Parish Magazine extract 1898
Bound Volume kindly loaned by Mr Gerald Gent of Saxon Street
The 12 magazines, starting with issue No 1, January 1898 are bound in book form entitled 'The Dawn of Day'. The main central section of each magazine includes an illustrated serial story 'The Change in Robert Holt' together with national reports on ecclesiastical matters, gardening, husbandry, household hints and advertisements both local and national which obviously help to fund this centrally produced mainstay for parish magazines.
The Wood Ditton entries are on pale green paper and are confined to the 1st and last pages of each magazine, the front cover page illustrated by photographic reproductions of Wood Ditton and Saxon Street churches.
In the December issue (No 12) the Vicar offered: 'All who wish to have their parish Magazines for the year (1898) bound in one volume, may send them to the Vicarage by December 30th, the Vicar will undertake to get them bound in cloth at a cost not exceeding 1/- each volume of the 12 numbers. (Individual magazines were sold at a price of 1d.)
Issue No 1 January 1898
Contained a leading article by the newly appointed vicar, the Rev Hugh Guy who took up residence at the Vicarage on December 12th (1897). It commenced: 'My Dear Friends' and refers to the delay in his coming into the parish due to the most extensive repairs which are being carried out at the Vicarage by the kindness of Mr McCalmont. He referred to The Restoration of the old parish Church shortly to be started and looked forward to having an effectual heating system for the comfort of the congregation and to keep the recently repaired organ in good order. 'All done by Mr McCalmont'. He went on to say: 'Nothing could exceed the kindness I experienced in coming to Wood Ditton' and he especially thanked churchwardens Mr Harry Gardner (of Church Hall) and Mr George Paine (of Camois Hall)
A list of baptisms included Arthur Jaggard, Albert Edward Dean, Minnie Eliza Cook, John Bye, John Chapman, Hannah Burling.
Issue No 2 February
The Vicar reported that Christmas day was a real old fashioned type of a Christmas day with the church beautifully warm, the improvements effected having enabled the stove to burn freely. 'We hope that none of the Parishioners need keep away from the building for fear of the damp and cold.' The Restoration of the Church began in the second week of January and a short service was held in the Church with the workmen, hymn 215 was sung.
Baptisms for January included Ethel and Henry Swann. Burials, Betsy Hatley aged 70 years and William Symonds, widower aged 73 years.
Issue No 3 March
Reported 'A most successful concert' held in the schoolroom. Humorous songs, vocal duets Pianoforte duets and recitations. Pianofort solo "Woodland Warblings" by Miss Makin and a recitation "A terrible railway journey" Mr H R Barker.
'The Parishioners of Wood Ditton wish again to take the opportunity of thanking Mr McCalmont for the gift of half a ton of coal to each household, towards the middle of February.'
Issue No 4 April EasterWe must remind our parishioners and congregation that the Church orders that every member of the Church who has been Baptised and Confirmed should come to the Holy Communion at Easter. Baptisims during February included Lily Mabel Cooke and Minnie Cates. Burial March 19th Mary Stubbings, widow aged 91 years.
Issue No 5 May
A second series of entertainments took place in the Schoolroom which was crowded to the doors by a very appreciative audience, with The Cheveley Minstrels Troupe and local performers. Song and chorus, Miss May Gardner, 'That's very queer'. The second part consisted of an admirably acted little play, in which the costumes were unusually handsome and historically correct. Pauline, Mrs J Fiddaman, most ably sustained a somewhat difficult rôle and speedily ingratiated herself with the audience. Mr J Fiddaman's acting was very much enjoyed, and Mr Arthur E Hallas contributed largely to the success of the evening with his representation of Alphonse de Grandier.
