Thanks to Margaret Brooksbank and the Derbyshire Ancestral Research Group for this contribution

Bits & Bobs From The Newspapers

1925 Jan 30th.  Last weekend a horse attached to a dray belonging to Mr THOMAS FOX of Leabrooks sliped near the VICTORIA HOTEL Leabrooks bolted and came into a collision with a lamp post.  Owing to the smooth surface of the road 5 horses are known to have been down in one week. 

1927 Mar 25th.   WILLIAM HOLDING aged 5 of the council houses SOMERCOTES was accidentally shot in the eye while he and a friend were playing with toy BOWS & ARROWS.  The boy was conveyed to DRI where it was necessary to remove the eye.

1928 Aug 28th.   On Thursday last ROBERT HUCKERBY 66 a retired miner of 19 Cermetery Rd and CATHERINE MARSHALL of Swanwick an ELDERLY COURTING COUPLE were knocked down by CHARLES EDWARD SMITH who was motorcycling home to Alfreton.  They were conveyed to Chesterfield Hospital where the man died shortly after admission, the woman is on the road to recovery.

1930 Oct 24.  As the NEW ACT will become effective on Jan 1st 1931 and the premiums will fluctuate, get your VEHICLE INSURED before that date.  Fully Comprehensive 8HP cars £6.15s.  MORRIS COWLEY £9.0.0, NEW FORDS £11.00.

1931 Nov 13th.  A very successful MENS ARMISTICE SERVICE was held in the Parish Church Somercotes.  The Rev Dr IRWIN Vicar of Duffield was the Preacher. On Tuesday evening there was a service of WOMEN, the Rev P A SHARP Vicar of Selston preached.  Offertories at both services were for the DRI. 

1934 May 3rd.  Premier Somercotes.  A thrilling drama “YELLOW COMMUNIST RISINGS” will be screened on the 1st 3 days.  Next week starring SPENCER TRACY in ”SHANGHI  MADNESS”

1934 Jun 14th.  Mr THOMAS PARKIN of Lorne House Charles St Leabrooks, Joint Principal of Messrs TAYLOR & PARKIN Builders & Cointractors of Leabrooks who died Oct 6th aged 65 left Estate to the gross value of £2025.4.4 net £1524.6.4.  Probate granted to JOHN WM BOWER of Swanwick & WM PARKIN Junior of Riddings.

1940 Feb 2nd.  At Alfreton Petty Sessions on Wednesday PERCY RYLE 58 Licensee of the BLACK HORSE INN Lower Somercotes was summoned for selling intoxicating liquor during non permitted hours on CHRISTMAS DAY.  His daughter Miss IRIS RYLE 27 barmaid was summoned for aiding and abetting, and FRANK DICKENS 32 OF Littlemore Newton was summoned for consuming the liquor.

1934 Apr 26th.  In accordance with our ANNUAL CUSTOM we beg to announce that the CUCKOO made its appearance at Alfreton on April 20th.  It was heard warbling in POND WOOD.  This will probably cause an official inquiry as the CUCKOO is not supposed to start its performance until the GOVERNMENTS SCHEDULE SUMMERTIME is in operation.  The CUCKOOS excuse will be that the best of governments are unable to GOVERN THE WEATHER