Northampton Mercury 29 February 1868

FATAL ACCIDENT THROUGH A STEAM TRACTION ENGINE, AT ASHTON.—W. Terry, Esq., county coroner, held inquest, on Thursday last, at the Old Crown Inn, Ashton, touching the death of Thomas Malin the elder, a cattle dealer, aged 61, which took place under the following circumstances : —On Monday last he was driving a cart containing two calves past a field adjoining the road from Hartwell to Ashton, on the farm of Mr. Geary, where a steam traction engine was being used with a cultivator, belonging to Mr. J. E. Whiting, of Castlethorpe. The engine was close by the hedge when the engine-man, Joseph Oney, set it working. As soon as the steam blew, the horse deceased was driving started off, and he fell back on the side of the cart. The horse galloped away down the road, the bridle was broken, the tail-board of the cart was jolted off, and deceased, after the animal had gone about 240 yards, fell out of the cart behind across the road on his chest and face. He was picked up insensible by man who was passing, his cart being stopped by another man. He was conveyed home, and attended by Mr. J. P. Knott, surgeon, of Blisworth, who gave it as his opinion that he had fractured the base of his skull, and probably ruptured some internal vessel. He died at half-past two on Tuesday, 24 hours after the accident. The evidence of James Oney, the engine driver, was that he did not start the engine till a few minutes after deceased had passed and was out of sight.—Thomas Webb stated that the horse started when deceased was about ten yards past the engine.—Thomas Welch also stated that it was an engine at the top of the field that whistled, while none of the witnesses could say whether the engine near the hedge whistled or not. —Mr. Whiting, the owner of the engine, who was in the field at the time of the accident, said his engineman always received strict instructions to look out for any vehicles passing along the road, and to stop the engine if it was at work. They were also ordered not to blow a whistle whilst any one was passing. Sometimes they had a man to look out on the road, but he was not aware that it was incumbent on them to do so. They always had man before the engine when it was travelling.—The jury returned a verdict in which, after stating the cause of the accident, they expressed an opinion that, " without imputing any criminal degree of neglect to Mr. Whiting, the owner of the cultivator, they considered he was much to blame for not employing some person to be stationed on the road to warn passengers, as required by the Act for Regulating the use of Locomotives on Highways; and they considered it extremely important that the provisions of that Act should be more generally known and acted upon. They further considered that some blame attached to James Olney, the driver of the engine, for starting it so soon after he had seen horse and cart pass along the road." [Under the 5th and 6th of William IV., cap. 50, sec. 70 of the General Highway Act, is not lawful to erect any steam engine, or, machinery attached thereto, within 25 yards from any carriage way, unless the same be in house or behind a wall or fence sufficient to conceal or screen the same from the carriage way, so that the same may not be dangerous to horses or cattle. Every person offending against this Act is liable to a penalty of per day, recoverable before two justices. The Act of the 28th and 29th Victoria, cap. 83, sec. 6 for regulating the use of locomotives refers to the Act just quoted, and further provides that the foregoing restrictions shall not extend to, or prohibit the use of, any locomotive steam engine for the purpose of ploughing within 25 yards of the highway, "provided person shall be stationed in the road and employed to signal the driver when it shall be necessary to stop, and to assist horses, and carriages drawn by horses, passing the same, and provided the driver of the engine do stop in proper time."

STONY STRATFORD Petty Sessions, JUNE 16^th. Present: The Rev. H. J. Barton, chairman; and W. G. Duncan.
Castlethorpe.— Joseph Evans Whiting, of Castlethorpe, was summoned for using a steam plough in a field near the turnpike road, without having anyone stationed on the road to give warning to the engineer of any conveyance approaching, or to be ready to render assistance required (according to Act of Parliament.—Defendant pleaded guilty.—Fine costs, 14s. 6d. Paid.

DEATHS: Nov. 7, at Castlethorpe, Bucks, Sarah, widow of the late Mr. Benjamin Whiting, of Piddington Lodge, in this county, aged 78

NEWPORT PAGNELL

COUNTY COURT FRIDAY, MARCH 14. Before J. Whigham, Esq.
Lord Carrington v. Frederick Whiting. This was a claim for £1 16s. 4d. for mense profits, and for possession of a cottage at Castlethorpe. Mr. Bull for the plaintiff. His Honour was of the opinion that a proper notice had been given, and ordered possession to be given up on March the 24^th March, with a verdict for the amount claimed, and costs.

DEATHS. Sept. 5, at Castlethorpe, Bucks, Mrs. ELIZABETH WHITING, aged 94.

HANSLOPE. Marriage Rejoicings took place here on Tuesday last the occasion of the marriage Mary Elizabeth, eldest daughter at Mr. Bennett Thomason, Hanslope, with Mr. Henry Whiting second son of Mr. J. E. Whiting, Castlethorpe. The wedding breakfast was laid in a large marquee adjoining the house. A triumphal arch was erected over the gateway leading into the public road, surmounted with the motto, "God bless the wedded pair." The weather was all that could be desired. The bride, in rich dress of white silk, entered the church, leaning on the arm of her uncle (by whom was given away), attended by eight bridesmaids, who wore white muslin, trimmed with lace, cerise bows and sashes. The bridesmaids were the Misses Emily, Alice, Louisa, and Caroline, sisters of the bride; Miss Kate and Miss Nellie Whiting, sisters of the bridegroom; Miss H. Thomason and Miss Checkley. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. M. A. Nicholson, the vicar. The service was coral, Mrs. Edward Slade ably presiding at the harmonium. As the happy couple left the church, flowers were strewed in the pathway, along which was placed cocoa matting, carpet being laid in the church, the bells of which struck up merry peals, which were continued at intervals throughout the day. About half-part two the happy pair left, amidst a shower of rice and old shoes, for London, en route for Brighton. In the evening a ball was held in a barn, gaily dressed with a profusion of evergreens, mottoes, &c. Dancing was kept up with an animated spirit until the small hours in the morning.

CASTLETHORPE.—Accident.—On Monday last Thomas Bull, labourer, of Hanslope, in the employ of Mr. J. E Whiting, of Castlethorpe, while engaged at water cart for the steam ploughing engines, was kicked a horse on his leg. completely shattering the bone between his knee and ankle. He was afterwards conveyed to the Northampton Infirmary.

HANSLOPE.—Accident.—On the 19th inst., Arthur John, son of John Herbert, Cuckoo’s-hill, was accidentally run over a load of manure while engaged at manure cart for Mr. Whiting, farmer, of Castlethorpe. The wheel passed over his left leg, and broke it in two places. He was at once conveyed to the Northampton Infirmary, where he is progressing favourably. This is the third accident which has occurred at Mr. J. E. Whiting's farm within this last six months to persons engaged with Mr. Whiting's horses.

