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NETLEY ABBEY MATTERS!
NETLEY VILLAGE PAST ACTIVITIES
Masquerade within the Abbey Grounds
"On Tuesday evening last (14/06/1824), a rustic masquerade took place at the Netley Abbey Ruins
in which some of the characters were well supported.
The actors were about 30 in number and the spectators between 300 - 400.
Such was the number of people attending, the event had to be curtailed before its expected finish."
Morning Post 21/06/1824
Netley Abbey Archers Club
1859
Oddfellows Royal Victoria Lodge
1876 - 1886
"The members of the Royal Victoria Lodge, Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, celebrated their tenth anniversary with a fete and gala in the far-famed Netley Abbey on Thursday, 20 July
and it passed off with considerable success.
The grounds of the Abbey were thrown open in the early part of the afternoon and at 3 o’clock,
a military promenade concert was commenced by the band of the Royal Marine Light Infantry.
The fete concluded at 10 o’clock with an illumination of the Abbey and a display of fireworks.
Return tickets at single fare were issued to and from all stations on the Netley line,
and there was a special train from Netley at 10.30 pm which proved very convenient to
those who had gone from Southampton and the immediate vicinity.
We may safely say it was one of the most enjoyable fetes ever held within the walls of the
glorious old Abbey."
Hampshire Advertiser, 29/07/1876
Sir Fitzwygram's Speech
A crowded meeting on Tuesday, 14 November 1885 gave an ovation to
Sir Frederick Fitzwygram, MP when he rose to give his address at the Oddfellows' Hall.
Notable attendees were Colonel the Hon H C Crichton (Chair); General Ford;
Mr Williams; Captain Gillson; Mr Holman; J F Fasham.
Hampshire Advertiser November 1885
Oddfellows' Dinner
The Annual Dinner of the of the Royal Victoria Lodge, Manchester Unity of Oddfellows was held at
their Hall in Netley on Monday evening (22/11/1886).
About 100 members and their friends sat down to a first-rate repast supplied by
Brother Summerville of the Red Lion Inn.
In the absence of Surgeon-General Sir Thomas Longmore CB due to illness, Surgeon-General
Dr W Sim Murray, Principal Medical Officer at RVH took the chair.
A liberal supply of dessert was placed on the tables, the kind gift of the Misses Rashleigh
who also provided the flowers which decorated the tables.
Hampshire Advertiser 27/11/1886
Netley Cricket Club
1880 - 1927
The closing match and annual dinner of the Netley Reading Room Cricket Club were held at Netley on Tuesday when a most enjoyable day was spent by all present.
Sides were chosen and the game continued until 4 o’clock.
The members spent the remainder of the time in quoits and football until 6 o’clock when
they adjourned to the Nightingale Hotel.
Here an excellent dinner was provided by Host Gibbons and which, as on all former occasions,
gave the greatest satisfaction to all present."
Hampshire Advertiser, 23/10/1880
Netley Ist XI played R.V. Hospital Cricket Club, a very close game resulting in a win for R.V. Hospital
by seven runs. The Hospital team completed 121, afterwards dismissing Netley for 114.
For the Hospital Corporal Parnell and Sergeant McCurragh batted well, and for Netley,
C. M. Gibbon and R. Hodder made the best scores. The Hospital team fielded exceptionally well.
Private Nash bringing off two fine catches.
Netley 2nd XI defeated Shell Mex CC R Montague and W. Sharp batted well for Netley.
Hampshire Telegraph 03/06/1927
Netley Cricket Club - 1951/52
Pavilion Building at Netley Recreation Ground
Back row - Alf Southwell; Ted ??; Jimmy Lysandrides; Unknown; Trevor Turner; Unknown; Sid Nance
Wheelchair - Major Chatfield
Front row - Bert Manley; Les Bannister; Pete Jacobs; Unknown; Ted Clapston; Unknown
Hound + St Mary Extra Horticultural Society
Hound Allotment and Gardeners' Association
1884 - 1925
At the Hound + St Mary Extra Horticultural Society Annual Show at Netley Abbey …
In the division the gentlemen’s gardeners competed, the eighteen stove and greenhouse plants,
shown by Mr G Pedrick, gardener to the Misses Rashleigh, Abbey House, gained the first prize.
