Early Bristol Photography

Introduction

In March 2026, Paul Taylor emailed me about his great, great uncle, Frederic William Taylor. Frederic was a photographer based in Ambra Vale, Clifton Wood, Bristol. Paul very kindly sent the family history, scans, and images to me.

Photography

Some of Frederic William Taylor's photos used as colourized postcards

Paul believes the following photos of his grandfather, Sidney George Taylor, and great grandfather, Robert George Taylor were taken by Frederic. The photos were taken at at 34 Gatton Road, St Werburghs, Bristol.

Paul's grandfather, Sidney George Taylor, and great grandfather, Robert George Taylor

Frederic had his studio at Ambra Vale Road, Clifton Wood, Bristol. In 1896, the Ambra Vale Photo Works premises were sold at auction.

Ambra Vale Photo Works premises auction notice

The auction notice reads:

Eligible VILLA RESIDENCE, GOLDNEY ROAD. GARDEN and WORKSHOPS, AMBRA VALE, CLIFTON, BRISTOL,

Mr. C. H. TUCKER will SELL by AUCTION, at the STEAM PACKET, HOTWELL ROAD, on WEDNESDAY, the 14th October, 1896, at Seven o'clock in the evening precisely, the undermentioned

DESIRABLE PROPERTIES:

Lot 1 .- The Eligible Semi-detached VILLA RESIDENCE, "WESTEND VILLA," No. 2, GOLDNEY ROAD (over-looking at the Back the Pleasure Grounds of Mr Lewis Fry, M.P.), with Garden in front and long Garden and Greenhouse in rear, occupied by Mrs. Coke. The Premises are long Leasehold, being held for the residue of a term of 9,000 years commencing 27th October, 1863, and are subject to a Ground-rent of £7 per year, and comprise 3 Reception Rooms, 6 Bedrooms, Kitchen, Scullery, Cellars, and all convenient Offices.

Lot 2.- The Eligible Piece of FREEHOLD GARDEN LAND and WORKSHOPS thereon, occupied by the Ambra Vale Photo Works. These Premises are Free from Ground-rent, and have an Entrance from Ambra Vale Road, and also from Ambra Vale Steps, and are in rear of "Goldney"and "Grotto" Villas, Goldney Road.

The two Lots will be Sold subject to the restrictive and other covenants affecting the same respectively. For further particulars apply to the Auctioneer, 6 and 7, St. Stephen Street; or to

P. BURGES,
Solicitor, St, Stephen Street, Bristol.

The Clifton Wood area of Bristol in 1894

In 1901, Frederic is lited as a Photographer's Artist. Photographer Artists (often referred to as a Pictorialist) worked to elevate photography from a purely mechanical recording process to a legitimate form of fine art, mirroring painting and printmaking. While amateur photography exploded with the introduction of the Kodak Brownie, artistic photographers focused on manipulating their images to convey personal vision, beauty, and atmosphere, rather than just objective reality.

From the local directories, Frederic lived at 1 Normanton Road, Redland, from at least 1908 to 1910. This is a little over a mile north of Ambra Vale.

Family

Frederic's father, Joseph Taylor, was born on March 13, 1838, at Harcombe near Sidmouth, Devonshire. By the time he arrived in Bristol, he was a carpenter.

Joseph married Elizabeth Farrant at St. George's, Brandon Hill, Bristol by Rev. J. Bradbury on June 30, 1860. Elizabeth was the daughter of John and Liddia (Lydia) Farrant (nee Reed) and born on July 17, 1835, at Rockbeare near Exeter, Devonshire.

Their children were

Elizabeth Ann Farrant Taylor - born September 2, 1861 at Merchant's Parade, Hotwells, Bristol. She died on May 13, 1866, aged 5 years.
Robert George Taylor - born March 17, 1863 at Clifton Wood, Bristol.
Frederic William Taylor - born February 11, 1867, at 2, Ellenborough Place, Clifton Wood, Bristol. He was baptised at St Peter's, Clifton Wood, Bristol, on March 3, 1867.
Herbert Joseph Taylor - born May 24, 1872, at 3, Ambra Vale, Clifton Wood, Bristol. He died on April 2, 1873, aged 11 months.
Lillian Emily Taylor - born May 6, 1875, at 3, Ambra Vale, Clifton Wood, Bristol. Lillian died in 1970.

The above comes from the Taylor Family Bible. which was given by aunts Florence Gertrude and Else Matilda Taylor to Gwen Yeo (nee Stone) who was the daughter of Lillian Emily Taylor, (Frederic's sister) who lived at Lodway Road, Knowle, Bristol.

The 1871 census shows that parents Joseph and Elizabeth with children Robert and Frederic were living at 3, Ellenborough Place, Clifton Bristol.

1871 census information

In 1881, Frederic was living at 4, Ambra Vale South, Clifton Wood, Bristol, and his ocupation is listed as Photographer's Assistant.

Frederic's father, Joseph, died on May 4, 1911. His mother, Elizabeth Farrant, died at St Joseph's Home, Cotham Hill.