CASTLETHORPE.- ACCIDENT— July 7th, William Rainbow, six years old, son Mr. Thomas Rainbow, of this village, while at play in the street was accidentally run over by a straw elevator belonging to Mr J. E. Whiting, of Castlethorpe, breaking his arm, and bruising his thigh very much. Dr. J. Smith, of Hanslope, was soon in attendance and set the boy's arm, and attended to his other injuries. The boy is now progressing favourably.

Accidents. —A man employed J. Whiting, Castlethorpe, removing a portable thrashing engine on Tuesday night last, unfortunate circumstance fell, and the machine passed over his legs, fracturing both of them. He was speedily conveyed to the Northampton Infirmary.

COURTEENHALL— Fire –On Tuesday a bean rick, the produce of nine acres, belonging to Mr. C. W. Gray, Courteenhall Grange, was destroyed by fire. The wheat was to have been threshed to-day, and a steam traction engine and box were being placed in position about 4.pm.yesterday near the rick by the two men in charge of it, when it is supposed that on passing over a little loose straw the heat from the fire-box set it on fire. Almost immediately the burning straw caught the rick, and, notwithstanding plenty of ready help being soon on the spot, the stack was entirely consumed. The traction engine and box belongs to Mr. Whiting, Castlethorpe. The box  is considerably damaged. No other property being in close contact with the burning stack, it was rot thought advisable send for the engines. Mr. Gray is insured the County Fire Office, of which Mr. E. F. Walton, Northampton, is agent.

STONY STRATFORD. Sessions. Dec. 16.—Before E. H. Watts and Spencer R. Harrison, Esqrs. —Edward Smith, of Cosgrove, was summoned by his master, Joseph Evans Whiting, Castlethorpe, for stealing three pints of milk, on the 3rd of December. —Prisoner pleaded guilty.— One month's imprisonment.

FIRE. On Sunday evening, a part of an old bean rick was burnt, belonging to Messrs. Whiting Bros. at Barney Grounds Buildings. The rick was supposed to have been set on fire by little children playing with matches.

No name is better known among agriculturalist in the county of Bucks, practically the northern portion of it, than that of Whiting.  The farming operations of the brothers who succeeded their father [missing] the scope of the business, are, however, of more than local interest, and as will readily be perceived from an account of a chat I had chiefly with Mr. Joseph Whiting, the eldest of the brothers.  The residence of Mr. Whiting bears the quaint name of Moulsoe Buildings, and is situated about a mile and a half from Newport Pagnell in the parish of Moulsoe.  It was in olden days a coaching house, with boxes for horses and quarters for men.  The buildings are at the back, and have been enlarged and improved by Mr. Whiting during his tenancy. I saw in the comfortable sheds a number of nice looking calves, which in accordance with the custom, were being weaned at Moulsoe, and fed on a gruel.  Before we went for a drive round the various farms, I had commenced a chat with Mr. Whiting, resuming it at intervals later on; and, first, I asked him about the origin and development of the extensive operations in which he and his brothers are engaged.

Joseph Whiting	Henry William Whiting	George Whiting	Charles Whiting

“Sixty years ago,” said Mr. Whiting, my father, who was the son of a very small farmer, occupying less than 100 acres of land, bought himself a drill, and went out to drill the farmers’ corn by contract per acre.  He soon started a second drill, and employed a man to help him.  After a time he bought a horse-power threshing machine.  Then he bought a steam engine, and was the first to [missing] prejudice against it at first, and he had to go 30 or 40 miles away from home before he could get anyone to employ him.  However, he secured a job in Bedfordshire, and he never had to hunt for one again.  Mr. William Smith, inventor of the steam plough, was one of the earliest to employ him.  He soon threshed a large quantity of the corn that was grown round him for many miles.  His first farm, which he took for three years, was only 50 acres.  His next was about 120, and was under the late Lord Carrington.”

“Of course he went on with his machining besides?”

“Oh, yes, he not only went on with it, but kept on extending it.  He introduced Fowler’s steam cultivating tackle, and soon had half-a-dozen sets of it working contract work in all directions.  I was the eldest son, and he set me to work, after giving me the best education he could, when I was fifteen.  The farm on which he spent more than the last 25 years of his life was a Castlethorpe.  There he died in 1888.”

“Where was your own first start as a farmer?”

“At Stoke Goldington, where I succeeded my father in the 120 acre farm.  I came to Moulsoe in 1881, and my brothers had other farms in connection.  When my father died, we came to the conclusion that we would work better together than if we were separated, and we accordingly decided to do so, except my brother, Mr. Henry William Whiting.” http://clutch.open.ac.uk/schools/willen99/w_employment/Whiting/HarWhi.html

“Does he farm entirely on his own account?”

“Yes; he had Manor Farm, Willen, and he goes in chiefly for dairying.  He has a large dairy business at Fulham, where he sells not only milk, but butter, eggs, poultry, and bread.  At different times he has had business areas in different parts of London, and worked them up, and then sold them.”

“I conclude that, as your brothers are partners, you have a system of keeping accounts?”

“That is so I may say that the business is carried on in precisely the same way as an ordinary business.  We have a complete system of book keeping, and employee a London accountant to audit the box and make out a balance-sheet.  Personally, I believe very strongly in farmers keeping accounts, but, of course, with three other us in partnership it is absolutely indispensable.  The farming is not divided from the machine business; one is worked throughout in connection with the other.”

“Now we are you tell me about your different holdings?”

“We have two farms in Newport Pagnell, Green Farm, 50 acres, and Caldecote Farm, 100 acres.  At Moulsoe, we have also two farms- the Home, 330 acres and the Top of Farm, 220 acres, which, as I showed you just now, adjoin.  At Lathbury, the other side of Newport Pagnell, we have 550 acres.  At Gayhurst, there is the Mill Farm 320 acres, and the Park Farm for 415 acres.  At Stoke Goldington, where my brother, a Mr. George Whiting lives, we have the George Inn Farm, 220 acres, and East Town Farm, 220 acres, and the Harley Farm, 78 acres.  Then there is Bunstay Farm, 150 acres.”

“And Castlethorpe” I interposed.

“Castlethorpe, where my brother, Mr. Charles Whiting, lives, is 485 acres.  In the same parish, adjoining, we have Lower Lodge Farm, 240 acres, and near to that Pindon End Farm, also 240 acres.

“And who lives in the other houses?”

“My mother lives at Lathbury.  At Gayhurst Park Farm the house is unoccupied and our foremen live at the other homesteads.”

“You have, I find, fourteen farms altogether; but I have not calculated the total acreage.”

We farm 3600 acres, of which 2000 acres are arable.  There is some light land, where we can carry sheep in winter and grow roots.”

“Do you follow the four course the system?”

“We have no particular course, but grow whatever we think will suit us best.  All we aim at is to keep the land clean, and in a high state of cultivation i.e., Well manured and in good heart.”

“I suppose you have several lands lords?”

“Lord Carrington is one of the principal.  He never restricts access to anything in cropping, and he gives us the right of shooting over our own farms, which we value very much.  I look upon him as an excellent landlord, and the only fault I can find with him is that he has not reduced the rents of sufficient to meet the times.”

