History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Fordhouses Wolverhampton

1935 - 1965

Acknowledgements

In a document of this type it would not be possible without the help of others, those who provided information, those who provided photographs, those who provided newspaper cuttings, those who provided copies of Mass books and those who provided stories and anecdotes they remember from the past.

For all of those people we give our sincere and grateful thanks.

Much of the current material was provided by Christine Turner, Gwen Kelly, Elizabeth Love, Trevor Stockton and Patrick Finnerty, Obituaries of past Priests was provided by Birmingham Archdiocesan Archives, to all these a special vote of thanks is made.

In 1973 Fr. Kelly instigated the collection of historical facts relating to the History of the Parish. Most of the information was provided by Tom Martin and Florence Fincher, we thank them and others for their contribution. It is not known if this information was never made into any firm record. The information collected has now become available together with Parish Newsletters, Parish magazines, documents, photographs and letters. These have been included this publication.

 Taken from articles in the St. Anthony’s News magazine written by Mr. T. M. Martin Taken from notes written by Mrs. Fincher 16th October 1975  Taken from notes written by Fr Vincent Lucas

The section “The Early Church in Wolverhampton” was compiled by the authors of “A Brief History of the parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour” from various souses of public domain information on the Internet. It is reproduced here with their kind permission.

Please note that if any article has had to be re-typed because of its poor reproduction quality spellings, grammar, punctuations or layout has not been corrected. Articles remain in their original published form.

First edition: October 2018 Revised: - April 2019, June 2019, June 2020, December 2020, February 2021 and June 2021

Compiled and Edited by: Anthony Clemson

Please Note: It is inevitable that in any document of this type there may be inadvertent errors or inaccuracies, if so, every effort will be made to amend them in any new edition. We should look on this type of publication as a living document and are always grateful for corrected information or new information, such as photographs, newspaper cuttings, certificates etc.

It is quite possible that there are aspects of parish and school life that may have been missed or not done justice to; if you can help us to add to the knowledge and history we would be pleased to have any new material to add to future editions of the book and our parish archive.

Thank you

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 2 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) The Early Church in Wolverhampton

The first religious house was established in Wolverhampton in 994 by Lady Wulfruna, a rich noblewoman. She wanted the priests to pray for her soul and that of her husband, daughter and a kinsman.

The oldest part of St. Peter's Collegiate Church still existing is the tower which was built in the thirteenth century. Over the years, until the Reformation, the Church served the Catholic people of the area; they supported, extended, and enlarged it.

The Reformation and the Recusants

In the Tudor period, King Henry VIII fell out with Pope Clement VI over his wish for an annulment of his marriage to his first wife, Catherine of Aragon - as a result he severed this country's links with the Roman Catholic Church. About 1536, he began to dissolve all the monasteries and take their riches for his own use; this included the church of St. Peter, Wolverhampton. For the next 200 years the lives of Catholics in the town were very unstable; their religion being banned under some of the monarchs, then briefly re-instated when the Catholic Queen Mary ruled. From 1571, because of the political situation, (Catholics were accused of trying to overthrow Elizabeth I) it became an offence to be a Catholic and to practise the Faith, anyone doing so could be fined and their lands seized. Harbouring priests was illegal and the priests and lay people could be imprisoned and sometimes executed for taking part in the Mass. Those Catholics who refused to give up their Faith were known as recusants. The local Protestant clergy were required periodically to supply lists of the recusants so they could be fined.

Recusants and the Church in Bushbury

The parish of Bushbury had three well-known recusant families: the Giffards of Chillington Hall, the Underhills at Northycote Farm and the Whitgreaves of Moseley Old Hall.

Chillington Hall Northycote Farm Moseley Old Hall

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 3 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) There were also a number of less well-known recusants in the Bushbury and Wednesfield areas; they all, gentry and workers, feature on the records of fines levied for being Catholic. The Catholic Giffards, Underhills and Whitgreaves are now commemorated in street names and schools in this area.

Moseley Old Hall (home of the Whitgreaves until the late 1800's) was built about 1600 with various priest’s holes and a secret chapel because hearing Mass was a crime at that time. The family remained staunchly Catholic over the years despite the heavy fines they paid. During the 1700's two of the sons became Jesuit priests and returned to serve at Moseley. It also featured in the escape of Charles II after the Battle of Worcester.

Eventually, with the Catholic Relief Act 1829, the punitive religious laws started to be relaxed and eventually the chapel at Moseley could be used openly. Later, the Whitgreaves moved to nearby Moseley Court where a private Chapel was built and used until it was demolished in 1922.

Moseley Court, early in the 20th century

These were the only places where Mass could be celebrated in the area until the churches of St’s. James and Francis (1923), and Our Lady of Perpetual Succour 1934 and St. Anthony’s 1936 were built, unless Catholics travelled into Wolverhampton to worship.

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 4 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Fordhouses Wolverhampton

1935 - 1965

The Early Years

Early days in the parish.

In the period between the wars new housing estates around Wolverhampton were completed and the churches of Ss. Mary & John, Ss. Peter & Paul and St. Patrick’s which served the Catholics of the town conveniently for so long, were now at a considerable distance from the new centres of population. It was in these circumstances that Father O'Connor, parish priest of St. Patrick's, began a Mass Centre for the Catholics of Oxley and Fordhouses. Through the generosity of Mr. F. Clarke, licensee of the Three Tuns Hotel, Oxley. Mass was said in the Assembly Room of the Hotel. An article in the Express and Star of the 7th January 1939 states that an average of 200 people attended Mass at this Centre and on occasions so great was the number that the billiard room was also brought into use. This venture begun by Fr. O'Connor was made more permanent when Fr. M.A. Gordon was appointed parish priest in 1938 and took up residence in the parish house in McLean Road. Here in McLean Road a Chapel was opened. Services were held on Sunday evening and on weekdays, attended by a congregation of about 30-40. Sunday Mass was still said in the Three Tuns Hotel. 

The Finchers came to live in this parish in 1934. The nearest Catholic Church was SS. Peter & Paul. On Sunday mornings buses only ran as far as Goodyears. The first bus was at 9.15am. and then only every hour until 2pm. 

1936-37. Goodyears enlarged their Works so that, as a result, many unemployed people came from the north and so, many Catholics. Through the efforts of Councilor Glynn a large room at The Three Tuns Hotel was loaned and Fr. Donal O'Connor came and said Mass for us. The room was so crowded that the men were asked to stand in the Billiard Room through the doorway of which the altar could be seen. 

Fr. Gordon took measures at once to provide for Church. The immediate plan was to build a Church Hall where Services would be held and which would also be used for social occasions.

Even at this time the Parish was not without important resources. Already, in September 1937 the Diocese had completed the purchase of 7 acres of land at Fordhouses situated off the main road leading from Wolverhampton to Stafford for the sum of £1,050. Also, half acre of land near the above was given to the Diocese by the late Alderman J. Cahill.as a site for the future

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 5 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) Church. He made it clear later, that if the land were not used for this purpose, the Church Authorities should use it as they thought best. 

Ground by now had been obtained through the hard work of Fr. Woulf and Alderman Cahill and we had a resident priest in McLean road 

Fr Gordon who rented two houses one for himself & the other for his housekeeper and handyman who attended his well-being. It had one very large room instead of two smaller ones. In the latter we had the use of the large room once a week for our money making efforts. 

The beginning of social life in the parish is recalled by Mrs. Fincher, one of the first parishioners. Here the first social activities took place. “A number of parishioners met here for a weekly social evening. We were always sure of 20 or 30 people. A small prize for a raffle and light refreshments were always forth-coming. Fr Gordon bought about six whist tables to start us off and any over-flow just chatted cheerfully in the kitchen, while preparing the cup of tea, we decided to give 1 shilling each and of course no limit was placed on the number of raffle tickets you could buy. We all enjoyed these happy gatherings which continued until the church hall was finished. At the close of each evening all the proceeds were handed to Fr. Gordon who was very grateful for our small but well-meant efforts”. 

Fr. Gordon said Mass daily and gave Benediction each Sunday afternoon in McLean Road. 

The Union of Catholic Mothers was the 1st society to be formed and soon afterwards the St Vincent de Paul. We joined forces in raising money. The C.M.S joined later.  The Union of Catholic Mothers and St Vincent De Paul Brothers worked like Trojans, the C.M.S. as well. I was, and always will be very proud of the way my mothers worked. A register of attendance was kept and I know was still in existence when Fr Lucas was Parish Priest. 

The first U.C.M’s efforts provided the first Chalice and the Benediction Candelabra The small Sanctuary lamp, a very large brass Crucifix and 4 of the Brass vases were given by individual mothers. The very smallest vases are a relic of The Three Tuns Mass days. These seem to have got lost. 

The Tabernacle was given by Mr. Gibbons who owned the brass works and belonged to Ss’ Mary & John parish and the larger statue of our lady by old Mrs. Bosi. 

Fr. Gordon took measures to provide for a new Church. The immediate plan was to build a Church Hall where services would be held and which would also be used for social occasions. 

On 18th September 1937, a letter from Arthur Gateley to Fr. Woulfe, concerning the purchase by the diocese of some 7 acres of land on the main road leading from Wolverhampton to Stafford for the sum of 1050 pounds.

On 21st September 1937 a letter from Gateley to Fr.Woulfe stating that Mr.Cahill has transferred his ½ acre gift to the parish. The 7 acres of land was bought from Moreton, whoever he may be!

Fr. Maurice Woulfe

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 6 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) A letter from the Church Hall Architects, Stewart McLoughlan, F.R.I.B.A., Royal Liver Building. Liverpool. to Fr.M.A.Gordon was received requesting payment of 68 pounds (two- thirds of 6% on 1700 pounds.)

On 22nd June 1939 Fr.Gordon paid 350 pounds on account to Builders John McLean, Coven, Wolverhampton.

“During May, 1939, the men of the Parish were asked to help prepare the Diocesan Eucharistic Congress, to be held at St. Chad's College. This they did in the evenings of the week before the event. The occasion was an outstanding success. Pontifical High Mass was celebrated in the morning. Later, Holy Hour was held and a Procession of the Blessed Sacrament was held in the evening. The ‘Catholic Times' summed up the event with the words "All roads lead to St. Chad's". Flanked by wide screens and banked by flowers, the sanctuary made a most impressive picture. From crowds of 6,000 for Pontifical Mass in the morning they grew to nearly 20,000 in the evening for the mighty Procession of the Blessed Sacrament -a telling demonstration of faith as the war clouds gathered ominously on the horizon.” 

On 5th July 1939, a hut purchased for Scouts at a cost of 24 pounds

Fr.Woulfe paid 42 pounds and 16 shillings to Church Hall Architects, Stewart McLoughlan, which completed the fees, namely 6% on a sum of 1847 pounds 10 shillings and 4 pence, 68 pounds had been paid previously.

When the land was purchased by the Archdiocese of Birmingham for St. Anthony’s church, provision was made for the eventual building of a school.

A Proposed layout of the site was draw-up by the Church Hall Architects. Appendix 43

A Church Hall was built and rented accommodation provided for the Priest. It became necessary to buy the present house, 595 Stafford Road, for the Priest until a new permanent Presbytery could be built to provide more accommodation for at least another Priest with suitable rooms for dealing with essential work of the Parish.

595 Stafford Road as it looks today (2018)

In 1939 the church hall was ready and Bishop Griffin blessed the hall and the 1st Mass was offered by him. A parish council was soon formed and we met in the server’s sacristy once a month.

These meetings were few as war was declared in September 1939 and the hall was sandbagged and the windows blacked out and most of our young enlisted. We did manage 3 dances a week. 

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 7 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965)

Extract from “The History of the Archdiocese of Birmingham”

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 8 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) On 28th September 1939 marked the official Opening.

On 24th September 1940, Fr.Woulfe paid 197 pounds 18 shillings and 4 pence to Builders John McLean, Coven, Wolverhampton.

Our Primary School became a reality and we had to find £10,000 in addition to our Annual. Levy towards the cost.

St Anthony, Fordhouses. Parish Boundary Starting in the north at the junction of the Stafford Road (A 449) with the Road from Shawhall Farm and Old Mill Farm, adjoining the Bridge over the Worcester Canal:

1. South along the STAFFORD ROAD to Brinsford Lane; 2. East along BRINSFORD LANE to Paradise Lane (both sides); 3. South along PARADISE LANE and its continuation NORTHYCOTE LANE to Legs Lane; 4. South-east along LEGS LANE to Bushbury Lane; 5. South-west along BUSHBURY LANE to the Railway Line (neither side): 6. South along the RAILWAY LINE and following the WILLENHALL BRANCH LINE to Showell Lane; 7. West along SHOWELL LANE to Stafford Road (both sides); 8. South along STAFFORD ROAD to the Birmingham Canal (both sides); 9. North-west along the BIRMINGHAM CANAL to the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal north of Dunstall Park; 10. North along the STAFFORDSHIRE AND WORCESTERSHIRE CANAL to the Shropshire Union Canal at Autherley Junction; 11. West and then north along the SHROPSHIRE UNION CANAL to the Road to Pendeford Hall at Upper Hattons Bridge about a mile beyond Wobaston Road; 12. South-east along PENDEFORD HALL LANE skirting the grounds of the Hall to the Road to Old Mill Farm and the Stafford Road (both sides); 13. North-east along the ROAD TO OLD MILL FARM, SHAWHALL FARM and the STAFFORD ROAD to its end on the Stafford Road near the Bridge over the Worcester Canal (both sides). For actual map see Appendix 44

           

Fr. Thomas O’Doherty succeeded Fr. M Gordon in 1940 and served till 1946.

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 9 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) In December 1940 the first wedding took place in St Anthony’s Church with Fr. O’Doherty being the celebrant.

In 1943, strengthening of the roof of the church hall was undertaken by Sandy & Norris, Architects.            

Fr. Cyril Duck succeeded Fr. O’Doherty in 1946 and served till 1950.

21st April 1947 the S.V.P. (Society of Saint Vincent de Paul) was formed and aggregated to the Society. Appendix 45

In August 1948 an order was placed for 120 chairs, polished light oak colour at a cost of 1 pound and 3 pence each and 60 folding chairs at a cost of 1 pound and 7pence each.

In 1949 strengthening of the piers to support roof was undertaken.

Fordhouses became an independent parish in 1938. The first Priest, (who built the church) was name, Fr. Gordon. He had belonged to a Missionary Society, and I think he went to Coventry after leaving Fordhouses. 

The land was bought at the urgent request of Archbishop Williams, who felt that the area was going to develop and-would-need a church. 

By Fr. Maurice Woulfe of Old Falling, through Mr. Cahill, who was a builder, he was able to negotiate the purchase. The area of the land is eight acres, and I understand it was bought for £1000.             

Fr. Vincent Lucas succeeded Fr. O’Doherty in 1950 and served till 1958.

After development of both the Bushbury and Fordhouses housing estates in 1952/1953 there was a need for places for Catholic children’s education. After talks with the Education Department and Fr. Lucas, coaches were made available to transport children to Holy Rosary School, Hickman Avenue. One coach was for Bushbury children, the other for

Fordhouses children.

