ARTICLE COURTESY OF THE EVESHAM JOURNAL SEVEN DEATHS IN MOTOR COACH ACCIDENT
An appalling tragedy has thrust the usually peaceful village of Blockley into the limelight this week, for as the result of an awful accident to a motor coach on Tuesday evening four of its passengers now lie dead at the Northwick Institute, three others are in the mortuary of Moreton-in-Marsh Hospital, and eleven others are under treatment at the hospital for more or less serious injuries. The Blockley Company of Girl Guides, nine in number, under the command of Miss Knox, of Springhill, went into camp with their comrades of the Broadway Company at Stanton on the estate of Sir Philip Stott, Bart., and at 2:30 on Tuesday afternoon a party consisting of mothers and friends of the campers left Blockley for Stanton in the char-a-banc of Mr. Dennis Rouse, High-street, Blockley, intending to return from Stanton at about 5:30 pm. The vehicle was a one ton Ford lorry with a grey char-a-banc body with the name “Dovedale” on the back. It was licensed for twelve passengers and was driven by Dennis Sharp, aged 21, of High-street, Blockley, who had the reputation of being a most careful and competent man of perfectly sober habits. Having spent a happy time at Stanton the party, consisting of 11 adults and 9 children, in addition to the driver, began the homeward journey at about 5:30 pm., taking the route by way of Broadway. All went well until the coach turned from the main road from Evesham to Moreton-in-Marsh by Holt road and descended the long hill, known as Greenaway-road. As is well known locally Blockley lies almost in a cup-shaped valley, and the descent taken on the tragic journey is the steepest. Apparently the worst part of the Greenaway-road was taken in safety, but it was but a matter of seconds before the coach began travelling at an alarming rate and rocking in a terrible manner. At the bottom of the hill is the garden of the house of Dr. Jacobs with a wall 16 feet high and a sharp turn to the right and an equally sharp turn to the left to Broad Campden. For nearly a mile the coach continued its mad career down the hill to the accompaniment of screams by the women, and, for part of the way, by the laughter of the children, who were unable to appreciate their danger and were amused at what appeared to be to them a novel adventure. At the corner the driver, who Clung to the wheel, apparently attempted to keep the coach to the road, but the speed was too much, and after striking the side of the road and the wall the car overturned on to its side, crushing its occupants against the wall. The seriousness of the accident was rapidly appreciated by those who hastened to the tragic sight and help was quickly forthcoming from all quarters. Dr. Jacobs was at home and was on the spot immediately, the injured being placed on blankets and pillows on the gravel, while first aid was rendered to them. Cars were quickly despatched from Northwick Park and Lady Edward Spencer Churchill, who had four years experience of war time nursing, and Captain Churchill rendered all the assistance they could and motored some of the injured to Moreton Hospital. The Curate (the Rev. D. H. Bodley) in charge of Blockley during the Vicar's absence, who has considerable medical knowledge, also lent invaluable aid, while Drs. Yelf and Clark Nicholson, from Moreton-in-Marsh, were quickly on the spot, and in almost half an hour fourteen persons had been removed to Moreton-in-Marsh Hospital where everyone rose admirably to the emergency. In addition to the Matron and staff, great help was given by various ladies of the town and district including Lady Wills, Mrs. Arthur Dugdale, Mrs. Coppage, Mrs. Randall, Miss May Tanner, ,Miss Jessie Grey and Miss Marjory Jones. Lady Wills and Mrs. Dugdale have kept the hospital supplied with all kinds of light diet. THE CASUALTIES It was found, alas, that four of the occupants had been killed outright, these being:— Mrs. George Figgures (66), Lower street, Blockley. Mrs. Frank Hopes (39), Park-road, Blockley. Bernard John Hopes (3), her son. Mrs. W. Smith (36) Landgate Cottages, Blockley Upon arrival at Moreton-in-Marsh Hospital it was found that Harry Smith (5), her son was dead, and there also died in the hospital during the night Doris Hancock (16), Mount Pleasant, Blockley Miss Evelyn Green (25), Cheapside, Alcester street, Birmingham. The injured were:— Dennis Sharp (21), High street, Blockley, the driver of the char-a-banc. Elsie Smith (7), Landgate Cottages, Blockley (a daughter of Mrs. W. Smith who was killed. Mrs. John Taylor (38) High street, Blockley Olga Taylor (6) and Edward Taylor (3), her children. Mrs. Bessie Page (54), Park road, Blockley. Mrs. H. Stanley (45), High street, Blockley. Mrs. Bert Warner (45) High street, Blockley and her twin children May and Ivy aged eleven. Miss Minnie Harrison (30), Ravenhurst street, Birmingham. Betty Smith (4), staying with Mrs. Keen, Park road, Blockley and a daughter of Mr. Frank Smith, of Rotherham, Yorks. Also in the char-a-banc were:— Mrs. William Keen, Park road, Blockley, and Sylvia Stanley (9), of High street, Blockley, who escaped with slight injuries. Of those who were killed, Mrs. George Figgures was a widow, whilst Mrs. Frank Hopes and Mrs. W. Smith both leave families of four children, and their husbands are employed on the Northwick estate. Miss Evelyn Green was on holiday at Blockley with Miss Harrison, who was injured, an they had seen staying with Mrs. Smith who was killed, and for this reason it was some time before the identity of Miss Green could be established. Mrs. Bessie Page, injured is a Blockley Born woman whose home is now in London, and she was also on a visit to Blockley. A MIRACULOUS ESCAPE. Perhaps the most fortunate person who was an occupant of the char-a-banc on its tragic run was Mrs. William Keen, who in an interview said that “Everything was quite all right until we got to the top of the hill, about three-quarters of a mile in length, running down into Blockley. Then we noticed the char-a-banc began to go very fast, and the speed rapidly increased. The children were enjoying it, and were laughing at the speed. Some of us, however, did not like it, and we called to the driver, ‘Go steady, Dennis.’ He made no reply at all. We came rapidly down the hill, and the char-a-banc was swaying about. We began to get very alarmed. About sixty yards before the accident happened I realised something serious was going to happen, and although people tried to hold me back I pushed past them and opened the door and jumped out. I fell on my two hands, and bruised my self a bit, but got up just in time to see the char-a-banc collide with the wall.” In an interview With our representative, Mrs, Keen stated that this was the third time she had escaped from accidents in a similar manner, having previously jumped from a runaway motor car and from a pony and trap. She is certainly to be congratulated upon her good fortune. EYE WITNESSES’ STORIES Frederick Harris, who formerly lived at Blockley, but now lives at Coventry, also interviewed, said “I was standing below the spot where the accident happened near the Elm Tree. I heard the char-a-banc coming down the hill and some of the passengers shouting. I looked around and saw the thing seem to skid across the road on two wheels and then run with a frightful crash into the wall. I ran up and helped to get the people out.” Another of the villagers who was on the scene shortly after the accident gave a reporter the following account of the scene:— “Two of the dead people, Mrs. Figgures, who is between 60 and 70, and Mrs. Frank Hopes, about 40, were lying beside the motor-coach, which was on its side. “Mrs. Figgures had severe head injuries, and had apparently struck the wall.	“The injured were lying outside Dr. Jacob’s surgery on pillows and blankets placed on the gravel and were being treated by the doctors. Boy Scouts lent what assistance they could. “Some of the relatives of the injured were with them, but a number of the husbands of the dead and injured were away at work when the accident happened, and did not hear of it till later.” Mr. John Taylor, an old man who walked with the assistance of crutches and lives at 6, Park-road, Blockley was the only eye witness who was actually on the spot. He gave the following account:— “At about 6:20 I left home (about forty yards from the scene of the accident) to walk down to the Elm Tree for a smoke, which is my habit in the evenings. I had got as far as the Greenaways turning, and rested there for a few minutes. Then I heard the noise of a heavy motor travelling fast, and women and children screaming. I saw the char-a-banc tearing down the hill and rocking from side to side. The driver still gripped his wheel, and I glimpsed his white, set face. It appeared that he made an attempt to take the corner, but the vehicle shot across the road and smashed head on. The rear part rose into the air, and the occupants were all crushed to the wall. Then it fell back into