PARISH RECORDS Supplied By Local Historian Stuart McLoughlin

Loose letter from Mr. Breakell-Moss, Manor House, Longton, offering apologies for missing the meeting, “As regards the War Memorial, I think that whatever form it takes – the main thing should be raised by the Parish.  A brass tablet with the names of the fallen might be placed in the Church, but for the Parish, an Institute would fill a long felt want and could be used by everyone.  I suppose a Parish meeting will have to be called and if it decides upon an Institute, which I think it ought, is successful in raising the money, the building might be put up and then handed over to the Parish Council, who could then form a Committee and co-opt others, say those interested in the Girl’s Club, Comrades of the Great War, Ambulance classes etc., so that the girls and men might have the full use of it.” Page 230 The question of a War Memorial for the district was then discussed and it was resolved that a Parish Meeting be called for Friday, December 20th, 1918, at 7.30pm. Longton Parish Council Annual Meeting  20th December, 1918  -  LRO Ref PR2849/5 Page 98 A Parish Meeting was held this day in Longton School, about 45 persons being present, Mr. Dodd being elected to the Chair. After the notice convening the Meeting had been read, the Chairman explained the reason the meeting had been called and the object viz. “To consider the question of a War Memorial for the Parish, and if considered desirable, the form such a memorial should take.” Rev. W. H. Norris suggested that the memorial should take the form of a Victory Memorial. Mr. A. M. Breakell-Moss suggested that the first question was to decide if the Parish intends to have a Memorial, or whether it should be left to the Churches and Chapels.  His opinion was that such a Memorial should take the form of an Institute which was greatly needed in the village, and that it should be used not only as a place of amusement, but as a means of education and which should be used as a meeting place for the several organisations in the district, and which could be handed over to the Parish Council on completion, which could co-opt a number of persons to assist in the management. Mr. Syke was pleased the meeting had been called and that the opportunity had now come for Longton to decide for an Institution, and suggested it should be a combined memorial, to celebrate the Victory, and also in some form to perpetuate the Memory of the fallen. Mr. Sykes proposed:- “That this meeting desire to commemorate the magnificent Victory of Britain and her Allies in the Great European War of 1914 – 1918 by erecting a Parish Institute in Longton through voluntary public subscription. Mr. Howarth seconded. Mr. Breakell-Moss supported. Mr. Taylor proposed an amendment:- “That the memorial take the form of a suitable obelisk or such form of ornamental monument placed in some prominent position in the village. Mr. Shorrock seconded. On being put to the vote, the amendment was lost. (Only seven voted for) The motion was carried. Longton Parish Council 28th May, 1919 LRO Ref;- 2849/1 Page 239 It was resolved that a Parish Meeting be called on Tuesday next, June 24th, to consider the result of the recent canvass for the proposed war memorial and, to decide on a scheme for the Parish and that the same be announced at the several places of worship the previous Sunday. Longton Parish Council  24th June, 1919  LRO Ref:- 2849/5 Page 104 Special Parish Meeting held in the Longton School The Chairman explained that a complete survey of the Parish had almost been made.(So far £630  9s  0d) had been definitely promised.  The result of the canvass was considered disappointing in view of the amount required for a village Institute.  The meeting being now thrown open for discussion and suggestion.  Rev. W. H. Norris remarked that a recreation ground appealed to him as an alternative scheme. Mr. Heald asked if in the event of an alternative scheme would the promised contributions still stand.  The Chairman was of the opinion that a new canvass should be made. It was resolved:-    “That a recreation ground be purchased as Victory Memorial.  That a Committee consisting of Messrs. A.M. Breakell-Moss, J. Sykes and R. Winter, with power to add two more to the number if they desire, be appointed to select suitable sites of about 5 acres. That the previous Canvassing Committee be again appointed to canvass the Parish that £1,000 should be arrived at. A future Parish Meeting to be called to receive a report of the canvass and of the selection committee. Longton Parish Council 21st June, 1920 LRO Ref;- 2849/5 Page 107 Special Parish Meeting held in the Longton School. The Chairman put the resolution which was carried unanimously. It was proposed by Mr. Sykes and seconded by Mr. Howarth that the additional land on the south west side of the School Lane footpath be secured.  Carried unanimously. Resolved:- “That a Committee be appointed to carry into effect the decisions of this meeting and that the land when acquired should be vested in the Parish Council.” (Moss and Heald) Longton Parish Council  17th March, 1921 Page 110 The Chairman explained that arrangements had been made with the prospective owner and the solicitor engaged was now drawing up details with reference to the prospective butts that considerable progress had been made and permission to go onto the ground had been given. Longton Parish Council 26th May, 1921 Page 251 The meeting had been called for the purpose of receiving the draft of sale of land for recreation ground in Longton. Resolved “that the draft be approved subject to the deletion of the following words in the second schedule of the draft viz. ‘or by persons residing within a distance of a mile outside any boundary of the said townships’ and by adding the following words ‘whether resident within the said Township of Longton or not.’ Longton Parish Council 7th October, 1921 Page 252 Re grant of land:- Resolved “That the land offered by the Memorial Committee be accepted by the Council.  That the title deeds for the land be deposited with the Manchester and Liverpool District bank for safe custody.”      If you have any details or photos from this period please lend them to us for 24 hrs or better still scan them and send them to us.