Blackmore Area Local History

James Robert Woollard

War Memorial: Place and inscription
Blackmore War Memorial. Listed as survivor: Ft Sgt  J Woollard DSM

Rank:
Flight Sergeant

Regiment:
Ft. Sgt. J [James Robert] Woollard DSM is listed with those who served in the RAF, though the memorial does not give his regiment, due to loss of space. 

Service Details:
-

Personal and family information:
James Robert Wollard [Woollard] was baptised at St Laurence Church, Blackmore, on 23^rd September 1894.  His parents were William Walter and Lavinia Hetzebiah Woollard.  [ERO 266/1/11]

He is named in the Sunday School Admissions Register as “Age 23.9.1894" with surname written Wollard .

The 1901 census records that James was born in Blackmore, along with 2 brothers and a sister.  Brothers George and William, both also on the Memorial, served too, though not in the RAF.

1920 & 1922 Electoral Roll: Recorded residence is in Brentwood Road but is an “Absent voter” [ERO C/E 2/1/3 & ERO C/E 2/1/5].

A daughter, Mabel Constance Woollard, was baptised at Blackmore on 13^th March 1921 (born 13^th January 1921).  James’ profession is described as ‘Airman’.

Pauline Weaver, whose great uncle was James wrote (28.2.2010), “Jim Woollard went on to be a local councillor hence the naming of Woollard Way”.

Kelly’s Directory 1937: Newsagent, Petrol filling station & motor engineer. 

James Robert Woollard (known also as Jim) of Blackmore Cottage, died aged 67 and was buried in the family grave in Blackmore churchyard on 26^th July 1962 (having died on 19^th July 1962).  His daughters, Joy Kathleen Woollard who died in the Second World War was buried on 14^th November 1943. She was 21 years old.  Ethel Lillian Woollard died, age 4, on 21^st September 1923 (buried 27^th September 1923).  James’ widow, Ethel Louisa Woollard, died on 30^th August 1972.  Although commemorated on the family grave there is no entry in the Burial Register. [Burial Register held in church safe].

Newpaper reports.

1.  Councillor J. Woollard. – A tribute to Councillor J. Woollard was paid at Tuesday’s meeting of the Rural Council by chairman Councillor E. G. Cooke.  He said Councillor Woollard had been a member for 16 years. “Our Council are very much the poorer by the passing of this sincere and conscientious gentleman. The Council will be the poorer by his passing, but I feel sure that we as individuals are richer for having had association with him.” Everyone in the council chamber stood in silence for a few moments.

2.  FUNERAL OF RURAL COUNCILLOR.  
Mr. J. R. Woollard.
Many people attended the funeral service at Blackmore Church of Councillor J. R. Woollard of Blackmore, whose death was reported last week.
The service was conducted by the Rector, the Rev. M. Knott, who paid tribute to the work and life of Councillor Woollard.
Among those present were the Chairman of Epping and Ongar Rural Council, Councillor E. G. Cooke, J.P., and the Vice-Chairman, Councillor H. G. Waterman, together with nearly twenty members of the council and officials.
The organ was played by a councillor colleague, Councillor Richard Reader.
Councillor Woollard was buried in the family grave.  Family mourners included: Mrs. E. Woollard, widow; Mr. and Mrs. T. E. Mattocks, daughter and son-in-law, and their children Joy and Roger; Mrs. A. Yardy, sister, and Mr. Yardy; Mr. C. Woollard, brother, and Mrs. Woollard; together with more than twenty other relatives.
Funeral arrangements were by Mr. E. G. Roast, of Blackmore.

Date of Death:
19^th July 1962

Age:
67

Where died:
Blackmore

Place of Burial or Commemoration:
St Laurence Churchyard, Blackmore.

List of Sources:
Church Safe with grateful acknowledgment to the Vicar and churchwardens, Essex Record Office, Pauline Weaver: great-niece of James Woollard.