwood bore a valiant part in the Battle of Neuve Chapelle
April 6, the storming of Badajoz in the Peninsular War
May 24, Empire Day
June 15, Piave, when the Sherwoods and Italians routed the Austrians
July 1, battle of the Somme
July 31, battle of Ypres
September 20, Alma of the Crimea and the Aisle
September 25,Loos
September 29, St Quintin Canal
November 11, Armistice Day
November 20 battle of Cambrai, when tanks were employed on a large-scale period
Derby Daily Telegraph 24 June 1926
Crich Council School claims special congratulations for its success in the March 1926 scholarship examination. Out of the 15 scholarships allowed to the Belper attendance district three have been won by the pupils of the Crich Council School. The successful scholars are: Marion May SMITH, aged 10, Irene May BERRESFORD, 11, Kathleen M. GAUNT 11, and they commence at the Herbert Strutt Secondary School, Belper in September, after the summer vacation. This success gained added interest from the fact that these three little girls were the only scholars who sat for the examination from Crich Council School. The result reflects great credit upon the high standard of work in the school and on its popular headmaster, Mr A. DAY (who took up the duties three years ago), ably assisted by Miss ALLEN, whose devotion to the school extends over a quarter of a century. It is hoped that such an achievement will be a tonic to the other scholars of Crich.
Derby Daily Telegraph 15 October 1926
Three young men, Ronald AUSTIN, Sidney COOPER and George PARKIN, of Crich, were summoned for trespassing in pursuit of rabbits at Crich, on October 2. Mr G.T. TERRY, Belper appeared for Mr M. DEACON, of Crich Chase, and Mr SHEPPARD., Ripley, defended. The men were colliers out of work, and were caught said Mr TERRY on land at Ambergate. There were four of them, one getting away. Two keepers saw them with two ferrets and a dog, and gave chase. A rabbit was found on one. Mr SHEPPARD pleaded guilty, and said although the men were colliers out of work they had signed on. He admitted the men were foolish, and were now sorry for what they had done. Each defendant was ordered to pay 10s.
Derby Daily Telegraph 15 October 1926
John COLEMAN, was charged with stealing £1 Treasury note belonging to Charles COWLISHAW, Crich. The complainant stated COLEMAN came into the Black Swan; they quarrelled and witnessed challenged him to fight, and laid down a £1 note which COLEMAN immediately picked up. COLEMAN told the constable afterwards that COWLISHAW owed him £1 twenty years ago and he had since lent him 10s. The Bench dismissed the case.
Derby Daily Telegraph 22 November 1926
The beacon on Crich Stand was lighted by electricity on Saturday evening for the first time. Crich Stand is the most prominent landmark in Mid-Derbyshire, and has been re-erected and dedicated as a memorial to the men of the Notts and Derbyshire Regiment.
Derby Daily Telegraph 23 November 1926
Soon after Reginald HAMBLETON (19), Crich pony driver, had bought some empty trams to his stall in the Clay Cross Company’s Manor Colliery, Oakerthorpe, there was a fall of about 25cwt of blnd, which buried him. He was quickly extricated, and after receiving attention from Dr BINGHAM he was removed to the Derby Infirmary, where he was found to be suffering from a fractured femur and superficial injuries to the back and chest. He died shortly after admission from shock following internal haemorrhage.
[there followed a report of the inquest, which returned a verdict of “Accidental death”]
Deceased’s home was at Park Head, Crich, and his father was working in an adjacent stall at the time of the accident.
Ashbourne Telegraph 10 December 1926
Derby Corporation were sued in the County Court on Tuesday by Sydney Newton DYSON, draughtsman, of Crich, for £12 14s damages to his car through a collision with the tramcar. Plaintiff’s case was that as he was turning off the tramlines to fill up with petrol at a garage, the tramcar struck the motor from behind. The case for the defence was the plaintiff stopped dead without any warning, this being denied. Damages of ten guineas were awarded.
[ he is on Crich Roll of Honour : Sydney Newton DYSON]
Ripley and Heanor News 31 December 1926
A scene at a Crich dance had a sequel at Belper Police Court last Thursday. John WYLES, of Crich, an ex-police sergeant, summoned Charles WALTERS, Crich for assaulting him, and John Isaac WOOLLEY and Herbert SIDDONS, of Crich for aiding and abetting WALTERS.
WALTERS was sentenced to two months hard labour, the maximum penalty. WOOLLEY was ordered to pay three quarters of the costs and SIDDONS the other quarter.
Ripley and Heanor News 31 December 1926
Summoned for failing to keep a dangerous dog under effectual control at Crich, on December 4, John Isaac WOOLLEY, The Bungalow, Crich, had to pay 14s costs. He admitted that his dog, an Airedale had bitten Florence HICKLING, of Cliff House, Crich, but denied that it was a dangerous dog. He added that he was a cripple, and, living in a lonely place, needed protection.