Marriage

He married Ellen and later worked as a clerk at the Courages Brewery:

Ellen Priscilla Ball was the daughter of John Ball, a coachman. Her father had died and Ellen was 24 and living at 57 Belle Vue Crescent when she married Frederick, who was 23 and living at 4 Ambra Vale South, on December 23, 1889.

Frederic and Ellen's marriage entry

Frederic and Ellen were married at St Andrew's, Clifton, Bristol, on December 23, 1889.

Archie Frederic Taylor was born to them in 1891, followed by the birth of Percy William Taylor in 1895. Percy died June 1899, aged 4.

In 1901, Frederic and Ellen, both aged 34, were living with their 10 year old son, Archie at 10 or 11, Cornwallis Avenue, Clifton in the parish of Holy Trinity. Frederic is described as a Photographic Artist.

In 1911, they were living at 1 Normanton Road, Bristol, and Frederic's occupation is listed as Brewery Clerk.

In November 1912, their son, Archie Frederic Taylor died, aged 21. His died of tuberculosis (TB) shortly after applying to join the Navy. The Bristol Evening Post printed his obituary in the November 9, 1912 issue:

It will be with deepest regret that many cricketers and footballers will learn of the death of Mr. Archie Frederic Taylor, which took place at 1, Normanton Road, Clifton, on Thursday, after a long illness. He was a very promising young sportsman, and exceedingly popular with all with whom he came in contact. When the Redland Cricket Club was formed, he was the regular wicket-keeper of the 1st XI., and was later elected to the post of hon. treasurer. He was forced to resign, however, on account of the effects of an accident he met with whilst playing in a Rugby match. He was a member of the Bishopston Club, for which he played as full back. He did not recover his usual health, and passed away, after a long illness, at the age of 21. He was the only child of Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Taylor, to whom will he extended the sincerest sympathy in their great bereavement.

Frederic and Ellen were married for 37 years before Frederic died in 1926.

Frederic William Taylor's wife Ellen dies at 103

The newspaper cutting reads:

DIES AT 102
by ALSTON THOMAS

The death, at the age of 102. of Mrs. Ellen Taylor ends a remarkable record for Courages (Western) Ltd., the brewers. Mrs. Taylor was the widow of Mr. Fred Taylor, who was employed as a clerk for nearly 10 years by the Bristol Brewery, Georges, Ltd .- later taken over Courages.

When he died, in 1926 the company, in appreciation of his services decided to pay her a weekly pension- and have continued to do so ever since. She was the company's oldest pensioner, drew more money in pension than her husband ever earned, and was paid a pension for longer than anyone else associated with the firm.

TOP EXECUTIVES

Top executives of the company visited her regularly and took with them bottles of wine for her friends to toast her health on her birthdays. She responded by singing them a song and reciting poems.

When she reached 100 she received a telegram from the Queen and was so surprised that she had it read aloud to her more than 20 times.

Mrs. Taylor, who would have been 103 in April, lived in Goldney Avenue, Clifton, and later Normanton Road, Redland. But she had been a patient in Claverton Down Hospital, Bath, for many years.

A Courages official said today: "We were extremely sorry to hear of her death. Considering her age she was remarkably happy and alert.

Chess

Frederic was a keen chess player. In late January 1897, he participated in a simultaneous chess exhibition at the Imperial Hotel, Bristol, against world-renowned master Joseph Henry Blackburne.

An article in the February 1, 1897 edition of the Western Daily Press described the event:

MR. BLACKBURNE IN BRISTOL

For nearly 70 years - since 1829 - followers of chess in the West of England have found a strong rallying point in the club which, exactly a quarter of a century ago, took final shape under the title of the Bristol and Clifton Chess Association. To this organisation, in its middle life and mature age, amateurs have been indebted for visits of the British Chess Asscciation and Countys' Chess Asscciation, besides repeated engagements of such distinguised masters of the royal game such as Herr Lowenthal, Herr Zukertort, for a week at a time, and Mr. J. H. Blackburne, our present national champion. The last-named gentleman made his first appearance here at the Athenaeum on November 21st, 1871, immediately before the old club re-esablished itself at the Fine Arts Academy. On that occasion Mr Blackburne blindfold, encountered ten opponents, his only loss being in an eight-hours 31 move Evans gambit with the late Mr John Burt, author of a history of the club published in 1833. Mr. Blackburne remarked at the time, that this was the first blindfold game out of 80 with the strongest provincial amateurs in which he had been outplayed, though a couple of others had been through oversights. On his next visit in February 1885, Mr Blackburne, through ill-health, lost five blindfold games out of ten, winning three, and drawing the remaining two. In March 1888, Mr. Burt - who died in the following month - lost a Kieseritzky, which the champion declared to be one of the finest games he ever saw. Mr Blackburne's latest performance here was for three days in December, 1889. Of 8 blindfold games he then won three against Messrs H. L. Leonard, T. G. Wright, and H. H. Davis, drawing with Messrs N. Fedden A. T. Perry, A. C. Clarke, H. M. Prideaux and E. J. Tayior; the late J. H. Runmley and J. J. Saunders, the last two pairs in consultation. On the two other days he played 68 simultaneous games, wining 62, losing 2, and drawing 4. The champion has given more recent dispiays in this neighbourhood - he is now fulfilling engagements at Cheltenham and Warminster - but the committes did not see their way to repeat the substantial calls on the club funds and guarantors fpr this purpose, as the modest charge made for the admission of non-members merely serves to exciude an uncomfortable crowd of spectators without appreciable contribution towward the heavy expenditure - about £20 for three days. This is another symptom of decline in chess-spirit, ome of the best established clubs in the district - Montpelier - having collapsed rcently. It was matter for special regret that the present engagement was limited to a solitary sitting for simultaneous play, because the blindfold - or strictly speaking, sans voir, are much more remarkable feats, althongh of courso the simultaneous games furnish direct interest to a larger number of opponents in measuring their strength, or weakness, against the lion of the hour.