“You consider that you are paying too much for your farms?”

“We are playing quite 15 per cent, too much.  Lord Carrington was one of the first landlords to make reduction in rents.  He reduced them to 20 per cent, in 1880, but since then, though he has made substantial abatements, he has not quite done what his old tenant think he ought.  What we want is the rents permanently reduced to the extent of 15 per cent., in order that we may also get the assessment reduced.”

“What would a permanent reduction of 15 per cent mean to you?”

“Six hundred pounds a year.  The point is that on the Moulsoe Estate the rents from the new tenants have come down 50 per cent., whereas the old tenants cannot get a corresponding reduction.  We have not lost money by our farming, but we think that we ought to be able, with all our capital invested, to get more than a bare living.”

“How much do you pay in rent altogether?”

“Four thousand and two hundred and ten pounds, representing an average of 23s. 6d. per acre.  The rate are £460, an average of 2s. 6d.  per acre.  Under the new Rating Act we get every relief of about £180, or 1s. an acre.”

“Who is it your other principal landlord?”

“ Mr. Carlile, M.P.”

“What have you to say about him?”

“He is a first rate landlord.  He bought the Gayhurst Estate just before the agricultural depression began to be felt, so that he has had it all through the worst time.  Everything was in a dilapidated condition when he came into possession.  The homesteads, farm buildings, the cottages all needed repair.  In fourteen years he has improved the farmhouses, put the farm buildings in good order, built new and overhauled the old labourers’ cottages.  In fact, he has raised Stoke Goldington from a village fast going to pieces to one of the cleanest and [missing] in North Bucks.  You can, therefore, judged that he is very popular.”

“You must not,” continue to Mr. Whiting, “think that, because we have taken so many farms during the last fourteen or fifteen year, we are land-grabbers. All those which we have added to our holdings in that period have been offered to us, or taken after former tenant failed to make them pay.”

“Your rent is a very big item, and I imagine that you labour bill is not less formidable?”

“It is more formidable.  We pay away in wages each year £5400, or over £100 a week.”

“How many people do you employ, then?”

“A hundred and sixty men and boys of all ages, all the year round.  Half-a-dozen of the men are skilled mechanics who work in the shops.  We employ two carpenter and wheelwrights to do all the repairs on the premises, and to smiths to do the horse-shoeing.  The skilled men receive 24s. a week and upwards; the labourers what they are worth.  In winter the amount varies from 12s to 10s.  per week.”

“Have you plenty of cottages?”

“We have a good number, but a large portion of the men live away.  I wish we had cottages for them all.”

“Is there any difficulty in getting men?”

“No.  But we should and not to be so well off for labour if wheat went up two and 40s. a quarter.  There is nothing like the labour required now that there was in former times; partly because a good deal of the arable land has gone down to grass, and partly because the extensive use of machinery on farms does away with the requirements of labour.  For example, we use self-binders.  We have eight on the farms, and can cut down 100 acres a day.  Machinery is undoubtedly less expensive than hand labour.”

“Do you employ any women?”

“Women would not think of going to work on land in this district.  They are too well off for that.  The Carriage Works at Wolverton draw their labour from the surrounding district.  The younger and stronger men go there, they get higher wages than we can give them.  I do not think the labourers are any too well paid.  But they are better off now than they were, because they can purchase as much with 25s.  as they could with 30s. some years ago.”

“What are your chief crops?”

“We have put in 470 acres of wheat for the coming year.  This is only an increase of about 20 acres.  We have laid some of the heaviest land down to a temporary pasture.  If we saw signs of wheat continuing to rise we should have it up again.  Yes, I should be glad if week to rose to 40s.  As we grow 2000 quarters you can judge what a difference of 10s. a quarter would make to us.  Wheat at 40 shillings a quarter would do more for the farmers, the labourers, and the landowner than all the legislation which has been proposed.”

“Do you grow much barley?”

“We have about 400 acres of barley, and 150 of oats, also a large acreage of beans, clover, and roots for next year.  This year we had from 70 to 80 acres of mangolds.  The crops were very good.  One piece has been weighed, just to test the quantity per acre.  It came out at 38½ tons per acre”

“That is something like.  How has the price of barley being lately?”

“It was better this year.  We were fortunate in securing it all but 12 acres in good condition before the rain came.  I have made from 27s to 40s per quarter this year, I have not threshed half the stock yet.”

“Have you any special crop?”

“We grow from 80 to 90 acres of tares on the head land, and there is a large acreage of mixed seed.  I like kohl rabi on the better land, and considerate it a very strong feed.  We have from 250 to 300 acres of roots.  I am feeding my bullocks on the former for Christmas.  We consume nearly all our oats, all the inferior barley, and some of the wheat.”

But a talk about the stock was deferred until I had seen the other farms.

The Buildings Moulsoe

Starting from Moulsoe we quickly reached the quiet street of Newport Pagnell, and emerging on the other side of the town, Mr. Whiting pointed out to me that the land on both sides of the road was farmed by him and his brothers.  In fact, we drove 5 miles, through the villages of Lathbury, Gayhurst, and Stoke Goldington, without getting off their occupations.

At Lathbury there is a fine old house, which was also once a coaching-house, with nearly a score of bedrooms.  Here, too, are splendid buildings, including a most spacious yard, which the present tenants have covered, and in which were located a large number of cattle in good condition.  We have only time to exchange a few words with Mrs. and Miss Whiting, proceeding next to Quarry Hall.  At the adjoining buildings where some beasts which are intended to show, and, judging by their appearance, they should give a first rate account of themselves.

Passing the cosy-looking house attached to Gayhurst Park Farm, we reached the now flourishing village of Stoke Goldington.  At Stoke resides many of the men who work the steam engines and cultivating tackle.  We remained for a brief chat with Mr. and Mrs. George Whiting, and have a glance round at the blacksmith’s forge, the carpenters shop, and the premises in which the engines and tackle are kept, when they are not in away.

Castlethorpe Farm 1896

Then passed being Bunstay Farm on our way, we made for Castlethorpe, where the founder of the firm resided for so many years.  There is a delightful house, which stands on an eminence close to the railway station, and Mrs. Charles Whiting greeted us, I heard the sound of children’s voices.  The buildings at Castlethorpe are commodious, especially the barn, and many improvements have been effected in recent years.  Mr. Charles Whiting, who accompanied us round, is, liked his brothers, and a very busy man, but he finds time to act as Parish Councillor, member of the School Board, and Churchwarden. The feature of this farm is the stock of shorthorn cows for dairying purposes, and everything gives placed to them. I was much struck by the windmill in the yard, which is used for pumping water to supply the premises.  As the light failed we went indoors, and presently resumed our conversation.

“You must consume a large quantity of artificial foods?”  I said.

“In August we bought 60 tons of cake, to be delivered between then and Christmas.  It has all been used but one truck.”

“And artificial manure?”

