Wilfred Farndale

13 September 1910 to 26 January 1965

Wilf was brought up in the community of Sir Titus Salt’s Saltaire Mills. He was an accomplished Cricketer who played with some Yorkshire greats and a social influencer in his work as a Sanitary Officer

Quiet, unassuming and popular are perhaps the three best ways of describing Wilf Farndale, Shipley’s Senior Public Health Inspector, former Saltaire and Baildon cricketer and a past president of Shipley Rotary Club. He is one of the most liked and respected citizens of Baildon where he has lived for over 25 years. Wilf Farndale is a man who is always willing to help others and give encouragement where needed.

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A cricketer is born

Born at Clayton on 13 September 1910, Wilf and family came to live at Saltaire four years later and soon afterwards he began to attend Albert Road Junior School. His later school was Salts Boys High School. His father, Mr James Arthur Farndale, was manager of the drawing department at Salts Mill. His mother was Florence Edith (nee Greenwood) Farndale.

We met Wilfred’s father, James Arthur Farndale, in the mills of Clayton north of Bradford, in Act 19 Scene 1.

In September 1919 the Shipley branch of the Discharged and Demobilised Soldiers and Sailors Association held a rally and a carnival at Saltaire Park on Saturday afternoon. A sports programme was afterwards gone through and in the Boys race W Farndale was third.

By 1921, James, 43, was a worsted drawing foreman, with Sir Titus Salt Bart Son and Co, spinners and manufacturers, in Saltaire, and the ten year old Wilfred lived with him and his mum, Florence.

It was his father who first instigated a love of cricket in Wilf’s heart, and on moving to Saltaire, the pair soon became ardent supporters of the Robert’s Park club. In those days Wilf recalls watching Sydney Barnes and many other famous players. He also accumulated an immense interest and passion for the “noble game” while at Salts School, and was soon turning in fine performances there. He was appointed captain at the school 1st XI, and also skippered his house team (Celts, now Latins). At the age of 13 he was also launching out on his Bradford League career, making several appearances with Saltaire’s second team. His first debut for the club was not exactly auspicious. He was clean bowled first ball by Harold Dunn, the former Baildon player, in a match at Idle. However, Wilf can take heart from the fact that many more noted players, have made similar starts.

He was a keen cricketer who played for the Saltaire XI. A selection of some of his early cricket records, among many, included Saltaire v Low Moor, W Farndale caught Blamires, bowled Ormondroyd, 0. J Blamires of Low Moor, caught Farndale, bowled Gargott. Cricket average, October 1925, W Farndale, 5 innings, total 15, average 3.75. May 1926, Saltaire Second v Queensbury Second, Saltaire: W Farndale, 3.

In September 1926 the following pupils of the Salt Boy’s High School were successful at the Oxford schools examination, passed First Division, W Farndale. In November 1926, at the Oxford School Certificate Examination, W Farndale passed in the First Division. The following pupils of Salt Boy’s school were successful, first class honours W Farndale.

In June 1927 there was a large gathering of the parents and friends of the pupils of the salt schools, Shipley, at the annual athletic sports, which were held in Roberts Park, Saltaire, on Wednesday afternoon. There were some keen contests and in some cases, close finishes. Much interest was centred in the high jump contests, both in the open and junior events. Wilfred Farndale won the Mrs Titus Salt Challenge Cup for the competitor who gains the highest marks in the open events. He won the cup with 12 points, and was heartily applauded. Fuller, the headmaster's son, was closely behind with 11 points to his credit. Results: Mrs Titus Salt Challenge Cup: Wilfred Farndale. Throwing the cricket ball, 2, Farndale. 100 yards handicap, open, heat winners, Farndale.

In April 1928 five times winners of the Bradford cricket league and three times winners of the Priestly charity club, Saltaires have a record second to none in the Bradford cricket league. The second team will again be captained by H Hutton, and of the Second XI players it is interesting to note that W Farndale, C Beeach and G L Butler are all to have practise at the juniors nets at Headingley.

In August 1929 G B Haley was accompanied to the wicket by J H Shaw, but H W Hurst immediately embarked upon a magnificent spell of bowling, while C Harrison at the opposite end also surpassed himself. Harrison, however, was not to be outdone by the feats of his colleagues, and with thirteen runs on the board, nearly half of which were credited to the account of Brogden, Harrison clean bowled the third player of the afternoon, Brompton, making way for W Farndale. Four wickets down for thirteen runs was rather unique in the annals of the Saltaire club, but worse was to follow, for the score was still two runs less than the 20 mark when the halfway mark was reached, Farndale getting in the way the straight ball, again delivered by Hurst, and he was adjudged out to a leg before wicket decision.

In the following month, Saltaire had the misfortune to be called away from home for their last match of the present season. The Captain, N Robinson, also failed to add many runs, but when all appeared to be over, W Farndale arrived to help Pedley, and after the two had left for 41 and 30 runs respectively, C Hart and C Beach participated in a fruitful stand, and when the innings closed they had raised the score to 146 for seven wickets, their not out scores being 23 and 13 respectively.

In November 1929 there was a gratifying attendance at the annual meeting of the Saltaire Cricket Club held in the Social Room of the Saltaire Institute on Thursday evening. On the motion of Mr Wherwell, seconded by Mr W Farndale, the report and balance sheet were adopted.

In August 1930 although Saltaire had previous to Saturday won only three games, the players and supporters alike were not discouraged by the heavy defeat from Bowling Old Lane, but hope to improve their position considerably by winning their remaining two “Derby” matches with Bingley and Baildon green. W Farndale, bowled Stephenson for 12.

In September 1930, the two mainstays with the bat were Senior and Phillips, who each played a splendid innings for the Jenny Lane team. The innings concluded when the last over was being bowled just on declaration time. Saltaire were exceedingly good in the field, and I would particularly mention the clever work of Farndale, Haley, Drake, Beach and Brogden.

Wilf’s cricketing career takes off

Cricket was an amateur sport, which Wilf pursued with enthusiasm, and increasing success.

Saltaire Cricket Club was founded in 1869 and still operates today. It's home has always been Roberts Park where it has a scenic pitch and pavilion with a backdrop of the River Aire, Salts Mill and the United Reformed Church. Among its more famous players was the England bowler Sydney Barnes who played for the club between 1915 and 1925 and helped Saltaire win the Bradford League three times. Jim Laker, the outstanding England spin bowler of the 1950s, lived in Shipley, attended the Salt High School and played for the Cricket Club in the late 1930s.

Saltaire in action

Sydney Francis Barnes (1873 –1967) was an English professional cricketer who is regarded as one of the greatest bowlers of all time. He was right-handed and bowled at a pace that varied from medium to fast-medium with the ability to make the ball both swing and break from off or leg. In Test cricket, Barnes played for England in 27 matches from 1901 to 1914.

At an early age Wilf secured a regular place in the Saltaire 1st XI as “a promising opening batsman,” and was playing with and against the best players of the time.

In May 1931 Burton was the next to return to the pavilion as a result of a brilliant catch by Farndale at square leg. The ball came at a terrific rate, and although Farndale fell, he returned the ball and received well merited applause for his great effort. The catch was described as one of the few brilliant field incidents that helped to atone for the very moderate display of fielding given by the Roberts Park brigade in general. Farndale was the fielder responsible, and, after running several yards to get under the ball, this player took a splendid catch with is back to the boundary ropes, thus saving a six hit and ridding his side of one of the two Windhill batsman who played their bowling with any marked degree of confidence.

In June 1931, there is not much to be said on the whole, of the batting display of Saltaire, only to reiterate that it was lamentably weak. Out of a total of 58 Farndale and Sharpes were the only two batsman to obtain double figures. Farndale batted extremely well for his contribution of 20, which included two boundaries. He was dismissed by a clever catch at leg by Beaumont when the first change in bowling took place.

In July 1931 Saltaire did not allow themselves to become overconfident. They fully realised that they were opposed to one of the finest attacks in the Bradford League, and a team, moreover, with its back to the wall, while, on the other hand, their own batting has not been particularly strong this year. Consequently they took no risks, but so well did W Farndale, who opened the innings with his Captain, J Sedley, bat, that Saltaire won the game with seven wickets to spare. J C Lee made nineteen runs before he made way for a Bentley, and the latter also batted well, claiming 13 runs, leaving when victory was well insight, but C Beach was clean bowled by Lamb before opening his score, and it was therefore left to Farndale and Elliott to carry the Saltaire score past that of their opponents, Farndale carrying his bat for a valuable 42 runs. T Crowther, caught Farndale.

Also in July 1931, I think Saltaire have taken a turn in the title from a winning point of view, and if only they can continue their form by obtaining a victory at the expense of their near neighbour and deadly rivals, Windhill, whom they entertain at Roberts Park this afternoon, they will have redeemed themselves for their succession of defeats earlier in the season. Lee and Farndale opened the Saltaire innings. Lee secured the first boundary with a good stroke to leg off Jackson. Powell, with the first ball of the second over, clean bowled Farndale with only ten runs scored.

In August 1931 since the Saltaire versus Spen Victoria match at Roberts Park, Saltaire, was ruined by the weather, the displays of both teams have improved considerably and supporters of both sides have looked forward to their meeting at Spen for some time. Saltaire commenced badly, losing Haley when he had scored three, but Lee and Farndale retrieved the position, and after the captain had left for 26 runs, Farndale found another partner who could stay with him in Hill. Farndale was the backbone of Saltaire batting, scoring 65 runs before a ball from Rhodes beat him.