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 10 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) In 1958 money raising ventures were very popular which included dances and whist drives, these were held regularly. St. Anthony's Church is a new one, compared with the ones at Snow Hill and North Street. It was in 1938, that the Archbishop thought that there would soon be so many Catholics in Fordhouses, they would need their, own church, so he asked Fr. Woulfe to see about it. The result was, that eight acres of land was bought and-.a church built. 

The first Parish Priest was named Father Gordon, and he belonged to the Missionary Society. 

On Wednesday 22nd August 1951, the Legion of Mary held their first meeting in the presbytery. Those present were; Sr. Roach, St. Stephenson, Sr. Kirk, Sr. Egam, Sr. Lovatt, Br. Martin, Br. Jones. Fr.Lucas was the Spiritual Director. Extract of the minute book for that first meeting Appendix 46

On 14th September 1952 the Legion of Mary arranged their Annual Summer outing to Bala and Barmouth. The cost of the coach fare was 14/- shillings and meals cost 10/- shilling making a total of 24/- shillings. Lunch at was arranged at Bala and tea at Barmouth

Baptisms and Weddings during 1952 see Appendix 47

In 1953, Fr. Vincent Lucas rented the house next to the drive, No.648, Stafford Road, Fordhouses at 17 shillings and 6 pence per week. He paid 11 pounds 8 shillings and 4 pence for the September quarter 1953. For the last five weeks of his stay January 1st to February 5th 1959 he paid the sum of 7 pounds 1 shilling and 10 ½ penny ha’penny. (Information from the rent book) Appendix 49

In 1953 it was proposed that four hutment classrooms at Elston hall school could be used for St. Anthony’s children as an annexe to St. Mary’s school.

In January 1953 the first issue of St. Anthony’s Parish magazine was produced, it was called “Anthonian” Full version is available see Appendix 50 Full copies of this publication is available on St. Anthony’s website https://www.stanthonysrcchurch.org/st-anthonys-news-index

Extract from the first page From the Parish Priest This is the first number of what we hope will become a very popular and instructive magazine. It is appearing much later than it was hoped. The idea is that it should be produced each quarter of the year, in January, April, July and September, and that it should give you all the news about the parish that has happened during the past three months, and all the main events-in so far as we know them-which are going to happen during the coming three months. So the main object of the magazine is to keep you in touch with the parish and tell you all that is happening.

We hope to produce it free of cost. As each number appears a copy will be delivered to every Catholic house in the parish. We have chiefly to thank the advertisers for this, who by paying for the advertisements have helped, to a very great extent, to defray the cost of producing this magazine. So we would like to thank them. We hope you will show your appreciation by giving them your support. The advertisers have been chosen with care and we can assure you that you can support them with confidence. It may surprise you to see an advertisement for Punch Stout in

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 11 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) this magazine. But it was in the "Three Tuns" that this pariah had its first beginnings. Many parishioners remember the first Masses which were said there. So we are grateful for the very important help which the Brewery gave as then.

We hope to include in this magazine useful articles on subjects which might be very important just at the time when the magazine appears. Anyway it is meant to be instructive and if we can tell you anything interesting which you didn't know before, then we shall be doing a useful job. In this number there will be one article on our Parish finances. This article, almost certainly, will only appear in the first number of each year. The idea of this magazine began with the thought of telling all the parish what money was being contributed, and what was being done with it. You have a right to know that. Also because I was grateful for what was being done. But don’t think this magazine is going to be all about money. Not all-but it is going to tell you what is happening -and everything else which we think you might like to know. So here we go. We hope you will like the magazine. It is our first number, so we are rather new and some things may be changed in future issues. But we welcome suggestions, and if there is anything which you think would make the magazine more interesting-then let us know.

In April 1953 the second issue of St. Anthony’s Parish magazine was produced. Front cover and first page are shown in Appendix 52 Full copy of this publication is available on St. Anthony’s website https://www.stanthonysrcchurch.org/st-anthonys-news-index

Extract from the first page From the Parish Priest The first number of our magazine aroused great interest and, I am pleased to say, was very well received. There were two suggestions for improvement and I hope that this number will, by incorporating these, raise the standard higher. THANKS

In connection with the last number my thanks are very much due to Mr. Norman Sergeant of Renton Road who typed practically the whole number. And I would like to thank also the printers, Messrs. Parkes of Halesowen, who have helped us to produce a magazine of such a high standard. This number is intended to cover the main events of the past three months and the coming three months. In the past three months we have had the election of Officers both in the Mothers' Union and Men's Society.

Moving on. Mr. Joseph Owen and family who have gone to Australia. Mr. Owen has been the Organist and the President of the St. Vincent de Paul Society ever since the parish began. The family will be very much missed. They take with them the good wishes of the whole parish. We wish them much peace and happiness in their new surroundings. 

The new Fasting regulations for Holy Communion On Saturday evening of January 3rd 1953, during the 9 o'clock news, of the B.B.C., England was startled. I think I am right in saying, with the announcement that the Pope had made very important changes in the rules about fasting before receiving Holy Communion. Certainly they came as a great surprise. But the Pope has made these

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 12 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) changes with the one object in view of doing as much as he can to encourage people to receive Our Lord as often as they possibly can. How foolish it is to stay away when we can have Jesus Christ all to ourselves for about a quarter of an hour--close to us-listening just to whet we have to tell Him-and with so little trouble to ourselves.”  Full texts available see Appendix 54

The Quota System “During the past year the Archbishop has introduced into the Diocese a scheme which has come to stay. He saw that many parishes in the Diocese will soon have to build new schools. These schools, at the present price of building, will cost an average of thirty or forty thousand pounds each. This is a burden which no one parish could carry. It would be almost impossible for any single parish to, find all this much money. So the Archbishop has, spread the burden over all the parishes of the Diocese whether they have schools to build or not. He has placed a tax on every known Catholic in the Diocese and this money goes into a Central Fund and then the cost of all new schools which are built will be paid for out of this Central Fund.” Appendix 56

Union of Catholic Mothers “The elections took place in January1953 and Mrs. Maguire of Lodge Road was elected President; Mrs. Jones of Stafford Road, Vice-President; Mrs. Ridge as Secretary and Mrs. Terry as Treasurer. We were very sorry indeed to lose Mrs. Barnes as President, but she has undoubtedly had a very hard twelve months and with three young children to look after, she felt she would not be doing her duty either to the Mothers' Union or to her own home in accepting office for a further period. We would like to thank and congratulate her very much indeed on the excellent work she has done. She has been a first class President. Mrs. Maguire has started her work well and gathered together an excellent body of mothers who thoroughly cleaned the Church in preparation for Easter and who helped with the Dances in the early part of the year. We wish her every success.” 

The Young Men's Society “The elections in the early part of the year saw Mr. Fred Jones returned to office as President. We are glad to have him back. He is a tower of strength. Mr. Stanton became Vice-President; Mr. Ramon Bosi Secretary; Mr. John Beswick Treasurer-the four of them making an extremely efficient working body. I would particularly like to thank the four men who recently distempered the Church. They are Mr. Jones, Mr. Barnes, Mr. Lowe, and Mr. Beswick. This was magnificent work. They devoted about five evenings to it and the result is superb. We could hardly have had a better team than this.” 

“A special word of praise and thanks is due to Mr. Barnes who during the past twelve months has made himself responsible for keeping the church grounds in order-and succeeded so admirably. And he has done most of the work himself. I am very relieved to know that he is going to continue the work during this present year.” 

In August 1953 the third issue of St. Anthony’s Parish magazine was produced. Front cover and first page are shown in Appendix 57 Full copy of this publication is available on St. Anthony’s website https://www.stanthonysrcchurch.org/st-anthonys-news-index

To date (2020) no other issues of “Anthonian” have come to light. Extract from the first page

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 13 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) From the Parish Priest When the last number of our Magazine appeared it was just Easter time. It seems a long time ago but if you cast your mind back you will remember we had a very fine Easter. The Altar of Repose on Maundy Thursday looked particularly beautiful; we had Midnight Mass on Easter Sunday Eve and these new ceremonies are very impressive. Then we had four Masses on Easter Sunday at 8, 9, 10 and 11 o'clock and all were well attended and the parish as a whole deserves to be congratulated on the number receiving Holy Communion. In the afternoon we had children's Service at 3 p.m. and Baptisms at 4 p.m. Five children came for Baptism-all boys. Evening Service at 6.30 p.m. brought to an end a busy and memorable day.

“Our Novena this year will begin of course on 15th May 1953 the Friday after Ascension Thursday. There will be two Masses each day for the next nine days (except Sunday) and these eighteen Masses will be offered for the intentions of the Novena. The first Mass will be at 7 o'clock, the second at 9. The Novena prayers will be said at both Masses. At the 9 o'clock a short instruction will be preached in addition. There will be a Novena Service, with Sermon, every evening at 8 o'clock. On Sunday the times of the Masses and evening service will be as usual.”  For full text about the Novena see Appendix 59

“On Wednesday, April 22nd 1953 the Scouts celebrated the Fifteenth Anniversary of their Foundation. They had a very good night. There was an excellent attendance of cubs, scouts. parents, and visitors and an abundance of refreshments. A “Thanks” badge was presented to Mrs. Macefield for all the work she had done in the past and which the scouts hope she will continue to do in the future. There were visiting Scout masters and Cub mistresses from Tettenhall and Parkfields. Entertainment was provided by a concert and camp fire given by the Scouts and Cubs, and there was also a film show which was a very good idea and proved a great success. Brian Hadley deserves to be congratulated on organising the evening.” 

“On Sunday afternoon, April 26th 1953, we had here the Quarterly meeting of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. These meetings are held in different parishes and it is over two years since the last one came to St. Anthony's. Forty six brothers attended from all the surrounding parishes. The meeting began at half past four which is later than usual because of an unexpected Baptism which came along. The meeting was followed by tea which was provided by the wives of our own Brothers and then quite a number of the Brothers stayed for Benediction in the evening. It was a very happy and successful afternoon. We were glad to have the Brothers; we hope they enjoyed their visit, and we hope they will come soon again.” 

“Our Annual Novena in preparation for Pentecost was big news in the last number of our magazine. It was not as well attended as I would have wished but I do know that it has done a tremendous amount of good. Very, very many more people were making the Novena in their own homes than were actually coming to the Novena Services. Nevertheless I do hope that when we have the Novena again more people will be present in Church and so make the Novena as full and complete as possible. I have not the slightest hesitation in saying that those who did their best to make the Novena as well as possible and said at least the complete Novena prayers; have received very many graces even if they are not at the moment very striking or apparent.

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 14 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) I was very pleased to have Father Gerald. He was very pleasant and his sermons were excellent. Those who did not hear them do not realise what they have missed. He tried to do all the good possible whilst he was here. Our Novena finished on Saturday May 24 and Whit Sunday dawned bright and clear. It was a very happy day and our May procession in the evening was a great success. The weather was beautiful; the church was full and we had some lovely flowers.” 

“On Whit Sunday, May 24th 1953, at the close of our Novena, we are going to crown Our Lady- the beautiful statue which we have in our Church, with a crown of golden roses to show that we recognise Her as Queen of this parish and that we want Her to reign over us all and Her rule be loved and obeyed. This Queen, far greater than Elizabeth, is also our Mother who loves us with a Mother's love even greater than the love and care which our own earthly mothers have for us. And that is why our ceremony on May 24th will be even more intimate and loving-but just as important as that which will take place on June 2nd. Let's recognise its importance and make it as great and as glorious occasion as possible. Let us prepare for it by making a very good Novena and then we feel sure that at the time of the Coronation Our Lady will shower her blessings on us all-those blessings especially for which we have been praying during the Novena.” 

“On June 7th 1953 in the evening we had our procession in honour of the Blessed Sacrament and this also was a very happy event. We were blessed with fine weather and so were able to go outside and around the grounds. We were helped by Father O'Sullivan one of the Sacred Heart Fathers from Newport, Salop. He preached special sermons morning and evening on the Sacred Heart and we were glad to have him with us.

This year we tried a experiment with the strewers of the petals before the Blessed Sacrament. We had six boys. I don't know any other parish which has just boys although I have known parishes where the strewers have been “mixed” boys and girls. I was pleased with the experiment and intend to use boys much more frequently as strewers in the Corpus Christi processions. Our six boys were Phillip and David Anstey, 410 Stafford Rd.; James McDermott, 8 Carrisbrooke Gardens; John Rowlands, 14 Shelley Road; Peter Spencer, 16 Legs Lane and Peter Dance, 31 Probert Rd. The canopy was carried by John Beswick representing the Catholic Young Men's Society; Mr. Tom Martin representing the Legion of Mary; Mr. Robert Murphy the Saint Vincent de Paul Society; and Dr. John Lyne.

In connection with these processions there is one person whom we have not so far mentioned. And she is Mrs. Norah Summers. She has been a gem looking after the children during their first Holy Communions, and during May and Corpus Christi processions, coming along to the practices and helping in a host of ways. And to crown all this work she entertained the strewers and attendants to tea. On June, 29th 1953 the Feast of St. Peter and Paul the “Queen,” attendants and strewers went into Town and had their photographs taken and then back to Mrs. Summers' where she had prepared a real children’s tea for fifteen children. They all enjoyed it very much and they now have a permanent record of this great day in their lives.

In between the May and Corpus Christi processions came the Coronation. I expect we all have our own memories of this very memorable occasion. We had evening Mass at eight o'clock on Monday, June 1st 1953, and I was very surprised at the attendance. I expected the Church to be packed but it was only half full and the number receiving Holy Communion was also disappointing. Nevertheless it was a great occasion and if we had the time over again I think I would keep it with greater solemnity.” 

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 15 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) “Our Annual Garden Fete was held this year on June 13th, the Feast of St. Anthony. We always have it on the first Saturday following this Feast. A lot of work had gone into the preparation and the Committee deserves special mention. They were Mr. Fred Jones, Mr. Tyrls, Mr. Brian Hadley (who represented the Scouts) and Mrs. M.Guire and Mrs. Jones, who represented the Mothers. Mr. Moynihan was Treasurer.

The day was fine. By the time we were ready to open everything looked in first class form but this year we had no opener. We had written to the Archbishop and later he became very ill. Bishop Bright already had an engagement booked. We wrote also to Mr. Stanley Matthews who is a personal friend of Mr. Jones but he was touring at the time in Ireland. So we opened with no one more eminent than myself.

The side shows were attractive; the refreshments were excellent. We had a demonstration of judo which greatly interested the onlookers. Later there was a concert by the “Gad abouts” and to finish the day, dancing to Stan Turner and his band. The whole day was bright and cheerful and everyone who came enjoyed themselves and spent well. BUT we only had half the attendance we had the previous year; exactly what was wrong we do not know but the Fete was shockingly supported by our own parishioners.