[he was an invalided soldier, half-brother of Charles WALTERS and warden at Crich Memorial Tower]
Derby Daily Telegraph 31 December 1926
DEATH – on December 30, at The Bower, Crich, Heyworth DYSON, aged 67 years, late headmaster of the Crich Council School. Service at Crich Baptist Church, 12.30pm, on Monday, January 3. Interment Nottingham Road cemetery, Derby, at 2pm.
1927 newspapers
Derby Daily Telegraph 20 January 1927
A claim of right being set up, the Belper magistrates this morning decided that they had no jurisdiction in a case in which Seddon BINGHAM, of Crich, was summoned for damaging, to the amount of £1, a wall belonging to Alfred SEAL, at Crich. The complaint was that during a period of three years defendant had pushed stones off the wall. In answer to Mr F.W. SHEPPARD (Ripley), for the defendant, complainant denied that he had blocked a pathway concerning which there was a dispute. He considered BINGHAM was actuated by spite. Mr SHEPPARD submitting the point of jurisdiction remarked that half the people of Crich could be prosecuted if his client were in the wrong. The Bench sustained the objection, and the prosecution accordingly fell through.
Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal 21 January 1927
One of the oldest parishioners of Crich peacefully passed away on Sunday last at his residence at Fritchley, in Mr William FLINT, who, had he lived until April would have been 90 years old. He had been in failing health for some time, and he leaves a widow who is 90 years old. She is also failing in health. They both lived in South Wingfield Park for a large number of years, being on a small farm until retiring some years ago through infirmity. He would often be seen going about with his pony and tub, and he was the oldest voter in Fritchley district. He never failed to record his vote. The funeral took place in the South Wingfield Park Cemetery on Wednesday.
Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal 28 January 1927
On Friday evening, Mr Arthur STREET, Marketplace, Crich, employed as a conductor on the Trent motor buses had the misfortune to skid owing to the slippery state of the roads near the Brook Bottom, Crich, when returning home on his motorcycle. He was taken home in Mr FRANK’s motorcar and afterwards conveyed to the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, where it was found he had broken his leg in two places just above the ankle. About three years ago Mr STREET broke his other leg whilst following his employment as a miner. we are pleased to hear he is progressing as well as can be expected.
Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal 28 January 1927
At the Derbyshire Sporting Dog Society’s show, held at the Artillery Headquarters, Siddals Road, Derby, on Saturday last, Mr John CHELL, Fritchley, was successful with his Retriever dog Flair, taking first prize in the open class and third in the novice class.
Sheffield Daily Telegraph 1 February 1927
At the Alfreton County Court yesterday, Robert Edward FRANK, of Crich sued George BALDWIN, also of Crich, for £50 damages sustained through alleged negligent driving of a motorcycle. It was alleged that BALDWIN so drove his cycle that FRANK’s young boy’s leg got broken. The accident took place at Crich, where a trench was being dug on one side of the road and a square hole on the other. A motor van came in the opposite direction, and pulled up in consequence of the small space available in the road. The defendant cyclist came from the opposite direction, and it was alleged that his cycle skidded , swerving across the road, and he shot between the motor van and the hole on the wrong side of the road with the result the plaintiff’s boy, who was watching the men working in the trench, had his leg broken. His Honour came to the conclusion that the defendant had been trapped, and he was not negligent. He dismissed the action with costs.
Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal 11 February 1927
On Friday last the death took place at Belper Hospital of Mr Samuel BOAM, a native of Derby, but who had lived in Crich a number of years. He was an old army man, serving his country both in the South African and Great War; was a member of the Old Comrades Association, and also the Crich United Silver Prize Band, Mr BOAM was 69 years of age, and it was his desire that he should be buried at Crich.
[there followed a report of the funeral]
Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal 11 February 1927
Isaac COLEMAN, labourer, Samuel REDFERN, senior, and Samuel REDFERN, Jr, all of Crich, pleaded guilty to having trespassed in search of rabbits. Alfred MANATON, gamekeeper to Major GRIGGS, stated that he caught defendants with six purse nets, a ferret, and two rabbits. REDFERN, senior, declared that they were partly out of work and wanted a rabbit for dinner. Find 10s each.
