Enid Thwaites

Enid was born in Hambleton in 1912 and had an older brother Frank Lee and a younger brother Gilbert. John their father was the eldest son of Samuel and his wife Sarah who came to Hambleton when he retired from the police force. Samuel also had a daughter Alice. John was a butcher and ran his shop for many years near the Institute as it was known, now replaced by the Village Hall. Enid’s involvement in business started an early age when John had a shop in 1 Chapel Street which he opened in 1913 and introduced ice cream to the village in around 1924/25. Enid used to sell ice cream from a donkey and trap bought for her by her Grandfather. The donkey was called Jinny and was often tethered on Shop Hill (the areas of the village green as it is now). During the second World War Enid worked at Blackburns Aircraft Company, Sherburn in Elmet working in the covering room for the Fairy Swordfish which were used by the Fleet Air Arm. While being well known for her work as shopkeeper and post mistress Enid also participated in many village activities, particularly following her retirement in 1976. She was a regular church goer and sang in the choir. In 1998 another of her talents were recognised when her poem about a Diamond Wedding was published by the International Library of Poets. She also provided the Link Magazine with a poem about Harvest. “Passing through the country midst fields of waving corn, As far as the eye can see, all golden like the dawn; The seed the farmer planted, So called the winter wheat, Lay dormant, then it sprang to life, Now soon the bread we eat. It’s stood the cold of winter, The rain, the frost, the snow, And now it’s time for Harvest. Gone then that golden glow; Proving in His goodness the season will prevail, Fulfilling a promise – that Harvest should not fail. So we should count our blessings, Giving in so many ways, And not take things for granted, And show our thanks with praise In this lovely church of ours, Resplendent with the gifts and flowers; The choir sings anthems sweet and clear, The organ always good to hear, The congregation all join in, “All is safely gathered in”; Harvest supper for one and all, Over in the Old School Hall.” Enid moved from 1 Chapel Street to Red House on the Main Road and sadly died in 1999.

Enid Thwaites
Village People

Villagers

Year: 1976