He was the first of the Bastables to come north, eventually residng in Stirling, their winter quarters whereby the showfolk refurbished their entertainment machines for the start of the next season’s travelling fairs around the country.
Hope what I’ve attached gives you some sort of background to your Grannie Eliza Ellis’s[ms Forrest] Showfolks side of the family.
To establish the links, back the way, from your grannies great knowledge of her family[especially] and of my Dad’s Ellis side, i’ve given a fairly concise history of what I know through listening to your Grannie, when she lived with us in our various abodes in Australia. ie, Beaconsfield, Kurri Kurri, Wangi Wangi, New England area of NSW, where Maw would spend some time with Mum and I, when we worked up their for some 4 yrs till when we came back, to Sydney in the flat and later at Haven St .
it seems a long time ago? In memory of your Grannie Ellis, and her stories that got me to realise that i knew nothing of my family, which is shameful to continue without exploring our antecedents, for future use of where we came from and the importance of lineage in looking back in time, to explore why we are who we are, and also to have pride in ourselfs as decent humans.
Luvsyas
Dad
Subject: strands
Date:
24 October 2008 6:59:34 AM
Hello George;
If you get this intact
you may be able ( depending on clearness) to trace my Mothers family
including her sisters brothers also cousins. My great grandfather
Strand was an Irishman with red hair and from all reports quick
tempered. He married Sarah Levi ( Jewess) and based themselves in
Manchester. Amongst other talents he was a lion tamer although by
one report not a very good one. He and his wife were with Lord
George Sangers Circus and later appeared at Bell View Manchester. this was a
permanent amusement park in Manchester with a Circus, Exhibition
Halls and Carnival . One of the circus
enthusiasts who kept a record of Circus artisteshad him described as
coloured, I am not a racist but near took a
fit when I read it. So I asked him to correct his data as most of his
grandchidren knew him well as the quick tempered red headed wee
Irishman. There are quite a few of the
family tried to trace him back but have been unsuccessful. I was
told by my eldest Aunt that he came from a place called Ballymacarrat in Ireland
and there was a link with the name Pollard. Whether he changed his name to Strand for stagename purposes is just
conjecture.
Have seen the article
on the engine owned by Testos and have no doubt it is correct
but it was news to me when I read it. The other engines were
I believe two Burrells the Cock of the North was a Foster but am
not sure about Ben Hur, it would probably be a Foster..
Apart from all the
aches and pains we going along not bad. Trust this finds Ellie and
yourself and family all well.
All for the
noo. sincerely yours'
Fred
From: I.Trowell
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: RE Bastables and
Harris's and Strands
Date: 17 October 2008 6:02:26 PM
Well, that was a quick
delivery!
The Bastable article was
published December 1994.
The other Scottish memoir was
published last year.
There isnt anything else we
have but would gladly look forward to receiving details of your research and
collaborations to allow us to add to our own archives for generations to come.
regards
Ian
----- Forwarded message from
gellis <gellis@bigpond.net.au>
-----
Date: Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:43:14 +1000
From: gellis <gellis@bigpond.net.au>
Reply-To: gellis <gellis@bigpond.net.au>
Subject: Re: RE Bastables and Harris's and
Strands
Hello Ian
Received your mail of the
Bastables yesterday. This is very much appreciated. Can you tell me when they were published?
My Grannie was Eliza Forrest
ms Bastable mentioned in your Bastable story. I hope to at some later date be
able to contribute more to you archives after i have digested the stories and
added my bits and bobs. At this stage my grandparents, the late Eliza and
William Forrest have only one living child, my Aunt Marion, whom I taped this
year on a visit back to Scotland. Much of what we did is about the shows and
the circus relatives we share.
Also you're probably not aware
that at Logie cemetery there are many Showfolk interred there, if I can get my
cousin to walk around with me and give a rundown on them. but IU'm working on
that.
What always amazes me is the
wealth of knowledge stored away by some very remarkable chroniclers of history
- who actually lived it - GREAT STUFF.
Please, if you have any more
Bastable/Forrest stories and photos I would appreciate getting copies.
Again my grateful thanks
Cheers
George
On 07/10/2008, at 11:22 PM,
gellis wrote:
Many Thanks Ian
Much appreciated
I'll speak with my cousin Fred
Bastable over in Scotland re the references which I have no doubt he'll have.
Since it probably will be difficult for Fred to copy them, if you can send them to me that would be most
appreciated
G Ellis
Merrylands
NSW 2160
Australia
Cheers from Sunny Sydney
George
On 07/10/2008, at 8:39 PM,
I.M.Trowell wrote:
There isnt a great amount of
readily available information on the Scottish show families such as the
Bastables. We certainly have photographs of their rides and equipment, and
there are obvious regular mentions in the weekly 'World's Fair' newspaper but
finding and collating that material is very time consuming.
Normally we get a body of
research on a particular region or family which then gets published as an
article or even a book (or booklet). There has not been anything published on
Scottish fairs and families apart from a recent history of Kirkcaldy and a
booklet by the Scottish section of the Showmen's Guild.
