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40 years Headmaster
Presentation to Mr F. Leaver at Briercliffe
High Tributes to His Services

In the Haggate Baptist Schoolroom on Thursday evening, a ceremony of considerable interest to Briercliffe residents was witnessed, the central figure being Mr. Fred Leaver, of 7, Queen-street, Briercliffe, who on August 30th last retired from the post of headmaster at the Briercliffe Council School, after more than forty years' service. Some weeks ago the news of his impending retirement became noised abroad, and public opinion felt that some token of appreciation of the faithful and valuable services he had rendered to the village should be made to him, and, with this end in view, a public subscription was inaugurated. The appeal met with a ready response, with the result that the organisers were able to purchase an extremely handsome "grandmother" clock for presentation to him.

10,000 Miles To and From School
In honour of the event, a large gathering of scholars, past and present, assembled under the presidency of Councillor T. Edmondson, the Chairman of the local Parish Council. In a few introductory remarks, the Chairman paid eloquent tribute to Mr. Leaver's work as headmaster, and also instanced the services he had rendered to the commmunity in public and religious spheres. Mr. Edmondson concluded by wishing him long life and happiness in the future.
Mr. Robert Shoesmith, of Nelson, an old Briercliffe resident, stated that on the occasion of the ceremony which marked the commencement of Mr. Leaver's career as headmaster, more than forty years ago, he had been asked to say a few words, and he had since watched his career with no small degree of interest. He spoke of the sterling character of the man they had assembled to honour, and stated that his work as a true Christian was in no small measure responsible for the respect and esteem in which he was held.
Mr. J. V. Pickles, the Clerk to the Parish Council, in making the presentation, outlined the idea behind the presentation, and gave some interesting information. Instancing the fact that Briercliffe had had only two headmasters during the past 80 years, the late Mr. Corrin having served for 40 years in that capacity at the old National School, he humorously remarked that this was, no doubt, a striking testimony to the good behaviour of Briercliffe schoolchildren. Quite apart from Mr. leaver's scolastic duties, it would perhaps be interesting to consider how many times Mr. Leaver had walked up and down Burnley-road to and from the school during his forty years service. The speaker calculated that this journey must have been made nearly 40,000 times, and that the distance travelled must be in the vicinity of 10,000 miles.

The Secret of Success
Regularity and punctuality had always been noticeable features of Mr. Leaver's work. He had always endeavoured to instill into his scholars the virtues of punctuality, industry, determination, and attention to detail, and no doubt this was the secret of much of the success which had rewarded his efforts. Mr. Leaver, in the speaker's opinion, had done as much for Briercliffe as any man living. He had controlled the education and upbringing of practically all her sons and daughters, and had done much to mould their characters at the most impressionable period of their lives. Briercliffe people had certainly a reputation for attention to their work, and this trait had stood her in good stead in the past. He was convinced that Briercliffe people would "pull through" the present industrial depression, and he believed that the training received at Mr. Leaver's hands in their early lives would be of great benefit to them in their struggle for future prosperity. To the best of his knowledge, Mr. Leaver had enjoyed good health throughout the whole period of his career, and this, he thought, was due to the excellent ministrations of Mrs. Leaver, who had always worked well and devotedly behind the scenes, and who certainly ought to be included in any expression of thanks. With the earnest wish that both Mr. and Mrs. Leaver would spend many pleasant hours of leisure together during the period of their retirement, he asked Mr. Leaver to accept the clock as a testimony of the goodwill of the people of Briercliffe.

Mr. Leaver's Reply
In response, Mr. Leaver remarked that he found his position a most difficult one to occupy. The occasion touched him deeply, and he tendered to all the sincere thanks of himself and Mrs. Leaver for the handsome present and the token of goodwill. In the course of his career as headmaster, Mr. leaver said he had not been absent on more than twenty-five school-days throughout the past forty years. Since the opening of the school on March 17th 1890, nearly 3,000 schoolchildren had been admitted, and nearly 70 teachers had served the the rein during that period. In closing, he again voiced his sincere thanks.
Mr. John Proctor, a member of the first Board of School Managers, stated that the appointment of Mr. Leaver to the position of headmaster was made by that body unanimously, and that on no occasion had they needed to regret their choice. He also made reference to the financial diffculties under which the Local Schhol Board had to labour in those days, and closed by paying tribute to Mr. Corrin, who was Mr. Leaver's predecessor.
On behalf of the Local Education Committee, Mr. A. Winterbottom, the secretary, expressed pleasure at seeing the large number present. He had been intimately associated with Mr. Leaver during the last 27 years, and he paid handsome testimony to the retiring headmaster's teaching abilities. Good, sound advice had always formed the basis of his instruction, and he had done a man's work and done it well.
A first-class concert programme was carried through by old scholars. Vocal solos and duets were rendered by Miss Annie Wilcock, Miss Ida Whittaker, Miss Bertha Hannam, Mr. W. A. Taylor, and Mr. H. Bailey, and elocutionary items were contributed y Miss Irene Burrows, Miss Phyllis Sutcliffe and Master Wilmot Shepherd. Mr. Robert Hartley was heard to advantage in violin solos (one of his peices being his own composition) and Mr. Horace Pickles was the humorist. The accompanists were Miss Betty Atkinson, Mr. E. Proctor, Mr. A. Bailey, and Mr. H. A. Sutcliffe.
A vote of thanks to all who had taken part in the proceedings was moved by Master Jack Halstead (last year's school captain), seconded by Miss Nellie Greenwood (the head girl in the last school year), and carried with acclamation. Finally, Mr. J. V. Pickles called for three cheers for Mr. Leaver, Mrs. Leaver, and the School Managers and Local Education Committee, and the rafters rang with response. The proceedings terminated with the singing of the National Anthem.

