Fenton Heritage & Arts

05/09/2024

Does anyone have any memories of the Three Tuns Pub on Edensor Road/Greendock Street? Im just looking for a few sentences to add to a proposed book? I know it changed its name at some point in the 90's, but can't for the life of me remember

19/02/2023

Coming up soon. New research on the opening of Glebe School on Market Street, and St Matthew's Church, Park Street, in the area that used to be known colloquially as Boat End (at the bottom of Fenpark Road).

“Coming up soon. New research on the opening of Glebe School on Market Street, and St Matthew's Church, Park Street, in the area that used to be known colloquially as Boat End (at the bottom of Fenpark Road). ”

01/02/2023

Horror on the ice. Acts of heroism and bravery mitigating even greater tragedy in scenes echoed around the country for generations to come.

Sunday January 9th 1881 - reported in the Daily Sentinel on the 10th:

At about three o'clock, a number of children were amusing themselves on a pool of water, called the Eng ne Pool at the back of Park Street, Fenton. Seven children were observed to have formed a ring when suddenly the ice under them gave way and they were all precipitated into the water. A young man named Bird, the son of a beerhousekeeper, gallantly went to the assistance of the drowning children, and succeeded in rescuing three of the number, including a girl named Bartram. It was only with great difficulty that he managed to save these three lives and so exhausted was he that he fainted, and brandy had to be used to bring him to his senses. His hands were very much cut with the ice. The four other children forming the ring, three girls and a boy were drowned. Two bodies of girls were got out within a short time, but it was after 10 o'clock before the last body was recovered.

The names of the deceased are Ann Cleulow, aged 12, Market Street; Rebecca Bartram, aged 10, Victoria Street; Eliza Bolton, aged 13, Cannon Street; Robert Hill, aged 10, Meakin's Row, all of Fenton. Great praise is due to Frederick Chetwynd, Charles Wood, and James Stanley, for their exertions in recovering the bodies

15/12/2022

NEW PARK OPENED AT FENTON - 14th April 1924

A 10,000** SCHEME.

The Clerk of the Weather could hardly have been more unkind than he was on Monday afternoon on the occasion of the opening of the municipal park at Fenton by the Mayor of Stoke- on-Trent (Alderman Frank Collis), for rain fell all day.

The park, which is 17 acres in extent, and upon which about £10,000 has already been spent, is situated 480 feet above sea level in Cemetery Road, Fenton, and is about five minutes' walk from the centre of the town. The land was purchased so long ago as 1912, but the scheme has been held up on account of financial stringency, due to the war.
There are bowling green, tennis courts, children's playgrounds, and a bandstand, the sunken bandstand area being 50 feet square. The park contains no fewer than 8,000 trees and shrubs, 6,000 of which have been taken from the Corporation nurseries.

The whole of the work has been carried out by direct labour, under the supervision of the Borough Surveyor (Mr. Amos Burton) and the Parks Superintendent (Mr. R. Thompson). The site is a very pleasant one, and when the scheme has been fully developed the park will equal those in the other Potteries towns.

THE LUNCHEON.

In connection with the opening, on Monday, a public luncheon was held at the Fenton Town Hall, at which Alderman P. Elliott presided. He was supported by the Mayor and Mayoress, the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress (Mr. and Mrs. F. T. H. Goodwin), Mr. E. B. Sharpley (Town Clerk), Alderman T. Bickley (chairman of the Parks Committee), Mrs. Elliott, Alderman and Mrs. W. B. Hackney, Alderman and Mrs. H. Leese, Alderman J. Warren, Alderman F. Hayward, Mr. W. H. Kemp, Mr. W. E. Gifford, Mr. W. Tunnicliffe, and others.

The Deputy Mayor, in proposing "Success to Fenton and its new Park and Parks Committee," said that although Fenton could not claim to have all the municipal amenities it would like yet, it was getting on very well. The town had a splendid Town Hall, which was quite equal, in his opinion, to any in the other Potteries towns, and the town had also the most able and efficient fire brigade in the federated borough. Having now obtained a park, he was sure the local representatives on the Town Council would never be content until it was laid out and brought up to the standard of the other parks in the Potteries. He hoped the time would not be far distant when the park would contain an artificial lake. If much more rain fell they would be able to fill it by natural means. (Laughter.) He had been very careful in voting away the ratepayers' money, but he had never been guilty of supporting restricted expenditure in connection with the parks. He thought money spent in that direction was money well spent in a district like the Potteries, where there was So much smoke, and where the atmosphere became polluted at times. "I feel that the time is not very far distant," Mr. Goodwin added, "when, owing to the energetic operations of our sanitary authority, smoke will be a thing of the past. We shall have an atmosphere as clear as the air in Italy. (Laughter.) There are certain people exercising their minds to bring about a smokeless atmosphere, and the sanitary inspectors are waking up all employers."