As I have stated the partnership of Alec Bentley and Wilfred Farndale yielded 58 runs, and they each gave a splendid sound defensive display. They certainly took no risks, but adopted the right tactics from a batmanship point of view. Farndale, before he had scored, had a “life” as he gave a hot chance to Senior in the slips which was not accepted. The half century was reached in 52 minutes, while sixty runs were scored in as many minutes. Farndale and Beach were undefeated with 28 and 10 runs respectively when the game was brought to an abrupt termination.

Wilfred Farndale showed his all round sportsmanship when he added his football skills to his proficiency as a cricketer. In October 1931 Farndale also distinguished himself with a shot which passed inches over the crossbar with the goalkeeper beaten, but Hanson's goal proved sufficient to give Saltaire the victory by the odd goal in nine.

In March 1932: Mr Wilfred Farndale, an employee of the Shipley Urban Council, has also been offered forms by first class football teams during the past season as a wing man, but refused them. Last year he headed the Saltaire batting averages. I notice among the list of Yorkshire cricket Colts who are being coached by Mr George Hurst, the names of a Rook and W Farndale.

George Hirst

George Herbert Hirst was a professional English cricketer who played first-class cricket for Yorkshire County Cricket Club between 1891 and 1921. He became a cricket coach at Eton College in 1920, where he remained until 1938, but he maintained his connections with Yorkshire and coached young players and established an excellent reputation for developing players of all social backgrounds.

In April 1932 he suffered a football injury. An enjoyable football match at Thackley on Saturday, in which Saltaire Wesleyans and Thackley Wesleyans were opposed under the auspices of the Mutual Sunday School, was marred by an accident during the closing minutes of the game. Wilfred Farndale, of Victoria Road, Saltaire, was assisting the Saltaire team for the first time for some weeks, and had been one of the outstanding figures in the match. Within a minute or so of the final whistle he collided with an opponent and sustained a broken collar bone. Farndale is a well known amateur cricketer, and last season was one of Saltaire's outstanding batsman, but his injury will in all probability keep him out of the team during the opening games of the season. As a footballer, he has impressed many followers of local football, including representatives of the two Bradford senior sides, and his long absence from the side was in order that he might be quite fit when the cricket season opened on the last Saturday of the present month.

His only other active sporting activity has been soccer and for three years Wilf was star outside left of the Saltaire Methodist Church team in the Sunday school League, and looked like developing into an excellent player. Then at the end of one season Wilf, who was not originally playing, went along to watch the team at Thackley. When he arrived he was asked to play as they were one man short. The game had not been in progress long before he found himself in a duel for the ball, from which he came out worst and sustained a broken collarbone. That decided Wilf that he would give up soccer and concentrate on cricket.

In Wilfred Farndale and Alan Rook, the club possesses two promising young players who have had the benefit of coaching at the county nets, and it was a hard blow to the club when Farndale broke his collar bone whilst playing football a week or so ago, for he was confidently expected to immediately make a place in the team for himself. Last season, along with Lee and Haley, he was one of the three Saltaire players to obtain a half century, and headed the team’s batting and bowling averages, scoring an average of 22.6 runs for 16 visits to the wickets.

In May, it was indeed a bad start that Saltaire commenced the season with on Saturday, for they not only gave a feeble display with the bat, but lost their first match against Brighouse. I was sorry to hear that George Haley was unable to play. Wilfred Farndale, who, I was glad to see, is recovering very nicely from his mishap in the football field at the end of the season, was an interested spectator.

In June 1932 Wilfred Farndale has quickly jumped into form, and, as in the cup tie at bowling, he managed to hold up his end while his captain attacked the bowling. Sensing that this partnership might take a great deal of breaking, the Bingley captain rested his opening bowlers and handed over the attack to Harrison and Childs.

Wilfred Farndale was still batting doggedly, and the issue was still very open, although in the absence of Ellicott, it was obvious that a great deal depended upon the young batsman, who now seemed well set. Had the later batsman given him any support he could no doubt have saved a point for Saltaire, but Stead only stayed five minutes, and though Alan Rook managed to stay for nearly 50 minutes and helped Farndale to add 46 runs, they left within a run of each other. Farndale had been at the wickets for exactly an hour and a half. He had suited his innings to his team's requirements, as gathered from the fact that his only two boundaries were scored late in the innings. In his innings of 45 he included a three and seven twos before an “express” delivery that kept him very low beat him.

In July, George Haley joined Farndale, but he did not stay long, being dismissed by a brilliant catch by Buller behind the wickets, the bowler being Douglas. Brown became associated with Farndale, and the last named obtained his first half century of the season after batting with great confidence for 78 minutes. He off drove in fine style, and had some pretty late cuts through the slips. Farndale, however, did not add to his score, being well beaten by Hutton, who had displaced Douglas. Brown and Beach made a useful stand, and took the score from 143 to 216, when Brown, who, like Farndale, had just reached his half century, was bowled by Luckhurst.

It may have been the result of a spectator’s excitement, or possibly it was done in the hope of benefiting one or other of the other sides. Whatever the reason behind the occurrence was, however, I leave my readers to judge for themselves, but personally I'm inclined to agree with the many spectators who consider that there was no need for it to have occurred. It came about this way, Farndale had scored five singles in his usual quiet yet confident way, and with Haley was “playing himself in” in the hope of once again helping to retrieve his team's position. Frank Berry was about to deliver a ball to him when the unmistakable shout of “No Ball!” reverberated across the fields, and the batsman instinctively altered his stroke as a result, and gave Glover a catch. So distinct had been the call that the majority of the players and spectators thought it had come from an umpire until they saw the latter’s finger upraised, and then it was realised that the call had come from someone amongst the spectators. Whether the act was intentional or not it had a very unsatisfactory sequel for batsman and bowler like, but there was only one course the umpire could take, and Farndale returned to the pavilion.

In September 1932, the Saltaire players are beginning to view this as their bogey ground. Only last year Wilfrid Farndale, one of their players, sustained a broken collar bone on this ground, while on Saturday about 15 minutes after the start of the game, Eric Watmough, the Saltaire inside right, was shouldering a home player when his collar bone snapped.

In November there was a recommendation that two of the senior players to the county Nets at Headingley at the beginning of the season, and five of the juniors to the George Hirst practises at Park Avenue, and on each occasion very favourable reports were returned. It was to be hoped, the report added, that the invitation to W Farndale to play in the representative side in a friendly match at Idle at the close of the season would be the forerunner of more such calls.

At Christmas, some two hundred revellers enjoyed the annual whist drive and dance at the Saltaire Cricket Club in the Victoria Hall, Shipley, on Saturday night. In the main hall Ernest Hargreaves’ Blue Aces played the latest dance tunes in their inimitable way, the music being much appreciated by the dancers over whom Mr Wilfred Farndale and Mr. John Chell acted as MCs.

In May 1933 the first score came from Farndale, who, with a hefty on drive, hit Brown for a six, but when he had scored the fateful 13 he was given out LBW on an appeal by Brown.

In June, it was rather a singular coincidence that not many runs were scored for the first wicket partnership of Saltaire, for, while Bingley's first wicket fell at 16 runs, Saltaire had scored only 17 when the partnership was broken. Lee and Farndale opened the reply, the attack being shared by Rundle and Fryer. Some lively batting was seen when Kenny and Farndale “were together” and they made “rings round” the appallingly weak attack of the home team. In one instance Farndale was credited with five runs as a result of an overthrow which went to the boundary. Haley joined Farndale, and the latter proved himself a real livewire, and gave a great batting display being undefeated with 53 to his credit when Bingley’s score was reached. Farndale, who is the first Saltaire player this season to score the half century, played with great ability, and received well deserved applause when he returned to the pavilion. Jack took five wickets for 30 two runs. Farndale hurt his arm while throwing the ball. Farndale opened for Saltaire, and when 34 runs were on the scoreboard Lee was well caught behind the wickets for 18. Kennie joined Farndale and although Eccleshill introduced Sugden, their efforts were unavailing in trying to part the batsmen, who were each undefeated. Farndale batted rather slowly at first, taking one hour to contribute 18 runs. Farndale who also played exceedingly well for 60, gave only one chance to the wicketkeeper when he was within two runs of his half century. He hit two boundaries and a five, the latter resulting in an overthrow to the boundary. Farndale Kennie had the honour of being associated in the first century partnership for Saltaire this season which was obtained in one hour and 17 minutes. They both heartily deserved the applause they each received on their return to the pavilion... In contrast to Windhill, the Saltaire fielders were taking every chance. At this total Farndale was brought into the attack, and this spin bowler quickly had the batsman in trouble. Wilkinson, in trying to turn the first ball to leg, was deceived by the amount of spin imparted into the bowling and gave Farndale a return catch. Jacques’ two victims cost 28 runs, scored in 13 overs, while Farndale had two for five.

By November, Wilfrid Farndale has had a very successful season with the bat, and his won the club batting prize with an average of 27 runs per innings for 20 times at the wicket.

By March 1934 Wilfred Farndale is perhaps the pick of the Saltaire amateur batsman, and is quite a useful change bowler.

