Below is a link of the Rememberance Service, at St. Mary Magdalene Church, Broadwas. On Saturday 17th January, 2026, at 11.00am.
EULOGY for Gerry, read by her friend Jill Hammond, at the Remembrance Service, at Broadwas Church, on the 17th January 2026.
When I first met Gerry it was at Martley Young Farmers, we knew her as Geraldine then! John and I were in awe of her, and the other club leaders, they tried to keep us in order. I am ashamed to say we named three of our lovely pigs after them! I’m sure the other two are here today, so I’m not mentioning any names!
How wrong we were. As we got to know Gerry better we realised that she was a totally kind and thoughtful person, not daunting or feisty.
As her life drew to its end it has been inspirational to realise how brave, and yet completely organised she was. Those weeks in hospital were difficult for her of course, but it is a measure of that amazing lady that she must have held the record for the number of visitors there, and at Dorset House, where she had at least 71different people in four weeks, she counted them and kept a list! Suzanne’s very regular visits were a constant joy to Gerry, I know. They have been close friends for very many years and Gerry was always pleased to receive an invitation to Suzanne’s, partly for her fantastic cooking I think!
Gerry seemed so content, facing what was to come with dignity. Typical of her, even in Dorset House she was mostly dressed, jewellery on, make up done and hair tidy.
I never ever saw her in jeans in 50 plus years, but Sarah told me Gerry did own some! She was well dressed throughout her life, and whatever she wore was matching or well thought out, even if you just popped in unannounced, her beads, cardigan and skirts all co-ordinated. In her own words “I do have my standards.
Gerry asked me to do this way back in October, and, typically of Gerry’s organised way of life it was to continue as her death approached. She sent the following email via Sarah about her early life. I quote: Mum and I came to Knightwick when I was 3 years old. It was suggested by Dr Clarke that I be enrolled at the school there, which I was, and again at 5! Incidentally,Gerry organised a school reunion in 2005 which 70 people enjoyed.
Jill Hammond
She said It was a wonderful village to grow up in, with Brownies, Guides etc and I had my 21st birthday celebrations at Knightwick School with lots of young farmers like John and Sheila, Tony and Kate.
The post office is where I knew Mrs Holland, Jo, Graham and especially Philip who was like a brother and has been a wonderful support. I was in the guides with Olive Foot and youth club with John Foot. Through them I got a wonderful ‘adopted’ daughter, Sarah.
My brother Simon was born when I was 23 and what a joy he has been.
Simon lives in Chesterfield with his wife Sue, and children Dan and Izzy They moved there to be near Sue’s parents, so Simon tells me he is now an honorary northerner!
Simon has been juggling his own busy work and family life, with spending many, many days at Gerry’s bedside. He and Sarah have been her constant companions throughout the last few months. They have co-ordinated well, despite the sadness of watching Gerry struggle bravely.
Before I say more about Gerry’s life I also want to pay a huge tribute to Sarah. Sarah has been the best friend to Gerry for decades. What tremendous support and love they shared. Sarah helped Gerry and Brian a lot for years and was a rock for Gerry around the time of his death, and especially in difficult times since. Her busy workload was coped with, yet somehow, she was at Gerry’s bedside nearly all of the final three months. She whizzes up and down that motorway constantly at all times of the day and night. I should think her car has done many thousands of miles so Sarah and Gerry could be together.
Continuing Gerry’s quotation: Dr Parson’s wife invited me to be receptionist and dispenser at Knightwick Surgery which I did for four years, then to Ronkswood Worcester for 4 years, followed by Cheltenham, then on to Southmead, Bristol a total of 53 years as a pharmacist . Gerry ended her career at Nunwell Surgery, Bromyard, finally retiring from Castle Street, Worcester. From Nunwell Doctor Kevin Illsley sent Sarah a lovely tribute about Gerry, saying he knew her for 45 years, she was wonderfully efficient, but mostly mentioning her kindness to the junior staff members.
Each of those workplaces Gerry made yet more friends of course, and she continued to be in touch with them all her life. It was in Bristol that she lived with Jacky and Bill, and became a part of their family. The famous ‘Natter Club’ was formed then, and Gerry was a huge part of that friendship group, which continues now. I think it was Hazel who put together a wonderful picture book, which Gerry proudly showed us all during November this year.
Gerry left Bristol to marry Brian and, again I quote her: We had 45 years of adventures, often with Pauline and Tony to Zimbabwe, Canada, Norway, Denmark, India, Italy, Holland and Sweden. (Wow!How many photos did she take each day on holiday???)
