Wilfred (“Wilf”) Farndale

1911 to 13 November 1985

The Stockton 3 Line

The New Zealand 2 Line

An aircraft engineer in Bristol, Wilf emigrated to New Zealand

FAR00769

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Headlines of Wilf Farndale’s life are in brown.

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Context and local history are in purple.

Geographical context is in green.

Stockton

1911

Wilfred Farndale was born in Stockton District in 1911. Wilfred was the son of Tom and Dora (nee Perkins) Farndale (FAR00536).  Wilfred Farndale’s birth was registered in the first quarter of 1911 at Stockton (GRO Vol 10a page 59).

1911 Census – 15 Donald Street, Stockton

Tom Farndale, 35, general labourer, born Bedale

Dora Jane Farndale, 32, born Stockton

Cecil Farndale, 3, born Stockton 1908

John William Farndale, 2, born Stockton 1909

Wilfred Farndale, 0, born Stockton 1911

1921

1921 Census – Stockton

Tom Farndale, 45, fitter’s labourer, Blairs Co Ltd of Stockton, born Bedale

Dora Jane Farndale, 43, born Stockton

Cecil Farndale, 13, at school

John William Farndale, 12, at school

Wilfred Farndale, 10, at school

Tom Farndale, 9, born Stockton about 1912

Mary Farndale, 5, born Stockton about 1916

1930

I am very grateful to Wilf’s son Allan who has provided me with this photograph of Wilf and his brothers and his father. Just a small square of sepia tone 2x3 inches. Dated 1930's Stockton-On-Tees. Wilf is second from the left:

Wilf and his brothers and father dated to the 1930s in Stockton-On-Tees. Wilf is second from the left.

1936

Wilfred Farndale moved from Stockton on Tees in about 1936 or 1937, where he met Doris Howard, who was in domestic service in Bristol. Doris was one of a family of eight children from an orphanage in Hessle, Hull.

Filton, Gloucestershire, near Bristol

1937

Between 1937 to 1947 the family lived near the aircraft factory at Filton, Gloucestershire, which was a 30 minute walk for Wilf, apart from 1942-1944 where the family lived by the seaside at Weston-Super-Mare because of the air raids during the war periods.

Wilf commuted by train during the days and manned the anti aircraft batteries at night. The family returned to Filton in 1945.

(From a record from Wilf’s son, Allan, kindly shared in 2023)

Wilf met Doris Evelyn Howard (1919 to 1992), who was in domestic service.

1939

Wilfred Farndale married Doris Evelyn Howard (1919 to 1992) in 1939 and their marriage was registered in the second quarter of 1939 at Durham south eastern district (GRO Vol 10a page 220). Doris came from Hessle, Hull. Doris was one of a family of eight children. Doris Howard was an orphan whose mother died when Doris was 2 years old, and they had lived in an orphanage in Hessle, Hull.

1940

Wilfred J H Farndale (FAR00965) was born on 25 April 1940, at Filton, Sodbury District.

Hull Daily Mail 29 April 1940: FARNDALE – To Mr and Mrs W Farndale (nee Doris Howard), “Glenholme”, Conygre-road, Fulton, Bristol, on April 25, a son.

1942

Keith A Farndale (FAR00976) was born in 1942 at Weston Super Mare in Weston District. 

1947                                                                             

Neil H Farndale (FAR01017) was born in 1947, at Filton, Sodbury District.   

1949

Wilf was a football referee in the Bristol area. In May 1949 Fixtures for the last day of the amateur Soccer Season. Suburban League. Division III – Bedminster Down v Kingswood YMCA, W Farndale. In January 1951 GHFA Cup Ties. Next Saturday’s matches and referee in the second round of the Gloucestershire FA Senior Amateur Cup competition: National Smelting Co v Oakdene Rangers, W Farndale. In February 1951 Div 3 P O Phones v Pilning Ath., W Farndale. In August 1951 Bristol and Suburban League Matches for Saturday: Div 3 – Bristol City Utd v Winterbourne Down, W Farndale. In August 1951 the other games to be played in the league on Saturday (also referees) are given below; kick off 3pm. Division III – Bristol City Utd v Winterbourne Down, W Farndale. In November 1951 Bristol and Suburban Football League matches and referees for tomorrow: Division I, Soundwell v Bishop Sutton, W Farndale.