In terms of journal articles,
the two main 'enthusiast' journals are the Fairground Mercury and Platform. I
endeavour to keep an index of all articles and the following references might
be of use;
Volume 17 number 3 'Bastables
Super Amusements' 8 page article by Ron White
Volume 30 number 4 'Super
Stratorockets' by Alistair Steven and his life with the Codonas
Volume 29 number 4 'Around
with the Hornes' by Alistair Steven and his early life on the scottish fairs.
If you require printed copies
of these please supply a name and address.
regards
Ian
----- Forwarded message from
gellis
-----
Date: Tue, 7 Oct 2008 00:34:34 +1000
Subject: RE Bastables and Harris's and Strands
Dear Dr Toulmin
I am a Great Grandson of
William Bastable [the original born in Somerset] and would appreciate any
information on the 'English/Scottish' show folks of Bastable, Strand and Henry[Hendry]
Harris, who were all interrelated.
I am in constant touch with my
Cousin Freddie Bastable and William Bastable as well as in touch with Violet
Alexander ms Harris [ now 91 years old]
many thanks for a great site
Cheers
George Ellis
----- End forwarded message
-----
--
Ian Trowell
National Fairground Archive
0114 2227293
----- End forwarded message
-----
--
Ian Trowell
National Fairground Archive
Subject: Re: Railway Bridge Falkirk
Date: 8 January 2008 11:44:52 PM
Hello Fred
Thanks for this. Hope William
liked his copy. He might add something to it, as I was really pleased to find
this in the National Archives. As far as GGrandfather going bankrupt, I haven't
seen anything in the archives to say so. Maybe as you say he didn't declare
bankruptcy by working his way out of it.
What I find fascinating about
all of this is the cavalcade of witnesses, the costs, profits and best of all
is the mention that he had been in Scotland for some number of years. It means
that I should be able to catch them in the census of the various times - that's
if they were censused! [I don't think 'censused' is a word, but it seemed to fit!]
I had to laugh at his
reference to 'the missus and me', which also gives a place where GGran Eliza
was at that time.
Anyway, I'm a bit more versed
in the Bastable ventures. It is absolutely fascinating reading. In fact when
you see the amount of money collected in small change it makes you realize the
number of rides to get that kind of money and the stories you told me of the
showmen paying for their new engines in coin. And the importance of the rides
to get the crowd in.
All very much a social as well
as an economic case study. Great stuff.
Another interesting fact was
the previous steam traction engine accident of Evans. I was quite amazed at the
use of trains to move gear about. I dare say that the roads would have been
abysmal!
A reference by a traction
engine driver witness that he resided at Causewayhead might be the reason why
Grandad and Grannie stayed with Mrs Flockhart, where Maw was born. It's only a
wild guess. But also some research I did stated that she was a Ness from Cupar,
and since Grandad's sister Margaret, married a James Ness, who worked at
Springfield Asylum near Cupar, I think that there's a tie-up somewhere here.
Again thanks for you
additional information. As always much appreciated.
Again my thanks. A' the best
to Violet and yourself for the new year from Ellie and the family as well as
myself
Cheers
George
On 08/01/2008, at 12:20 PM,
FRED BASTABLE wrote:
Hello
George,
Thanks
for the transcripts of Grandfather,s claim against the railway. Cannot
enlighten you much as it is so far back. The machine was called Kelly,s
Motors and I would imagine it to be like a switchback type of machine ,
that is with hills similar to Gondolas but with cars for the passengers to sit
in, hence Kelly,s Motors. This
episode was one of the lowest points in Grandfathers fortunes as I
understand that it was the main cause of him going
bankrupt. That is what I heard
followed, and wether he declared himself bankrupt officially I do not know,
However, he picked himself up and eventually got over
it. The Blackadder Engineers in
Falkirk had been friends of Grandfather for many
years. Sam Stott was an agent
for various showmen including Grandfather.
What I
picked up out of the transcript was the use of the railway for such a short
distance Alva to
Falkirk. I think that the
amount of trucks attached to the roundabout machines made it more
convenient, My Dad told me that there was 12 trucks to pack
Evans,es switchback in. The Engines was restricted to three
trucks and a dandy (water carrier) hence the use of the railway. The
trucks would not be large approx 14 to 16 ft.
Another
episode involving Granfather that might interest
you.
The canal bridge at Castlecary was at one time a wooden structure and a weight
restriction was in place . and meant that heavier vehicles
such as Showmen,s Traction Engines required to stop and arrange for the bridge
to be propped. The charge for propping was £1. Most
showmen travelled on the same day and this meant them queing up while the
bridge was propped. Each of them was charged £1 for propping.
Grandfather
claimed that this was an imposition (
a favourite word of
Grandfathers) He claimed
that one propping should be charged as there was only one propping
involved.
I do not know what authority he challenged over this issue, would
probably be the Canal Authority, however he won the point and after that
the charge was £1 no matter how many engines crossed that particular day.