The caravan near Builth was a great place for Gerry and Brian. He would fish in the river Wye and Gerry enjoyed many days of reading or entertaining yet more visitors. Of course Gerry made friends with the people there. Unfortunately Alison can’t be here today but emailed to say how much she enjoyed jolly times with Gerry.
She told me several times that she had a happy life with Brian, and she had loved and cared for his three ‘children’ Suzanne, Paul and Tracy throughout their teenage and adult years. and she loved the grandchildren Danielle, Chris and Karen. Their love and care was a great comfort to Gerry especially in the last few weeks. Being a great grandmother to Amelia, Leah, Max, Rhys, Imogen and Evie also gave Gerry a lot of joy. Gerry was a popular godparent and Jo’s son Jan, her godson is here from Norway today representing Jo’s family
Gerry and Brian lived in Laugherne Road most of their marriage, where it was fun to visit them, and then sensibly moved to Hylton Road which overlooks the river, with its picturesque swans at the front of the house, and she enjoyed her well kept garden and feeding the birds behind the house.
Gerry coped well, outwardly at least, with Brian’s death in September last year.
She and Brian worked hard at Knightwick Chapel, both outside and inside. She was an absolute stalwart there in every way, latterly ‘only’ doing the teas or reading the lesson, but she put her heart and soul into the place for many decades. Her faith was important and strong, and she rarely missed a Sunday service in one or other of the local churches. Jennifer has been a quiet comfort to Gerry and her visits were always appreciated. They planned this service together, probably back in October. Thank you Jennifer.
There is so much to say about Gerry, but I was told by one of the club leaders at Young Farmers that when public speaking you should STAND UP, SPEAK UP AND SHUTUP.
Well, I am nearly at SHUTUP, but I received this lovely email from Jane Cameron (Nugent) in Australia. They met in Knightwick as six year olds when Gerry befriended her (of course). She sent it via Sarah two months ago and I will quote a bit of it. Jane says
I imagine heaven is not quite the place it was before the arrival of Gerry Cooper. No more lounging about on fluffy white clouds, there are things to do, and Gerry is just the one to organise them! There will be book clubs, garden groups, possibly WI and Bonnies’ tea room.
I know we’ll miss Gerry, she was a bundle of energy, always the one to arrange the outings, lunches, flowers or a clean up gang at the chapel.
Jane says I would leave Gerry and Brian’s house exhausted. Gerry had picked over dozens of pounds of damsons, made damson sauce and the results were in labelled cartons in the freezer. Even Brian’s pounds of blackberries and gallons of carrot soup were dealt with graciously!
She goes on to say that she lives in Australia but every time she visited England they would meet up and have lots of fun and chat. Gerry‘facetimed’ with Jane quite often.
The Gerry I remember was a people person. She was kind, thoughtful and caring for other people who perhaps just needed a friend. She had so many interests but top of the list must be photography. She was brilliant at it, and we will all have been given the lovely cards. She gave cards to anyone who helped her too, even the optician and the doctor. She’s probably giving them out in heaven!
It has been a wonderful to know Gerry and a great privilege to be a very small part of her last journey.
To quote Janet Sexton, her death has been the passing of a quiet legend.
Gerry died as she lived, with amazing grace.
EULOGY for Gerry, read by her friend Janet Melillo, at the Remembrance Service, at Broadwas Church, on the 17th January 2026.
In August 1962 twenty three Girl Guides and Rangers from the 1st Knightsford Bridge Girl Guide Company went to Sweden. Our Guide Captain was Mary Walker and Gerry was a Lieutenant. Gerry loved and respected Mary (as did we all). We have often said what a responsibility it was for Mary to be in charge of taking so many girls abroad.