Alderman T. Bickley, who responded, gave interesting details as to the construction and laying out of the park, and paid a tribute to the Borough Surveyor, the Parks Superintendent, and their staffs. The Parks Committee felt that Fenton had been very patient in waiting 14 years for this park, but the committee had no apology to offer; only an explanation. The delay was due entirely to the difficulties which had had to be surmounted, including the delayed sanction to the scheme of the Ministry of Health, following the war. The park would take 15 or 20 years to develop, but when the trees and shrubs had grown it would be equal to any other park in the Potteries.

Alderman J. Warren, who also responded, lamented the fact that Fenton had "gone completely dead" in regard to its social life since federation. He had heard Fenton described as the town of the "long, long street." He hoped that the town would liven up and that they would have a little more social and municipal spirit in the place. He felt quite sure that the inhabitants would appreciate the park, and that they would use it wisely.

Mr. W. Tunnicliffe proposed a vote of thanks to the Mayor, and paid a tribute to the work of the Mayor and Mayoress since they took office last November. There was something more desirable needed in Fenton than the provision of a park, and that was deeper interest in the affairs of the town by the inhabitants themselves and by the Town Council. "I sometimes feel," Mr. Tunnicliffe added, "that we have a deep grudge against Mr. Arnold Bennett because of the fact that he mentions The Five Towns, and leaves out Fenton altogether. Anyway, if he fails to notice us, then I hope the inhabitants themselves will, make other people notice us."

Alderman Elliott also responded. He said it had taken 14 years to get the park and it had taken them 14 years to get electric light in Fenton. He remembered that on the occasion when the federation of the Potteries towns was being considered, they were told before the House of Commons Committee in London that they had nothing in Fenton - no destructor (like an incinerator), no baths, and no market. Well, he could only say, speaking after 14 years, that they were in just the same position. It only showed that all those things could not be given all round under federation, and that the little places were neglected for the development of the larger centres. He had been rather surprised to learn that £10,000 had already been spent on the park and it was gratifying to think that the greater proportion of that expenditure had gone in the payment of wages. He believed they were pursuing the right policy in providing parks in a district like that. If they did not do so, the Ministry of Education would insist that they provide playing fields for their school children. Physical development of the children was one of the most important parts of their education. What was the good of teaching children all the learning they could give them, if their bodies were not strong enough to enjoy the full advantage of life when they grew older? He was of the opinion that they could not do better than set apart as much of their parks as possible for the children, so that the teachers could give them their physical drill and train-

Mr. W. E. Gifford, who responded, also appealed for greater attention to the town from the Town Council and spoke of the need of the provision of public baths. The Mayor replied in a humorous speech. He said the park would be a great asset to the town, and he fell sure it would be appreciated by the inhabitants. A hearty vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the proceedings.

OPENING THE PARK

Despite the fact that rain was falling heavily, the Mayor and Mayoress, the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress, the Town Clerk, members of the Corporation and their wives, and a large following of the general public proceeded to the park, which was formally opened by the Mayor. The Mayor was handed a golden key, suitably inscribed, by Alderman Elliott, as a memento of the occasion. In declaring the park open, the Mayor said: "I have very much pleasure in declaring this park at Fenton open for the good and prosperity and the health of the Fenton people, and the whole of the inhabitants of the county borough." The Mayor expressed his surprise at the progress which had been made in the laying out of the land, and added, "It looks as though someone has made the desert smile."

£10,000 is worth £480,000 in today's money.

13/12/2022

"TROUBLES FOR FENTON COUNCIL" - An article from the Evening Sentinel, the 29th October 1908

Wilful Damage to Street Lamps and Fences.

An ordinary meeting of the Fenton Urban District Council was held at the Town Hall on Tuesday evening.

Mr. P. Elliott (chairman) presided, and there were also present: Messrs. J. Shenton (vice-chairman), J. M. Fox, E. Brain, T. Twyford, E. Brunt, R. Podmore, F. Wain, W. Mountford, C. Lawton, G. Yates, A. Mace, S. D'Arcy, and W. J. Sargeant, together with Mr. R. T. Adderley (clerk) and Mr. S. A. Goodall (surveyor).

A PUBLIC NUISANCE.

Mr. Twyford drew the attention of the Council to the tremendous amount of litter to be found in the principal streets of the town. The nuisance was more in evidence on Sunday morning than at any other time during the week. On Sundays High-street was in a condition which was anything but satisfactory. He hoped this question could be taken into consideration, and that in future the main streets would be kept in a more tidy state than had recently been the case.

The Surveyor said he had given special instructions more than two months ago, that in addition to the collecting of paper on Sunday mornings, it should also be collected two or three times during the week. Since he had given that instruction the work had been done much more frequently than hitherto. He would, however, make a point of the matter and call the attention of the committee to it.

MISCHIEVOUS DESTRUCTION OF GAS LAMPS.

Mr. Shenton raised another question. He said that a great deal of destruction of gas lamps was taking place in the district. He was inclined to think, too, that it was not the work of school children altogether, but rather was the damage done by many youths who had arrived at an age when they should know better, and they seemed to regard the street lamps as targets for the carrying out of their mischievousness. One lamp he had seen had been completely cleared out of its glass sides and many others were very badly broken and damaged. The lamps did not get broken without someone seeing the destruction done, but somehow people would not say anything about the matter when enquiries were made. The cost of repairs yearly was heavy, and in the main it was necessitated because of the mischievousness which was carried on.