The second prize went to J Reynolds, gardener to Col the Hon H G L Crichton, Netley Fort.
The judges included Mr Amys, Gardener to the Hon Mrs Elliot Yorke
Hampshire Advertiser 26/07/1884
Floral Fete at Netley Abbey
The 15th annual exhibition of the Hound and St Mary Extra Horticultural Society will be held in
the picturesque grounds of Netley Abbey on Wednesday, 22nd July.
The Band of the First Hants Volunteer Artillery has been engaged and the attractions of the flower show and the al fresco concert by the band will be supplemented at dusk by an illumination of the ruins.
Hampshire Advertiser County Newspaper 15/07/1905
The question of allotments at Old Netley and Netley Abbey was brought up during the Parish Council Meeting on Monday evening in reference to a reported sale of land in the neighbourhood, and it was resolved to take steps to protect the interest of the allotment holders.
Hampshire Advertiser, Saturday 12/07/1919
More Flowers at Netley Castle!
The Annual Flower Show was held on Wednesday in the Castle Grounds, the large marquee being
filled with over 400 entries which in spite of the dry season were surprisingly good.
The NU Railwaymen’s Band was in attendance and among the excellent items were dancing,
a baby show, bowling for the pig, tug-of-war, comic auction.
Lady Emma Crichton presented the prizes to the winners on the field.
Portsmouth Evening News 17/07/1925
The Habitation of the Primrose League**
1887
The members of the Netley Habitation of the Primrose League No 1555 had an excellent entertainment provided for them on Friday evening, in the Jubilee Hall, New Road, Netley Abbey
by kind permission of the Misses Rashleigh who are ever desirous of promoting
the interests of the inhabitants of the Village.
There was a large attendance of members of the Habitation, the spacious hall being crowded and
an excellent tea was dispensed."
Hampshire Advertiser 23/11/1887
** The Primrose League was established in 1883 by Lord Randolph Churchill and John Gorst in the wake of the Conservative Party's loss to Gladstone in the 1880 election.
It would prove to be a milestone in political development in Britain as it galvanised political
participation and provided a more social aspect to political campaigning and lobbying.
New Chess Club
1903
A meeting was held at the Prince Consort Inn on Tuesday 27/10/1903 for the purpose of forming a chess club for Netley Abbey and District.
Matches and tournaments will be arranged and the club will have the use of a separate room.
Mr Prentice was appointed Chairman of the Club.
The Committee was made up of Messrs Mondes, Holmes and Edmonds with Mr G R Goss as
Hon Secretary and Treasurer.
Hampshire Advertiser 31/10/1903
The Southampton Dramatic Company at Netley!
The above company, under the direction of Mr Fred Davenporte, presented a special performance
of the historical dramatic play “The Golden Napoleon” (written by Rev Chevalier of Netley)
at the Jubilee Hall yesterday, to a full and appreciative house.
Southern Echo 17/05/1904
Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes
Netley Abbey Rifle Club
Netley has for some time past been ambitious to possess a rifle range but the ambition does
not at present seem likely to be gratified.
During the past week, a member of the Parish Council approached Colonel,
the Hon H G L Crichton on the subject.
In the course of the interview, Col Crichton expressed himself as being quite unable
to agree with Lord Roberts as to the beneficial influence of the Rifle Club.
He considered that their institution was an active deterrent to the Volunteer movement.
Hampshire Advertiser, 06/10/1906
I've since found out that not only did the Netley Rifle Club happen anyway, that it was still alive and well in 2019,
albeit it may since have needed to find new premises with the imminent closure of the Royal Victoria Club
Local Nursing Division and St John Brigade
A Social was held at the Jubilee Hall on Monday, which was well attended. Privates Hobbs and Sellwood attended from the Lady Hardinge Hospital at Brockenhurst.
The programme included songs, music, recitations, and dancing.
Refreshments were prepared by Mrs. Moorman and Mrs. Hobbs.
The proceeds are to be given to the St. John local funds.
At the end of the proceedings, First Ambulance Officer R. C. Moorman spoke a few appropriate words. Recruits ore required for the Brigade, the qualification being
a first aid certificate of the St. John Association.
Since the war broke out, the members the Brigade (male and female) have been actively
employed at Southampton, Netley, and Brockenhurst.
