
Hethersett At War - The Parish Magazine
The Hethersett Parish Magazine provides a rich source of history and information about the wars. Such were the writings of the Rector of Hethersett, the Rev Frederic Jarvis, during the First World War that we have given him his own section. Elsewhere the magazine was full of lists of those serving, details of acts of bravery and sad announcements of death. Just as an aside, a Special Constable is pictured in Hethersett on the left. The armband with Crown shows he was awaiting his call up to active service. This photograph is dated April 1916
The First World War
The Hethersett archive has a bound edition of what was called the Parochial Magazine in 1910 and which subsequently became The Parish Magazine of St Remigius, Hethersett, in January 1915. This section is taken from that and subsequent volumes.
By reading through the magazine the impression gained is that the war "stole up" on Hethersett with scarcely a mention in the months leading up to its start in August 1914. Very soon, however, it took centre stage in copies of the magazine, thanks mainly to the wartime writing of the Rev Jarvis.
The first suggestion that a war might be coming is in the April 1910 edition:
A scheme has been started by Mr Haldane, Secretary for War, for training those who are willing to give their services in helping the sick and wounded, should this country ever be invaded. It will be chiefly in connection with the Territorial Forces. As part of this scheme first aid classes for men and first aid and nursing classes for women will be held in Hethersett during the year. It is hoped that all those who feel that they will be able to give their services in case of invasion will join. The county has been divided into districts; this district is comprised of Hethersett, Ketteringham, Cringleford, Colney, Great Melton and Little Melton.
This theme was later mentioned under the heading of Voluntary Service Corps in the magazine of April 1915.
On February 24th a meeting was held at the National School, when a spirited address in support of the formation of a branch of this Corps for the parishes of Hethersett, Little Melton and Ketteringham, was given by the Rev J. P Glen of Norwich. Mr Glen, himself a keen volunteer, pointed out the objects for which the Corps is raised and the good purpose it would achieve even if an invasion of this Country by the Germans never took place. As a result it was decided to form a branch for the three parishes and this branch will be affiliated to the Central Association in London through the Wymondham Emergency District.
Drill started on March 3rd at the Old School, and will take place every Monday and Thursday evenings at 8 o'clock till further notice. Mr W.W Poll, who was for several years in the King's Own Regiment, Norfolk Imperial Yeomanry, has undertaken the duties of Instructor and he has a most capable understudy in the Rector. At the present time the squad has 26 members and the keenness and interest shown by them all in the drill is most admirable...... all men over 38 years of age are eligible, but only those under that age who have some sufficient reason for not enlisting in the Army or Territorials.
I have under consideration the formation of a miniature rifle range in the parish so that every volunteer would be enabled to pass the necessary tests in shooting.
F.A. Bainbridge
There was further mention of the Volunteer Training Corps in June 1915 when an appeal fund was launched in an attempt to raise the £120 required to provide equipment and pay the cost of opening the Miniature Rifle Range.
The Hethersett squad is making good progress with their drill, some members having 28 attendances to their credit..... During May the squad has had the benefit of Mr Charles Back's up to date military knowledge.... He has just received his commission in the 3rd Batt Norfolk Regiment......
The Miniature Rifle Range at the Parish Gravel Pit was opened at the beginning of May and has proved a great success. Already there has been a marked improvement in the shooting
In July 1915 the corps was still appealing for funds to purchase equipment:
In order to provide the necessary equipment for the members of this Corps and to meet the expenses of the Miniature Rifle Range an appeal was made to the Parishioners of Hethersett, Ketteringham and Little Melton and Landowners in the three parishes and a most generous response resulted. It was estimated that a sum of about £10 was required to meet the initial expenses of the Rifle Range and a sum of about £120 for the equipment of the Corps
There follows a list of contributors who raised the sum of £108 9s (£108.45p) and was headed by landowner J. H Gurney who contributed £21. The entry in the parish magazine continued:
In addition Mr J. H. Mills and the Rector have undertaken to provide their own equipment. Mr Bainbridge hopes to have received the balance required by the time this list is printed.
It should be mentioned that several members of the squad have nearly completed their 40 drills, that Mr Bainbridge has attended an Officers' Training Class in London for a fortnight with a view to taking over the command of the Wymondham company, and that a marked improvement has already taken place in the rifle shooting. The best score made up to the present time is 95 which stands to the credit of Mr F.W. Wilby.
The parish magazine of May 1916 gives a list of the accounts of the Hethersett Volunteers and shows receipts of £119 2s 9d and expenditure of £113 0s 9d leaving a balance of £16 2s 0d (£16.10p). Commandant F A. Bainbridge has the following to say:
I think the volunteers have thoroughly proved their value during the past winter as they have rendered invaluable services to the Admiralty at Pulham and also in connection with the more trying task of guard duty. Since the beginning of the year a guard has been placed and the line patrolled every night and frequently for the whole night and the result has proved the value of the maxim "Prevention is better than cure." I am most grateful to all volunteers for the cheerful and willing manner in which they have obeyed and carried out all orders, however onerous. Now that we are about to be attested under the Volunteer Acts, we may have to perform even more important duties,
Though not directly connected with the war the edition of June 1910 covered the "sudden and unexpected death of our King."
The whole tone of the great civilised nations has been lifted by the beneficent influences of King Edward VII and left on a higher plane than he found it.
What greater honour can any King possibly have than that his people love and admire him, not as a great soldier or conqueror but as "The Peacemaker", as the King who loved his people, and was for ever trying to promote their happiness?
On the day of the King's funeral a special Memorial Service was held in our Church at 8 p.m., when a large number of parishioners joined together before God to commemorate our late King Edward and to ask God's blessings upon our new King, George V.
In January 1911 the magazine had some homespun philosophy to impart which could have been valuable advice with the war just over three years away:
...... we should make the most of the present, and not concern ourselves too much with either the past or the future. It is today that really matters. You cannot recall the past, and you cannot control the future; but you are able in great measure to make a good use of what you have in hand. So that it seems that the best way to make our New Year a really happy one will be to see that we make good use of each day as it comes round to us and not to worry ourselves overmuch about what is in the past, or what may be in the future.....
There was regret in the July 1911 edition that the village had not been able to properly celebrate the Coronation of George V. After another eulogy to the new King we had the following words.
It is a pity we in Hethersett were not able to celebrate the Coronation on the day of that event. It would have been much more whole-hearted and real. Unfortunately, it was found impossible to find anyone who would undertake to cater for some 600 hungry people on that day. We hope that Thursday July 6th will be a fine day, and that all will make up their minds to enjoy themselves.
Thankfully the following months magazine states that:
Our Coronation Festival was held under the most favourable circumstances. The weather was all that could be wished, and a large company came together in the Hall grounds by the kind invitation of Mrs Back.
The piece goes on to describe various sports, pillow fighting, a plentiful supply of strawberries and an appearance by the Hethersett Band.
As war approached it was once again domestic matters that dominated the magazine, including extensive repairs needed to one of the village schools.. No mention of any impending international crisis, however. There was more homely advice in January 1913:
There is in this Parish, as in many another, a kind and neighbourly spirit amongst us, which we shall do well to encourage in every way we can. Of course there are differences of opinion- we should be a poor lot indeed without that - and how dull life would be if all our minds were exactly alike in all things! Half the meaning of life is to learn how to get on with others; how to get over difficulties as they come up, and make the best of them ... There must be give and take if this is to be a happy New Year. The more plainly we are able to recognise this the happier we shall be ourselves, and the more we shall be able to add to the general happiness of our parish.
An insight into just what Hethersett was like pre First World War came in the magazine in 1914:
The century seems to be galloping along at a great rate, adding year to year very quickly, which is due probably to the far greater bustle in which everybody is living. At the beginning of this century there were no motor cars rushing along the turnpike with incessant din; flying machines were altogether improbable; and the S.O.S of the ocean unheard of. It is a wonderful century so far. We look out and we see great industrial changes looming large and threatening in the industrial world; changes which are bound to come and to meet which a much larger and wider outlook is required of all, if we are not to be overwhelmed in strife and contention.
If only they knew!!!
The first mention of the war in reality came from the new rector The Rev Frederic Jarvis who was a massively important figure in the history of our village and its part in the war. He has his own section where the story of the war will unfold through his own experiences and thoughts.
The January 1915 magazine gave a list of Hethersett men serving their country in the war and included the following: Private H. Adcock, Captain W. H. Andrews, Captain H. W. Back, Private C. W. Back, Second Lieutenant S. L. Back, Private W. Bennett, Private W. Bishop, Sergeant G Bringloe, Private B. Bringloe, Driver J. Breeze, Private W. Bunn, Seaman R. A. Buckingham, Stoker G. Dann, Private P. Denmark, Major H.E Evans Lombe, Private P. Gostling, Private W. Greaves, Private O. J. Harvey, Private F. J. Harvey, Private S. Harvey, Stoker A. Howes, Stoker W. Howes, Private W. Joy, Private James Kerrison, Private Jack Kerrison, Private W. Kerrison, Private W. Livock, Private R. W. Mapes, Private F. Ninham, Private C.J Pickstone, Private G. S. Pickstone, Driver E. Poll, Private G. Poll, Private H. Ringer, Driver C. Sergeant, Private H. Sergeant, Private A. Shorten, Gunner A.E.T. Thurston, Private A.G.T Thurston, Private W. Thurston, Private A. S. Tuthill, Private W.E. Weston, Seaman J. Yull, Private T. Yull.
The roll reported Private T. Yull of the Norfolk Regiment as a prisoner of war.
The May 1915 magazine gave an updated list of those On His Majesty's Service being as follows: Private H. Adcock, Captain W. H. Andrews, Captain H. W. Back, Private C. W. Back, Second Lieutenant S. L. Back, Rev P.R.H Back, Private W. Bennett, Private W. Bishop, Sergeant G Bringloe, Private B. Bringloe, Driver J. Breeze, Private W. Bunn, Seaman R. A. Buckingham, Stoker G. Dann, Private P. Denmark, Major H.E Evans Lombe, Private W. Fiske, Private P. Gosling, Private O. J. Harvey, Private F. J. Harvey, Private S. Harvey, Stoker A. Howes, Stoker W. Howes, Driver W. Johnson, Private W. Joy, Private James Kerrison, Private Jack Kerrison, Private W. Kerrison, Private W. Livick, Private S. G Livick, Private R. W. Mapes (prisoner of war), Private W. Neave, Private F. Ninham, Private C.J Pickstone, Private G. S. Pickstone, Driver E. Poll, Private G. Poll, Private H. Ringer, Driver C. Sergeant, Private H. Sergeant, Private A. Shorten, Gunner A.E.T. Thurston, Private A.G.T Thurston (prisoner of war), Private W. Thurston, Private A. S. Tuthill, Private W.E. Weston, Seaman J. Yull, Private T. Yull (prisoner of war), Nurse D. Back..
The December 1915 edition of the magazine gives a more comprehensive list of those serving but also contains the following very sad news:
Lance Corporal Sidney George Livick: Aged 26 years. Son of Mr and Mrs J. Livick. Killed in action at Loos, September 26th, 1915.
Those serving were: H.J Adcock, Capt W. H Andrews, Capt H Back, 2nd Lieut C. W. Back, 2nd Lieut S. L . Back, Rev P.R.H. Back, Private W. Baldry, Dr C. Bedingfield, Private W. Bennett, Farrier G. Bentley, Private W. Bishop, Private B. Bringloe, Sgt G. Bringloe, Dr J. Breeze, R, A. Buckingham, G. Bunn, Private W. Bunn, V.B. Catton, Private A. Child, Driver E. Collins, Sapper R. Curson, Stoker G. Dann, Private P. Denmark, Private W. Fiske, Private P. Gosling, Lieut C. G Hallett, Private O J Harvey, Private F. Harvey, Private S. Harvey, B. C. Halls, Stoker A. Howes, Stoker W. Howes, Driver W. Johnson, Private W. Joy, Private James Kerrison, Private John Kerrison, Private W. Kerrison, Sgt C. Knapp, Lance Corporal G. Knapp, Gunner W. Knapp, Major E.H Evans-Lombe, Private W. Livick, Private W. Mallett, Corporal R.W. Mapes, Private H J. Morton, Private W. Neave, Lance Corporal T. Nichols, Private F. Ninham, Private E.G. Norton, Private C. Perkin, Private C.J Pickstone, Copr G.S. Pickstone, Farrier E. Poll, Private C. H. Randell, Private B. E. Ringer, Signaller H. E. Ringer, Private G. H. Salter, Driver C. Sergeant, Driver G. Sergeant, Private H. Sergeant, Private A. Shorten, Gunner C. Stannard, Sapper G.R Streeter, Private D. Thraxton, Gunner A.E.T Thurston, Private A.G Thurston, Private A. S Tuthill, Private A. Weston, Private W. Weston, Torpedo Instructor E. J. Yull, Private T. Yull.
There's an interesting entry in the magazine of March 1916:
In spite of many warnings, matches are still sent to the "Front" improperly packed and much damage has been caused. Matches can now only be sent under certain conditions, concerning which enquiries should be made to the post office; and any person contravening the regulations will be prosecuted without further warning
April 1916 tells us of the safe return of another soldier:
Private William Joy, 1st Battalion, Norfolk Regiment, whom as a Reservist, was called up at the beginning of the War, returned safely to his home on January 5th, after many months' service with the Transport Field Force in France.
May 1916 brings a letter from the Bishop about the National Mission of Repentance and Hope which includes the following passage:
Many persons have been thinking that God must have meant to teach us something by this fearful War. We know that God is love and that if He brings pain and sorrow upon us He must have a good reason.
We are fighting for the right in the War, and this makes us ready to bear what we have to bear.....
Some of us feel that our country had come to forget God in the days of peace....... The war has shown us our proper place before God. We need him to help us, to guide us, to comfort us, to teach us not to forget Him again.....
The War will not have been in vain if through it we come to repent of a foolish and sinful past and then turning round fix our real Hopes on God and do not think that this life can give as all that we need.