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Mel

Searching for lost relatives? Win the Lottery!

The above article was sent to the Briercliffe Society by Susan Kerr.
Unfortunately, the date is not on the newspaper cutting nor is the title of the newspaper it came from.

The 'Master Jack Halstead' mentioned towards the end, I think, might be Susans Dad, who at the grand age of 91 is living in Canada. I have contacted Susan to see if this is her Dad. If so, it dates the article to probably late 1920's.

_________________
Mel

Searching for lost relatives? Win the Lottery!

I can confirm that Master Jack Halstead is Susan's Dad. He was born in 1916.

_________________
Mel

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"Mr. Fred Leaver, of 7, Queen-street, Briercliffe"

Hi Mel, there was a Gwendoline Leaver who died at the same address in 1960

http://briercliffesociety.co.uk/talkbac ... .php?t=136

1960 – LEAVER Gwendoline of 7 Queen Street, Briercliffe, Lancashire, spinster died 2 October 1960 at the General Hospital Burnley. Probate Lancaster 11 November to Harry Wentworth Leaver, grey cloth Merchant. Effects £4,956 6s. 9d.

1901 Census - RG 13 / 3868 / 61 / pg. 33 / 193
7 Queen Street, Briercliffe
Fred LEAVER, Head, Mar, 35yrs, Head Master Board School, Worker, b. Briercliffe
Amelia B. LEAVER, Wife, 34yrs, b. Briercliffe
Harry W. LEAVER, Son, 7yrs, b. Briercliffe
Gwendoline LEAVER, Daughter, 4yrs, b. Briercliffe
Ronald T. LEAVER, Son, 2yrs, b. Briercliffe

Marriages March 1892
LEAVER Fred, Haslingden, 8e, 208
TAYLOR Amelia Barker, Fred, Haslingden, 8e, 208

Birth - September 1865
LEAVER Fred - Burnley, 8e, 194

Birth - September 1893
LEAVER Harry Wentworth - Burnley, 8e, 204

Birth - March 1897
LEAVER Gwendoline - Burnley, 8e, 199

Birth - March 1899
LEAVER Ronald Thomas - Burnley, 8e, 157

1871 Census - RG10; Piece: 4152; Folio: 16; Page: 26
Lane Bottom, Briercliffe
James LEAVER, Head, Mar, 29yrs, Weaver Cotton Mill, b. Briercliffe
Ellen LEAVER, Wife, 31yrs, Weaver Cotton Mill, b. Briercliffe
Fred LEAVER, Son, 5yrs, Scholar, b. Brierfield
Betty LEAVER, Mother, Widow, 70yrs, b. Brierfield

**1881 Census – RG11; Piece: 4148; Folio: 135; Page: 3** (my gg granddad and family)
61 Brennand St., Burnley
John LEAVER, Head, Married, 29yrs, Cotton Taper, b. Extwistle, Briercliffe
Mary LEAVER, Wife, 25yrs, b. Briercliffe
Ada LEAVER, Daughter, 1yrs, b. Briercliffe

1881 Census – RG11; Piece: 4148; Folio: 135; Page: 3
65 Brennand St., Burnley
James LEAVER, Head, Mar, 38yrs, Cotton Weaver, b. Briercliffe
Ellen LEAVER, Wife, 41yr, Cotton Weaver, b. Briercliffe
Fred LEAVER, Son, 15yrs, Pupil Teacher, b. Briercliffe

1891 Census - RG12; Piece: 3371; Folio 162; Page 44
Jubilee Street, 16, Briercliffe
James LEAVER, Head, Mar, 48yrs, Cotton Weaver, b. Briercliffe
Ellen LEAVER, Wife, 51yrs, b. Briercliffe
Fred LEAVER, Son, 25yrs, Elementary Teacher, b. Briercliffe

Fred Leaver’s Birth

Date – 31 August 1865
Where – Lane Bottom, Briercliffe
Name – Fred Leaver
Sex - Boy
Father – James Leaver
Mother – Ellen Leaver, formerly Foster
Occupation of Father – Cotton Power Loom Weaver
Informant – James Leaver, Father of Lane Bottom, Briercliffe
Registered – 23 September 1865
Registrar – Robert Munn, Registrar

