WW1 Peace Celebrations in Fox Glen at Stocksbridge - 16th August 1919

Earlier this year I bought a postcard online which showed festivities being held in Fox Glen at Stocksbridge to welcome home the troops and celebrate peace after the end of the First World War.

By Bradbury of Deepcar. Postcard from my personal collection.

These celebrations seemed like they were a significant event in the history of Fox Valley and Stocksbridge. So I hoped details of it would have made it into at least one of the local newspapers. I wasn't disapointed, on a recent trip to Barnsley Archives I managed to find an account of the event, which was printed in a local newspaper the following week:
"Stocksbridge Returned Soldiers and Sailors - A civic reception of soldiers and sailors, who have returned after serving King and Country during the past 5 years was given by the members of the urban district council on Saturday afternoon, when some 300 or 400 sat down to a substantial tea in the British school. The proceedings which followed were of a very inspiring  character. Headed by the Stocksbridge brass band they proceeded to an open air concert and entertainment in Fox Glen, where some thousands of villagers were assembled. Mr. F. Coultas (Chairman) supported by members of the council presided and during an interval Col. C. Hodgkinson V.D took the opportunity, on behalf of the council and citizens, of heartily welcoming the men back to civilian life. He also presented the men who had won distinction in the Great War with their medals, including 2 DCMs and 5 M.Ms as follows: Sergt. G. A Shrute, 4th York and Lancaster, DCM, Drummer Frank Thickett, 4th York and Lancaster, DCM, Cpl. (Act-Sergt.) E.S Askham, 4th York and Lancaster, M.M, Pte. Ernest Hawes, 5th Gloucestershire regiment, M.M, Pte. Osbert Herbert, 6th Northamptonshire Regiment, M.M, Pte. Emmerson Knowles, Army Service Corps., M.M and Gnr. S.H Woodcook 32nd Brigade R.F.A, M.M."

Penistone and Stocksbridge Express 

23rd August 1919

The day after the concert another gathering was held, this time food and entertainment was provided at the British school for the widows and orphans of the men who'd died during the war.

The image at the top of the post shows a lighting caricaturist entertaining the crowd during the event. This postcard is the third in a series by Bradbury of Deepcar depicting the concert which took place at Fox Glen on the 16th August 1919. I have seen a copy of post card number 2, which shows the crowds congregating in Fox Valley (it's available to view on Sheffield City Council's website) So far I have been unable to find a copy of postcard No. 1. But, it would be interesting to see which part of the celebrations it displays.


Sources___________________________________

Penistone and Stocksbridge Express - 23rd August 1919

With thanks to Barnsley Archives.