“Last season we use 20 tons of guano, 20 tons of nitrate of soda, and 60 of super-phosphate.  As we keep a large herd of stock, nearly all the hay is consumed, and converted into manure.”

“What is the extent of your herd?”

“We have from 700 to 800 shorthorns of all ages. There are 100 cows in milk at Castlethorpe.”

“Where do you sell your milk?”

“it goes to London to various people.  The reason we milk at Castlethorpe is that the farm is adapted for the purpose, and the railway station is within 230 yards off the homestead.”

“Can you tell me how much of the sales of milk amount to in 12 months?”

“A little more than £2000.  Six heifers have calves yearly, and we wean about 180 in the year.  The cows are usually sold at about the fourth calf, and without their calves, the latter being kept for weaning.  The steers go off  fat about three years old, either on grass or in the yards.  Most of the cattle are wintered in the yards.  We can winter a large number because of the quantity of arable land.  Pure-bred shorthorn bulls are used.  We have given as much as £40 for a yearling bull.”

“Do you take many prizes?”

“Last Christmas we took £50 for shorthorns bred and fed by ourselves, and we hope to do well this year.  We generally take some prizes in the local stock markets for goods ordinary animals.”

“How many steers to you buy each year?”

“About fifty, and by sell every year from 150 to 200 fat bullocks.  As to the feeding, they graze on the grass in summer, and often have cake as well.  In winter, straw, chaff, cake and roots, with a small quantity of hay, is given them.”

“Before we leave the subject, I should like to know how long you have had the windmill?”

“A couple of years. It is an American invention, and it is used to pump water up. It cost under £100. I may say that our arrangements in regards to milking are such that we can deliver the milk to the station in ten minutes after the cows have been milked..”

“You have a large number of Oxford Downs?”

“ We have about two thousand sheep of all ages, of which eight hundred and fifty are breeding ewes. We sell them privately and at the local markets. The markets are Northampton, Newport Pagnell, Stony Stratford, and Fenny Stratford. The older ewes are fed off with their lambs. We usually begin to sell fat lambs at Easter. The remainder are run on as stores, and fed off roots during the winter.”

“How many sheep do you usually shear?”

“Last year we clipped eighteen hundred. We got 24s 6d a tod [A unit of weight for wool, especially one equivalent to about 28 pounds (12.7 kilograms)] for the wool. That was one of the top prices at Northampton fair, and higher than two or three years previously.”

“What number of horses do you work on the farm?”

“Sixty cart horses, and we have forty colts and nags. We breed from ten carts mares and get about six foals each year. We also breed four or five nags each year. But we do not breed horses with a view to sale, preferring to keep them ourselves, because they are useful to us.”

“Have you anything to say about motor cars?”

“I do not fancy that they will interfere with the breeding of horses for a long time. It would be a good thing if they could be made to draw self-binders. Steam has made a great difference to horses. But for it we would need just double the quantity of horses we work.”

“What about the pigs and poultry?”

“We only have about 100 Berkshire pigs. We do not keep more, because the calves want all the milk we have to spare, and they also consume any offal corn there is. As to the poultry, we have between a thousand and a couple of thousand fowls, in addition to a quantity of geese and ducks. The fat birds are sold locally, and the eggs are sent to London, making a penny each all the year round.”

“Now, there remains the machinery.”

“We have steam cultivation [missing] to work on our own occupations, and partly as a business. Prior to the agricultural depression we did a great deal more in respect to hiring, and if the price of wheat even remains what it is, I believe we shall have more work than we can do.”

“ You have great faith in steam cultivation?”

I have for the successful working of heavy land. We frequently have three and sometimes four, sets of Fowler’s double-engine tackle at work on our own farms immediately after harvest. Each of these sets does as much on stiff plough land as forty horses, and that at a time when the work requires to be done quickly. We have four sets of cultivating tackle, and ten sets of threshing tackle, which can be hired within a radius of twenty miles.”

“Have you any other irons in the fire?”

Mr Whiting and his brother smiled.

“Yes” replied the former, “we have a mill driven by water, and assisted by one of the engines when required. It is always kept going. The small holders and allotment holders have their corn ground and returned. We do trade in barley meal and offals of different kinds. [offals: waste bye-product of the flour milling industry] We also work a small malting.

“There was not much time left to discuss general questions, but Mr Whiting confessed that he would like to see the Agricultural Holdings Act amended.

“A farmer who farms well,” he urged, “ought not to have a greater difficulty in getting a reduction of rent than one who farms badly, and I think that there should be compensation for improvements. Nearly all the farms in this locality are let at considerably reduced rents, which makes it unfair to the few old tenants. We have had several years when our capital invested would have paid us much better if it had been in some other business, though we put in all our energy and work. In 1893, for instance, our profits, if we made any at all, were less than if our money had been invested [missing]

“Are you in favour, generally speaking, of large holdings?”

“There is more hope for farming in that than in any other direction. I am also in favour of allotments for labourers, where they can have them close to their own homes and grow the vegetables they require. A quarter of an acre is as much as they can manage. Any more is a millstone round their necks. With regard to small holdings they are very well where a man can do everything for himself; but as to anything further, I know those who have taken small holdings without capital in this district have failed to make them pay.”

“Do you contrive with all your own engagements to perform any public duties?”

“I am a member of the Bucks County Council, of the Newport District Council, and of the Newport School Board.”

Then you must, indeed, have little leisure,” I rejoined, as we strolled down to Castlethorpe Station, “and I am afraid I have absorbed an undue proportion of your time.”

ALFRED WILCOX

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10 ft. diameter “Hercules” Windmill at Castlethorpe 1897

The Implement and Machinery Review

January 1^st, 1897.

E. & H. ROBERTS’ "HERCULES” WINDMILL

Blow, winds, and crank your cheeks! rage! blow!

