Dr Bernard Wall

Local Cameos

No. 30. – DR. BERNARD WALL

SON of the late Dr. J. B. Wall, who practised in Coleshill for over 50 years, Dr. Bernard Wall, B.A., B.M., B.Ch., of “Greenways,” Coventry Road, Coleshill, was educated at Lancing and Lincoln College, Oxford.

He qualified in 1914, just before the outbreak of the first world war, and from 1915-1919 he was appointed house hill with his father. In 1926 he took over the practice.

Dr. Wall is also well known locally as a bloodstock breeder and farmer. He farms the 120 acre Bogs Farm, Chester Road, Coleshill, which is managed by his daughter, Miss Joan Wall, who holds the Diploma of Agriculture of Reading University.

Last season Dr. Wall bred four winning horses which between them won for their owners over 6,000 sovereigns. One of them, First Night, one of the leading two-year-olds, won more than 4,000 sovereigns. Dr. Wall also farmed at Hurley for some years. His father was also a successful bloodstock breeder.

KEEN HUNTSMAN

A keen huntsman, he has hunted with the North Atherstone Pack for many years.

Dr. Wall has been a Governor of Coleshill Grammar School since 1921 and is, at the moment, vice-chairman of the Board of Governors.

In 1946 he retired from the Warwickshire County Council on which he had represented the Coleshill Division since 1942.

From 1940 to 1946 he was Company Medical Officer to the local Home Guard.

His wife, Dr. Doris Wall, B.Sc., M.B., B.Ch., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., was educated at Birmingham University and is anaesthetist to several Birmingham hospitals.

Engagement of Joan Ryland Wall, 1951

Engagements

ASTLEY COOPER – WALL. – The engagement is announced between Major Gerald Nigel Astley Cooper, The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, son of the late Lt.-Col. G. B. Astley Cooper, O.B.E., and Mrs. Astley Cooper, of Thurston, Suffolk, and Joan Ryland, eldest daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Bernard Wall, of Coleshill.

(Birmingham Daily Post, 28th May 1951)

Progressing through medicine study

THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM.

DEGREE EXAMINATIONS.

LISTS OF SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES.

The following lists of successful candidates in the recent degree examinations of the University of Birmingham were issued yesterday:-

FACULTY OF MEDICINE.

Third Examination for the Degrees of M.B., Ch.B. (general Pathology and bacteriology, and materia medica and practical pharmacy). – Class I.: W. S. Adams, Doris Irene Bosworth, H. Donovan, Olive Margaret Celia Southall, Kathleen Mary Tillyard, and Hilda Snow Walker.

(Birmingham Daily Post, 4th July 1918)

Awarded school prizes

BRAINS FROM BELOW.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GIRLS’ RECORD AT “GEORGE DIXON.”

A good word for the elementary schools was uttered by the headmistress of the George Dixon Girls’ School, Birmingham, at the annual prize distribution last night.

Miss Clark, in reviewing the work of the year, pointed out that 25 per cent. of the girls came to the school on entrance scholarships. It was remarkable how well all the children from the elementary schools did. Some people talked as if the work of the elementary schools was not what it should be, and it was therefore significant that, of the prize-winners, a large proportion of them came from elementary schools.

Alderman Sir George H. Kenrick, who presided, urged the scholars not to concentrate their attention on such things as cookery and laundry. There were bigger things than these, and they were the people who were best fitted to study these bigger things. They should give to all who came to the secondary schools opportunities of studying the best in literature, in science, and general culture.

Miss Dale, who presented the prizes, advised the girls while at school to find out what they really liked, so that they could develop their studies accordingly. Year by year they had more freedom in the curriculum of the schools, and they were thus better able to meet the needs of the parents.

The principal prize-winners were as follow:-

GENERAL WORK.

Class IB. – Doris Bosworth, Edith Homer, Elsie Kempster, Lily Franks, and May Connolly.

[…]

OXFORD SENIOR LOCALS.

Honours. – First Class: Doris Bosworth (distinction in English) and Edith Homer.

(Birmingham Daily Gazette, 13th November 1913)

 

Awarded degree, 1917

THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM.

DEGREE EXAMINATIONS.

LISTS OF SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES.

The following lists of successful candidates in the recent degree examinations of the University of Birmingham were issued yesterday:-

FACULTY OF SCIENCE.

