1901


1999

The Benefit Society, run by Mr. Woodhouse, was removed to other premises as reported March 1845. It seems there had been some irregularities........

On 15th March 1845 it was reported that Mr. Woodhouse preferred an information against Mark Ames and William Tills. About 36 labourers and others in the village had formed themselves into a club for the relief of each other during sickness. Each member paid 1s monthly into the sick fund, 2d for the annual feast and 4d was to be paid by each member for the benefit of the publican. Those who did not attend (the feast) still had to pay, but a greater quantity of beer could be consumed by those who did.
Funds for the last feast had been insufficient so the extra expense had been paid from the sick fund.
It was heard that the publican did not treat the club well. He did not allow sufficient firing, only a few stick for fuel and no coal. At the last feast he had charged 5s for cooking and 2s for each dinner served to the labourers.
The defendants admitted taking a money-box containing £13, it being the wishes of 17 out of 22 members, who had attended a meeting the previous Saturday, to remove to a house where they would be better treated.
The magistrates strongly condemned the taking money from the sick fund and the newspaper agreed with the club members that they were correct in removing to a different house.