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Joined Parish Council 1901 William Rickard was born in 1857, in Wingrave. He was the son of Joseph Rickard, a bricklayer and his wife Sarah. He married Thurza Thorne and the 1881 and 1891 census returns for Wingrave reveal them living in Leighton Road with their family and his occupation is given as bricklayer and shopkeeper. William and Thurza had seven sons and two daughters. On the death of his father, in 1896, he took over the business of builder and decorator, a large part of the work being in connection with Ascott Estates. He owned a large amount of property in the village, he was overseer of the parish, a trustee of Pratt's Charity and a steward and treasurer of the Methodist Chapel and was for many years superintendent of the Sunday School. (His brother, Joe Rickard, was Clerk to the Parish Council 1904 to 1921.) He died on 8th February, 1924, and is buried in Wingrave Churchyard.
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Joined Parish Council 1901 William Gurney was born in Wingrave and lived in the village all his life until his death in 1949 at the age of 81 years. He was a widower for 29 years. William was a builder, carpenter and undertaker. His wife Emily was a dressmaker and kept a drapery shop in the front room of their house in Winslow Road. In his younger days William was a keen cricketer. He was a Founder Member of the local branch of the Oddfellows, a Parish Constable for many years and later a bowls enthusiast. His hobbies were cage birds and bee-keeping and he won many prizes at the local bird shows. While serving in the Bucks Yeomanry he attended the funeral of Queen Victoria and served in the Volunteer Home Defence Corps during the 1914-1918 War. (the photographs shows William with his grand-daughter Pamela Rickard (now Mrs. Pam Kirby))
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Joined Parish Council 1904 James Gibbs was born in Dinton in 1864 and moved to Wingrave in 187O. He was the eldest son of John & Ann Gibbs (née Austin) of Home Farm, Cat Street (Now Castle St). After his marriage to Mary Ann (Polly) Higgins he lived at The Shop (opposite the village pond). They had one daughter Hilda. Polly and her family ran a grocer, butcher & drapery business while James worked on his father's farm. James was greatly interested in all forms of sport and a keen follower of the Whadden Chase Hunt. His familiar figure was always to be seen on the Recreation Ground when any sport was taking place and during his last few years he took up bowls. He was a keen gardener winning many prizes at the local vegetable and flower show. He was a prominent member of the local lodge of Oddfellows and had been a sidesman at the Parish Church for over 5O years. He died on 17th September 1941 and is buried with his wife in Wingrave Churchyard.
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Clerk to the Parish Council 19O4 to 1921 Joe Rickard was born in Wingrave on the 12th May l863. He was the son of Joseph Rickard, a bricklayer, and his wife Sarah who lived with their family in Mill Place in Aylesbury Road. After his marriage to Ada Gibbs, Joe lived with his family at "The Firs", Winslow Road. He carried on a business of decorator, carpenter and funeral undertaker in the village for many years. Joe was greatly loved by everyone for he was a genial, friendly soul with a smile and greeting for all. He was a skilled gardener and gained many awards for exhibits of sweet peas and other flowers at local shows and this love of gardening was carried on by his son Victor. His knowledge of flowers and vegetables was equalled by his great love for his garden. In his earlier years he was one of the finest runners and jumpers for miles around. He was also a keen cricket player being efficient with bat and ball. He later umpired for several seasons. He was for several years Captain of the Bowls Club. He was a loyal and devoted churchman and filled many offices in the church and parish. He first sang solo in the choir at the age of 1O and completed 65 years as an active choir member. Joe Rickard died on the 11th May l938 (the day before his 75th birthday). He had a very impressive funeral with full choir. He is buried in Wingrave Churchyard. |
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Joined Parish Council in 19O4 The 1881 Census Return for Wingrave shows Arthur Jeffs living with his wife Emily Jane and their children in Mill End. Also living with them was Arthur's mother who was 65 years of age and had been born in Ellesborough. Emily Jane was born in North Marston and it appears the family came to live in Wingrave in about 1877. Their eldest son Arthur was born in Notting Hill, Middlesex and their son Ernest and daughter Lucy were both born in Wingrave. Arthur Jeff's occupation is given as a farm labourer. In 19O7 the Vicar of Wingrave commended Ernest Jeffs (the son of Arthur and Emily) and described him as "a very decent young man, strong and sharp and with very much better manners than a good many of the young men have. They are one of the cleverest families in the village" (extract from Lord Rosebery's correspondence) Arthur Jeffs died on June 2Oth 1918, his wife died on the 11th October 193O and both are buried in the United Reformed Church yard. |
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