We had met two Swedish Guides, Marie and Birgitte the previous year and they had invited us to visit them in Sweden. The cost was £25. each (£550 today). We held whist drives and dances at The Talbot to help raise funds. At the time we were the first Guides in the county to
go abroad and we earned a special badge – for many of us it was the first time we had ever been abroad.We travelled all the way by train and boat train. At Shrub Hill Station we had a group photo taken which appeared in the Worcester Evening News together with a write-up about the trip. For nearly twenty-four hours we travelled through Belgium, Germany, Denmark and up to Nässjö in Sweden where we were met by Marie and Birgitte. We were local celebrities – another group photo appeared in the local press and a civic lunch was given to us by the Mayor and Council. We learned to thank them in Swedish – tack tack tusen tack (a thousand thanks)
Janet MelilloWe stayed in youth hostels both in Nässjö and Copenhagen. We visited other cities in Sweden – Norrköping, Jönköping and the capital, Stockholm before Copenhagen on the way home. Everyone of us has different memories of this time. Gerry kept a diary of the whole trip. I remember dill cucumber in sandwiches which I didn't like and the bread was sweet; a trip to a summerhouse by a beautiful lake owned by Marie's family; three of us getting lost in Copenhagen and, of course, the statue of the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen harbour and top of the pops was "I Remember You" by Frank Ifield. Gerry organised many reunions over the years up to our 60th and several of us are here today. Gerry was brilliant at keeping in touch with people – she was still in touch with Marie and Birgitte.
Back in October Gerry sent me a text from her hospital bed asking me to tell the Sweden story at her funeral – still organising. The words of the Girl Guide promise have changed over the years. When I made my promise it began with "I promise on my honour to do my best".
I hope I have done my best to honour a special memory of our dear friend Gerry.
Here is a photograph of the Knightwick Girl Guides on their trip to, Nässjö in Sweden, and Copenhagen in Denmark, in August 1962.
Back Row: Mary Walker, Valerie Partridge, Mary Walker, Pamela Glazzard, Edith Walker, Geraldine Chaplin, Janet Cullen, Diane Bennett.
Front Row: Catherine Walker, Julia Ganderton, Jane Kenell, Sue Ganderton, Jean Heath, Joan Thornton, Elizabeth Hampton, Diane Ganderton, Josephine Holland.
Three girls not in this photo were Caroline Ganderton, Elizabeth Ganderton and Janet Sims as the Head teacher of the Worcester Grammar School would not give them the morning off and they had to travel later.
EULOGY for Gerry, read by her friend Hazel Arnold - On behalf of the Natter Club, at Broadwas Church, on the 17th January 2026.
Natter Club…an Everyday Story of Pharmacy Folk
As a young newly qualified Pharmacist, my first job was in Bristol General Hospital, closely followed by the offer of a post at Southmead Hospital. It was there that I met Jacky ..who started there in 1966, and Gerry who was a trainee pharmacy technician ..tutored at that time by the chief pharmacist, Mr Deeks.
The department was small (by modern standards) and to manage a rest at coffee and lunch times, we had to sit on metal crates in the ladies loo to eat our sandwiches, read our books or do our crochet! How times have changed!!Gerry spent some time in the Nurses Home before finding a flat in Bristol. Unfortunately, one evening she returned to find it had been broken in to. Jacky and Bill, who had, by this time, bought a house in Bristol offered Gerry a home… where she stayed for 5 years.
Gerry had many friends ..a testament to what a lovely person she was.. and most of the Bristol crew… not all pharmacy folk… are here today to celebrate her life
Gerry moved "home"…back to Worcester where, in 1979 she married Brian.
Hazel ArnoldThose of us who visited Laugherne Road will remember the wonderful hospitality and the myriad vegetables and fruits that they managed to serve with their meals. Laugherne Road also became a meeting point for some of Gerrys Pharmacy friends … including Maxine, who brought her children from France for a visit , and Carol…no longer a part of our group unfortunately as she emigrated to the USA… but she will be always remembered as the originator of our Natter Club title!
The Natter Club name stuck.. and we are here today to celebrate and remember the love and friendship built up and maintained over the last 55 years.
In 2005 , Glenda, who lives in Penzance, found some cottages available for rent near Marazion and suggested that we stayed there for a weekend. This was our first group outing for a long weekend as we were all working then. Following that outing we had two years where we stayed in Charmouth.
In 1960, Jacky and Bill had bought a property in Port Isaac and we were very grateful to them for offering us the opportunity to spend a long weekend there. Our first stay was in 2008 and the trips continued for the next 17 years…during which we visited so many different places in Cornwall ..and, in later times, Worcestershire.Our other (unofficial) title was the Carpet Slipper Girls, as we were / are so comfortable in each others company. We've laughed together, cried
together, prayed together.. and, on our last Port Isaac visit in 2022 , we arrived as the death of the Queen was announced.
We are very grateful to Suzanne Owen who drove Gerry down to Gloucestershire for 2023 and 2024 for what became our last two meals
together.
Returning, for a moment, to Port Isaac in 2015.