road, and I shall never forget the awful sight. They were all piled one on the other, with blood everywhere, and I shouted for help. Mrs. Keen, that is my niece, had jumped off just before the crash. I saw her spin around and fall to the ground. She got up and ran to the char-a-banc and snatched her sister’s little girl from the struggling heap. The driver did his best and stuck gallantly to his wheel. Earlier in the day I had seen them all start off so happy and gay, and never thought to see their enjoyment end in such tragedy.” A VILLAGE OF TRAGEDY A visit to the village on Wednesday revealed a tragic state of affairs. The bodies of those who had been killed outright were lying in the Northwick Institute, which was built for the use of the villagers by the late Lady Northwick, and near the doors an anxious group of relatives and friends awaited bulletins from Moreton-in-Marsh. Supt. Pegg, in whose division Blockley lies, was present, with Supt. Bunker, of the Gloucestershire Constabulary, and diligent enquiries were being made of all who could shed any light on the tragedy. In the morning the vehicle was righted and it was found that none of the wheels or tyres were injured in any way. The wind screen was broken and some of the woodwork smashed and the radiator slightly damaged. The brakes were tried and found to be in perfect order, although the drums upon which the hand brake operated were very much greased. Several theories have been advanced for the cause of the accident, but it is not proposed to deal with these as doubtless the matter will be cleared up at the inquest later. It is fairly evident that the unfortunate driver stuck to his wheel in an endeavour to avert the accident. During the day the cars from Northwick Park were engaged in conveying the relatives of the injured to and from Moreton Hospital, and a relief fund was started for the relatives of those who were killed and for the injured. The appeal was signed by the Rev. D. H. Bodley and the Rev. J. Cook (pastor of the Baptist Church.) A bulletin issued on Wednesday morning from the medical staff of Moreton Hospital gave the following details of the injuries sustained:— Mrs. Warner, still unconscious, condition serious. Her two children satisfactory. Miss Harrison consciousness returning; complains of abdominal pains. Condition fair. Mrs. Page, two broken arms; scalp wound. Fairly comfortable. Mrs. Stanley, fractured skull and injury to neck. Condition fair. Mrs. John Taylor, general bruising; comfortable. Her two children injured; condition fair. Betty Smith, head injury; unconscious. Condition serious. Dennis Sharp, broken arm. Comfortable. INTERCESSION SERVICE The sorrow of the village was manifested at a united service of intercession held in the parish church on Wednesday night, when the Rev. D. H. Bodley conducted the service and the Rev. J. A. Cook read the lesson. The order of service was the hymn “Nearer my God to Thee” followed by the evening prayer as far as the words “The Lord’s name be praised.” Psalms 3 and 46 followed and the lesson was 1st Thessalonians 4th chapter, verses 13 to the end. After this followed by the Nunc Dimittis and the hymn “Jesus calls us.” Prayers of intercession were then recited and the hymn ”The King of Love” was sung. A short address was given by the Rev. C. E. Luce, vicar of St. Nicholas, Gloucester, from the text “The Lord is my shepherd.” The service concluded with the hymn “Peace perfect Peace” and the blessing. The service was choral and was most impressive. Mrs. Frank Holtom acted as organist, owing to the absence, on holiday, of Miss Ennals. The church was filled and a collection amounting to £3 10s. 3d. was taken which will be added to the public relief fund. During the service the curate announced that the Vicar, the Rev. A. D. Ager, who was on holiday in Scotland had announced his intention of returning to the village with all speed. During the evening the crier called a public meeting to take place at the head quarters of the British Legion for the purpose of arranging a public funeral of the remains of the deceased. THE INQUEST. It was at first expected that as four of the deceased had died in Blockley, which in Worcestershire, and three in Moreton-in-Marsh, which is in Gloucestershire, the story of the tragedy would have to be told at two inquests, but on Wednesday night it was announced it had been decided that only one inquest need take place. It was arranged for this to take place at the Northwick Institute, Blockley, at 3 