THE adjuration of King Lear betokens a state of the elements which is sometimes the reverse of pleasant for wind-motor owners. We have heard of such things as windmills being blow bodily away, though we admit that such a catastrophe is exceptional. It is, however, always well to be prepared for the worst, even whilst hoping for the best, and on that principle aerial power users will do well, in making their selection of such a motor, to see that strength is not sacrificed to ease of working or other desirable qualities. A windmill ought to stand as firm as a rock, and all connections should be "taut and tight" at the same time that perfect freedom of play is given to the necessary working parts. It is the possession of strength—strength -both to stand and also to lift--that has given to the mill we illustrate the confidence-inspiring name of " Hercules" ; and Messrs E. & H. Roberts, Ltd., of Deanshanger Iron Works, Stony Stratford, in thus christening it have not exceeded the utilitarian limits of nomenclature, for strong it is in every part—"Strong all over," as Lord Wolseley, in his new "Infantry Drill," declares a soldier ought to be. Our engraving represents the " Hercules' having a wheel 10 ft. in diameter, mounted on a steel tower 50 ft. high, as used for driving one of their 2½ in. special syphon pumps, having an extra large air chamber, so that the bucket valve and retaining valve are always under water, and the working barrel is continually charged. This mill is employed for supplying water to the whole of Messrs. Whiting's premises at Castlethorpe, in Buckinghamshire, where the milk from 120 cows is regularly sent to London. The water lifted by it is used for cooling this milk, and after being so employed, is afresh utilised in the cowhouses and horseyards, that no loss of water may be allowed to take place. At £84 this windmill, put up in a week, should pay for itself in a couple of years. Messrs. Whiting Brothers, owning this are the largest farmers in Buckinghamshire, having fourteen farms altogether comprising 3,600 acres, of which 2,000 are arable. The wrestpin and pitman found in most mills is absent in the " Hercules” a rolling eccentric, or a roll and tram movement being substituted, which, it is claimed, enables the mill to lift 30 per cent. more than some others. A wheel, 4⅓ in. in diameter, is mounted on a journal in the large vane gear, which is changed to different holes to give the pump-rod longer or shorter strokes. This wheel rolls on a slotted lever, hinged on a fixed pin at one end, and is attached to the pump piston at its moving end. That arrangement, it is claimed, practically does away with the dead centres of the crank movement, and enables the mill to perform a considerable amount of work in a light wind. An excellent governing device, and self-oiling journal bearings, are other important features; whilst the general construction is also very strong, heavy angle steel being freely used, and the outer girth being placed near the ends of the sails so that they cannot break off. For strength and safety the "Hercules" 4-lost angle steel tower, with angle steel ladder, and angle steel platform, is hard to beat. Messrs. Roberts have at different times shown us several hydraulic engineers has been as satisfactory to the agricultural community as it has been to themselves, testimonials, which conclusively prove that the work they have recently carried out as aerial and hydraulic engineers has been as satisfactory to the agricultural community as it has been to themselves.

Frederick Clarke and Walter Clarke, of Castlethorpe, labourers, were charged with trespassing in search of  rabbits, on land in the occupation of Mr Charles Whiting, at Castlethorpe. April 24th —The defendant Frederick did not appear —Joseph Feasey, gamekeeper, proved the case —Fine and costs. 10s each.

Northampton Mercury 29 March 1901

CASTLETHORPE.—Parish Council Election (five seats).—Charles Whiting. 55; James Pain, 51; Arthur Masterman, 50; John Luing, 47; Edward Richardson, 39 (elected); John Olney, jun., 37; Samuel Baugh 9.

NORTHAMPTON BOROUGH PETTY SESSIONS.

Betting Men Charged with Theft. —Charles Herbert Smith (33), 39. Althorp-street, Far Cotton, and John Clarke (30), Victoria-gardens, described as betting men, were charged with stealing about eight p.m. on the 11th inst., from London and North-Western Railway train at the Castle Station, two gentlemen's mackintoshes, value £3 10s., the property of the London and North-Western Railway Company. Prisoners were further charged with receiving the mackintoshes well-knowing them to have been previously stolen. —Edward Chapman, a porter at the Castle Station, said that he saw two mackintoshes on the rack of first-class compartment of the six o'clock from Euston, and subsequently saw Clarke in the compartment hand one of the mackintoshes to Smith and take one himself. Afterwards he learned that the mackintoshes had been left in the train by gentlemen who left it at Castlethorpe. He spoke to defendants, who said that the mackintoshes belonged to them.—Sergeant Leatherland deposed that when he saw Smith with reference to the mackintoshes Smith said that the one he had was given to him by a man he did not know. Later on said that Clarke took the mackintoshes. When he saw Clarke he said that Smith had told lies about the matter. Prisoners were formally charged at the station, and made no reply. Only one of the mackintoshes had been recovered. Charles Whiting and Arthur Masterman, Castlethorpe, deposed to leaving their mackintoshes in the train at Castlethorpe. That recovered belonged to Whiting.—Prisoners were remanded until Monday, bail being refused. —Detective-Superintendent Copping, the Chief of the London and North- Western Railway Company's Police, watched the case on behalf of the company.

John Burbidge. Henry Mills. Luke Stones, and Bull, all Hanslope, were summoned for trespassing in search of game, at Castlethorpe, on October 18th.  This case was adjourned from the last meeting, only Bull then appeared, warrants issued for the others. Burbidge had absconded; the others pleaded guilty.—Mr. Charles Whiting, farmer, and Andrew Nichols stated the case.—Mills and Stones were fined including costs (first offence); Bull 30s. and costs 7s. 6d. (previously convicted); and Burbidge £2 and costs, or one month's imprisonment.