Two-year Students eligible for Degree after a further year’s attendance at the University. – Honours Division: Gertrude Fanny Selwood (zoology). Division II.: Doris Irene Bosworth A. S. Pearson.

(Birmingham Daily Post, 5th July 1917)

Wedding of Christine Cox to Ralph Shipway

WEDDING AT BISHOP’S CLEEVE – In the presence of a very large congregation, Mr. Ralph Shipway and Miss Christine Carmen Cox were wedded in the old parish church of Bishop’s Cleeve on Wednesday. The brdegroom [sic] is a son of Mr. Hemming Shipway, of Malvern View, Bishop’s Cleeve, and the bride, who is well-known in the Cheltenham district as a talented vocalist, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Cox [William Henry Cox (1865-1947) and Emily (Mathews) Cox], of Church View, in the same parish. Rev. R. Newman officiated, and the service was choral, Mr. L. V. Wheeler, organist of the Cheltenham Parish Church, and an old friend of the bride’s family, officiating at the organ. The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a dress with cream satin foundation, lace overslip, and pearl ornaments. She also wore an embroidered veil and wreath of orange blossoms, and carried a sheaf of lilies. Attending her were four bridesmaids, viz., Miss Clarice Cox (sister) [Clarice (Cox) (Norman) Meredith], Miss Ivy Mathews, of Thrift Hall, Waltham Abbey (cousin) [Winifred Ivy Mathews (1904-1990)]; Miss Annie Shipway (sister of the bridegroom); and Miss Doris Bosworth, of Ward End, Birmingham (cousin of the bride) [Dr Doris (Bosworth) Wall]. Their dresses were of pink silk with ninon sleeves and vests; and they wore gold chains and pendants of rubies and pearls, given by the bridegroom, as were their carnation bouquets. After the ceremony the parents of the bride held a reception in the Bishop’s Cleeve school. The honeymoon will be spent at Weston-super-Mare and Bristol, the bride’s going-away dress being in fawn tweed, with hat of biscuit straw to match, underlined with shell pink. The bride’s presents to the bride[groom] were a ring and bracelet, and that from the bridegroom to the bride a diamond ring. Congratulations and presents were received from Mr. and Mrs. Bert Cox (Arle), Mr. and Mrs. Wright (Birmingham) [Kate (Mathews) Bosworth and her second husband, William Wright (-1938)], Miss Bosworth (Birmingham), Mr. and Mrs. T. Mathews (London), Mrs. Horne (Cardiff), parents of bride, parents of bridegroom, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Shipway, Mrs. Adcock, Mrs. and Mrs. C. Adcock, Miss Shipway, Miss Vera Shipway, Mrs. and Mr. Hitchman, Miss N. Shapcott, Mrs. Hinks (Moor), Mrs. and Miss Roberts, Miss Warwick (Birmingham), scholars and teachers of Bishop’s Cleeve Council School, Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Matthews (Cheltenham), Miss Clarice Cox [Clarice (Cox) (Norman) Meredith], Miss Ivy Mathews, Mrs. Grover and Miss Bucknell, Mrs. Adamson (Alderton), Mrs. Foort, Mr. Foort, Mrs. and Misses Price, Mrs. Dobbons, Miss K. Short, Miss E. Morgan, Master J. Morgan, Mrs. Irons, Misses Oldacre, Mr. Fred Shpway, Miss Bradden, Miss Lane, Miss Jeynes, Mr. and Mrs. Kent and family, Rev. T. Jesson and family, Mrs. R. Beckingsale, Mr. and Mrs. Catt (London), Mr. and Mrs. F. Wheeler (London), etc. Peals were rung on the bells of Bishop’s Cleeve Parish Church during the afternoon and evening of the wedding day in honour of the happy event.

(Gloucestershire Echo, 14th August 1918)

Plaque at Old Bank House, Coleshill

OLD BANK HOUSE

THIS BUILDING WAS PRESERVED IN 1963 THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF THE COLESHILL CIVIC SOCIETY AND ONE OF ITS FOUNDERS DR. DORIS WALL 1897-1986

(Old Bank House, Coleshill)

‘Save house’ plea to MP

‘Save house’ plea to MP

Birmingham Post

Sutton Coldfield Staff

A Midland MP is being asked for support in preserving a Georgian House at Coleshill which is threatened with demolition.

Coleshill Civic Society has written to Mr. Keith Speed, MP for Meriden, about the property, called Stocks House in Church Hill.

