from the April 2015 newsletter by Jean Rowland
Early in 2002 Irthlingborough Town Council passed a letter to the Society from Mr. William G. Wolston whose ancestor, John Woolston, had emigrated to America from Irthlingborough in 1775 on the ship Kent. The letter was headed “A request to send greetings spanning 225 years”. As the Woolston families were meeting, some of them for the first time, at a reunion in America and William, soon to be known to us all as Bill, would be delighted if a town official would send greetings as doubtless there would be many references to the town of John Woolston’s birth.
As secretary of the Society at the time I duly sent greeting along with a number of references to the name Woolston in the town. (Wolston is the American spelling of the name)
The reunion was a great success and Bill and I and the Society continued to correspond. In Sept that same year Bill wrote to say the he and his wife Tish (Letitia) were to holiday in Cornwall but when the party they were travelling with left for the Sates they would like to come to Irthlingborough for a few days. Could the Society book them into a hotel and perhaps show them around ?
The days of the Bull Hotel were numbered and no rooms were being let. Kelly Russell had just taken over The Oliver Twist, a chef had been hired and meals were being served so, being assured that although no other guests were expected the Americans would be well looked after, the room was duly booked.
The late Ted Barker and myself (Society members), were detailed to meet the taxi when it arrived. We had no idea then what a brilliant few days were in store. Kelly and her staff certainly pulled out all the stops to make their guests welcome. A large upstairs room overlooking the frontage of the pub and the High St had been prepared but Bill asked for one change – no room service, they would prefer to eat in the pub with the locals. Something they really enjoyed – along with the local dialect!!
Prior to their arrival a copy of a photo of Bill and Tish was given to all members with the caption “If you see this couple in the street, please speak to them”. Early on their first day they visited the Post Office and on walking down the incline they were greeted with a shout from across the road “Oi, are you the Americans?” It was member Sid Howlett introducing himself as only Sid could!
Bill and Tish loved it and in 2013 Bill was still asking after Sid.
During that morning Ted and I took the couple on a walking tour of the West end of the town. Bill thought that his ancestor may well have seen my house in Baker St being built in 1727 and didn’t they enjoy seeing down my cellar with those lovely smooth steps. Ted’s house in High Street West, now believed to be the oldest house in the town, was explored as well, including viewing photos of the skeletons found in the back garden during one of Ted’s digs. During its time the house had been a Friends Meeting House and possibly the burial ground contained rather more than the two skeletons Ted had found.
The next day I drove Bill and Tish to visit the Addingtons and Woodford to walk in the possible steps of his ancestors. Later we parked at Ringstead Mill where Bill shouted a greeting to a man steering a large boat who immediately responded “You an American?” and then invited Bill on board to go through their 300th lock with them.
Tish and I sat in the car and enjoyed a cup of coffee from the flask until Bill returned some time later. He was so elated, he really enjoyed going through that lock.
Next day four of us explored the East end of the town. “A cross without a cross” was how Tish described our old monument. The council Offices where Margaret and Gloria had various items, including the old Irthlingborough map, laid out for them. Next on to the Baptist Chapel, where the old cottage opposite the Chapel took Tish’s attention, along with the pond and it’s Koi Carp. Tish had been capturing everything on her camera and was about to take a photo when a man came out of the cottage. Tish asked if he minded if she took photos “You’re Americans!” he said. Tish then told him that they were looking round the town and he asked if we would like see over the cottage. (Would we.. just try to stop us!!) Colin and Janet Tucker, who were the owners at the time, were really kind showing us all the nooks and crannies of their home. Later, enjoying a cup of tea, Janet placed a beautiful lace cover with weighted corners over the milk jug (remember them? To keep the flies out of the milk) “Oh my” said Tish, “that’s an old fashioned custom”. When we left Janet asked Tish if she would accept the cover as a memento of her visit. Wasn’t that a lovely gesture?
Bill and Tish were able to attend one of our meetings and meet up with some members, a most enjoyable evening.
Everyone they had met had gone out of their way to make this visit such a memorable one, we were absolutely delighted with this. Of course Bill, being a big genial American with such enthusiasm for the town could have had a lot to do with it !
Although still a member of the Society I stood down as secretary but continued to correspond with Bill.
Sadly Tish died a couple of years ago but I continued to hear from Bill. Early in 2015 Bill’s daughter wrote to say that Bill had passed away.
Bill always remembered his visit to Irthlingborough and had kindly left $1000 to the Society.
Thank you Bill….
The Society is also indebted to Jean for keeping up her correspondence with Bill and Tish which, along with the friendly reception given to the Wolstons on their visit, we are sure contributed to Bill leaving such a generous legacy to the Society.