Parishioners do not seem to realize the obligation and the privilege they have of helping this parish to grow. They could hardly invest their money in a more deserving cause. We have a big and important future before us and it should be our joy and. glory to help in this work. Whatever we contribute will be devoted to the honour and glory of God. We have an obligation of “supporting our pastors” which means contributing to everything which will help the progress of the parish. I have no hesitation at all in asking you to be as generous as possible because I know it will bring its reward. I am sure you all want this parish to grow and flourish and this can only come about if we contribute according to our means. We have no other source of funds except what we as a parish raise. If we fail to contribute and fail to help in the activities of the parish, then we shall be responsible for not helping the parish to develop as it should. Let's all enter into this glorious work.

We have our Pools starting soon. Let's all join in this and so help the parish. We shall be helping ourselves and our friends also. We can all afford to “have a go” in this and it provides a very pleasant and easy way of fulfilling our obligation. I hope you all will have a very successful football season.

Our Garden Fete counting money from all sources will make a profit of about seventy pounds compared with a hundred and twenty last year. And I can't leave this subject without a special word of thanks to Mr. Barnes who single handed scythed nearly half an acre of land in readiness for the Fete.” 

“We are very pleased to announce that once more we shall be going in pilgrimage to St. Winefride's at Holywell. This year it will be on Sunday, Sept ember 13th, and coaches will leave St. Anthony's at 10.30. The fare which includes a meat tea at Pantasaph will be sixteen shillings for adults and ten shillings for children. I know a number of people are looking forward to this pilgrimage and we advise you to book as soon as possible.”  Full text about the life of St. Winefride, see Appendix 62

“When the last number of our Magazine appeared it was just Easter time. It seems a long time ago but if you cast your mind back you will remember we had a very fine Easter. The Altar of Repose on Maundy Thursday looked particularly beautiful; we had Midnight Mass on Easter Sunday Eve and these new ceremonies are very impressive. Then we had four Masses on Easter

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 16 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) Sunday at 8, 9, 10 and 11 o'clock and all were well attended and the parish as a whole deserves to be congratulated on the number receiving Holy Communion.

In the afternoon we had children's Service at 3 p.m. and Baptisms at 4 p.m. five children came for Baptism all boys. Evening Service at 6.30 p.m. brought to an end a busy and memorable day.

The Church looked beautiful. It had been specially cleaned by the Mothers and the Legion of Mary had also done their share. We had a lovely lot of flowers and we are extremely fortunate in having Mrs. Irma Bosi to arrange them. I am sure no parish has anyone better doing this work. Her arrangement and selection of the flowers displays them at their very best and her whole work is a prayer. She does it all with the one motive of doing what will please Almighty God most. She considers all the hours she spends at this work as a pleasure and a holiday. We have reason to be glad that Mrs. Bosi is in the parish and grateful for all the work she does.” 

“This year Our Lady was crowned by Caroline Pilkington of 55, Wentworth Road. The names of all the girls of nine years of age attending St. Peter and Paul's and Holy Rosary Schools were put in a tray at the feet of Our Lady for nine days. Then one was chosen after evening service on the Sunday two weeks before the actual crowning. The page boy who carried Our Lady's crown on a white satin cushion. and the six attendants who carried the " Queens " train, were all chosen from those children who were soon to make their first Holy Communion. This year the page boy was John Rowlands of 14 Shelley Road, and the six attendants were Elizabeth Jones of 136 Wentworth Road: Margaret McMahon of 3 Hatherton Gardens: Monica Dowen of 165 Marsh Lane: Patricia Burmiston of 25 Cromwell Road: Veronica Jones of 31 Cottage Lane and Janet Leary of 4 Elmcroft Gardens.

The statue of Our Lady was carried by four young ladies of the parish, Marie O'Malley: Mary Platt, Monica Kirk and Mary Gill.

We are extremely grateful and indebted to Mrs. Knight and family and Miss Beatrice Bowers for the gift of the marvelous crown of golden roses and the six poesies carried by the attendants. There could not possibly be better and they were a dream to look at. Twenty one roses went into the making of the crown and they were interspersed with forget-me-nots. The poesies were composed of sweet peas, hydrangeas and carnations. Miss Bowers is a non-Catholic and she asked if she may have the privilege of giving the crown.

The procession went extremely well and reflects great credit on the church wardens and all those who helped to organise it. By kind permission of the chief constable we were able to go along the Stafford Road which added greatly to our procession.” 

“On June 7th 1953 we had thirty two children make their first holy communion. This is the largest number we have had. There were fifteen boys and seventeen girls.

The boys were:-Peter Spencer 16 Legs Lane, Bushbury, Arnold Birkett 1 Elmdon Road, Philip and David Anstey 410 Stafford Road, Roger Stanton 6 Morrison Road, James McDermott 8 Carrisbrooke Gardens, Leonard Davies 7 Carrisbrooke Gardens, John Rowlands 14 Shelley Road, Michael Orr, 1 Rushall Road. John bowling 32 Brunsford Road, Gerald Byrne 86 Stanley Road, Kenneth Keady 115 Stanley Road, Brian Grainger 38 Stanley Road, Patrick McGloin 37 Browning Crescent, Edward O'Carroll 28 Kipling Road.

The girls were:-Christine Williams 90 Kipling Road, Christine Jones 19 Whetstone Grove, Elizabeth Walsh 12 Fordhouse Road, Patricia Burmiston 25 Cromwell Road, Monica Dowen 165 Marsh Lane, Veronica Jones, 31 Cottage Lane, Sheila Blakeman 130 School Lane, Jean

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 17 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) McMahon 3 Hatherton Gardens, Dorothy Winters 124 Fordhouse Road, Elizabeth Jones 136 Wentworth Road, Geraldine Wesley 122 School Lane, Geraldine Evans 8 School Lane, Kathleen Moroney 34 Browning Crescent, Mary McGloin 37 Browning Crescent, Janet - Leary 4 Elmcroft Gardens, Catherine Budge 2 Meriden Road.

They had breakfast afterwards in a large marquee loaned to us by the 41st Group of Scouts The breakfast was a truly magnificent one. The mothers not only provided it but served it very efficiently and joyfully.”

In the evening we had our procession in honour of the Blessed Sacrament and this also was a very happy event. We were blessed with fine weather and so were able to go outside and around the grounds. We were helped by Father O'Sullivan one of the Sacred Heart Fathers from Newport, Salop. He preached special sermons morning and evening on the Sacred Heart and we were glad to have him with us.

This year we tried a experiment with the strewers of the petals before the Blessed Sacrament. We had six boys. I don't know any other parish which has just boys although I have known parishes where the strewers have been “mixed” boys and girls. I was pleased with the experiment and intend to use boys much more frequently as strewers in the Corpus Christi processions. Our six boys were Phillip and David Anstey, 410 Stafford Rd.; James McDermott, 8 Carrisbrooke Gardens; John Rowlands, 14 Shelley Road; Peter Spencer, 16 Legs Lane and Peter Dance, 31 Probert Rd.

The canopy was carried by John Beswick representing the Catholic Young Men's Society; Mr. Tom Martin representing the Legion of Mary; Mr. Robert Murphy the Saint Vincent de Paul Society; and Dr. John Lyne.

In connection with these processions there is one person whom we have not so far mentioned. And Sheila Blakeman 130 School Lane, Jean McMahon 3 Hatherton Gardens, Dorothy Winters 124 Ford-house Road, Elizabeth Jones 136 Wentworth Road, Geraldine Wesley 122 School Lane, Geraldine Evans 8 School Lane, Kathleen Moroney 34 Browning Crescent, Mary McGloin 37 Browning Crescent, Janet - Leary 4 Elmcroft Gardens, Catherine Budge 2 Meriden Road. 

Obituaries, Baptisms and Weddings during 1953 see Appendix 63

A school for St. Anthony’s was to be put forward in the 1954/55 programme, the moneys proposed for St. Anthony’s school would be 40,000 pounds.

In 1956 a letter from director of education suggested that planning should go ahead on St. Anthony’s School

On 9th July 1957 Fr. Lucas received a document detailing a rent raise. The current rent was 17 shillings and 6 pence per week, the increase was 7 shillings and six pence per week payable from 14th October 1957. Appendix 66

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 18 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) In March 1958, St. Anthony’s School was included in ministry of education reserve list.

Initial costings were made and submitted for the building on the school.

An Artist's impression of St. Anthony's School was produced. Appendix 67

Prior to the School opening General Statistics of Catholics attending School were complied, recording data from 1942 to 1958. Appendix 68

In 1958 Catholic organisation were set up and included “The Mothers Union” and “The CYMS”.

           

Fr. Pat Taylor succeeded Fr. Vincent Lucas in 1958 and served till 1973.

On 23rd December 1958 Rev. P Taylor and Parishioners of St. Anthony’s Fordhouses received an Apostolic Benediction from his Holiness Pope John XXIII. Appendix 69

st In 1958 the 1 Fordhouses St. Anthony’s Girl Guides was set up.

Mick and Peggy Ralph St Anthony's Old Church 1959

In 1959 the purchase of house, 595 Stafford Rd took place at a cost of 2094 pounds and 6 shillings.

On 18th February 1959 Fr. Patrick Taylor wrote to the Licencing Authority asking for the name to be changed on the Tobacco Dealers Licence. Appendix 70

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 19 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) On 15th May 1959 Fr. Patrick Taylor was granted a Tobacco Dealers Licence for a (Quarter Year) at a cost of 1s. 3d. Appendix 71

On 6th August 1959 Fr. Patrick Taylor was granted a Tobacco Dealers Licence for a (Whole Year) at a cost of 5s. 3d. Appendix 71

In 1960 St. Anthony’s Primary School Opened. Mr John Cuthbert, was the Head teacher and served the school between May 1960 and July 1988.

In 1963 St. Anthony’s Brownie pack was formed.

Visiting parishioner from Fr. Taylor's previous parish Bill Morgan, George Roberts, Steve Turner, Fr. Pat Taylor, Rev Bishop Cleary and Tom Martin.

On the 3rd December 1963 the US President, Lyndon Johnson posthumously awarded Pope John XX111 the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States’ highest civilian award. The citation for the medal reads: “His Holiness Pope John Paul XXIII dedicated Servant of God. He brought to all citizens of the planet a heightened sense of the dignity of the individual, of the brotherhood of man, and of the common duty to build an environment of peace for all humankind. “

In 1964 The S.V.P. (Society of Saint Vincent de Paul) began raising funds to purchase a mini bus to help older parishioners attend Mass. Old Time dances were held each Wednesday in the school hall.

On November 29, 1964 a year after the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy was enacted the “New Mass”, as it was then called, was introduced into US parishes. A fairly typical description of what Catholics experienced at Mass on that day, the Sunday after Thanksgiving, is this:

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 20 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) Parishioners sitting in their places that morning knew something was different from the moment the Mass began. The week before, the priest and altar boys had entered in silence; now everyone was expected to sing at least two verses of a processional hymn. The scriptural passages for the day were read aloud in the vernacular The priest, standing behind a new altar set up in the middle of the sanctuary, still said some prayers in Latin, but the people were encouraged to recite others along with him, again in their own language.

The distribution of Communion was now different. In the past, the priest had repeated a prayer in Latin as he worked his way along the line of parishioners kneeling at the altar. He now paused in front of each parishioner, in many places standing rather than kneeling, held up the Communion host so they could see it, and said, “Corpus Christi” (“the Body of Christ”), to which the communicant responded, “Amen”. In a few months this, too, would be said in English, and the altar rail itself would be gone.

1965

On 5th January 1965 the C.Y.M.S. arranged an “Old Time Dance in the School Hall.

The first vernacular Masses were read in Irish Catholic churches on March 7th, 1965, bringing to an end the widespread tradition of the Latin Tridentine Mass, which had lasted since 1570 and which was the most widely celebrated Mass liturgy in the world.

The implementation in of the “New Mass” in English churches was devolved to the various Archdioceses who in turn devolved it to the various Deanery’s and Parish churches. It was now up to the local parish priests to make the change when they thought the time was right.

The second Vatican Council closed 1965, having begun in October 1962. One of the major changes it ushered in was the saying of the Mass in vernacular languages.

When Mass began to be celebrated in our church with the Priests facing the congregation a new altar was constructed by a member of the parish Mr Denis Franks. Having been made redundant from Guy Motors he retrained and became a woodwork teacher St. Edmunds School. The altar was used until the new church was opened. It was then used in the sacristy for weekday masses until a smaller one was built.

In 1965 planned giving began in the parish.

In July 1965 the first issue St. Anthony’s News was produced. Full copy of this publication is available on Appendix 72 Full copy of this publication is also available on St. Anthony’s website https://www.stanthonysrcchurch.org/st-anthonys-news-index

In 1965 the offertory promise campaign was initiated. The income for 1965 was 4630 pounds 18 shillings and 11 ½ penny ha’penny and the expenditure was 4329 pounds 7 shillings and 2 pence the estimated cost (at the time) of a new church was 50,000 pounds and a new presbytery at 10,000 pounds. The offertory collection on 17th October 1965 was 74 pounds 10 shillings and 10 ½ penny ha’penny

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 21 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) In the July 1965 edition of St Anthony’s News the following articles appeared. A MESSAGE FROM OUR PARISH PRIEST. Dear Parishioners, How often we hear "I didn't know" - or "if only we were told”, this Newsletter, we hope, will provide a much needed link between us all. This can only be achieved if we take the trouble to read its pages each month. I feel confident that you will be interested in the various activities of the Parish, and maybe see some way in which you can take a more active interest. We have a great deal to accomplish and the efforts of every parishioner will be needed. Our encouragement will then be that we are all doing our 'bit' together.

Remember "The Family that prays together - stays together" - the Parish that pulls together - achieves its aims, and more quickly.

EDITORIAL. Much of what could be said here has been said so much better by our parish Priest. We would only like to echo the thought that this periodical should be a link. Just as this is our Parish so this is our monthly news. It will be written month by month by all of us. It will record our comings and goings, our successes, our failures. In it we will be able to remember past events and remind ourselves of future ones.

All have a right to contribute - will you? Do you have an item of news? - send it in. Have you been on an interesting trip, holiday, retreat, pilgrimage? - tell us about it. Is there a "bee" in your "bonnet"?- write to the editor about it. Contributions should be written out and slipped through the Presbytery letter-box.

Finally, when you have read this from cover to cover, come along to the Discussion at 8 p.m. in the school tonight, (Sunday 11th) and give your opinion of this first attempt to forge a link.

In the July 1965 edition of St Anthony’s News a Statement of Accounts for 1964 was released. For full text of Statement see Appendix 74

NEWS FLASH. "Kaa", better known as Miss Gilliam Brittain, assistant Cub Mistress with the Pack, has just announced her engagement to Trevor Reynaert who is at present serving in the Royal Air Force at Locking, Weston-Super-Mare. Trevor is also a member of the Group, a first class scout and, a founder member of the Band, being an accomplished musician on the Bag pipes. The Pack would like to wish them every happiness for the future. Two pupils of St. Anthony's School have been accepted as prospective Church Students and will be going to Cotton College in September.

Philip Blandford, who is a student with the Claretian Fathers is completing his novitiate. Pray for them. Four boys and three girls at St. Anthony's School have been offered places at Grammar Schools.

