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On February 6 1952 Timsbury in common with the rest of the country mourned the death of George VI. Many local events were cancelled as a mark of respect for a king who had reluctantly succeeded to the throne in 1936 after the abdication of his brother Edward VIII. George was born to George V and Mary of Teck on December 14 1895 and from childhood had suffered with a bad stammer which exacerbated his shyness. He was one of only five British monarchs who succeeded to the throne in the lifetime of his predecessor.
In May 1952 a 1910 Scat, made in Italy and believed by the Veteran Car Club of Great Britain to be the only car of its kind in existence was found in a yard at J.H. Keeling’s farm in Timsbury. The discovery was made by Richard Davis, a young Compton Dando farmer who had recently driven in the Monte Carlo Rally. During World War 2 the car had been used as a road block at Timsbury Bottom. Mr. Davis bought the car and after working on it hoped to run it in the Bristol Motor-cycle and Light Car Club’s summer rally and trial for veteran cars.
Timsbury Evening Institute Discussion groups met regularly at Timsbury Secondary Modern School and in March Mr. Guy Mackarness spoke on the subject, “Should the state lotteries be re-introduced in order to help National Savings?” The speaker said that lotteries were first recorded in 1569 and were legal until 1826. Mr. Mackarness outlined a plan of Government Premium Bonds which the group considered a practical and attractive scheme.
Hundreds of parents and friends took the opportunity to visit the school in June for its annual speech day and open day. The Headmaster, Mr. Bob Pullen reported that senior master Bert Blake had left the school to take charge of the village Primary School, a position he was to hold until his retirement in 1973. Mr Brian Robbins had taken his place and other new teachers included Miss Christian, Miss Baker and Mr. Wynn Davies.
Later in 1952 the Secondary School presented a concert of songs and dances. Terry Bishop, Rudolph Fielding, Wayland Cox, Keith Herbert, Roger Holley and Terry Martin gave an “excellent display of Morris dancing”. A large appreciative audience also heard Margaret Newth and Veronica Watts play duets on the violin and enjoyed piano duets from Christine Hulbert and Janet Wilkins.
After three years at Timsbury P.C. Francis Thomas Manning left the village to take up a new appointment at Yeovil. Before his duties at Timsbury he had been stationed at Keynsham for three years. He was a keen footballer and cricketer and also played snooker for Timsbury in the old Miners’ Welfare hut. Incidentally Percy Edgell won the first club snooker tournament held in memory of the late Reg Greenland. He beat 14 year old Alan Brimble in the final and received his cup from Mrs Greenland. Nearly 70 years on the competition is still going strong in the snooker club.
A presentation was made to Malcolm Wicks during the tea interval of Timsbury Cricket Club’s match at Uphill Castle. Malcolm who had just completed his course at Bristol University was flying out to Singapore to take up a scholastic appointment. The presentation of a silver cigarette case was made by J. Hornsley, a senior member of the team who said that Malcolm was a true village lad and by his delightful personality had endeared himself to all who knew him.
Timsbury and District Boxing Club was very active in 1952. At Shepton Mallet the club was repesented by seven lads who all gave a good account of themselves. W. Preedy, the “baby” of the team delighted the January crowd winning an all-action contest with T. Wolf of Shepton Mallet. Others representing Timsbury were R. Brooks, M. Macey, W. Stokes, R. Sage, D. Lamb and W. Legzdens.
Timsbury United Churches’ Football Club had a very successful season. The club reached the final of the Mendip Churches’ K.O. Cup and were runners-up in the Mendip Churches’ League. The chairman of the club was Mr. Sam Bird, the secretary Eric Brimble and the captain Ken Hulbert.
Finally, Mr. C. Ruddock was re-elected chairman of the new Parish Council when it met at Timsbury Secondary Modern School. Mr. Roland Pickford was elected vice-chairman. Matters discussed in 1952 included the path under the ha-ha bridge, road sweeping, the condition of the wall in High Street, plans for a public convenience, water shortage and a bus shelter.
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