The date of their marriage was January 18th 1881, and it is possible that some of the older residents in this locality may remember the date for another reason. It was the day of the famous storm of “Black Tuesday,” one of the heaviest snowstorms in history, which wreaked havoc throughout the country. Roads were blocked with snow barriers many feet deep and shepherds in the country at the time were trapped. [for more about the weather]

The first signs of the approaching storm came when the bride and bridegroom were returning from Podington Church, where the wedding ceremony had been performed by the Rev. J. Geldart.

Mr. Hobbs is a native of North Bradley, Wiltshire, where his father was the occupier of an old farm mentioned in the Domesday Book. Mrs. Hobbs is the eldest daughter of the late Mr. William Knowlton, timber merchant, of Podington, and her grandfather was for many years Parish Clerk of the village.

Mr. Hobbs was a licensed victualler in early life and after marriage he was at Olney as landlord of “The Castle.” Subsequently he spent a year at Stratford-on-Avon, where he occupied “The Anchor,” but returned to Olney to become licensee of the “Duke William.”

The next and final move was to Rushden, where Mr. and Mrs. Hobbs have resided more than 40 years. They were for 16 years at the “Wagon and Horses,” in High-street South, retiring in 1905.

Since that date, Mr. Hobbs has devoted many hours to public services in both Bedfordshire and Northants. Close upon 25 years ago the Bedfordshire village of Wymington appointed him to membership of the Bedford Rural District Council, and he has served in that capacity ever since. Until recently the appointment carried with it a seat on the Wellingborough Board of Guardians.

In 1913 he was one of seven councillors and members of the Liberal Party, writing a letter to the electorate, setting out their pre-election targets for the town, education and trade.

H. H. Hobbs

The war period gave Mr. Hobbs many extra activities, including membership of the Bedfordshire Tribunal and committee for food control and women’s work on the land. In recent years he has been very industrious as a member of the Bedfordshire Assessment Committee. His valuable services to the country were appropriately recognised in July 1929, when he was appointed to the commission of the Peace, with a seat on the Sharnbrook Bench.

In his own town Mr. Hobbs was for some time an overseer, and has been prominent in the Co-operative movement. He can claim 48 years’ connection with Freemasonry, has held innumerable offices, and is among other distinctions, P.M.W.S. of the Rose Croix St. George of England Chapter, while the Pemberton (Rushden) Lodge recently gave him a gold watch in recognition of 25 years’ work as treasurer.

Mr. Hobbs is also one of the oldest members of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, having been connected with the Order for 58 years.

Mrs. Hobbs enjoys good health, and she points out that she is the eldest of 10 brothers and sisters all of whom are still alive. Mr. Hobbs, after being singularly immune from illness, had a breakdown last year and has not yet shaken off all the effects. He has decided to give up his Rural Council work at the next election.

Mr. and Mrs. Hobbs have two children – Mr. William Hobbs, of Folkestone, and Mrs. Will Rogers, of Northampton – four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.