For particulars concerning Recruiting -
Gentlemen should write to First Ambulance Officer R. C. Moorman, Gibraltar House, Hound Road;
Ladies to Mrs Metcalfe, Seabreeze, Netley Abbey."
Hampshire Advertiser, Saturday 08/05/1915
Netley Abbey Football Club were at home on Saturday last to Thornycroft's
Repair Department Football Club, and after a very one-sided game, won 7—l.
H. Reynolds, of Netley, played a good game for visitors.
F. Simpson (4), R. Stevens (2), and W. Stevens were the scorers for Netley.
This week, Netley are away to the Army Ordnance Football Club.
Hampshire Advertiser 11/11/1916
Demob Happy
On Friday evening, all the demobilised men of the parish were entertained to a dinner and smoking concert at the White Rose Room.
The Hon Mrs Eliot Yorke was present and spoke
a few words of welcome.
Hampshire Telegraph, 01/08/1919
Netley Abbey Social Club
1919 - 1920
A very pleasant evening was spent at the Jubilee Hall on Wednesday evening by the
members of the Netley Abbey Social Club when a whist drive and dance was held.
The evening was to have been spent in the grounds of Netley Abbey but owing to the
unfavourable weather, it was thought advisable to use the Hall.
Hampshire Advertiser 25/08/1919
The Netley Social Club held a very successful fancy dress dance at the Jubilee Hall on Wednesday
when about 130 members and friends took part.
The Misses Downie very kindly undertook the difficult task of judging and their decisions
proved most satisfactory to all.
Hampshire Advertiser, Saturday 03/01/1920
Harvest Festival Services
Harvest Festival services were held on Sunday at St Mary’s and St Edward’s Churches.
The sacred buildings, especially the latter, were well decorated with fruits, flowers and vegetables
by the Misses A + B Pennington, A Coles, M Dicker and Mrs Groves and by Miss C Brown M Williams
and several Church workers of Butlock’s Heath and Old Netley.
The collections were given to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel and the
Farmers’ Benevolent Fund.
Hampshire Telegraph 17/10/1919
Football News
At the Hampshire Football Association Council meeting recently, Netley Sports FC claimed a share of the proceeds of a collection made by Shirley Workmen FC in a Hants Junior Cup tie at Shirley.
It was pointed out that the latter had handed the collection to charity, and Netley agreed that
so long as the gift was equally divided, and not wholly in the name of the Shirley Club,
they would be satisfied.
Hampshire Advertiser 04/02/1921
Fancy Dress Ball
The fancy dress ball held at the Netley British Legion Hall on Wednesday evening was a great
success, 200 being present.
The hall was prettily decorated, the fancy costumes were effective and novel.
The music was excellent and Mr F Pike was an efficient MC.
Portsmouth Evening News 13/04/1923
Entertainment on the 'Rec'
The Netley Working Men’s Institute entertained the members and their wives on the
Recreation Ground, Netley.
A cricket match, twelve-a-side was arranged with the Evans’ Club, Southampton who turned
up in large numbers with their families and a most enjoyable afternoon was spent.
During the match, tea was served in the open, 200 sitting down at intervals.
Hampshire Advertiser 25/05/1923
A National Deposit Friendly Society was established and managed by
Henry Thomas Davis at 1 Waverley Avenue, Netley Abbey
To celebrate the winning of the “Extention Challenge Cup” the members of
Netley Abbey District NDFS thoroughly enjoyed a successful dance and
social at the Jubilee Hall on Monday week last.
About 120 members and friends attended. Songs were rendered by
Miss Dicker, Mrs Nethersole and Mr Vibert.
Hampshire Telegraph 23/04/1926
Hound Nursing Association
The first general meeting of this Association was held at Netley Castle
(by kind permission of Lady Emma Crichton) on Monday evening last and was fairly well attended.
The meeting was presided over by Lady Emma Crichton, supported by Miss Henty-Summers (Secretary)
and the Rev W H Summers (Treasurer).
The report of the cases visited by Nurse Gould was read together with the balance sheet,
the latter showing a balance in hand of £37 2s 2d which was thought very good for the first year.
Other matters were discussed and the former committee were re-elected,
Mrs Earwicker taking the place of Mrs Edginton who has left the village.
