reading Room
A small room through the arch on the west side of the village green was originally used as a small meeting room, and maybe used for teaching a small number of children.
....Various press cuttings take up the story.
Northampton Mercury 24 February 1893Woodford
The New Reading Room is proving a great success thanks to the interest taken in the movement by Miss Lightfoot, Miss Shirley Harris, and other ladies. It is well attended each evening.
Northampton Mercury 13 April 1894
Woodford
Presentation. Saturday being the last evening of the season of the Reading Room (Held during the winter months by the kindness of Miss Shirley Harris) the members presented Miss Harris with a handsome bible, this being the last season she is likely to be with them. Considerable regret was expressed at the thoughts of losing her.
Northampton Mercury 8 October 1897
Woodford
The Reading Room was opened to the public on Saturday evening. All kinds of papers are supplied, and games are provided
Northampton Mercury 22 June 1900
Cricket Club Formed
.On Friday evening a meeting was held in the Reading Room. The object was to form a cricket club. Mr Fred Knighton occupied the chair. The following gentlemen were elected
Mr T Bonser, president; Mr W Knighton secretary; Mr Alfred French, treasurer; Mr B Tiney, Captain; Mr J Allen, staff captain; Committee Mr G Jackson, Mr Stainton, Mr B Bailey, Mr Perrett and Mr A French.
Northampton Mercury 25 October 1901Woodford
The Reading Rom is now opened four nights per week. A library has also been formed, 50 new books having been added.
Northampton Mercury 11 November 1904
Woodford
A dance held in the Infant School on November 3rd arranged by the Reading Room Committee produced a profit of £6 which is to be devoted to the Reading Room Fund
Northampton Mercury 27 January 1905
Woodford
A Whist match was played in the Woodford Reading Room on Tuesday between Islip and Woodford which resulted in a win for Woodford by 102 to 125.
Northampton Mercury 1 October 1905
Woodford
The Reading Room was opened at the Infant School on Wednesday. The library is managed by Miss Lightfoot.
NB This could be in preparation for the extension being built
for the room
Wellingborough News 23 October 1908
Woodford Reading Room Re-opens after enlargement
The members of the Woodford Reading Room celebrated its reopening after additions and alterations on Wednesday with a supper and social evening.
A new wing 23 feet by 25 feet for the purpose of accommodating a billiard table has been erected at the sole cost of Mr W M Plevins JP of Woodford House, and the table was secured at a sale, the money being kindly lent by miss de Capell Brooke.
Originally the room started for recreative and reading purposes about ten years ago chiefly through the efforts of prominent ladies of the village, was a fairly lengthy one (41 feet) but its width (14 feet) precluded a full-sized table being laid down. The new extension has therefore met a long felt want bringing the movement into line with the neighbouring town of Thrapston and the villages.
The working committee has consisted of Chairman Re J T Watson, vice Chairman Mr J T Bonser, committee miss De Capell Brooke, Miss Lightfoot, Messrs G N Creed, T Gunn, B Tiney, C Betts, G Gunn, F Knighton, H Litchfield, B Bonser and Mr J Bonser (hon secretary)
Peterborough Advertiser 1 April 1911
Revival of Woodford Cricket Club. A very
successful meeting was held at the reading room. Th chair was
taken by Mr William Neall. It was unanimously decided to reform
the old Club. The following officers were appointed: President Mr
E de Capel Brooke; Vice Presidents Mr S G Stopford Sackville, Mr
J Kingston, Mr W M Plevins, Mr E N Plevins, Mr G Charleston, Mr J
Chew, Mr J Cook; Captain Mr E De Capel Brooke, hon secretary Mr T
A Kemp; Treasurer Mr D Camburn; Committee Messrs Wm Neall, F
Knighton, T Pendered, F Hays, A Swan and A Brains.
Northampton Mercury 16 February 1912
On Saturday the Ringers District Association met at St Marys Church when ringers were present from Higham Ferrers, Raunds, Thrapston, Islip and Woodford. Tea was provided in the Reading Room, after which ringing resumed.
Northampton Mercury 18 February 1910
Woodford
Tory Supper. A supper was held on Thursday week at the Reading Room, to celebrate the return of Mr Leonard Brassey. A large number sat down to an excellent repast, provided by Mrs Pendered. The room was very tasteful decorated with flowers, ferns etc., kindly lent by Mrs Plevins of Woodford House and Mr Chew. Among those present was Mr Leonard Brassey MP who received an enthusiastic welcome. During the evening songs were contributed by Mr Smith of Ringstead and others.
The earliest article I can find relating to billiards at the reading room is
Northampton Mercury 12 February 1926
Billiards. Thrapston Institute beat Woodford Reading Room at billiards by 564 to 471.
Northampton Mercury 24 January 1930
Thrapston
Billiards. Thrapston Institute sustained their first defeat in the Thrapston and District League when they lost to Woodford Reading Room, at Woodford, by 81 points
Thrapston Historical Society Strapetona Edition 11
Extract of article written by my Great Uncle, Cyril Wilson born 1897. He talks about the Reading Room being extended to accommodate two tables but doesn’t give a date. He would have been over 16 to gain entrance so probably around the time of the first world war.
"…………The reading room was given by Mr Plevins - it was enlarged to accommodate 2 billiard tables. Miss Lightfoot used to hold a young men's Bible Class there every Sunday at 5 pm.
Boys had to be 16 years old before they could join the reading room and paid 1/- per annum. The boys going to the Bible class formed 2 football teams known as 'St Mary's Church' teams and played in the field on the village side of Mr Horrell's silos. There were 3 other village football teams when I was a boy, two called 'Woodford Albion and another young boys team. Mr Knighton lit the Reading room with acetylene lamps using dustbins as gas holders to provide a supply. In the evenings if we were playing billiards or cards we could buy a cup of cocoa for l penny and a bun for halfpenny. No alcohol was allowed. That cocoa was something special - I believe Mr Plevins sent it from Woodford House……..
21st Century
In recent years the two table snooker room also accomodates a 2,000 book free library open a couple of days each week. The room is still owned by Woodford House Estate and leased to the Snooker Club on a long lease.