In 1953 when a house in Appleton Gate, Newark was undergoing repairs a flour bag was found bearing the name J. A. Woolley.
The following verses were on the bag, which is framed in the Village Hall.
GOD SPEED THE PLOUGH
1 God speed the plough,
For men do now,
Want bread as much as ever;
Sunshine and rain,
Both grow the grain,
And make the best of weather. .
2 Come work the mill,
With right good will,
The Baker, aye stands ready;
To knead the dough,
Or round to go,
When customers are ready.
3 Some like the crust,
Some like the crumb,
The Baker likes to please;
When health is good,
And folk want food,
He must not "stand at ease."
4 His oven is hot,
And his mare must trot,
To serve all be is willing;
He'll bring you bread,
Or flour instead,
But likes the ready shilling.
5 Up with the morn,
He thinks no scorn,
His honest bread to win;
Then day by day,
The Baker pay,
He smiles to see your tin,
6 Good crops will come,
With "Harvest Home,"
To gladden every heart;
Then let each one,
Do all he can,
And noble play his part.
John Alfred Woolley, who owned Winthorpe Mill from 1883 - 1885, was a miller, baker and confectioner.
Pat Finn August 2007.
NOTE.
Further readings can be found in
Mill Explosion - June 15th 1860 in Volume 4.
Winthorpe Millers in Volume 4.
Winthorpe - Southfields Estate in Volume 4.