Ripley and Heanor News 11 March 1927
The tragic end of a retired grocer was enquired into at an inquest held at Crich on Monday, when the District Coroner (Mr A.N. WHISTON) found that John Isaac LEE (65), of Coast Hill, Crich, who died on Saturday, committed suicide while of unsound mind. On Thursday last deceased’s wife heard a thud just over the kitchen, and calling to ask what was the matter received no answer she went upstairs and found her husband lying on the floor by the window. Mrs LEE fetched the vicar and it was found that Mr LEE had fallen on top of a little sparrow gun. On the way upstairs Mrs LEE met a strange cat which ran out of the door. Deceased had been ill with influenza about a week. The Rev R.O. WILSON, Vicar of Crich, said he asked the deceased what had happened and Mr LEE replied that “it was the cat that did it.” Dr H.J. RANKIN spoke to finding a punctured wound in the forehead. From the nature of the wound he was of the opinion that it was self-inflicted. He had attended the deceased several times and found him eccentric and sometimes depressed.
Derby Daily Telegraph 24 March 1927
While motorcycling near Ambergate on Wednesday evening, Denys Eyre BOWER (21), bank clerk, of Crich Common, collided with a motor car driven by Mr EDDOWES, and sustained internal injuries necessitating his removal to the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary.
Ripley and Heanor News 25 March 1927
Judge NEWELL sat as arbitrator at Alfreton County Court on Monday, in the compensation case of Albert E ROLLINSON, Fritchley, who sued Robert Henry SEAL, and Annie SEAL, farmers, of Crich, the sole issue being whether ROLLINSON’s accident occurred in the course of his employment.
[there followed a report of how the accident happened]
After a lengthy hearing his Honour reserved his judgement.
Derby Daily Telegraph 28 March 1927
Crich Cross with the disfiguring direction boards referred to in a leading article in Saturday’s “Derby Daily Telegraph.”
[note: the accompanying photograph was indistinct the one below is from the Crich Cross photographs section of this website]
Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal 6 May 1927
The direction boards affixed to Crich Cross recently, much to the annoyance of residents in the village, have now been removed.
Ripley and Heanor News 13 May 1927
DEATHS – on May 1st at Crich, Frederick SNOW, aged 68 years.
Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal 1 July 1927
A crowd of over 200 people gathered at the Sherwood Foresters War Memorial from all parts of Derbyshire to witness the eclipse. The first arrived about 4.30am and in spite of the cold morning the crowd was very cheerful. Hot coffee was supplied to the visitors at the memorial tearoom. Many people saw the eclipse from the Tors, where a very good view was obtained.
Derby Daily Telegraph 18 August 1927
Herbert HARTSHORNE (23), Wheat Sheaf House, Crich, was admitted to the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary on Wednesday night with a fractured right leg the result of a motorcycle accident.
Derby Daily Telegraph 24 September 1927
The marriage of Mr Arthur Lionel MOORHOUSE, late of Jamshedpur, India second son of Mr and Mrs A.L. MOORHOUSE, of Cubley, Penistone, Yorkshire and Miss Elsie M. CURTIS, only child of Mr and Mrs Tom CURTIS, of “Cartref”, Fritchley was solemnised at Crich Church this afternoon. Mr Tom CURTIS, an old Derby sportsman, at one time connected with the Derby County and Derby Midland Football clubs, gave away his daughter.
[there followed a report of the wedding]
The bride has been a popular Cubmaster and her late pack (1st Crich Wolf Cubs), under Cubmaster Miss Eva CORKER, along with the 1st Crich Troupe of Boy Scouts under Capt BARKER, formed a guard of honour.
Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal 30 September 1927
“I am done; my neck is broken…” This dramatic statement was made by William BROWN (66), a retired plate layer of Coddington, when his daughter found him lying at the foot of an apple tree with his neck broken, on Monday morning.
[there followed a report of the inquest]
Returning a verdict of “Accidental death,” the Coroner said he was perfectly obvious that the man fell and broke his neck when he was gathering apples.
Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal 18 November 1927
To commemorate the signing of the Armistice the Beacon light of the Sherwood Foresters War Memorial was lighted on Friday evening November 11. Armistice Day was observed at the Council Schools and also the Church of England Schools at Crich, Crich Carr, and Whatstandwell. The Boy Scouts laid flowers upon the memorial, and the eldest scholars from Whatstandwell schools visited the graves of the soldiers who lie in Crich Churchyard had also placed flowers upon the memorial. Poppy Day was a great success. The sellers were out early in the morning and did quite a good trade, close upon £20 being realised.
[Note: the Crich scouts also laid poppies on the graves of the soldiers in 2018 to mark the centenary of the Armistice].
Ripley and Heanor News 30 December 1927
On Saturday at St Andrews Church, Swanwick, a very pretty wedding was solemnised. The contracting parties were Miss Mary Ellen GIBSON, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs Stephen GIBSON, Pentrich road, and Mr Albert Christopher MARSH, son of Mr and Mrs John MARSH, Crich Carr.