Last Saturday evening's gathering was held at the headquarters of the Clifton Chess Club, the large assembly room of the Imperial Hotel being occupied for the occasion. The whole of the hundred or so of membersbeing invited, it was hoped that about 30 would join in the fray, but as a matter of fact that number of boards had not been provided, so a good muster of capable onlookers were idle perforce. The place of honour was allotted to a lady from Scotland, and a fair proportion of the team came from neighbouring clubs. Among the more prominent visitors may be mentioned the well-known Bristolian whose new edition of the Synopsis is anticipated with pleasure, and Mr A. C. Clarke, a former champion of the club, lately returned from the Cape. The club hon. secretary (Mr G. G. Parnall) and Mr H. L. Leonard, also of the champion rank, were among the unemployed. Starting puntually at 6 o'clock the professional opened all round with the orthodox P K 4, and was soon indulging in guileless traps, "little bits of Morphy" and gambits, with the weaker players. Some comment was naturally pro voked by the number of cases in which four or five combatants and non-combatants over particular moves. Years ago Mr Blackburne lodged a gentle demurrer regarding this unfair practice of roving consultations, but now, "good, easy man" as he always was, he objects to nothing - not even to a lady moving the pieces ad libitum in order to try the effect of alter native combinations. Chess clocks were provided, but not utilised, as they were "not in the bond," and some of the players kept no record of their games. First blood was drawn in an hour and a-half, Mr Wall losing a Petroff defence. After another hour the lady player, Mr Pinkerton, and others resigned their gamese in rapid succession, and by half-past nine the principal intereat began to centre in a few of the more stubbornly defended boards. Mr T. G. Wright, a former champion, was the first of importance to surrender, and a large number of games were unfinished after nearly five hours' play. Among the earliest drawers were Mt W. A. Hill, a young practitioner, Mr W. Tribe (president), and Dr. Beaver. At 11 o'clock there was some cheering when it became known that the solitary winner was Mr Henry Byrnes, who drew the only simultaneous game out of 37 on Mr Blackborne's last day here in 1889.

At the conclusion of play the President thanked Mr Blackburne, who genially responded, emarking that he had been traveling all day and felt very fatigued.

The article also gave the results of each game played, as well as the moves made by the only winner against Joseph Blackburne by Henry Byrnes, as well as the game by Mt. Berry who was the ex-preseident of the club.

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In 1904, Frederic represented the Redland Reading Rooms in a David Thomas Memorial chess match.

From October 1908 to March 1909 he Represented Redland Reading Rooms; the team secured top position in Bristol Social Clubs' Chess League, Division II.

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Frederic took an active part in many tournaments, by 1911, Frederic was serving as President of the Bristol Social Clubs Chess League, including this one reported by the Western Daily Press in their April 26, 1911, edition:

CHESS
BRISTOL SOCIAL CLUBS LEAGUE

The Bristol Social Clubs Chess League brought a successful season to a close on Saturday with a match, President v. Vice-President, at the Central Y.M.C.A. A very enjoyable evening was spent; during an interval for refreshments provided by the Y.M.C.A. chess section, the President, Mr F. W. Taylor, had the pleasure of taking the trophy for Division I. on behalf of Redland Reading Rooms, and a handsome silver cup which the League had purchased for Division II. was handed to the winners, Fishponds Church Institute, who will play in Division I. next season. The result of the match was as follows :-

PRESIDENT Vs VICE-PRESIDENT

F. W. Taylor, R.R.R. 1/2 | A. Poad, All Hal 1/2
H. Pinkerton, St.G.Rd. 1 | F. F. Finoh, Y.M.C.A 0
J. L. Daniell, St.G.Rd. 1 | C. Cherry, St.G.Rd. 0
T. Hunt, Y.M.C.A. 1/2 | E. Holland, All Hal. 1/2
T. J. Beard Y.M.C.A. 1/2 | H. S. Colborn, Fishponds 1/2
E Cherry, St G.Rd. 1 | J. S. Whittles, Fishponds 0
A. J. Peck, Y.M.C.A. 1 | G. White, All Hal. 0
F. Pople, st. Mic. 1 | J. N. Dickinson, Y.M.C.A. 0
G. Anderson, St.G.Rd. 1 | S. W. Viveash, Y.M.C.A. 0
F. S. Carter. Fishponds 1 | J. Sheasby, Kingsdown 0
J. Taylor, St. Mic. 0 | E. G. Bury, Fishponds 1
H. Evered, R.R R. 1 | E. Chambere, Fishponds 0
W. Coles, Y.M.C.A. 1/2 | S. Skeates, All Hal. 1/2
R. Helps, Y.M.C.A. 1 | F. Belston, Fishponds 0
B. Evans, R.R.R 1 | T. A. Egelstaff 0
T. Pitt. Y.M C.A. 1 | R. Leach, St.G.Rd. 0
W. Lott, St.G.Rd. 0 | G. S. Milton, Y.M.C.A. 1
W. Hill, St. Mic. 0 | W. Yeo. R.R.R. 1
G. Glayzor, St. Mic. 1 | W. Hale, R.R R. 0

Presidents - 14; Vice-presidents - 5

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In January 1912, Frederic represented Redland Reading Rooms in a Division I match vs. Fishponds.