In the July 1916 edition the magazine records at some length the death of Earl Kitchener.
Great men are rare in these days, and a great man who holds the full confidence and popularity of an entire nation is rarer still. What England has lost in the passing of Lord Kitchener, England knows only too well. There has gone from us a truly great personality, which combined a strength that few possess, with a warm heartedness which appeals to all.
The piece continues in the same vein for several hundreds of words. Sadly the same edition reported the death of Ralph Buckingham who was born on February 12th 1895 and died on June 5th 1916. Unfortunately the piece seems to concentrate more on the career of various ships than on details of Ralph himself. As an aside Ralph had Buckingham Drive in Hethersett named after him.
Ralph Buckingham was the fifth son of Mrs F.T Buckingham. As a boy he was in the Church Choir and was the first to join the Hethersett Troop of Boy Scouts. At an early age he determined to enter the Navy and his first attempt to gain admission met with failure. In order to pass the medical test a serious operation was necessary. This did not alter his purpose and he walked into the operating room singing. At the age of 16 he joined HMS Britannia and in the following year was transferred, after serving on HMS Invincible, to HMS King Edward which took our King and Queen (then Prince and Princess of Wales) to Spain and formed part of the escort which brought back the body of the Late Duke of Fife. At the beginning of the present war he was on HMS Venerable whose guns fired the first British shot on the Belgian coast. Later he came home for a course of torpedo instruction and was afterwards put on HMS Hampshire. The Hampshire was the cruiser which stopped the ship bearing the Ford Peace Party in Mid Atlantic, and after examination sent it back to an American port. She also took part in the Horn Reef engagement in which no shell struck her nor were any of her men wounded. In the great naval victory off Jutland on May 31st, the Hampshire played her part, ramming one enemy submarine and sinking another by gunfire. She seems to have come out of this battle unscathed and was ready at the shortest possible notice to carry Lord Kitchener and his Staff to Russia. Her end is well known. She sank after being struck by a mine with her precious burden in the North Sea on June 5th.
Hethersett is proud that one of her men should have been chosen for this important and responsible work. We grieve over his death and do not forget to sympathise with those who mourn.
In November 1916 there is news of a reward for gallantry:
We congratulate Lieut. Ketteringham, son-in-law of Mr Harvey of this parish, who has been awarded the Military Cross. During a raid he entered the enemy's trenches, gathered useful information and inflicted considerable loss. During the previous reconnaissance he brought back a wounded man under fire.
This was tempered by other news, however:
It was with great sorrow that the Parish learnt of the death of Lieut F. Clarke, Coldstream Guards, and we would like to express its very real sympathy with those who are bereaved
We regret to hear that Percy Denmark and Percy Pickstone have been wounded, but wish them a speedy recovery.
There was some humour in the edition.
The attempt to break open the Church Alms box met with failure. Either he (or else she, for most of the male burglars are serving in the army) was surprised or else his tools were not strong enough.
The death announcements kept coming and in December 1916 there was the following notice:
It is with deep regret and real sympathy for those who are bereaved that we record the death of William Edward Bringloe, who was killed in action in France on Oct 7th last. He was attached to the 12th London Regt and is the son of Mr and Mrs Bringloe of this parish. His age was 27 years
The same edition notes that Christmas parcels are being sent
Christmas parcels are being sent to our Hethersett soldiers. Mr W. H. Back is kindly sending a plum pudding with each one.
Of more importance was news that the Rector was leaving the parish (to read more about this see our section on the Rector's War):
The Rector expects to leave almost immediately to take a commission as an Army Chaplain. The Bishop has sanctioned a scheme whereby his work will be carried on by the neighbouring clergy.
The magazine also had a list of men serving on Her Majesty's Service which this time numbered over 110 and included the following:
H. Adcock, W. Andrews, H. Back, C. Back, S. Back, P. Back, W. Baldry, R. Bartram, A. Battle, C. Bedingfield, W. Bedingfield, W. Bennett, G. Bentley, W. Bishop, A. Blake, F. N. Blake, F. S. Blake, W. Blake, W. Bradford, J. Breeze, B. Bringloe, G. Bringloe, G. Bunn, H. Bunn, W. Bunn, O. Carter, V. Catton, A. Child, C. Crowe, A. Curson, F. Curson, J. Curson, R. Curson, G. Dann, A. Davy, F. Denmark, P. Denmark, W. Fiske, F. Foster, E. Gathercole, P. Gostling, G. Graveling, F. Harvey, S. Harvey, C. Hallett, B. Halls, R. Hickling, A. Howes, W. Howes, G. Hubbard, J. Jackson, W. Johnson, G. Joy, W. Joy, J. Kerrison, W. Kerrison, C. Knapp, G. Knapp, W. Knapp, E. Evans-Lombe, F. Livick, W. Livick, B. Lofty, W. Mann, R. Mapes, G. Moore, H. Morton, W. Neave, T. Nichols, A. Ninham, F. Ninham, A. Norton, E. Norton, C. Perkins, C. Pickstone, G. Pickstone, P. Pickstone, C. Poll, E. Poll, H. Poll, C. Randell, B. Ringer, F. Ringer, G. Ringer, H. Ringer, G. Salter, Charles Sergeant, Clifford Sergeant, G. Sergeant, H. Sergeant, T. Sergeant, A. Shorten, B. Sparrow, C. Stannard, G. Streeter, A. Thrower, A. E. Thurston, A.G. Thurston, W. Thurston, A. Tuttle, H. Ward, A. Weston, W. Weston, A. Wiles, E. Wiles, F. Wiles, F. Wilby, W. Wiseman, F. Woods, E. Yull, F. Yull, T. Yull
The following were listed as having received their discharge:
Dr E. Collins, Pte G. Poll, Pte D. Thaxton, Pte O.J Harvey and Pte James Kerrison.
In the March 1917 edition there was news of another casualty:
It is with great regret that we have heard that Arthur Hubbard is wounded and wish him a speedy recovery.
There were also hints about food under the heading "The Rationing Order."
In consequence of our National Food Controller's very urgent order that the public must not consume more than 4 lbs of bread or 3 lbs of flour, 2 1/2 lbs of meat, 3/4lb of sugar per head a week, a League will be started in Hethersett, and it is hoped that every person will join as a "Voluntary Rationer."
The need for saving flour as much as possible has arisen from the submarine warfare. Neutral countries fear to deliver wheat which our Government has bought...... The first meeting of the League will be on Tuesday, March 13th at 3.30 at Cedar Grange
The June 1917 magazine reported more bad news:
Since the Magazine was last published many of our Hethersett men have been in action. We regret to hear that Robert Bartram has lost his life. We should like to express our sincere sympathy with Mr and Mrs Bartram in their great sorrow.
Walter Kerrison, Herbert Ringer, Harry Sergeant, have all been wounded. We hope we shall soon hear of their speedy and complete recovery.
George Moore is reported "missing". Everyone will sympathise deeply with his wife and parents in their great anxiety and suspense.
In July 1917 there was a report of the formation of the Food Protection Society:
A public meeting was held in the Old School on Friday, June 8th, to form a "Food Production Society" for the village of Hethersett.
Mr W.W. Poll (chairman of the Parish Council) read a circular he had received from the Food Production Department of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, urging the importance of forming a Society in every village. After some discussion it was agreed to form a society in Hethersett, all those present agreeing to become members. The following officers were appointed pro tem - Mr W. W. Poll (chairman), Mr G. Moore (vice chairman), Mr W. J. Childs (hon. secretary).
As the object of the Society opens up a wide field of work of national importance, it is hoped that all ladies and gentlemen who can will become members, give their advice, and help for the nation's cause. Meetings will be held from time to time as the work of the Society may require.
There were details of a Jumble Sale in the National School on Monday May 28th.
Receipts included 7s 2d taken at the door, 1s for the hire of the school, £8 3s 8d from articles sold and 1s for the cleaning of the school. Expenditure included 2s for the door keeper, leaving £5 for the village nursing fund and £3 6s 10d for the Parochial Fund. The following month there was news of a flag day in the village.
Mrs Evans-Lombe, one of the heads of the Norwich Depot has asked that a Flag Day may be organised in Hethersett in aid of the two War Working Parties in the village. This will take place on Wednesday August 1st.
In the September 1917 magazine we hear of another fund-raising effort.
In spite of the bad weather on August 1st, £8 7s 3d (£8.36p) was collected by the house to house collection in the village. The proceeds will be divided between the two Working Parties in the parish, and will go towards buying materials for making garments for wounded soldiers and sailors.
In the November 1917 edition there was sadly another name added to the Roll of Honour.
Another name has been added to our Roll of Honour. Herbert Childs, who was serving in Egypt, has died on active service. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Mr and Mrs Childs and their family.
Francis Foster, who was recently posted as missing," has now been heard of and is a prisoner of war in Germany.
The same edition referred to the S.P.G Services which were held instead of the usual Sale of Work:
Every gift that we receive in these anxious days is specially welcome and I am sure that the harder that it has been for you to make the gift, the more you have felt that it was worth making...... The hope of the world when the war is over is that we shall all be less selfish than we were..... Mildred L. Winslow
The magazine of December 1917 began with a letter from King George to "my people."
The world-wide struggle for the triumph of right and liberty is entering its last and most difficult phase. The enemy is striving by desperate assault and subtle intrigue to perpetuate the wrongs already committed and to stem the tide of a free civilisation. We have yet to complete the great task to which more than three years ago we dedicated ourselves.
At such time I would call upon you to devote a special day to prayer that we may have the clear sightedness and strength necessary to the victory of our cause........
I therefore appoint January 6th, the first Sunday of the year, to be set aside as a special day of prayer and thanksgiving in all churches throughout my Dominions.
Other news included the following
£12 2s 6d was collected in Hethersett for the Red Cross on Our Day.
We are glad to hear that Gunner A. Thurston who was recently wounded and gassed, is now making good progress.
Owing to the shortage of paraffin and various articles of food, it has been decided to postpone the Sunday School Treats until the summer.
By February 1918 the parish magazine was widening its scope and becoming more of a source of news about the village and not just about the war. The Rector, the Rev Frederic Jarvis had obviously taken it upon himself to garner news from around the village and it is hoped that by printing extracts here we can give a little of the flavour of what was going on at the time. The Rector's personal views of the war and his letters are available in The Rector's War section of this site.
The Parochial Church Council met last on June 20th, 1916. Although the Council never accomplished very much it served a good purpose and gave the Rector opportunities of discussing Church affairs with the Laity. It is highly desirable that the Council should, as soon as possible, be revived, though perhaps it needs to be run on stronger lines than formerly. To accomplish anything at all definite it must have more power, and given more power it could very well develop into a Committee for the management of Church affairs in this Parish.... if you take any interest at all in the matter will you come to an important meeting in the Old School on Tuesday, February 5th, at 8 p.m at which it will be discussed. This is a matter of real concern to all church people in the parish and all regular worshippers should be there in order to prevent decisions being arrived at by a small section of the congregation. The Council should be elected by the whole congregation. The authority and control to be possessed by the Council will be decided at that meeting.
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The Sunday School will lose greatly by the resignation of Miss M. Back and Miss L Clarke who have been teachers for 34 years and 24 years respectively. Many generations of children have been helped and influenced by their devoted and untiring services, which we gratefully desire to recognise.
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An excellent Entertainment was arranged by Mr and Mrs Bainbridge on January 4th, in aid of the Hethersett Nursing Fund and the Red Cross Working Parties. The whole performance was a tremendous success and made a clear profit of £8. Hethersett has seldom been treated by so much talent, fun and laughter in one evening, nor has any company of performers more deserved and obtained so packed and appreciative an audience. In these rather depressing days such an entertainment is doubly welcome, and we sincerely hope it will not be long before they give us another.
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The Director of Food Economy begs us to realise that the saving of all kinds of waste has become an imperative necessity and that the re-using of old material is of the greatest importance as it enables the country to be to a large extent independent of foreign imports and therefore at the same time saves shipping transport. You are therefore asked to keep many of the things you generally throw on the dust heap until arrangements can be made for their collection and sale. Among things needed, the following may be mentioned: woollens, cotton, paper, cardboard, ragged lace curtains, old tins, iron, brass, copper, rubber, silk, jars and bottles. All can help by saving such articles, nothing is too old or too worn, no quantity too large or too small to be of use. The saving of waste of every kind will be of untold benefit in the conduct of the War.
The March 1918 magazine opened with a Roll of Honour notice
News has been received that Private Harry Sergeant, 1/4 Batt Norfolk Regiment, who has been missing since 19th April, 1917, was killed in action on that day. Sincere sympathy will be felt by all for his relatives after their anxiety and suspense for so many months. A Memorial Service was held on Sunday the 10th February.
The officer in command of Sargeant's platoon wrote as follows to his mother: "Your son was in my platoon for about six months prior to the attack, and was a very good soldier. He was always a great help to me since his experience of Gallipoli... The Regiment will lose by him one of its best men."
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The account of the parcels sent out last Christmas to Hethersett men serving in the Army and Navy was unfortunately too late for publication last month. Miss Irene Back and her helpers deserve high praise and congratulations as the following statement makes very plain. The total amount collected in the parish was £28 2s 6d and 110 parcels were posted. Many grateful and appreciative letters have been received from the men.
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A Parochial Church Meeting was held in the Old School on Tuesday, February 5th, for the purpose of electing a Parochial Church Council. The Rector stated that he proposed to give the Church Council larger powers than were usually exercised by Church Councils. The new Council was to have powers over Finance, Church Services and the General Management of Church affairs in the Parish. It was decided that the new Council should consist of the Rector and Churchwardens (ex-officio), and eight other members to be elected annually. The following eight were then duly elected: - Mrs W. H. Back, Nurse Jennett, Mrs Evans Lombe, Miss Back, Mr N. W. Kent, Mr A. Smith, Mr E. J. Stace and Mr Revel.
The Council held its first meeting on Wednesday, February 13th at which all the members were present. It was decided that money placed in the Church Alms Box should be for the duration of the War, given to the "Prisoners of War Fund."