Trust
this finds you all well .
We are sailing along not too bad, we had a pleasant
festive season.
All the
very best for 2008.
Fred
& Violet
Subject: Re: Seasons Greetings
Date: 26 December 2007 4:55:34 PM
Hello Fred
Pleased to hear from you and
that both Violet and yourself are going Ok - everything's relevant - health
always being the most important.
It was good seeing you both,
as well as Marion and most of the gang. We never quite get to everyone and
Annie is early on the list when we visit next. We always exchange cards.
By the way I sent a parcel to
you with copy of you grandfather Wm Bastable's court case in 1910-11. I would
have thought it would have been there by now. There's a copy for Willie as
well. It's so full of information about the travels of Wm as well as mentions a
pile of showfolk.
We're leaving tonight for a week away in our Motorhome. So if you get
the parcel Ok, I'll get the message when I get back
Well here's tae ye baith in
New Year 2008
All the very best in Health,
Happiness and Prosperity
Cheers
George and Ellie and the Ellis
clan in Sydney
On 24/12/2007, at 11:14 AM,
FRED BASTABLE wrote:
Hi
George , Ellie and family,
Thought
I would drop you a line to wish you a Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year.
Apart
from Violet,s neuralgia at the back of her head that the shingles left
her with, we are sailing along not too bad (at least we are still
here) and looking forward to Christmas and Hogmany. We
enjoy Christmas best , usually one or two neighbours drop in and we try singing
with me playing off key on the organ.
We had Marion playing it last month, what a gift she has in her
music. Marion
had come over to visit with Elizabeth and Ronnie when they were over
here. Merryl also came along with Marions daughters Valerie and
Marion. We had a really good night, Marions playing , made the
night.
Marion
has since went over th China and seen Nick, she said they enjoyed and was
I think very impressed. She is
coping very well since her husband Tom died. He is buried at Logie
not far from your Mam and John. but facing the monument. Its
a nice stone that Marion has chose.
Cousin
William has had a pace maker fitted and it seems to be suiting him and he says
he feels a lot better.
Those
copies of certificates you sent me relating to Grt. Grandmother Ellen Stirling
Reader and her daughter Harriet ( who died at Selkirk) I have sent a copy to a
Kevin Stirling who is a distant relation of ours. He is keen on family
history , but so far I haven,t had a reply . Kevin is the one
who is quite definate that the name STIRLING
is
actually STELLING and he has traced back a bit and is pretty sure about
it.
Apart
from an exchange of cards for Christmas I have not seen Ann Strand for a few
months. I feel a bit guilty as I should make the effort to go over and see
her. She keeps herself busy and you more or less to make an appointment
to make sure she is in if you call.
All for
the noo George. As always wishing you and yours
all the very best for Christmas and The New Year.
sincerely
yours,
Fred and Violet.
Subject: RE: Woolavington CD's - Safely
arrived
Date: 26 January 2007 11:44:59 PM
Hello Fred and Violet
Happy New Year to you.
Got the CD's yesterday. Many
thanks
Lovely talking with you again.
it seems just like yesterday that we were all talking together in Abbey Rd. How
time flies! I hope that Violet gets better with the shingles. A very unpleasant
experience not to be wished upon anyone. Ellie and knew friends with this debilitating
affliction and can onlyu empathise with you. Get well Violet, we're thinking of
you.
I'm sorry to hear of the
floods. They do a lot of damage.
Currently we're experiencing
heatwaves and the usual bushfires. Drought affected as well, getting very
serious. Soon be having to drink Johnnie Walker! But what to have with it - the
way water shortages are!
Still, we're lucky out hear,
most of the year. Hopefully we see a change of political will to address some
of our current problems.
Everyone out here is fine. In
fact we've just come from the annual Australia Day celebrations on this day's
holiday. it was lovely sitting out with the crowd of thousands enjoying the
music and the fireworks. Aussies seem to get a very big kick out of explosions
in the sky, going by the oohs and aaghs at the lovely sights.
Hope to see you both this year
again, all willing.
Cheers
George and Ellie
Subject: Fwd: Woolavington History CDs
Date: 6 November 2006 3:57:08 PM
Hello Fred and Violet
See attached of the Bastable
painting and latest comment from Woolavington's Godfrey.
Cheers
George and Ellie
Begin forwarded message:
Date:
6 November 2006 3:23:52 AM
Subject:
Re: Woolavington History CDs
Dear
George
I write
further to our previous correspondence re The Square painting.
Phillip
has found the file of his scan of the painting and this is attached.
Hopefully you will be able to print it off successfully.
Unfortunately
the people who commissioned the original painting have moved away from the
village, so we are no longer in touch with the artist via them as
previously. Sorry about that but hopefully the attached electronic image
is of some help to you.
I will
let you know if we develope the History CDs further.
With
best wishes.
