14th July 1968
Bygone Tradesman Was Twice Mayor of Pontefract

The article about the Pontefract firm of Vaux Bros Ltd., which appeared a fortnight ago in our series, ‘They have served you for many years,’ has brought some added detail from Councillor Mary Nunns, Chairman of KUDC.

The David Longstaff referred to in the article - he was the shops owner in 1820 - was Councillor Nunn's mother's grandfather, Councillor Nunns tells me, adding that her mother is living with her. Before he became the owner Mr. Longstaff served his time as an apprentice.

The Canadian visitor who, as mentioned in the article, called at Vaux premises recently, was Councillor Nunns cousin, Mrs Yorke, of Brandon, Manitoba.

Councillor Nuns tells me that, like herself, Mrs Yorke is a great grandaughter of Mr. Longstaff who owned the business and not gt gt grandaughter as we stated.

She continues: "He was Mayor of Pontefract in 1847 and 1848. Alderman Longstaff, as he was then, was also one of the founders of the Dispensary, now the Pontefract Infirmary, his name being on the board in the entrance until modernisation some years ago."

She concludes her letter: "I would like to thank your staff for writing this article and say how much pleasure it gave my family."

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