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There was news that Sister Jennett has attended eight confinements and 1237 visits have been paid by her during the year and there were further instructions with regard to the collection of waste:
This saving of waste is of vital importance as almost everything can be utilised in some form or other and if so used will greatly help to solve the difficult question of supplies during the critical times.
As soon as the central depot has been secured, all your waste goods can be brought to it to be sorted. If you are willing to bring all you have saved, will you please give your name to your District Visitor next time she calls.
A whist drive in the Old School on Thursday, January 31st raised £4. 4s for the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.
The question of waste saving was a major topic in the April 1918 magazine:
A central depot to which all waste goods may be brought has been opened in a shed at the Garage on the main road which has been kindly placed at the disposal of the organisation of Mr Duge.
Goods should be brought to the depot as soon as possible and left there to be sorted and packed. It is hoped that every householder will be willing to save all such waste goods as were mentioned in the February magazine and give them to the nation. The collection of waste is not a new fad of a few individuals who have got nothing better to do and who hope to make something out of it, but is a real necessity and is being done everywhere.
Another burning question of the day was the allocation of seats in church:
The work of allotting pews has been partially carried out, and a plan can be seen in the church porch.
It is of course understood that all seats are free. No person has a legal right to occupy, in the Parish Church, any pew or seat exclusively without the permission of the churchwardens, except by prescription or faculty. But it is only right and fair that the more regular worshippers should be able to habitually sit in the same pew. The task was a difficult and a delicate one, but those who performed it made it their aim, firstly to bring the congregation more to the front of the church; secondly, to make as few changes as possible; thirdly to give no offence. They trust that they have in some measure succeeded.
Further applications for seats should be made to the churchwardens.
The question of children in church was also mentioned:
The Rector is incorrectly reported to have said that it is his wish that all children attending the Church Services shall sit only in the seats provided for them at the front.
The Rector's real wish is something quite different, namely that children should sit with their parents. Families should attend Church as families and should sit together. Unfortunately it is not an uncommon thing for parents to send their children to Church and to stay at home themselves. When this happens the children must sit in the seats specially provided, with the persons who have kindly undertaken to act as proxy-parents and be responsible for their children's behaviour. But the Rector's wish is to see the parents in Church and the children sitting with them.
The same edition had an article about Hethersett Scouts:
A meeting will be held on Wednesday April 17th at 8' o clock to discuss the future of Hethersett Scouts. If possible lantern slides of Scout life will be shown. All boys of 11 and over are invited and any parents who are interested in the movement will be very welcome.
The scout meetings had to be dropped at the end of last summer owing to the Rector's absence, but they will be started again in April, provided a sufficient number of Scouts enlist.
New Scout Troops are being formed in the surrounding villages; a cup has kindly been given by Mrs Gosling of "Thickthorn" which will be competed for by these troops. It would be a great pity if Hethersett were not represented in this competition.
Parents are particularly invited to the meeting because it is felt that the aims of the Scout movement are not sufficiently understood, and therefore boys have received very little encouragement at home to join. The aims of the Scout movement are very high and should commend themselves to all parents who are interested in the development of a true ideal of manliness amongst boys.
In May 1918 one of the main topics of conversation was the potato crop:
The appeal was made a few weeks ago by the Prime Minister, to everyone in occupation of land, to increase the acreage of potatoes. It is a little late perhaps to repeat this, but though some counties have responded well, others are still hanging back, and it is feared that the acreage planted may fall considerably short if the amount calculated as the lowest possible minimum if the safety of the nation in regard to food is to be maintained.
It is urgently important that each district should become self-supporting in order to save transport..... British farmers, small holders, and allotment holders can be depended upon to do everything that is humanly possible to assist the country in this, the hour of its greatest need.
That said we return to the village roll of honour with the following news:
Frederick Stephen Blake, 2/5 Yorkshire Regt., son of Mr and Mrs Blake, Hethersett, who has been missing since May 14th, 1917, is now reported to have been killed in France on that date.
Benjamin George Joy, 2nd Batt, Suffolk Regiment, son of Mr and Mrs B. Joy, Hethersett, was killed in action in France on March 28th, 1918, aged 24. Private Joy first went abroad in July 1916, and was wounded on April 11th last year.
We offer our deepest sympathy to those who have been bereaved. A Memorial Service was held on April 21st.
The magazine also has a lengthy obituary of Edmund Frederic Plume, a former organist at the parish church, who had died in Hethersett after serving the church in Yorkshire and other parts of the country.
The Rector, the Rev Frederic Jarvis, spends a paragraph asking for children not to be allowed to attend funerals:
Can parents do anything to dissuade their children from attending funerals? During the Easter holidays there were three funerals, two of which were attended by some two dozen children between the ages of six and twelve. Their clatter and whispering does not add to the reverence of the Service, and this rather morbid curiosity in such young children should be discouraged.
A total of £8 10s 0d (£8.50p) had been raised towards the sum of £500 needed by the Norwich and Humbleyard Deaneries to erect a recreation hut for soldiers in Jerusalem. The amount comprised donations, lentern savings boxes, money raised at a boys Bible class and church collection.
The edition asked for volunteers to assist with the trimming, weeding and cleaning of the churchyard on Tuesday May 21st at 6.45 p.m and Wednesday May 22nd from 6.30 p.m.
The June edition of the Magazine started with more roll of honour notices:
It is with sincere regret that we have learnt of the death of Private Frederick Curson, 101st Labour Company, Labour Corps. Private Curson has been in France about two years. He was home on leave just before Christmas. He died on the 17th of May, at No 9 General Hospital, from the effects of gas.
We extend our real sympathy to Mrs Curson and all his relatives in their bereavement.
A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday June 2nd.
Next came a lengthy list of rules with regard to the Hethersett, Little Melton and Ketteringham Nursing Association. This included an interesting insight into the class system. For visits by the village nurse classes were divides as follows:
Class I: Old Age Pensioners and special cases. Class II: Labourers, Gardeners, Coachmen, Carpenters, Bricklayers and Smallholders. Class III: Bailiffs, Stewards, Teachers, Shopkeepers and Farmers. Class IV: Gentry. Charges - Class I: 2d to 4d; second visit in one day 1d. Class II: 4d to 6d second visit in one day 2d. Class III: 6d to 8d; second visit in one day 3d. Class IV: 1s 6d; second visit in one day 6d.
The same charge as above will be made for maternity visits when the Doctor is in attendance, but 4s 6d will be charged for Nurse attending with the Doctor at the time of confinement when not engaged as Midwife.
Next on the list showing that home matters and war matters were now being intertwined was a piece on Parcels to Prisoners and one on Vegetables for Swainsthorpe Hospital:
Attention is drawn to the Alms Box just inside the church door. All contributions placed in the box are given to Hethersett men who are captives and in the hands of the enemy. Already it has been possible to send in one case money and in the other cases parcels to William Howes, Thomas Yull and William Bishop. These men need all the help we can give them, and it is hoped that the remainder of them may soon be sent a parcel as well. Could not everyone make some small offering once a week as they pass the box? This would probably enable us to send a parcel out weekly.
We greatly regret to hear that two more names must be added to the list: George Sergeant and Walter Blake were taken prisoner on March 21st.
* * *
Another means of helping the soldiers, which we very gladly availed ourselves of, was the sending of vegetables to the wounded at Swainsthorpe on May 1st. The Hethersett contribution was magnificent and was tremendously appreciated. Miss Gurney, in acknowledging it, wrote: - "Hethersett has done splendidly as a parish and is to be much congratulated." Owing to the generosity of the parishioners, and especially the school children and their parents, two large hampers and two sacks were despatched.
They contained leeks, spring cabbages, broccoli, carrots, red beet, rhubarb, cakes, jam, cucumbers, potatoes (1 1/2 sacks), artichokes, tea and a hundred eggs.
Mrs Bainbridge wishes here to thank all who have not been thanked for their generous contributions.
Hethersett's turn will come again in July, when doubtless the response will be equally great.
Hethersett was also discussing the setting up of a branch of the Women's Institute and on May 14th the group a talk by Miss Burgess on the subject of the "Land Army"
She emphasised the great need of women workers on the land to take the place of men who are to be called upon to serve in the Army. She pointed out the advantages of joining the Land Army.... and made a powerful appeal to village women to join the ranks and beat the U boats.
Mrs Burton Fanning explained the aims and the objects of Women's Institutes and indicated the lines on which they are generally run in order to imrpove the conditions of rural life, and at the same time help to meet the nation's needs at the moment.
The meeting was rather poorly attended, probably because a rather unsuitable hour was chosen. Consequently it was thought advisable not to arrive at a definite decision with regard to forming an Institute for this Parish until more parishioners had heard about it and had had an opportunity of expressing their opinion on the subject. Another meeting will therefore be held in the Old School on Thursday June 6th at 8 p.m, at which Mrs Burton Fanning will again speak. The meeting will be open to both men and women.
(Note the first WIs were set up in Great Britain in 1915)
The magazine concludes with news that £4 18s 3d was sent to the Bible Society from Hethersett and £1. 1s for the Church Army for the purposes of erecting Recreation Huts for the soldiers in France.
The July 1918 edition has more war news:
Corporal Herbert Frary is unofficially reported killed. Corporal Frary was not resident in the Parish when he enlisted, but is well known to many Hethersett people who will desire to express their sympathy with his mother and relatives. The officer commanding his company wrote: "He was the finest N.C.O I ever had, and if there was any danger about I knew that I should find Corporal Frary close at hand. He died a noble death fighting to the last for his King and country." Shortly before his death he was awarded the D.C.M.
Dyler Livock was taken prisoner on April 13th.
Dick Thraxton has been wounded and is in hospital at Tiverton.
There was also information about the appeal on behalf of prisoners of war:
The appeal in last month's Magazine for contributions to the fund for sending parcels to Hethersett prisoners of war has met with a most generous response. As much money was placed in the alms box during June as was found there during the first five months of this year, and consequently three more parcels have been sent off. Let us try to send four in July. It was gratifying to find that a very large number of coppers were given, for this means that everybody is trying to help. The beneficiaries in June were Arthur Thurston, William Thurston and Francis Foster.
On more parochial matters the magazine informs readers that increases in production costs necessitates the raising of the price to 1 1/2d per copy. There is also an interesting paragraph entitled Divorce:
A protest against the proposed Marriage Laws Amendments Act, 1917, which offers greatly increased facilities in the matter of obtaining a Divorce has been sent to the Marriage Defence Council. It was signed by 149 parishioners.
News also on work in the churchyard:
The whole congregation must wish to thank those voluntary workers who, some of them on four occasions, gave up an evening to weed and trim the churchyard. For the first time for many years the pathway all round the church has been cleared. It is their intention not to let it get overgrown again.
The annual Jumble Sale raised £9. 6s 3d.
In the August 1918 edition the Rev Jarvis hints at problems with the production of the magazine:
.... it is always uncertain by what date the magazine will appear. I have always endeavoured to have the magazine printed not later than the first day of the month, but the difficulties under which the publishers now work make it impossible to guarantee this.
In the same magazine:
It is more than gratifying to be able to record so splendid a response to the appeal for the renewal of subscriptions to Church expenses... the total is the highest that has been reached for some years.
.... Mrs Back has very kindly given permission for the Sunday School Treat to be held in the Hall Grounds on Tuesday August 13th. The children will assemble in the School playground at 2.30 p.m. Games and sports will be arranged. Children must bring their own cups. No sugar or butter will be provided, and, if children require these they must bring their own.
There then follows a long description of the Fellowship of Life and Liberty which is described as "an effort set on foot by a group of loyal Churchmen and Churchwomen who desire to see the Church to which they belong more fully rising to the heights of its wonderful opportunity to serve the nation.
The busyness of the village is hinted at by small attendances at District Visitors' meetings:
The attendance at District Visitors' Meetings has tended to become rather small. It is difficult to find a day that is not either baking-day or washing-day or some-kind-of-war-work day. We are all so busy that the mornings are full and the afternoons are fuller, and in the evenings weary limbs must be rested. However, in future, your rest must be broken into, and the meeting this month will be held after the War Intercession Service on Tuesday, August the 6th, in the vestry.
The magazine then turns its attention to the work of the Scouts:
The Hethersett Scouts are frequently seen, and perhaps as frequently heard in the parish, but very little is probably known of their work. To most people scouting may seem to be little more than organised playing. There are, indeed, many scouting games, devised specially to teach various forms of scoutcraft, but there is also a serious side to it which involves a good deal of hard work and for some months this work has been making steady and satisfactory progress. On June 21st they were inspected by the District Secretary, when seven old scouts renewed their three-fold promise, and eight new scouts, after passing their Tenderfoot Test, were formally invested.
There is at the present time a competition in handicraft going on which will be judged on Thursday, August 22nd. This work will by exhibited in the Old School on the same evening from 7.30 p.m to 9 p.m. Admission 1d. The articles exhibited will be for sale. The proceeds will be given to the Scout Fund. Please come. The Scouts deserve encouragement.
There was more news regarding Hethersett WI
The next Meeting will be at the Old School at 3 o'clock on Tuesday, August 6th, ending with a walk round the Hall water.
Business: to enrol members. Subscription, 2s. Visitors 3d. There will be a lecture on "What Women are doing in France." There will be a Stall of Soldiers' work from the Thorpe Hospital, the things to be sold for their benefit. Also a small Stall of anything anyone will kindly bring, to start the prize Competition Fund of the Institute.
The magazine also hints at the number of calls being made on people's money, pointing out that the S.P.G Services had collected £8 15s 5d - a disappointing amount which was less than half the amount collected the previous year and only about a quarter of what had been sent in former years.
Although there are so many other appeals for financial help at the present time, the missionary work of the Church must not be permitted to suffer, and we must all make special endeavour in the future not to allow our contribution to fall so low.
In the September 1918 magazine we are told that War Working Parties are held in Hethersett in the Old School every Tuesday from 2 p.m. "Garments for the soldiers are badly needed."