[there followed a report of the wedding]
1928 newspapers
Ripley and Heanor News 6 January 1928
DEATHS – on December 28, at Crich John Henry HOLMES, aged 56 years.
Ripley and Heanor News 6 January 1928
For riding a bicycle on the public footpath on December 13 Gerald CARLIN of Crich, 7s 6d to pay.
Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal 17 February 1928
Crich was again visited with another severe gale on Friday evening, chimney pots and slates of houses being blown off and telephone wires broken. Other damage of a minor character was done.
Derbyshire Times 3 March 1928
Mr William COWLISHAW, Town End, Crich, who is now 90 years of age, and whose feats of walking long distances to see football matches from time to time has been reported in the columns of The Derbyshire Times surpassed himself on Shrove Tuesday when he walked from his cottage at Crich to Ashbourne, a distance of 17 miles to see the Prince. He started at 4am and reached Ashbourne at 10, when he had the gratification of seeing the Prince throw the ball. On his return journey, he got a lift part of the way. He is a native of Crich, and worked in the Cliff Quarries until about a year ago. He retains his happy disposition and cheerful smile.
Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal 2 March 1928
Mr William CoOWLISHAW, a farmer well-known throughout the Crich district, walked from Crich to Ashbourne to see the Prince of Wales on Shrove Tuesday. Mr COWLISHAW , who will be 91 years of age next birthday commenced his journey about 4am on Tuesday morning arriving in Ashbourne about 10.30am He commenced his walk back to Crich about 12 o’clock, and arrived at Wirksworth about 4pm, then taking the bus to his home at Crich. This old gentleman travelled upwards of 25 miles on foot. Not bad at 90 years of age.
Derbyshire Times 10 March 1928
An event of particular importance to Crich and district readers took place at Fort Qu' Appelle, Saskatchewan, Canada, on Wednesday, February 15th 1928 when Miss E.Mary HARTLE, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs Elias HARTLE, of Crich, was married to Mr Alfred PEFRAM, of Abernethy, Saskatchewan, Canada. The bride who has been visiting for the past year with her brother and sister-in-law Mr and Mrs E.W. HARTLE, in the other Abernethy district of Saskatchewan, wore the dress of powder blue silk crêpe. The bridegroom, who was formerly of Cambridge and served overseas is farming on an adjoining farm to Mr E.W. HARTLE. The honeymoon was spent at Fort Qu’Appelle, an historic town in the Qu’Appelle Valley, after which they will reside at Abernethy.
Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal 13 April 1928
On Good Friday the beacon light of the Sherwood Foresters War Memorial on Crich Cliff was lighted to commemorate the Battle of Badajos in 1812, in which the 1st Battalion (then the 45th Foot) took an active part. Quite a large number of visitors visited Crich during the Easter holidays and many made a pilgrimage to the War Memorial on Good Friday and Easter Monday.
Derbyshire Times 14 April 1928
We publish a portrait of Mr Joseph SULLEY, of Crich, who was born there 76 years ago, and who has just celebrated the event. He started work at the age of six years in farming, and still follows the line of business. Mr SULLEY is a noted singer and has won many prizes as singing contests. Only a few years ago he won a silver cup at the Crich veterans foot race. He is still strong and active.
Derby Daily Telegraph 16 June 1928
For centuries the bells of St Mary’s Church, Crich, have rung out their message from one of the most commanding hilltops in Derbyshire. They have suffered in the process, becoming somewhat out of tune, and now that it is proposed to recast them there is further disharmony in the parish. On the one side are arranged those upon whose ears the present tintinnabulation has anything but a soothing effect, and on the other those whose sentiment is all in favour of preserving links with the past and who still resent the removal from the church of the unique painted texts and from the churchyard of the yew trees from which their forefathers cut their long bows. Three of the bells bear the dates 1616, 1620, and 1671 respectively, two were cast in the following century, and the small sixth bell is believed to be the oldest of the company. The mark of George OLDFIELD, a famous Derbyshire bellfounder, appears on one of them. Another carries the solemn exhortation: “All men that heare my mournful sound, repent before you lye in ground.”
[read more : History of Crich Church Bells]
Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal 22 June 1928
The beacon lamp of the Sherwood Foresters War Memorial at Crich was lighted last Friday to commemorate the Battle of Piave (Italy) 1923, in which the Foresters greatly distinguish themselves.
[note: the 1923 date recorded is a mystery, the second Battle of Piave occurred in 1918]
Derbyshire Times 30 June 1928
My dear little chums,
The prizes for this week’s competition are Fountain pens or storybooks, so please write your name and address which prize you would prefer should you be a prize winner pillar last week the painting competitions prizes were won by:
[there followed a list of prizewinners including…]
Brenda Jean BRUMWELL, age 8, The Common, Crich, a storybook.