This issue included a detailed list of the extensive restorations being carried out to the fine old parish church which had been in a state of great dilapidation. The work, carried out by Messrs G. Trollope and Sons Pimlico, under the direction of the architect Col Edis. It included the lowering of the floor by six inches to the original level, thus showing the base of the pillars and the reseating of the church with oaken benches. A new vestry and organ chamber to be built and a new east window to be inserted. The west door, which had been bricked up, to be re-opened. The timber work of the porch to be repaired and the aisle roofs covered with fresh lead. Great care was taken to preserve the nest of a robin built in the edge of the ditch within a few feet of the stone-sawyers. It was discovered when flying out covered with dust. Strict orders were issued that neither nest nor eggs were to be disturbed. The mother was daily fed with crumbs and five healthy youngsters are now living as it were under the protection of the Church. (extract from The Bury Free Press)
Issue No 6 June
Reference to the over-crowding at Wood Ditton Day School (the National School) and the government's insistence upon an additional building being erected. The committee decided to build another Class room and the sum of £400 needed to be raised. All parishioners, especially parents of children using the school are asked for a donation of 1/- a year. 'Parents have much to be thankful for, having their children educated free and brought up in a Christian manner.'
Baptisms include Ivy Lavinia Cates, Frederick George Cates, Herbert Charles Cates and Frederick Wm. Woollard.
Issue No 7 July
Contains a lengthy report on the Foresters' Anniversary at Wood Ditton, "Court Woodland" of the Ancient Order of Foresters (Friendly Society) held at the Court room, the Blackbird's Inn. The Chairman (Mr G J Paine), in a happy and genial speech, proposed the health of the Rev. Hugh Guy, the vicar. He trusted that Mr Guy would have a successful ministry, and that there would be more unity between the vicar and people than there had been in the past (Applause). The Vicar, who was heartily greeted said he hoped to become an honorary member of the Court and he hoped that in future a church parade would be a feature of the anniversary. They would not have one, he supposed, until the restoration of the church had been completed; and they did not know whether the work would be completed in a year, or a year-and-a-half, the church was in such a dilapidated condition. He praised Mr McCalmont (Applause) 'who was doing as much as mortal man could do, not only for the parish, but for others round about (Applause) The parish Church was a difficult thing to take in hand. The fact that some people wanted to raze it to the ground showed what a dilapidated state it was in.' Mr James Symonds, secretary of the court, reported the present worth of the Court was £951.9.4d They had much more sickness in the second half of the year. He proposed the healths of the C.R. of the Court, Bro. Noah Stubbings and the senior auditor, Bro. John Woollard.
Issue No 8 August
Referred to the epidemic of measles which has found its way into the village from Newmarket, where it has raged for several weeks. The committee decided to close the National School for a time and to postpone the children's treat which was contemplated in July.
'We should like to see a larger congregation at Church on the Sunday mornings at 11 am. Surely the distance is not so great that some may not make an effort to be present for an hour in the morning. The service is usually over soon after 12 o'clock, and those in the immediate neighbourhood at any rate would not find any difficulty in getting back to their homes some time before the dinner hour. Some of a household could come at any rate by turns.' 'We are fortunate in securing the Services of Mrs Jas. Gardner, who has ably assisted us on several occasions at the organ.'
Issue No 9 September
The vicar requests that any cases of sickness in the Parish may be reported to him at once. The repairs to Saxon Street Church have begun. The National Schools will re-open after their six weeks holiday on September 19th. 'We should like to see a larger attendance at The Holy Communion on Saints' days at 8 am - If attendance involves giving up a little on those days - well, that is just what the Church teaches us, what the religion of Jesus Christ asks of us, the practice of self-denial.'
Issue No 10 October
The village was en fête in consequence of the wedding of Mr Harry Gardner (churchwarden) with Miss Mabel Paine of Camois Hall. The Church was beautifully decorated and triumphal arches erected at the Church gate, the Schools and the approach to Camois Hall, testifying to the universal goodwill of the whole village.
The removal of the little font to its proper place in the Church (the entrance to the House of God) will have commended itself to us all for more reasons than one. Our little Church is now seen in better proportion, and processions up the Church are rendered possible.
The Sunday School Treat was held on Thursday 8th September. The children mustered at the schoolroom at 2 pm and after a short service proceeded to the adjoining meadow, generously lent by Mr S Taylor. Swings, cricket and football wore out the afternoon and at four o'clock the children enjoyed their tea. Towards the evening a ring of school children was formed and each child was presented with a small gift by Mrs Guy and Miss A E Gardner. Three cheers were given for the teachers, for the Vicar and Mr H Gardner before the little company dispersed to their houses.