On October 23, 1915, he represented Redland Reading Rooms in Division I match vs. Y.M.C.A.

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Frederic also played aginst champion José Raúl Capablanca when he visited Bristol in 1920. The Bristol Times and Mirror reported on the meeting in their October 11, 1920, edition:

FAMOUS CHESS PLAYER IN BRISTOL
WON 39 OUT OF 40 GAMES.

In chess circles great interest was evoked in the visit to Bristol of the famous player, Mr. J. R. Capablanca, on Saturday evening. The Bristol and Clifton Chess Club was associated with the visit, and arranged for 40 players to test their skill against the distinguished exponent of the game. They were drawn from Bristol and district. Mr. H. L. Crawford (president) welcomed the players and the visitors, who numbered some 200, at the Royal West of England Academy, and said the visit of Mr. Capablanca would give a local stimulus to the game. The following took boards. - Messrs. H. L. Crawford, C.M.G. (president of the club), J. Templar and Herbert Parsons (vice-presidents), Professor B. T. P. Barker, the Rev. J. S. Poynton (Bath), Dr. F. Merrick, Dr. A. W. Gaye, Messrs. C. Welch, M. Brown, F. F. Finch (Y.M.C.A.), F. W. Taylor, C. Tregaslais, C. A. Moretti, L. C. Seymour, G. James, J. S. Whittles, P. Gale, H. S. Colborn, A. J. Lambert, T. J. Edwards, E. O. Cherry, R. A. Keeler, W. E. Bracher, H. Phillips, C. Mansfield. C. P. Dutt, F. R. Rickman, F. Hutchins, J. L. Palmer (Weston-super-Mare), W. J. Titley, G. Breakwell (Bath), A. de M. Chesterham, I. B. Holmyard (Midsomer Norton), C. E. Scutt, F. G. Olds, A. Sheppard, H. Byrnes, G. G. Parnall, F. Yates (Clifton College), and A. Powell (Weston-super-Mare).

The games lasted from about 7.30 till 12.15, chiefly owing to the praiseworthy fights put up by some of the players, notably Mr. Edwards, with a game of 56 moves, and Professor Barker, with 54 moves. Mr. Capablanca won 39 games, and drew with Mr. James, who mede a fine defence. Very cordial thanks and appreciation were expressed to Mr. Capablanca at the close.

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Frederic also appears to have been a keen draughts player:

Redland Reading Rooms Draught Team, 1908-09
Standing from the left: E. J. Vicary, S. Oxley, and E. London
Seated: Elworthy, W. J. Yeo (captain), F. W. Taylor, and W. J. Nabbee

Death

Frederic died on October 17, 1926, at 3 Normanton Road, Clifton, Bristol, aged 59. His estate went into probate on January 21, 1927.

The grave of Frederic William Taylor and his son, Percy, who had died of tuberculosis.
Photo by allenb1 for Find a Grave

Winnie E. Taylor

Nothing to do with photography but the interesting life of a member of the family. Frederic William Taylor's brother, Robert George (1863 - 1936), married Matilda Luke (1862 - 1941) and they had five children; Florence G. (1890 - 1980), Elsie M. (1891 - 1988), Lilian May (1897 - 1900), Winifred E. (1900 - 1999), and Sidney G. (1895 - 1963).

Paul sent me a lot of information about Winnie E. Taylor who was Frederic's niece and secretary to John Harvey & Sons of Denmark Street. She was also a singer and performed at the Co-operative Festival at Colston Hall in 1923.

She married Percy "Pip" Younghusband and in January 1928, moved to Hong Kong with him. They were evacuated to Australia during WWII, before returning to Hong Kong. In 1979, she left the orient and briefly returned to Bristol, before returning to Australia where she died in 1999 aged 99.

Winnie E. Taylor

Co-operative Festival, 1923

ANNUAL CO-OPERATIVE FESTIVAL
COLSTON HALL
SATURDAY NEXT, Feb. 10, 6.30 p.m.

"ALL BRISTOL" CONCERT PROGRAMME

GLYN EASTHAN (Bass), Miss WINIFRED TAYLOR (Soprano), FREDERICK GRIFFIN (Tenor), Miss EDNA CARLING (Elecutionist)

Speaker: J. RAMSAY MACDONALD, M. P.

At 6.45 p.m.

DANCLNG. FANCY DRESS COMPETITIONS.

9 p.m.

Admission - Grand Tier, 2s; Area, 1s 3d; Gallery, 6d: Concert and Dance, 2s 4d; Dance only, 2s (tax included).