SCOUTING NEWS. Kingfisher Patrol of 36th Wolverhampton (St. Anthony's ) Scouts spent Whitsun in camp, at Heythrop College. They travelled down with 8th Stafford in an open lorry. Camp was opened by the College Rector and over the weekend there were several competitions in which the scouts could gain points for tent and kitchen sites, cooking (a herring and a potato!) and uniforms. One lad gained a proficiency badge whilst there, and the Patrol came 15th out of thirty - six.

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 22 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) Mass was available each morning, (6.15. a.m. for the cooks) and there was afternoon service on Sunday. What with competitions, swimming and camp - fire sing-songs the lads were ready for "lights out" at 10.30 p.m. Skipper and Mr. and Mrs. Reynaert visited the Camp on Whit Monday, and the whole patrol, K. Hammond (Patrol leader), I Lewis (Second), J. Corrigan, R. Wiggins, K. Wood and J.Ryan had a great time even though the rains came on Tuesday when they were breaking camp. The report on the Cub Camp is held over until -next month because of pressure of space.

PRESIDENT: MRS. F. Markland. MEMBERSHIP: 20. The Union of Catholic Mothers will be holding a Jumble Sale on Friday, July 16th, in aid of mothers funds. The monies collected from these enterprises are given to the Parish Priest at the end of each year, so that the mothers always hope for good support. In addition to usual weekly subscriptions, the Union are also starting to collect extra monies each week from members to pay for the Old Fo1ks' Christmas Party. Would friends please remember Mrs. Hammond in their prayers as she has just had a spell in hospital. We wish her a very speedy recovery.

THE COVENANT SCHEME. The Scheme has been in operation in the Parish since 1960. Last year we received just over £300 refund from the Inland Revenue.

Seen at Mass recently were Mr. and Mrs. Hughes who are making a welcome visit to the Parish with their new baby -Julian Paul. Guess who's a proud Grandad then!

Steve Corrigan - a member of Junior C.Y.M.S. is going to a Junior Leadership Course this month at Soli House, Stratford-on-Avon.

RECIPE FOR THIS MONTH. Coconut Slices. Using home made or bought sponge, cut into slices. Make a puree of any jar and hot water, and dip slices of sponge into puree, coating all sides well. Carefully roll slices in dessicated coconut, and hide away from the family till cold.

GRAND SLAM Prize money paid out in this Parish up to the end of June totalled £42, l0s.0d. Are you a member? or better still, an agent? See you at the "Shed

WELCOME HOME TO - Terry Woodbridge on embarkation leave before being posted to British Honduras. Don't forget to write Terry!! Robert Brandon having finished his first year at Cambridge University, and Christopher Cuthbert having done the same at Aberdeen, and spent the last fortnight flying with his University Air Squadron in 'Wiltshire.

It was nice to see Fred and Doris Jones visiting the Parish Garden Fete.

GARDEN FETE .1965. The Whit Garden Fete was blessed with good weather again this year, and those who attended had an enjoyable afternoon. The two or three new features were quite well received, particularly the "Horse Races" in the arena. All credit to those good folk who put so much time and effort into the Fete.

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 23 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965)

The profit of around, £170 was £50 up on last year. There is no reason why we should not make £250 at next year's. The Committee are only too aware that there is still a lot of room for improvement as far as presentation is concerned, and to this end have already started planning for next year!

Congratulations We wish many happy years of married life to - John Edward Colley and Barbara June Cotterhill David John Smith and Sandra Veronica Blakemore. David Geoffrey Astbury and Eileen Jones Royston Henry Shelley and Jean Bakley Barry Leonard Beales and Elaine Winifred Markland All of whom were married this year

In August 1965 St. Anthony’s News was produced. Full copy of this publication is available on Appendix 75 Full copy of this publication is also available on St. Anthony’s website https://www.stanthonysrcchurch.org/st-anthonys-news-index

In the August 1965 edition of St Anthony’s News the Births, Marriages and Deaths were reported. Baptisms (July) Allison Evans Sandra Helen Walker Andrew John Dowen John Andrew Colley Anthony Michael Palmer

Marriages (July) Albert Maurice Nale and Kathleen Frances D'Arcy Wilfred John Lawson and Catherine Bleakley

Deaths (July) Mrs. Margaret Darby

In the August 1965 edition of St Anthony’s News the following articles appeared. FROM OUR PARISH PRIEST Dear Parishioners, I am told you would like a monthly letter from me. My consolation is that I have only to write one in St. Anthony's news and it can be read by everyone. This month I wish to explain two items in the Annual Statement of Accounts printed in the previous "News" - Church Requisites and Honoraria and Gratuities. Last year we had to buy a new set of Cassocks and Cottas for the Altar Servers - these cost £60. The Prayer Books provided for everyone cost £50 - the Mass Cards £10. There was the cost of supplying goods for the Piety Stall and other items such as Sanctuary Oil, Candles, Altar Linen, Altar Wine, and Flowers. We purchased a machine for cleaning the Church - a great help to those who each week keep God's House a worthy dwelling - both for Him and ourselves. Honoraria and Gratuities - Please do not think I have given away your money in "tips". Each Sunday you have a choice of attending one or more of 5 Masses. I am allowed to say three of these. Consequently we have to seek the aid of a visiting priest, which has to be paid for including travelling expenses. Help is also required on Holydays of Obligation. Last year we had the Solemn Blessing of the School - and a number of our adults and children were Confirmed at SS. Mary and John's. Archbishops and Bishops have to be housed etc., and on such occasions Parishes give an offering for services rendered.

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 24 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) I hope I have not bored you with this letter. Lest I may have done - may I give you a jolt. Remember, we require £45 per week for our schools.

Happy holiday to all. I hope to have one myself this year. Yours sincerely, P. J. TAYLOR

EDITORIAL Well, we're off the ground! Our first edition came out on the date intended by dint of the hard work put in by the "editorial s staff", particularly our typist.

A word to contributors - your news items, reports, etc., should not exceed 150 words (this editorial contains 90 words approximately. This is to ensure that we can keep the "News" varied and include as many different items as possible. We are pleased to find that one letter from a parishioner has found its way into our columns. We hope to have many more.

SCHOOL NEWS. St. Anthony's Primary is now closed for the summer holiday (to the delight of the children and the apprehension of the parents! ) and will open again on Tuesday, September 7th. We wish the 41 children going on to Secondary Education all the best at their new schools and look forward to greeting the 35 little ones who will be starting school. Parents are reminded that school uniform should be obtained from the Wolverhampton Co- operative Society in Lichfield .Street.

FUTURE EVENT. The C,Y.M.S. are presenting another Night of Variety on September 24th, and earnestly ask your support. The proceeds from this show are being added to the funds for the Old 'Folks' Christmas Party. Over 30 oldsters were entertained last Christmas and greater numbers are expected this year.

WATCH OUT FOR A GREAT NEW COMPETITION. NO EXTRA COST "A BUMPER BOB' S WORTH."

THIS MONTH’S FEAST. The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 15th) is a Holy Day of Obligation which this year falls on a Sunday. The belief that Our Blessed Lady was taken up, body and soul, into Heaven is part of the deposit of faith, but it was only defined as a dogma in 1950 by Pius X11. "Blessed among women" by reason of her divine maternity, the Immaculate Virgin could not know the corruption of the grave. Her Assumption was the final achievement of her glorious life and fulfilment of her own prophecy in the Magnificat. May we, with our minds always fixed on things above, be made worthy of a share of the glory she enjoys.(Collect).

CONGRATULATIONS TO - Elaine Woodbridge. who has gained her State Registered Nurse certificate, Gillian Brittain and John Welsby who have obtained their Ambulance Badges, and a special cheer for John who has also gained the highest scouting award - the Queen's Scouts' Badge - the first one ever in 28 years of scouting at St. Anthony's.

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 25 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965)

WELCOME HOME TO - Mary Welsby, Bill Ashley, Peter Dance, Peter Hearth, and Sheila Newton, all at Colle es of Education. Happy "long vac" to you all.

We also wish "good luck" to George Bojatnowski who is going up to Christ's College, Liverpool, next term. A SPECIAL WELCOME TO - Fr. Magro S.J. from Malta, and Fr, Hugo M. de Achával, S.J. from Rome who are in our parish for a while to help Father Taylor .during the holiday period. May you have a pleasant and profitable stay with us Reverend Fathers.

POST BAG Dear Sir, As one of those who benefit from their services, I would like to place on record our very special thanks to those gentlemen who regularly bring me and several other ladies to Church in their cars for Sunday Mass. Without their help we would not be able to attend Mass and we are all most grateful to them for giving up part of their Sunday morning to do this. Yours sincerely, MRS. FORBES.

EDITOR'S NOTE. We believe there are still vacancies for car owners who would like to help this worthy cause. Volunteers should speak to Father Taylor or a member of the S.V.P.

DISTRIBUTION. Do you know someone in this parish who for some reason does not attend St. Anthony's ? We are thinking especially of those who go, as a matter of convenience, to St. Patrick's - or SS. Peter and Paul. If you do, why not take an extra copy of the "News", so that they too can keep up with what is happening in their "home" parish.

THIS MONTH'S RECIPE. TOASTS OF HAM Put 1½ oz of butter into a saucepan, and when melted add a well beaten egg,3 oz of finely chopped ham, ½ tsp. parsley chopped finely, pinch of salt, and a sprinkling of cayenne. Cook gently until the mixture thickens, serve on rounds of hot buttered toast.

PILGRIMAGE. Mrs. Roe and Mrs. Carter recently went to the U.C.M.Nationa1 Pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham which consisted of open-air Mass, processions along the Holy Mile and Benediction in the Abbey grounds where Cardinal Heenan preached. Everyone felt that it was most impressive and well worth the journey to honour Our Lady at this ancient shrine.

IMMIGRATION CONFERENCE. I recently attended a weekend of discussions concerning the integration of immigrants. The discussions were attended by Indians, Pakistanis, West Indians and natives of this country, some of whom are teachers, social workers,students and members of the medical profession. The talks were very helpful and we learned about the cultural and social differences of each others country of origin. It was felt that there are prejudices held by immigrants and members of the 'host community' as we were called. these prejudices stem mainly from lack of understanding of each

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 26 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) others way of life. Teachers' can help to improve the situation by informing their pupils of the background of immigrants' countries of origin. Trades 'Unions and Church and other Organizations can also help, but most of it is up to each individual to treat others, whether black, brown or white, with respect, (sometimes sympathy) and understanding. TREVOR STOCKTON N. B, The next Discussion Group meeting, on Sunday, September 12th, will be on the subject of "Immigration". REPORT OF CUB CAMP. At 10.30 a.m. on Whit Saturday, 11 boys and 7 adults, squeezed into 3 cars and with loaded trailer set out for "Yorks Wood", there to camp in the fresh air, and fortunately in the sunshine too. "Yorks Wood" is the Birmingham County Camping Site, a pleasant place with an open air swimming pool - extremely popular on hot days, and a shop to satisfy our every need - an ideal spot for our camp. Looking after the boys were "Akela" (Ron Smallwood),"Baloo" (Wendy Bowyer), "Kaa" (Gillian Brittain), A. S. M. John Welsby, Trevor Reyneart, R.A.F., and Mike Bradshaw. Last but by no means least, the best tea maker I have had in camp for a good many years, Mr. Alex Bona - a member of our Parents' Committee. The boys were Gerard Hammond, Tim Franks, Mark Stein, Richard Bohdanowicz, Alex Bona (Junior), Craig Marsh, Niel Flannery, Francis Ganley, Kevin Macarthy, Gerald Knowles and Michael Corrigan. I am afraid space will not permit me to relate all the happenings, suffice to say we had a very enjoyable time,and are looking forward to next year. AKELA, For Yorkswood campfire song see Appendix 78

LEGION OF MARY There is a Praesidium of the Legion of Mary in this parish. Meetings are held on Wednesday at 8 p.m. in the school. Various works are undertaken,including the Family Rosary Crusade. Anyone wishing to have the rosary recited in their home may submit their name and address to Fr. Taylor and a member of the Legion will be pleased to call to make arrangements.

GENERAL NEWS OUR COVER DESIGN. Many people have been intrigued over the meaning of our cover design. It is intended to represent St. Anthony who preached the Gospel (the Cross), was a Doctor of the Church and saw a vision of the Christ Child whilst reading (the Book) and is traditionally supposed to have preached to the fishes (' the Fish). We do not claim that this is the best possible cover design and would be glad of any ideas which will make our "News" attractive. Drop your suggestions in the box at the back of the Church.

PARISH CENSUS. You may be asked in the near future to assist in completing a new census of the Parish. When the time comes please give whatever help you can to this important work.

A/C Neville Williams is at present on leave prior to being posted to Locking, near Weston-super- Mare, where Trevor Reynaert is stationed.

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 27 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) In the August 1965 edition of St Anthony’s News the following article appeared.

FATHER HUDSON'S HOMES The Annual Collection for Fr. Hudson's Homes will be held on September 11th. Those good people who volunteered last time can expect call from Jack Smith later on. Anyone else who would like to give a few hours on a Saturday to help in this good cause should tell Jack or Fr. Taylor.

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 28 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965)

In September 1965 St. Anthony’s News was produced. Full copy of this publication is available on Appendix 79 Full copy of this publication is also available on St. Anthony’s website https://www.stanthonysrcchurch.org/st-anthonys-news-index

In the September 1965 edition of St Anthony’s News the Births, Marriages and Deaths were reported. Baptisms (August) Robert Attilla Eperjesi Wendy Michelle Rafferty Justin Charles Cain Tracy Marie Feehan Andrew Robert Colley Dianne Marie Dineen

Marriages (August) Malcolm Kenneth Allman and Maureen Foster

Deaths (August) Mrs. Iris Monica Deakin and Mrs. Dorothy Mary Kings

In the September 1965 edition of St Anthony’s News the following articles appeared. FROM OUR PARISH PRIEST Dear Parishoners, At this time of the year most people hope to have a holiday - a change from the usual routine of day to day life. A holiday is necessary - for mind and body do get tired and we need to re- freshen our selves. Recently -, we had the pleasure of two Priests coming to the Parish from abroad. Fr. Magro, S.J, from Malta and Fr.H.de.Acheval, S. J, from Argentine who has been lecturing, in Rome for some years, and in December is to return to Argentine. Believe it or not - he tells me his Grandmother came from Co. Limerick. You will agree how wonderful it is that these Priests try to master the English Language. I do not think I would be successful if I went to Malta or the Argentine. Trusting you have had a pleasant change of routine - or are you waiting for the children to return to school ? Best Wishes, P. J. TAYLOR.

Editorial Compared with last month there seems to be a shortage of news items, but I suppose we can put this down to the holidays, This is what the national newspapers call the "silly season". Please don't forget that we rely on contributions sent in or placed in the box in Church each month. Any item of interest will be welcome. If your holiday included anything of particular interest let us know. We didn't take long to make our first slip in the "News". No doubt most people noticed that nothing was mentioned last month about that most important event in the Parish - - - The Forty Hours Devotion. We are glad to report that this did not prevent a good show of candles and flowers and most important - a regular stream of visitors to the Blessed Sacrament.