Fred Leaver’s marriage

When – 6 February 1892
Where – Providence Chapel, Lumb in the District of Haslingden
Groom – Fred Leaver, 26 years, Bachelor, Schoolmaster of 16 Jubilee Street, Briercliffe
Bride – Amelia Barker Taylor, 25 years, Spinster, Cotton Beamer of 51 Chapel Terrace, Lumb
Grooms father – James Leaver, Cotton Weaver
Brides father – Thomas Taylor (Deceased), Cotton Loom Overlooker
Witnesses – David Hallewell and Richard Maden

Fred Leaver’s son

Date – 6 July 1893
Where – Harlesyke, Briercliffe
Name – Harry Wentworth Leaver
Sex - Boy
Father – Fred Leaver
Mother – Amelia Barker Leaver, formerly Taylor
Occupation of Father – Schoolmaster (certificated)
Informant – Fred Leaver, Father of Harlesyke, Briercliffe
Registered – 12 August 1893
Registrar – William Thomas Clegg, Deputy Registrar

Descendants of James LEAVER


Generation No. 1

1. JAMES1 LEAVER was born 1842 in Briercliffe, Lancashire, England. He married ELLEN FOSTER Mar 1865 in Burnley, 8e, 243. She was born 1840 in Briercliffe, Lancashire, England.

Notes for JAMES LEAVER:
1871 Census - RG10; Piece: 4152; Folio: 16; Page: 26
Lane Bottom, Briercliffe
James LEAVER, Head, Mar, 29yrs, Weaver Cotton Mill, b. Briercliffe
Ellen LEAVER, Wife, 31yrs, Weaver Cotton Mill, b. Briercliffe
Fred LEAVER, Son, 5yrs, Scholar, b. Brierfield
Betty LEAVER, Mother, Widow, 70yrs, b. Brierfield

**1881 Census – RG11; Piece: 4148; Folio: 135; Page: 3** (my gg granddad and family)
61 Brennand St., Burnley
John LEAVER, Head, Married, 29yrs, Cotton Taper, b. Extwistle, Briercliffe
Mary LEAVER, Wife, 25yrs, b. Briercliffe
Ada LEAVER, Daughter, 1yrs, b. Briercliffe

1881 Census – RG11; Piece: 4148; Folio: 135; Page: 3
65 Brennand St., Burnley
James LEAVER, Head, Mar, 38yrs, Cotton Weaver, b. Briercliffe
Ellen LEAVER, Wife, 41yr, Cotton Weaver, b. Briercliffe
Fred LEAVER, Son, 15yrs, Pupil Teacher, b. Briercliffe

1891 Census - RG12; Piece: 3371; Folio 162; Page 44
Jubilee Street, 16, Briercliffe
James LEAVER, Head, Mar, 48yrs, Cotton Weaver, b. Briercliffe
Ellen LEAVER, Wife, 51yrs, b. Briercliffe
Fred LEAVER, Son, 25yrs, Elementary Teacher, b. Briercliffe

Child of JAMES LEAVER and ELLEN FOSTER is:
2. i. FRED2 LEAVER, b. 31 Aug 1865, Lane Bottom, Briercliffe, Lancashire, England.


Generation No. 2

2. FRED2 LEAVER (JAMES1) was born 31 Aug 1865 in Lane Bottom, Briercliffe, Lancashire, England. He married AMELIA BARKER TAYLOR 06 Feb 1892 in Providence Chapel, Lumb in the District of Haslingden, Lancashire, England, daughter of THOMAS TAYLOR. She was born 1866 in Briercliffe, Lancashire, England.

Notes for FRED LEAVER:
1901 Census - RG 13 / 3868 / 61 / pg. 33 / 193
7 Queen Street, Briercliffe
Fred LEAVER, Head, Mar, 35yrs, Head Master Board School, Worker, b. Briercliffe
Amelia B. LEAVER, Wife, 34yrs, b. Briercliffe
Harry W. LEAVER, Son, 7yrs, b. Briercliffe
Gwendoline LEAVER, Daughter, 4yrs, b. Briercliffe
Ronald T. LEAVER, Son, 2yrs, b. Briercliffe

Children of FRED LEAVER and AMELIA TAYLOR are:
i. HARRY WENTWORTH3 LEAVER, b. 06 Jul 1893, Harlesyke, Briercliffe, Lancashire, England.
ii. GWENDOLINE LEAVER, b. 1897, Harlesyke, Briercliffe, Lancashire, England; d. 02 Oct 1960, General Hospital Burnley, Lancashire, England.

More About GWENDOLINE LEAVER:
Birth index reference: Mar 1897, Burnley, 8e, 199

iii. RONALD THOMAS LEAVER, b. 1899, Harlesyke, Briercliffe, Lancashire, England.

More About RONALD THOMAS LEAVER:
Birth index reference: Mar 1899, Burnley, 8e, 157

Will extract
1941 – LEAVER Fred of 7 Queen Street, Briercliffe near Burnley died 12 November 1941. Administration Lancaster, 29 December to Amelia Barker Leaver, widow. Effects £1,028 12s. 10d.