p.m. yesterday (Friday) before the Coroner for the division (Mr. H. Basil Harrison). The bodies from Moreton were brought to Blockley for the inquest at which it was expected that only formal evidence of identification would be taken and the proceedings adjourned for the attendance of the injured members of the party. A full report of the proceedings at this will appear next week. Naturally, the tragedy has proved almost overwhelming to the little community, but the manner in which all have behaved not only at the time of the accident but subsequently, has been most commendable. Even at the first shock of the accident the whole locality rose to the occasion in a most admirable manner, Boy Scouts who were encamped in tee neighbourhood rendering all the assistance in their power. Since the tragedy the greatest personal sympathy with the bereaved, the injured and their relatives has been manifested by Capt. Spencer Churchill and his mother, Lady Edward Spencer Churchill, and messages of condolence have been forwarded from many quarters. On Thursday morning the following telegram was received at the “Evesham Journal” Office from Mr. W. H. Collett, who was Liberal candidate for the division at the last General Election: “Please convey my deepest sympathy to stricken families in Blockley, the tragedy is appalling.” We also offer our very sincere condolences and are sure that the whole of the Four Shires District will join us in an expression of deep sympathy With the relatives of those who lost their lives and in the earnest hope that those who are injured will make a speedy recovery.	RELIEF FUNDS OPENED. REPRESENTATIVE PARISH MEETING —GREAT PUBLIC SYMPATHY. —LIBERAL RESPONSE TO APPEAL. —MORETON'S FINE EXAMPLE. A most representative Parish Meeting, which was called by the Chairman of the Parish Council (Mr. G. A. Minett), took place at the headquarters of the British Legion on Thursday night at 7:30. The room was filled to its utmost capacity, and among those present were the Vicar of the parish (the Rev. A. D. Ager), Rev. D. H. Bodley, Rev. J. A. Cook (pastor of the Baptist Church), Lady Edward Spencer Churchill, Captain E. G. Spencer Churchill, M. C. Mrs. Evans, Mrs. Burgess, Miss Richardson, Miss Domvile, Miss Seymour, Mrs. Deverill, Mr. D. Holtom, J. P. Messrs. A. E. Beck, H. S. Yoxall, with most of the tradesmen and others occupying prominent positions in the village. The meeting was called to show a public expression of the deep sympathy that is felt for those bereaved. The Chairman, in opening the meeting, said it needed a few words from him to introduce the subject as all present knew that the sad circumstances were such that the village had never experienced before, and the details were well known to all. He had called that meeting for the purpose of giving public expression from the village and parish of heartfelt sympathy to all those in any way connected with this terrible accident, and if anything more tangible came from the calling of that ??? He, personally, would feel that it had been called in vain. Mr. Minett went on to say that a relief fund had already been started for the afflicted. He stated that the funeral would take place on Saturday and later on in the proceedings the time was provisionally fixed for 2:30 p.m.; and it was his wish to see as many as possible ??? reverently to pay their last tribute of respect to the deceased. Mr. Dennis Holtom was asked to speak and he said he was sure that the wish of all would be for a public funeral, and that all would do their best to help the distressed, although nothing they could do would make up for the blank that had been caused by the appalling disaster. Most of those in it were known to those present for many years, and some from childhood. Captain Spencer Churchill next spoke, first apologising for being a little late. He said he had just come from London called at Moreton Hospital, so was able to give the latest news of the patients that all were so anxious about; it was to the effect that two only were now really serious cases; they were Mrs. Warner and little Bettie Smith. The others were progressing satisfactorily. Captain Churchill said he would like to support the resolution of a public funeral, and he would like to take this opportunity of expressing to all those bereaved, his deepest sympathy. If it was any consolation he would like to say that they learnt from such accidents how others might avoid a similar fate. From the accounts in the papers, all must feel that the sympathy of