Gerry had arrived with an assortment of paperback books ….her intention being to show us all how to make an angel using the paper pages of said books. To say that we were awkward would be an understatement. We didn't really want to make them .. but Gerry was adamant…and she won in the end. ( Even when in her bed at Dorset House, she reminded us yet again of our resistance ! )When Gerry was no longer able to drive, she set up a Zoom meeting for us all. She proceeded to speak to each member of the group and would remind us, before the end of each meeting, the date and time of the next meeting. (I am pleased to say that another member of our group is planning to take this on ).
Gerry was admitted to Worcester Royal Hospital in September 2025. After several weeks there, and having declined further treatment ,she moved to Dorset House in Droitwich ( not forgetting the amazing send-off from the staff on Aconbury Ward in Worcester Royal).
The lovely staff at Dorset House, who took great care in looking after her, said that no other resident had ever had so many visitors in such a short time…. and she was blessed to have had her brother Simon, and her close friend Sarah with her whenever they could be.
Sadly her stay was not as long as we expected and she passed away peacefully on December 10th with Simon and Sarah at her bedside
"When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free
Miss me a little, but not too long..
..and not with your head bowed low
Remember the love that we once shared
Miss me.. but let me go
For this is a journey we all must take
And each must go alone
Its all a part of life's rich plan
A step on the way to home
When you are lonely and sick at heart,
Go to the friends we know..
…and bury your sorrows in doing good deeds
Miss me, but let me goWith love, and many happy memories to cherish,
Natter Club 2025
Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3: 1-8 & 11-14, read by her friend Suzanne Owen, at the Remembrance Service, on the 17th January 2026.
embracing,6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.12 I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.13 That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him.
Suzzane Owen
See Letter from Josephine Stenersen
Highfields bungalows are down a small lane from the Hoo, on the Knightwick to Suckley road, signposted 'Highfields'. Not sure what year they were built but it may well have been in the 1930's. They are situated in the southern part of the Knightwick boundaries, the old railway line is to the west of these and they are not far from the Old Suckley Station, which is inside the Knightwick borders. [Many thanks to Geraldine Cooper (nee Chaplin) for some of the help with those who lived here when she first came there in 1948]
In 1948 Geraldine Chaplin, then aged 6, moved to Highfields and kindly gave me some information on those families living there at that time.No 1. Bungalow, Highfields, Knightwick, Worcestershire.
Olive Busk - [Widow] - b. 6th December, 1897. [Light Farm Work]
John Hubert Busk - [Son] - b. 16th October, 1920. [Stockman on Farm]
Harold Peter Notley Busk - [Son] - b. 23rd January, 1922. [Mechanical Engineer, Apprentice]
Harry Eustace Notley Busk - [Son] - b. 30th July, 1923. [Farm Worker]
Elsie M. Chaplin. Married Harry Busk on the 26th March, 1947.
*Geraldine Chaplin. - b. 26th March, 1941.*Geraldine used to stay at our house, (while her mum was at work) when she was young and grew up with my sister Josephine Holland. They have been friends for many years, my sister Josephine married a Norwegian, Gunvald Stenersen in 1966 at Knightwick Church and they have lived in Norway for more than 50 years.
Some information by Gerry about her original family (written by herself)
I was born on 26th March 1941. in Leamington Spa my birth was registered at Warwick registry office by a man named Gerald Forest Jones, he gave me his name, he was working at the hospital where I was born, and wanted to help my Mother who was only 19yrs old, it was during the blitz and a very difficult time, my Mother had a nervous breakdown when I was born.
My Mother told me that her mother died in childbirth, so she was brought up by her Mothers twin sister, who blamed her for her sisters death, this Aunty Hilda whose husband's name was George, (I have no surname for them) gave my Mother a very hard time, she was not allowed to keep any gifts given to her, she was put to darn socks, and the next day the hole would have been cut larger. She got pregnant with me on purpose to get away from home she said my Father was coming home on leave from the war, when his train was bombed and he was killed, his name was Gerald Gordon Grant this is the name on my marriage certificate. I do not remember Mum telling me that.
In 1970 when I wanted to register to do my Apothecary Hall exams, I needed a birth certificate, and I had not got one, all my life I had been known as Geraldine Margaret Chaplin. I then discovered that I had been registered •Geraldine Margaret Forest-Jones, Mums explanation of this, that she was ill at the time and this man had gone ahead and registered me in his name. We then went to Edward Walker at Hill Top Farm who was a Justice of the Peace and Mum swore an affidavit. At the time I accepted everything Mum told me and did not question anything.
