February 1944 – Stoke Goldington High Street
Report of Road Accident
George Bull lived in one side of Archway Cottages with his wife Alice (better known as Aunt Doll)
“The whole Parish was terribly shocked by the fatal accident to George Bull on 1st January 1944. He and his wife had just wished each other “A Happy New Year”, when he went up the hill to his garden.
He was returning home when a heavily-laden lorry left the road and crushed him against the end wall of the White Hart Inn.
No-one saw the lorry coming down the hill, so its speed was unknown. But George had said scores of times that somebody was sure to be killed at that corner unless something was done to make it safer.
At that spot there is no path at all on either side of the road and no kerb on that side through the village, so road and path are all one. The road slopes badly on the wrong side of the corner; the warning that there is an ‘S bend’ is over 400 yards away and there is no warning about danger except the very common 30 limit warning.
There have been many accidents at this very dangerous corner and it is very fortunate that they were not fatal.
One lorry dashed past the Rectory gate and knocked down the wall next to the gate and ended inside the garden. If our pupils had been there for the ‘bus they must have been killed.
On four other occasions, the Rectory walls were knocked down. On four occasions the opposite garden rails were destroyed.
On several occasions the White Hart Inn has had its railings destroyed, about 2 feet from the house.
We in Stoke all know the danger of that corner. It seems terrible that George should have survived the last war, after losing a leg and an eye and getting tuberculosis, and then lose his life in such a tragic way.
We feel the deepest sympathy for his widow and relations and pray that God may grant him rest eternal in the Home above”
Written by Rev. Edmund Leachman – Vicar of Stoke Goldington
From: NEWPORT PAGNELL DEANERY PARISH MAGAZINE – February 1944. No 626, page iv
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