Derbyshire Times 14 July 1928
The death took place on Thursday evening under tragic circumstances of a two years and 10 months old child, named Constance Elizabeth YATES, of Park Head, Crich. Whilst running across the road after a ball she was knocked down by a bus. The driver was unable to avoid the child although he swerved and ran on to a bank. The sad details were unfolded at Crich on Friday night before Coroner A.N. WHISTON.
[There followed a very full report of the inquest and funeral]
The Inquest verdict was “Accidental death” and the bus driver was exonerated of any blame.
Derbyshire Times 21 July 1928
The interment took place at the Crich Parish Church on Monday, the Rev R.O. WILSON officiating, of the late Mr James BOWMER, Crich, who passed away on the previous Friday. The deceased who belonged to an old Crich family, where he was born on the 4 January 1846 and had been in the employ of the Clay Cross Company at their Lime Works, Ambergate until 1915 when he met with an accident which incapacitated him for further work. He leaves three sons and two daughters and had been a widower for 35 years.
[there followed a report of the funeral]
Derbyshire Times 21 July 1928
The funeral took place on Wednesday last week of the late Mrs Martha Annie RADFORD, wife of Mr John W. RADFORD, of The Barn, Fritchley. Deceased, who was highly respected in the neighbourhood, has been a great sufferer for a number of years. Previous to spending eight weeks in the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, where she passed away, she had been for two different periods in the Nightingale Home, and also a few weeks in the Women’s Hospital in Derby. In all her suffering she was always patient and hopeful. Mr and Mrs RADFORD were formerly the occupiers of the Canal Inn Bull Bridge, for a considerable number of years. Deceased who was in her 62nd year, leaves a husband and family of 10, which includes a five sons and five daughters.
[there followed a report of the funeral]
Derbyshire Times 28 July 1928
As has already been stated in this column, the tower is 1000 feet above sea level, and has a beacon light at the top.
Derbyshire Times 18 August 1928
[There followed a long and interesting article in celebration of Edward WATKIN’s 80th birthday]
Derby Daily Telegraph 6 September 1928
George COWLISHAW , aged 20, of Crich, who was taken to the Ripley Hospital last night after colliding with another competitor in the Ripley Motor Club’s grass track races, was stated this morning to be fairly comfortable. He is suffering from shock and a strained neck.
Derby Daily Telegraph 10 September 1928
George William BROWN, aged two years and five months, of Bennett Lane, Crich, died in the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary today, from the injuries received when knocked down by a motorcar on Saturday evening.
Derby Daily Telegraph 17 September 1928
A large number of relatives and friends gathered at Crich Parish Church this afternoon at the funeral of Mr Edmund SEALS, of Born Close Farm, who was knocked down and killed by a goods train at Wingfield station on Friday morning.
[there followed a report of the funeral]
Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal 21 September 1928
The tragic circumstances attending the death of Mr Edmund SEALS, of Barrn Close, Fritchley, in the parish of Crich, who was killed on the level crossing at South Wingfield L.M.S. Station last Friday morning was the subject of an enquiry by Dr GREEN (Divisional Coroner) and the jury on Saturday afternoon. The jury viewed the body, which was lying in a waiting room at the station, and the inquiry was held at the station master’s house.
[there followed a long report of the inquest. Witnesses included Alfred SEALS (brother) Moor Edge Farm and John LYNAM. The jury returned a verdict of “Accidental death“ with the recommendation that persons wishing to cross should be asked not to do so until the stationary train had left the station.
]
Derbyshire Times 22 September 1928
[there was another report into the death of Edmund SEALS, with an accompanying photograph]
Ripley and Heanor News 28 September 1928
At Crich Parish Church on Saturday, local interest centred around the marriage of Miss Margaret PERRY, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs Charles PERRY, Crich, with Mr John Thomas RYDE, of the Red Lion Hotel, Fritchley.
[there followed a report of the wedding]
Derby Daily Telegraph 26 September 1928
[there was a long article in celebration of the golden wedding of George LANDER at Derby – for several years he was a teacher at Crich which was referred to in the article]]
LIFE AT CRICH
… they left their residence, eventually settling down at Crich, where they resided for 14 years. Whilst there, Mr LANDER could not remain idle, and eventually took the Council school and invited the young men – colliers and quarryman – to attend his Brotherhood class, where he got an average attendance of 80.
Ashbourne Telegraph 19 October 1928
The dedication of Crich Church bells took place on Saturday afternoon by the Bishop of Derby. The old bells had been sent away to Messrs Taylor and Co., Of Loughborough, for recasting, and two additional bells were given by Frederick ALTON, Esq, in memory of Winifred ALTON, and of Millicent Smith ALTON who died in 1894, and by the late G. COUPE, Esq in memory of his wife, who died in 1911. A short peal was rung by the Crich bellringers immediately after the dedication.