Early Doors at 5 p.m. Concert Commences at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets and full particulars at all Branch Stores of the Bristol Co-operative Society, Ltd., and at the Colston Hail on the evening of the concert.

A MISCELLANEOUS PROGRAMME.

Bristol Co-operatives are to have a festival at the Colston Hall to-morrow evening, when a long and miscellaneous programme will be offered. One of the soloists is Miss Winifred M. Taylor, a young Bristol lady who is just entering upon music as a career. Those who have heard her anticipate success for her.

Kowloon Social Meeting

Winnie must have hit Hong Kong running when she arrived in January 1928. By March, she was making her first public appearance in Kowloon.

UNION CHURCH KOWLOON

To-morrow being my last Sunday before going on furlough, it will be a happy memory to carry away with me if we have a full Church on that day.

But am writing chiefly to remind you of the
SOCIAL MEETING
on
Tuesday, 29th March, at 8.30 p.m.

There will be an exceptionally good musical programme. Besides our local singers - Mrs. Robson and Mr. Chapman - Dr. MacCandliss is coming from Canton. We are also fortunate to have the help of Madame Winifred Taylor, of London and Provincial Concerts, who will be making her first public appearance in the Colony. Mrs. Jenner is kindly providing some humorous interludes.

Tickets are being sold at 50 cents to defray expenses. Hoping to have this opportunity of saying goodbye to yourself and others of my Congregation,
J. HORACE jOHNSTON
Minister

A Life in Hong Kong

Before leaving Hong Kong in 1979, Winnie was interviewed by Marsha Prysuska. The article was published in the Hongkong Standard of Monday, May 21, 1979:

Winnie Younghusband's story in the Hongkong Standard in 1979

The text reads:

Ode to serinity after 51 years in Hongkong

The time: January 1928. Fresh from London where she starred in Gilbert and Sullivan productions, Joan Younghusband arrives in Hongkong with her husband Percy, better known as ""Pip." Predictably, after the excitement of first nights, flowers, and all that goes with starring in London's West End, Joan found the Hongkong of that time with population of 250,000 somewhat slow, not to say boring.

The rickshaw and the sedan chair were the most popular mode of transport in those days, with only the most adventurous among the population daring to step on the few antique-type buses of the era. But then, no one was in too much of a hurry to get anywhere in those leisurely days when all Hongkong travelled at a sedate sedan-chair speed limit.

Now, after 51 years and five months (less the years during World War II which she spent in Australia), Joan is leaving a Hongkong which has speeded up to a maniacal tempo.

Joan and I all but shout at each other because the noise from a crew demolishing the building opposite is making normal conversation impossible. "It's crowded, and noisy," Joan says, "and above all it's too expensive for someone whose pension is in sterling." There is no trace of self-pity in Joan's statement. The eyes flash brightly, "I've had a full and happy life in Hongkong" she says, "and the times which I remember with the greatest joy are the times when I was doing something to bring some fun to the people living here."

Part of enlivening the scene was the start of station ZBW (now Radio Television Hongkong) and this came about, says Joan, mainly through the efforts of the acting Governor Sir Thomas Southorn, and a few interested parties, Joan included. Hers was the FIRST feminine voice heard on the station.

"In the book which RTHK produced for the 50th anniversary," Joan told me, "they state that I was the station's first paid employee. That's wrong. I was an honorary secretary, as well as being Auntie Joan on the children's show, but paying for the stationary out of my own pocket got a bit too much, so they gave me $150 per month, which just about covered printing and other expenses."

Joan stayed with ZBW for around three yeas... "don't ask me about dates, because I am no good at them," she said, "but my son John was born in Canton where we were living for about a year in 1930, and then around 1934, 3,000 members of the Shanghai Defence Force arrived in Hongkong - I'm not sure whether they had already defended Shanghai or were waiting to - and here they were Something had to be done to entertain them."

It all sounds so simple when Joan says that she formed two concert parties. "I was so lucky," she says, "because there was so much willing - local talent. Singers, dancers... we travelled to the camps where the boys were stationed because there just wasn't a hall big enough to seat them all."

Which there still isn't after all these years. Right?

So there was Joan and her two concert parties, each numbering 12, giving two concerts a week in the different camps plus one "bumper" concert at the old City Hall (where the Bank of China now stands) on Saturday nights. When the concerts were in the camps situated in Kowloon, Joan used to meet the entertainers in the Old Kowloon hotel - now the site of the Fire Station and Welfare Handicraft shop in Salisbury Road, Tsimshatsui. From Joan's description, it was quite a place. "A man called Ogilvy owned it," she said, "and it wasn't very posh. If you had a drink at the bar, you got your elbows wet. but it was great fun."

Also a great place to rub shoulders with "characters," with visitors, and with the hotel's residents of whom the most illustrious one (although not at the time) was a young woman married to a man in the US Navy. She is now, and has been for about 40 years known as the Duchess of Windsor. "She was," Joan Younghusband says, "very vivacious in those days, and had a following among the Navy." The mind boggles, at the thought of the Duchess-like Duchess getting her elbows wet on the old Kowloon hotel's bar, but Joan's recollections are fresh and clear. "In 1934," she says, "I produced Merrie England at the old City Hall, not one of the cast is still alive today." Joan's husband died eight years ago, her son John now lives in Australia where she says she will probably end up.