Godfrey
----- Original Message
-----
Sent: Sunday, October 15,
2006 1:25 PM
Subject: Re: Woolavington
History CDs
Hello Godfrey
Nice to hear from you again. I appreciate your
reply with the provenance of the painting. I have a copy of the original book
from my visit a good few years ago.
Your CD's are brilliant. My congratulaions to
your people for this. If only every little village realized how valuable a
source thay have by doing similar to yourselves.
I await your reply from team member, Phillip.
Again, many thanks for the enjoyment you have
given, and off course, the holes you have filled in my family tree.
Keep me on your mailing list for any additions
to the CD's
Cheers
George
On 12/10/2006, at 4:59 AM,
Dear George
Many thanks for your e-mail and I apologise for
the delay in replying but we have been away. Also many thanks for your
earlier details of your connection with the village. If you have any more
reminiscences of Woolavington (via your late mother perhaps) I would be pleased
to hear of them.
The painting you mention was done fairly
recently, based on the description of the Village Fair in an earlier edition of
the book. (That is the same description that appears near the painting in the
current book).
One of the team (Phillip) who prepared the book
discussed the reproduction of the painting with the artist and she was happy
for us to reproduce it so long as it was only in monochrome. Unfortunately
Phillip is also away at present but when he returns at the end of next week I
will ask him for more details and whether he knows if the artist can still be
contacted.
I'm sorry I cannot give you more information at
present, but I will certainly do so when it is available.
I'm glad your family enjoyed the discs.
With all best wishes.
Godfrey
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Saturday, September 30, 2006
7:31 AM
Subject: Fwd: Woolavington History CDs
Hello again Godfrey
Can I say many thanks to your team of people who
put together these CD's. I recently went back to Scotland and showed my cousins
the information. in particular was the painting of My GGGrandmother, Eliza
Bastable's striped sweet stall, BASTABLE written on the top, outside the White
Lion Pub. We are really all stoked at this. What a find! it is the kind of find
of 'one in a million'. Can I ask, does anyone have the provenance of this piece
of art work. ie, who painted it an when. Who owns it and is it for sale! Can
you put me in touch with the owner!
There are also stories of Eliza dotted through
the production. Great.
Would you also keep me on your mailing list for
further Woolavington productions
many thanks again for the great joy given to us
in this production.
Cheers
George
My connection!
My Grannie Forrest ms Bastable was born in
Woolavington and went to the little school there, along with her three
brothers, Henry, William and Frederick. Her father, William Bastable, married
an Ellen Reader. William was involved as a carpenter in Lord John Sangers
Circus. The story from my late Mum, Eliza Ellis ms Forrest, her siblings and
Bastable cousins, was that Lord John was paying off men from his circus. He
came out of his wagon, with his foreman and asked him, 'Who drew these scrolls
and artistic works on the concrete?. The foreman responded, 'Bill Bastable, as
he waited on your decision as to whether he had work with you'. Because circus,
menagerie and show folks needed to use their artistic talents in garnishing
their livery - in those days in the late 1800's - horses drew the wagons - my
GGrandfather was kept on. He later took his family to Scotland, where the only
two male Bastables are still in the shows, Cousin Fred and William, sons of
Bill's sons, Frederick and William respectively.
My Grannie married William Forrest, a Steam
Traction Engine driver and engineer, who worked for Johnnie Evans Shows,
pulling his waggons in the early 1900's. He met my Grannie on the road whilst
passing by the Bastable steam engine in Johnnie Evans steam engine. Again,
according to family folklore, he stated, 'That's the woman I'm going to marry',
and he did, In Fifeshire Scotland in 1910. My mother, Eliza was born in 1911
and died in 2000. Mum married my Dad, George Ellis in 1939 and I was born in
1943 in Bonnybridge Stirlingshire Scotland. She was the source of most of my
family history, as when my Dad died in 1971, Mum migrated at age 60 and stayed
with us in NSW. I had the great privilege of listening to Mum for her almost 30
years here in Australia. Women, I believe are the oral historians of the world.
I owe mum a lot, as my children and their children are much the wiser, and of
course so is your community for Mum's sitting at her Mother's knee, so to
speak, being told of Woolavington going well back into the mid 1800's. We
underestimate the power of oral history, which is the peoples history - not the
history of the media magnates.
Anyway, I must gang awa tae sleep. but I have
many more stories from Mum about Somerset, which my wife and I visited about 8
years ago. I got most of the following snippets from the couple who own the old
school. They were indeed kind, allowing me to film inside where my Grannie and
her siblings, and I dare say their Father and his siblings went to school in
the mid and late 1800's. The couple who owned the school had a copy of an old
Woolavington local history, which the lady copied for me at her work as a
Taunton Librarian. Sharing history like this also makes it live. In fact when I
read in the local history of Mrs Barnstable - from memory it was spelled two
ways, Bastable in one part and Barnbstable in another part, the descriptions of
her fitted the family folklore of her being a big woman. According to the
family, when GGreat Grannie died they had to take out the upstairs hall window
to get her out. A similar description is in the local history. Amazing to think
that the person who wrote that history listened to the local builder - I think
he was a builder - who was the grave digger, who pinpointed where my GGGrannie
Bastable was buried in your churchyard, as I am not aware that the church has
the location in its records! I was able to successfully pinpoint her house with
that description when we were in that lovely village.