It also returns to the subjects of Vegetables for Swainsthorpe Hospital and Church Army Huts:
Once more the sympathy of the Hethersett people for wounded soldiers and sailors has been very practically demonstrated by the wonderful generosity shown in sending kind gifts for their use on July 24th. It would be nice if the wounded could see the school children each bringing their special gift for them. Miss Gurney writes from the Swainsthorpe Red Cross Hospital that she thinks it excellent that Hethersett has given such a splendid lead in the vegetable collection for the villages. There were so many gifts that it was thought advisable to send part of them to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital for the wounded there.
Mrs Bainbridge thanks all kind friends for their kind gifts and Mrs Stace and Miss Cullan for helping with the collections in the schools.
* * *
One hundred Church Army Huts were lost during the German advance in the Spring, and it is most important to replace these before the Winter sets in, in order to mitigate as far as possible the hardships which our brave men must of necessity undergo during these months. All must realise the inestimable boon the huts are to the men for purposes of rest, recreation, quietness and refreshment, and there can be little doubt that they help in no small measure to keep up the morale of the troops to the very high standard to which it has now attained.
The need is really urgent, and in order that Hethersett may help to replace the lost huts, a Flag Day has been arranged for Tuesday September 10th. Don't be seen without a flag on that day, and pay for it as generously as you can.
Other news in the edition included the following:
Mrs Plume has very generously presented a Bath Chair to the Parish. This chair is at present in use, but it sets free the other parish chair which may be borrowed on application at the Rectory. All will appreciate this kindness which will undoubtedly be of very great help to many people for many years to come.
* * *
The Entertainment held on August 21st and kindly arranged by Miss Kent and Miss C. Bailey, realised £8 2s 6d (£8.13p) which was sent to the St Dunstan's Hostel for Blinded Soldiers.
* * *
The Harvest Thanksgiving this year will be held on Tuesday, September 24th, at 6 p.m. The preacher will be the Rev Canon F. Meyrick (St Peter Mancroft, Norwich).
The collection will be on behalf of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, and offerings of fruit, flowers, vegetables, eggs etc (which should be brought to the Church not later than 11 a.m on the Tuesday) will be sent to the same institution.
In October 1918 the magazine contained a number of articles including a slightly unusual request for fruit stones and nut shells and also more on the subject of divorce:
Through your generosity in placing coins in the alms box just inside the church door, we have been enabled now to send parcels to all our Hethersett men who are in the hands of the enemy, and by the time this reaches you we shall probably have gone halfway through the list a second time. We guarantee, of course, that all the parcels reach their destination. We can but continue to do our very utmost to help them in this way. Three postcards have been received acknowledging the arrival of parcels in good condition.
It may be of interest to know how the money has been contributed: - During 1917, 11s 2 1/2d; January 1918, 2s; February, 3s 11d; March 6s 10d; April 2s 2d; May 11s 3d; June 16s 1d; July 9s 91/2d; August £1. 1s 3d; September £1. 16s.
* * *
All fruit stones, including date stones and hard nut shells are immediately required for an urgent war purpose, which will contribute to the safety of our soldiers on the Front.
The quantities available in a parish of this size are not expected to be large, but the need for them is so urgent that every effort should be made to collect whatever is available.
Will all parents kindly take note of this and send all the stones and shells they can save by the children to the schools where Mr Stace and Miss Cullum have kindly undertaken to accept them? If preferred they may be sent straight to the Rectory.
It is important that stones and shells should be kept separate and in a dry condition.
* * *
As stated in a previous number of the Magazine, a protest against the proposed Matrimonial Causes Act 1917 which offers greatly increased facilities in the matter of obtaining a Divorce has been sent to the Marriage Defence Council. It was signed by 149 parishioners. The Marriage Defence Council, however, is not satisfied and writes to ask for many more signatures and states that it is highly desirable that the Petition be signed as soon as possible.
The new petition is worded as follows: "We the undersigned desire to record our Emphatic Protest against any Legislation which aims at making separation a ground for Divorce, whether by mutual consent, accidental circumstances or legal separation order.
"As Christian citizens we believe that legislation on these lines would weaken the life-long bond of marriage, endanger the happiness of home life, and, seriously injure the welfare of the children of the realm.
"Upon these grounds we urge His Majesty's Government to withhold its support from any such legislation.
"This new petition may be signed by any parishioners who did not sign the previous petition, at any time on application at the Rectory."
* * *
Mrs Gaze, the local Secretary of the Ladies' Association in connection with the Hospital has been able to send to the Treasurer the sum of £4 7s 10d from our Parish. This is a result of the house to house collection on Tuesday, September 3rd and it has been very gratefully acknowledged. The collectors were: Hilda Curson, Evelyn Wilby, Iris Alborough, Annie Keighley, Millie Thraxton, Ellen Mackrell, Olive Ringer, Hilda Nichols, Olive Bailey and Ethel Blake.
* * *
A most grateful letter from Prebendary Carlile has been received as an acknowledgement of the sum of £6. 15s which was the result of the Flag Day held on September 10th. The following are some extracts from the letter:
"It is with a very special sense of gratitude that I write to most heartily thank you for helping us so splendidly in your Flag Day effort. I fully realise the amount of work it has meant to you to gather round you such a band of sellers as to enable you to collect so good a sum, and I feel sure you must be as highly gratified with the result as we are. I should be most grateful if you would kindly convey to your helpers my deepest appreciation of their most encouraging help to replace the hundred lost huts.
The sellers were: Ethel Blake, Olive Bailey, Evelyn Wilby, Hilda Curson, Millie Thraxton, Iris Alborough, Hilda Nichols, Annie Keighley and Olive Ringer.
* * *
The following notice appeared in the Parish Magazine for February 1915: - "I find that the Old School is used on all occasions for all sorts of purposes. It is not my wish to make anything out of the room, but as I am responsible for keeping it in good repair and have t provide lights and fires, I shall in future make a fixed charge for the use of it, viz, during the Winter months, 2s for an afternoon or evening and during the Summer months 1s 6d.
This charge has, with a few exceptions, been disregarded almost ever since the date given above. Meanwhile everything has risen very considerably in price and the room consequently is run at a financial loss. It must therefore, be understood that in future persons hiring the room must observe the charge.
The war ended in November 1918 but the November edition of the magazine came out at the beginning of that month and so started with news of further names on the Roll of Honour.
Private George William Moore 1/4th Norfolks
The whole Parish is sorrowfully aware that George Moore has been "missing" ever since the Battle of Gaza. He was last seen on April 19th, 1917. We regret to announce that the War Office has recently stated that he is believed to have been killed on that date. It is difficult to pass any remarks on this occurrence without seeming to draw invidious distinctions, but in losing George Moore we have lost an upright Christian man who would be a loss to any community. Few men could have left the parish with a cleaner state. He was of a quiet and industrious nature, which won for him the affection of many friends. His unimpeachable character won for him the respect in which he was held by all who knew him. He leaves a widow and a little boy.
Private William Bishop 1/5th Norfolks
William Bishop was taken prisoner at the Battle of Gaza, April 19th, 1917, and for about five months he was able to write home regularly. Suddenly, in September 1917, his letters ceased to arrive and nothing was heard of him until a few days agao, when the War Office announced that information had been received to the effect that he died of enteritis in hospital at Nigde, in Turkey, on November 4th, 1917. He leaves a widow and three sons.
The relations and friends of both the above soldiers, who have given their lives, for their country, have the assurance of our deepest sympathy.
The same magazine also had the first mention of a possible War Shrine in the village to the fallen. For more information on this visit our War Memorial section. Other items in the edition included the following:
Hethersett War Savings Association - Officers - Chairman, Dr G. E. Deacon; Treasurer, Mr Beeby; Secretary, Rev F. Jarvis' Collectors, Mr E. Stace and Miss Cullum.
The Association has at present forty three members and a large number of Certificates have been issued. It is hoped, however, that there may be a considerable increase in membership in the near future, and that thereby many more will be helping to provide shells and guns for our men, and at the same time will be making a good investment for themselves.
A single certificate costs 15s 6d and in five years you will get £1 for it.........
You may think that the War is nearly over, but a lot of money is still required to finish it, and you will still have time to benefit yourself by means of the Association.....
Don't wait till the War is over and then wish you had joined.
* * *
The Sunday Evening Service in the Old School will begin again on the first Sunday in November, and will be held throughout the Winter at 7 p.m.
The main difficulty before us in starting these Services is that of firing and light, but last Winter they were so much appreciated and so well attended that the question is being everywhere asked "Why not try again?" Well we are going to try again.
* * *
We need far more help for the prisoners of war. We have read a good deal in the papers of late about their treatment and condition. If there is anything that we can do to alleviate their sufferings let us do it with a really good will.
If every person who came to church every Sunday put one penny in the box by the church door, we could send off at least one parcel a week to one of our men in captivity. Can we do this as a thanks-offering for our own many blessings? Some can afford two pence and some more still. Try to make a regular act of it, a Sunday habit! When other people see you doing it they will follow suit.
The war was over but reports of deaths continued as was illustrated by the December 1918 magazine:
It was with very great regret that we learnt of the death of Corporal Arthur Hubbard, 7th Batt., Norfolk Regiment. He was killed in action on September 18th, 1918. He leaves a widow and three children, and two adopted nephews. We offer to those who mourn his loss our deep and sincere sympathy.
There was news of a Christmas Carol event and more about Hethersett War Savings and the rather strangely titled Waifs and Strays Society:
It is hoped carols will be sung in the village during the week preceding Christmas in aid of the work of the National Institute for the Blind, which includes the aftercare of Soldiers and Sailors blinded in the War. This institute is responsible for the welfare of over twelve hundred blinded soldiers and sailors. All will agree that this is work that deserves the most generous support.
It is not possible in so scattered a parish to visit every house, but as much ground as possible will be covered. If it can be arranged, a short Carol Service will be held in the church in the afternoon of Christmas Day when a collection will be taken for the same purpose. Definite notice of this cannot at present be given.
* * *
Hethersett War Savings - Wednesday Nov 13th was Hethersett "Gun" Day. The gun was stationed outside the Post Office and a considerable crowd collected. Speeches were made from the gun by Mr Raikes and Mr Martin Jones. The amount invetsed in Bonds and Certificates was £733 1s 6d.
* * *
Miss M. Back, the local Secretary of the Waifs and Strays Society had received £4. 16s 7d in subscriptions for this year.
There was also notice that the Hethersett Prisoners of War Fund had been closed. A total of £7 11s 3d had been collected from the alms box and collections. Parcels to Prisoners had cost £7 and the balance of 11s 3d was sent to the Norfolk Prisoners of War Help Association.
In January 1919 there is still plenty of war news
Roll of Honour
It is with sincere regret that we have learnt of the death of Private Fred Harvey, Labour Corps. He died in France of pneumonia following influenza on Dec 8th, 1918.
We also deeply regret to have to report that Bertie Sparrow, who was a lodger in the parish at the time he enlisted, has been killed.
Repatriated Prisoners
We rejoice to be able to welcome back to the Parish: William Howes, Doyier Livick, William Thurston and Walter Blake from imprisonment in the hands of the enemy.
William Howes was serving on Submarine E 15, the first submarine to attempt passage of the Dardanelles, which met with misfortune. For three years and eight months he has been a prisoner in Turkey.
Private D. M. M. Livick, Coldstream Guards, was taken prisoner on April 13th, 1918. He was the last Hethersett man to fall into the enemy's hands and the first of them to return home.
Private William Thurston, 4th Batt, E. Yorks Regt was captured during the Battle of Arras on April 23rd, 1917, and was a prisoner for twenty months.
Private Walter Henry Blake, 1st Batt N Staffs Regt was taken prisoner on March 21st, 1918.
Diocesan War Roll
Those who have not seen the Diocesan Gazette will be interested to learn that the names of all men in this Diocese who in the course of the War have given their lives for their Country, will full particulars of rank, arm of service, regiment or ship and date of death, are to be recorded in the Memorial Chapel in Norwich Cathedral.
Other items in this edition included details of a confirmation service in Hethersett Church on Tuesday, March 11th and the fact that the cost of the magazine would have to stay at 1 1/2d and not return to its previous cover price of 1d.
With the war over, this section of the site will now concentrate on post war messages and articles. In February 1919 we learn that £17 11s was collected by the Hethersett Carol Quartet in aid of Blinded soldiers and sailors. The edition also contains the first part of a very long article on the dangers and evils of Bolshevism and Russia in general.
The March 1919 magazine had News from Germany
A great many of our men have written thanking the parishioners for their Christmas parcels. The following letter was recently received from Germany:-
"I received your parcel and good wishes for Christmas for which I return many thanks. At the present time I am at Cologne on the Rhine. It is a fine city, very up to date in every respect, in fact the German people are in every way very polite and well educated. It is the wonder of the English soldiers how such people could commit such atrocities as they did in France and Belgium. The cathedral is very fine. I dare say you have read how it is noted for its spires. It is more beautiful outside than inside; it has a fine organ.
The people can, many of them speak English, and they are very sociable to us fellows. I don't know whether there are any other Hethersett men in Germany; I was one of the first English soldiers to enter Germany, as the 1st Cavalry Division, to which I am attached, led the 4th Army. I was with them when General Sir H. Plumer took the salute on the Rhine Bridge. It has been fully reported in the papers; it would take too long for me to tell of our march through France and Belgium. We were received everywhere as conquering heroes.
I don't think we are stopping at these barracks (some German cavalry barracks) much longer. I think the battery is breaking up, them I suppose we shall all be demobilised or sent to other units. Again thanking you and the many friends who helped in many ways".
By April 1919 the magazine had returned to discussing religious and church matters as the War began to move further away. We do learn, however, that due to the conflict Scout camps were forbidden by the Military Authorities.
.... but for four years the Hethersett Scouts have been hoping for better days and have been slowly accumulating a small fund and part of the necessary equipment should those better days come. As soon as the Armistice was signed, the question of camp was brought out of the background and is now the first thought of every scout.
As a result of this the troop began raising funds, including putting on "a display" in the National School on April 21st for children and other performances on April 23rd and 24th for adults. Whitsun week was set aside for the scout camp at Wroxham.