On Friday the society is expected to approve a plan to form a housing association with the object of buying and preserving buildings of architectural interest.

The secretary, Mrs. Doris Wall, said yesterday that the acquisition of Stocks House would be discussed at the meeting.

“We have asked Mr. Speed for his sympathetic help in preserving the building,” she said. “We would like to buy and restore the house and then either sell or let it.”

She said she did not know what the house was worth, but she felt that members of the society would be able to provide the capital required. Alternatively a loan would have to be obtained.

Mrs. Wall said the house was one of a number in Church Hill owned by Meriden Rural Council. The site was scheduled for redevelopment.

“It will probably cost about £4,000 to restore the house but we feel it would be worth it,” said Mrs. Wall.

“We are hoping that Mr. Speed will be able to persuade the council to sell us the property.”

Mr. Speed said yesterday: “I have not yet received the society’s letter, but when I do I will look into the matter. I would like to help in any way I can.”

Last week the rural council approved a Public Health Committee recommendation that the houses in the redevelopment area should be demolished immediately.

Coun. C. W. Mann, chairman of the council and a member of the Civic Society, said yesterday that though he was in favour of preserving some old buildings, he did not see how Stocks House could be left isolated amid the new housing development, which the council was planning there.

“All the houses on the Church Hill site are empty and boarded up,” he said. “They are semi derelict.”

(Birmingham Daily Post, 16th April 1968)

Attending the school jubilee

UPHOLDING SCHOOL’S TRADITION

PUPILS and staff of George Dixon Grammar School, Edgbaston, Birmingham, joined their predecessors at Birmingham University on Saturday to celebrate the school’s jubilee with a dinner and dance.

After dinner, which was attended by about 500 people, including Dr. R. E. Priestley, Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham University; the Bishop of Birmingham (Dr. E. W. Barnes), Ald. W. Byng Kenrick, Col. J. E. Dixon (son of the founder) and Dr. Doris Wall, a pageant portraying school-life from 1898-1948, preceded the dance in the Great Hall.

The dance was attended by the Lord Mayor and the Lady Mayoress (Ald. and Mrs. J. C. Burman) and about 300 other guests.

(Birmingham Daily Gazette, 27th September 1948)

Funeral of Dr Bernard Wall, 1973

Funeral of Dr. Bernard Wall

The doctor who always said he would die with his boots on did just that when he passed away suddenly last Tuesday.

Dr. Bernard Wall was the last remaining family doctor in Coleshill. Aged 84 he was the son of the late Dr. J. B. Wall and followed him into the practice.

Retirement was not for him and only on the day he died he had visited some of his old patients where he was always welcomed.

He was joined in the practice by his daughter, Dr. Rosemary Edge.

Dr. Wall had lived a full and active life. His childhood days he spent on family farms at Coleshill and Shustoke. He was a breeder of race-horses, including several winners.

He farmed until quite recently and was a former member of the Atherstone Hunt. He was president of Coleshill Civic Society.

A man of forthright views, Dr. Wall was held in the highest respect. He took an interest in Father Hudson’s Homes and the orthopaedic clinic.

Coleshill Parish Church was filled with all religious denominations for the funeral service, which was followed by cremation.

The service was conducted by the Rev. Canon F. Morgan. Prayers were by the Rev. D. Reddish, Methodist Minister and a tribute by Mons. J. V. Healey, the Catholic Church. Other clergy present were Canon Smith, Father Heokey, Father Coyne, Father Flint, Rev. Carr, Rev. Kelly.

Mourners were: Dr. Doris Wall (widow); Major and Mrs. J. Astley Cooper, Mr. L. and Dr. R. Edge, Mr. and Mrs. G. Rodgers (daughters and sons-in-law); Miss F. Astley Cooper, Mr. D. Astley Cooper, Miss C, Miss J. and Mr. N. Edge, Mr. P. Rodgers, Mr. J. Rodgers (grandchildren); Mr. G. Wall (brother); Mrs. K. Saunders sister); Major K. Agnew, Mrs. M. F. Rodgers.

Among those present in church were: Dr. J. Stuart; Dr. and Mrs. D. Milledge; Dr. P. Cole (also rep. Dr. and Mrs. Holliday); Sister M. King, Miss M. Lawson, Miss H. Share, Miss M. Pratt, Miss Adams (surgery staff); Dr. and Mrs. W. Cant; Dr. and Mrs. McBain; Dr. and Mrs. Smythe; Dr. and Mrs. K. McColl.