Bristol Evening Post, 6 May 1949: FOOTBALL FIXTURES. Fixtures for the last day of the amateur Soccer Season. Suburban League. … Division III – Bedminster Down v Kingswood YMCA, W Farndale …

1950                                                                           

Nigel J Farndale (FAR01042) was born in 1950, at Filton, Sodbury District. Nigel died at Gisborne, New Zealand on 12 April 1977.

1951

Bristol Evening Post, 1 January 1951: GHFA Cup Ties. Next Saturday’s matches and referee in the second round of the Gloucestershire FA Senior Amateur Cup competition: … National Smwlting Co v Oakdene Rangers, W Farndale …

Bristol Evening World, 1 February 1951: SUBURBAN LEAGUE FICTURES. … Div 3 … P O Phones v Pilning Ath., W Farndale …

Bristol Evening World, 21 August 1951: SUBURBAN LEAGUE MATCHES. Bristol and Suburban League Matches for Saturday: … Div 3 – Bristol City Utd v Winterbourne Down, W Farndale …

Bristol Evening Post, 22 August 1951: A Deciding Match. SUBURBAN GAMES FOR SATURDAY. … The other games to be played in the league on Saturday (also referees) are given below; kick off 3pm … Division III – Bristol City Utd v Winterbourne Down, W Farndale …

Bristol Evening Post, 2 November 1951: SURBURBAN LEAGUE. Bristol and Suburban Football League matches and referees for tomorrow: … Division I … Soundwell v Bishop Sutton, W Farndale …

1952

Melanie Farndale(FAR01054) was born in March 1952, at Filton, Sodbury District.     

Wilfred and Doris lived in Filton, Gloucestershire, north of Bristol, Wilfred was an aero tool maker by trade and he worked at the Bristol Aircraft Company at Filton making aircraft jigs, the bed or framework that the aircraft were built on. He was involved with the Brabazon, Britannia and early stage of Concorde designs.

(From a record from Wilf’s son, Allan, kindly shared in 2023)

Bristol Brabazon Concorde, originated from the Bristol 223 project study The Bristol Britannia

The Bristol Type 167 Brabazon was a large British piston-engined propeller-driven airliner designed by the Bristol Aeroplane Company to fly transatlantic routes between the UK and the United States. The type was named Brabazon after the Brabazon Committee and its chairman, Lord Brabazon of Tara, who had developed the specification to which the airliner was designed.

The Bristol Aeroplane Company, originally the British and Colonial Aeroplane Company, was both one of the first and one of the most important British aviation companies, designing and manufacturing both airframes and aircraft engines. Notable aircraft produced by the company include the 'Boxkite', the Bristol Fighter, the Bulldog, the Blenheim, the Beaufighter, and the Britannia, and much of the preliminary work which led to Concorde was carried out by the company. In 1956 its major operations were split into Bristol Aircraft and Bristol Aero Engines. In 1959, Bristol Aircraft merged with several major British aircraft companies to form the British Aircraft Corporation (“BAC”) and Bristol Aero Engines merged with Armstrong Siddeley to form Bristol Siddeley.

Bristol Aeroplane Company was involved in the post war renaissance of British civilian aircraft, which was largely inspired by the Brabazon Committee report of 1943 to 1945. In 1949, the Brabazon airliner prototype, at the time one of the largest aircraft in the world, first flew. The Bristol Type 167 Brabazon was a large British piston engine, propeller driven airliner designed by the Bristol Aeroplane Company to fly transatlantic routes between the UK and the United States. The aircraft was named Brabazon after the Brabazon Committee and its chairman, Lord Brabazon of Tara, who had developed the specification to which the airliner was designed. This project was deemed to be a step in the wrong direction, gaining little interest from military or civilian operators, resulting in the Brabazon being ultimately cancelled in 1953.