I have a copy of my mothers birth certificate, she was born 16th May 1921, and was registered by her mother on 27th June 1921, so she obviously did not die in childbirth, her address at that time was Peacocks Cottage, West Buckland, her name was Beatrice Maud Chaplin. No name for her Father.
Josephine (my lifetime friend) remembers that when she was about 9yrs old a man went into the Post Office at Knightwick asking where my Mother lived. Her Grandfather would not divulge her whereabouts; this man said he was my father and that my Mother was not a fit person to look after me.
Some years ago I rang Warwick Registry Office to ask for a copy of my original birth certificate, but was told I was not entitled to it, the lady was very understanding and helpful, she told me that Gerald Forest Jones was living with my mother in a flat in Coventry at 13 Glenn St., and that he was a Laundry man; whether that was in the hospital or not I do not know.
At some point in her life my Mother lived in Fishponds in Bristol, I know very little of my mothers life before she lived in Knightwick, it was obviously an unhappy time, and she firmly closed the door on that chapter of her life, I remember she did tell me that her Aunt asked what she could get for the baby, me, Mum would accept nothing, Dad knew no more than I do, I regret not being more inquisitive when she was alive, maybe I recognised unconsciously that she did not want to talk about the past, I have always felt it was irrelevant.
Research by Philip Holland
The 1939 Register had Gerry's mum living at (Whitehall Terrace) 55 Waterloo Road, Wellington, Somerset. Born: 16th May, 1921; and her Occupation: Sewing Machinist, Mattresses. As can be seen the name •Forrest-Jones has been added and Chaplin crossed out.
Meaning: If a woman married and changed her surname, or if someone moved house, their original entry in the 1939 Register might be crossed out, with a reference note added—often looking like "See Ref Ch," "Ref Cov," or "See Page..."—pointing to the new, updated entry.
(Seemed odd as they don't normally do this if they had married. Usually they would add the spouses name in red to the left and a date of the wedding. So can not say why it was done, but it does match with Gerry's research of a Gerald Forrest Jones)(The only one I could find on searching was) Gerald F. Jones - Born: December qtr., 1919 - Prestwich, Lancaster. (Mother: Forrest)
(The only Possible parents I could find were) Jeannie Forrest and Percival Jones, who married June Qtr., 1919 in West Derby.Fernhill Heath Electoral Poll 1945
Gerry's mum worked at the Horn & Trumpet in Angel Place, Worcester. Gerry would have been *4 years old when this poll was taken.
The landlady at the Talbot Hotel in Knightwick saw her there and asked her to come and work for her as a cook.I found information that John and Joan Barker were the propriators in 1945 ( I only remember them being at the Swan in Alfrick).
If correct then it would have been Joan Barker who asked Gerry's mum to come and work as cook at the Talbot Hotel for her.
You can see from the school admissions below that Gerry was *4 years old.Taken from, Knightwick School Admissions
Date of Admission: 25th June 1945
Child: Geraldine M. Chaplin
Parent: Elsie Chaplin
Address: Talbot Hotel, Knightwick.
Occupation: Cook
Child's Birth: 26th March, 1941.
Baptised: Yes
The suggestive standards: Name transferred to *Sp.Aadm R. - Left: 1st September, 1945.
Date of Re-admission: 6th May, 1946.
The suggestive standards: Christopher Whitehead Secondary Modern School - Left: 24th July, 1952.Based on common educational, specifically special education, terminology, *"Sp.Aadm R" is likely a variation or shorthand for:
Specialized Academic Resource or Specialized Academic Room
Here is the breakdown of the terms in a special education context:
Sp. (Special): Refers to Special Education, which provides tailored instruction for students with disabilities.
Aadm (Academic): Refers to academic skills, curriculum, or instruction.
R (Resource/Room): Frequently refers to a Resource Room, a classroom where a special education teacher provides specialized instruction to students with disabilities, either individually or in small groups, for a portion of the day.Gerry was at the school for three months and was probably to young to be there. She most likely went to a nursery school before returning the next year when she was 5 years old.
Gerry's mum came to the Post Office at Knightwick where my mother Doris Holland was the sub-postmaster. She asked mum if she knew of anyone who could look after her daughter while she was working at the Talbot Hotel. Mum told her she had the perfect answer, she could stay with her daughter Josephine and play with her, and that she would make sure she was well looked after while she worked as cook at the Talbot Hotel. This is how the friendship between Jo and Gerry began, and they were friends for 80 years untill Gerry passed away.
