The terrible lake tragedy which has claimed young lives in Solihull will have echoes from the past for one community on the Shropshire-Wales border which suffered almost identical heartbreak at the beginning of the 20th century.
A contemporary picture of the 1905 tragedy with the hole in the ice marked.
Their fun had hardly begun when the ice gave way and five of them disappeared into the water to the horror of those watching from the bank. The vicar of Bettisfield and some local men had arrived on the scene and exhausted Walter was sinking when a man named Kelsall from a neighbouring farm rushed up with a rope and rescued him.
Sadly all five children died. They were Evelyn Hughes, aged nine; Lucy Morris, nine; Albert Moore, 13; Joseph Speakman, 13; and Thomas Beckett, 11.A local fund was started to help the bereaved families. Walter, whose age is variously given as 11 and 14 – indeed, contemporary accounts are inconsistent as to the ages and first names of the children – was later presented with a testimonial from the Royal Humane Society to mark his bravery.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Appeal for tree planting help to create Shropshire hedgerowsThe National Trust project wants people to help at planting sessions across this winter.
Read more »
Top 5 Christmas Dinners in Shropshire, according to a food criticIf you're one of the many people who enjoy eating their Christmas dinner at a pub or restaurant during the festive period, now's the time to start thinking about booking your table... if you haven't already.
Read more »
Fire crews scrambled to gas leak in Shropshire overnightFire and rescue crews across Shropshire had a busy night being scrambled to a gas leak, a chimney fire and responding to various automatic fire alarm incidents.
Read more »
Sudden death of 'wonderful and vibrant' Shropshire student leaves community devastated'There is a deep sense of shock and grief enveloping the entire Lakelands community, matched only by a determination to honour Ella’s life.'
Read more »
Tickets released for biggest Shropshire Kids Festival yet!Shropshire’s original kids festival is set to return in February 2023. The award-winning Shropshire Festivals team will be filling Telford International Centre with fun for 0-12 year olds on February 18 and 19 during the school half term.
Read more »
Shropshire Council to review location of librariesShropshire Council’s aim is to keep as many libraries as now, but with some sharing premises to keep the network sustainable for the next five years. Full story:
Read more »