the world was with them. Mr. Joyner said that just before attending the meeting he had been called by telephone from Moreton expressing the deep sympathy of that district through a committee that was already in a position to say that £200 had been subscribed from that side of the hill, and suggesting that they should be acquainted with anything organised at Blockley, so that no overlapping should occur. The Rev. A. D. Ager (vicar of the parish) read a letter of sympathy from the Vicar of Broadway (Rev. V. H. Patrick), who had seen the unfortunate people only an hour before while visiting the camp of the Girl Guides at Stanton. Mr. Ager said that all the unfortunate victims were church people. He would like to suggest that the service be choral with one or two, hymns. He had ascertained that the relatives were anxious for a public funeral, and had consented to a choral service. He was very pleased to see such a number at that meeting. He hoped where the financial question came in, a long view would be taken; it was not only now that practical help was needed, but it would be months before some could take up their ordinary spheres and he trusted this would not be overlooked. Let them imitate Moreton's example, elect a small committee and leave it unfettered. It was resolved that a committee of five should be appointed and the following were elected:—Rev. A. D. Ager, Rev. J. A. Cook, Capt. Spencer Churchill, Mr. D. Holtom, and Mr. G. A. Minett. It was agreed that a public funeral should take place and that the arrangements for the church and at the cemetery be in the hands of the Vicar and Churchwardens with the assistance of the sidesmen, and other side arrangements be in the hands of the committee formed to deal with the relief fund. Mr. A. E. Beck, who was late coming, said he had attended a meeting at Moreton, and he was able to substantiate all that Mr. Joyner had previously stated. He gave suitable expression to his feelings. Lady Edward Spencer Churchill next spoke, and in her “friends and old friends” one could detect the real motherly feeling which she has for Blockley and its people. She did not waste one word in her appeal that the little immediate necessities of the bereaved should be attended to. The Rev. D. H. Bodley said the fund ???? ready started was quite unofficial, but ??? with Rev. J. A. Cook and others, had ???? that no time should be lost in starting the fund. He had upwards of £20, which he was quite ready to hand over to the official committee so that if necessary it could be used for any urgent cases. In the course of the meeting suggestions were made that appeals be made to the local and London papers for support to the Relief Fund. The Rev. A, D. Ager and Rev. J. A. Cook were appointed joint hon. treasurers, and then an excellent meeting was brought to close with a note of thanks to the Chairman who had been instrumental in calling ??? promptly. RELIEF FUND OPENED AT MORETON-IN-MARSH. At a meeting held in Moreton-in-Marsh on Thursday night, it was decided to start a relief fund for the bereaved families and a representative committee was appointed with Dr. Yelf as chairman. Mr. ?? Smith, of Foxcote House, Moreton-in-Marsh was elected hon. treasurer, and Messrs H. Rouse and C, J. Hull were appointed ??? hon. secretaries. The subscription list opened with a generous donation of £?? from Sir Gilbert Wills. Subscriptions will be welcomed and may be paid to the Sec. Treasurer, Mr. J. D. Coppage, or the Managers of the Midland and Lloyds Banks. “EVESHAM JOURNAL” RELIEF FUND We are sure that many of our readers will wish to show their practical sympathy with the families of the bereaved and with the injured. We are therefore opening a fund as suggested at the meeting held at Blockley on Thursday night, and we shall be pleased to acknowledge in these columns contributions sent to us. Funds will be handed over to the Hon. Treasurer, of the Blockley Relief Funds. The Proprieters of the “Journal” will contribute £10 10s. to this fund. THE CONDITION OF THE INJURED The following bulletin was issued at Moreton Hospital at noon to-day (Friday): Mrs. Stanley, condition fair. Mrs. Warner, condition much the same as yesterday; if anything a little better and her two children are doing well. Betty Smith, still in a critical condition. Mrs. Taylor and her two children are comfortable. Mrs. Page progressing favourably. Miss Harrison, fairly comfortable. Dennis Sharp, progressing satisfactory.
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