Congratulations to David John Gleve and Shelagh Murphy, Terence Woodbridge and Carol Wood, who have announced their engagements.

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 29 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) Pilgrimage The U.C.M., made a pilgrimage-to Our Lady of Lourdes Hednesford, on the 5th September,

Parish Census Doors are being knocked on all over Fordhouses, Bushbury and Oxley these days. Before long we should have an up-to-date record of numbers in the Parish.

FATHER HUDSON'S HOMES The Collection for Father Hudson's Homes which is bi-ennial - not annual as we said last month, is on Saturday the 11th. Arrangements are well in hand, but it is still not too late for fore volunteers to come forward 'to help in this very worth while work.

ANOTHER COACH TRIP The Sunday Afternoon Coach trip for the over 60's which was organized earlier in the year was such an outstanding success that another is to be held at the end of September. Over '60's should watch out for the list to go up in the Church porch. We night even finish up at Lower Gornal again

ELAINE 'WOODBRIDGE wishes to thank all those parishioners who sent her good wishes and cards on attaining her State Registered Nurse Certificate.

PAR SH BAZAAR It, is not-too early to mention that the Parish Bazaar will be held in December. Let us improve on last year's total like we did at the Garden: Fete.

A FAREWELL MESSAGE FROM FR. MAGRO I have been asked by the Editor of "St. Anthony's News", the fresh monthly bulletin of your parish, to drop a few lines. I do it most willingly because this gives me the chance to do what would have been impossible for me to do without this opportunity, 'to say a' hearty "Thank You" to you all parishoners of St. Anthony's Church. I have been for nearly a month among you, from the 18th July to the 14th of August. I have seen a lot of you. All those who have come in contact with me have been most kind towards me and I am sure that this is not only the effect of the very high standard of English Civilisation, but it is also the fruit of your well rooted Catholic Faith. Although I am a foreigner with a very accentuated foreign accent in my English, and with many other deficiencies, you have welcomed me and treated me just as your Priest. May your faith be always warmer and brighter, may you ever feel yourselves as one with the Catholic Church, may the love of God and neighbour be an inextinguishable flame that burns in your heart. Maltese among you I say, "Sahhiet", to the Italians, "Arrivedeici.", to, all, "God be with You". G. MAGRO. S.J.

FIRST FORDHOUSES BROWNIE PACK Brownies are very happy and willing people as we discovered at the end of Willing Shilling Week when they collected £9. 18. 0d. doing jobs for friends and neighbours in the parish. We hope to re-start the Girl Guides as brownies will be ready to go up to Guides in the near future. It seems a pity to lose them to other companies. We are grateful o parents who send their children to church parades regularly, as this is just as important as going to brownies. Last year the brownies gave four Old Age Pensioners a box of groceries for Christmas. We hope to do the same this year, as it was good fun to see the goods mount up each week.

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 30 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) YOUTH LEADERSHIP COURSE (17th - 22nd July) The Course on Youth Leadership in the junior C.Y.M.S. which I attended was held at "Soli House" Stratford-on-Avon, and was run by two very devoted people, Father Rogers and Mr. B. Jackson, who are extremely interested in all aspects of present day youth work. I was the only delegate from the Wolverhampton area although boys attended from throughout the Midlands. The Course commenced with a retreat, and over the following days we had discussions and lectures covering topics from religion to politics. Although we did a lot of work we also had some leisure time and on one night we were given tickets for the Memorial theatre to see Shakespeare's "Merchant of Venice". It was an interesting and enlightening week, and one I would recommend to other youths. STEPHEN CORRIGAN

FROM ST. ANTHONY'S SCOUT BAND -TO THE ROYAL TOURNAMENT TREVOR REYNART has used his initial Scout Training on the bagpipes to good advantage. He joined the Apprentice Pipe and Drum Band at R.A.F. Locking, and was among those chosen to play in this year's Royal Tournament at Earl's Court, London, in July. ELAINE WOODBRIDGE wishes to thank all those parishioners who sent her good wishes and cards on attaining her State Registered Nurse Certificate.

PAR SH BAZAAR It, is not-too early to mention -that the Parish Bazaar will be held in December. Let us improve on last- year's total like we did at the Garden: Fete.

SUNDAY 22nd AUGUST Phillip Blandford studying for the Priesthood with the Claretian Fathers - made his first Profession.

C.Y.M.S. VARIETY SHOW The C.Y.M.S. ask for your support for the Variety Concert to be held on September 24th at 8.0.p.m, in aid of the Old Folks Xmas Party,, and promise you an excellent night's entertainment.

In October 1965 St. Anthony’s News was produced. Full copy of this publication is available on Appendix 81 Full copy of this publication is also available on St. Anthony’s website https://www.stanthonysrcchurch.org/st-anthonys-news-index

In the October 1965 edition of St Anthony’s News the Births, Marriages and Deaths were reported. Baptisms Anthony Michael Palmer Carolyn Ann Walden

Marriages Ronald Hamlington Jones and Eileen June Rafferty Melvin John Spilsbury and Elaine Mary Fullard Michael Edward Hanlon and Margaret Ann Harris Thomas Joseph Smith and Janet Louise Gleve

Deaths Mrs. Sarah McHale

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 31 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) In the October 1965 edition of St Anthony’s News the following articles appeared. FROM OUR PARISH PRIEST Dear Parishioners, All of us are praying for the success of the Vatican Council and reading about the debates and decisions that are to be made. It is equally true that in every parish decisions - sometimes big decisions - have to be made and much thought and prayer are always required. A decision effecting our Parish has finally been made and we trust it will prove of advantage to us all. It will be - if all of us make up our minds to make it a success. It is called a Planned Offertory Campaign - or Christian Stewardship. It begins on October 17th. May I appeal to all the men of the Parish to attend the meeting on Wednesday October 6th at 8.pm in the School Hall when the Campaign will be explained and questions invited. A meeting for all the Ladies of the Parish will be held later. I am confident no one will regret the decision taken and that we shall all help to make it a success. Pray for one another in the Parish and beg God's blessing for the success of the campaign. Yours devotedly, P.J.TAYLOR.

Editorial Someone once said "If I have command of words, I have command of people". Whilst we could say that this is somewhat of an exageration, there is no doubt that the right word in the right place at the right time can be most effective. One need only recall the stirring speeches of Winston Churchill during the last war to illustrate this. But words do not only inspire - we use them to communicate every shade of meaning and feeling. Words can hurt or bring sad news, but they can also soothe or bring happiness. Words like the first a baby haltingly utters, the "Hello" of a true friend - the "I absolve you" of the Confessional. We all use words all day long, is it too much to wish that we would all use only kind words. The world would be a happier place - take my word for it. Congratulations to John Welsby on his Queen's Scout Award and best wishes to Gerard Hammond and Gerald Knowles in the years that follow at Cotton College. In the October 1965 edition of St Anthony’s News the following letter was sent to the Postbag.

GRATEFUL THANKS The Organiser of the Fr. Hudson's Homes collection asks us to pass on his thanks for all who helped by collecting or contributing towards the grand total of £93.19.8d. for this worthy cause.

PARISH BAZAAR - AN IMPORTANT NOTICE Due to the fact that the Planned Offertory Campaign is due to start soon, it has been decided to postpone the Parish Bazaar to a later date. We feel that all our energies will have to be put to making the campaign a success and to try to run a Bazaar at the same time would cause a clash of interests and a division of labour which we can ill afford. The long term success of Christian Stewardship is more important to the Parish than the short term effects of a Bazaar. - Another year, another Bazaar.

A VISIT TO LISEUX A little apprehensively we drove up the gangway of the car-ferry on to the dockside at Dieppe to face the unknown of the tree-lined Continental highways. Our destination was Liseux, the shrine of St.Teresa. Tagging behind an A35 van containing two Priests, which we hoped would guide us, we set off.

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 32 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) Although we lost our pathfinders at Rouen we eventually saw Liseux before us as we dropped down a slight hill. Many people were about in this quiet town and the small Camel Chapel which enshrines a replica of St. Teresa's body in a glass casket contained a few pilgrims praying at the altar. From the little Chapel we climbed the steep hill to the magnificient basilica at the top, the third largest church in the world and truly magnificent in its grandeur giving, from its porch, a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside. One felt, contemplating the scene, "that the great but simple saint watches over this unspoilt town showering many blessings on the faithful who gather here to petition her. C.A.B.

HEDNESFORD PILGRIMAGE September 5th saw nearly 440 Mothers of the Wolverhampton Section of the U.C.M, at their annual pilgrimage at Hednesford. Arriving there in pouring rain amidst a lot of chatter at seeing old friends, the silence is very moving as one approaches the Grotto (a replica of Lourdes). Mothers, dozens at a time, knelt in homage to Our Lady before going into Church. Starting with hymns and the Stations, we then had our Procession, inside this time because of pouring rain. The statue of Our Lady was carried shoulder high round the beautiful Church of Hednesford and never did one feel more proud of being a Catholic. Next came Sermon and Benediction, then Our Lady's Statue in the alcove was lit up, and with Priests and altar boys we took our leave of Hednesford by singing to Our Lady the "Salve Regina". Thus we honoured her Birthday and came away more spiritually uplifted than before we came. W. MARKLAND (President)

SCOUT'S ANNUAL CAMP The advance party having left earlier in Skip's van, the main party followed in a hired Minibus. The camp was officially opened on the Sunday and was run on a competition basis. The two patrols competing wre the Snipes and Kestrels, the latter being the eventual winners. A good camp was enjoyed by everyone with beautiful weather, plenty of swimming and games for all. We would recommend Fairborne to anyone as a fine holiday site. Taking part in the camp were:- B.Hadley, J.Welsby, D.Wiggins, K.Hammond, G.Aston, J.Tucker, J.Corrigan, I.Lewis, R.Wiggins, K.Wood, G.Hammond, G.Knowles, T.Cuthbert, R.Galnea, and J.Ryan. K, HAMMOND .

In November 1965 St. Anthony’s News was produced. Full copy of this publication is available on Appendix 83 Full copy of this publication is also available on St. Anthony’s website https://www.stanthonysrcchurch.org/st-anthonys-news-index

In the November 1965 edition of St Anthony’s News the Births and Marriages were reported. Baptisms Marion Elizabeth Colley Eugene Michael Carragher Michelle Angela Burt, Siobhan Gillian Redmond Kevin Robert Dungey Paul Godfrey Jackson, Deborah Marion Ryan.

Marriages Roy Charles Thomas Harrison and Katherine Elizabeth Lofts.

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 33 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) In the November 1965 edition of St Anthony’s News the following articles appeared. OUR PARISH PRIEST'S MESSAGE Dear Parishioners, This edition of St. Anthony's News comes to you on the Feast of Christ the King and two weeks after the Planned Offertory Campaign has begun in the Parish. These two events are related - for if Christ was truly accepted by each of us as our King then we would give Him a little more thought and it would be true to say then that the P.O.C. would not be needed. It is because we are human beings that we have to be reminded of many things especially our dependence on Almighty God - the Giver of all things - and of the gratitude we should therefore show Him. To love is to be grateful. To love means a willingness to make sacrifices but often to make a sacrifice now is to bring commonsense into our lives.

Let me be practical - if we have to borrow the money we need for our future projects we shall have to find at least £90 per week in interest alone, and in repayments over 10 years our buildings will have cost us double their original cost. We should have paid £40,000 in interest alone. We can avoid this unnecessary burden in only one way - by doubling, even trebling our efforts today. Let commonsense prevail - don't you agree? Yours, P. J. TAYLOR.

EDITORIAL We all await, with intense interest, the outcome of the Planned Offertory Campaign, and I make no apology for bringing it up here. With everyone pulling their weight and God's help this could be the making of our Parish. It's, just a matter of L.S.D. - Loyalty, Sacrifice and Devotion.

Last week the children of St. Anthony's School gave Father Taylor £100 making a total of £300 in the last three years, all contributed mainly in pennies from their pocket monies. How proud they will be and rightly so, when they see the altar in the new church and know it is a, memorial to their generosity. Surely we can match such an effort and not be outdone by our own children!

SCHOOL NEWS St. Anthony's School will be closed for the Half-Term on November lst and 2nd.

The boys of the football team are very proud of their record in the Junior Football League to date. Played – 5 , Won - 4, Drawn - 1 Lost – 0; Goals for - 16, Goals against - 1; Points - 9.

Goal scorers have been, Terence Hanlon - 6, John Hodgkiss - 5 Richard Bohdanowicz - 2, Jeremy O'Shea. – 2 Anthony McManus - 1.

NOTICES OF THANKS The C.Y.M.S. wishes to thank all those who attended their last variety show. The proceeds were donated to the funds for the Old Folk's Christmas Party.

The P.T.A. of St. Anthony's School thank all those who contributed to their Bring and Buy Sale for the children's Christmas Party. The sum of £15. 14. 8½d was raised, a very creditable effort.

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 34 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) BOWYER BELOW THE BRINY It was 7.0 a.m. on a Friday morning when I and four other boys boarded H.M. Submarine "Onslaught" for a day at sea, the prize in a Competition held at the Boys and Girls Exhibition in Birmingham. No sooner were we on the bridge than we were under way on the last voyage of the "Onslaught" before a refit at the end of its three year commission. After about an hour on the bridge we went below where we were shown all around the submarine. When the operational ground was reached the exercise plans were checked and the order to dive was given. In a matter of seconds the submarine was gliding speedily and silently under the sea. After exercising with three German destroyers the submarine submerged to a depth of 120 feet where we were allowed to work the hydroplanes which keep the submarine level. Later helicopters joined the exercise after which we surfaced and returned to Portland harbour after an unforgettable experience. PETER BOWYER.

CATHOLIC TRUTH SOCIETY Most of us come into daily contact with people who are not of our faith and religion is sometimes the topic of conversation. You may be called upon to explain some aspect of Catholic teaching and therefore it is necessary for everyone to have sufficeient knowledge of the teachings of the church to enable them to give a simple explanation to others.

At the back of the Church there is a C.T.S. rack containing pamphlets covering a variety of subjects and for a few pence you can purchase a pamphlet which will prove helpful. The next time you are in the Church why not see if there is anything of particular interest to you?

ALL SOULS DAY On ALL Souls Day (Nov. 2nd. ) a plenary indulgence applicable to the Souls in Purgatory may be gained by saying the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be from midday on November 1st. until midnight on November 2nd if one has heard Mass and received Communion within the month.

THE SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL It might be thought that in this enlightened age of the Welfare State that a society for the "relief of the spiritual and temporal necessities of poor families" would be superfluous. This is not so; there are still many people whose particular need is not covered and it is for these that the S.V.P. exists. Besides the more obvious acts of charity the brothers visit the sick and aged, aid the deaf and dumb and help released prisoners. Any man interested in this work should contact the Brother President Mr. P O'Leary or have a word with Fr. Taylor.

