Gerald and Tessa Hawthornthwaite
When Gerald was approaching the end of his life he mentioned that he would like a memorial bench in Shelley Methodist Church graveyard where he wanted to be laid to rest. He thought it would be a lovely peaceful spot to sit for a while. As Tessa died less than a year later the bench is dedicated to both of them. From this position it is possible to see both their childhood homes and their marital home, a fitting tribute. So enjoy a rest, look at the view and take a moment to read their story and reflect.
The story of Gerald and Tessa Hawthornthwaite
Gerald
Gerald was born on the 27th of August 1927. His parents Percy and Florence lived at 1 Glen View, Shelley but he was born at Greenhouse Farm, Shelley, his maternal grandparents home.
He had a happy childhood attending Shelley Board School and then Honley Grammar School. Reports showed him to be a popular sportsman who could have tried harder academically!
On leaving school he got a job at the Huddersfield Building Society where he worked until joining the navy to do his national service just after the end World War Two. Gerald hoped to see the world but never got further than Scotland. He did have the chance to go to the Caribbean but it would have meant signing on for another seven years and despite enjoying playing sports for the ship the call of home was stronger. He returned to the building society and enjoyed life as a young man in Shelley – playing cricket and football, ballroom dancing and starring in Shelley Amateur Operatic productions. Apparently coaches came from Barnsley to watch these shows that were sold out every night.
An encounter here led to a job offer at Naylors at Denby Dale which in turn led to work at Readymix Concrete Huddersfield where he became managing director and stayed until he retired at the age of 65.
Tessa
Tessa was born on the 23rd of July 1934 at 1 Far Bank, Shelley. Her parents, Percy and Maggie Addy already had a daughter, Lorraine and later a son, Jim.
Tessa and Lorraine were very close as there was only 14 months between them and they both started at Shelley Board School together when Tessa was only 3 years old. She was very put out that she had to have a nap in the afternoon and Lorraine didn’t. They spent a lot of time as children with Maggie’s parents who ran the newsagents and cobblers at the corner of Far Bank and many happy hours in the large garden at number 1 where there was an orchard, tennis court and a hut they called Golden Cottage and used as a den.
She later attended Penistone Grammar School where she became head girl. She excelled at needlework and also enjoyed playing hockey. Tessa would loved to have been a dress designer but her father thought otherwise so she went to college in Leicester to study domestic science and became a teacher. Firstly at Rawthorpe Secondary Modern School and later at Penistone Grammar, her old school.
She loved sewing, ballroom dancing and hockey and enjoyed holidays in Austria with Lorraine. She also performed with Shelley Amateur Operatic Group alongside Gerald, Jim, Lorraine and other friends.
Tessa and Gerald got married on the 1st of April 1961 which was Easter Saturday. They had been engaged for about three years being in no rush and looking for the perfect house – which they found at 5 Far Bank, next door but one to Tessa’s parents!
The wedding took place at the Methodist chapel and the reception was held at Shelley Church School which is now the village hall.
The following year their daughter Melanie was born and eighteen months later their son, Clive.
Gerald and Tessa continued to live at 5 Far Bank for the rest of their lives. They were always involved in village life. Gerald was a past chairman of the community association and Tessa spent many years organising collation and distribution of the Shelley magazine. They also sold poppies for Remembrance Day and attended most village events. They were both well and active until shortly before they died and were a great source of information about Shelley and it’s history.