Derbyshire Times 20 October 1928
Mr Thomas GREENHOUGH, said to be the oldest man in Crich parish, died on Monday at his home, “The Cross,” Crich, in his 96th year.
Derbyshire Times 20 October 1928
With reference to Crich Wakes, which appeared in our last issue, the cattle fair which should have been held on Thursday last week did not take place. No cattle, sheep or Pigs put in an appearance. Two natives of Crich, one aged 70 and the other 92, state that this is the first time in their memory when there’s been no cattle fair.
Derbyshire Times 20 October 1928
Mr Thomas DAVIDSON, an esteemed resident of Fritchley for many years, passed away there on Sunday after a long and painful illness.
Derbyshire Times 20 October 1928
The sermons at the men’s service at Crich Parish Church on Sunday afternoon and at the evening service were preached by the Rev H.W.C. GELDART, M.A., a former vicar of Crich, now here on a visit as the guest of Dr and Mrs MACDONALD.
Derbyshire Times 20 October 1928
[ there was an extremely long and interesting article on the dedication of Crich Church bells by the Bishop of Derby; sadly too long to transcribe]
Derbyshire Times 3 November 1928
Some time ago we inserted a paragraph in these columns dealing with the need for a second police constable in the large parish of Crich. It is satisfactory to note that another has been supplied.
Derbyshire Times 3 November 1928
Mr and Mrs Joseph SMITH, Cross Farm, Crich, have sustained a great loss by the death on Tuesday of their eldest daughter Annie (Nancy), aged 12 years, after a short illness.
Derbyshire Times 17 November 1928
The marriage took place on Saturday at Crich Parish Church of Miss Marjory Maud HAYNES, The Dimple, Crich, and Mr F.W. WOODIWISS, Derby.
[there followed a report of the wedding]
Derbyshire Times 24 November 1928
In connection with the North Midland District Rachabites, a new juvenile tent was opened on Wednesday week in the Parish Room, Crich. The name of the branch is fixed as “The Tors”. The first officers were selected as follows: – Chief Ruler, brother A. R.TOMLINSON; Deputy Ruler, Sister M. CAULDWELL; Past Chief Ruler, Sister M. TOMLINSON; Levite, Brother J.R. TOMLINSON; Guardian, Sister R. HEAPPEY; secretary, brother A. BYARD; treasurer, Sister KIRK. It was decided that the new tent should meet fortnightly on Wednesday evenings at 7 o’clock in the P.M.School, Crich.
[Note: the Rachabites were temperance society ]
Derbyshire Times 24 November 1928
The necessity for playing fields in Crich parish, so frequently put forward in these columns, has now been taken up by the Crich Parish Council. We wish them luck
Derbyshire Times 24 November 1928
The bus service now running between Crich and Ambergate station is giving general satisfaction, and it is hoped that the residents will support it so that it may become a permanent undertaking. The isolation of Crich has been one of his great drawbacks and there is not the remotest likelihood of there ever being a railway in the place.
Derbyshire Times 24 November 1928
Mr Matthew HOUSLEY, who died in the Belper Hospital, was a native of Crich, where he was born in 1857. The interment took place at Crich on Saturday.
[there followed a report of the funeral]
Derbyshire Times 8 December 1928
A most peculiar accident, which has had fatal consequences occurred on Tuesday morning at Dunge Wood between Belper and Ambergate. Two motorcyclists, a Matlock chef named Thomas APTHROP, aged about 22, employed at the Rockside Hydro’s, and Arthur Wilfred LUDLOW, 18, of The Briars, Crich, employed at the Combustion Engineering Works, Derby, were found lying injured in the road, close to their motorcycles, and neither could give any account of what happened. Both men had compound fractures of the left leg and other injuries. LUDLOW, who was a nephew of Mr SMITH, King Street, Belper, passed away on Wednesday morning at the Derbyshire Infirmary.
[there followed a report of the accident and later subsequent newspaper reports about the accident and inquest were published]
1929 newspapers
Derby Daily Telegraph 11 January 1929
Mr C.N. WHISTON, recorded a verdict of “Accidental death” at the inquest at Crich on Wednesday on Mrs Frances HAWKES, aged 77, wife of Nathaniel HAWKES, retired railway clerk, of South View, Crich. Mrs HAWKES died at her home on January 7 after a fall in the pantry on December 30. She underwent x-ray treatment in the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary. Dr MACDONALD said he thought the woman ruptured a kidney, which was one of the causes of death.