In 1947 Gerry's mum married Harry Eustace Notley Busk, and they lived at No 1 Highfields Bungalows, Knightwick.
Knightwick Electoral Poll 1950
The research below shows the 1901, 1911 and 1921 census forms. I have tried to find from Gerry's information above information about her grandmother, Beatrice Maud Chaplin. if it is correct then Gerry's Great Grandparents would have been George and Mary Chaplin.
As you follow through the census forms everything seems to fit, when you arrive at the 1921 census someone wrote afterwards in pencil a first name followed by M. Chaplin. Although it doesn't appear to be Elsie M. Chaplin, I wondered if it was an error, it certainly fits in with Elsie May Chaplin being born 16th May 1921, (The 1921 Census was taken on the 19th June, 1921.) so as shown below, she would have been one month old.
If so then the Aunt Hilda that her mother talked about would have been the Hilda Chaplin in all the census forms and Hilda's sister, Beatrice Chaplin would have been Gerry's grandmother, and the mother of Elsie May Chaplin, Gerry's mother. Gerry says that her grandmother lived at Peacocks Cottage, West Buckland Somerset, and this also fits in with the census forms.
RG 13/2279 1901 Census - Nailsbourne, Wellington.
George Chaplin (Head) 26 - Milkman on Farm. Born: Milverton, Somerset.
Mary A. Chaplin (Wife) 28 - Born: Milverton, Somerset.
Beatrice Chaplin (Daughter) 5 - Born: Wellington, Somerset.
Hilda Chaplin (Daughter) 4 - Born: Wellington, Somerset.
Elsie Chaplin (Daughter) 3 - Born: Kingston, Somerset.
George Chaplin (Son) 1 - Born: Kingston, Somerset.
RG 14/14188 1911 Census - West Buckland
Mary A. Chaplin (Widow) 36 - Charwoman. Born: Milverton, Somerset.
Hilda Chaplin (Daughter) 14 - Born: Wellington, Somerset.
George Chaplin (Son) 11 - Scholar. Born: Kingston, Somerset.
Florence Chaplin (Daughter) 9 - Kingston, Somerset.
Ivy Chaplin (Daughter) 8 - Trull, Somerset.
Gladys Chaplin (Daughter) 6 - Trull, Somerset.
John Chaplin (Son) 4 - Trull, Somerset.
Stanley Chaplin (Son) 3 - Trull, Somerset.RG/11208 1921 Census - Wellington, Somerset.
Hilda Chaplin (Head) 24y 4m - Post Woman Born: Wellington, Somerset.
Beatrice Chaplin (Sister) 25y 11m - Out of work - Born: Wellington, Somerset.
Stanley Chaplin (Brother) 13y 5m - Born: Trull, Somerset. (For record both parents dead)
xx. M. Chaplin (Niece) 1 month Born: West Buckland, Somerset. (For record both parents alive)
Information: Re Gerry's Father, Gerald Forrest Jones
Research by Philip Holland
In March 1941, in Leamington, Warwickshire; Geraldine Margaret [Nee Chaplin] Cooper's birth was registered.
Girl: Geraldine Margaret Forrest-Jones
Born: 26th March, 1941.
At: Warneford Hospital, Leamington, Warwickshire.
Registered: 8th April, 1941.
Father: Gerald Forrest-Jones
Occupation: Laundry Van driver
Mother: Elsie May Forrest_Jones [Formerly Chaplin]
Address: 13 Glenn Street, Coventry (CV6 4LE) [This is about 14 miles North of Leamington Spa]
Warneford Hospital was an institution which served as the main hospital for the town of
Leamington Spa, Warwickshire between its opening in 1834 and its closure in 1993.
Coventry Evening Telegraph, 31st March, 1941. [If you look above Coventry is where Gerry's birth was registered]
INFORMATION:
Interesting paper cuttings I found a few years ago for Gerry, about her Father, Gerald Forrest Jones.
In the first case, 31st January, 1941. He mentions his wife and himself, living in Wellington Street Gloucester.
Gerry was born on the 26th March, 1941. At Warneford Hospital, Radford Road, Leamington Spa.
His next case is on the 9th Septeber, 1941. He mentions his wife and child, and he was working at the Leamington Steam Laundry.