Hampshire Telegraph 20/08/1926
New District Nurse for Netley Abbey
Sister Fryer, an ex-Queen's Nurse, is acting as temporary nurse in succession to Sister Gould
who left on the last day of January to take up her new duties at Chandlers Ford.
Sister Fryer is living at St Margaret's, Denzil Avenue, Netley Abbey
Hampshire Telegraph 06/02/1931
Mrs Francesca Ross is the Honorary Secretary of the Hound Nursing Association
Hampshire Telegraph 18/09/1936
Castle Garden Fete
A Garden Fete was held in the grounds of Netley Castle by permission of
Col Charles Crichton, DSO.
It was organised by Miss H C Ross (Secretary) to raise money for the Hound and
Netley Nursing Association.
Portsmouth Evening News 17/06/1937
Parish Council’s Hospital Effort
The Hound Parish Council made a special effort on behalf of Southampton Hospitals on Saturday last. A house-to-house collection took place in the morning, followed by a sports programme
in the Recreation Ground in the afternoon.
Bowling for a pig, cocoa nut shies, guessing competitions and refreshment stalls all did good business. A fancy dress parade by the children was a great success and the judges had a difficult task, competition being so keen.
Thornycroft’s Band (Woolston) and the Netley Flute and Durum Band provided music
throughout the day. The prizes were presented by Miss Henty-Summers, followed by a mock
auction of live cockerels and pullets.
Mr Hunt, the Chairman in a speech thanked the many helpers and the Clerk,
Mr J E Cross for his untiring efforts in organising the whole affair.
Hampshire Telegraph 24/09/1926
Easter Monday Football
On Easter Monday morning, an interesting football match took place on Netley Castle ground, between Netley Athletic and Itchen Sports, the latter winning by 6 -4.
Hampshire Telegraph 13/04/1928
Annual Outing for H G Ross Employees and families
Mr H G Ross’s firm held their 10th annual outing on Saturday last, going by motor coach to Weymouth.
They left at 8 am and returned at 11 pm. Forty sat down to lunch, Mr Ross welcoming old and new faces. All spent a jolly day on the beach.
Hampshire Telegraph 29/08/1930
Netley Cruising and Angling Club
1930
A fishing competition was held on Wednesday last week.
The heaviest fish were caught by Mr W Bate and Mrs A E Knight.
Hampshire Telegraph 12/09/1930
Carnival Dance
The Hants and Dorset Motor Services (Netley Depot) employees’ Social Club held a Carnival Dance
at the British Legion Hall on Monday evening which attracted about 290 persons.
Popular music was ably supplied by the Rascals Dance Band.
It was a most happy and successful occasion.
Hampshire Telegraph + Post 24/04/1931
Netley's Third Annual Regatta - 1932
The 3rd Annual Regatta in aid of Hound Nursing Association and Hound Ambulance Fund was held
on Saturday, organised by various representatives of the local clubs and hotels.
The Netley streets and houses were decorated.
There were many visitors and the entrance to the Hard was crowded.
The great event was the opening of the reconstructed Hard, the cost of which, due to the generosity of Mr T H Denman, had not cost the Parish a penny.
A brass plate had been placed in the shelter announcing that T Hercy Denman had given
the surrounding land to Netley Parish in February 1932.
Mr Denman commented that when he first came to Netley, he was amazed to find that the
inhabitants had their birthright in serious jeopardy, that birthright being the
free access to Southampton Water.
The only thing to do, therefore, was to look round and see what could be done.
Mr Denman paid a tribute to Hound Parish Council for the splendid spirit they had displayed
in such difficult circumstances.
The Parish now had free access to the water with good facilities and he hoped that the inhabitants of Netley and their successors would derive great benefit from the Hard and land surrounding it.”
Hampshire Advertiser + Post, 15/07/1932
Silver Jubilee Celebrations
Conservative Study Circle
The first meeting this year of the Conservative Study Circle was held at Netley Court on Monday,
Mr Denman presiding. Mr F Hunt read a very interesting paper on ‘The Saar’ followed by discussion.
A paper on Japan and the Washington Naval Treaty was also read.
Hampshire Telegraph + Post 11/01/1935
Women's Branch of the Conservative + Unionist Association
The annual meeting of the Women’s Branch of the Conservative + Unionist Association as held at the
Central Club, Station Road on Tuesday, 30 April.