The Chairman: You assume it is all done by stone-throwing?
Mr. Shenton: That is so.
Mr. Wain: There is not a whole lamp along the Station-road every lamp is smashed to pieces.
The Chairman: Wilful damage like this must not go on without something being done at once. I think it will be well to have a certain number of posters put on the lamps, offering a reward for information leading to the conviction of an offender.
The Surveyor: That course has been adopted very frequently, and it has never had any result.
Mr. Shenton: It seems that the most damage is done on the roads to the collieries.
The Surveyor: That is so.

On the proposition of Mr. Fox it was agreed to issue notices offering a reward of 10s. to anyone giving information which will lead to the conviction of anyone breaking a lamp.
The Clerk was asked to also write to the inspector of police, asking for his assistance in the matter.

28/11/2022

26/11/2022

Reported on Saturday 27th July 1861 in the Staffordshire Advertiser, it seems by all accounts the installation of a drinking fountain in Fenton, another philanthropic gesture by pottery manufacture William Meath Baker to the community of Fenton, was a very low key affair judging by the lack of coverage in the press.
In 1839 Fenton, like Stoke, Longton, and Trentham, was placed under a body of commissioners with powers of policing, lighting, and generally improving the streets. These commissioners and the chief bailiff resolved to thank Baker for his dedication to the town. Led by Mr Skerratt the Chief Bailiff they presented a testimonial to William Baker on behalf of the residents of the town. This is the copy from the article as presented in the Staffordshire Advertiser on Saturday 23rd November 1861:
......

As a mark of the great respect, entertained for Mr. William Baker, and an acknowledgement of his liberality and kindness to the inhabitants, generally, the Fenton Commissioners presented that gentleman with an address on Monday last. In the afternoon, a number of the commissioners met at the courthouse and proceeded to Mr Baker's residence where the address was to be presented. R T Skerratt Esquire, the chief bailiff, who was deputed to make the presentation, said that about two months ago, he brought before the attention of the commissioners of the township the fact that Mr. Baker had recently erected a handsome drinking fountain in Market Street for the benefit of the public. Thinking that some notice should be taken of so liberal an act, the commissioners, after some consultation on the subject, determined upon presenting an address expressive of their feelings. For the many favours he (Mr. Baker) had conferred upon Fenton, Mr. Skerratt expressed his gratification at being deputed to make the presentation and said he hoped that Mr. Baker might long be spared amongst them, and that his many acts of kindness might be properly appreciated by the people generally. The following is a copy of the address:

Sir,
We, the Chief Bailiff and Commissioners of Fenton, in recognising the many contributions made by you in furtherance of the comfort, convenience, and instruction of the inhabitants of Fenton, are desirous of placing upon record the deep sense we entertain of your liberality.
As a large employer of labour, you are well acquainted with the wants of a working population, and have worthily dedicated a portion of the blessings of a bounteous Providence in ministering to their necessities, instruction and recreation in the enlargement and decoration of the church built and endowed by your relative, in the er****on and appropriation of the Athenaeum, and in providing the beautiful and substantial drinking fountain. You have conferred lasting benefits on Fenton, and greatly contributed to the spiritual, intellectual and temporal wants of the people. In presenting you with this testimonial of our sincere appreciation of your generosity, we heartily wish you health and long life, to witness the progress of those improvements you have so well inaugurated, and experience in the gratitude and blessings of the people of Fenton a satisfaction and reward for the gifts you have so liberally bestowed.

Mr. Baker, on receiving the address, said he heartily thanked them for that manifestation of their kindness. It could not but afford him sincere gratification to receive it, and to be told that his humble efforts to promote the welfare of the township had met with the approbation. He truly wished he was more worthy of the laudatory expressions they had been pleased to make use of respecting him. The present address was the more valuable to him as it emanated from those who had known him nearly all their lives, and who must, therefore, be the best judges of his actions. It had always been his great desire, as it had been that of his relatives before him, to see the working population well employed, prosperous and happy; and greatly should he rejoice to find that all in the neighbourhood where availing themselves of the spiritual and intellectual privileges afforded them. Mr. Baker concluded by thanking the Chief Bailiff and the Commissioners for having acceded to his wish by presenting the testimonial in a quiet and unostentatious way, instead of at a public dinner to which they had first kindly invited him. Mr. Higginbottom made some remarks complimentary to Mr. Baker, and the Commissioners shortly afterwards retired.

17/11/2022

A big thank you to our Local Councillor Cheryl Gerrard , for taking time to share with 11th Stoke Brownies, Temple Street and 1st Fenton Rainbows Fenton Park Methodist Church .

“A big thank you to our Local Councillor Cheryl Gerrard , for taking time to share with 11th Stoke Brownies, Temple Street and 1st Fenton Rainbows Fenton Park Methodist Church .”