Harrogate Herald - 21st March 1917

W H Breare letter

I told you at the time that Stephen Hill had been called up. I said that he was not fit, and I quite expected we should have him back. It seems he has now got his discharge. He has been a long time in hospital. We shall welcome him back to our business. When at home Stephen lives at Spofforth, and comes up to work on his bicycle.

Later in the letter :

I have just heard that Stephen Hill has arrived home, discharged. He has had three weeks of training and eight weeks in hospital.

Harrogate Herald - 18th April 1917

W H Breare letter

Mr Bagshaw, the only printer in Pateley Bridge, has been called to the colours. Of course, he was in a way about his business, and anxious to dispose of it to advantage. We have taken over his responsibilities by purchasing the business and plant. It is not quite the time for extensions, but it so happens that Stephen Hill, one of our men who was invalided out of the service, could take the management of it, though he could not follow his accustomed duties in our works, and so he and his wife have already got a nice house, and will settle down in Pateley. As Stephen has a fine voice and his wife is likewise a singer, and Stephen a good all-round cricketer, I think he will fit in very nicely at Pateley Bridge, and prove a valuable and acceptable resident to the various interests of the valley.

The snow is gone, and we get many touches of Spring. But it is Spring with a cold breath.