A later edition of the magazine spoke of the tremendous success of the camp:
On the Wednesday, Colonel Charles, District Scout Commissioner, inspected the camp...... he declared the camp to be one of the best conducted, best arranged, and best equipped, he had ever inspected....
This first Hethersett Scouts' Camp to be held away from the Parish was an unqualified success. It is hoped that it will now become a regular event every year.
The same edition had the following war-related notice:
We heartily congratulate Captain Charles Back on being awarded the Military Cross for gallantry in the field. The recommendation was worded as follows: "Showed great gallantry and good leadership in our attack on December 15th, 1917, capturing the position in spite of very heavy losses.
Signed O. M. Torkington Lt-Col.
Further notice that "things were getting back to normal" came in the June 1919 edition.
At a well attended Meeting in the Old Schoolroom, on April 29th last, it was decided to restart the Cricket Club, which had ceased to exist since the start of the War.
Mr H.W. Back was elected chairman .... It was decided to play a few games as the strength of the Club increased, and already a few games have been arranged. A game with Wymondham takes place on Whit Monday, and all are invited to come and cheer the home team.
Junior members (ie belwo the age of 16) are to be admitted for the first time and any boy who is keen on the game is welcome, and will receive expert tuition from our worthy Captain Mr F. Dodman....... The subscriptions are: Senior Members, minimum 2s 6d; Junior Members, minimum 1s 6d. War Bonds accepted as payment.
Accounts showed that the parish magazine wasn't "paying its way" and was dependent on private subscriptions and grants.
Every effort will be made to continue to publish the Magazine, but the accounts make the difficulty obvious.
The parish magazine of August 1919 outlined the programme for peace and thanksgiving events.
Peace Festivities for Soldiers and Sailors - Saturday August 2nd
3.30 p.m. Sports. The Programme of Sports is published in the village. Entrees must be given to Mr Kent or Mr J. Curson on or before July 31st. The general public are invited to the sports.
6 p.m. Tea at the King's Head followed by a Social. The Sports' Prizes will be distributed after the tea.
Sunday August 3rd Thanksgiving Services
8.30 a.m Holy Communion
11 a.m Memorial Service to the Fallen, Mattins, Holy Communion and Address. The relations and friends of the Fallen are specially invited.
3.0 p.m Children's Flower Service
6.15 p.m Evensong
7.0 p.m United Thanksgiving Service in the National School Playground.
All are welcome. Soldiers and sailors specially invited (If wet, a Service will be held in church).
The September 1919 edition of the magazine marks the departure from the village of Mr F.A Bainbridge and details his outstanding contribution to the village. "Few men can ever have deserved the respect and trust he has won." Amongst the other notes was the following:
Decorations - We are proud to record the two following awards to Hethersettmen whilst serving in His Majesty's Forces -
Sergt G. H. Salter, R.A.M.C, Meritorious Service Medal. His Commanding Officer wrote: "This was mainly on account of the good work you did at Thiennes, when you were getting badly shelled."
Corpl H. Crowe, 2nd Batt Coldstream Guards. Military Medal. For gallantry in action on Sept 23rd 1918.
In November 1919 under the heading In Memoriam the magazine featured the names of "The men of the parish of Hethersett, who fighting for their King and Country in the War for the world's freedom, passed through the valley of the shadow of death, and have reached the life beyond:
GEORGE SIDNEY LIVICK
Lance Corporal, 9th Batt Norfolk Regiment
Son of John and Amy Livick
Killed at the Battle of Loos, 26th September, 1915
RALPH ANGUS BUCKINGHAM
A.B. Seaman HMS "Hampshire
Son of Frederick Thomas and Agnes Mary Buckingham
Drowned 5th June, 1916
WILLIAM EDWARD BRINGLOE
Private 12th Batt. London Regiment
Son of William and Sarah Bringloe
Killed in action, 7th October, 1916
GEORGE WILLIAM MOORE
Private 4th Batt. Norfolk Regiment
Son of George and Annie Maria Moore
Believed killed at the Battle of Gaza, 19 th April, 1917
HARRY SARGEANT
Private 4th Batt Norfolk Regiment
Son of Henry and Sarah Sargeant
Killed at the Battle of Gaza, 19th April, 1917
ROBERT JOHN BARTRUM
Private 11th Batt Essex Regiment
Son of James and Annie Jane Bartrum
Killed in action, 26th April, 1917
FREDERICK STEPHEN BLAKE
Private Yorkshire Regiment
Son of William James and Elizabeth Blake
Believed killed in action, 14th May, 1917
HARRY HERBERT CHILDS
Private 4th Batt Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry
Son of William James and Louisa Childs
Died in Hospital at Alexandria, 17th Sept, 1917
ARTHUR HENRY SHORTEN
Private 4th Batt Norfolk Regiment
Son of John Henry and Ellen Shorten
Killed at the Battle of Jaffa, 3rd November, 1917
WILLIAM BISHOP
Private 5th Batt Norfolk Regiment
Prisoner of War in Turkey. Died 4th Nov, 1917.
HORACE BEAUMONT
Fireman HMS Helenor No 1
Son of Robert and Helena Beaumont
Ship torpedoed, February 1918.
BENJAMIN GEORGE JOY
Private 2nd Batt, Suffolk Regiment
Son of Benjamin George and Hannah Maria Joy
Killed on Cambrai Front, 28th March, 1918
FREDERICK CURSON
Private 101st Company, Labour Corps
Wounded 13th May, 1918. Died in No 9 General Hospital, Rouen, 17th May, 1918
GEORGE ARTHUR HUBBARD
Corporal 7th Batt Norfolk Regiment
Son of George and Rose Hubbard
Killed in action, 18th September, 1918.
FREDERICK JAMES HARVEY
Private 3rd Batt Norfolk Regiment
Son of Walter and Jane Harvey
Died in Hospital, 8th December, 1918.
The mention of war related matters become fewer and fewer and it is not until March 1920 that we receive the following news via the parish magazine:
It is with sincere regret that we record the death of another of our Hethersett men who served in the war. Ray Childs enlisted in the R.A.S.C, M.T, on 25th October, 1916 and went out to France in the following May. He was severely gassed in 1918 but did not return home. Shortly after returning to duty he succumbed to an attack of dysentery and was admitted into hospital on 1st Sept of the same year. A few weeks later he was brought to England to the Toxteth Park Military Hospital, Liverpool. He recovered sufficiently to be sent back to duty at Shoreham, but it was only temporary, and shortly afterwards he was admitted to hospital again in London. He received his discharge on 30th April, 1919, and came home, but his health was in a very precarious state and after a fortnight only he went to the Kelling Sanatorium. He came home again on 26th Oct last and after thirteen weeks of illness bravely and patiently borne, he died on Feb 2nd. He was 24 years of age.
He was well known to very many parishioners. Before the War he was Local Secretary to the Juvenile Branch of the Rechabites Club. He was a keen cricketer and for two seasons acted as Secretary to the Hethersett Cricket Club. We extend our sympathy to his relatives and friends in their bereavement.
The December 1920 edition spoke about continuing to commemorate the war.
On Armistice Day, immediately before the two minutes silence, the tenor bell in the Church Tower tolled out the number of those who gave up their lives in this parish. It is hoped that this may become a custom which we shall connect with each anniversary of the Armistice as a tribute to their sacrifice.
Three years later in the November 1923 edition Armistice Day was still featuring:
The anniversary of the Armistice falls this year on Sunday November 11th, a day on which it is possible to mark it more fittingly than on a weekday. Special services will be held throughout the country. It will be kept as a Day of Remembrance of those who were killed in action or died of wounds or sickness during the Great War, and, of Thanksgiving for those who returned. There will be the customary short period of silence at 11 o'clock and consequently the principal service of the day will be a quarter of an hour earlier than usual, viz 10.45 a.m....
The service will conclude with a procession to the memorial in the churchyard, where a hymn will be sung, during which wreaths may be placed on the steps of the cross.
Fast Forward to the Second World War where the first list of Hethersett men serving in the armed forces appears in February 1940 and is as follows:
Gunner L. A. Bishop, Royal Artillery
Lieut N. Beaumont-Thomas, King George V Own Bengal Sappers and Miners
2nd Liet P Beaumont-Thomas, 10th Hussars
Rev R. R. H Back , YMCA
Pte W. E. Charlish, Royal Norfolk Regiment
Ord Sig R. Clutterham, HMS Woolwich
C. W. Craske, RAF
O. Craske, RAF
L-Bombr R. Clarke, OCTU
Major Alan Colman, Norfolk Yeomanry
Pte E. Duffield, RAMC
Pte F. Foster, 7th Batt Royal Norfolk Regiment
Gunner E. G. Frosdick, 51st Heavy Lowland Regiment
Gunner D. Gould, Royal Artillery
Pilot Officer John Gates RAF
Trooper P. Goodswen, Warwickshire Yeomanry
Trooper F. Goodswen, 7th Hussars
Pte J. Goodswen, RAMC
Pte R. J. Huggins, 1st Batt, Royal Norfolk Regiment
Pte E. Kerrison , Royal Norfolk Regiment
Pte F. Kerrison, Royal Norfolk Regiment.
The following names were added in March 1940
Cadet P. P Andrews OCTU
Volunteer R. Andrews ATS
Senior Leader E. G. Back ATS
Miss E. V. Back - Civil Nursing Reserve
Private R. Buttolph, Royal Norfolk Regiment
H. Chamberlain Royal Marines
Gunner A. C. Perkins, RA
L/Br W. G. Spurgeon, RA
L/Corporal P. Folkard, RASC
Private J. Ward, RASC
The list continued in April
Private C. R. Parfitt, Royal Army Pay Corps
Gunner A. Utting, 36th Signal Training Regiment
ATS J. M Harrison
Driver Jack Hodges, RASC
in June the following were added:
C. Brighton RAF
Gunner G. E. Dunton RA
J. Minter RASC
J. Noad RAF
J. McAnally RAF
Rachel McAnally, WAAF
S. Huggins, RFA
J. Walpole Norfolk Regiment
A. W. Chapman RASC
W. Collins Essex Regiment
J. Marshall RAF
July
R. C. Alborough, Searchlight Detachment
H. M. Moore, Civil Nursing Reserve
R. Ireland Royal Norfolk Regiment
The Hethersett Parish Magazine provides a rich source of history and information about the wars. Such were the writings of the Rector of Hethersett, the Rev Frederic Jarvis, during the First World War that we have given him his own section. Elsewhere the magazine was full of lists of those serving, details of acts of bravery and sad announcements of death. Just as an aside, a Special Constable is pictured in Hethersett on the left. The armband with Crown shows he was awaiting his call up to active service. This photograph is dated April 1916
The First World War
The Hethersett archive has a bound edition of what was called the Parochial Magazine in 1910 and which subsequently became The Parish Magazine of St Remigius, Hethersett, in January 1915. This section is taken from that and subsequent volumes.
By reading through the magazine the impression gained is that the war "stole up" on Hethersett with scarcely a mention in the months leading up to its start in August 1914. Very soon, however, it took centre stage in copies of the magazine, thanks mainly to the wartime writing of the Rev Jarvis.
The first suggestion that a war might be coming is in the April 1910 edition:
A scheme has been started by Mr Haldane, Secretary for War, for training those who are willing to give their services in helping the sick and wounded, should this country ever be invaded. It will be chiefly in connection with the Territorial Forces. As part of this scheme first aid classes for men and first aid and nursing classes for women will be held in Hethersett during the year. It is hoped that all those who feel that they will be able to give their services in case of invasion will join. The county has been divided into districts; this district is comprised of Hethersett, Ketteringham, Cringleford, Colney, Great Melton and Little Melton.
This theme was later mentioned under the heading of Voluntary Service Corps in the magazine of April 1915.
On February 24th a meeting was held at the National School, when a spirited address in support of the formation of a branch of this Corps for the parishes of Hethersett, Little Melton and Ketteringham, was given by the Rev J. P Glen of Norwich. Mr Glen, himself a keen volunteer, pointed out the objects for which the Corps is raised and the good purpose it would achieve even if an invasion of this Country by the Germans never took place. As a result it was decided to form a branch for the three parishes and this branch will be affiliated to the Central Association in London through the Wymondham Emergency District.
Drill started on March 3rd at the Old School, and will take place every Monday and Thursday evenings at 8 o'clock till further notice. Mr W.W Poll, who was for several years in the King's Own Regiment, Norfolk Imperial Yeomanry, has undertaken the duties of Instructor and he has a most capable understudy in the Rector. At the present time the squad has 26 members and the keenness and interest shown by them all in the drill is most admirable...... all men over 38 years of age are eligible, but only those under that age who have some sufficient reason for not enlisting in the Army or Territorials.
I have under consideration the formation of a miniature rifle range in the parish so that every volunteer would be enabled to pass the necessary tests in shooting.
F.A. Bainbridge
There was further mention of the Volunteer Training Corps in June 1915 when an appeal fund was launched in an attempt to raise the £120 required to provide equipment and pay the cost of opening the Miniature Rifle Range.
The Hethersett squad is making good progress with their drill, some members having 28 attendances to their credit..... During May the squad has had the benefit of Mr Charles Back's up to date military knowledge.... He has just received his commission in the 3rd Batt Norfolk Regiment......
The Miniature Rifle Range at the Parish Gravel Pit was opened at the beginning of May and has proved a great success. Already there has been a marked improvement in the shooting
In July 1915 the corps was still appealing for funds to purchase equipment:
In order to provide the necessary equipment for the members of this Corps and to meet the expenses of the Miniature Rifle Range an appeal was made to the Parishioners of Hethersett, Ketteringham and Little Melton and Landowners in the three parishes and a most generous response resulted. It was estimated that a sum of about £10 was required to meet the initial expenses of the Rifle Range and a sum of about £120 for the equipment of the Corps
There follows a list of contributors who raised the sum of £108 9s (£108.45p) and was headed by landowner J. H Gurney who contributed £21. The entry in the parish magazine continued:
In addition Mr J. H. Mills and the Rector have undertaken to provide their own equipment. Mr Bainbridge hopes to have received the balance required by the time this list is printed.