In somewhat cooler weather the National School Treat was held on September 13th. Mr Saville of Newmarket catered for the tea and gave us every satisfaction. At 6.30 pm the little company dispersed for the night, each being presented with a bag of sweets by Mrs Guy and Miss A E Gardner. Three cheers were given for Mr McCalmont and all those who provided the 'Sinews of War'. The school reassembled on Monday 19th September.
Issue No 11 November
Report of Harvest Thanksgiving 29th September held at The Holy Trinity Church, Saxon Street. There was an overflowing Congregation and several were unable to get inside the little Church.
The Church Army van is now in the village and a service will be held each night at Saxon Street Church or the Schools at 7.30 pm.
The Vicar gratefully acknowledges contributions towards Provident Clubs
Lord Ellesmere £2.2.0
W Gurry Esq 10.0
F W Cobb 5.0
Mrs F Gardner 5.0
Baptisms: Florence Edith Starling, Nellie Matilda Starling
Burials: October 19th Thomas Burling, aged 77 years October 22nd Deborah Jeffery, aged 66 years
COLECTIONS. Sept 25th 7/7d Sept 29th 13/6½d October 2nd £2.9.3d
Issue No 12 December
Christmastide. Two celebrations of Holy Communion on Christmas Day. 'The rule at the end of the Communion Service orders that each devout member of the Church shall partake of the Holy Sacrement at least three times a year. It has often been said that the spiritual life of a parish is measured by the number of communicants. Surely, if this be so, the people of Wood Ditton parish, are very far behind in this matter; and all who have had the Bishop's hands laid upon them in Confirmation should remember the vows then made, and not rest satisfied with a religion, which stops half way . . . . .'
Marriage William Henry Balls, bachelor to May Louise Pettitt spinster, both of this parish.
ADVERTISEMENTS.
Among the advertisements included in the main body of the magazine were those for Pears' Soap which also offered Pears' Shilling Cyclopædia at a cost of 1/-
Patent medicines, treatments or foods claiming curative, restorative or general health improvement were advertised: 'Harlene' produces luxuriant hair, (illustrations of a man and woman with thick black hair); 'Whelpton's purifying Pills' for indigestion 'invaluable for ladies'; 'Epps's Cocoaine' cocoa for energy; 'Neaves Food' for Infants, Invalids and the Aged; 'Edwards' desiccated Soup', 6d & 8d tins; 'Red White & Blue French Coffee', 'so much stronger than ordinary coffee'.
'Mother Seigel's Syrup' claimed to have cured a Mr Steele who wrote: 'I couldn't touch a morsel of food, and presently got so weak I was unable to stand on my legs. Every few hours I had to be poulticed, the pain was so bad. I went to bed and stayed there for a week, with a doctor attending me, but he didn't succeed in getting to the bottom of my ailment'. He went on to say that after taking a course of 'Mother Seigel's' his trouble was cured and never returned.
Local Advertisements (all from Newmarket) included G F Layng grocery and provisions; Tindall & Co Booksellers, printers and Stationers; H Bullman Draper and Outfitter; Rogers & Co Chemists & Druggists with their celebrated 'Red Cough Drops' for Asthma, Bronchitis and Whooping cough.
The 12 magazines, starting with issue No 1, January 1898 are bound in book form entitled 'The Dawn of Day'. The main central section of each magazine includes an illustrated serial story 'The Change in Robert Holt' together with national reports on ecclesiastical matters, gardening, husbandry, household hints and advertisements both local and national which obviously help to fund this centrally produced mainstay for parish magazines.
The Wood Ditton entries are on pale green paper and are confined to the 1st and last pages of each magazine, the front cover page illustrated by photographic reproductions of Wood Ditton and Saxon Street churches.
In the December issue (No 12) the Vicar offered: 'All who wish to have their parish Magazines for the year (1898) bound in one volume, may send them to the Vicarage by December 30th, the Vicar will undertake to get them bound in cloth at a cost not exceeding 1/- each volume of the 12 numbers. (Individual magazines were sold at a price of 1d.)