At the same time as the termination, Bristol decided to focus on development of a large turboprop-powered airliner, known as the Britannia. Capable of traversing transatlantic routes, it proved a commercial success. Both it and the Freighter were produced in quantity during the 1950s. However, sales of the Britannia were poor and only 82 were built, primarily due to its protracted development. It had been ordered by BOAC on 28 July 1949 and first flown on 16 August 1952, but it did not enter service until 1 February 1957.

Bristol Aeroplane Company was also involved in helicopter development, with the Belvedere and Sycamore going into quantity production.

BAC went on to become a founding component of the nationalised British Aerospace, now BAE Systems. Bristol Siddeley was purchased by Rolls-Royce in 1966, who continued to develop and market Bristol-designed engines. The BAC works were in Filton, about 4 miles (6 km) north of Bristol city centre. BAE Systems, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, MBDA and GKN still have a presence at the Filton site where the Bristol Aeroplane Company was located.

Bristol was involved in the post-war renaissance of British civilian aircraft, which was largely inspired by the Brabazon Committee report of 1943–5. In 1949, the Brabazon airliner prototype, at the time one of the largest aircraft in the world, first flew. This project was deemed to be a step in the wrong direction, gaining little interest from military or civilian operators, resulting in the Brabazon being ultimately cancelled in 1953. At the same time as the termination, Bristol decided to focus on development of a large turboprop-powered airliner, known as the Britannia. Capable of traversing transatlantic routes, it proved a commercial success; both it and the Freighter were produced in quantity during the 1950s. However, sales of the Britannia were poor and only 82 were built, primarily due to its protracted development; having been ordered by BOAC on 28 July 1949 and first flown on 16 August 1952, it did not enter service until 1 February 1957. Bristol was also involved in helicopter development, with the Belvedere and Sycamore going into quantity production.

Allan Farndale remembers visiting Stockton when he was about 10 years old, so perhaps about 1952, with his elder brother Howard who was 12. It might have been when Doris Farndale, Wilf’s wife, was having Melanie. The family travelled by train, alone, Bristol to Stockton & met their grandparents. That was the only time Allan’s generation saw them. Doris née Howard was an orphan, one of 6 or more, whose mother died when Doris was 2 years old, and they lived in an orphanage in Hessle, Hull.

Wilf’s football refereeing continued. In April 1952 Mr B M Griffiths of Newport, (Mon), who has controlled international matches and many Football League “Derby” games, has been appointed to referee the Gloucestershire Senior Cup final between Bristol City and Bristol Rovers at Ashton Gate on May 10, kick off 3:15 PM. The linesman will be W Farndale and R Harris (Bristol Evening Post, 5 April 1952). In February 1953 fixtures in Bristol’s amateur Soccer leagues tomorrow are in the District League, Division I, v Alveston Down, W Farndale. In 9 September 1953 in Saturday’s Bristol and Suburban League fixtures and referees (kick off 3pm), Division II, Mardon’s (St Anne’s) v Timsbury (W Farndale). In March 1954, Division III, St Aldhelm’s v Backwell Utd, W Farndale and there were many similar entries in 1954.

1953

Bristol Evening Post, 13 February 1953: AMATEUR SOCCER. Fixtures in Bristol’s amateur Soccer leagues tomorrow are: DISTRICT LEAGUE … Division I … v Alveston Down, W Farndale …

Bristol Evening Post, 9 September 1953: SUBURBAN LGE GAMES FOR SATURDAY. Saturday’s Bristol and Suburban League fixtures and referees (kick off 3pm) … Division II … Mardon’s (St Anne’s) v Timsbury (W Farndale).

1954

Bristol Evening Post, 18 March 1954: SATURDAY’S SUBURBAN LEAGUE GAMES. … Division III … St Aldhelm’s v Backwell Utd, W Farndale …

And many similar entries in 1954

This photograph was kindly shared by Allan Farndale. Howard Farndale is holding Melanie Farndale and clockwise from Howard are Nigel Farndale, Neil Farndale and Allan Farndale (back left).