Top: Joseph Whiting Left to Right: Charles Whiting, George Whiting

HAVE we lived before?" has been a topic much discussed during what is known as the "silly season " in one of the London newspapers. We have no intention of conveying to our readers the idea that we, were over in Newport Pagnell until March last, when we met with a large number of agricultural worthies of this district and spent one of the most pleasant evenings it has been our lot to pass. Amongst those present on that occasion were the Messrs. Whiting, hence we hailed with much pleasure an invitation from Mr. Joseph Whiting to spend a day with him, and to bring our guns. As, however, we had no desire to clear the entire district of surplus game we left our guns behind us.
One of the first incidents of our visit was the conveying of a "dead cert." to some of the inhabitants. On the way down in the railway carriage we met with a gentleman "well in the know," who informed us that he rode up in the morning with Lord So-and-so, and Lord So-and-so, and he heard the one say to the other: "Now, if you want to make some money to-morrow, you back R—, he is a certain winner at Doncaster, and will carry all before him." We therefore felt that we could not do otherwise than hand this information on. Needless to say, the tip was gladly welcomed. Although we did not call to see our friend before we left, two days later we noticed in the paper that R— was not among the winners, but was mentioned among "other horses which ran."
Next morning, 9.15, found Mr. Joseph Whiting seated in his trap, ready to drive us over some of his farms. The name of Whiting has been a familiar one in Buckinghamshire for many years. Sixty years ago the father started a steer drill and went out drilling farmers' corn by contract, at the same time having a couple of horsepower thrashing machines for hire, afterwards purchasing the first steam engine used in the district for that purpose, subsequently becoming a small farmer. On his death in 1888 three of the brothers (Messrs. Joseph, George, and Charles Whiting) decided that they could do better together than working single-handed, and have been in partnership ever since. Subsequent years have fully proved the wisdom of this decision, increasing success having attended the efforts of the brothers, as will be seen from the following list of the farms which we had the pleasure of driving over. The fourth brother, Mr. W. H. Whiting, elected to go on his own account.
The following is the list of the farms in the occupation of the Messrs. Whiting:—The Green Farm, Newport. Pagnell, 263 acres; Caldecotte Farm, 90 acres; Lathbury, 550 acres; Mill Farm, Gayhurst, 320 acres; Home Farm, Gayhurst, 415 acres; Bunstay Farm, 150 acres; Stoke Goldington, 520 acres; Castlethorpe, 485 acres; Pindon End Farm, 240 acres; Home Farm, Moulsoe, 330 acres; Top Farm, Moulsoe, 220 acres. We found the whole of the farms in splendid condition, hedges well kept, land clean and farmed to produce the maximum quantity at the minimum cost. Substantial ricks of hay, clover, wheat and barley, oats and beans, bore eloquent witness to the fact that Messrs. Whiting had had magnificent crops. The quality of the grain was also excellent, and should fetch full prices when it gets to the market. We also saw some fine specimens of bullocks laying contentedly in the fields, and it did not require much stretch of imagination to know their doom by Christmas.
Apart from the extensive farming operations carried on by the brothers they own four complete sets of ploughing tackle, which, with their ten sets of thrashing machines, are kept well occupied, not only on their own farms, but let out on contract to the farmers in the district. So thoroughly are the operations carried on that a largo fitting shop forms part of the establishment at Stoke Goldington (where Mr. George Whiting lives) and, when inside, what with turning lathes, and smiths and wheelwrights at work, you might almost imagine you were in a manufacturing town, so busy are all making and repairing.
A mill also forms part of the Castlethorpe farm, where all kinds of grain are converted into meal. On none of these farms is the work "put out." but everything is done at home with the latest and most up-to-date appliances. The rentals of these farms must amount to over £4.000, and the wages paid to over £6,000 per annum.
Castlethorpe was the residence of the late Mr. Whiting, and is now occupied by Mr. Charles Whiting, where we rested and refreshed, not the least stimulant being instructions to send on a truck-load of Molassine Meal during the next few days, for the 100 cows we saw being turned out after being milked.
Mrs. Whiting, senior, is still living, hale and hearty at 85, and resides at Lathbury. This is an interesting residence, as being formerly an old English coaching inn, and is left as far as possible in its original state, compatible with a modern residence. The handles of the old ale machine are still there in their original place, and although we tried to pull them they refused to respond. They had served greater worthies in days gone by, perhaps the immortal Dickens, who knows? This property is freehold, and was purchased by Mr. Joseph Whiting some years ago.
Evidences of the recent terrible storm surround Moulsoe, where Mr. Joseph Whiting lives, most of the trees in the neighbourhood having at least one branch struck off. Mr. Whiting informed us that no less than 46 panes of glass in the front of his house were broken during the night of the storm.
We found Mr. Joseph Whiting a genial host, a splendid representative of an English farmer, who carries weight, not, because of his 16 stone, but because of his honourable past. Every-where where he is known his word is enough. Although carrying on farming operations on such an extensive scale Mr. Joseph Whiting does not in any sense live a selfish life, but gives much anxious time and thought to the work of the Rural District Council, and is Chairman of Assessment Committee and of the Bucks County Council.
We spent a pleasant evening, and after a long day in the open air retired "to sleep the sleep of the just," leaving Mr. Whiting to do the same, Messrs. Whiting only began to use Molassine Meal late last season, taking some 30 tons, and the fact of their having only recently placed a first order for this season for 50 tons with Messrs. F. Coales and Son, of Newport Pagnell, is sufficient evidence of their appreciation.
Formerly, Mr. Whiting did not look upon this class of food with much favour, but having given it a good trial he is of opinion that it is a food of much value for all classes of stock, more especially for mixing with chaff and other foods grown on the farm, causing all stock to consume it more readily and with less waste, besides keeping them in good health.

WHITING.
A NOTED BUCKS FARMER.

Castlethorpe went into mourning on Friday day for the funeral of one of its most beloved natives —Mr. Charles Whiting, who was one of the largest agriculturists in this part of Bucks.

Mr. Whiting, who was 58 years of age, had flourishing farmsteads at Castlethorpe and Hanslope, and in both villages was esteemed and revered by the inhabitants. For many years he was a member the Castlethorpe Parish Council, and a devout Churchman; he had held the position of vicar's warden at Castlethorpe Church for a number of years. In politics he was a Conservative, though he took on actives part in the propagation of his principles.

As an evidence of the esteem in which he was held in the villagers, all who were at home in the village attended the simple funeral service in the village church, which was crowded.

The funeral service was conducted the Rev. W. J. Harkness (vicar of Hanslope), assisted by the Rev. T. Evans (curate), who also both officiated at the graveside. At  the service “Peace, perfect peace" was sung to organ accompaniment Miss Gregory.

Amongst the mourners were; Miss Dorothy L. and Miss Kathleen M. Whiting (daughters), Messrs. C. R., J. E., B. S., and H. G. Whiting (sons) Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Whiting, (brother and sister-in-law), Mr. Henry Whiting, Caldecote (brother), Mr. and Mrs. George Whiting, Stoke Goldington (brother and sister-in-law), Mr. Henry Whiting, Hampstead (nephew), Mr. Bennett Whiting, Willen (nephew), Mr. Frank Whiting, Stoke (nephew). Mrs. Percy Adams (niece), Mr. Adams. Broughton, Mr. H. Reynolds, Newport Pagnell, Mrs, W. Brice Shakeshaft (sister-in-law), Mr. Brice Shakeshaft, Milton Keynes, Mr. T. Shakeshaft, Newport Pagnell. Mr. and Mrs. George Humphries, Bragborough.

Included amongst a number personal friends in the church were Mr. J. S, Tibbetts, C.C., Mr. F. Hurry, Dr. Douglas Bull, Mr. J. Wilson. Mr. John Hall (Stony Stratford), Mr. H. C. Wilkinson (Old Wolverton) Mr. G. Tayler, Mr. J. Odell, Mr. F. W. Coles, Mr. J. O. Butler, Mr. P. W. Gamble (Newport Pagnell), Mr. A. Greaves, (Haversham) Mr. W. Hedges (Great Linford), Mr. W. G. Lyles (Ravenstone), Mr. W. T. Smart (East Haddon), Mr. A, Sawbridge, Mr. T. Tucker (Hanslope) the Rev. T. W. Titmarsh (Lathbury), Mr. Ellis Clarke (Silverstone), Mr, F. H. Verey (Old Stratford), Mr. W. Penson (Cosgrove), Mr. W. Whitbread (co- warden), Mr. R. W. Dickens (Hanslope), and fifty workmen from the two farms. The coffin, which was of polished oak was made from timber grown in the neighbourhood of the deceased's home. It was lowered into grave which had been beautifully lined with moss and chrysanthemums. Included in a very large collection of floral tributes were wreaths from all the mourners, and Mr. and Mrs. F. R. Birdsell (Northampton), the Lower Lodge workmen, all at Caldecote, Mr. and Mrs. Gamble, Alfred Sawbridge, (Hanslope), Mr. W. Bull, Mayor and Corporation of Lincolnshire, the workmen and Mrs. Claude Borrett.

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Joseph Evans Whiting M.C. farmed at The Lodge. During the 1st World War, 23 Service men of the village, were under the command of Lieut. J.E. Whiting, who served, with the Royal Field Artillery .