CONVERSATION PIECE. "Yes, Christmas is coming and I haven't even got my Christmas cards yet!" "Never mind, you can chose them next Sunday from the wide selection at the Piety stall." "Piety Stall? Where's the Piety Stall?" "In the kitchen of the Church, on the left as you come out from Mass. They also have statues ,Prayer books, roseries, medals, etc., etc.all of which make very acceptable Christmas Gifts."

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 35 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) Mr. Fred Jones a former stalwart of this Parish is recovering from a gall bladder operation. We know you will remember him and Mrs. Jones in your prayers.

BONNIE SCOTLAND. Following the Annual Camp four scouts, (K.Hammond, J. Corrigan, I. Lewis & R.Wiggins)and 'Skip' toured Scotland for a week. We made a circular tour of the southern part. The most Northerly point we reached was Portree on the Isle of Skye. We really had a great time. We stayed at beautiful places like Edinburgh, the Isle of Skye, Fort William and Glen Nairns. At the latter we tackled Ben Nevis but owing to wind, mist & rain, we reached only 2,500 ft. At Edinburgh we visited the castle and saw a rehearsal of the Military Tattoo. We didn't bring back a haggis but we enjoyed ourselves immensly in those two glorious weeks. K. HAMMNOND.

OPERATION P.O.C SWINGS INTO ACTION About 50 men assembled in the School Hall on Wed. 6th October to hear the Planned Offertory Campaign outlined by Mr. Fraser of Cathos. He pointed out that just as we all budget for our family needs so it is necessary to budget for Parish needs. He felt that there was no lack of generosity among parishioners, only a lack of knowledge and appreciation of the needs of the Parish. It will be his intention in the next few weeks to Show in detail how we can raise our weekly collection to £130 at least and make our Parish one worthy of the Faith we all profess.

In December 1965 St. Anthony’s News was produced. Full copy of this publication is available on Appendix 85 Full copy of this publication is also available on St. Anthony’s website https://www.stanthonysrcchurch.org/st-anthonys-news-index

In the December 1965 edition of St Anthony’s News the Births, Marriages and Deaths were reported. Baptisms Jeannine Antoinette Shelley Cyril Jess Martin Roy Benson Helen Downey Kevin Philip Edwards Richard William Morgan Michael Peter Robinson Nicola Louise Brennan Susan Elizabeth Galyas Siobhan Bridgette Elizabeth stack

Marriages Ronald Keith Fernandez and Carol Ann Cae John Thomas Goodwin and Susan Ann Humpherson Deaths James Callagher John William Reynaert

In the December 1965 edition of St Anthony’s News the following articles appeared. EDITORIAL As the man said "It just goes to show"! There were some, there always are, who said, "It'll never work, not in this Parish, etc. etc." - but it did. Not only did the volunteers, both men and women, come forward in good numbers but the great majority of the Parish made an effort and the planned Offertory Campaign was a success. All we have to do now is to keep it going just as well in the coming years. What of the future? Surely it is not beyond the bounds of possibility for us all to continue on this upsurge of community feeling and foster and increase the family atmosphere in our Parish by, meeting one another more often at concerts, socials dances, outings and the like. That little box

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 36 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) in the corner of the sitting room is no substitute for people! Someone the other day was suggesting a "Young Wives Club" seems a good idea to us. "There is a tide in the affairs of man which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune" (Julius Caesar).

Memories of a night Vigil at Lourdes The view of thousands of candles at the Grotto from the arriving train - walking against the tide of pilgrims returning from the torchlight procession - Mass in German and the harmony of the singing without musical accompaniment - the quiet of the Grotto broken only by the spluttering candles - the loud snoring by a very elderly grey bearded Priest with head resting on the shoulder of a younger one – the rustle of the nun's robes as at intervals during the night they come to pray - the slight chill before dawn after a warm night - the shaft of light from the Grotto sacristy as an African Priest emerges at 5.0 a.m. to say Mass - the sheer luxury of a full Latin Mass - the old priest serving Mass the peace, tranquility and quiet happiness of Lourdes alone with Our Lady. C.A.B.

On 17th December 1965 the Parish Dinner took place in the Wulfrun Hall.

Parish Dinner The 17th of December was a mixed sort of day. The Parish Dinner had been arranged for that evening and apparently the weather-man had arranged a good downpour for the same date! Was it this that kept so many who had promised to come away from the Wulfrun Hall?

Those who braved the weather were well rewarded by an excellent meal and two thought provoking and interesting speeches. Mr.Martin gave us, in his usual concise and clear manner, the idea behind Planned Giving and Msgr.Taylor added his thoughts in a most entertaining fashion.

It was a grand "family" get-together well worth repeating - but, oh! where were our absent friends?

On 11th December 1965 the Over Sixty’s Christmas Party took place.

The Old Folks Xmas Party Sunshine graced the afternoon of the Over Sixty's Xmas party on Saturday 11th December. After a welcoming glass of sherry the oldsters were entertained by a pleasant little play presented by Willenhall U.C.M. Players. The traditional turkey, mincepies and crackers in pride of place at the tea table left no doubt that this was an Xmas party. After tea our own U.C.M. entertained with 'songs at the piano'. The over sixty's joined in with increasing vigour as they called for their old favourites, some nostalgic, some sentimental but all sung with real relish. As they clasped hands to sing Auld Lang Syne – a chuckling baby was laid on the floor in their midst- a touching yet heart warming little tableau. Each was given a small food parcel as they left for home. The pleasure expressed by the old folks is the only thanks asked by U.C.M. and the men who provided transport, but the thanks of the parish should go to these mothers who work so hard to provide this treat for our old folks underlined by the parting words of one elderly gentleman "Put my name down now for next years do".

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 37 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) A MOTHER’S CHRISTMAS For a Mother, it begins when some-one says "Its only so many weeks to Christmas" and she thinks, "Oh, how shall I do it all in time". Hubby is very little help, he just sayd 'Yes' to all the expensive things that the children think up. And the children, they write dozens of letters to Father Christmas, each one different, but that problem is settled once they visit the local store and personally tell the great man what they would like. For full text of this article see Appendix 88

MAKE YOUR OWN CRIB Children love making things, and with a little help from parents, a crib is one of the most rewarding do-it-yourself jobs. A shoe box, and brown paper, crinkled round the edges, makes a very stable-like structure, and then paint it all colours with the childrens paints. Even the figures can be made of cardboard, cut out, painted, and stuck down on a little foot. The straw can be made from shredded paper, and don't forget a nice star. This may sound a messy way of making a crib, when one views the results, especially when there are such beautiful ones to buy, but the awe and pride with which the children will show their friends "Their very own Christmas story" will make Christ's Birthday a very personal celebration in your home. M.W.

On 17th December 1965 St. Anthony’s Primary School performed a “Christmas Concert” For a copy of the Programme see Appendix 89

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 38 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965)

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 39 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965)

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 40 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Fordhouses Wolverhampton

Appendixes

Index

Title Page No.

Proposed Site Layout St. Anthony’s first Church 43 St Anthony, Fordhouses. Parish Boundary 44 Society of Saint Vincent de Paul aggregation 45 The Legion of Mary (extract from first minute book) 46 Obituaries, Baptisms and Weddings during 1952 47 Copy of first rent book 49 “Anthonian” Parish magazine issue 1 January 1953 50 “Anthonian” Parish magazine issue 2 April 1953 52 The new Fasting regulations for Holy Communion 1953 54 The Quota System 56 “Anthonian” Parish magazine issue 3 August 1953 57 Our Annual Novena 1953 59 St. Winefride's at Holywell 62 Obituaries, Baptisms and Weddings during 1953 63 Document relating to rent increases 66 Artist's impression of St. Anthony's School 67 General Statistics of Catholics attending School 68 Apostolic Benediction from his Holiness Pope John XXIII. 69 Letter to the Licensing Authority 1959 70 Tobacco Dealers Licences 1959 71 St. Anthony’s News July 1965. 72 Statement of accounts for 1964 July 1965 74 St. Anthony’s News August 1965. 75 Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 41 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965)

“Yorkswood” campfire song August 1965 78 St. Anthony’s News September 1965. 79 St. Anthony’s News October 1965. 81 St. Anthony’s News November 1965. 83 St. Anthony’s News December 1965. 85 A mother’s Christmas December 1965 88 Christmas Concert December 1965 89

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 42 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) Proposed Site Layout St. Anthony’s first Church

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 43 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) St Anthony, Fordhouses. Parish Boundary

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 44 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) Society of Saint Vincent de Paul aggregation

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 45 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) The Legion of Mary Extract from the minute book of the first meeting

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 46 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) Obituaries, Baptisms and Weddings during 1952 Baptisms January Theresa Bowen, daughter of Arthur and Patricia Bowen, 22 Filey Road. Brian David Lees, son of William and Edna Mary Lees, 19 Whetstone Road.

February Kevin John Barlow, son of Joseph Douglas and Rachael Barlow, 160 Fordhouse Road. Lynn Margarite Jones, daughter of Harold and Doreen Jones, 91 Elston Hall Lane. Stephen Richard Hester, son of John and Kathleen Hester, 1 Burns Avenue. Robert Anthony Murphy, son of Robert and Bridget Murphy, 65 Browning Crescent. Veronica Brasnya, daughter of Johan and Helen Brasnys, 38 Kipling Road. Terence James Wilson,- son of Bernard Frederick and Marjorie Wilson, 28 Northwood Park Road.

March Betty McAliece, daughter of John and Florence McAliece, 73 Stanley Road. Susan Vera Nolan, daughter of John and Gwendoline Nolan, 23 Slade Road.

April John Patrick Corrigan, son of James and Esther Corrigan, 11 Harrowby Road. Christopher John Stokes, son of John Thomas and Olive Stokes, 61 St. Anne's Road. Michael Smith, son of Harry and Mary Winifred Smith, 35 Marsh Lane. Susan Margaret Beech, daughter of Leonard and Kathleen Beech, 2 Moorland Avenue, Oxley. Shaun Terence Sarsfield, son of Francis and Vera Sarsfield, 67 Carrisbrooke Road. Brian Patrick Hart, son of Bernard Graham and Betty Hart, 9 Elmdon Road. Sandra Joan Tomkys, daughter of Benjamin and Olive Mary Tamkys; 28 Redhurst Drive. Paul Rowlands, son of Iorwerth and Elizabeth Ann Rowlands, 14 Shelley Road. Mary Elizabeth Stanton, daughter of Raymond and Joan Stanton, 6 Morrison Avenue. Francis Oswald Terry, son of Ohn and Norah Terry, 45 Sandon Road.

May Elizabeth Ann Burke, daughter of Robert and Barbara Burke, 33 Manor Road. Ronald Francis Parker, ,son of Raymond and Marianne Parker, 309 Stafford Road. Rosaleen Hodgkiss, daughter of Thomas and Caroline Hodgkiss, 149 Winchester Road. Anthony Hugh Corr, daughter of Hugh and Irene Corr, 6 Browning Crescent. Christopher Anthony Key, son of William and Eileen Key, 2 Crathorne Avenue. Christine Ann Allen, daughter of Joseph and Sheilah Allen, 25 Alleston Road. Patrick Keith Spencer, son of Frederick and Edna Spencer, 20 Keats Grove.

June Diana Mary Challinor, daughter of John & Hannah Challinor, 20 Browning Crescent. Clifford John Churchill, son of John and Rose Churchill, 6 Church Road. Patrick John McVey, son of Archibald and Hazel McVey, 5 Sherbourne Road. Philip Bernard Scarisbrick, son of Harry and Kathleen Scarisbrick, 45 Three Tuns Lane. Catherine Frances Hanna, daughter of Hugh and Mary Hanna, 58 Marsh Lane. Anthony Francis Corkindale, son of William and Mary Corkindale, 22 Gifford Road. Elizabeth Ann McGloin, daughter of Patrick and Elizabeth McGloin, 37 Browning Crescent.

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 47 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) July James Robert Cooper, son of James and Mary Cooper, 30 Ashfield Road. Lyndsey Frances Sheridan, daughter of Patrick Joseph and Dorothy Sheridan, 22 Shelley Road. William Thomas, Humpherson, son of William and Ann Humpherson, 26 Browning Crescent. Barbara Elizabeth Jones, daughter of Richard and Sheila ones, 43 The Darelyn Caravan Site, Coven.

August Michael John Rouse, son of John Patrick and Sylvia Rouse, 6 Sandwell Road. Michael Francis Harrington, son of Thomas and Mary Harrington, 73 Purcel Road. Janet Patricia Lofts, daughter of Harry James and Alice Lofts, 9 Walker Avenue.

September Kevin Rozenfelds, son of Alfred George and Jane Rozenfelds, 68 Elston Hall Lane. Stephen Wayne Flannery, son of Christopher Stephen and Sheila Flannery, 334 Stafford Road. Cyril Matthew Gandy, son of Cyril Matthew and Rebecca Mary Gandy, 10 Arundel Road. Patrick Edward Evans, son of John and Joan Evans, 8 School Lane.

October Thomas Patrick Newell, son of Patrick and Eileen Newell, 80 St. Anne's Road. Ann Catherine Donnelly, daughter of John and Doris Donnelly, 12 Arundel Road. Marlene Rita Scott, daughter of Alpheus and Beryl Scott, 189 Fifth Avenue, Low Hill. Maureen Anette Jays, daughter of Leonard and Mary Jays, 54 Patshull Avemue. Althea- Mary Shields, daughter of James and Margaret Shields, 8 Purcel Road.

November John Allan Steadman, son of Harold and Catherine Steadman, 24 Lincoln Green. Patricia Bernadette Martin, daughter of Thomas and Theresa Martin, 15 Ribbersford Avenue.

December Margaret Mary Fitzgerald, daughter of Thomas and Joan Fitzgerald, 10 Filey Road. Christine Ann Beswick, daughter of John and Freda Beswick, " Padua," 611 Stafford Road. Kathryn Josephine Kennedy, daughter of Daniel & Doris Kennedy, 10 Meriden Road. John Joseph Hinton, son of Edward and Mary Hinton, 26 Welbeck Avenue, Bushbury.

Weddings On February 23rd James Albert O'Neil and Irene Riley. On March 29th Neville Hamer and Yolan Hamwas. On April 14th Kevin Kiernan and Mary Tracey. On July 12th John Frederick Goddard and Patricia Winifred Hadley. On July 19th William Wall and Hazel Mary Varrell. On July 25th James Patrick McIlwee and Joan Evelyn Ambler. On August 30th John William Tanner and Gladys Mary Collins. On October 11th Harry Robbins and Gloria Margaret Theresa Walker. On December 31st John Paul Bowman and Kathleen Mary Edwards.

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 48 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) Copy of the first rent book

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 49 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) Anthonian

The first Parish Magazine issue 1

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 50 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) Anthonian

The first Parish Magazine issue 1

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 51 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) Anthonian

The first Parish Magazine issue 2

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 52 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) Anthonian

The first Parish Magazine issue 2

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 53 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) The new Fasting regulations for Holy Communion

“On Saturday evening of January 3rd 1953, during the 9 o'clock news, of the B.B.C., England was startled. I think I am right in saying, with the announcement that the Pope had made very important changes in the rules about fasting before receiving Holy Communion. Certainly they came as a great surprise. But the Pope has made these changes with the one object in view of doing as much as he can to encourage people to receive Our Lord as often as they possibly can. How foolish it is to stay away when we can have Jesus Christ all to ourselves for about a quarter of an hour--close to us- listening just to whet we have to tell Him-and with so little trouble to ourselves.