Issue No 1 January 1898
Contained a leading article by the newly appointed vicar, the Rev Hugh Guy who took up residence at the Vicarage on December 12th (1897). It commenced: 'My Dear Friends' and refers to the delay in his coming into the parish due to the most extensive repairs which are being carried out at the Vicarage by the kindness of Mr McCalmont. He referred to The Restoration of the old parish Church shortly to be started and looked forward to having an effectual heating system for the comfort of the congregation and to keep the recently repaired organ in good order. 'All done by Mr McCalmont'. He went on to say: 'Nothing could exceed the kindness I experienced in coming to Wood Ditton' and he especially thanked churchwardens Mr Harry Gardner (of Church Hall) and Mr George Paine (of Camois Hall)
A list of baptisms included Arthur Jaggard, Albert Edward Dean, Minnie Eliza Cook, John Bye, John Chapman, Hannah Burling.
Issue No 2 February
The Vicar reported that Christmas day was a real old fashioned type of a Christmas day with the church beautifully warm, the improvements effected having enabled the stove to burn freely. 'We hope that none of the Parishioners need keep away from the building for fear of the damp and cold.' The Restoration of the Church began in the second week of January and a short service was held in the Church with the workmen, hymn 215 was sung.
Baptisms for January included Ethel and Henry Swann. Burials, Betsy Hatley aged 70 years and William Symonds, widower aged 73 years.
Issue No 3 March
Reported 'A most successful concert' held in the schoolroom. Humorous songs, vocal duets Pianoforte duets and recitations. Pianofort solo "Woodland Warblings" by Miss Makin and a recitation "A terrible railway journey" Mr H R Barker.
'The Parishioners of Wood Ditton wish again to take the opportunity of thanking Mr McCalmont for the gift of half a ton of coal to each household, towards the middle of February.'
Issue No 4 April EasterWe must remind our parishioners and congregation that the Church orders that every member of the Church who has been Baptised and Confirmed should come to the Holy Communion at Easter. Baptisims during February included Lily Mabel Cooke and Minnie Cates. Burial March 19th Mary Stubbings, widow aged 91 years.
Issue No 5 May
A second series of entertainments took place in the Schoolroom which was crowded to the doors by a very appreciative audience, with The Cheveley Minstrels Troupe and local performers. Song and chorus, Miss May Gardner, 'That's very queer'. The second part consisted of an admirably acted little play, in which the costumes were unusually handsome and historically correct. Pauline, Mrs J Fiddaman, most ably sustained a somewhat difficult rôle and speedily ingratiated herself with the audience. Mr J Fiddaman's acting was very much enjoyed, and Mr Arthur E Hallas contributed largely to the success of the evening with his representation of Alphonse de Grandier.
This issue included a detailed list of the extensive restorations being carried out to the fine old parish church which had been in a state of great dilapidation. The work, carried out by Messrs G. Trollope and Sons Pimlico, under the direction of the architect Col Edis. It included the lowering of the floor by six inches to the original level, thus showing the base of the pillars and the reseating of the church with oaken benches. A new vestry and organ chamber to be built and a new east window to be inserted. The west door, which had been bricked up, to be re-opened. The timber work of the porch to be repaired and the aisle roofs covered with fresh lead. Great care was taken to preserve the nest of a robin built in the edge of the ditch within a few feet of the stone-sawyers. It was discovered when flying out covered with dust. Strict orders were issued that neither nest nor eggs were to be disturbed. The mother was daily fed with crumbs and five healthy youngsters are now living as it were under the protection of the Church. (extract from The Bury Free Press)
Issue No 6 June
Reference to the over-crowding at Wood Ditton Day School (the National School) and the government's insistence upon an additional building being erected. The committee decided to build another Class room and the sum of £400 needed to be raised. All parishioners, especially parents of children using the school are asked for a donation of 1/- a year. 'Parents have much to be thankful for, having their children educated free and brought up in a Christian manner.'
Baptisms include Ivy Lavinia Cates, Frederick George Cates, Herbert Charles Cates and Frederick Wm. Woollard.
