| Description | Collection of hand-stamped cancellations on envelopes, letter and post cards from post and sub post offices in Derbyshire, Walk and Nature Diaries 1977-1981, Weather diaries of Richard Wilton (Stan's father) 1980-1981, *Personal Journals 1998-2022, Orders of service 2013-2019 for several deceased residents of Smalley
*ACCESS CONDITIONS Access restrictions apply to the personal diaries under common law confidentiality. |
| Administrative History | The following information was kindly supplied by the donor, based on the eulogy given at Stan's funeral:
Stanley Wilton was born on 6 January 1944 at the Women’s Hospital in Derby, the only son of Marie Constance Evelyn (nee Meakin) and Richard, also known as Stanley, Wilton. His parents had purchased 57 Main Road in Smalley in 1942, and it was here that Stan lived continuously for all his 79 years. He died on 23 April 2023.
For many years Stan worked at Aiton & Co. of Derby, pipe manufacturers, travelling daily on the bus. Every year he would set more vegetables than a family of 4 could ever eat - over 90% would be given away. He had a particular passion for onions and shallots. Each spring he would always have a good display of daffodils and tulips in his front garden and growing fuchsias from cuttings was his area of expertise.
As a youngster after school in the days when we used to get a 2nd post, Stan would deliver local letters for the postmistress over the road and developed a keen interest in British stamps. Over the years Stan built up a substantial collection of Wilding stamps in circulation between 1952 and 1971 (the collection was sold at auction following his death).
Stan was also passionate about football, he was a lifelong support of Heanor Town FC and Vice President of the Central Midlands Football League. In addition to collating statistics and writing match reports, Stan also wrote countless articles for the Parish magazine on various topics connected with the parish, the village and surrounding area. Stan was also a Governor of Smalley Richardson School Foundation, and for many years prior to the first Covid lockdown in 2020, he would visit the school to listen to pupils read and help them with awkward words, Treasurer of the Elvaston Castle Steam Rally Society, member of Smalley Richardson School Old Boys Association and councillor for Smalley Parish Council. |
| Custodial History | These records were donated to Derbyshire Record Office by an executor of Stan Wilton in May 2025. |