I cannot believe how tales - so called - turned
into reality, as so much of what I have done has been due to Mum. I also think
that we all reach an age when we are receptive to family history. I reached
mine when Mum came out to Australia in 1970, where possibly being far away from
our birthland we realized the importance of recording our family happenings.
Ausies are really into it, as are many other countries with large populations
of migrants. A good source for selling your products!
I would think that if you could reprint an
update to that old local history book, with all of its photos, you would be
able to capitalize on its rarity and value to 'old Woolavingtonians', keen to
aquire history!
If you want me to email you any more info please
ask, as I was the recipient of many peoples kindnesses and family treasures
over the years.
I also belong to genealogy groups and am keen to
promote your CD's if you want!
I wrote this on your order form;
Woolavington St Mary Magdalene Church web site
hello Folks
My Great Grandmother, Eliza Bastable is buried
in your churchyard. There is no marked grave. She was a big woman,
approximately 6ft 2inches tall weighing some 22 stone. She was described as a
'comfit maker, who sold her wares at the many local hiring and horse fairs. The
local person who dug her grave remarks, in the local history, of the problems
removing her from her house, and from memory the 2nd storey window had to be
removed to get her body out. My late mother and aunties also relate a similar
story. The information I received about this event was from a local history
held by the couple who own the school house where my Grannie Eliza Bastable and
her siblings, William, Frederick and Henry were educated.
My cousins William and Fred Bastable live in
Abbey Rd Stirling and have carried on the showman tradition of their
grandparents.
There are many other stories I can send on if
interested! My thanks to the person and his wife who now own the school for the
copy of the old local publication that they loaned to me . The lady is a
librarian at Taunton library.
Your site is brilliant
Any other information you can put on your
website re Woolavington is appreciated.
Cheers
From Sunny Sydney down under
George
On 25/01/2006, at 10:38 PM,
Dear George
Following your recent e-mail the Woolavington
web-master Richard Culverhouse has been in touch and I have put the
CDs in the post (airmail) to you today. Richard apologises for the
delay. Your original e-mail arrived while he was away and unfortunately
got missed amongst the spam on his return.
Whilst writing I would be interested to know
your connection with Woolavington. Hopefully you will find the
discs of interest and of use. However I do have here (or have easy access
to) some further Woolavington historic records (particularly the earlier church
registers) and if you think I can help in any way please let me know.
Once again, apologies for the delay.
Subject: Re: reply to 22nd
Date: 30 October 2006 11:02:26 AM
Hello Fred and Violet
Our clocks went forward an
hour so we'll be 11 hours in front of you now. Now I know what they mean by
'time flies'!!!
For poor Kenny, it caught up,
as it does for all of us. I'm a bit like yourself, I'm at a loss as to what to
say. Though I seem to be Ok at the time. It's still something we never get
better at. At lewast Kenny will be out of his pain. Seeing Kenny this year was a
bit reminiscent of oor Jock - sad!
I'm sorry to hear that you
never got up north. I think it's getting harder for us each year as well, but
like yourselves we press on as well as
we can. It would be good if you can get to Woolavington. I sent an email to the
people I got the CD's from and complemented them on their work. Their looking
for Woolavington stories and I thought you might be able to help., even if it's
about the shows and how the Bastable's got a start and eventually came to
Scotland.
I never feel comfortable doing
stories of branches of the family that I only have at a distance from the main
players. I defer to your greater knowledge. You're that much closer. Plus you've
written a lot on the shows. I was telling our grandchildren about our show and
circus connections and the painting. they were impressed. We took them to Dream
World theme park 1000 km north in Queensland in the motor-home a few weeks ago.
When they saw the Bengal tigers in action with their trainers I told them of
Tommy Keays lion taming and the lion's bad breath on his hair. Cameron, age 11,
has one word responses nowadays - he'll learn more! His 'Awesome' at the lion
taming story was proof that our folks still hold magical powers even to the
kids of today.
I agree with the new engine
coming up named, rather than a flight of fancy on the way up. But another
little life's mystery. If only they were hear to tell us!
I like the Burns sleeping
halfway up the wall. I've seen that plaque. He did get around.
Well got to go
Cheers
Geordie and Ellie in sunny
Sydney
On 30/10/2006, at 9:13 AM,
FRED BASTABLE wrote:
Hello
George and Ellie thanks for the E mail,.
regards
the painting of gr. grandmothers stall. Whoever was the artist must
have done a bit of research to come up with the Bastable name on top of the
stall. Am fair away with the photo I put it through the copier and
onto photographic paper and its come out really well. I understood
gr, grandma did the fairs in a pony and trap and she may well have had stall
such as you see in the painting.