Issue No 7 July
Contains a lengthy report on the Foresters' Anniversary at Wood Ditton, "Court Woodland" of the Ancient Order of Foresters (Friendly Society) held at the Court room, the Blackbird's Inn. The Chairman (Mr G J Paine), in a happy and genial speech, proposed the health of the Rev. Hugh Guy, the vicar. He trusted that Mr Guy would have a successful ministry, and that there would be more unity between the vicar and people than there had been in the past (Applause). The Vicar, who was heartily greeted said he hoped to become an honorary member of the Court and he hoped that in future a church parade would be a feature of the anniversary. They would not have one, he supposed, until the restoration of the church had been completed; and they did not know whether the work would be completed in a year, or a year-and-a-half, the church was in such a dilapidated condition. He praised Mr McCalmont (Applause) 'who was doing as much as mortal man could do, not only for the parish, but for others round about (Applause) The parish Church was a difficult thing to take in hand. The fact that some people wanted to raze it to the ground showed what a dilapidated state it was in.' Mr James Symonds, secretary of the court, reported the present worth of the Court was £951.9.4d They had much more sickness in the second half of the year. He proposed the healths of the C.R. of the Court, Bro. Noah Stubbings and the senior auditor, Bro. John Woollard.
Issue No 8 August
Referred to the epidemic of measles which has found its way into the village from Newmarket, where it has raged for several weeks. The committee decided to close the National School for a time and to postpone the children's treat which was contemplated in July.
'We should like to see a larger congregation at Church on the Sunday mornings at 11 am. Surely the distance is not so great that some may not make an effort to be present for an hour in the morning. The service is usually over soon after 12 o'clock, and those in the immediate neighbourhood at any rate would not find any difficulty in getting back to their homes some time before the dinner hour. Some of a household could come at any rate by turns.' 'We are fortunate in securing the Services of Mrs Jas. Gardner, who has ably assisted us on several occasions at the organ.'
Issue No 9 September
The vicar requests that any cases of sickness in the Parish may be reported to him at once. The repairs to Saxon Street Church have begun. The National Schools will re-open after their six weeks holiday on September 19th. 'We should like to see a larger attendance at The Holy Communion on Saints' days at 8 am - If attendance involves giving up a little on those days - well, that is just what the Church teaches us, what the religion of Jesus Christ asks of us, the practice of self-denial.'
Issue No 10 October
The village was en fête in consequence of the wedding of Mr Harry Gardner (churchwarden) with Miss Mabel Paine of Camois Hall. The Church was beautifully decorated and triumphal arches erected at the Church gate, the Schools and the approach to Camois Hall, testifying to the universal goodwill of the whole village.
The removal of the little font to its proper place in the Church (the entrance to the House of God) will have commended itself to us all for more reasons than one. Our little Church is now seen in better proportion, and processions up the Church are rendered possible.
The Sunday School Treat was held on Thursday 8th September. The children mustered at the schoolroom at 2 pm and after a short service proceeded to the adjoining meadow, generously lent by Mr S Taylor. Swings, cricket and football wore out the afternoon and at four o'clock the children enjoyed their tea. Towards the evening a ring of school children was formed and each child was presented with a small gift by Mrs Guy and Miss A E Gardner. Three cheers were given for the teachers, for the Vicar and Mr H Gardner before the little company dispersed to their houses.
In somewhat cooler weather the National School Treat was held on September 13th. Mr Saville of Newmarket catered for the tea and gave us every satisfaction. At 6.30 pm the little company dispersed for the night, each being presented with a bag of sweets by Mrs Guy and Miss A E Gardner. Three cheers were given for Mr McCalmont and all those who provided the 'Sinews of War'. The school reassembled on Monday 19th September.
Issue No 11 November
Report of Harvest Thanksgiving 29th September held at The Holy Trinity Church, Saxon Street. There was an overflowing Congregation and several were unable to get inside the little Church.
The Church Army van is now in the village and a service will be held each night at Saxon Street Church or the Schools at 7.30 pm.
The Vicar gratefully acknowledges contributions towards Provident Clubs
Lord Ellesmere £2.2.0
W Gurry Esq 10.0
F W Cobb 5.0
Mrs F Gardner 5.0
Baptisms: Florence Edith Starling, Nellie Matilda Starling
Burials: October 19th Thomas Burling, aged 77 years October 22nd Deborah Jeffery, aged 66 years
COLECTIONS. Sept 25th 7/7d Sept 29th 13/6½d October 2nd £2.9.3d
Issue No 12 December
Christmastide. Two celebrations of Holy Communion on Christmas Day. 'The rule at the end of the Communion Service orders that each devout member of the Church shall partake of the Holy Sacrement at least three times a year. It has often been said that the spiritual life of a parish is measured by the number of communicants. Surely, if this be so, the people of Wood Ditton parish, are very far behind in this matter; and all who have had the Bishop's hands laid upon them in Confirmation should remember the vows then made, and not rest satisfied with a religion, which stops half way . . . . .'