Derby Daily Telegraph 19 January 1929
Mr E. GEE, the chairman of Belper Board of Guardians, when making reference today to the death of Mrs HAWKES, of Crich, described her as a true example of what an English lady should be. Mrs HAWKES was the wife of Mr N. HAWKES, a Belper Guardian. The Guardians decided to send a letter of condolence to their member.
Ripley and Heanor News 1 March 1929
Followers of cricket in the district will learn with regret the death of a popular Ambergate resident in the person of Mr William Forman OLDFIELD, of Derwent View, who passed away on Tuesday afternoon at 64 years of age. Deceased was a native of Crich Carr and commenced work with his uncle the late Mr T. OLDFIELD, at the old Flour Mills, Whatstandwell. Later he went to Messrs Richard Johnson and Nephew’s wire works, where he remained until seven years ago, when failing health compelled him to retire, after 44 years of service.
[there followed a biography of Mr OLDFIELD]
Derby Daily Telegraph 8 March 1929
Crich boy, aged six, who received a “Derby Daily Telegraph” balloon at Derby Chamber of Trade Exhibition on the afternoon of February 27, released it in the evening with a postcard attached bearing his name and address. After floating for a week, the balloon landed in the garden of Mr C. TERRY, a justice of the peace, in Redditch, on Wednesday, March 6, having travelled 80 miles. Mr TERRY, noting the childish printing on the postcard, posted it immediately, and it reach Crich on Thursday. The boy was Master A. GRIFFITHS, The NOOK, Crich Common.
Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal 8 March 1929
Mr J. DAWES, who has been appointed manager of Crich School, was formerly a pupil at the school, and as such was the first boy to win a scholarship there.
Ashbourne Telegraph 15 March 1929
Mr James Henry DAWES, a local grocer, won the first boys scholarship in 1822 at Crich British School, now known as Crich County School, which was opened in 1883. Three of his sisters also won scholarships, and afterwards returned to the school as teachers. At the meeting of the Crich Parish Council, Mr DAWES was appointed a representative in the interest of the school. His father was correspondence clerk to the school.
Derby Daily Telegraph 9 April 1929
On Sunday night, the 20th ult. the shop of Mr Samuel LEAM, of Fritchley, near Crich, in this county, draper and grocer, was broken open, and flannels, linens, gingham’s, bed furniture, calico, bacon, and other things, stolen thereout, to the amount of at least twenty pounds. A handsome reward is offered, which is hoped will lead to a discovery of the offenders. Some circumstances have, we understand, transpired, which is likely to lead to their detection.
Ripley and Heanor News 10 May 1929
The remains of Mr Jno. Wm. CHECKLEY, of Crich, whose death was reported in our last issue, was interred in Crich Churchyard last Thursday.
[there followed a report of the funeral]
Ripley and Heanor News 24 May 1929
The funeral took place in Crich Churchyard last Wednesday of Mrs SMITH, wife of Mr Samuel SMITH, of the Bull’s Head Inn, whose death was reported in our last issue at 64 years of age.
[there followed a report of the funeral]
Derby Daily Telegraph 8 June 1929
The Rev Richard Ord WILSON, vicar of Crich since 1919, is leaving Crich next month to become vicar of Old Brampton, near Chesterfield.
[there followed a brief biography]
Derby Daily Telegraph 8 June 1929
The death has occurred in Radnorshire of Dr Tom GRAVES, who was in practice at Crich about 20 years ago. He was aged 65 years, and had been in practice at Knighton, Radnor.
Derby Daily Telegraph 20 June 1929
John William RICE, of Crich, a permanent road man employed by the Belper Rural District Council, was committed to prison by the Belper magistrates, today, for non-payment of general and special [the report ended here]
Derby Daily Telegraph 22 June 1929
A Crich cyclist fell from his machine in Bridge Street, Belper, last night. A bus ran over him, but the man came out alive. The cyclist, a young man named WILLIAMS, was thrown off his machine.
Derby Daily Telegraph 17 July 1929
A well-known and active representative for the period of eighteen years on the Belper Rural District Council and Board of Guardians is Mr N. Irving HAWKES, of Crich, who has not sought re-election owing to a family bereavement. He was a stormy petrel, being constantly at war with the majority of his fellow members on the question of expenditure. He was the champion of the ratepayers, but came in for many hard hits and frequently could get no one to second him. Mr HAWKES, so far from being discouraged, used to enjoy the situation and generally made light of it.
[there followed a biography]
Derby Daily Telegraph 23 July 1929
"Derek was halfway up the bank when he slipped into the water. He shouted “Roy, Roy,” and Roy pulled off his coat and jumped in after him. I did not see them again."
This was how six years old Silas WHITE, described to the Coroner (Mr A.N. WHISTON) at the inquest this afternoon, the tragedy in which two Crich boys were drowned.