Wilf used to take his family for walks over the golf course in Filton to view a massive aircraft hangar at BAC, where the Brabazon had been built.

1955

There is a negative of Wilf Farndale with the Bristol Aerospace Archives: Negative of Mr Farndale This record is held by Aerospace Bristol - s@aerospacebristol.org - Reference: BAE PH1/1/3096 - Title: Negative of Mr Farndale - Date: 1-Mar-55 - Held by: Aerospace Bristol, not available at The National Archives - Not Public Record(s)

1958

Bristol branch of the national referees association held a dance at the exchange, Corn Street, last night, to celebrate the golden jubilee of the association. Some of the guests pictured here include Mr Fred Ford, the Bristol Roers coach, and his wife, seated right, the vice chairman, Mr George Walker, and his wife, seated left, the secretary, Mr. Wilf Farndale, the treasurer, Mr Syd Rummins, the social secretary, Mr M Butler, and his wife, and Mr and Mrs L Jennings. (Bristol Evening Post, 4 October 1958)

Bristol Evening Post, 23 December 1958: Saturday. Kick off 2.45 pm, 40 minutes each way. Division III – Caxtonians v Bristol City A (W Farndale) …

1959

Post Green 'Un, 7 March 1959: WELCOME PRAISE BY MR WALKER FOR REFEREES. It is gratifying for referees to learn of one top line manager who thinks that the standard of refereeing is better this season than ever before. After the recent attacks by managers, Mr Billy Walker's statement to the newspaper Inquiry into referees made a welcome change. It is noticeable that it comes through a manager whose team always tries to play football, and not to hack the opposition to pieces. In the few top matches I have seen this season, I could not find a lot to fault the officials in charge. Minor mistakes, yes, but nothing which altered the result of the game in any way. That is, I think, the main thing to consider when a referee makes a mistake and, being human, we will make them. In the quiz match with the West Wilts BA, Bristol were well beaten. The score now stands at two wins each, the away team being the victors every time so far. Leading scorers for West Wilts were J Milliard, K Hannah, and B Wickham, the latter two being Football League linesman, and B Cook, K Ball, the referees coach, and M Butler, scored well for Bristol. Arrangements for the annual dinner at the Cooperative restaurant, Castle Street, Friday March 20, are almost complete. Tickets 12s 6d, can be obtained from: W Farndale, 45 Conygre Road, Filton, S Robbins, 22 Berkeley Street, Eastville, or M Butler, 47 Rock Hill, Welsway, Keynsham.

Bristol Evening Post, 9 April 1959: GLOUCESTERHIRE REFEREES’ CHALLENGE MATCH. From South Gloucestershire football referees are to play their challenge match for the A H Boxhall Cup on Saturday. May 9 at Hoffman’s Sports Ground, Stonehouse, kick off 2:45 PM. Members of the Bristol branch who wish to play should forward their names and positions to secretary, Mr W Farndale, 45 Conygre Road, Filton, Bristol members and friends wishing to travel should also send in names as transport will be booked. Billiards, table tennis, darts and skittle competitions will follow the cup game.

Bristol Evening Post, 4 September 1959: A COACHING COURSE FOR REFEREES. The Referees Association (Bristol branch) will again be holding a coaching course for those intending to become referees . Early application should be made to the hon secretary, W Farndale, 45 Conygre Road, Filton.

1960

Bristol Evening Post, 13 February 1960: THE REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION. The aims and objects of the Referees’ Association are to raise the status of its members and of all that is desirable in the game itself. The first essential is surely service, the endeavour to be of help one to another, and at the same time to improve our standing as referees and the work we are required to do. The association was established not to secure the admission of any individual to the select circles of important league lists of referees or linesmen, but to watch over the interests of all referees. In like manner, local societies provide opportunities for referees to discuss the intricacies of the laws, exchange views on difficulties, and generally to make for unanimity of decisions thereby increasing their efficiency. The educational work is of lasting benefit to the referee. All who avail themselves of the facilities will be qualified to equip themselves with credit when the opportunity comes. This has been proved over and over again; Senior referees will readily express their appreciation of the assistance received in their early days from the local referees society. Anyone wishing to attend the next course for intending referees should inform Mr Farndale, 45 Conygre Road, Filton

Gisbourne, New Zealand

1964

In 1964, Wilfred and Doris moved to New Zealand, to follow their eldest son, Howard. Wilf built bridges in the Gisborne area.