SITUATIONS VACANT - Domestic

WANTED, GOOD GENERAL. Mrs. Joseph Whiting, Castlethorpe.

FARMER J.P.’S

SWORN IN AT QUARTER SESSIONS

MR. J. E. WHITING’S CAREER

Mr. Charles Wyley, a Stantonbury farmer, took his seat on the Stony Stratford Bench for the first time on Friday.

Mr. Wyley was sworn in with two other magistrates. Mr. L. T. Edwards, of Weston Underwood, and Mr. J. E. Whiting, a Castlethorpe farmer, at the Buckinghamshire Quarter Sessions.

Mr. Wyley and his brother, Mr. Jack Wyley, farm nearly 1,000 acres at Stantonbury. The new magistrate is a prominent member of the Newport Pagnell branch of the Farmer’s Union and is on the County Executive.

On the death of his father, Ald. R. M. Wyley, in 1919, he succeeded him as President of Bradwell and Wolverton Good Samaritan Society.

MR. J. E. WHITING

Mr. Whiting is a member of a family well-known in North Bucks. He has an extensive holding at Castlethorpe and also farms for Mrs. Agar, whose property adjoins the Cosgrove estate, Northamptonshire.

Mr. Whiting served two years during the war with the Bucks, Husars, and was then given a commission in the Royal Artillery, with whom he served in France. He succeeded the late General Sir Arthur Holland as President of the Castlethorpe branch of the British Legion.

Mr. Edwards is a County Councillor, and was returned unopposed for Weston Underwood on the Newport Pagnell Rural Council in March.

CASTLETHORPE FIRE.

The Wolverton Works Fire Brigade made a prompt turn-out to a rick fire on Mr. J. E. Whiting’s farm at Castlethorpe, shortly after nine o’clock on Saturday night. A portion the rick was saved, and the firemen, under Sergt. Adams, prevented another rick, three or four yards away, from catching alight. The brigade was at work until 11 o’clock yesterday morning.

Representing Mrs. Julia Elizabeth Whiting, of Castlethorpe, Stony Stratford, owner of the two cottages in the Dodford clearance area, agreed that one of the cottages was unfit for habitation, but asked that the cottage might be turned into suitable out-house accommodation for the remainder of the row. He stated that the other cottage was not in need of great deal of repair, and said that his client was prepared to put it into reasonable state of repair, having regard to the condition of similar property in the neighbourhood.

The engagement is announced between Miss Dorothy Whiting, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles Whiting, of Castlethorpe, and Mr. A. E. Johnston, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Johnston, co. Fermanagh Northern Ireland.

ARCHWAY OF GOLF CLUBS

MISS DOROTHY WHITING MARRIED

After the wedding of Mr. Alexander E. Johnston, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. David Johnston, of Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, to Miss Dorothy Whiting, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles Whiting, of Castlethorpe, a large number of the members of the South Herts Golf Club, of which the bride and bridegroom have been members for a number of years, lined the pathway between the church porch and the car and formed an archway of golf clubs. The ceremony took place at St. Mary’s Church, Church End, Finchley, London.

The service was fully choral, and Miss Muriel Sims, an old friend of the bride, sang whilst the register was being signed.

The bride, who was dressed in brown georgette with touches of bronze, with hat to match, was given away by her eldest brother, Mr. C. R. Whiting, Cosgrove Lodge, Stony Stratford. Mr. M. Stanley Edwards was best man.

A small reception, at which the near relatives were present, was held at King Edward’s Hall, after which Mr. and Mrs. Johnston left for an unknown destination.

WANTED, General Farm Worker and Milker. Cottage.—J. E. Whiting. Castlethorpe. Bletchley.

WHITING.— On March 21. Northampton General Hospital, Anne Elizabeth darling daughter of Mr. and Whiting, Castlethorpe Lodge Castlethorpe. Aged 19. Funeral, 2 p.m., Saturday, March 23.

FUNERAL OF CLEVER YOUNG ELOCUTIONIST

GUIDES’ GUARD OF HONOUR

Men and women from Castlethorpe and other villages and towns mourned a talented young artist, when the funeral took place at Castlethorpe of Miss Anne Elizabeth Whiting.

Elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Whiting, of Castlethorpe, she had achieved success as an elocutionist, though only 19. She had won a gold medal and recently obtained a teaching diploma. Her last public appearance was at a concert in aid of the Girl Guides, of which she was a lieutenant in the Hanslope company.

Her father is a well-known farmer.

She died in Northampton Hospital.

Since she was well-known in the district as an artist and girl with an attractive personality the members attending the funeral were so great that the little church at Castlethorpe was crowded. Extra seats were filled and many stood.

CHIEF MOURNERS

The service was conducted by the Rev. E. J. Fenn (curate-in-charge), who also officiated at the graveside and the lesson was read by the Rev. J. Percy Taylor, vicar of Hanslope. The hymns were “On the resurrection morning” and “Abide with Me.”

The Nunc Dimittis was sung as the mourners left for the graveside the churchyard.

The coffin had been brought from the farm, which adjoins the church, overnight, and remained in the chancel.

In addition to Mr and Mrs. J. E. Whiting (father and mother) and Miss Patricia Whiting (sister), the following member's of the family attended: Mr. and Mrs. C. R. Whiting (Cosgrove), Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Whiting. Miss Whiting (Heyford Grange, Weedon). Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Johnstone (Finchley), Mr. and Mrs. Jack Whiting, Miss Nellie Whiting (Stoke Goldington), Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Whiting (Gayhurst), Mr. Maurice Whiting, Miss Mary Whiting, and Mr. Philip Whiting (Cosgrove), Mr. and Mrs. E. Charles Jones (Newport, Mon.), Flying Officer St. John, and Flying Officer Powerill.

Others present were; Mr. and Mrs. George Beale (Potterspury Lodge), Mr. C. H. Weston (Yardley Gobion), Mr. and Mrs. Giles Randall (Haversham). Mrs. Montgomery, Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Knight (Northampton), Mr. and Mrs. T. O. Morgan (Salcey Lawn), Mrs. Phipps, Mr. Donald Phipps (Hartwell), Mr. and Mrs. F. S. Woollard (Stony Stratford). Mr. J. Hurry (Old Stratford), Mrs. J. L. Hall, Miss Hall (Marlborough), Mr P. C. Gambell, Mrs. and Miss Price Mr. and Mrs. S. Reynolds (Newport Pagnell), Captain and Mrs. P. Y. Atkinson (Cosgrove Priory), Mrs. H. C. Rossiter, Miss Rossiter (Lavendon), Mr. and Mrs. W. O. Lester (Leckhampstead), Miss Sylvia Meacham, Mr. and Mrs Rupert Roberts, Miss Stockings, Miss Carden (Stony Stratford), Mr. W. H. Weston, Miss M. Weston (Yardley),

Mr. C. G. Brown (Towcester), Mrs. Reynolds. Miss Susan Reynolds (Buckingham), Mr. and Mrs. L. Wienholt (Hereford). Mr. and Mrs. W. Viccars (Singleborough), Mrs. Forbes (Great Horwood), Mr. P. J. Powell, Mr. Walter Beesley, Mr. Tom West, Mr. H. B. Cook, Mr. F. Mills, Mr. E. H. Fordham, Mrs. J. K. Bowden, Mr. Tom Bowden (Simpson), Mrs. J. Rossiter (Heathencote), Mrs. C. Wylie, Mr. R. Wylie (Stantonbury), Mr. W. S. Johnson, Mr. Allen Taylor (Bletchley), Mr. and Mrs. Greaves (Wolverton), Mrs. Bolt, Mrs. Mayes, Mr. Tom Mayes, Mrs. W. Furniss (Castlethorpe).