If we heard one day that Jesus Christ was going to Manchester for just one half hour and walk through the main streets-all the factories in England would close down. Special trains and buses would be run. Don Everall would do a great trade. The roads would be crowded with cars and there would even be planes flying over from America.

And yet all this would be terribly foolish because we can go and talk to, Our Lord any time we want in any Catholic Church. And we can receive him any time we want providing certain conditions are fulfilled. We have to be in a State of Grace-that is no serious sin on our souls, and until the announcement of January 3rd we had to,, be fasting from midnight-that is we could not have anything to eat or drink from twelve o'clock.

But the last law has now been changed because the Pope thinks that quite a number of people find it difficult to fast and so have not been going to Holy Communion as often as they would like or as often as Our Lord Himself would like them. So the law has been made easier.

The Present Law Now anyone can drink water and still receive Holy Communion. You can have as much as you like, when you like. If you feel that you want a drink you can have some water and still receive Holy Communion. You do not have to be sick or especially tired. This only applies to water. However the Pope has said that if you can receive Holy Communion without having anything to, drink at all, then you should do so out of respect to the Blessed Sacrament. But some people can have other things to drink instead of water, such as milk, tea, coffee etc., but not alcohol of any .kind-But before anyone can have these things, certain, conditions have to be fulfilled.

These conditions are:- (a) If you are sick or ill in any way, and this includes expectant or nursing mothers, you can drink tea, coffee etc. Also you can take tablets which have been recommended by the Doctor. (b) If you live at least a mile and a quarter from Church, and have to walk to Church before receiving, then these people may drink something else besides water before setting out. (c) If you have to do a fair amount of work before you can go to Church and this work exhausts you so that you need a drink of something to keep you going, then these people can make use of this new law. This includes people who are on night duty and people who are up all night looking after the sick. (d) If the Mass is late-that is, 9 o'clock or afterwards, and you want to receive Holy Communion but cannot get to an earlier Mass, then these people may have a drink of tea or coffee etc. before receiving.

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 54 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) Anyone can drink water without any further permission. But before anyone can drink anything else, then each individual must first see a Priest and have his consent and agreement that the necessary conditions are fulfilled. Once you have his permission then you can receive Holy Communion as often as you like as long as these conditions remain.

As I have said, the Pope has made these new conditions to enable us and encourage us to receive Our Lord more frequently than perhaps we have been doing.

Let us see that we make full use of them and not throw away such glorious opportunities of coming into such close contact with Jesus Christ.”

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 55 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) The Quota System

“During the past year the Archbishop has introduced into the Diocese a scheme which has come to stay. He saw that many parishes in the Diocese will soon have to build new schools. These schools, at the present price of building, will cost an average of thirty or forty thousand pounds each. This is a burden which no one parish could carry. It would be almost impossible for any single parish to, find all this much money. So the Archbishop has, spread the burden over all the parishes of the Diocese whether they have schools to build or not. He has placed a tax on every known Catholic in the Diocese and this money goes into a Central Fund and then the cost of all new schools which are built will be paid for out of this Central Fund.

So we at St. Anthony's should be very glad. We have schools to build in the very near future-very near we sincerely hope, but how near we just cannot say. But we haven't to worry now about paying the whole cost nor the interest on the money we would have to borrow. We just have to pay our quota into the Central Fund and the Archbishop will pay the full bill.

But this quota or tax is a substantial one. It is at the rate of ten shillings each year on every known Catholic in the parish-man, woman and child whether they come to Church or not. In 1952 our estimated parish strength was one thousand people, so our quota was five hundred pounds. It is known however that more people have come into the parish and this year we believe we have thirteen hundred parishioners so our quota is six hundred and fifty pounds. Six hundred and fifty pounds! - nearly thirteen pounds a week clear before we spend a penny on the Church for candles, lighting, heating etc.., or on the house; or for any repairs or improvements we have to make. So you see why we need the help and co-operation of everybody in the parish. We want everyone- absolutely everyone to do his or her share. And we should remember that this quota is a minimum. It has come to stay. We shall need here sometime in the future a new Church and Hall and we shall only be able to pay for these from money which we raise over and above the expenses we already have of school debt, Church and house. So you see again we need very much the help and co- operation of everyone. In 1952 we paid our quota, and we have just over three hundred pounds in hand. This was due mainly to our weekly outdoor collections and our pools. During 1952 we raised by these collections £284. 11. 8.

Our Pools also have been very successful and this also has meant hard work by a number of people. Particularly I would mention Mr. Jones, Mr. Corrigan, Mr. Burns, Mr. Stanton, and Mr. Pilkington. Very many other people of course have helped and we could not do without their support. In the 1952-1953 Football Season, up to the end of 1952, we had made just over £200 clear profit.

Our Garden Fete in June and Christmas Fayre made just over £200 between them, and the Christmas Raffle and Sweepstake on The King George VI Stakes also made just over £200 between them.

And that is how we were able to pay our quota and have just over £300 in. hand. I hope we all will do our best in every way during 1953. In addition to paying our debts we need a Hall and a Church: and we can only have these if we all do our share. Give as generously as possible: it is for a good cause. Work together and we cannot fail.”

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 56 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) Anthonian

The first Parish Magazine issue 3

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 57 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) Anthonian

The first Parish Magazine issue 3

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 58 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) Our Annual Novena

“One of the most important events of the whole year comes within this next three months. I say “important” because it has such a tremendous effect for good not only on this parish but on everyone who will take part. And I am not referring to the Coronation. I am referring to our Annual Novena in honour of the Holy Ghost. The Novena we make in preparation for Whit Sunday.

What is a Novena? A Novena is nine days or nine periods of prayer. “Novena” comes from the Latin word meaning nine. It is probable that the first ever nine days of prayer was the nine days which Our Lady, the Apostles and the good Christians of the time made in preparing for the coming of the Holy Ghost. Our Lord had ascended into Heaven on Thursday (Ascension Thursday) the fortieth day after His Resurrection. Peter, James and John watched Him go. They were very sad at the thought of losing Him. But He told them not to be sad; He would not leave them lonely; He would send them a Comforter, and, what is more, if He did not go. He would not be able to send this Comforter. "Go back" He said "to Jerusalem. Do not leave the City, but persevere in prayer until the Holy Ghost shall come." So Our Lady, the Apostles and the faithful Christians one hundred and twenty in all (Acts I, 15) locked themselves in the Upper Room and prayed for the next nine days until the Holy Ghost came on Whit Sunday. We believe this was the first Novena. Since then there have been numerous Novenas. The Sacred Heart promised, through St. Margaret Mary, that anyone who received Holy Communion on nine consecutive first Fridays of the month, would not die in His displeasure nor without the Sacraments.

The Novena in honour of the Holy Ghost Why do we attach such importance to this Novena and make it as great as possible? Chiefly because it is in honour of the Holy Ghost whose power is so enormous and yet is not recognised. He is the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity; just as great; just as important, and just as active, as God the Father or God the Son. The work of God the Father is the work of Creation. “I believe in God the Father Almighty the Creator Heaven and Earth.” The work of God the Son is the work of Redemption. He died to pay the .debt which was due for all the offences we have deliberately committed against His Father. Every time we see a Crucifix; every time we go to Mass or receive the Sacraments we are reminded of the work of God the Son. All our prayers are addressed to God the Father “through the merits of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Our Lord.” Then the Holy Ghost comes along and completes the work which was begun by God the Father and repaired by God the Son. The Holy Ghost raises us to new heights; gives us all a new start with new gifts and new talents so that it is possible for us to become greater than if human beings had never fallen at all. This is the work of God the Holy Ghost.

The work of God the Holy Ghost In our Baptism He has a big share-because it deals with a new life and a new beginning. “Unless you be born again of water and the Holy Ghost you shall not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” (John III, 5). Jesus Christ Himself is born of the Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Ghost. Our Lady asked the Angel Gabriel who had just told her that she would become the Mother of God the Son how it would come about. The Angel replied “The Holy Ghost shall come upon Thee and the power of the Most High shall overshadow Thee” (Luke I, 35). So the Holy Ghost is again connected with a new Birth. And it is in the same way by the power of the Holy Ghost, through the Virgin Mary, that Jesus will be formed within us.

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 59 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) When the Holy Ghost came down upon the apostles on Whit Sunday in the Upper Room, they became men transformed.

They had locked themselves in the Upper Room because they were afraid. But now they were afraid of nothing, never afraid any more. Peter goes out on to the Balcony and speaks to all the thousands of Jews in the streets below. And speaks with such power that on that one day three thousand people were baptised (Acts II, 41).

The Holy Ghost came down on the Apostles in the form of “parted tongues as it were of fire” to signify the effect which He has. The Apostles were filled with fire, zeal, energy. Fire gives warmth and light. And the Holy Ghost does just the same to us now. He enlightens our minds so that we understand great spiritual truths in their full meaning. These truths then become a driving force in our lives. Understanding is a gift of the Holy Ghost; we can only really understand these truths by His power. Our Lord called the Holy Ghost “the Spirit of Truth.” “But when He the Spirit of Truth shall come. He will teach you all Truth” (John XVI, 13) and this is a great gift we need these days to know the Truth; to understand the Truth; to live the Truth.

When Our Lord was baptised in the River Jordan (Matthew III, 16) the Holy Ghost appeared over His head in the form of a dove. The dove is the symbol of Peace and has been ever since the dove brought back a piece of olive branch to Noah in the Ark (Genesis VIII, 11). Probably the Holy Ghost chose this form on this occasion to show that He brings Peace into the world and the reason why there is not more Peace in the world-within ourselves and between nations is that the Holy Ghost is so much neglected.

Yes we need the Holy Ghost. The gifts He brings us Wisdom; Understanding; Counsel; Fortitude; Knowledge; Piety and the Fear of Our Lord; and the Fruits of His help Charity, Joy, Peace, Patience, Benignity, Goodness, Longanimity, Mildness, Faith, Modesty, Continency and Chastity these are precious treasures we can receive only through Him. And without Him we can't get them at all. We cannot acquire them in any other way.

Our Novena this year These thoughts should encourage us and urge us to make this Novena as well as possible.

Last year we had a Jesuit Father to preach the special sermons. This year we are having a Passionist Father Gerald who is coming from Ormskirk, near Liverpool. He has been specially chosen for this work and I have no doubt he will be ideal.

The Novena will begin of course on 15th May the Friday after Ascension Thursday. There will be two Masses each day for the next nine days (except Sunday) and these eighteen Masses will be offered for the intentions of the Novena. The first Mass will be at 7 o'clock, the second at 9. The Novena prayers will be said at both Masses. At the 9 o'clock a short instruction will be preached in addition. There will be a Novena Service, with Sermon, every evening at 8 o'clock. On Sunday the times of the Masses and evening service will be as usual.

It is probable that you will not find it convenient to come to Church either for the Mass or the Evening Service on nine consecutive days. In this case you can still keep the Novena by saying the prayers at home. The Novena consists in saying the special Novena prayers (which follow here) on nine consecutive days whether you say them in Church or at home. If you say these prayers for nine days, then you share in the eighteen Masses and make the Novena fully and completely.

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 60 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965)

The Special Prayers The Novena prayers may seem a bit strange and rather long. They may also be rather difficult to find. But they are prayers which have proved extremely powerful in many previous Novenas and whatever trouble you take to find the prayers will be amply repaid. You will as a matter of fact, find them in most prayer books.

The prayers are: Litany of Our Lady. Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus.

Then we say one decade of the Rosary (one Our Father, ten Hail Marys and, a Glory be to the Father) with the prayer at the end “O Jesus, forgive us our sins and save us from the fires of Hell and lead all our souls to Paradise particularly those who have greatest need of Thy Mercy.”

Then we finish with the MEMORARE. “Remember O most loving Virgin Mary that it is a thing unheard of that anyone who ever had recourse to Thy protection, implored Thy help, or sought Thy intercession, was left forsaken. Filled therefore with confidence in Thy goodness, I fly unto Thee, O Virgin of Virgins, my Mother, to Thee I come, before Thee I stand, a sorrowful sinner. Despise not my word, O Mother of the Word, but graciously hear and grant my prayer. Amen.”

These prayers will take you about a quarter of an hour to say, and if you say them on nine consecutive days then you will have made the Novena and so share in all its blessings. But if you want to make the Novena even more complete, then we strongly recommend you, in addition, to say the Rosary (five decades) and to go to Mass and receive Holy Communion as often as possible.

I hope you will all do your very best to make this Novena. Its results can be absolutely tremendous. This Novena can bring untold blessings and even transform our lives. Make these Novena prayers No. 1 priority during the nine days from May 15th. Let parents say the prayers all together with their older children. Let husbands realise when they come from work that it is the most important task they have before going to bed. And then we shall see what a difference will come about in individuals, in homes and in the parish. God bless you all.

I have the happiness and confidence of recommending to you a winner; if you will take my advice you'll, back it heavily.”

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 61 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) St. Winefride's at Holywell

Holywell has been a place of pilgrimage ever since the death of Winifred in about the year 630. She was the daughter of the local chieftain and famous throughout the district for her charm and beauty. She had been trained in holiness by St. Beuno and so deeply did she love Our Lord that she decided to give her whole self to Him alone. On a certain Sunday morning Winefride's parents had gone to Church leaving her at home alone when Caradoc, the son of a neighbouring prince unexpectedly called. He asked for food and refreshment but soon made known the real purpose of his visit. Winefride was filled with alarm and horror. No human aid was near. By a trick she escaped from the house and ran towards the Church. Caradoc realized he had been deceived, ran after her, and caught her before she reached the Church. She refused to give in to his demands and with a single sweep of his sword, Caradoc severed her head from her body. The head rolled down the hill and into the Church causing great consternation. Beuno and the Congregation rushed out to where Caradoc was standing in proud unconcern “wiping his sword upon the grass” says an old writer “before the eyes of all.” Beuno pronouced a terrible punishment “Wretch he cried” may you receive from God the just reward of your crime." No sooner were the words uttered than the murderer fell lifeless on the grass. The ground opened and the body disappeared. The body of Winefride was carried into the Church and laid out reverently on the floor. St. Beuno continued saying Mass and afterwards knelt by the side of the body. He besought the congregation to pray hard for the restoration of her life. He rose and cried to Heaven “Lord Jesus Christ, for love of Whom this Virgin contemned the joy of earth, and yearned after those of heaven, mercifully listen to our supplication. Let her soul be restored to her body. Prove to all Thy power over the living and the dead; and let a new life, rich in merit and good works, magnify the glory of Thy name and her eternal reward.” Winefride rose up as if from sleep and wiped the sweat and dust from her forehead. One mark was left as a perpetual reminder of the miracle a slender white scar like a thread encircled her neck. And from the very spot where first the martyr's head had touched the ground, there now welled forth a copious spring, giving birth to the strong stream which since that day has never ceased to flow. St. Beuno then made a prophecy “Your memory shall never be forgotten here for by your merits many shall be relieved of their afflictions. My child, the Lord intends this place for thee. Three gifts are given thee which shall hand down thy memory to posterity. First, these stones reddened with thy blood shall never lose their crimson colour but by this hue shall ever commemorate thy martyrdom for holy chastity. Secondly, whosoever shall three times implore thy aid in sickness or misfortune shall at least at the third time obtain his request, if it be not opposed to the divine Will. Should his third petition be in vain, then let him invoke thy assistance to prepare for death.. Thirdly when under the guidance of the Holy Spirit I shall have gone hence. I shall dwell near the sea shore: and the Lord has willed that every year I shall there receive a gift from thy hands." Winefride founded a Convent and her holiness and influence spread far and wide. Robert of Shrewsbury said, “no sex, no age, no state in life within her country failed to share in the benefits wrought by the venerable virgin.” Her death occurred on the first of November but we are not certain of the year. Her tomb became the centre of pilgrimage and later her remains were transferred to Shrewsbury. Here they had lay until the time of the Reformation and Henry VIII scattered the relics to the wind. A single bone that of a finger, escaped the general destruction and a portion of this is still venerated at Holywell.

