Horse and cart in a school playground, near St. Ann's Church, Chasetown

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Date:1919

Description:The cart's slogan "Coal helped to Win Victory" refers to the importance of the mining industry's effort in World War I. The man standing with the stick, and wearing a leather cap is George Willetts.
The cart was probably part of a procession at the village fete celebrating the end of the war.
St. Ann's Church was funded by Cannock Chase Colliery Company, of which Mr. Sopwith, was the managing Director.

Mr Martin Holdcroft has kindly provided us with some more information: "George Willetts is a member of my family by marriage. He married Faith Holdcroft my grandad's sister. They lived at 155 Upper High Street, Chasetown with my Grandad and Grandmother. The family story is that George was not that keen to find himself a job. My Grandad was not overly impressed and found him a job at the pit where he worked. My grandad William Holdcroft was a colliery official at the Cannock Chase Colliery company, a fireman and later overman. George Willetts was a face worker and never advanced from that status. It may well be the photo was taken by my granddad as he was into photography at this time. The above account was related to me by my grandmother, wife of William Holdcroft, in the late 1960's."

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Donor ref:91.0003.00007 (21/3859)

Source: Museum of Cannock Chase

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