It should be mentioned that several members of the squad have nearly completed their 40 drills, that Mr Bainbridge has attended an Officers' Training Class in London for a fortnight with a view to taking over the command of the Wymondham company, and that a marked improvement has already taken place in the rifle shooting. The best score made up to the present time is 95 which stands to the credit of Mr F.W. Wilby.
The parish magazine of May 1916 gives a list of the accounts of the Hethersett Volunteers and shows receipts of £119 2s 9d and expenditure of £113 0s 9d leaving a balance of £16 2s 0d (£16.10p). Commandant F A. Bainbridge has the following to say:
I think the volunteers have thoroughly proved their value during the past winter as they have rendered invaluable services to the Admiralty at Pulham and also in connection with the more trying task of guard duty. Since the beginning of the year a guard has been placed and the line patrolled every night and frequently for the whole night and the result has proved the value of the maxim "Prevention is better than cure." I am most grateful to all volunteers for the cheerful and willing manner in which they have obeyed and carried out all orders, however onerous. Now that we are about to be attested under the Volunteer Acts, we may have to perform even more important duties,
Though not directly connected with the war the edition of June 1910 covered the "sudden and unexpected death of our King."
The whole tone of the great civilised nations has been lifted by the beneficent influences of King Edward VII and left on a higher plane than he found it.
What greater honour can any King possibly have than that his people love and admire him, not as a great soldier or conqueror but as "The Peacemaker", as the King who loved his people, and was for ever trying to promote their happiness?
On the day of the King's funeral a special Memorial Service was held in our Church at 8 p.m., when a large number of parishioners joined together before God to commemorate our late King Edward and to ask God's blessings upon our new King, George V.
In January 1911 the magazine had some homespun philosophy to impart which could have been valuable advice with the war just over three years away:
...... we should make the most of the present, and not concern ourselves too much with either the past or the future. It is today that really matters. You cannot recall the past, and you cannot control the future; but you are able in great measure to make a good use of what you have in hand. So that it seems that the best way to make our New Year a really happy one will be to see that we make good use of each day as it comes round to us and not to worry ourselves overmuch about what is in the past, or what may be in the future.....
There was regret in the July 1911 edition that the village had not been able to properly celebrate the Coronation of George V. After another eulogy to the new King we had the following words.
It is a pity we in Hethersett were not able to celebrate the Coronation on the day of that event. It would have been much more whole-hearted and real. Unfortunately, it was found impossible to find anyone who would undertake to cater for some 600 hungry people on that day. We hope that Thursday July 6th will be a fine day, and that all will make up their minds to enjoy themselves.
Thankfully the following months magazine states that:
Our Coronation Festival was held under the most favourable circumstances. The weather was all that could be wished, and a large company came together in the Hall grounds by the kind invitation of Mrs Back.
The piece goes on to describe various sports, pillow fighting, a plentiful supply of strawberries and an appearance by the Hethersett Band.
As war approached it was once again domestic matters that dominated the magazine, including extensive repairs needed to one of the village schools.. No mention of any impending international crisis, however. There was more homely advice in January 1913:
There is in this Parish, as in many another, a kind and neighbourly spirit amongst us, which we shall do well to encourage in every way we can. Of course there are differences of opinion- we should be a poor lot indeed without that - and how dull life would be if all our minds were exactly alike in all things! Half the meaning of life is to learn how to get on with others; how to get over difficulties as they come up, and make the best of them ... There must be give and take if this is to be a happy New Year. The more plainly we are able to recognise this the happier we shall be ourselves, and the more we shall be able to add to the general happiness of our parish.
An insight into just what Hethersett was like pre First World War came in the magazine in 1914:
The century seems to be galloping along at a great rate, adding year to year very quickly, which is due probably to the far greater bustle in which everybody is living. At the beginning of this century there were no motor cars rushing along the turnpike with incessant din; flying machines were altogether improbable; and the S.O.S of the ocean unheard of. It is a wonderful century so far. We look out and we see great industrial changes looming large and threatening in the industrial world; changes which are bound to come and to meet which a much larger and wider outlook is required of all, if we are not to be overwhelmed in strife and contention.
If only they knew!!!
The first mention of the war in reality came from the new rector The Rev Frederic Jarvis who was a massively important figure in the history of our village and its part in the war. He has his own section where the story of the war will unfold through his own experiences and thoughts.
The January 1915 magazine gave a list of Hethersett men serving their country in the war and included the following: Private H. Adcock, Captain W. H. Andrews, Captain H. W. Back, Private C. W. Back, Second Lieutenant S. L. Back, Private W. Bennett, Private W. Bishop, Sergeant G Bringloe, Private B. Bringloe, Driver J. Breeze, Private W. Bunn, Seaman R. A. Buckingham, Stoker G. Dann, Private P. Denmark, Major H.E Evans Lombe, Private P. Gostling, Private W. Greaves, Private O. J. Harvey, Private F. J. Harvey, Private S. Harvey, Stoker A. Howes, Stoker W. Howes, Private W. Joy, Private James Kerrison, Private Jack Kerrison, Private W. Kerrison, Private W. Livock, Private R. W. Mapes, Private F. Ninham, Private C.J Pickstone, Private G. S. Pickstone, Driver E. Poll, Private G. Poll, Private H. Ringer, Driver C. Sergeant, Private H. Sergeant, Private A. Shorten, Gunner A.E.T. Thurston, Private A.G.T Thurston, Private W. Thurston, Private A. S. Tuthill, Private W.E. Weston, Seaman J. Yull, Private T. Yull.
The roll reported Private T. Yull of the Norfolk Regiment as a prisoner of war.
The May 1915 magazine gave an updated list of those On His Majesty's Service being as follows: Private H. Adcock, Captain W. H. Andrews, Captain H. W. Back, Private C. W. Back, Second Lieutenant S. L. Back, Rev P.R.H Back, Private W. Bennett, Private W. Bishop, Sergeant G Bringloe, Private B. Bringloe, Driver J. Breeze, Private W. Bunn, Seaman R. A. Buckingham, Stoker G. Dann, Private P. Denmark, Major H.E Evans Lombe, Private W. Fiske, Private P. Gosling, Private O. J. Harvey, Private F. J. Harvey, Private S. Harvey, Stoker A. Howes, Stoker W. Howes, Driver W. Johnson, Private W. Joy, Private James Kerrison, Private Jack Kerrison, Private W. Kerrison, Private W. Livick, Private S. G Livick, Private R. W. Mapes (prisoner of war), Private W. Neave, Private F. Ninham, Private C.J Pickstone, Private G. S. Pickstone, Driver E. Poll, Private G. Poll, Private H. Ringer, Driver C. Sergeant, Private H. Sergeant, Private A. Shorten, Gunner A.E.T. Thurston, Private A.G.T Thurston (prisoner of war), Private W. Thurston, Private A. S. Tuthill, Private W.E. Weston, Seaman J. Yull, Private T. Yull (prisoner of war), Nurse D. Back..
The December 1915 edition of the magazine gives a more comprehensive list of those serving but also contains the following very sad news:
Lance Corporal Sidney George Livick: Aged 26 years. Son of Mr and Mrs J. Livick. Killed in action at Loos, September 26th, 1915.
Those serving were: H.J Adcock, Capt W. H Andrews, Capt H Back, 2nd Lieut C. W. Back, 2nd Lieut S. L . Back, Rev P.R.H. Back, Private W. Baldry, Dr C. Bedingfield, Private W. Bennett, Farrier G. Bentley, Private W. Bishop, Private B. Bringloe, Sgt G. Bringloe, Dr J. Breeze, R, A. Buckingham, G. Bunn, Private W. Bunn, V.B. Catton, Private A. Child, Driver E. Collins, Sapper R. Curson, Stoker G. Dann, Private P. Denmark, Private W. Fiske, Private P. Gosling, Lieut C. G Hallett, Private O J Harvey, Private F. Harvey, Private S. Harvey, B. C. Halls, Stoker A. Howes, Stoker W. Howes, Driver W. Johnson, Private W. Joy, Private James Kerrison, Private John Kerrison, Private W. Kerrison, Sgt C. Knapp, Lance Corporal G. Knapp, Gunner W. Knapp, Major E.H Evans-Lombe, Private W. Livick, Private W. Mallett, Corporal R.W. Mapes, Private H J. Morton, Private W. Neave, Lance Corporal T. Nichols, Private F. Ninham, Private E.G. Norton, Private C. Perkin, Private C.J Pickstone, Copr G.S. Pickstone, Farrier E. Poll, Private C. H. Randell, Private B. E. Ringer, Signaller H. E. Ringer, Private G. H. Salter, Driver C. Sergeant, Driver G. Sergeant, Private H. Sergeant, Private A. Shorten, Gunner C. Stannard, Sapper G.R Streeter, Private D. Thraxton, Gunner A.E.T Thurston, Private A.G Thurston, Private A. S Tuthill, Private A. Weston, Private W. Weston, Torpedo Instructor E. J. Yull, Private T. Yull.
There's an interesting entry in the magazine of March 1916:
In spite of many warnings, matches are still sent to the "Front" improperly packed and much damage has been caused. Matches can now only be sent under certain conditions, concerning which enquiries should be made to the post office; and any person contravening the regulations will be prosecuted without further warning
April 1916 tells us of the safe return of another soldier:
Private William Joy, 1st Battalion, Norfolk Regiment, whom as a Reservist, was called up at the beginning of the War, returned safely to his home on January 5th, after many months' service with the Transport Field Force in France.
May 1916 brings a letter from the Bishop about the National Mission of Repentance and Hope which includes the following passage:
Many persons have been thinking that God must have meant to teach us something by this fearful War. We know that God is love and that if He brings pain and sorrow upon us He must have a good reason.
We are fighting for the right in the War, and this makes us ready to bear what we have to bear.....
Some of us feel that our country had come to forget God in the days of peace....... The war has shown us our proper place before God. We need him to help us, to guide us, to comfort us, to teach us not to forget Him again.....
The War will not have been in vain if through it we come to repent of a foolish and sinful past and then turning round fix our real Hopes on God and do not think that this life can give as all that we need.
In the July 1916 edition the magazine records at some length the death of Earl Kitchener.
Great men are rare in these days, and a great man who holds the full confidence and popularity of an entire nation is rarer still. What England has lost in the passing of Lord Kitchener, England knows only too well. There has gone from us a truly great personality, which combined a strength that few possess, with a warm heartedness which appeals to all.
The piece continues in the same vein for several hundreds of words. Sadly the same edition reported the death of Ralph Buckingham who was born on February 12th 1895 and died on June 5th 1916. Unfortunately the piece seems to concentrate more on the career of various ships than on details of Ralph himself. As an aside Ralph had Buckingham Drive in Hethersett named after him.
Ralph Buckingham was the fifth son of Mrs F.T Buckingham. As a boy he was in the Church Choir and was the first to join the Hethersett Troop of Boy Scouts. At an early age he determined to enter the Navy and his first attempt to gain admission met with failure. In order to pass the medical test a serious operation was necessary. This did not alter his purpose and he walked into the operating room singing. At the age of 16 he joined HMS Britannia and in the following year was transferred, after serving on HMS Invincible, to HMS King Edward which took our King and Queen (then Prince and Princess of Wales) to Spain and formed part of the escort which brought back the body of the Late Duke of Fife. At the beginning of the present war he was on HMS Venerable whose guns fired the first British shot on the Belgian coast. Later he came home for a course of torpedo instruction and was afterwards put on HMS Hampshire. The Hampshire was the cruiser which stopped the ship bearing the Ford Peace Party in Mid Atlantic, and after examination sent it back to an American port. She also took part in the Horn Reef engagement in which no shell struck her nor were any of her men wounded. In the great naval victory off Jutland on May 31st, the Hampshire played her part, ramming one enemy submarine and sinking another by gunfire. She seems to have come out of this battle unscathed and was ready at the shortest possible notice to carry Lord Kitchener and his Staff to Russia. Her end is well known. She sank after being struck by a mine with her precious burden in the North Sea on June 5th.
Hethersett is proud that one of her men should have been chosen for this important and responsible work. We grieve over his death and do not forget to sympathise with those who mourn.
In November 1916 there is news of a reward for gallantry:
We congratulate Lieut. Ketteringham, son-in-law of Mr Harvey of this parish, who has been awarded the Military Cross. During a raid he entered the enemy's trenches, gathered useful information and inflicted considerable loss. During the previous reconnaissance he brought back a wounded man under fire.
This was tempered by other news, however:
It was with great sorrow that the Parish learnt of the death of Lieut F. Clarke, Coldstream Guards, and we would like to express its very real sympathy with those who are bereaved
We regret to hear that Percy Denmark and Percy Pickstone have been wounded, but wish them a speedy recovery.
There was some humour in the edition.
The attempt to break open the Church Alms box met with failure. Either he (or else she, for most of the male burglars are serving in the army) was surprised or else his tools were not strong enough.
The death announcements kept coming and in December 1916 there was the following notice:
It is with deep regret and real sympathy for those who are bereaved that we record the death of William Edward Bringloe, who was killed in action in France on Oct 7th last. He was attached to the 12th London Regt and is the son of Mr and Mrs Bringloe of this parish. His age was 27 years
The same edition notes that Christmas parcels are being sent
Christmas parcels are being sent to our Hethersett soldiers. Mr W. H. Back is kindly sending a plum pudding with each one.
Of more importance was news that the Rector was leaving the parish (to read more about this see our section on the Rector's War):
The Rector expects to leave almost immediately to take a commission as an Army Chaplain. The Bishop has sanctioned a scheme whereby his work will be carried on by the neighbouring clergy.