"But first I'm off to the UK where I shall stay in the West Country with relatives and where I will devote my time to the second love of my life after the stage, poetry. It's quiet there."

The jackhammers are going outside the room. Joan hands me her latest poem "Ode to Serenity ..."

Its first three lines are: "Give me the whisper of the woods in spring. Or radiant summer sunshine birds that sing. Re-echoing hymns to God. Sweet scented flowers ..."

WWII Evecuation to Australia

Winnie and her family were evacuated from Hong Kong to Australia for the duration of WWII and her arrival there was reported as:

Sydney.

The original "Auntie Joan" of the first children's session ever launched as a regular feature from a Hong Kong wireless station has arrived in Sydney with her ten-year-old son, John George, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.

She is Mrs. J. Younghusband, whose husband is in the Official Weights and Measures Office in Hong Kong, and she is actually an evacuee, although her son's illness prevented her from leaving with the groups brought away by the Government.

"Before my marriage I belonged to the D'Oyley Carte Opera Company and played mezzo-soprano parts such as Phoebe, Picti-Sing, and Yum Yum in Gilbert and Sullivan shows," she said. "I played in England under an assumed name as my parents would have preferred me to go cn the concert platform rather than the stage.

"During the last war I entertained the Australian soldiers in camp at Salisbury Plain, and thought they were a wonderful lot."

Mrs. Younghusband has not been on the professional stage since her marriage but took an enthuslastic part in Hong Kong musical and dramatic life.

Hong Kong Radio

The exact date is uncertain but generally taken as October 8, 1928, when Hong Kong Radio, callsign ZBW, started brodcasting.

If you looked at your newspaper during the summer of 1928 you might have noticed that Ronald Coleman was starring in "Bulldog Drummond" at the cinema, and the Graf Zeppelin had flown from Germany to Lakehurst, New Jersey, and back; you would have noticed that people were reading a new novel called "All Quiet on the Western Front" and if you went dancing you might have danced to a tune called "Let's Do It," or "I've Got a Feeling I'm Falling" and, moreover, when you got home you might have been able to hear these tunes over the Colony's new radio station, for in 1928 broadcasting on an official footing began in Hongkong.

Since most of the station's records were lost during the war,it has not been possible to establish the exact date on which regular broadcasting began and the commemoration is being held on the same date as that chosen for the tenth celebrations in 1938.

Many special programmes have been arranged to celebrate the occasion.

On Monday at 8:15 Radio Hongkong will be looking bac and listening to some of the "Voices Through the Years" who have helped to form the service as it is today. The programme will include pieces in reminiscent mood from such personalities as Mrs Younghusband, Eric O'Neil Shaw, Father T. J. Ryan, Dr. L. T. Ride, and Mr T. O. T'so.

Highlights of post-war broadcasting will be marked by re-broadcasts of some of the outstanding moments in the Colony's post-war years and messages from many other Commonwealth broadcasting stations will climax the programme. "Voices Through the Years" is written by Timothy Birch and produced by Tim Brinton.

Of sports reflections, Ted Thomas brings to the listeners the most famous of Hongkong's sporting personalities - men who made their names both on the field of sport and in the committee rooms of the various sporting associations. Looking back on the last thirty years of sport in Hongkong they recall famous sports stars, compare the men and conditions between then and now, and trace the many developments.

Anniversary Recital

Radio Hongkong has been fortunate in having, besides recorded music by the best artists in the world, a wide selection of local musical artists upon whom to draw. At 7 o'clock on Monday evening over twenty of these artists, who are regular broadcasters will be presented by Irene Yuen in a special Anniversary Recital. Moya Rea, Harry Ore, Caroline Braga, Wong Kuk Ying, Robert Witcher, and many others known to listeners and concert-goers, will take part.

(Broadcasting on a frequency of 860 kilocycles per second.)

The Beginning Of Radio H.K.

On the evening of October 8, 1929, a small gronp of officials and amateur musicians gathered in a newly construeted broadcasting studio situated in the General Post Office.

They were Mr N. L. Smith, Chairman of the Broadcasting Committee and the Hon J. P. Braga. There were also Mrs Younghusband, Programme Secretary, and Mr R. Sutherland to act as announcer, while among those who would entertain the listeners over the air were Mr and Mrs Bowes-5mith and Mr Jobn Braga who had taken aiong his violin.

They were waithig for Mr (later Sir) W. T. Southorn, who was administering the Pengkong Government, for Sir Cecil Clementi was away in Manila. Upon Mr Southorn's arrival, Mr Sutherland moved to the microphonc and announced the Hongkong call code, ZBW, afte rwhich which he introduced Mr Southorn to the listeners.

Inaugural Speech

Mr Southorn began in the then conventional manner, "Good evening everybody," and made the inaugural speech. Among other things, he said Government was opening the studio because it seemed that no commericial undertaking was preparing to do so. He said that he hoped the radio station would grow to the extent that its programmes would consist of something better than a few hours of gramophone record. (A barren hope for some time).