Marriage William Henry Balls, bachelor to May Louise Pettitt spinster, both of this parish.
ADVERTISEMENTS.
Among the advertisements included in the main body of the magazine were those for Pears' Soap which also offered Pears' Shilling Cyclopædia at a cost of 1/-
Patent medicines, treatments or foods claiming curative, restorative or general health improvement were advertised: 'Harlene' produces luxuriant hair, (illustrations of a man and woman with thick black hair); 'Whelpton's purifying Pills' for indigestion 'invaluable for ladies'; 'Epps's Cocoaine' cocoa for energy; 'Neaves Food' for Infants, Invalids and the Aged; 'Edwards' desiccated Soup', 6d & 8d tins; 'Red White & Blue French Coffee', 'so much stronger than ordinary coffee'.
'Mother Seigel's Syrup' claimed to have cured a Mr Steele who wrote: 'I couldn't touch a morsel of food, and presently got so weak I was unable to stand on my legs. Every few hours I had to be poulticed, the pain was so bad. I went to bed and stayed there for a week, with a doctor attending me, but he didn't succeed in getting to the bottom of my ailment'. He went on to say that after taking a course of 'Mother Seigel's' his trouble was cured and never returned.
Local Advertisements (all from Newmarket) included G F Layng grocery and provisions; Tindall & Co Booksellers, printers and Stationers; H Bullman Draper and Outfitter; Rogers & Co Chemists & Druggists with their celebrated 'Red Cough Drops' for Asthma, Bronchitis and Whooping cough.
A LETTER FROM A YOUNG SOLDIER TO THE VICAR, 1915
The following letter was received by the Rev. A.D.Taylor the vicar of Wood Ditton, from Private Woollard, written while he was in training at Weymouth prior to departing for the front.
Dear Sir
15th February 1915.
I thought you would be interested to hear a little of the conditions of soldiering. As you may know, I find the conditions of soldiering rather hard at times, but on the whole it is a very good life, in fact the only one for a young healthy single man, as it is the duty for every one of us to put up with hardships and do our very best to bring this terrible war to a speedy close. I find the most impressive thing at present the Church Parade of the soldiers, to see about 800 to 1,000 of them going to church is a sight one seldom sees in times of peace. We get a lot of rain here and the mud is awful, but we are getting quite used to it now. They are constantly sending large drafts from here to the front, and it will require all the men Britain can get to finish once and for all the Kaiser and his followers, who have done their best to crush religion and civilisation.
I am glad to say I am in good health, trusting you are the same.
I am sir, yours faithfully
Private Frederick Woollard 16704 ~ 3rd Northants Regiment
Footnote. Private Woollard was killed in action near Ypres Belgium on 9th May 1915, aged 23. His name appears on the parish Roll of Honour in Wood Ditton Church.
The following letter was received by the Rev. A.D.Taylor the vicar of Wood Ditton, from Private Woollard, written while he was in training at Weymouth prior to departing for the front.
Dear Sir
15th February 1915.
I thought you would be interested to hear a little of the conditions of soldiering. As you may know, I find the conditions of soldiering rather hard at times, but on the whole it is a very good life, in fact the only one for a young healthy single man, as it is the duty for every one of us to put up with hardships and do our very best to bring this terrible war to a speedy close. I find the most impressive thing at present the Church Parade of the soldiers, to see about 800 to 1,000 of them going to church is a sight one seldom sees in times of peace. We get a lot of rain here and the mud is awful, but we are getting quite used to it now. They are constantly sending large drafts from here to the front, and it will require all the men Britain can get to finish once and for all the Kaiser and his followers, who have done their best to crush religion and civilisation.
I am glad to say I am in good health, trusting you are the same.
I am sir, yours faithfully
Private Frederick Woollard 16704 ~ 3rd Northants Regiment
Footnote. Private Woollard was killed in action near Ypres Belgium on 9th May 1915, aged 23. His name appears on the parish Roll of Honour in Wood Ditton Church.