I would
to re visit to have another look at Woolavington especially now we can
pinpoint the graves, thanks to the discs you lent
me. A revisit will depend if we feel fit
enough , this is the first year we have missed going up to Elgin
and Lossiemouth. Violet was brought up in that area and
feels at home, The reason we didn,t go up was we did
not feel fit enough , mainly acute back pain but we are a lot better now.
We were
sorry to hear of Ken,s passing. Roseanne phoned us when it happened
and I was glad it was Violet that took the call as I am usually at a loss to
know what to say. although having said that I will phone
Roseanne one night just to let her know we are thinking of her. I was on
the phone to Marian and she said there was quite a few managed up to the
funeral'
Wandering
Wullie, I it came from Burrells
by railway and the railway engine that brought it was called Wandering Wullie
and Grandfather Bastable took to the name and called it after the
engine. Thats what I heard, but think
it out, If you were buying a new engine from Burrell , you
would think they would send it with the name already on the engine . Or was the
nameplate added after delivery and I don,t know enough to know the answer,
Being
born at Ayr I was always a Burns fan. I have read about his life two or three times
and there is always something fresh to learn about him. There
is a plaque in the high St. at Falkirk saying that Robert Burns slept here
The
plaque is half way up the wall . and when we was kids we used say how can
you sleep half way up a wall.
The
clocks went back an hour last night so the nights come in earlier, and it
makes it a long evening, its a good thing we have TV.
All for
the noo.
Freddy and Violet
Subject: RE; Kenny Wallace:
Woolavington; Wandering Willie
Date: 22 October 2006 12:16:19 PM
Hello Fred and Violet
How are you. Winter setting in
back there! We're into our spring and it's been very hot. The worst since the
1895-1902 Federation Drought. It's a worry.
************************************
It was so sad to hear that
Roseanne's husband, Kenny had died. Ellie and I saw them both when we were
over. Kenny was stoically battling the inevitable then. Brave soul. I think he
was only 51 yr old. Like Jock, too to young. I spoke with Roseanne and she's
bearing up for now. Just sad.
***********************************
I inquired re the Bastable
painting. Here's the lovely reply;
Dear
George
Many
thanks for your e-mail and I apologise for the delay in replying but we have
been away. Also many thanks for your earlier details of your connection
with the village. If you have any more reminiscences of Woolavington (via
your late mother perhaps) I would be pleased to hear of them.
The
painting you mention was done fairly recently, based on the description of the
Village Fair in an earlier edition of the book. (That is the same description
that appears near the painting in the current book).
One of the
team (Phillip) who prepared the book discussed the reproduction of the painting
with the artist and she was happy for us to reproduce it so long as it was only
in monochrome. Unfortunately Phillip is also away at present but when he
returns at the end of next week I will ask him for more details and whether he
knows if the artist can still be contacted.
I'm sorry
I cannot give you more information at present, but I will certainly do so when
it is available.
I'm glad
your family enjoyed the discs.
With all
best wishes.
Godfrey
Fred, if
you wish me to forward on any reminisces, or for that matter if you wish to
send on anything, Godfrey can be reached at
xxxxxxxxx.
When I get
Phillip's reply I'll let you know.
********************************
I was looking up the following
old song book that I recently bought, and came across 'Wandering Willie' in
'Here Awa', there Awa'. and wondered if that's why Grandad Willie Bastable
called one of his showman's engines - after his 'wanderings'? Can you throw
some light on it Freddie!
THE POPULAR
SONGS OF SCOTLAND
[Balmoral Edition]
WITH THEIR APPROPRIATE
MELODIES
ARRANGED BY
A. C. MACKENZIE, PRINCIPAL
ROYAL ACADEMY OF MUSIC
G. FARQUHAR GRAHAM, T. M.
MUDIE, FINLAY DUN
J. T. SURENNE, H. E. DIBDIN
AND
SIR GEORGE A. MACFARREN, LATE
PRINCIPAL, R.A.M.
Illustrated by Critical and
other Notices by
GEORGE FARQUHAR GRAHAM
AUTHOR OF THE ARTICLE ' MUSIC'
IN THE SEVENTH EDITION Of THE
ENCYCLOPAEDIA BRITANNICA
Revised
WITH THE ADDITION OF MANY AIRS
AND NOTES BY
J. MUIR WOOD
AUTHOR OF THE ARTICLE 'SCOTISH
MUSIC' IN SIR GEORGE GROVE'S
DICTIONARY OF MUSIC AND
MUSICIANS
LONDON: BAYLEY & FERGUSON,
2 GT. MARLBOROUGH ST., W.
GLASGOW: 54 QUEEN STREET
MCMV1II
[1908]
Page 84-85
HERE AWA', THERE AWA'.
Here a - wa', there a - wa',
wan - der - ing Willie!
Here a - waa', there a - wa',
Haud a - wa' hame!
Come to my bo - som, my ain on
- ly dear - ie;
Tell me thou bring'st me my
Will - lie the same.
