Chairmen

 

Charley Wilkins 1830 - 1886

A different sort of chairman to those usually described in the literature.
He was not given to taking advantage of his position to obtain drinks.
He drank with those that he liked, took no obligation but stood his round.

Charley Wilkins born Charles William JEFFS, at Blackfriars in 1830-1831 was the son of William Jeffs and Augusta Maria.
He married Catherine Susan Kettle 15th May 1851 and they had 5 children, two of whom died less than one year old.

After divorcing Catherine he married Susannah Trehearn (nee Berry) on 16 September 1866.
He died 15th September 1886, and was buried in a public gave at Finchley Cemetery.

An article from Entr'act shows his standing in Music Hall circles. Click to expand.

A family story tells that while he was chairman at the Marylebone, Cetewayo, the king of the Zulu's paid a visit to the music hall and after the show, met the performers. There is a raw silver ring, now owned by Charley's great-great-great grandson, said to have been given to Charley by Cetewayo that night.  *

It appears that Charley was also a performer unless these items refer to another of the same name.

Two entries from 'John Wilton's diary'
9th February 1863 "Charley Wilkins and the Brothers St.Leon augment the programme"
4th November 1863 (On the opening of Sam Collin's Music Hall) "The performers ... Charley Wilkins, George Forde ..." From John Wilton's Music Hall by Peter Honri.