In April, most of the old stalwarts of the club have re-signed including George Hayley, Charlie Lee, Wilfred Farndale and my very best wishes go to them all for a pleasant and successful season.

In May after Spen had lost 5 wickets for 49 runs the game took a different complexion, thanks to the splendid batting of Pomfret and Waterhouse, who, despite the frequent changes in attack, in which Stead and Farndale had a turn, the bowling of Saltaire was made to look very easy stuff.

Baildon have hitherto provided a good opposition against the Salts, but in this match I wonder what would have been the result had Farndale taken the chance he had to dismiss Baildon's premier batsman, George Senior, when he had only scored fifteen runs. Senior put up a skier, but what with the wind and sun, Farndale, who appeared to be waiting for the ball, missed the catch. I wonder what would have happened if they had been deprived of the services of Senior, or even if Farndale had taken that catch when Senior had scored only 15 runs!

It was rather a curious coincidence in June 1934 that in the first round at the Priestley Cup match between Saltaire and Idle on the Cavendish Road ground on Saturday, Wilfred Farndale should be concerned in the first wickets that Saltaire lost, and also in that last wicket for Idle. Farndale, who only the previous week had contributed largely to the points being shared between Saltaire and East Hierley, was at Idle dismissed in the first ball of the match.

The Saltaire captain, George Haley, played a merry innings during his stay at the wickets in a July match, and assisted Farndale, who kept up a sound defence to take the school to 87, when Haley, whose 35 runs was invaluable fell to a catch by Hinchcliffe off the bowling of Suggitt Junior. Ellicott soon scored 12 in good style, when he was caught by Loscombe, the bowler being Freear. The same bowler accounted for Johnson, clean bowling him after he had scored four runs. Meanwhile Farndale had kept increasing his score, and he reached the half century. The fifth wicket fell when 116 runs had been scored. Gooding followed and commenced to hit out, and Farndale at this stage seemed inspired to take his colleague’s cue. Both batsmen obtained boundaries in quick succession. It appeared to be a race with the clock. Elijah Haigh came on to the ball and when he bowled a wide, the spectators showed their displeasure to cries of “play the game.”

Wilf put in an appearance as a groomsman at a wedding in June. Two members of the administration staff of the Shipley Urban Council, Mr Charles Watkin and Miss Elsie Pitts were married at Saltaire Road Methodist Church, Shipley, on Saturday. Mr Harry Lambert, cousin of the bridegroom, was best man with Messrs Wilfred Farndale and Cyril Warner as groomsmen and Mr. James Reside of Brighouse as usher.

In April 1935, Saltaire will have the services of another player of professional standard in Tom Mawson, who is returning as an amateur from Windhill. Many of the old amateur stalwarts of the club have also re-signed under George Haley's popular captaincy. His old partner Charlie will support him as vice captain, and others available will include Wilfrid Farndale, one of the most promising batsman the league has possessed during the past few seasons. They have already tried and found to possess the right temperament for the Bradford league, and with Farndale and Gooding, who are a little older, and led by a captain and vice who are rich in experience, there is all the promise of rich rewards to their efforts.

Wilfred Farndale, Saltaire's top scorer, was even quieter than usual, in June 1935, and he took a little over 1 ½ hours to obtain the 24 invaluable runs on which the Saltaire score was founded. Four of his victims were clean bowled, and as one Saltaire spectator come up to me referring to the ball that dismissed Farndale, “that would have beaten Bradman.”

Sir Donald George Bradman AC, nicknamed "The Don", was an Australian international cricketer, widely acknowledged as long the greatest batsman of all time.

Don Bradman

Wilf married Kathleen Dawson (1910 to 1999) on 31 August 1935 at Baildon. Two members of the staff of Shipley Urban Council, Mr Wilfred Farndale, an assistant sanitary inspector for Shipley, and Miss Kathleen Dawson, who are to be married at Baildon parish church today, were made the recipients of presents from their colleagues during the week. A canteen of cutlery, clock, and cut glass candlesticks, represented the goodwill and best wishes of the clerical staff at the town hall, among whom they have been most popular. Mr Wilfred Farndale, a well known Saltaire cricketer, and the only son of Mr and Mrs J A Farndale, of Sandals Road, Baildon, and Miss Kathleen Dawson, elder daughter of Mr and Mrs W Dawson, of “Mella”, St Aidan’s Road, Baildon, were married at Baildon Parish Church on Saturday. The vicar, Rev P Anderson, officiated. Given away by her father, the bride was attired in a gown of heavy white silk, with hand embroidered sleeves, and wore an embroidered net veil, trimmed with orange blossom. She carried a bouquet of pale pink carnations and was attended by her sister Miss Mabel Dawson. Mr Eric Greenwood, cousin of the bride, was best man, and Mr H G Collinson acted as groomsman. The vicar, the Rev P Anderson, officiated. The bride wore a gown of heavy white satin. She was attended by Miss Mabel Dawson, sister. Mr Eric Greenwood, cousin of the bridegroom, was best man, and Mr H G Collinson groomsman. The honeymoon is to be spent in North Devon.

Mr Wilfred Farndale, the popular Saltaire opening batsman, and the only son of Mr and Mrs J A Farndale of Sandals Road, Baildon, was married to Miss Kathleen Dawson, the eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs W Dawson, of “Mella”, St Aidan’s Road, Baildon, at the Baildon Parish Church on Saturday. The bridegroom is assistant sanitary inspector for Shipley, and the bride was also a member of the Shipley Urban Council staff, being clerk to the Medical Officer of Health. Her father is a member of the Shipley Rotary Club. The ceremony was performed by the vicar of Baildon, Rev Percy Anderson. Given away by her father, the bride wore a gown of heavy white satin, with hand embroidered sleeves, and an embroidered net veil trimmed with orange blossom. Her bouquet was of pale pink carnations. She was attended by her sister, Miss Mabel Dawson, who wore floral georgette with silk net frills, and a crinoline hat to match. She carried a bouquet of sweet peas in pastel shades. Mr Eric Greenwood, cousin of the bridegroom, was best man, and the groomsman was Mr H G Collinson, a friend of the groom. Mr and Mrs W Farndale afterwards left for a honeymoon in North Devon, the bride travelling in a two piece Viennese model in Marina green and brown. The future home will be “Croyde”, Temple Rhydding Drive, Baildon. Among the many presents were a canteen of cutlery, a clock colour and cut glass candlesticks, from the staff of Shipley urban council.

Their life together was summarised twenty five years later. Mr Farndale and his charming wife, who were married in 1935, have lived at their home in Temple Rydding for the past 25 years. They have two children, Joan, who is married and lives in at Stretford near Manchester, and 17 year old Keith, a former pupil of Bradford Grammar School, who is now an assistant at the quantity surveyors in Leeds. Joan, who's 23, and her husband, Mr Christopher Darling, a sub editor on the “News Chronicle” have one child who is almost four months old. Mrs Farndale was born at Mottram in Longdendale, near Hyde in Cheshire, but came to live in Baildon soon afterwards.

While away on honeymoon, in the absence of Farndale, who along with his colleagues, I wish much happiness in his future life, he being married earlier in the day, Lambert had the honour of being associated with Charlie in the first wicket partnership for Saltaire.

Their daughter, Joan Margaret Farndale was born on 4 August 1937.

By May 1937 after this unfortunate mishap, Farndale and Hutton were associated with a good stand. I was pleased to see Farndale playing more like he used to do. He has had a lean time lately, but on this occasion he batted with confidence, while Hutton to put up a strong defence. Both batsmen delighted the spectators with their batting abilities which put quite a different complexion on the game. Several changes were tried in the attack, and it was not until the pair had added 76 runs that Farndale, after contributing a useful 35, was beautifully caught by Dennison.

In May 1938 the “Priestly” Cup Competition has been a nightmare experience for Saltaire this season. They opened with two experienced batsmen, George Haley and Wilfred Farndale, who it was hoped, would give their team the encouragement of a sound start. They met with an immediate set back however for Haley strode out to meet a delivery from Oliver Glover and was clean bowled in the first ball of the match.

In his first spell with Saltaire which lasted from 1924 to 1938 Wilf played many hundreds of games, and scores of fine innings, but undoubtedly the one which he and many others remember best was the one he played in the “Marathon Game” at Baildon in 1938. The match was marked by a feat which to this day has not been equalled to, there were four centuries scored, two on each side. Baildon made 259-1, and the man out, George Senior, got a “duck”. Ronnie Burnett scored 152 not out and Bob Edney 100 not out. Jim Laker the former Surrey and England bowler was one of the most punished of all on this day of run getting. Baildon declared their innings closed before the allotted time had run out, but then Saltaire fought back tremendously to score the necessary runs for the loss of Edgar Lambert, who scored a half century. Eddie Hutton was 105 not out and Wilf Farndale put his name in the record books with a fine unbeaten 102.

Farndale and Lambert were sent in to reply to Baildon’s huge score. From the first the batsmen forced the pace and runs came at a great pace. Within an hour each batsman had reached the half century, amidst tumultuous applause. When the scoreboard registered 109 runs Lambert, who had batted with great freedom and courage, played round at a straight ball from Bob Edney. It was a good start, a century first wicket stand. But there was more heartening things to record to the advantages of Saltaire when E A Hutton became associated with Farndale. Each batsman played like a hero and trounced the attack to such an extent that despite the frequent changes nothing seemed to come amiss to the Saltaire batsmen.

