2019/91

This plaque was presented to former District Organiser, Alfred James Witherington, by the National Union of Agricultural and Allied Workers upon his retirement in 1981. The plaque features a wooden base with an octagonal metal disc. This centre piece is hammered from the reverse to create its design of the NUAAW logo, which depicts two horses and a man ploughing a field. The plaque also features the words 'COWBIT BRANCH' 'NUAAW'. The plaque was commissioned by the NUAAW for Wintherington's retirement and was made by a local Cowbit artist, thought to be called Royce. Witherington was the District Organiser for the Cowbit branch of the NUAAW in Holland, Lincolnshire from 1960-1981. Prior to 1960 he was the secretary for the Cowbit branch.

1 plaque, metal, wood

Museum Object Entry Form – ‘Museum Name: Museum of English Rural Life // Received from: Roger Witherington // Description of Object/Collection: 1 NUAAW plaque presented to A.J. Witherington on his retirement from District Organisor for Holland, Lincolnshire. Probably made by an artist called Royce. // Reason for Entry: Gift // Additional Agreement (Donations/Sales Only): I, the owner, confirm that I have undisputed title to the object(s) listed above, with full power to dispose of the items and transfer such title to the msueum's governing body. // Museum Signatory: // Return of Object to Owner: ‘, Email, Roger Witherington to the MERL, 10 October 2019 - 'Dear Madeleine // Thank you for your response // I will try to give you a history of my late father commonly known as Alf // Born 1918 // Left school and worked as a horseman for Sly farms near Spalding ,still there // Served in the army during WW11 // Applied for and got the job as District Organiser for the NUAW for Holland in 1960 // Served in that post until retirement in 1981 // Served on the Weston hills parish council // Served on the lincs county council // Was at JP Spalding // Also on a lighter note was president of Spalding Pigeon Fanciers Club // He said "never owned one but ate a few" // Awarded the MBE for services to agriculture (sponsored by NFU) // 200 to 300 people attended his retirement dinner ,thi plaque was a minor gift // Other gifts came from the union and other companies // He was a member of Cowbit branch all his life and before 1960 was the secretary for that branch, each village in Lincolnshire had at that time it's own branch // On his retirement the branch decided to get a local artist to create this plaque for him // The artists name could be Royce but not sure // It is a one off but showing slight wear, it will never be repeated // I just hope it does not end up in a skip // And finally on a somber note his funeral was attended by over 600 including gentry from London // He was a stalwart of the union // Any more info required please don't hesitate to ask // Beat wishes and Regards Roger', Email, Madeleine Ding to Roger Witherington, 10 October 2019 - 'Dear Roger // Thank you very much for the offer of a plaque given to your father on his retirement. It has a reslly interesting connection to the National Union of Agricultural and Allied Workers and the union movement. However just to let you know the Museum of English Rural Life is unable to acquire everything that is offered to it as we are governed by our collections policy and limited space. // Before we can consider acquiring new items, we need to know more about their history. Could you tell me a bit more about your father's role in the Union? He must have had an important role to receive a retirement gift. // If you can provide me with more information, I can discuss your generous offer with other members of museum staff in our Collections Meeting on 24th October to decide if we would like to acquire it. I can then let you know our decision. // Best wishes // Madeleine', Email, Roger Witherington to the MERL, 8 October 2019 - 'Dear Sir // Browsing through your archives I noticed a file titled A J Witherington // Which could be about my late father who was a union organiser for Holland ,Lincolnshire From 1960 to the early 1980's // The included picture of a plaque (12*12 inches) was presented to him by the Cowbit (Pronounced Cubit) on his retirement // Would this be of any interest to your archives'

Cowbit

1979-01-01 - 1981-12-31

Late-twentieth century

Metal, Wood

National Union of Agricultural and Allied Workers ()

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