[there followed a report of the inquest]
Derby Daily Telegraph 24 July 1929
Crich schoolboys formed a guard of honour at the funeral today of Roy Tomlinson DUFFIELD, aged nine, and Derek BETTS, aged eight, who were drowned together at Crich on Saturday night
[there followed a report of the funeral]
Ripley and Heanor News 26 July 1929
The deaths by drowning were reported on Monday of two little boys, James Roy DUFFIELD, and Derek BETTS, in a deep quarry pond on the famous limestone hill Crich. When climbing up a steep bank BETTS fell backwards into the water, and DUFFIELD tried in vain to rescue him.
Derby Daily Telegraph 3 August 1929
There has been found near Derby a man who says he would not like to earn £20,000 a year, has not had a drink of ale for 12 years, will not have any while the price is 6d a pint, and who remembers the days when a newspaper costs 1s and an ounce of tea the same amount. He is Mr Joseph JENKINSON, of Plaister Green, near Crich, and is more than 90 years of age.
A “Derby Daily Telegraph” representative who visited him today found him looking very fit for a man fast approaching 100.
His wife of 78 , and her brother Mr WHITAKER, of Holbrook, who is 80, were sitting with him and listening to Mr JENKINSON recounting many interesting experiences.
Mr JENKINSON is the only survivor of the men who worked the Wakebridge Mine at Crich, which produced lead and spar many years ago. He had a brief schooling in the back room of the Black Swan Inn at Crich, but was at work in the mines when he was 11 years old, often standing in knee deep in ice cold water for hours. “I am glad I had to work for my living, though,” said Mr JENKINSON, as he took out his pipe. He is an inveterate smoker. Until two years ago he was managing his little farm at Crich, but has retired from active work now.
Mr JENKINSON was born in Plaister Green, and has not travelled further afield than Derby, Rowsley, or Chesterfield all his life. He has been married twice, but has no children.
His wife told our representative that she liked bobbed and shingled hair because it was “so free and comfortable.”
Ripley and Heanor News 27 September 1929
A fine of 7/6 was imposed on James Herbert LYNAM, of marketplace, Crich for not having an inefficient silencer on his motorcycle on Cromford Road, Ripley, on August 28.
Ripley and Heanor News 18 October 1929
Distressing circumstances surrounding the death of a Crich young man named Bernard SMITH (24), of Folds Yard, Town End, who met with the accident at Pentrich colliery on Friday last, and died in Ripley Hospital five hours later. SMITH was engaged in what is known as “jigging” when a double chain broke and the rope became entangled round him and he was dragged for some distance down the jig. The unfortunate miner was a well-known local footballer, and was captain of Crich Stars two years ago when they won the cup. His father met with a fatal accident six years ago, and his wife is recuperating from a serious illness.
[there followed a report of the inquest]
Derby Daily Telegraph 1 November 1929
The Rev Hubert Edmund JONES, who has been presented to the living of Crich, is to take up his new duties on Armistice Sunday, November 10. His institution will take place in the Cathedral vestry Derby. Mr JONES, has his name would imply, is a Welshman, and after graduating as B.Sc. At the University of Wales, he was ordained deacon at Llandaff in 1912. For some years he has been working in the dioceses of Winchester, and he comes to Derbyshire from Southampton.
Derby Daily Telegraph 5 November 1929
Mr Frederick SMITH, son of the late Mr and Mrs F. SMITH, of Crich, and Miss Mary BRADLEY, of the Railway Hotel, Belper after their wedding at Christ Church today.
Derby Daily Telegraph 7 November 1929
A man who lives near Crich Church, in which a new peal of bells was recently placed, objects to the noise of the peals at practice, and on Sundays. Today this man, Gilbert POYSER, appeared before the Belper bench to answer a charge of using threats to the Sexton David Edmund KITCHENER. POYSER said he had no objection to KITCHENER. He objected to the bells. He admitted he was in the wrong, and promised he would not offend again. POYSER was ordered to pay 11s 6d costs, and bound over to keep the peace for seven days..
Ripley and Heanor News 15 November 1929
The following appointments in the dioceses of Derby are announced: Rev H.E. JONES to the vicarage of Crich.
Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal 29 November 1929
Dr Eileen MACDONALD has been appointed by the Belper Board of Guardians as medical officer of health and vaccination officer for Crich in succession to her father, Dr G.G. MACDONALD, whose resignation was tendered out of the monthly meeting of the Board on Saturday.
[there followed a report over the discussion as to whether to endorse this appointment]
Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal 27 December 1929
The beacon light of the Sherwood Foresters War Memorial on Crich Cliff was illuminated with a 15,000 candlepower light on Christmas night.