GUIDES’ GUARD OF HONOUR

Mrs. P. Tompkins. Mrs. P. H. G. Simkins (Hanslope), Mrs. J. Thompson (West Hartlepool), Mrs. and Miss Soper, Mr. J. Soper, jun. (Potterspury), Mr. G. Dove, Miss Dove (Duncote, Towcester), Miss Adams, Mr. J. Monk (Weedon), Mrs. H. Cross (Oxford), Mrs. E. F. Melly (Nuneaton), Mr. L. Taylor (Hanslope), Mr. A. R J. Norris (Newport).

The Mothers’ Union were represented by members of the Castlethorpe branch, of which Mrs. M. M. Lewis the enrolling member.

The 1st Company Girl Guides, under Captain Miss Fairs, formed a guard of honour at the graveside, and carried the company colours.

The grave was lined with evergreens, snowdrops, daffodils and narcissi.

Nearly a hundred wreaths included tributes from the Girl Guides, the Mothers’ Union, and the Hanslope and Castlethorpe Nursing Association.

Northampton Mercury 10 May 1940

J. E. Whiting, Castlethorpe. WANTED, General Farm Worker and Milker; cottage in village.—Box 341

Northampton Mercury 28 June 1940

WOMEN MOTORISTS FINED

At Northampton Borough Police Court on Monday fines of £1 each were imposed on Christiana Pigott. married, of The Manor House, Great Houghton, and Patricia Whiting, independent, of Castlethorpe Lodge, Castlethorpe. Bletchley, for allowing cars to stand in Abington-street so as to cause unnecessary obstruction.

BENCH PRAISES LORRY-DRIVER

BUCKS ACCIDENT MIGHT HAVE BEEN “FAR MORE SERIOUS”

A LORRY-DRIVER, Richard William Arthur Goodall, Enfield Highway. Middlesex, was congratulated by the Stony Stratford Bench, on his presence of mind in an incident which occurred on that portion of the Watling Street between Stony Stratford and Loughton.

A young woman had cut in between him and an oncoming lorry and car, with the result that her small car overturned in front of Goodall’s lorry which had a gross weight of 22 tons. She escaped with fractured ribs and other injuries.

The mishap occurred on December 29 last.

Miss Mary Keppel-Palmer, aged 20, of Castlethorpe, who lived in France until that country’s capitulation, was summoned for driving dangerously and, alternatively, carelessly, and for not signing her driving licence. The first summons, to which she had pleaded not guilty, was dismissed, and she was fined £2 with £3 5s. costs for driving carelessly, with endorsement of the licence. For not signing she was ordered to pay the costs. [Lived with the Whiting family]

The engagement is announced between Squadron-Leader John Ramsey St. John, younger son Mr. and Mrs. F. St. John of Wellington, New Zealand, and Miss Patricia Whiting, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. Whiting, of Castlethorpe Lodge, Bletchley Bucks.

BRIDAL PARTY at the Castlethorpe wedding of Miss Patricia Whiting

and Squadron-Leader John Ramsey St. John, of Wellington, New Zealand [newspaper image]

MARRIAGES ST. JOHN—WHITING.—On Sept. 6 at Castlethorpe Parish Church, by the Rev. E. J. Fenn (curate-in-charge), assisted by the Rev. J. P. Taylor, Hanslope (vicar). Squadron-Leader John Ramsey St. John, younger son of Mr. and Mrs. Francis St. John, of Wellington, New Zealand, Patricia, only daughter of Mr. J. E. Whiting, J.P., and Mrs. Whiting, Castlethorpe Lodge.

WEDDING OF MISS PATRICIA WHITING

BUCKS BRIDE OF NEW ZEALANDER

THE wedding took place at - Castlethorpe Parish Church on Saturday of Squadron-Leader John Ramsey St. John, younger son of Mr. and Mrs. Francis St. John, of Wellington, New Zealand, and Miss Patricia Whiting, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Whiting, of Castlethorpe, Lodge.

The bride has taken part in local concerts in aid of charities, and well-known in North Bucks.

The little church, the interior-of which had been decorated in a scheme of red and white flowers, was completely filled.

The service was conducted by the Rev. E. J. Fenn (curate-in-charge), and the Rev. J. P. Taylor (Vicar), Hanslope, also took part.

Wedding voluntaries were played by Mrs. C. H. Weston, of Yardley Gobion, and Miss Gregory played for the service. The singing was led by a full choir.

The bride was given away by her father. There were four bridesmaids Miss Suzanne Reynolds, Buckingham, Miss Mary Keppel Palmer, Castlethorpe (friends), Miss Olive Whiting, Upper Heyford (cousin), and Miss Avery Cooper, Hanslope (friend).

Pilot-Officer Antony G. St. John, of the New Zealand Air Force, was groomsman to his brother.

The reception was the barn of Castlethorpe Lodge.

Among the presents was a muffin dish from employees at Castlethorpe Lodge, an electric iron from Castlethorpe Women’s Institute, and one from the bride’s colleagues at a military establishment.

ST. JOHN. —Dec. 30. the Barratt Maternity Home. Northampton, Patricia (nee Whiting). Castlethorpe Lodge. Wing-Commander J. R. St. John, R.A.F. a daughter.

LAMBS FALL VICTIM TO MARAUDER

Six newly-born lambs belonging to Mr. J. E. Whiting, of Castlethorpe, have fallen victim to a marauding animal, believed to a badger, which has made its appearance in the Hanslope area for the second year in succession.

Despite an intensive search by men and terrier dogs, it is still at large.

Last year, more than a dozen lambs were found dead with teeth marks in the neck and back. A badger was thought to be responsible then, and it is again blamed for this year’s incidents, as the circumstances are the same.

Theories that a fox might be responsible are discounted because it is thought that a fox would attempt to eat its victim. The carcases are unmarked except for teeth incisions in the neck and back.

POTTERSPURY MAN TAKES PREMIER AWARD AT BUCKINGHAM SHOW

During the afternoon two long-service medals were presented to Mr. Thomas Carpenter, who has been on the land for 63 years with Mr. J. Whiting of (Castlethorpe), and Mr. Thomas Cadd, who has been 51 years with Mr. R. Hiorns, of Preston Bissett.