Whether the attack was fast and furious or moderately slow with the object of getting the batsmen to hit high with a view to their being caught out they continued to score as an even faster rate than did their opponents, and when Farndale reached his century there were cries of “Good old Wilf.” Remarkably good as was Farndale’s display with the bat, he was rendered invaluable assistance by Hutton, who likewise gave his best ever this season.

However in May 1939 Ednie was Tetley's first victim, who built with a beautiful delivery. It was during the partnership of Burnett and Farndale that the latter after scoring 21, which included a mighty drive for six, was hit on the right cheek bone with a rising ball. The injured wound bled profusely and Farndale had to be assisted to the pavilion. It was thought at first that the injuries were of a serious nature, but it was found not to be so and after Farndale had received treatment but his broken spectacles had been repaired he stayed on the field and watched his new team win their first home match. Whether Farndale’s mishap affected Illingworth and Stones, two new players, or not I cannot say, but their slow batting over half an hour was not by any means appreciated by the Baildon supporters who showed their disapproval of the batsmen's tactics by applauding when either one or the other scored.

In 1939, Wilf was a sanitary meat inspector, living with Kathleen and Joan.

In October 1939, although a vice president of the club who had promised the players of Baildon Green Cricket Club a “do” in celebration of last season’s successes, in view of the present circumstances signified that he would prefer instead to make a substantial subscription to the club, the members did not miss their treat. Councillor Knipe proceeded to present replicas to various sportsmen including W Farndale.

In 1939 Wilf joined the Jenny Lane club, that is the Baildon club, where he stayed for four years before returning to his former battlefield, Roberts Park, that is Saltaire. He was with Salter then when he retired in 1948. During those years in the Bradford league, Wilf played with and against such eminent players as Tom Goddard, Bill Copson, Bill Voce, Alf Coxon, all with Saltaire, Arthur Mitchell, who was captain over Wilf at Baildon and George Senior. The player whom he considers the best and most feared he has played against in the Bradford league was Sandy Jack, the fast bowler, who played with Saltaire and then Undercliffe. The most accomplished batsman whom Wilf played against was the renowned Len Hutton. “You just couldn't get him out,” said Wilf, who played often when Hutton and Edgar Oldroyd used to open the Pudsey innings. Charlie Lee was another great batsman with whom Wilf played.

Thomas William John Goddard (1900 –1966) was an English cricketer and the fifth-highest wicket taker in first-class cricket.

William Henry Copson (1908 –1971) was an English cricketer who played for Derbyshire County Cricket Club between 1932 and 1950, and for England between 1939 and 1947. He took over 1,000 wickets for Derbyshire, and was prominent in their 1936 Championship season. Cricket correspondent, Colin Bateman, noted Copson was, "a flame-haired pace bowler with a temper to match, became a cricketer by accident"

Bill Voce (1909 –1984) was an English cricketer who played for Nottinghamshire and England. As a fast bowler, he was an instrumental part of England's infamous Bodyline strategy in their tour of Australia in 1932–1933 under Douglas Jardine. He was born at Annesley Woodhouse, near Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire. He died at Lenton, Nottingham.

Arthur "Ticker" Mitchell (1902 –1976) was an English first-class cricketer, who played both for Yorkshire County Cricket Club and England. Born at Baildon in Yorkshire, and nicknamed "Ticker" because of a habit of talking to himself while batting, Mitchell was a solid, determined and sometimes dour middle order batsman who converted to become an opening batsman after the retirement of Percy Holmes in 1932. An accumulator of runs rather than a stroke maker, he very occasionally allowed himself to bat more freely, and when he did he revealed himself as a particularly fine cutter. He scored centuries in four consecutive innings for Yorkshire in 1933.

Sir Leonard Hutton (1916 –1990) was an English cricketer. He played as an opening batsman for Yorkshire County Cricket Club from 1934 to 1955 and for England in 79 Test matches between 1937 and 1955. Wisden Cricketers' Almanack described him as "one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket". He set a record in 1938 for the highest individual innings in a Test match in only his sixth Test appearance, scoring 364 runs against Australia, a milestone that stood for nearly 20 years (and remained an England Test record 84 years later as of 2023). Following the Second World War, he was the mainstay of England's batting. In 1952, he became the first professional cricketer of the 20th century to captain England in Tests; under his captaincy England won the Ashes the following year for the first time in 19 years.

In February 1941 at the annual meeting of the Baildon Green Cricket Club last night Mr Hugh Robson, secretary, reported that the club had re engaged Horace Fisher and George Senior for the next season and W Farndale has been appointed vice captain.

In April 1942 Baildon made a good start and Farndale and Burnet, their skipper, was associated for an hour when Farndale who had scored 27 runs in faultless style, was well caught by Jowett at the second attempt.

In July 1942 Baildon Green’s reply was somewhat lacking in sparkle, but was nevertheless a workmanlike effort. Dennis went in with Fisher, but after contributing 7, Wilf Farndale then took his place, and he and Fisher plodded along neck and neck until they safely passed the Lidget Green total without further loss.

By December 1942, returning to Saltaire, I hear that Wilfrid Farndale, who has assisted the Baildon Green Cricket Club since 1938, is returning to help Saltaire next season.

Wilf and Kathleen’s son, Keith D Farndale was born in 1943 in Bradford District.

In November 1944, “If we have another year without county cricket we should have another good side available. As you know, our fast bowling will be in the hands of Bill Copson and Alec Coxon, and we're hoping that Walter Spicer will be fit again and looking forward to a good season. Douglas Hounsfield hopes to be with us again, as does Wilfred Farndale. We're on the lookout for another good batsman and a useful change bowler.

It was Arthur Spencer who gave the finest batting display for the home team at a match in July 1945, contributing 56 in good style, in which he hit six boundaries, two in one over from Bastow. He had a collection of £7 10s. Farndale was the only other batsman to put up anything like a defence, but he batted very cautiously, indeed too cautiously, at a time when runs were required. Farndale was undefeated with 13 runs to his credit when Saltaire were all dismissed for a paltry total of 96 runs in which it will be seen that Spencer scored more than half of those.

interesting game of cricket was witnessed on Baildon Green enclosure in May 1946, writes “Onlooker”, when E Edwards, a Baildon Green player brought a team from Ashton Hall South Yorkshire to play Baildon Green, who had the assistance of two Saltaire players, Edward Lambert and Wilfred Farndale.

Sanitary Inspector and Social Influencer

It may have been Wilf’s platform as a successful cricketer, that enabled him to influence his community in important, but less glamorous matters of his professional role as the District’s Sanitary Inspector. He clearly had the ability to inspire people to take interest in otherwise somewhat mundane issues.

Wilfred Farndale was educated at Salt High School, and Bradford and Leeds Technical Colleges. He joined Shipley Council in 1927. On leaving school, Wilf started work with Shipley Council in August 1927, as a clerk in the Sanitary Inspectors office at Somerset House.

In September 1929 Wilf passed his building exam. When the estimate of housing needs was prepared, I was told that had I been the Housing Inspector for a certain town in the West Riding, every house would have to be condemned, and yet it was made out that there was not a single unhealthy house in that town. Still we find that less than 9% of these people resided in houses that were regarded as in sanitary in that town. The figures given for Shipley are those of an idealist, are grossly unfair to Shipley, and should never have being circulated. I desire in conclusion to express my thanks to the members of the Public Health Committee and I would especially like to thank Mr W Farndale, for the able and hearty manner in which they have assisted me at all times.

In February 1930 Wilf passed the Trades Preliminary Course, 1st class.

Wilf qualified for the post of District Inspector in 1931. One year later the new Council offices were officially opened and Wilf worked in the Shipley Town Hall.

In March 1931 the final event of Shipley Health Week was a lecture and gymnastic display in the Victoria Hall, Saltaire, on Friday evening of last week, when a number large number of people attended. Councillor TJ Grey JP made presentations of prizes in connection with the “Knowledge of Foods” competition organised by the Institute of Hygiene. Councillor Grey explained that 30 statements were made regarding food and feeding, and competitors were asked to say which statements were correct and which were incorrect. The total number of entries received was 177, and the total number of errors 2,382. The average number of errors was 13, and the winner had only four mistakes, whilst even the worst attempt had nine correct replies. The first prize, a large basket of Empire Fruit, given by the Fruit Trades Federation, was won by Mr W Farndale, who had four errors, and who stated his intention of sending it to Saltaire hospital.

In June 1931, I congratulate Mr Wilfred Farndale, a member of the staff of the Sanitary Inspectors Department on the Shipley Urban Council, who has successfully passed examination for Sanitary Inspectors recently held at Bradford. Mr Farndale, who, by the way, is a promising young player of the Saltaire cricket club, was one of the eighteen candidates who “satisfied the examiners as to their competence to discharge the duties of a Sanitary Inspector.” The examination was held in connected the Royal Sanitary Institute and the Sanitary Inspectors Examination Joint Board.

In July 1931 Wilf passed his construction and drawing exam.

In June 1932 Wilf passed examination for inspectors of meat and other foods held by the Royal Sanitary Institute on in Leeds last week.