The fame of the Well goes back to the time of St. Winefride herself and Pope Martin V in the fourteenth century granted special indulgences to pilgrims. At the end of the fifteenth century the greater part of the beautiful building which now stands over the well was erected.

Pilgrimages have never ceased. Grace was granted to all who sought it and every now and then there was some startling cure.

We have no doubt that those who travel to Holywell and Pantasaph in September, will receive their reward.” 

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 62 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) Births, Baptisms, Marriages and Deaths in 1953

Congratulations to:

Mr. and Mrs. Brown, 11 Probert Road on the birth of their first child-David Christopher. Mr. and Mrs. Southall, 26 Hamilton Gardens on the birth of Graham John. Mr. and Mrs. Cresswell, 22 Alliston Road on the birth of a son, Neville David. Mr. and Mrs. Smith, 108 Wentworth Road on the birth of Malcom Vincent. Mr. and Mrs. Flanagan 7 Arundel Road on the birth of a brother to Catherine. His name is Michael William.

Baptisms

To Mr, and Mrs. Mulryan, 206 Stafford Road, on the birth of a daughter-Carol Ann baptised on January 4th 1953.

To Mr. and Mrs. McIntyre, 31 School Lane, Bushbury, on the birth of a daughter, Jane Frances. The baby was not well and was baptised and confirmed at home on January 20th 1953. However, the baby is now doing fine. This is their fourth child all girls.

To Mr. and Mrs. County on the birth of Catherine Christine. Catherine was baptised on January 25th 1953 and they live at 46 Stanley Road.

To Mr. and Mrs. Winfield, 514 Stafford Road, on the birth of Paul Michael who was baptised on February 1st 1953.

To Mr, and Mrs. Swift, 4 Arundel Road on the birth of a daughter Mary Helene. Mary was baptised on February 8th 1953.

To Mr, and Mrs. Wall on their first child Timothy who was baptised on February 14th 1953. They live at 44 Ringwood Road.

To Mr. and Mrs. Platt, 568 Stafford Road. Linda Ann was baptised also on February 14th 1953.

To Mr. and Mrs. Morgan on the birth of Paul Anthony. They live at 6 Wentworth Road, Bushbury and Paul was baptised on February 22nd 1953.

David Anthony John Finley was baptised on March 8th 1953. The Finleys live at 30 Winchester Road.

Ann Veronica McCulloch, the daughter of Donald and Pauline McCulloch was baptised on March 29th 1953. Mr. and Mrs. McCulloch lived until recently in Elmdon Road, Rake Gate, but now have a caravan in Ball Lane, Coven Heath.

Mr. and Mrs. Moore of 52 Browning Crescent, They now have a daughter Valerie Ann. She was baptised on April 26th 1953.

Mr. and Mrs. Eastup of 14 Filey Road on the birth of a boy John Phillip who was baptised on May 3rd 1953.

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 63 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) Mr and Mrst McKenna of 105 Winchester Road. They now have their first child Maureen Susan; baptised on May 3rd 1953.

On May 10th 1953 Brenda Elizabeth, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Terry, 45 Sandon Road. On May 10th 1953 Linda Catherine, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hallett, 34 Fordhouse Road. On May 10th 1953 Doreen Susan Mary Smith. daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, 205 St. Anne's Road.

On May 17th 1953 Derek Albert, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Mason, 48 St. Anne's Road. On May 17th 1953 Donald Joseph, son of Mr. and Mrs. Brennan, 3 Three Tuns Lane. On May 17th 1953 Maureen Elizabeth the child of Mr. and Mrs. Fitzsimmons, 3 Three Tuns Lane.

On May 24th 1953we had three more baptisms¬ John Patrick Edward Conlon, the son of Patrick Joseph and Maureen Conlon of 1 Romsey Grove. On May 24th 1953 David John Bowyer, son of Claude and Lucy Bowyer.of 60 Renton Road. On May 24th 1953 Pauline Ann Arkwright, daughter of David Keith and Irene Arkwright of 30 Church Road.

On May 31st 1953 Brian Andrew McDonough, son of Walter Aden and Mary Patricia McDonough of 25 Slade Road. On May 31st 1953 Maurice Thomas Tully, son of Francis George and Hilda Tully of 32 Alliston Road. On May 31st 1953 Diana Maxine Mary Spencer, daughter of Frederick and Edna Spencer, 40 Redhurst Drive.

In June 1953 Linda Joyce Winifred Kavanagh, daughter of John Joseph and Charlotte Winifred Kavanagh, they live outside the parish at 76 Olinthus Avenue, Wednesfield

Weddings

On the 21st 1953 of February between Terence Rowland Hampton. 27 Wood St., Lanesford, Coseley and Betty Constance Jones, 25 Somerford Gardens, Wolverhampton. This was a'stage' romance since both parties were members of the Pilgrim Players and are now with the " Gadabouts." They have done quite a lot of acting together and have played in our own Hall. It was a white wedding and very many of their friends were present in Church.

On 21st March 1953 we had an “event” a double wedding. The two Lewis sisters, Evelyn and Sybil of 14 Ringwood Road were married. Evelyn married William George Blakemore of 502 Stafford Road and Sybil married Frederick Dawson, 39 Thompson Avenue. Both girls were given away by their uncle. The reception was held at the 'Butlers Arms' and over seventy guests were present. Evelyn is living at Stafford Road and Sybil at Ringwood Road.

On Saturday, 28th 1953 March. On the morning Frederick John Pratt, 15 Homefield Road, Bilbrook married Margaret Rose Sinclair, 51 Marsh Lane, Wolverhampton. Margaret Pratt is having instructions and hopes to become a Catholic soon. They are living in a caravan at Coven.

On Saturday, 28th 1953 March. On the afternoon we had a" Forces " wedding. Kazimierz Beloniak, R.A.F. Station, Coningsby, married Barbara May Hughes, 13 Elmdon Road, Rake Gate. They met whilst Barbara was serving in the W.A.A.F. She is now working at Courtaulds.

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 64 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965)

On Saturday, May 30th 1953 John Townsend, 7 Harrow Street, Wolverhampton and Joyce Maureen Groom, 163 Winchester Road, Wolverhampton. It was a “quiet” wedding but very pretty and everything went along very happily.

Obituaries

On January 11th 1953 at 7 Arundel Road, Michael Loftus died at the age of 75. He suffered with his chest and had been in a poor state of health for some years. Nevertheless his spirits were always high and even though he had received the Last Sacraments, the end came sooner than expected.

On Thursday, January 22nd 1953 of Mrs. Winifred Hadley died. She had been a member of the parish for seventeen years and had watched it grow from its early days when Mass was, said in the "Three Tuns." She was an active member of the Union of Catholic Mothers and was for four years its Secretary. She was a familiar figure at all the parochial Dances, Concerts, and Socials etc. Her early life was spent in SS. Mary and John's parish where she was very well known. About twelve months before her death she had an operation which caused great anxiety but she seemed to recover well. Hope ran high when mainly through the efforts of the Mothers' Union she went to Lourdes in August of last year. However in October she had a relapse and from then on was very ill. Nevertheless the end came suddenly. At her Requiem the Mothers were very well represented and the Scouts formed a magnificent Guard of Honour. She has been very much remembered in all our prayers. She was fifty-six years of age.

On February 14th 1953 Francis Moran of 21 Grosvenor Road was not very well known in the parish but very much respected by his workmates in the district in which he lived. An Irishman born in County Cork, he had been in this country about seven years. He suffered with his heart and died on February 14th at the early age of thirty-six. He leaves a widow and young son

On March 23rd 1953 George Dodd was one of the most military decorated men in the whole of Wolverhampton. In the 1914-18 war he won the Distinguished Conduct Medal. The Military Medal and the Belgian Legion of Honour. He was a member of St. Patrick's parish before moving to 33 Belgrade Road in 1938. He died on March 23rd after an illness lasting nearly twelve months.

On March 28th 1953 Jack Macefield of 33 Elmdon Road became a Catholic on his death bed and it was his one great con-solation during a painful illness which he bore with extraordinary patience. He had begun Instructions and it was his earnest desire that he should die as a Catholic. He died on March 28th and was buried at Bushbury after a Requiem Mass at St. Anthony's. He was forty-seven years of age.

On June 22nd occurred the sudden and unexpected death of Richard Petrucco of 1 Oxley Moor Road, whilst he was having his eyes tested at a Wolverhampton oculists. Two Dominican nuns from Brewood happened to be there at the same time and they gave all the help they could. We offer our sympathy to his wife and children at this tragic loss. We was 60 years of age.

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 65 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) Document relating to rent increases

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 66 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) Artist's impression of St. Anthony's School

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 67 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) General Statistics of Catholics attending School

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 68 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) Apostolic Benediction from his Holiness Pope John XXIII.

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 69 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) Letter to the Licensing Authority 1959

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 70 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) Tobacco Dealers Licences

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 71 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) St. Anthony’s News (July 1965)

The new version of the Parish magazine

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 72 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) St. Anthony’s News (July 1965)

The new version of the Parish magazine

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 73 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS FOR 1964

STATEMENT OF INCOME 1964 Income £. d. s. Second Collections 1057. 9. 0 Candles 89. 19. 6 Piety Stall 129. 7. 1 Pools 1106. 16. 4 U.C.M. (Gift) 20. 0. 0 Garden Fete 120. 7. 9½ Bazaar 200. 6. 8 Outdoor Coll.(part) 38. 12. 0 Rebate on £10,000 capital payments for school. 500. 0. 0

3262. 18. 4½

EXPENDITURE £. d. s. Church Requisites 345 5 9 Furniture & Fittings 78 1 11 Choir Music 71 10 0 Repairs & Insurance 30 1 1 Lighting & Heating 127 3 5 Rates 17 16 9 Honoraria & Gratuities 220 7 6 Schools 2160 13 7 Donation to University Chaplaincy 100 0 0 Sundries 96 15 5

3247 15 9

New Church Fund - 1964. NEW CHURCH Collections 923 16 2½ The total collected by the Donations .& end of 1964 for the New Covenants 282 6 4½ Church Fund stood at £2848.5.3d. School 100 0 0 At this rate we can start building in 1984!! 1306 2 7

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 74 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) St. Anthony’s News (August 1965)

The new version of the Parish magazine

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 75 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) St. Anthony’s News (August 1965)

The new version of the Parish magazine

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 76 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) St. Anthony’s News (August 1965)

The new version of the Parish magazine

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 77 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) “Yorkswood” campfire song August 1965

I used to be a Wolf Cub and a jolly good Wolf Cub too. But now I've finished Cubbing I don't know what to do. I'm growing old and feeble and cannot Cub no more, So I'm going to get my ticket if I can.

Chorus: Back to York's Wood happy land! I'm going to get my ticket if I can.

I used to be a Boy Scout and a jolly good Boy Scout too. But now I've finished Scouting I don't know what to do. I'm growing old and feeble and cannot Scout no more, So I'm going to get my ticket if I can.

Chorus: Back to York's Wood happy land! I'm going to get my ticket if I can.

I used to be a Senior and a jolly good Senior too. But now I've finished Seniors I don't know what to do. I'm growing old and feeble and cannot Scout no more, So I'm going to get my ticket if I can.

Chorus: Back to (York's Wood) happy land! I'm going to get my ticket if I can.

"I used to be a Rover and a jolly good Rover too. But now I've finished Scouting I don't know what to do. I'm growing old and feeble and cannot Scout no more, So I'm going to get my ticket if I can.

Chorus: Back to York's Wood happy land! I'm going to get my ticket if I can.

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 78 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) St. Anthony’s News (September 1965)

The new version of the Parish magazine

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 79 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) St. Anthony’s News (September 1965)

The new version of the Parish magazine

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 80 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) St. Anthony’s News (October 1965)

The new version of the Parish magazine

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 81 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) St. Anthony’s News (October 1965)

The new version of the Parish magazine

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 82 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) St. Anthony’s News (November 1965)

The new version of the Parish magazine

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 83 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) St. Anthony’s News (November 1965)

The new version of the Parish magazine

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 84 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) St. Anthony’s News (December 1965)

The new version of the Parish magazine

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 85 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) St. Anthony’s News (December 1965)

The new version of the Parish magazine

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 86 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) St. Anthony’s News (December 1965)

The new version of the Parish magazine

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 87 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) A MOTHER’S CHRISTMAS

For a Mother, it begins when some-one says "Its only so many weeks to Christmas" and she thinks, "Oh, how shall I do it all in time". Hubby is very little help, he just sayd 'Yes' to all the expensive things that the children think up. And the children, they write dozens of letters to Father Christmas, each one different, but that problem is settled once they visit the local store and personally tell the great man what they would like.

And so the excitement mounts - the cards go out, the christmas tree comes in and still Mum is buying presents, food shopping, and planning.Christmas Eve dawns and cooking, last minute shopping and seeing that everyone has been to Confession, keeps Mum busy, until the children's stockings have been filled and she creeps into bed, hoping that the little ones will not wake too early and as the dawn filters through the windows, the oo's and ah's from the other bedrooms, tell her that Christmas Day is here "Christ's Birthday".

Having seen all the wonders of the stockings, and made herself and hubby a cup of tea, off to Mass, which provides the reason for all the festivity, and brings the calming atmosphere to the rest of Mum's busy day.

Boxing Day is Mum's day, no good trying to tidy up left over food to eat so not much cooking, an extra half hour in bed. But of, Boxing Day is on Sunday this year. Ah, well, get them all up for Mass and off we go again.

And. as the years go on, lets hope the family don't stray too far away, for Mum loves all of it, no matter what she may say.

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 88 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965) Christmas Concert December 1965

Appendixes

History of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Page 89 Wolverhampton. (1935 – 1965)