Winter winds blew loud and
cauld at our partin ;
Fears for my Willie brought tears in my e'e
:
Welcome now, summer, and
welcome, my Willie;
The summer to nature, my Willie to me.
Rest, ye wild storms, in the
caves of your slumbers
How your dread howling a lover alarms !
Wauken, ye breezes ! row
gently, ye billows !
And waft my dear laddie ance mair to my
arms.
But, oh, if he's faithless,
and minds aa his Nannie,
Flow still between us, thou wide roarin'
main!
May I never see it, may I
never trow it,
But, dying, believe that my Willie's my ain !
“HERE AWA', THERE AWA'."
This simple and charming little melody was first published by James Oswald, in
his Caledonian Pocket Companion, Book vii. Its melodic structure is remarkable.
The commencement indicates major key of F, while the close is in D minor. We
have seen such modulation in modern classical music, but only in the first strain of an Andante; the
second strain reverting to the key first indicated, and concluding in it. In
this Scottish melody there is, therefore, a curious peculiarity of modulation,
which is not only free from harshness, but is pathetically pleasing and
effective. It is a common error to believe that a melody must begin and end in
one and the same key. There is no reason for that, save custom and arbitrary
rules If the modulation is smoothly and artistically managed, a melody may
begin in one key and end in another
relative key, without any real impropriety; nay, often with good effect, as is
shown in this very air. Technical and
scholastic rules for the structure of music and poetry are continually liable
to exceptions which it is the province of genius to discover. The date of the
composition of this air, or its author, cannot now be ascertained.
Burns’ first version of his
song, " Here awa', there awa'," was written in March 1793, and sent
to Mr. George Thompson. Some alterations were proposed by the Honourable Andrew
Erskine and Mr. George Thomson, in which Burns first aquiesced. But, as Doctor
Currie remarks in his edition of Burns' Works, " our poet with his usual
judgement, adopted some of these alterations, and rejected others. The last
edition is as follows.”
This last edition given by Dr. Currie, is the
one here published. In his letter to Mr. George Thomson, April 1793, regarding
" Here awa', there awa'," and some other songs, Burns thus expresses his opinion of what is essential
to a song or a ballad—simplicity ! " Give me leave to criticise
your taste in the only thing in which in my opinion is reprehensible. You know
I ought to know something of my own trade. Of pathos, sentiment, and point, you are a complete judge; but there is
a quality more necessary than either in a song, and which is the very essence
of a ballad,—I mean simplicity; now, if I mistake not, this last feature you
are a little apt to sacrifice to the
foregoing."
A custom has recently crept in of repeating
the first part of the air to the 3d and 4th lines of the song; the 5th and 6th
lines are then sung to the second part of the air, and the stanza is completed
by again singing the first part substituting, however, the fifteenth for the
seventh bar, as that makes a finer close.
You'll notice I highlighted
Burns' quest for 'Simplicity' in the writer's notes. It's the secret in most
things, that's why he was so successful and popular 100+ years on! A few more
Burns' in the world wouldn't harm!
All the best
Geordie and Ellie
Subject: Re: The White Lion Inn -
closing in c. 1913
Date: 17 September 2006 3:44:02 PM
Hello Fred
A piece of info - below - re
the painting in the Woolavington CD's. It would look like the painting could
have been done prior to it closing in 1913. but i'm sure that the name was
still The White lion, when Ellie and i visited! And IO thought i had a beer
there, but it must have benn elsewhere!
A bit of a mystery!
SOCIAL LIFE
The Polden
Hill and Woolavington Friendly
Society, founded 1854, and in the early 20th century the Rational Sick and
Benefit Society, met at the White Lion.
(fn. 13) A village hall opened in 1929. It was
replaced by the former R.O.F. social club which opened in 1967 but closed in
1973. (fn. 14) A cricket club was established in 1947 and
continued until 1950 or later. (fn. 15) There is a water-skiing centre north of the
village.
In the 1530s up to
four brewers were presented for a breach of the assize of ale (fn. 16) and in 1595 William Edwards sold wine and
beer, probably at the alehouse recorded in 1605. (fn. 17) A tippler and another victualler were
licensed in 1620 and a tippler and a taverner were recorded in 1622 but
thereafter only one house was licensed.
(fn. 18) That inn was known as the Phoenix by
1679. (fn. 19) but simply as the Inn in the 18th
century. (fn. 20) By 1788 it was called the White Lion, (fn. 21) the name it retained until it closed c.
1913. (fn. 22) It stood in the centre of the village, and
was converted into three cottages known as Old White Lion and by the 1950s as
the Square. (fn. 23) By 1839 the Bull and Butcher had opened
north-west of the church on the road to East Huntspill (fn. 1) but had been renamed the Crown by 1871. (fn. 2) It was open in 1881 and appears to have been
renamed the Globe, perhaps because of its bad reputation which led to
objections to a renewal of its licence. It closed, probably before 1885, and
became a private dwelling known as Globe House.