In January 1934 after their meeting on Thursday night, the members of the Windhill Co-operative Men’s Guild were loud in their praise for Mr Wilfred Farndale, MRSI, the Assistant Sanitary Inspector, who had deeply interested them with the first address he has made in public. Mr C Little presided, and Mr Farndale took his as his subject, “Sanitation in everyday life”, giving much information one needs to know in everyday life. Afterwards he also answered the members on various points, and an interesting discussion took place. A detailed report of Mr Farndale’s address will be given in our next issue.

In January 1934 Wilf presented a lecture. “Sanitation in Everyday Life” was the title of a paper Mr Wilfred Farndale MRSI, the assistant Sanitary Inspector at Shipley, gave to the members of the Co-op Men’s Guild, at the Cooperative Hall, Shipley on Thursday evening of last week. At the outset Mr Farndale pointed out to the members what a wide subject he had undertaken, and therefore he warned them that he only intended to touch upon the branches of the subject that he thought would be of greatest interest to the general public. As an introduction to his remarks he gave a short historical survey of the conditions which were present in years gone by, and this way vividly illustrated what had been done by various reforms to improve the health and social amenities of the people. The Middle Ages, he said, were notorious for the insanitary conditions which were present. Sanitation was non existent and people lived in the midst of filth and disease, the only agencies to scavenging being the wind, rain, dogs and pigs. Medieval ignorance and insanitation prevailed until about the middle of the 19th century, and water borne diseases such as typhoid, cholera and dysentery were rampant and carried off thousands of the population each year. Cholera epidemics were prevalent between 1830 and 1854, as a result of which 54,000 people died, but subsequently measures were taken for the improvement and safeguard safeguarding of water supplies; for the abolition of urban cesspools and their replacement by sewers; to the appointment of sanitary inspectors and the introduction of legislation for the amelioration of bad housing; while in 1875 was passed the most comprehensive Act dealing with Public Health Administration. This Act, Mr Farndale added, repealed practically the whole of previous legislation in connection with public health and consolidated them into one single piece of legislation made-up of no fewer than 343 sections. For the most part these were in operation at the present time, although quite a number of the sections in the Act had had their powers extended by subsequent Acts. Continuing, Mr Farndale informed his listeners that the Act to which he was referring dealt with such matters as the provision and keeping in repair.

Concerning water supply, he said people did not need to be reminded of the vital importance of a pure and abundant water supply. Modern conditions required an average of about 35 gallons of water per head per day, including the water used for trade and manufacturing purposes. It should be noted that water having every appearance of purity may at the same time be dangerous on account of the presence of microorganisms which have gained access to the water through defective or insufficient drainage systems.

Leaving water, Mr Farndale continued: “When one considers that every adult person inhales approximately 35 lbs of air daily or about five times the weight of solid and liquid food, it seems surprising that whilst so much attention has been given in the past to the production of pure food and water, the purification of the air, especially that of our large towns and cities, has received minor consideration. The unscientific burning of raw coal is the greatest cause of the pollution of the atmosphere,” he went on. “It is estimated that 200 million tonnes of raw coal are consumed annually in this country, of which 40 million tonnes are used for household purposes. Generally speaking the coal mined in this country is bituminous coal and this is this class of fuel which is the cause of the smoke nuisance.”

Next, Mr Farndale touched upon what perhaps is the question of the moment at Shipley. “Of late , the great drive for the abolition of unfit houses has grown in strength, culminating with the passing of the Housing Act of 1930 and recent pronouncements of the Minister of Health with reference to this problem”, he said. “The position today is that of attempting the clearance or improvement of all unfit houses within the next five years. Whether the year 1938 will see the removal of this class of property remains to be seen. Suffice it is to say that such a huge task has never been previously attempted, at least as far as local authorities are concerned.

In Shipley, it is true to state that this very important question of environmental hygiene has been given a great deal of attention and careful consideration by the local council, both in regard to the clearance of unfit houses and in the provision of suitable houses for the people displaced, and also for the increasing numbers of families in the district.

Nevertheless it must be borne in mind that just as “Rome was not built in a day”, so all bad housing conditions are not to be swept away by the stroke of a magic wand. The problem has continued to bristle with difficulties. People will still contest and still be content to live in insanitary and overcrowded conditions, unless they can obtain other accommodation at rent within their means. Further, it is obvious that resistance would be forthcoming from persons having to remove out of town to places far removed from their place of employment, with its resulting expenditure in travelling.”

Regarding the control and supervision of food supplies, Mr Farndale pointed out that the Public Health Act of 1875 and subsequent Acts had given wide powers for the inspection and seizure of diseased and unsound food, and alteration had also been included in the duties of the public health administration.

The speaker paid special attention to milk. “Probably no other single item of food has received such widespread attention during the past few years.” he said. “Experiments have proved beyond doubt that children in daily receipt of milk in school have their physical and mental well-being markedly improved, yet in spite of this fact, many people have still a firm objection to cow’s milk unless it is preserved or tinned.”

Mr Farndale showed how in order to produce satisfactory milk it was vital that the strictest precautions should be taken up to the time of the milk’s consumption.

In Shipley, he pointed out, the West Riding County Council’s Inspector paid a visit every quarter and examined each milk producing animal. In passing, he mentioned that the production of clean milk did not depend upon the elaborate fittings and buildings, but rather the personal factor was the most important.

In many ways he was ahead of his time in looking to convince his local community of environmental and health issues. He used lectures to be an early social influencer of issues he felt to be important.

Wilf gave another address on food to Shipley St John Ambulance Brigade at the Otley Road school, Shipley, on Wednesday, evening, Mr W Farndale, the Additional Sanitary Inspector to the Shipley Urban District Council stated that many foods were capable of causing diseases and poisoning in human beings. He dealt with various diseases spread through the agency of milk, and considered that, in order to overcome this danger, pasteurisation was an efficient means of rendering the milk supply safe. The diseases caused by shellfish were also dealt with, whilst Mr Farndale also stated that shellfish, when purchased should be alive, otherwise decomposition would in all probability have commenced, rendering the fish unfit for food. In conclusion Mr Farndale stated that all premises used for the preparation of food should be kept in a scrupulously clean condition, including all utensils and machinery. Unless these precautions were taken it was impossible to keep foods free from undesirable organisms.

In May 1935 Wilf exercised his regulatory responsibilities when he gave evidence in court. Mr Leslie Stott, deputy clerk of Shipley Urban Council, who appeared to prosecute, stated that on February 18, Mr Farndale, one of the Shipley Urban Council’s sanitary inspectors, was out taking milk samples for the purpose of testing for tuberculosis. He saw the defendant in Charles Street, Shipley, and asked him for a sample of milk and defendants said he had no milk. When Mr Farndale produced a small bottle and asked defendant if he had sufficient milk to fill the bottle, defendant replied there was not enough. Upon Mr Farndale looking into a can fixed to the cart, he saw it contained about 3 gallons, and defendant stated it was separated milk. Mr Farndale said that did not matter for the purpose for which he required the milk, but the defendant replied “No, I won't give you a sample,” and drove away. Mr Stott stated that the testing of milk was an important duty in order to be sure that tuberculosis was not spread through the district through the drinking of milk. Wilfrid Farndale, sanitary inspector, gave evidence bearing out Mr Stott’s statement. He said that defendant knew him, as he had inspected his premises six times during the past 2 ½ years. Defendant said “He asked me for new milk, and I told him I had no new milk”. Mr Farndale denied this. The magistrate's clerk, Mr A Cragg asked if there were any further questions and the defendant replied “no”.

In May 1943 I congratulate Mr Wilfred Farndale, District Sanitary Inspector of the Shipley Urban Council, in successfully having passed the recent examinations at Manchester for the Testamur of the Institute of Public Cleansing.

In July 1944 delegates from various parts of the West Riding were present at a successful meeting of the Royal Sanitary Institute which was held in the Victoria Hall, Saltaire, on Saturday. Shipley Urban Council was represented by councillors and by Mr W Farndale, Sanitary Inspector.

Mr Farndale has acquired a keen interest in free masonry from his father-in-law, Mr Will Dawson, who was a past Master of the Amity lodge, and a past Principal of the Knights Templars. He was also a past President of Shipley Rotary Club, like Mr Farndale who held that position in 1955 to 1956.

In April 1945 Amity Lodge of Freemasons 4148. Worshipful Master Stirling Lee was followed by a list including W Farndale.

From then, of course, he has risen to the position of Shipley’s Senior Public Health Inspector, which appointment he took up in 1946.

Unlicensed repairs to a house in December 1947 in Avondale Crescent, Shipley, were the subject of proceedings instituted by the Shipley Urban District Council. Mr. James Hall, employed by the Council as an Inspector in connection with the issue of building licences, said that on April 3, as a result of a complaint, he went to 19 Avondale Crescent, together with Mr W Farndale, senior sanitary inspector. He saw the owner. He explained that his mother-in-law had bought the house. There had been a burst which had necessitated immediate attention.

In March 1948 Shipley Urban Council opposition to Bradford's proposal of incorporation was presented by a number of people including Mr W Farndale, Sanitary Inspector.

In April 1948, Mr W Farndale, Shipley’s Senior Sanitary Inspector, informs me that the amount of waste paper collected in the Shipley during March was 23 tons 18 cwts, as against 16 tons 8 cwts 1 qr in March 1947. This shows an increase of 45.61% and can be considered as creditable. It is hoped this increase will be maintained and if possible improved upon during April and May.

