War Memorials
Woodford is quite rare in that given it's relatively small size it has two War Memorials, both commemorating those who paid the ultimate price in the two major conflicts of the 20th Century.
The book "Woodford juxta Thrapston" suggests that when the first designs for a memorial were announced in the style of a crucifix there were a number of objections, especially from the large non-conforrmist segment of the population, resulting in a group calling themselves the "Comrades' Club" creating plans for their own memorial. Meeting at the Coach and Horses, the group formed a committee and raised funds for a Village Memorial. After petitioning the Parish Council, permission was granted in December 1920 for the erection of a memorial on the Village Green, and the memorial was dedicated and unveiled on 10 July 1921. The Rev Davidson (St Mary's Church, Rev Leng of the Baptist Church, Rev Wells of the Wesleyan Church and Rev Edgar Chew (Chaplain to the Forces) led the service. Music was provided by the Kettering Rifle Band and singing was lead by the Woodford Malevoice Choir,
Below are a selection of photographs taken on that day and also links to other documents.
Crowds Awaiting the Unveiling ceremony
Great crowds attended the unveiling of the Memorial on Feast Sunday, including many relatives of the fallen and former work colleagues.
The Fair was in the village for the annual Feast Celebration however, on this occasion was set up in John Frost's field. (Now the location of the Shrubberies flats and bungalows)
North and West Faces of Memorial
North Face
To the Glorious memory of those men from this parish who gave their lives in the Great War. 1914 - 1919
West Face
Walter F G Ainge, Arthur L Allen, Leonard Allen, Charles Betts, Herbert A Betts, Arthur C Braines, Herald J Dunford, John T Faulkner, William Freer, Reginald F Hobbs, Wilfred Hobbs
South and East faces of Memorial
South Face
Ernest H Houghton, Samuel Jackson, Alfred C Jakins, George W Jakins, Arthur King, William Leaton, Gaston V Leverett, Arthur J Lowe, Lawrance B Manley, William A Mehew, Reginald J Murdin
East Face
Walter H Murphy, Thomas J Parrott, Frank E Perkins, Harry Robinson, Charles E Smart, Herbert Spencer, Frank Steers, Walter W Tiney, Alfred R Waite, Harry Wood, Reginald A White, John Taylor
Memorial Following Wreath Laying
The newspaper reports in the Kettering Guardian and the Kettering Leader report on the wreaths which were laid once the memorial had been unveiled and dedicated.
Playing the Last Post
Rev G M Davidson, Rev H Leng and Colonel Romer, at the playing of the last post by the Raunds Church Lads' Brigade.
Memorial following Unveiling
Following the unveiling wreath laying took place. Many of those attending sheltered from the scorching sun under umbrellas.
Footnote
Construction of Memorial
This very faded photo shows the construction of the memorial. Close inspection shows the steps in place and scaffolding in place to lift the monolith into place.
Other documents
Kettering Leader Report (transcription)
Kettering Guardian (transcription)
Unveiling of memorial at St Marys Church
The memorial at the Parish Church was unveiled at 3.30pm on Saturday October 15th, 1921, by Colonel S Stopford-Sackville following the dedication by the Bishop of Peterborough
Other Documents
World War 2
Following the conclusion of the second world war a further eight names were added to the north face of the war memprial on the village green
A Gerald Allen, Colin E Crouch, Donald M Davidson, Thomas H Headland, Richard Reed, A John Rudkin, Eric Sanders and William Wood.