(fn. 3) The Prince of Wales beerhouse on the road
south of the village had probably opened by 1871 and was so named by 1886. (fn. 4) It was the sole licensed house for most of
the 20th century (fn. 5) and remains open.
FAIR
A fair for
cattle, sheep, and colts on 18 October is said to have started in 1777. (fn. 28) In 1849 and 1850 the churchwardens paid for
cleaning the paths after the fair and it was last recorded as a cattle fair in
1872. (fn. 29) It is said to have continued for
entertainment only in the centre of the village until the First World War. (fn. 1)
EDUCATION
A chantry
priest is said to have kept a school in the late 14th century. (fn. 21) There was a school in 1623. (fn. 22) In 1819 40 children attended a free Sunday
school and 50 children two day schools.
(fn. 23) About 1825 the Sunday school taught 34 girls
and 11 boys at the vicar's expense and 34 children paid to attend a day
school. (fn. 24) Both schools remained open in 1833 with 64
and 56 pupils respectively. (fn. 25) A married couple kept a day school in 1841
and a teacher was recorded in 1851. (fn. 26) In 1842 there was a schoolroom on Crancombe
Lane, southwest of the village, possibly built 1838-9. (fn. 27) In 1861 there was a parochial school,
recently started, whose teacher lodged at the Vicarage. That was the only
school in 1867. Vestry proposals in 1857 to use the 1old poorhouse in the
churchyard for a school had been opposed and were again opposed in 1870-3 when
there was said to be no support for a voluntary school. (fn. 1)
A School Board was
formed in 1874 (fn. 2) and a school was built in 1876 on land next
to the Vicarage with two classrooms and a teacher's house in Tudor style with
carved bargeboards. It opened with 78 children on the books. Poor attendance
was a serious problem in the 1890s and many children were classed as
halftimers. (fn. 3) The school had 83 pupils in 1903 and it was
enlarged in 1909, but numbers declined to 36 in 1925. From 1930 the school took
juniors only but numbers rose, reaching 94 in 1945 following the building of
the ordnance workers' estate, and the school took over the parish hall. (fn. 4) By 1975 there were 209 on the books and three
temporary classrooms. A new school was built in 1976 south-west of the village.
The infants remained at the old building until the new school was extended in
1988. In 1998 there were 178 children in the school and 40 in a nursery. (fn. 5) The original school and teacher's house
became a private dwelling.
Cheers
George and Ellie
Subject: Re: Liverpool docks
Date: 13 September 2006 8:49:16 PM
Thanks for this Fred
I have a photo of Willie or
Henry [it's definitely one of them] driving a steam lorry for the services. It
might have been mum that told me it was at Liverpool. i don't have the photo to
hand so i'll have to look it out - sometime - in the future, if I can remember
where I put if!
Ah c'est la vie, the vagaries
of family history!
It's been hard getting back
from the holiday mode into the bill paying one. Still, it has to be done. We're
also organizing for next year. We have to, to get our accommodation or
otherwise we miss out.
Cheers to you and Violet
George and Ellie
On 13/09/2006, at 9:01 AM,
FRED BASTABLE wrote:
Hello George,
Liverpool docks is a new one
on me. Uncle Wullie was drafted into
the army and may have been stationed at Liverpool but I just don,t know. Uncle Willie had had a bad accident when he
was three year old when a horse kicked him.
He was very lucky that he was not killed. The accident left him with a lump on the
right temple of his head. This did not
prevent him for being called to the forces and he drove traction engines whilst
in the army. The army doctors took an interest and operated on him and took
away the lump but put a plate in his head at that point at his temple. Uncle Willie was a wee bit behind his
brothers Henry and Fred and sister Eliza mainly because of schooling for he had
to be taken back and forward to hospital for many years because of the horse
kicking accident. This may not answer your query but it is a wee bit of family
interest.
As always yours sincerely.
Fred & Violet
Subject: Hello folks
Date: 11 September 2006 9:41:37 PM
Hello folks
Just catching up again
Cheers
George
Fred was it your uncle Henry
or William that was driving the Steam Sentinal at liverpool Docks in WW1!
Subject: Fwd: Woolavington History CDs
Date: 18 June 2006 11:25:57 PM
Hello Fred and Violet
Sent some emails with stuff
off this CD set
I also rang a couple of times
and assume that your away.
Ellie and i get back over this
Thurs 22 june for four weeks, so I'll bring this CD set over with me and
printouts i've done for you as well. You can have the CD for a while and post
it back to me when your finished with it
There's a lot of good Bastable
info on the CDs, with the beautiful find of the Bastable painting with the
bastable name on the caznvas awning. Really thrilled with all of this.
Cheers. See you soon
George and Ellie
Subject: email #5
Date: 14 June 2006 1:36:14 AM
Subject: Email #3
Date: 14 June 2006 1:32:57 AM
Subject: White Lion Inn from another
angle
Date: 14 June 2006 1:09:51 AM
Hello folks
The White lion Inn courtyard showing a better
idea of where it is in relation to the Church and, to the back RHS Woolavington
School
Cheers
George
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