In October 1949 applications were invited from men of sound physique for work as refuse collectors in the Council's Cleansing Department. JIC rates of wages and conditions of service, including holiday with pay scheme after qualifying period of employment. The posts are superannuable, 44 hours a week. Applications to be made to the undersigned, either in person or in writing giving age and present employment. W Farndale. Senior Sanitary Inspector and Cleansing Officer, Town Hall, Shipley.

In January 1951 he advocated that railway sanitation would go a long way to making this country a better one. Mr W Farndale, Shipley's Chief Sanitary Inspector, who's speaking on the campaign for clean food, replied that railways were a matter for governmental jurisdiction. Communal feeding, said Mr Farndale, had led to increased food poisoning. Factory canteens, while of great benefit to thousands of workers, increase the risk of food infection. A great responsibility for the health of factory workers depended on those on the care and vigilance of those preparing meals in such places.

A spate of questions and expressions of opinion followed up on Mr Farndale’s address. Mr J J Jevans felt there should be agitation for an improvement of the system of sanitation on long distance trains. He wondered whether the present system might cause the spread of infantile paralysis. Mr Farndale said he was not a medical man and could not be dogmatic on the point, but he thought the danger of spreading disease in this way would hardly compare with, say, that set up by the thousands of “privy pails” etc that still existed in some towns. Mr Farndale reminded the delegates that railways were government property, and therefore not subject to the Health Act or local bylaws... Councillor O B Raistrick recalled Mr Farndale's advocacy of pasteurised milk, and asked his opinion about sterilised milk. Mr Farndale answered that he wished to include sterilised milk with pasteurised milk. However he warned the delegates that whereas ordinary milk turned sour, sterilised milk was far more dangerous for, if allowed to stand, it did not “go off”, it went rotten. When a bottle of sterilised milk was opened it should be used straight away and none of it saved. The delegates’ thanks to Mr Farndale were expressed by Councillor W H Bannister, who paid high praise to Mr Farndale and staff for the very efficient way in which they carried out their work.

Conditions in certain local food shops came in for pointed criticism at last week's meeting of Shipley Trades Council. Mr Stanley Franks said he knew of a butcher's shop in the town where first thing in the morning one could regularly see the butcher smoking a cigarette as he was cutting the meat. Sometimes the ash on his cigarette would be half an inch long. He wondered if anything could be done to stop it. Shipley's senior sanitary inspector, Mr W Farndale, said he thought he knew this particular case, his department had taken the matter up with the butcher on several occasions. Mr Farndale assured him that inspection embraced all parts of the premises. Mr Farndale assured him that the running up this service was considered to be satisfactory. Mr Farndale doubted if they could do so in cases in which the fish was inside the shop, and not open to the street.

In November 1951 coupled with the Medical Officer's report is that of the Senior Sanitary Inspector and Cleansing Officer, Mr W Farndale. He again emphasises the housing problem. “It is no exaggeration to say that several hundred houses are almost ready for demolition,” he states. “The shortage of housing accommodation makes wholesale clearance impossible, and existing legislation does not allow of any but first aid repairs to the type of house under consideration.” Mr Farndale also expresses thanks to those who have helped and supported him during the year, with a special tribute to the cleansing staff “who have carried out their various and often unpleasant duties conscientious well”.

Wilf was appointed to the National and Local Government Officers’ Association. The National and Local Government Officers' Association was a British trade union representing mostly local government white collar workers. It was formed in 1905 as the National Association of Local Government Officers, and changed its full name in 1952 while retaining its widely used acronym, NALGO. By the late 1970s it was the largest British white collar trade union, with over 700,000 members. It was one of three unions which combined to form UNISON in 1993. With the growth in membership in sectors outside local government such as health, gas and electricity, the union changed its full name in 1952, to the National and Local Government Officers' Association, while still retaining the acronym NALGO. It amalgamated with various smaller unions including the British Gas Staff Association in 1963. It reached 300,000 members by 1964. It finally became a TUC affiliate, after many years of fractious internal argument, in 1964.

On 26 November 1951 Mr Wilfred Farndale, Senior Sanitary Inspector to Shipley Council, was elected president of Shipley Branch of NALGO.

Shipley Branch of the National Association of Local Government Officers held their annual meeting in the Town Hall, Shipley, on Monday evening. Mr Wilfred Farndale, the Senior Sanitary Inspector for Shipley Urban District Council, was unanimously elected president for the coming year. The appointment comes after many years with the branch. Mr Farndale was educated at Salt High School, and Bradford and Leeds Technical Colleges. He joined Shipley Council in 1927 and was appointed District Sanitary Inspector in 1931, in which position he remained until 1946 when he was appointed Senior Sanitary Inspector Shipley.

Wilfred’s father James Arthur Farndale died in 1952. Farndale, James Arthur of 23 Sandals Road, Baildon, Yorkshire died 1 March 1952 at Cheapside Bradford Probate London 9 April to Florence Edith Farndale, widow and Wilfred Farndale sanitary inspector. Effects £2649 1s 5d.

At Christmas 1952 the Senior Sanitary Inspector and Cleansing Officer, Mr W Farndale, makes a report, which includes a section on housing. He writes: “Reference has been made in previous reports to the housing position in the town, particularly those areas of back-to-back houses erected some 80 to 100 years ago. Due to circumstances outside the control of the Council, progress in housing work generally, apart from new buildings, has been extremely slow. The erection of new houses will not by itself solve the desperate problem now facing the country. It should not be overlooked that the maintenance of existing properties in a sound state of repairs is a matter of first importance. The suspension in 1939 of slump clearance has resulted in further deterioration of many properties which, in normal circumstances would have long ago disappeared, whilst at the same time owners have been unwilling to spend money on houses which, to their knowledge, would undoubtedly be considered for clearance at the first available opportunity. In the case of many back-to-back properties action can only be taken under the Public Health Act for the abatement of defects causing nuisance. This is an extremely slow procedure and causes annoyance and bewilderment to the tenants and a sense of frustration to the officers endeavouring to maintain reasonable conditions in this type of dwelling. This difficulty is fully appreciated by the committee and towards the end of the year serious consideration was given to the possibility of recommending slum clearance, even though it was realised that this could only be done on a restricted scale and in relation to the very worst properties in the town.” Concerning food inspection, Mr Farndale writes “This work is of an unspectacular nature and emphasis has to be placed on education and encouragement, rather than prosecution, in dealing with the practical application of food and drugs legislation.

Mr Bradford Lloyd was the speaker at the weekly meeting of Shipley Rotary Club yesterday, Tuesday, lunchtime. The vote of thanks to the speaker was moved by Rotarian Wilfred Farndale.

In January 1953, it was asked, are there any among Shipley ratepayers some who regard a certain type of law breaking with an indulgent eye? It seemed so, otherwise the Senior Sanitary Inspector, Mr W Farndale, believes he could clear up the mystery why collections of kitchen waste dropped from 244 tonnes in 1950 to 217 tonnes in 1951. “There is no doubt that there are numbers of unauthorised collectors at work whose identities must be known to many ratepayers,” he says in his recently published report for 1951. “The latter, however, are unwilling to supply definite information which would lead to the apprehension of the culprits.” The effect was again most noticeable approaching Christmas time, Mr Farndale told Observatory. It always was. When people were fattening their stock for the Christmas table, the weights collected dropped by a good quarter, but now they have begun to pick up again. It may be called “waste”, but the surplus food collected in the bins is obviously not wasted.

In May, Shipley Rotary Club last night appointed Mr Edward Hurst, one of its youngest members, as president. Mr A W Mitchell was elected secretary for the 5th successive year, and was also made senior vice president, with Mr W Farndale as junior vice president.

There was an enjoyable inspection of Shipley’s waterworks when a party of thirty spent a jolly afternoon in picturesque surroundings in July 1953. Old boys, new boys and one new girl made up a jolly party last Wednesday when Shipley Council members and officials had their annual waterworks inspection. That tunnel was no joke. Up a dark slope, with a low roof and a big water pipe stuck through the middle of the tunnel, greasy under foot, and those iron rung ladders to climb for 4000 (or nearly!), flights. We survived, and Ernest Pears, who was pace making, joined us all at the filtration plant. A look round there and we were off again to see how the Council’s afforestation scheme was getting along. Again Ernest Pears led the way with an unconcerned leap over the wall, drawing from Senior Sanitary Inspector Wilf Farndale the remark, “He bestrides the world like a Colossus-Shakespeare I think.”

Wilf was a keen gardener and collector of classical gramophone records. Mr Farndale’s one big spare time activity is the cultivating of roses, and his garden is packed with a varied selection of them. Indeed these beautiful specimens which are about 550 in number, have won Mr Farndale numerous prizes. He is a regular exhibitor at the Shipley and District Allotment Holders and Gardeners Association shows, and his exhibits are well worth viewing as I saw for myself when he showed me his garden. Also proudly showing in the garden at the rear of his bungalow are colourful apple and pear trees, which are invariably packed with hordes of fruit. Another hobby is the collecting of classical gramophone records of which he has a large selection.

