29th
December 1939
A War Christmas, But Pontefract Retains its Observances
In
spite of the blackout and travelling restrictions, the first war-time
Christmas for 21 years was celebrated almost normally in Pontefract and
the district. Markets and shops were busy, and the number of people
travelling seemed even larger than usual.
Again,
a good many people left the town to swell the large number of soldiers
travelling on Christmas leave. All three railway stations in Pontefract
report a very active holiday with about the same number of civilians
travelling as last year. Buses too, were in great demand, and the
drastic reduction in services following the outbreak of war was keenly
felt for perhaps the first time. Many of those who had remained at home
also braved the black-out - though the nights were not too dark for a
visit to the cinema, and the four houses in the town were as busy as
normal.
Large
congregations attended Christmas services in the churches, some of which
were seasonably decorated. The Bishop of Pontefract, the Rt. Reverend T.
Longsworth, was an unexpected visitor at the Pontefract Parish Church on
Christmas Day, and read the lessons. At three celebrations of Holy
Communion there were over 250 communicants, including a good many
soldiers. At All Saint’s Church, where a service of preparation was
held on Sunday, there were 120 communicants, and for the first time for
many years, a crib was placed near the font for the children. Special
Christmas music, hymns and carols were a feature of the services in all
the churches.
Christmas
parcels and cards for the British Expeditionary Force in France made the
Post Office authorities exceptionally busy, and a full compliment of
staff and 88 casual workers were kept hard at work for over a week to
avoid being swamped. There was again evidence that the public were
answering the request to "Post early for Christmas" however,
for yesterday week the 21st, was the busiest day of the holiday - and
for many years - whereas last year the busiest day was the 22nd and the
year before, the 23rd. One thousand items were disposed of yesterday
including 32,000 from Pontefract.
1939 INDEX