His next case was the 3rd October, 1941. He mentions his wife and child, and is employed by the Leamington Laundry, of Hitchman-road.
and living at, 11 Camberwell Terrace. (which is very close to Radford Road where Gerry was born).
He was also charged under the Vagrancy Act with running away, and causing his wife and child to become chargeable to the Public Assistance Committee of the Warwickshire County Council.
In 1945 Elsie May Chaplin and her Daughter Geraldine Margaret Chaplin are living in Fernhill Heath, Worcester.
His next case was the 4th May, 1945. At Blackpool Gerald Forrest Jones, aged 25, fitter, Oak-street, Fleetwood. (He does not mention his wife and child). Then the Fleetwood Chronical 18th May, 1945, says he is sentenced to 15 months in prison.
On the 4th June, 1946. Gerald Forrest Jones, aged 27, of Munday-street, Miles Platting, Manchester, was sent to prison for six months (He does not mention his wife and child).I can not find anything about Gerry's mother marrying Gerald Forrest-Jones, other than in the 1939 Register, where her mother's surname has been crossed out and replaced with Forrest-Jones. The cutting above from the Coventry Evening Telegraph and Gerry's birth certificate strongly intimates that her mother Elsie was married to Gerald Forrest-Jones.
When my sister Josephine Holland was 9 years old, she heard her Grandfather's reply to a man who entered the Post Office at Knightwick, and enquiried to the where abouts of Gerry's mother. Grandad told him that he did not know of her (Of course he did, but firstly as subpostmaster he could not divulge that he knew her, and secondly he knew of the man's reputation and that Gerry's mother did not want to have anything to do with him). That was the last heard of him.
Gerald Forrest Jones
Birth: 1st September, 1919.
Baptism: 18th April, 1919. (Prestwich, Lancashire, Non-conformists Church records)
Parents: Ernest Jones & Agnes Margaret Forrest [Gerry's middle name was Margaret]Newspaper article re. Gerald (Forrest) Jones (Gloucester 'Citizen" Friday 31 January, 1941.)
GLOUCESTER CASE OF CYCLE THEFT
When a 23-years-old man, who pleaded guilty to stealing a cycle, asked for another chance at Gloucester City Petty Sessions today the case was adjourned for three months, and he was told that if he behaved himself during that time he would probably hear no more of the matter.
The accused was Gerald F. Jones, who, when arrested, gave an address in Wellington Street. He was charged with stealing a bicycle the property of Phyllis May Joyce Skillern of Old School House, Maisemore, valued at £5.
Chief Supt. W. E. Wakefield stated that Miss Skillern left her cycle at the rear of her place of employment in St. Johns Lane at 8.30 a.m. on January 17. When she went for it at 5.15 p.m. the same day it was missing. A week later P.C. Simmonds, on duty in Lower Barton Street, saw Jones with the bicycle with another man.
Replying to the officer's questions, he said he was trying to sell the cycle which his wife bought last August. At the Central Police Station he said he did not know that the machine was stolen, adding that he bought it from a man, but later told Detective Constable Howe that the statement he had made was untrue, and admitted that he stole the bicycle.
Previous Convictions
Jones, stated to the Chief Superintendent, that he had been in Gloucester only a few weeks and was a native of Liverpool. He was sent to an approved school as a youth and had twice been before an adult court. He was sentenced to three months for taking a motor-car without consent, and six mouths for stealing a bicycle. Jones told the Bench that at the time of the offence he had been out of work for a fortnight and his medical pay had not come through. He had no money for food or lodging for his wife and himself, and that was why he took the machine. He was now engaged in work of national importance, and asked to be allowed to carry on.
The Chairman of the Bench (Mr. W. P. Cullis) said Jones had a bad record, and it was with some hesitation that they were taking a lenient course.
Jones was bound over to appear in three months time in £10.
Evening Despatch 29 September 1941
Declaring that he had committed the offences with the object of frightening his wife into dropping her association with the lodger, Gerald Forrest-Jones, aged 23, a fitter, was at Leamington to-day, sentenced to 6 months' hard labour on three charges of embezzling various sums of money received by him as an employee of the Leamington Steam Laundry. It was stated that the total sum involved was £26 5s. Jones also pleaded guilty to leaving his wife and child chargeable to the Public Assistance Committee.
Warwick & Warwickshire Advertiser & Leamington Gazette. Friday, October 3. 1941.
Lodger " who had been the Cause of Trouble."