The magazine also had a list of men serving on Her Majesty's Service which this time numbered over 110 and included the following:
H. Adcock, W. Andrews, H. Back, C. Back, S. Back, P. Back, W. Baldry, R. Bartram, A. Battle, C. Bedingfield, W. Bedingfield, W. Bennett, G. Bentley, W. Bishop, A. Blake, F. N. Blake, F. S. Blake, W. Blake, W. Bradford, J. Breeze, B. Bringloe, G. Bringloe, G. Bunn, H. Bunn, W. Bunn, O. Carter, V. Catton, A. Child, C. Crowe, A. Curson, F. Curson, J. Curson, R. Curson, G. Dann, A. Davy, F. Denmark, P. Denmark, W. Fiske, F. Foster, E. Gathercole, P. Gostling, G. Graveling, F. Harvey, S. Harvey, C. Hallett, B. Halls, R. Hickling, A. Howes, W. Howes, G. Hubbard, J. Jackson, W. Johnson, G. Joy, W. Joy, J. Kerrison, W. Kerrison, C. Knapp, G. Knapp, W. Knapp, E. Evans-Lombe, F. Livick, W. Livick, B. Lofty, W. Mann, R. Mapes, G. Moore, H. Morton, W. Neave, T. Nichols, A. Ninham, F. Ninham, A. Norton, E. Norton, C. Perkins, C. Pickstone, G. Pickstone, P. Pickstone, C. Poll, E. Poll, H. Poll, C. Randell, B. Ringer, F. Ringer, G. Ringer, H. Ringer, G. Salter, Charles Sergeant, Clifford Sergeant, G. Sergeant, H. Sergeant, T. Sergeant, A. Shorten, B. Sparrow, C. Stannard, G. Streeter, A. Thrower, A. E. Thurston, A.G. Thurston, W. Thurston, A. Tuttle, H. Ward, A. Weston, W. Weston, A. Wiles, E. Wiles, F. Wiles, F. Wilby, W. Wiseman, F. Woods, E. Yull, F. Yull, T. Yull
The following were listed as having received their discharge:
Dr E. Collins, Pte G. Poll, Pte D. Thaxton, Pte O.J Harvey and Pte James Kerrison.
In the March 1917 edition there was news of another casualty:
It is with great regret that we have heard that Arthur Hubbard is wounded and wish him a speedy recovery.
There were also hints about food under the heading "The Rationing Order."
In consequence of our National Food Controller's very urgent order that the public must not consume more than 4 lbs of bread or 3 lbs of flour, 2 1/2 lbs of meat, 3/4lb of sugar per head a week, a League will be started in Hethersett, and it is hoped that every person will join as a "Voluntary Rationer."
The need for saving flour as much as possible has arisen from the submarine warfare. Neutral countries fear to deliver wheat which our Government has bought...... The first meeting of the League will be on Tuesday, March 13th at 3.30 at Cedar Grange
The June 1917 magazine reported more bad news:
Since the Magazine was last published many of our Hethersett men have been in action. We regret to hear that Robert Bartram has lost his life. We should like to express our sincere sympathy with Mr and Mrs Bartram in their great sorrow.
Walter Kerrison, Herbert Ringer, Harry Sergeant, have all been wounded. We hope we shall soon hear of their speedy and complete recovery.
George Moore is reported "missing". Everyone will sympathise deeply with his wife and parents in their great anxiety and suspense.
In July 1917 there was a report of the formation of the Food Protection Society:
A public meeting was held in the Old School on Friday, June 8th, to form a "Food Production Society" for the village of Hethersett.
Mr W.W. Poll (chairman of the Parish Council) read a circular he had received from the Food Production Department of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, urging the importance of forming a Society in every village. After some discussion it was agreed to form a society in Hethersett, all those present agreeing to become members. The following officers were appointed pro tem - Mr W. W. Poll (chairman), Mr G. Moore (vice chairman), Mr W. J. Childs (hon. secretary).
As the object of the Society opens up a wide field of work of national importance, it is hoped that all ladies and gentlemen who can will become members, give their advice, and help for the nation's cause. Meetings will be held from time to time as the work of the Society may require.
There were details of a Jumble Sale in the National School on Monday May 28th.
Receipts included 7s 2d taken at the door, 1s for the hire of the school, £8 3s 8d from articles sold and 1s for the cleaning of the school. Expenditure included 2s for the door keeper, leaving £5 for the village nursing fund and £3 6s 10d for the Parochial Fund. The following month there was news of a flag day in the village.
Mrs Evans-Lombe, one of the heads of the Norwich Depot has asked that a Flag Day may be organised in Hethersett in aid of the two War Working Parties in the village. This will take place on Wednesday August 1st.
In the September 1917 magazine we hear of another fund-raising effort.
In spite of the bad weather on August 1st, £8 7s 3d (£8.36p) was collected by the house to house collection in the village. The proceeds will be divided between the two Working Parties in the parish, and will go towards buying materials for making garments for wounded soldiers and sailors.
In the November 1917 edition there was sadly another name added to the Roll of Honour.
Another name has been added to our Roll of Honour. Herbert Childs, who was serving in Egypt, has died on active service. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Mr and Mrs Childs and their family.
Francis Foster, who was recently posted as missing," has now been heard of and is a prisoner of war in Germany.
The same edition referred to the S.P.G Services which were held instead of the usual Sale of Work:
Every gift that we receive in these anxious days is specially welcome and I am sure that the harder that it has been for you to make the gift, the more you have felt that it was worth making...... The hope of the world when the war is over is that we shall all be less selfish than we were..... Mildred L. Winslow
The magazine of December 1917 began with a letter from King George to "my people."
The world-wide struggle for the triumph of right and liberty is entering its last and most difficult phase. The enemy is striving by desperate assault and subtle intrigue to perpetuate the wrongs already committed and to stem the tide of a free civilisation. We have yet to complete the great task to which more than three years ago we dedicated ourselves.
At such time I would call upon you to devote a special day to prayer that we may have the clear sightedness and strength necessary to the victory of our cause........
I therefore appoint January 6th, the first Sunday of the year, to be set aside as a special day of prayer and thanksgiving in all churches throughout my Dominions.
Other news included the following
£12 2s 6d was collected in Hethersett for the Red Cross on Our Day.
We are glad to hear that Gunner A. Thurston who was recently wounded and gassed, is now making good progress.
Owing to the shortage of paraffin and various articles of food, it has been decided to postpone the Sunday School Treats until the summer.
By February 1918 the parish magazine was widening its scope and becoming more of a source of news about the village and not just about the war. The Rector, the Rev Frederic Jarvis had obviously taken it upon himself to garner news from around the village and it is hoped that by printing extracts here we can give a little of the flavour of what was going on at the time. The Rector's personal views of the war and his letters are available in The Rector's War section of this site.
The Parochial Church Council met last on June 20th, 1916. Although the Council never accomplished very much it served a good purpose and gave the Rector opportunities of discussing Church affairs with the Laity. It is highly desirable that the Council should, as soon as possible, be revived, though perhaps it needs to be run on stronger lines than formerly. To accomplish anything at all definite it must have more power, and given more power it could very well develop into a Committee for the management of Church affairs in this Parish.... if you take any interest at all in the matter will you come to an important meeting in the Old School on Tuesday, February 5th, at 8 p.m at which it will be discussed. This is a matter of real concern to all church people in the parish and all regular worshippers should be there in order to prevent decisions being arrived at by a small section of the congregation. The Council should be elected by the whole congregation. The authority and control to be possessed by the Council will be decided at that meeting.
* * *
The Sunday School will lose greatly by the resignation of Miss M. Back and Miss L Clarke who have been teachers for 34 years and 24 years respectively. Many generations of children have been helped and influenced by their devoted and untiring services, which we gratefully desire to recognise.
* * *
An excellent Entertainment was arranged by Mr and Mrs Bainbridge on January 4th, in aid of the Hethersett Nursing Fund and the Red Cross Working Parties. The whole performance was a tremendous success and made a clear profit of £8. Hethersett has seldom been treated by so much talent, fun and laughter in one evening, nor has any company of performers more deserved and obtained so packed and appreciative an audience. In these rather depressing days such an entertainment is doubly welcome, and we sincerely hope it will not be long before they give us another.
* * *
The Director of Food Economy begs us to realise that the saving of all kinds of waste has become an imperative necessity and that the re-using of old material is of the greatest importance as it enables the country to be to a large extent independent of foreign imports and therefore at the same time saves shipping transport. You are therefore asked to keep many of the things you generally throw on the dust heap until arrangements can be made for their collection and sale. Among things needed, the following may be mentioned: woollens, cotton, paper, cardboard, ragged lace curtains, old tins, iron, brass, copper, rubber, silk, jars and bottles. All can help by saving such articles, nothing is too old or too worn, no quantity too large or too small to be of use. The saving of waste of every kind will be of untold benefit in the conduct of the War.
The March 1918 magazine opened with a Roll of Honour notice
News has been received that Private Harry Sergeant, 1/4 Batt Norfolk Regiment, who has been missing since 19th April, 1917, was killed in action on that day. Sincere sympathy will be felt by all for his relatives after their anxiety and suspense for so many months. A Memorial Service was held on Sunday the 10th February.
The officer in command of Sargeant's platoon wrote as follows to his mother: "Your son was in my platoon for about six months prior to the attack, and was a very good soldier. He was always a great help to me since his experience of Gallipoli... The Regiment will lose by him one of its best men."
* * *
The account of the parcels sent out last Christmas to Hethersett men serving in the Army and Navy was unfortunately too late for publication last month. Miss Irene Back and her helpers deserve high praise and congratulations as the following statement makes very plain. The total amount collected in the parish was £28 2s 6d and 110 parcels were posted. Many grateful and appreciative letters have been received from the men.
* * *
A Parochial Church Meeting was held in the Old School on Tuesday, February 5th, for the purpose of electing a Parochial Church Council. The Rector stated that he proposed to give the Church Council larger powers than were usually exercised by Church Councils. The new Council was to have powers over Finance, Church Services and the General Management of Church affairs in the Parish. It was decided that the new Council should consist of the Rector and Churchwardens (ex-officio), and eight other members to be elected annually. The following eight were then duly elected: - Mrs W. H. Back, Nurse Jennett, Mrs Evans Lombe, Miss Back, Mr N. W. Kent, Mr A. Smith, Mr E. J. Stace and Mr Revel.
The Council held its first meeting on Wednesday, February 13th at which all the members were present. It was decided that money placed in the Church Alms Box should be for the duration of the War, given to the "Prisoners of War Fund."
* * *
There was news that Sister Jennett has attended eight confinements and 1237 visits have been paid by her during the year and there were further instructions with regard to the collection of waste:
This saving of waste is of vital importance as almost everything can be utilised in some form or other and if so used will greatly help to solve the difficult question of supplies during the critical times.
As soon as the central depot has been secured, all your waste goods can be brought to it to be sorted. If you are willing to bring all you have saved, will you please give your name to your District Visitor next time she calls.
A whist drive in the Old School on Thursday, January 31st raised £4. 4s for the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.
The question of waste saving was a major topic in the April 1918 magazine:
A central depot to which all waste goods may be brought has been opened in a shed at the Garage on the main road which has been kindly placed at the disposal of the organisation of Mr Duge.
Goods should be brought to the depot as soon as possible and left there to be sorted and packed. It is hoped that every householder will be willing to save all such waste goods as were mentioned in the February magazine and give them to the nation. The collection of waste is not a new fad of a few individuals who have got nothing better to do and who hope to make something out of it, but is a real necessity and is being done everywhere.
Another burning question of the day was the allocation of seats in church:
The work of allotting pews has been partially carried out, and a plan can be seen in the church porch.
It is of course understood that all seats are free. No person has a legal right to occupy, in the Parish Church, any pew or seat exclusively without the permission of the churchwardens, except by prescription or faculty. But it is only right and fair that the more regular worshippers should be able to habitually sit in the same pew. The task was a difficult and a delicate one, but those who performed it made it their aim, firstly to bring the congregation more to the front of the church; secondly, to make as few changes as possible; thirdly to give no offence. They trust that they have in some measure succeeded.
Further applications for seats should be made to the churchwardens.
The question of children in church was also mentioned:
The Rector is incorrectly reported to have said that it is his wish that all children attending the Church Services shall sit only in the seats provided for them at the front.
The Rector's real wish is something quite different, namely that children should sit with their parents. Families should attend Church as families and should sit together. Unfortunately it is not an uncommon thing for parents to send their children to Church and to stay at home themselves. When this happens the children must sit in the seats specially provided, with the persons who have kindly undertaken to act as proxy-parents and be responsible for their children's behaviour. But the Rector's wish is to see the parents in Church and the children sitting with them.
The same edition had an article about Hethersett Scouts:
A meeting will be held on Wednesday April 17th at 8' o clock to discuss the future of Hethersett Scouts. If possible lantern slides of Scout life will be shown. All boys of 11 and over are invited and any parents who are interested in the movement will be very welcome.
The scout meetings had to be dropped at the end of last summer owing to the Rector's absence, but they will be started again in April, provided a sufficient number of Scouts enlist.
New Scout Troops are being formed in the surrounding villages; a cup has kindly been given by Mrs Gosling of "Thickthorn" which will be competed for by these troops. It would be a great pity if Hethersett were not represented in this competition.
Parents are particularly invited to the meeting because it is felt that the aims of the Scout movement are not sufficiently understood, and therefore boys have received very little encouragement at home to join. The aims of the Scout movement are very high and should commend themselves to all parents who are interested in the development of a true ideal of manliness amongst boys.
In May 1918 one of the main topics of conversation was the potato crop:
The appeal was made a few weeks ago by the Prime Minister, to everyone in occupation of land, to increase the acreage of potatoes. It is a little late perhaps to repeat this, but though some counties have responded well, others are still hanging back, and it is feared that the acreage planted may fall considerably short if the amount calculated as the lowest possible minimum if the safety of the nation in regard to food is to be maintained.
It is urgently important that each district should become self-supporting in order to save transport..... British farmers, small holders, and allotment holders can be depended upon to do everything that is humanly possible to assist the country in this, the hour of its greatest need.
That said we return to the village roll of honour with the following news:
Frederick Stephen Blake, 2/5 Yorkshire Regt., son of Mr and Mrs Blake, Hethersett, who has been missing since May 14th, 1917, is now reported to have been killed in France on that date.