In September 1953 in spite of heavy rainstorms of the previous week, there was a record entry and some outstanding exhibits at the Shipley District Gardeners and Allotment Holder’s 20th Annual Flower and Vegetable Show held in the Victoria Hall, Saltaire on Saturday. In the onions, spring sown, Wilf took third prize.

In December 1953, a Public inquiry into Shipley Council’s scheme to declare a section of the north side of Leeds Road, Windhill, a clearance area to be known as “Woodend Clearance Area” was opened at Shipley Town Hall yesterday. The council's team included Mr W Farndale, Senior Sanitary Inspector.

Doctor J Battersby, Medical Officer of Health, said the houses were about 100 years old and of the back-to-back type. They were unfit for human habitation by reason of disrepair or sanitary defects, and dangerous or injurious to health by reason of their bad arrangement. Mr W Farndale, Senior Sanitary Inspector, denied that the fact of the properties position in the middle of the area to be developed had exerted any degree of priority.

The Public Inquiry into Shipley Council’s application for confirmation of their compulsory clearance order for the Woodend area of Windhill, which began on Tuesday last, closed on Wednesday. Mr Payton said he admitted the frank and fair way in which Mr Farndale and Dr Battersby had given their evidence and answered questions.

At their meeting on Tuesday night Shipley Council approved the preparation of a five year programme for the clearance of unfit areas totalling 701 houses and 21 other properties and that a survey of the houses in in the Union Street Dublin. Mr W Farndale, Senior Sanitary Inspector of the Council, said that the “most immediate complaint to” his department had received had been made by the occupant of No 171 about a week before and after an inspection was made by the Council, the council were obliged to take immediate action.

In January 1954 at the Rotarian meeting, a vote of thanks to the speaker was moved by Rotarian Wilfred Farndale.

In August 1954 at the end of 1953 there were still 554 waste water closets in the Shipley Urban Council’s area, but the figure was a reduction of 123 on the previous year. This is revealed in the Annual Report at the Senior Sanitary Inspector, Mr W Farndale, in which he states that the year saw the commencement of a scheme for converting or abolishing waste water closets in the town. “Many of these waste water closets were not in use due to the fact that inside accommodation had already been provided, and in these cases the owners were requested to abolish these fittings and repair the drainage. The Council also commenced a full year programme of conversion of those closets which provided the only accommodation for the houses, but for various reasons it was not possible to start work until October,” writes Mr Farndale.

The electric lethal chamber at Shipley Council's Cleansing Department was again extensively used during 1953, states the Annual Report of Shipley Sanitary Inspector, Mr W Farndale. During the year 224 dogs and 208 cats were dealt with, a reduction of 77 dogs and an increase of 21 cats as compared with 1952. The report states that the provision of the apparatus has proved an extremely valuable asset to the town. Ailing and stray animals can be painlessly put away instead of, as formerly, being allowed to roam the streets, or be destroyed by methods which were not always humane. Thanks are due to the RSPCA who installed the chamber and who carried out all repairs as required without cost to the Council” writes Mr Farndale.

In May 1954 Wilf was elected Senior Vice President of the Rotarians.

In July 1955, the very foundation of Rotary is in vocation, with every member representing a different business or profession,” said Mr Wilfred Farndale, Senior Sanitary Inspector to Shipley Council, when he was inducted president of Shipley Rotary Club at their meeting yesterday, Tuesday, lunch time. Mr Farndale continued: “Vocational service begins with your businesses or professions, with encouragement in industry and hard work. Their due reward should go hand in hand with achievement. Members can do much to ensure pride in craftsmanship, which appears to be in danger of disappearing.” He said there was a wide field of community service in which members could work. Mr Farndale was invested with the chain of office by the retiring president, Mr. A W Mitchell, who in turn was presented with the retiring badge of honour by Mr Farndale.

Rotarians in business who had the opportunity of bringing influence to bear could do much to ensure pride in craftsmanship, which appeared to be in danger of disappearing, said Mr W Farndale, Shipley Senior Sanitary Inspector, after being inducted as president Shipley Rotary Club yesterday. The foundation of Rotary was in vocation, he said. The welfare state had provided many advantages, but the heed for voluntary service still existed. In mental health and other matters, Rotary could assist with service to the community he said. Mr Farndale was inducted by the retiring president, Mr A W Mitchell.

Mr A W Mitchell, the retiring president of Shipley Rotary Club, yesterday places the Insignia of office on his successor, Mr Wilfred Farndale

At 7.30pm on 20 September 1955 Mr W Farndale, MSIA, AM inst. PC, Senior Sanitary Inspector, SUDC gave a lecture on Slum Clearance in the Co-operative cafe, Shipley. Refreshments were provided.

Mr W Farndale, Shipley's Sanitary Inspector gave a most interesting talk on “Housing and Slum Clearance,” in the Windhill Co-operative cafe last Tuesday evening, as the first of a series of talks organised by the Windhill Co-operative Society Education Committee. Mr Farndale was welcomed by Mr Wood, who said that the speaker needed little introduction, being a well known figure in Shipley. Mr Farndale first pointed out that he was expressing his own views, and they were not necessarily those of Shipley Council. He said that in the old days, the word “slum” generally referred to in fact to the conditions caused by the tenants, but that in his address the word “slum” should be taken to refer only to the housing conditions. Slums had grown mostly in the last 100 years, mainly because of the absence of by laws and legislation. The industrial revolution had brought many people to the towns to work in the factories, and it was then that the problem developed. Houses were having to be built on any spare ground; there was there were no definite plans; no good airspace; and often houses were built in the form of flats, on top of one another. Many cellars were left, and there were sometimes up to 60 or 70 houses to the acre. Baths, he said, were unknown, and the rooms were low. If there were any windows in the house, they often did not open. Mr Farndale finished his address by saying he hoped the people present realised that the clearing of “bad property” with rather a lengthy business, but a task which provided its compensations in the knowledge that people were being transferred to new, brighter, more pleasant and healthier surroundings. Questions and discussions followed Mr Farndale’s talk, and refreshments were served. Later in the evening films were shown on the epidiascope.

There was a call for fresh thinking in October 1955. With the need for trade union leaders to draw up a code of ethics governing the right to strike, there must be the equal need of teaching every man and woman on the factory floor about the basic facts of our industrial life. Mr W Farndale, President presided.

Shipley had 2,547 back-to-back houses in 1954 and apart from those premises to be pulled down, there were about 1,800 cottages which could not be described as unfit for habitation, simply because they were back-to-back, states Mr W Farndale, Senior Sanitary Inspector in his Annual Report for 1954.

Officials’ guests at the 22nd Annual ladies evening of Shipley Rotary Club on Wednesday in the Victoria town hall in December 1955. Left to right: Rotarian Wilf Farndale, President of Shipley Rotary Club and third from left, Mrs Farndale

Once again the Shipley Rotary Club's annual Ladies’ Evening, this year was the 22nd, proved a popular social occasion at the Victoria Hall, Saltaire, on Wednesday evening when it took the form of a dinner dance. The guests numbering over 230 were welcomed by the President, Rotarian Wilf Farndale, and Mrs Farndale, before sitting down to dinner, which was served in the main hall with the top table backing onto the foot of the stage. Members of the club brought their own parties, and they were seated on tables around the hall. The hall was brightened by a number of fairy lights, flowers, and a large illuminated Rotary Crest beneath the balcony.

In April 1956, “You may ask why a man goes fishing,” Mr Billy Scott Cooper, a BBC talent scout, told the Shipley Times at the “Top of the Town” final at the Victoria Hall last Wednesday evening. Distinguished personages present included Mr W Farndale and Mrs Farndale, chairman of Shipley Inner Wheel.

There was another hearing about an objection to a clearance order in April 1956. “It does seem to me that at a time when the country's economic state is what it is, and we are urged to avoid capital expenditure, consideration should be given to any means by which existing houses can still be used”. The Council served a formal notice, and the wall was rebuilt at considerable expense to the neighbour. Mr Lister put it to Mr Farndale that the chief reasons for unfitness were that the houses were back-to-back, and had outside lavatories. Mr Farndale agreed that those were the worst defects. Mr Lister said “Many of those houses have attics. Would it not be possible to install a lavatory and possibly a bathroom? It could be done. Have the council considered doing that to the houses they have bought in this area?” “Not to my knowledge”. “Would you agree that a number of tenants have made improvements which might justify claims for their houses being well maintained?” “Yes I think so”. In reply to the inspector, Mr Farndale mentioned such improvements as installing electric light, new sinks, fireplaces and general decorations.

In June 1956, a colourful personality is Rotarian Ulrich Atkinson, the new president of Shipley Rotary Club, who succeeds the present president, Rotarian Wilf Farndale, on Tuesday, July 3.

In March 1957 Baildon Cooperative Women's Guild held a very interesting and informative address last Tuesday by Mr W Farndale the Senior Public Health Officer to Shipley Council, on “The work of a Public Health Inspector”. He spoke of the improvements in sanitation over the last 50 years, and how a good many older houses were being modernised, and having new sinks, bath and toilets installed. Many of the council houses which had been built recently had the very latest types of fireplace installed for improved heating.

In September 1958 questions covering many aspects in the setting up of Shipley’s first smokeless zone, in the Saltaire and Hurstwood area, were put to a panel of experts by an audience of affected residents, and other interested people, in the Victoria Hall, Saltaire, on Wednesday. During the course of the evening the audience saw a film, “Guilty chimneys,” and afterwards was invited to question the panel, which consisted of individuals including Mr Wilf Farndale, Senior Public Health Inspector for Shipley.

