Reference
Z639
Title
Gift from William Basford of Luton
Administrative History
Eric William Basford was one of Bedfordshire's first Probation Officers. Self educated in the slack times as an officer in the London Fire Brigade, in 1940 he left Buckhurst Hill to become Probation Officer for the Borough of Bedford with part time responsibilities for Ampthill, Bedford, Biggleswade and Sharnbrook Petty Sessions Divisions. A minute of the Probation Committee of 19 June 1940 records this appointment. (C.Pr M. 1 page 67). At a meeting of 3 December 1940 (same volume page 71) the meeting approved the Chairman's decision to pay for the installation of a telephone at Mr Basford's house and to provide him with a typewriter.At the same meeting Mr Basford and Miss M.E. Wilkinson were appointed full time Probation Officers. On 2 December 1941 Basford was allowed £10 pa for the use of a room athis house, 97 Goldington Road, Bedford (same volume page 76). At the same meeting his work in common with all other Probation Officers was extended to juvenile offenders.
At a meeting of 15 April 1942 Basford was allowed to live outside the Borough of Bedford and agreed to pay for the installation of a phone at his new house (same Volume page 80).
The minutes of 30 November 1942 (same Volume page 97) outline a major reorganisation of the Probation Service in the County. Mr Basford had to move from Bedford to Dunstable, for which the Committee granted up to £10 for his removal expenses. Basford was now the Probation Officer for the Borough of Luton, dealing with all cases, except boys under 12.He was also responsible for all matrimonial work, other than" such work as may be suitable to be undertaken by Miss Moroney", his co-Probation Officer for the Borough of Luton (same Volume page 97).
The higher profile of the service was reflected with increased salaries, approved on 12 December 1944,(same Volume page 100). Basford's salary went up to £324 (backdated to 1 July 1944).On 4 December 1945, application was made to the Home Office for Basford to be made Senior Probation Officer for the Southern part of Bedfordshire, supervising three Probation Officers. His salary went up another £50. (same Volume page 106).
By 1948 the south of the county was feeling the strain of additional cases. Application was made for an extra Probation Officer. In consequence Basford was to concentrate on the south-west area of Luton with responsibility for 35 Cases. He was also to do limited Matrimonial work (same Volume page 126).
On 16 October 1950, Basford was apointed Senior Probation Officer for the whole county. He was also appointed Liaison Probation Officer for Assizes and Quarter Sessions. Basford held this appointment, the most senior in the Bedfordshire Probation Service until his appointment in 1957 as Superintendent of Frodsham, Cheshire, Branch of National Children's Home and Orphanage (Minutes of 16 May 1957, same Volume page 196).
Basford had two further appointments with the Probation Service. On 8 May 1961 he was appointed to the post of full time Probation Officer from 15 May 1961 at a salary of £1025. His work was centred on the Bedford Probation Office (C.Pr.M.2 page 19).A minute of 17 April 1970 (same Volume page 161) recorded the appointment of Basford of 65 Maulden Road, Great Baddow, Essex as full time Probation Officer for Leighton Buzzard, subject to housing being available.
Eric Basford's career spanned a key stage in the development of the Bedfordshire Probation Service, in which he took an important role.
Date free text
1937-1977
Production date
From: 1937 To: 1977
Level of description
fonds