Mrs. F. Morgan (rep. Coleshill Church); Nurses Lermit, Jones and Morgan; Mr. D. Compton (rep. Sir William and Lady Dugdale); Capt. and Mrs. Featherstone Dilke; Mrs. J. Staurt; Mr. and Mrs. H. Goldberg; Mr. E. White (rep. Varley, Vaughan and White, chemists); Miss J. Tuckley (rep. Tuckley’s Ironmongers); Miss T. Weare (rep. Mr. S. and Mr. I. Weare); Mr. and Mrs. Aston.

Alderman and Mrs. D. Prosser; Mr. R. Prosser; Mr. R. Percy; Mr. James Staurt; Colonel W. P. D. Featherstone; Mr. Stirk Adams; Mrs. Norton Dunne; Mr. R. Calder (rep. John Briggs & Calder and Mrs. K. Alcock); Mrs. Foster; Mr. Barron; Mrs. Hamis; Mr. and Mrs. F. Allen; Mr. Varley; Mr. and Mrs. F. Cartwright; Mrs. Wyldbore Smith; Mr. Penrose.

Mr. T. Varnham (rep. Varnham families); Mrs. Salt; Mrs. M. Cooper; Mrs. R. Nicholson (rep. Shustoke Green Post Office); Mrs. Woodhall; Mrs. Dean; Mr. and Mrs. H. Wheale; Mr. and Mrs. P. Summers (Church-wardens); Mr. and Mrs. A. Clarke (Vergers); Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Brown; Mrs. L. Stephens; Mrs. M. Fulford; Miss I. Mathews; Mrs. Lyodd; Mrs. Anderson; Mrs. W. Mills; Mr. and Mrs. R. Spooner; Mr. and Mrs. H. Uppy; Mr. Hill.

Mrs. I. Barnes (rep. Townsend Brothers, Coleshill); Miss E. Price; Miss B. Price; Mrs. H. Plumb Snr.; Mrs. H. Plumb (rep. Mr. H. Plumb, N.F.U.); Mrs. Mayo (rep. family of late Mr. and Mrs. W. Haywood); Mr. R. Lockhart (rep. Whitacres and Shustoke Show); Mr. B. Lockhart); Miss M. Shotton; Mr. M. Mathews; Mrs. M. Barnes; Mrs. J. W. Cornah; Mr. J. L. Cornah; Mr. H. Kelsey; Mr. E. Miller; Mrs. W. Davies; Mrs. Pointer; Mrs. McAtold; Mr. and Mrs. Cubbitt Smith; Mr. and Mrs. D. Gibson (Market Harborough); Mr. and Mrs. Jones.

Mr. B. Butler (rep. Over Whitacre Parish Council); Mr. G. Small (rep. Mill Garage); Mr. and Mrs. Bowater; Mr. T. Upton; Mr. J. Ibbotson; Mrs. R. Farrin; Mr. and Mrs. J. Wright (rep. Mrs. A. Hunt); Mr. W. Poole; Mr. and Mrs. Noble; Sisters Phillips, Eta, Bastista, Bernadette, Stephanie, Marie, Kevin, Teresa, Bridget, Xavier, Ane, Beatrice, Alouitious, Brendan, Anton (Father Hudson’s Homes).

Mr. and Mrs. Aston; Mr. and Mrs. F. Vigor; Mr. and Mrs. S. Maynard; Mr. R. Wright; Councillor J. Wright (rep. Coleshill Parish Council); Mr. Adrie (rep. Shawbury School, Shustoke); Miss Whitehouse; Mr. and Mrs. Wilson; Mrs. L. Kelsey; Mr. H. Kelsey; Mr. S. Flemming; Mrs. R. Haines; Mr. G. C. Chatfield; Mr. and Mrs. D. Hammong (Banbury).

Miss Ena and Miss Edna Hollis; Mr. Hastilow; Mrs. Newbold; Miss H. Featherston; Mr. Satherwaite (Midland Bank); Mrs. H. Featherston (rep. Mr. and Mrs. T. Withington); Miss Keatley; Miss N. Jones (Leamington); Mrs. Hamis; Mr. Blewitt; Miss Graveson; Mr. Stokes.

(Coleshill Chronicle, 19th January 1973)