‘Fair owner was a philanthropist’

I READ with interest Neil Collingwood’s article on the Leek Cattle Markets.

My great uncle, Alfred Flower, was a local councillor and ran a Livery Stable business from Shoobridge Street, Leek, now Ferns Removals.

Alfred recounted that in the early days, the May Fair, was held at the top of Mill Street and later on the land now occupied by the Nicholson Memorial.

At the end of the Great War the Council offered John Collins, the owner of the fair, land at the station, but this was not acceptable.

Alfred met with John Collins and suggested that the fair be held on the Cattle Market ground, and this idea was sanctioned by the other members of the council.

Alfred also related that when Mr Collins wished to remain in Leek for a day or two over his allotted time he negotiated with him, and Mr Collins offered to pay £20 for the privilege.

Alfred, on accepting this, told Mr Collins that the money would be donated to the Peace Celebrations to commemorate the end of Great War.

On hearing this, Mr Collins also contributed four hours takings from his amusements, and £105 was donated to the charity, a vast amount in today’s money.

It was also recounted that Mr Collins’ sons continued to support local charities in Leek every year they visited.