STORY OF MAN ON EMBEZZLEMENT CHARGE.
A lodger who had been the cause of a lot of trouble was alleged to have contributed to his downfall by a defendant at Leamington Police Court, on Monday.
Gerald Forrest-Jones (23), described as a fitter appeared on charges of embezzling sums amounting to £3 18s. 5½p., while employed by the Leamington Laundry, of Hitchman road. Leamington. on September 6. He was also charged under the Vagrancy Act with running away, and causing his wife and child to become chargeable to the Public Assistance Committee of the Warwickshire County Council. Defendant pleaded guilty to all the charges.
Inspector Woodward said Jones' duties were to collect and deliver laundry, and to collect payment for It. On September 6 he was working in Lillington, and was not seen after completing the work. Although only £3 18s. 5½p., was mentioned in the charges, the sum of £26 5s. 1½p., was Involved. He was subsequently arrested at Crewe, and was brought to Leamington and charged. On September 7 he left his wife and child and they became chargeable, to the Public Assistance Committee.
Richard Stephenson managing director of the Leamington Laundry, said Jones went out to deliver laundry on Saturday, September 6. but did not appear again. He did not come to work on the following Monday. As he had the ignition key of the van with him witness sent to find out where he was, and learnt that he was missing, £26 5s. 1½p., was the total amount which he should have collected on that day.
Asked by the clerk (Mr. S. Simmonds) if he wanted to make an explanation, defendant said he had really committed the offence because of his Wife. At that time he was living at 11 Camberwell Terrace, Leamington. where they had a lodger living with them who had been the cause of a lot of trouble. In consequence of that he decided to leave.
Continuing, Jones said, "I was rather worried, because I thought the lodger had been keeping my wife, and this hurt me. I had warned her that unless she gave up her Intimacy with this man I would go. My taking this money was more or less to frighten her. My wife, however, said she would carry on with this man, so I carried out the threat."
Detective-Constable Cuttriss said that defendant, after a time at an approved school joined the Royal Tank Corp, but was discharged as being medically unfit. He then Joined the Somerset Light Infantry but was again discharged. [Somerset was where Gerry's mother Elsie was born and came from]
He was arrested at Crewe on September 23, when he had spent the money on hotels and boarding houses. Fourteen previous convictions, mainly of larceny, were recorded against him.
The Mayor (Alderman M. S. Moore) announced sentences totalling six months' hard labour.
4th May 1945
MAN ACCUSED OF FORGERY
At Blackpool on Friday Gerald Forrest Jones, aged 25, fitter, Oak-street, Fleetwood, was committed for trial to Preston Sessions on three charges.
He was alleged to nave forged a bank book by altering the credit account from 2s. 6d to £5 2s. 6d., to have uttered a forged document, and by false pretence to have attempted to obtain from Beatrice Walker, at the District Bank, Blackpool the sum of £3 with intent to cheat and defraud.
Mr. Parry Hughes, prosecuting, said Jones called at the District Bank Fleetwood. and asked for a home safe. He was told he would have to open an account and this he did with the sum of 2s. 6d.
He was given a bank book showing a credit to that amount.
"IN DARKER INK"
Later, alleged Mr. Hughes, Jones went to the Talbot-road branch of the District Bank at Blackpool and asked to withdraw £3.
The girl clerk made out a cheque for that amount and then very astutely noticed that particulars in the bank book had been written over in darker ink.
Enquiries at the Fleetwood branch showed that Jones had only 2s. 6d. to his credit and he was later arrested. When charged he said: "I have nothing to say, I will make a statement tomorrow."
In an alleged statement, presented by Det.-Con. W Robinson, Jones admitted inserting the £3 entry in the bank book.
Jones, who reserved his defence, was granted bail in the sum of £20, and two independent sureties for similar amounts.
Fleetwood Chronicle 18 May 1945
FORGERIES
Gerald Forrest Jones, aged 25, fitter, who had been lodging in Oak-street, Fleetwood, was committed to prison for 15 months at Preston intermediate sessions on Tuesday, for a series of bank pass book forgeries at Blackpool and elsewhere.
Jones said he was affected by epilepsy due to his experience at Dunkirk.
Manchester Evening News Tuesday, 4 June 1946.
CYCLE THIEF GAOLED
For stealing a bicycle, Gerald Forrest Jones, aged 27, of Munday Street, Miles Platting, was sent to prison for six months by Sale magistrates today.
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