Mrs Richard Crichton was in the Chair, supported by Mrs Cole-Hamilton (Hon Secretary) and
Mrs Cooper (Treasurer). Mrs Beak was voted on as Vice-Chairman.
Mrs Soule was chosen as the delegate to represent the Association at Winchester.
Mrs Carr, Mrs Tulitt and Mrs Ponsford all resigned. Mrs Armstrong, Mrs Ford, Mrs Johnson
and Mrs Foyle were appointed.
Hampshire Telegraph, 03/05/1935
Left - Central Club, Station Road
Above - Netley Court
By permission of Mr Thomas Hercy Denman, a garden meeting was held at "Netley Court"
on Thursday last week, the speaker being Mr Gerald Palmer, prospective Parliamentary candidate.
The meeting was arranged by the Netley Branch of the Winchester Division Conservative
and Unionist Association.
Mr T H Denman was Chairman and those present included Colonel and Mrs Richard Crichton,
Commander and Mrs Cole-Hamilton, Sir Raynor Barker and Mr Fred Hunt.
After the meeting, the beautiful gardens and conservatory of Netley Court were visited.
Hampshire Telegraph + Post, 19/07/1935
Old Netley Playing Fields
The monthly meeting of the Parish Council was held at the Reading Room, Old Netley on Monday.
The Chairman announced that Old Netley would soon have a playing field of its own.
Mrs Chamberlayne had kindly presented to the Parish a piece of land, nearly four acres,
at the rear of the Council houses in Pound Road.
Every effort was now being made to qualify for the King George V Memorial Gates so that they may be affixed to the playing field at the entrance in Pound Road.
Purchase of the Cricket Field in Netley Abbey
It was arranged by the Council that a public meeting should take place at the Jubilee Hall in Netley Abbey on 10 February to consider the purchase of the cricket field adjoining Netley Castle,
to be used as an open public space.
Both Sir Harry and Lady Emma Crichton allowed the village people to use the ground during their lifetime.
Hampshire Telegraph 13/02/1937
Anyone for Tennis?
The Tennis Club’s first hard court was opened on Saturday by Mr A Orman who played the first ball.
He was supported by Mr P Moore, Captain, who had arranged dances and other functions
to raise a portion of the cost.
The remainder of the cost being found by the Chairman + Committee of the Central Club
behind which the Tennis Court was situated.
Hampshire Telegraph, 10/03/1939
St George's Day Parade at The Abbey
St George’s Day was observed at Netley on Sunday afternoon when a service was held in the ruins of Netley Abbey.
Local Scouts, Guides, Cubs, Brownies and Sea Scouts attended and renewed their vows. The public were well represented. The different colours carried by threaders made a pretty setting in the old Abbey,
the weather clearing for a time.
Hampshire Telegraph 28/04/1939
The St Valentine Dance held in the Central Club and organised by the Netley Fire Service Social Club
yielded £12 for the Aid-to-Russia Fund.
A dozen boxes of matches were auctioned and realised 6s 3d and a collection taken
amounted to £1 12s. The spot prizes were all given.
Hampshire Telegraph 27/02/1942
"LEGION WOMEN"
Hampshire Telegraph 27/11/1942
The Netley Abbey Branch of the British Legion Women's Section held their annual meeting in
the Guide/Scout Hall, Mrs. Wotton, Chairman, presiding.
Mrs. Crichton was re-elected President; Mrs. Wotton, Chairman; Mrs. Soule. Vice-Chairman;
Mrs. Hibbert, Secretary and Treasurer; and Mrs. Pearce, Assistant Secretary.
The Chairman said the work of the section had been restricted, as there was no suitable hall for
meetings, but the section was carrying on in a quiet way and would be ready to deal with post-war problems. Financially the section is sound, and it was decided to send £5 to the Aid-to-Russia Fund,
and £5 to the Aid-to-China Fund.
The following events were reported -
Poppy Day
Collections (organised by Mrs. Ross) amounted to £166 15s. 3d.
Savings and Red Cross Fund
The Savings Group in charge of Mrs Williams has collected nearly £3,000. The Red Cross Penny-a-Duck Fund under Mrs. Lundy has collected in the six months of its existence £220 17s.