He then mentioned the peuple who had come along to give thestation what we should now call a "live" send-off. Mr Bowes-Smith then played the piano, Mr John Braga performed on his fddie, and Mrs Bowes-Smith sang some songs. But the main thing was, ZBW was on the air. Twvo months later there was a Radio Exhibition in the Colony. Just before Christmas, the Hongkong Flying Club was formed.

Early in January 1930, an Agriculture Show was held in the New Territories, while later in the month the European and Chinese communities gave a fairwell levee to Sir Cecil Clementi, on the Hongkong Criecket Club ground. Sir Cecil left the Colony on February 1, and the new Governor, Sir William Peel, arrived in Hongkong on May 5. Among his first official dutics was to open The Hongkong Fying Club on May 31. The year passed by in a routine fashion with very little to excite the imagination. There was the first air trip ever made from Hongkong to Canton on December 2, but interest is really with ihe continnal growth of Kowloon.

During 1930, the kerbing and channelling of Prince Edward Road took place, while many of the existing Kowloon roads were extended. In Hongkong, the road connecting Garden Road, Bowen Road, with May Road was widened to permit motor traffic.

In spite of many pessimists, ZBW (Hongkong Radio) was still giving its concerts, mainly from gramophone records lent by the various music shopa in the city. The broadcasting hours were limited to three and a half only, between seven and ten-thirty in the evening.

Rise To Power

Hongkong was still interested in flying records, so that when Wiley Post and Harold Gatty broke the Atlantic crossing record in 15 hrs-48 minutos, it made front page news. For those interested, the crossing made by Sir Arthur Witten Brown and Sir John Alcock in 1919, still stood until 1931.

Early on Monday morning, July 17, a particulariy savage crime shocked Hongkong when some gunmen entered a piece goods shop in Des Voeux Rood, and after looting the place, poured kerosene over their bound victims. And so I include these trifles to show how there are periods in the life of every community, when routine is the order. In brief, world-wide depression affecting the home market, world-wide unemployment, unrest in China, and the expansion of the Colony, provided the theme of the opening sears of the 1930s.

Hitler's rise to power was mentioned in the Hongkong newspapers. But the unrest in Germany so far away, seemned of no consequence to Hongkong. It wos not until July 21, 1933 under a single column head, "Nuremberg Jew Bait" that Germany crept into the news. The editor of the Hongkong Telegraph was cautious. So perhaps was the press agency. At any rate, it was considered that the humilating baiting of the Jewish people was done without the consent or knowledge of Herr Adolf Hitler.

At the beginning of August 1933, Mrs Polson of Quarry Bay was attacked by a delivery coolie. It seem she had a little dog which had already taken one bite at the coolie which evidence he showed by rolling up his trousers. He was waved out of the way by a neighbour, so that a few minutes later when the dog went for him again, be killed it. Apparently Mrs Polson interferred, and was attacked. But my reason for showing this incidental item is to tell you it made a front page seven column spread. Such was news in Hongkong.

On Thursday, Augost 10, 1933, the Coiony sat up aod took notice. For the Hongkong nowspapers came out with a bold Governmeni scheme announcing the bullding of a new City Hall, a new Government Hnuse, and new Government Offices. This would all come to pass because Government had sold th site of the oid City Hoil to the Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation, and with a certain amount of glee, it was promised that all these new buildings would rise, and still there might be a little money left in the kitty. This puzzled me somewhat when I read it, for of one thing I was certain, the original City Hall was built by private subscription, Jardir and Matheson making the main contribution, while the ground was a free grant from Government.

Reminiscenses of John Harvey & Sons

After returning to Bristol in 1979, Winnie wrote about her time at John Harvey and Sons in Bristol:

Winnie's letter on Harvey's

I was most interested to hear about Carol's friend. I don't know anything about the present firm of Harvey's, but if it is as good as the old regime, then he couldn't work for a better firm, and Wine Tasting is quite an ART. As you know, I worked for them from 1917 to 1923. The hours were long; sometimes 9am to 11pm because most of the male staff had joined up. The Chairman, John Russell Harvey became paralysed at an early age, & was driven to Denmark St. every day where he was met & helped to his desk in his large, private office. He was a prolific writer & at the sound of 3 bells - 1 long, 2 slow - I was required to take dictation. His home was at Leigh Woods, where his wife & their family entertained the staff - strawberry & cream teas in their beautiful garden. Luvverrly.

Edward, his brother was quite a character, & spent a lot of time in the cellars. He was an expert taster & well known in Denmark St. as he sported a straw boater, winter & summer. A monocle completed his eccentric image. I also took his dictation - usually short & sweet. During these years, I was taking expensive singing lessons from a German Professor - Arthur Wateren - whose headquarters were in Baker St., London, but took pupils at his studio in Park St. twice a week. I used to hurry like mad to get through my work & then ask for an hour off. Edward, the wit, would say "Allright, off you go Clara Butt, but stop buffing those plaits in my face"!! No show bobs in those days!