(From a record from Wilf’s son, Allan, kindly shared in 2023)

Gisborne is a city on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island. It’s known for wineries and surf beaches such as Makorori. The Tairawhiti Museum has exhibits on indigenous and colonial history, with Wyllie Cottage, an early European house, and Maori artefacts. Titirangi Reserve has lookouts and a monument to explorer James Cook. Nearby, Te Poho-o-Rawiri is a Maori meeting house with carvings of ancestral figures.

1966

Eastern Union Association football team reached a notable goal when they won the coveted Central Districts League trophy this season. At the club's annual cabaret the trophy was presented to Eastern Union captain Bob Elliott by Doug Remeril of Hastings (chairman C.D.L.). Wilf Farndale (chairman P.B.F.A.), and Ian Whitley (chairman of Eastern Union), look on.

1967

Gisborne Photo News 6 December 1967:

Miss Myra Huriwai (left), and Mesdames Doris Farndale, Florence Hollman, Reremoana Karaka, Mihi Tibble and Lottie Carlson operate on a run of canned smoked fish.

Mesdames Joyce Turnbull, Elsie Stevens, Doris Farndale and Kirsty Fletcher.

1968

Gisborne Photo News 27 May and 4 December 1968

P.B.F.A. chairman Wilf Farndale and his wife Doris

1971

Gisborne Photo News, 24 March 1971

1973

Here are some of the officials with the club's trophy winners. From left, patron Jack Crawford, Player of the Year Archie Gillies, with the Bert Ormond Cup, skipper Ronnie Lightfoot with the Eastern League Cup, P.B.F.A. chairman Wilf Farndale, Thistle chairman Sandy Johnstone, club coach Iain Gillies with a clock presented by the players, president Dave McFarlane, Best Sportsman Paul Potter, Robert Cudd, winner of the Lion Trophy (as leading goalscorer in the Eastern League), and Freddie Robertson, who received the club's trophy as the Most Improved Player of the season.

Gisborne Photo News, 7 November 1973

1974

Wilf Farndale, Ray Gorringe and Nigel Farndale. 1974

1975

Wilf Farndale, Nigel Famdale, Dave Nelson and Gary Fowler, 1975

1977

Nigel John Farndale died at Gisborne, New Zealand on 12 April 1977.

1984

Bristol Evening Post, 29 May 1984, Tue · Page 28. EXILES FIND FAME IN NEW ZEALAND. By Richard Latham. Bristol soccer exiles Kevin Meacock and Paul McLoughlin are enjoying a “fruitful” start to their new careers in New Zealand.... No one has been more chuffed by Kevin and Paul’s success than former Western League referee Wilf Farndale, who has lived in Gisborne for the past 20 years. Wilf, who was secretary of the Bristol branch of the Referees’ Association for many years, wrote to tell me how well the two lads were playing. “Everyone in Gisborne has been impressed by Paul and Kevin on and off the field,” he said. “They are first class ambassadors for the English game.”

1985

Wilfred died in Gisborne, New Zealand on 13 November 1985 (Monumental Record).

Wilfred was buried at Taruheru Cemetery, Gisborne, New Zealand. Plot 292. “In loving memory of Nigel John Farndale, died 9 April 1977, aged 26 years, also his dad, Wilfred, died 13 November 1985.”

1992

Doris died in Gisborne in 1992 aged 73, and was cremated and laid to rest at Taruheru, East Cape, Poverty Bay, Gisborne (New Zealand Cemetery Records).

Hull Daily Mail, 19 March 1992: FARNDALE, nee Howard. Deepest Sympathy Dad and Auntie Binny on the loss of your sister and our Auntie Doris, our love and thoughts are with you – Margaret, Kathryn and Elizabeth.