Naval and Hospital Goods
The Naval Comforts Fund, ran by Mrs Timson and Mrs. Moon. had collected since its beginning nearly £2OO, and nearly 1.000 articles have been knitted.
Mrs. Houghton, responsible for Hospital supply, has sent over 400 garments from the Working Party to the Hampshire Hospital Supply depot.
Women's Institute News
Diana Darling presenting the half-yearly report
stated that there were now 178 Institutes in the County (of Hampshire).
Exbury had been re-opened and a new Institute had been formed at Netley Abbey.
Hampshire Telegraph 02/11/1945
At the May Meeting held at the Central Club, Mrs. Atkinson welcomed one new member.
It was reported that a social evening will be held on June 13 in the grounds of Netley Lodge
by permission of Mrs. Powell.
Members offered contributions of fat, eggs and fruit for the cake to be made by
Mrs. Garniss and iced by Mrs. Wakelin.
Mrs Croucher read her report of the annual Council meeting held at Winchester.
Mrs. Rowe read items from the County Letter.
Miss Wade (Head Mistress of Ploverfleld School Bursledon) gave an interesting talk on child delinquency,
and during the social half-hour • a game of “Twenty Questions” was played.
The competition, for a floral centre-piece on mirror or plate. was won by (1) Mrs. Bowles; (2) Mrs. Cross.
Mrs. Howarth was tea hostess.
Hampshire Telegraph 01/06/1951
Netley Abbey Women’s Institute met in Dr and Mrs Foster’s garden and the large gathering included
visitors with two from the USA.
Mrs West presided at the “Members’ Meeting”, with Mrs Croucher acting as Secretary and arrangements were made by Messrs Burchill, Bennett, Gillings, Sedgewick and Bowles.
Two members received birthday posies. Mrs Foulkes gave a talk on holidays in Scotland and prizes for games and competitions were won by Messrs Skilton, Pearce, Ford and Miss Suffield.
Hampshire Telegraph 02/08/1957
Netley Boys' Club Winners in 1948-9
Back row - Mr Sinden; Ron Akhurst; John Akhurst; Buddy Leahy; Jim Hunt; Kenny Eastment;
Malcolm Ambrose; Mr Holmes
Front row - Ken Turner; Jimmy Lysandrides; Mick Newton; Clive Newton; Trevor Turner
Joan Wood advises that Mr Sinden above is believed to be the nephew of actor Donald Sinden!
Mr Holmes above was a very long serving and highly respected Councillor in Netley as well as being
hugely involved in the Methodist Chapel.
Bert Manley was our greatly respected Headmaster at Butlocks School.
Netley Abbots Cycle Speedway 1948 - 1949 Season
The Dirt Track was up around where Abbeyfields Close is now, between Butlocks Heath and Netley
Chris's Dad, Gordon is 3rd from the right; both Yvonne C and Joan W remember
Gordon's "very" red hair!
Netley Golden Age Club
The Members were entertained on Friday with a concert given by the Eastleigh Male Singers. assisted by Miss Irene Osmond (elocutionist), Miss Sheila Meggett (soprano). and Mr lan Morris (violinist), who was accompanied by Miss Sheila Welch.
The Chairman (Mrs. L. A. Moore) thanked the choir and artists, and Netley Parish Council for providing a new piano for the evening's performance.
Hampshire Telegraph 27/01/1956
Members were entertained yesterday at the Jubilee Hall by Sholing 0 A P Choir.
On Tuesday week, Follands Aircraft Dramatic Society invited Netley Golden Age Club members
to a special performance of 'Seagulls over Sorrento'.
Hampshire Telegraph 10/02/1956
I know Mrs Tarr and Mrs Parvin are on the back row but who else is there please?
And even a rough date would be marvellous!
Which teams played - and Who won What in the 1954/55 season?
Back row - Tom Turner; ?? Green; Ernie Rowe; Pete Foyle?; Unknown; Colin MacLean
Middle row - Bob Crompton; Ray Leslie; Dave Judd; Ken Eastment; Tony Thomas; Charlie Collins; Bill King; Pat Gallagher
Front row - Bud Leahy; Dougie Chiverton; John Akhurst; Dave Woods; Bert Manley; Jim Lysandrides, Jack Judd; Alec Perkins
Sitting - left Tony Kimber; right John Raisborough