His home was at Yatton & he always travelled by trin. I wonder if ANITA Sherry is still on the market. I remember when he named it after his first daughter & was sold, if I remember rightly, at 3/6 a bottle. Bristol Milk was 8/6 & Bristol Cream 10/6. Still two great Sherries & very popular out East. I don't suppose many of the old staff are left, but the foregoing may be of interest. All through the years, on our home leaves I used to cast a nostalgic eye on Harvey's of Denmark St. I recall the many celebrities who were invited to wine & dine at the old Gaunt House, royalty included - hence the Coat of Arms above the old entrance. History has it that King Edward VII on sipping B.M. for the first time remarked, "You must have some mighty fine cows around here." So ends my saga of J. H. & S & my reminiscence of truly happy days. Incidentally, my salary was £ a week (considered good in those days) & we received a yearly bonus which I set aside for singing lessons.

Now back to the present. As I am past physical jerks I try to keep mentally active as much as possible which gives me less time to think of advancing years! I give Bridge lessons, I belong to the Poetry Assn. & to Stage Club (behind scenes) but with the ever changing face of HK, the ever increasing cost of living, I know I'll soon be seeking pastures new. Wherever these may be adjustments will not be easy after 50 years in the tropics.

A Note from Ray

Winnie Taylor must have seen a great many changes in Hong Kong from when she arrived in 1928 until she left in 1979. From 1841 to 1981 it was a Crown Colony, and then a dependent territory from 1981 to 1997.

My dad served in the Royal Navy and visited Hong Kong in 1953, on the aircraft carrier HMS Warrior. I visited it in 1992. The changes to the city in those 40 years was vivid.

Yeo Family

Frederic William Taylor's sister, Lillian Emily (1875 - 1970), married William Stone (1873 - 1950). A daughter of theirs, Lilian G. (1910 - 1996), married Philip Henry Yeo (1911 - 1997). Philip Henry's father was Ernest Joseph Yeo (1886 - 1951) and Ernest had a brother, William James Yeo (1876 - 1970).

Ernest Jospeh Yeo

The following obituary appeared in the Bristol Evening Post of April 23, 1951:

MR. E. J. YEO

The death has occurred of Ernest Joseph Yeo, 10, Conway Rd., Brislington, former chief inspector of Bristol Tramways Co., who served with the company nearly 50 years , retiring only recently.

Mr. Yeo was awarded the B.E.M. (Civil) in 1946. He was responsible for carrying out work in connection with alternative routes during Bristol air raids and for providing special transport services.

His son. Mr. Philip Yeo, is also employed by the Tramways Co. in their motor construction works.

William James Yeo

Ernest Joseph Yeo had a brother, William James. Like Frederic Taylor he had a keen interest in draughts and chess and was captain of the draughts club of Redland Reading Rooms. The following appeared in the Western Daily Press of January 9, 1950:

William James Yeo, draughts tournament
Daily Press of January 9, 1950

The articles reads:

WORLD DRAUGHTS CHAMPION

Busy Session In Bristol

One man alone, move by move, from table to table, played 44 games of draughts simultaneously at the Y.M.C.A., Colston Street, on Saturday evening.

This task, opposing some of tne finest draughts champions in England, was one for a world champion, and, appropriately, it was the present world champion, Sammy Cohen, of London, who undertook the job.

This manifold match was organised by the Bristol and District Draughts Association.

Noticed at the tables were Mr E. Feltham, outstanding player from Dorset; Mr C. F. Carter, who has played for England three times; Mr George Livingstone, chairman of the Executive and organiser for draughts games on British Railways; Mr B. A. Russell, present Bristol champion, lecturer, author and father of the chief designer of the Brabazon; Mr F. W. Miles, author of the 'Western Daily Press and Bristol Mirror' gardening notes; Mr S. T. Rundle, contender for the English championship; Mr J. Latham, ex-English champion for 1947; Mr R. A. Slade. Bristol chess champion, trying his hand at draughts as a refresher; Mr W. J. Yeo, who was winning championships in 1892; Mr A. C. Young, of Cheddar; and several representatives from the Bristol Aeroplane Company's club.

Facing this galaxy of players, Mr Cohen showed no sign of strain. even after hours of play. He was followed from table to table, after each move was made, by a crowd of interested onlookers, including Mr J. A. Kear, ex-Bristol champion for many years, and who is considered practically unbeatable.

Mr Kear has retired from the draughts-playing world, but still takes an interest in present-day form.

A feature of the display was the play of Master Allen Leach (14), who battled for five hours before the champion could force a win. He has piayed draughts since he was six-years-old, mainly in Canada. He now resides in Brislington.

The following players had drawn gemes with the champion: Mr Tucker, Mr Morris, Mr Westlake, Mr Carter, Mr Young, Mr Slocombe, Mr Rundle, Mr Slade, Mr Thomas, Mr Latham and Mr H. Bullock.

Death of William James
Bristol Evening Post, January 6, 1970

YEO - William James, passed peacefully away Sunday, Jan. 4, at 20, Wellington Park Clifton, in his 94th year. Will be loved and remembered by his children and grandchildren. Funeral service Redland Park Congregational Church, Friday, Jan. 9, at 3 p.m. Interment follows at Canford Cemetery. Flowers, bunches only, please may be sent to Thomas Davis, Ltd., 111, Whteladies Road, Clifton.