Page 25 - Thrapston Life June 2024

GLANCE AT THE PAST
Eric Franklin looks back on the life of a local legend
During the course of these articles, which started in May 2016, I have occasionally written a piece about some of the characters who have lived in our community and their memories. Some names you may recall are Edgar Munds photographer mainly during the Edwardian period, Edwin Cottingham clockmaker and Phil Loaring.
This month I am remembering a man who I never met (but wish that I had) who became known as ‘The Wireless Wizard’, Walter ‘Wally’ Jacques. Over ten years ago his family loaned me the memories he wrote in 1969, detailing life from his birth on 4th March 1893
From his early days Wally was very much
a devotee of wheeled transport. He describes his first vehicle thus – “The first vehicle I had was a solid tyre four-wheeler with two separate sources of power.” He was describing the pram his parents took him out in. They lived in Grove
This month I am remembering a man who I never met
Road opposite Alfred Smith who owned the first motor car in town. After Mr Smith, Wally was the first person to be allowed to touch it. He learned to ride
a bicycle when he was quite young and often went out cycling with his parents to his grandparents homes in Rothwell and Cransley. Whilst still at school he went round rubbish dumps for bicycle
to circa 1916 when he was called up to serve in World War 1. I have subsequently researched the rest of his life and offer this brief overview of a remarkable man who is still remembered by some residents.
frames and other parts which he would fit together to make another cycle, his only expense being a pot of paint. Every couple of weeks he completed one, making 15 shillings (75p) for each, todays value being over £100.
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