In October 1958 Mr Farndale spoke of the Clean Air Act 1956 as a means of promoting better health for the community.

In December 1958, the effects of the Rents Act, which came into operation on July 6, 1957, are discussed by the Public Health Inspector, Mr W Farndale, in his 12th Annual Report to the Council. Mr Farndale places on record his thanks to the chairman, vice chairman and members of the health committee for their interest and support.

Another attack on the apathetic members of the Shipley and Baildon District Traders Association, this time those who handled foodstuffs, was made at the quarterly meeting at the association in the Conservative Club in July 1959 “I deeply regret that traders have not turned up tonight, for if they had come it would have shown Mr Farndale that we support the campaign,” he said. Mr W Farndale, the Senior Public Health Inspector, then gave a short talk on the 1955 Food Drugs Act, followed by a film.

Did you know that a caterer, or his premises, could be disqualified for a maximum of two years for not complying with clean food regulations? That was only one of the interesting points raised by Mr W Farndale, Shipley’s Senior Public Health Inspector, who gave the lecture. I enjoyed Mr Farndale’s talk, and was particularly pleased with the sound and colour film which followed, “The Findus Film.” We were told that there were for example 100 different varieties of frozen foods made in Sweden where it was a race with time to collect it from fields, process and packet... Mr Wilfred Farndale, Senior Public Health Inspector for Shipley Council, said that as soon as anyone placed refuse on a tip it became the property of Shipley Urban Council. No one had any right to go onto a tip without the Council's permission. Mr Farndale said that at the end of the week all the scrap metal found on the tip was sold as salvage to a local dealer and proceeds of the sale went towards the rate fund.

In September 1960 Councillor Mrs C Turner, vice chairman of the Public Health and Housing Committee and Mr W Farndale, Senior Public Health Inspector, have been appointed to represent Shipley Council at the Clean Air Conference at Harrogate on October 5 to 7. The conference is the 27th to be organised by the National Society for Clean Air, and will be attended by 900 or more members and delegates, representing local authorities, government departments, national fuel authorities, private firms and others.

There were 127 complaints of rats or mice infestations during 1959 reports the Senior Shipley Public Health Inspector, Mr W Farndale, in the Annual Report. All told 416 complaints were dealt with in the year ranging from housing defects to choked drains, agreed decrease of 69 compared with 1958.

The local respect for Wilf was summarised in an article about him in September 1960:

Quiet, unassuming and popular are perhaps the three best ways of describing Wilf Farndale, Shipley’s Senior Public Health Inspector, former Saltaire and Baildon cricketer and a past president of Shipley Rotary Club. He is one of the most liked and respected citizens of Baildon where he has lived for over 25 years. Wilf Farndale is a man who is always willing to help others and give encouragement where needed.

Born at Clayton in 1910, Wilf and family came to live at Saltaire four years later and soon afterwards he began to attend Albert Road Junior School. His later school was Salts Boys High School.

His father, Mr. James Arthur Farndale, was manager of the drawing department at Salts Mill. He died in 1952, ten years after his retirement. His mother still lives in Baildon.

It was his father who first instigated a love of cricket in Wilf’s heart, and on moving to Saltaire, the pair soon became ardent supporters of the Robert’s Park club. In those days Wilf recalls watching Sydney Barnes and many other famous players.

He also accumulated an immense interest and passion for the “noble game” while at Salts School, and was soon turning in fine performances there. He was appointed captain at the school 1st XI, and also skippered his house team (Celts, now Latins). At the age of 13 he was also launching out on his Bradford League career, making several appearances with Saltaire’s second team. His first debut for the club was not exactly auspicious. He was clean bowled first ball by Harold Dunn, the former Baildon player, in a match at Idle. However, Wilf can take heart from the fact that many more noted players, have made similar starts.

On leaving school, Wilf started work with Shipley Council in August 1927, as a clerk in the Sanitary Inspectors office at Somerset House. He qualified for the post of District Inspector in 1931, after studying at Shipley, Bradford and Leeds Technical Colleges. One year later the new Council offices were officially opened and Wilf has been working in the Shipley Town Hall ever since. From then, of course, he has risen to the position of Shipley’s Senior Public Health Inspector, which appointment he took up in 1946.

At an early age he secured a regular place in the Saltaire 1st XI as “a promising opening batsman,” and was playing with and against the best players of the time.

In his first spell with Saltaire which lasted from 1924 to 1938 Wilf played many hundreds of games, and scores of fine innings, but undoubtedly the one which he and many others remember best was the one he played in the “Marathon Game” at Baildon in 1938. The match was marked by a feat which to this day has not been equalled to, there were four centuries scored, two on each side. Baildon made 259-1, and the man out, George Senior, got a “duck”. Ronnie Burnett scored 152 not out and Bob Edney 100 not out. Jim Laker the former Surrey and England bowler was one of the most punished of all on this day of run getting.

Baildon declared their innings closed before the allotted time had run out, but then Saltaire fought back tremendously to score the necessary runs for the loss of Edgar Lambert, who scored a half century. Eddie Hutton was 105 not out and Wilf Farndale put his name in the record books with a fine unbeaten 102.

The following year he joined the Jenny Lane club where he stayed for four years before returning to his former battlefield, Roberts Park. He was with Salter then when he retired in 1948.

During those years in the Bradford league, Wilf played with and against such eminent players as Tom Goddard, Bill Copson, Bill Voce, Alf Coxon, all with Saltaire, Arthur Mitchell, who was captain over Wilf at Baildon and George Senior. The player whom he considers the best and most feared he has played against in the Bradford league was Sandy Jack, the fast bowler, who played with Saltaire and then Undercliffe.

The most accomplished batsman whom Wilf played against was the renowned Len Hutton. “You just couldn't get him out,” said Wilf, who played often when Hutton and Edgar Oldroyd used to open the Pudsey innings. Charlie Lee was another great batsman with whom Wilf played.

His only other active sporting activity has been soccer and for three years Wilf was star outside left of the Saltaire Methodist Church team in the Sunday school League, and looked like developing into an excellent player. Then at the end of one season Wilf, who was not originally playing, went along to watch the team at Thackley. When he arrived he was asked to play as they were one man short. The game had not been in progress long before he found himself in a duel for the ball, from which he came out worst and sustained a broken collarbone. That decided Wilf that he would give up soccer and concentrate on cricket.

Mr Farndale has acquired a keen interest in free masonry from his father-in-law, Mr Will Dawson, who was a past Master of the Amity lodge, and a past Principal of the Knights Templars. He was also a past President of Shipley Rotary Club, like Mr Farndale who held that position in 1955 to 1956.

About the work of Shipley Council, Mr Farndale said “We're doing pretty well in Shipley at the moment. The biggest job we have had has been the pulling down of unsatisfactory houses, but we haven't any real slums as such now, as in the bigger towns.”

Mr Farndale and his charming wife, who were married in 1935, have lived at their home in Temple Rydding for the past 25 years. They have two children, Joan, who is married and lives in at Stretford near Manchester, and 17 year old Keith, a former pupil of Bradford Grammar School, who is now an assistant at the quantity surveyors in Leeds. Joan, who's 23, and her husband, Mr Christopher Darling, a sub editor on the “News Chronicle” have one child who is almost four months old.

Mrs Farndale was born at Mottram in Longdendale, near Hyde in Cheshire, but came to live in Baildon soon afterwards.

Mr Farndale’s one big spare time activity is the cultivating of roses, and his garden is packed with a varied selection of them. Indeed these beautiful specimens which are about 550 in number, have won Mr Farndale numerous prizes. He is a regular exhibitor at the Shipley and District Allotment Holders and Gardeners Association shows, and his exhibits are well worth viewing as I saw for myself when he showed me his garden.

Also proudly showing in the garden at the rear of his bungalow are colourful apple and pear trees, which are invariably packed with hordes of fruit.

Another hobby is the collecting of classical gramophone records of which he has a large selection.

Whether on the field of play at cricket or football or simply on the street, Wilf Farndale is always the same, and a more affable person one could not wish to meet. He gives one the impression of being content and enjoying himself in his work, his leisure, and in his garden.

Wilfred and Kathleen’s granddaughter, Anne, remembered, as for Granny, Kathleen Farndale, I know a few bits about her occupational history, and her life, during my own lifetime if that is of any interest. Sadly, I never met Grandad, Wilf Farndale, but I do recall meeting a lady who I believe was his mother, in a nursing home in Shipley - I believe I may have photos of her, and of Wilfred and Kathleen Farndale. Granny Farndale was a great artist, and won a competition to show her work in Selfridges in London. Joan Farndale, was also a good artist.

Wilfred Farndale, died in Worth Valley District, Yorkshire aged 54 in the first quarter of 1965 (DR).

Wilfred Farndale of 53 Temple Rhydding Drive, Baildon, Yorkshire died on 26 January 1965 at Chaddersley House, Kirkgate, Shipley, Yorkshire. Anne recalls that she was told that Wilfred Farndale passed away, in a Council Committee meeting - from a heart attack and this was confirmed at the time, by a friend, who was a Committee member, who was a Clinician.

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The webpage of Wilfred Farndale includes a chronology and research notes.