Benjamin George Joy, 2nd Batt, Suffolk Regiment, son of Mr and Mrs B. Joy, Hethersett, was killed in action in France on March 28th, 1918, aged 24. Private Joy first went abroad in July 1916, and was wounded on April 11th last year.
We offer our deepest sympathy to those who have been bereaved. A Memorial Service was held on April 21st.
The magazine also has a lengthy obituary of Edmund Frederic Plume, a former organist at the parish church, who had died in Hethersett after serving the church in Yorkshire and other parts of the country.
The Rector, the Rev Frederic Jarvis, spends a paragraph asking for children not to be allowed to attend funerals:
Can parents do anything to dissuade their children from attending funerals? During the Easter holidays there were three funerals, two of which were attended by some two dozen children between the ages of six and twelve. Their clatter and whispering does not add to the reverence of the Service, and this rather morbid curiosity in such young children should be discouraged.
A total of £8 10s 0d (£8.50p) had been raised towards the sum of £500 needed by the Norwich and Humbleyard Deaneries to erect a recreation hut for soldiers in Jerusalem. The amount comprised donations, lentern savings boxes, money raised at a boys Bible class and church collection.
The edition asked for volunteers to assist with the trimming, weeding and cleaning of the churchyard on Tuesday May 21st at 6.45 p.m and Wednesday May 22nd from 6.30 p.m.
The June edition of the Magazine started with more roll of honour notices:
It is with sincere regret that we have learnt of the death of Private Frederick Curson, 101st Labour Company, Labour Corps. Private Curson has been in France about two years. He was home on leave just before Christmas. He died on the 17th of May, at No 9 General Hospital, from the effects of gas.
We extend our real sympathy to Mrs Curson and all his relatives in their bereavement.
A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday June 2nd.
Next came a lengthy list of rules with regard to the Hethersett, Little Melton and Ketteringham Nursing Association. This included an interesting insight into the class system. For visits by the village nurse classes were divides as follows:
Class I: Old Age Pensioners and special cases. Class II: Labourers, Gardeners, Coachmen, Carpenters, Bricklayers and Smallholders. Class III: Bailiffs, Stewards, Teachers, Shopkeepers and Farmers. Class IV: Gentry. Charges - Class I: 2d to 4d; second visit in one day 1d. Class II: 4d to 6d second visit in one day 2d. Class III: 6d to 8d; second visit in one day 3d. Class IV: 1s 6d; second visit in one day 6d.
The same charge as above will be made for maternity visits when the Doctor is in attendance, but 4s 6d will be charged for Nurse attending with the Doctor at the time of confinement when not engaged as Midwife.
Next on the list showing that home matters and war matters were now being intertwined was a piece on Parcels to Prisoners and one on Vegetables for Swainsthorpe Hospital:
Attention is drawn to the Alms Box just inside the church door. All contributions placed in the box are given to Hethersett men who are captives and in the hands of the enemy. Already it has been possible to send in one case money and in the other cases parcels to William Howes, Thomas Yull and William Bishop. These men need all the help we can give them, and it is hoped that the remainder of them may soon be sent a parcel as well. Could not everyone make some small offering once a week as they pass the box? This would probably enable us to send a parcel out weekly.
We greatly regret to hear that two more names must be added to the list: George Sergeant and Walter Blake were taken prisoner on March 21st.
* * *
Another means of helping the soldiers, which we very gladly availed ourselves of, was the sending of vegetables to the wounded at Swainsthorpe on May 1st. The Hethersett contribution was magnificent and was tremendously appreciated. Miss Gurney, in acknowledging it, wrote: - "Hethersett has done splendidly as a parish and is to be much congratulated." Owing to the generosity of the parishioners, and especially the school children and their parents, two large hampers and two sacks were despatched.
They contained leeks, spring cabbages, broccoli, carrots, red beet, rhubarb, cakes, jam, cucumbers, potatoes (1 1/2 sacks), artichokes, tea and a hundred eggs.
Mrs Bainbridge wishes here to thank all who have not been thanked for their generous contributions.
Hethersett's turn will come again in July, when doubtless the response will be equally great.
Hethersett was also discussing the setting up of a branch of the Women's Institute and on May 14th the group a talk by Miss Burgess on the subject of the "Land Army"
She emphasised the great need of women workers on the land to take the place of men who are to be called upon to serve in the Army. She pointed out the advantages of joining the Land Army.... and made a powerful appeal to village women to join the ranks and beat the U boats.
Mrs Burton Fanning explained the aims and the objects of Women's Institutes and indicated the lines on which they are generally run in order to imrpove the conditions of rural life, and at the same time help to meet the nation's needs at the moment.
The meeting was rather poorly attended, probably because a rather unsuitable hour was chosen. Consequently it was thought advisable not to arrive at a definite decision with regard to forming an Institute for this Parish until more parishioners had heard about it and had had an opportunity of expressing their opinion on the subject. Another meeting will therefore be held in the Old School on Thursday June 6th at 8 p.m, at which Mrs Burton Fanning will again speak. The meeting will be open to both men and women.
(Note the first WIs were set up in Great Britain in 1915)
The magazine concludes with news that £4 18s 3d was sent to the Bible Society from Hethersett and £1. 1s for the Church Army for the purposes of erecting Recreation Huts for the soldiers in France.
The July 1918 edition has more war news:
Corporal Herbert Frary is unofficially reported killed. Corporal Frary was not resident in the Parish when he enlisted, but is well known to many Hethersett people who will desire to express their sympathy with his mother and relatives. The officer commanding his company wrote: "He was the finest N.C.O I ever had, and if there was any danger about I knew that I should find Corporal Frary close at hand. He died a noble death fighting to the last for his King and country." Shortly before his death he was awarded the D.C.M.
Dyler Livock was taken prisoner on April 13th.
Dick Thraxton has been wounded and is in hospital at Tiverton.
There was also information about the appeal on behalf of prisoners of war:
The appeal in last month's Magazine for contributions to the fund for sending parcels to Hethersett prisoners of war has met with a most generous response. As much money was placed in the alms box during June as was found there during the first five months of this year, and consequently three more parcels have been sent off. Let us try to send four in July. It was gratifying to find that a very large number of coppers were given, for this means that everybody is trying to help. The beneficiaries in June were Arthur Thurston, William Thurston and Francis Foster.
On more parochial matters the magazine informs readers that increases in production costs necessitates the raising of the price to 1 1/2d per copy. There is also an interesting paragraph entitled Divorce:
A protest against the proposed Marriage Laws Amendments Act, 1917, which offers greatly increased facilities in the matter of obtaining a Divorce has been sent to the Marriage Defence Council. It was signed by 149 parishioners.
News also on work in the churchyard:
The whole congregation must wish to thank those voluntary workers who, some of them on four occasions, gave up an evening to weed and trim the churchyard. For the first time for many years the pathway all round the church has been cleared. It is their intention not to let it get overgrown again.
The annual Jumble Sale raised £9. 6s 3d.
In the August 1918 edition the Rev Jarvis hints at problems with the production of the magazine:
.... it is always uncertain by what date the magazine will appear. I have always endeavoured to have the magazine printed not later than the first day of the month, but the difficulties under which the publishers now work make it impossible to guarantee this.
In the same magazine:
It is more than gratifying to be able to record so splendid a response to the appeal for the renewal of subscriptions to Church expenses... the total is the highest that has been reached for some years.
.... Mrs Back has very kindly given permission for the Sunday School Treat to be held in the Hall Grounds on Tuesday August 13th. The children will assemble in the School playground at 2.30 p.m. Games and sports will be arranged. Children must bring their own cups. No sugar or butter will be provided, and, if children require these they must bring their own.
There then follows a long description of the Fellowship of Life and Liberty which is described as "an effort set on foot by a group of loyal Churchmen and Churchwomen who desire to see the Church to which they belong more fully rising to the heights of its wonderful opportunity to serve the nation.
The busyness of the village is hinted at by small attendances at District Visitors' meetings:
The attendance at District Visitors' Meetings has tended to become rather small. It is difficult to find a day that is not either baking-day or washing-day or some-kind-of-war-work day. We are all so busy that the mornings are full and the afternoons are fuller, and in the evenings weary limbs must be rested. However, in future, your rest must be broken into, and the meeting this month will be held after the War Intercession Service on Tuesday, August the 6th, in the vestry.
The magazine then turns its attention to the work of the Scouts:
The Hethersett Scouts are frequently seen, and perhaps as frequently heard in the parish, but very little is probably known of their work. To most people scouting may seem to be little more than organised playing. There are, indeed, many scouting games, devised specially to teach various forms of scoutcraft, but there is also a serious side to it which involves a good deal of hard work and for some months this work has been making steady and satisfactory progress. On June 21st they were inspected by the District Secretary, when seven old scouts renewed their three-fold promise, and eight new scouts, after passing their Tenderfoot Test, were formally invested.
There is at the present time a competition in handicraft going on which will be judged on Thursday, August 22nd. This work will by exhibited in the Old School on the same evening from 7.30 p.m to 9 p.m. Admission 1d. The articles exhibited will be for sale. The proceeds will be given to the Scout Fund. Please come. The Scouts deserve encouragement.
There was more news regarding Hethersett WI
The next Meeting will be at the Old School at 3 o'clock on Tuesday, August 6th, ending with a walk round the Hall water.
Business: to enrol members. Subscription, 2s. Visitors 3d. There will be a lecture on "What Women are doing in France." There will be a Stall of Soldiers' work from the Thorpe Hospital, the things to be sold for their benefit. Also a small Stall of anything anyone will kindly bring, to start the prize Competition Fund of the Institute.
The magazine also hints at the number of calls being made on people's money, pointing out that the S.P.G Services had collected £8 15s 5d - a disappointing amount which was less than half the amount collected the previous year and only about a quarter of what had been sent in former years.
Although there are so many other appeals for financial help at the present time, the missionary work of the Church must not be permitted to suffer, and we must all make special endeavour in the future not to allow our contribution to fall so low.
In the September 1918 magazine we are told that War Working Parties are held in Hethersett in the Old School every Tuesday from 2 p.m. "Garments for the soldiers are badly needed."
It also returns to the subjects of Vegetables for Swainsthorpe Hospital and Church Army Huts:
Once more the sympathy of the Hethersett people for wounded soldiers and sailors has been very practically demonstrated by the wonderful generosity shown in sending kind gifts for their use on July 24th. It would be nice if the wounded could see the school children each bringing their special gift for them. Miss Gurney writes from the Swainsthorpe Red Cross Hospital that she thinks it excellent that Hethersett has given such a splendid lead in the vegetable collection for the villages. There were so many gifts that it was thought advisable to send part of them to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital for the wounded there.
Mrs Bainbridge thanks all kind friends for their kind gifts and Mrs Stace and Miss Cullan for helping with the collections in the schools.
* * *
One hundred Church Army Huts were lost during the German advance in the Spring, and it is most important to replace these before the Winter sets in, in order to mitigate as far as possible the hardships which our brave men must of necessity undergo during these months. All must realise the inestimable boon the huts are to the men for purposes of rest, recreation, quietness and refreshment, and there can be little doubt that they help in no small measure to keep up the morale of the troops to the very high standard to which it has now attained.
The need is really urgent, and in order that Hethersett may help to replace the lost huts, a Flag Day has been arranged for Tuesday September 10th. Don't be seen without a flag on that day, and pay for it as generously as you can.
Other news in the edition included the following:
Mrs Plume has very generously presented a Bath Chair to the Parish. This chair is at present in use, but it sets free the other parish chair which may be borrowed on application at the Rectory. All will appreciate this kindness which will undoubtedly be of very great help to many people for many years to come.
* * *
The Entertainment held on August 21st and kindly arranged by Miss Kent and Miss C. Bailey, realised £8 2s 6d (£8.13p) which was sent to the St Dunstan's Hostel for Blinded Soldiers.
* * *
The Harvest Thanksgiving this year will be held on Tuesday, September 24th, at 6 p.m. The preacher will be the Rev Canon F. Meyrick (St Peter Mancroft, Norwich).
The collection will be on behalf of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, and offerings of fruit, flowers, vegetables, eggs etc (which should be brought to the Church not later than 11 a.m on the Tuesday) will be sent to the same institution.
In October 1918 the magazine contained a number of articles including a slightly unusual request for fruit stones and nut shells and also more on the subject of divorce:
Through your generosity in placing coins in the alms box just inside the church door, we have been enabled now to send parcels to all our Hethersett men who are in the hands of the enemy, and by the time this reaches you we shall probably have gone halfway through the list a second time. We guarantee, of course, that all the parcels reach their destination. We can but continue to do our very utmost to help them in this way. Three postcards have been received acknowledging the arrival of parcels in good condition.
It may be of interest to know how the money has been contributed: - During 1917, 11s 2 1/2d; January 1918, 2s; February, 3s 11d; March 6s 10d; April 2s 2d; May 11s 3d; June 16s 1d; July 9s 91/2d; August £1. 1s 3d; September £1. 16s.
* * *
All fruit stones, including date stones and hard nut shells are immediately required for an urgent war purpose, which will contribute to the safety of our soldiers on the Front.
The quantities available in a parish of this size are not expected to be large, but the need for them is so urgent that every effort should be made to collect whatever is available.
Will all parents kindly take note of this and send all the stones and shells they can save by the children to the schools where Mr Stace and Miss Cullum have kindly undertaken to accept them? If preferred they may be sent straight to the Rectory.
It is important that stones and shells should be kept separate and in a dry condition.
* * *
As stated in a previous number of the Magazine, a protest against the proposed Matrimonial Causes Act 1917 which offers greatly increased facilities in the matter of obtaining a Divorce has been sent to the Marriage Defence Council. It was signed by 149 parishioners. The Marriage Defence Council, however, is not satisfied and writes to ask for many more signatures and states that it is highly desirable that the Petition be signed as soon as possible.
The new petition is worded as follows: "We the undersigned desire to record our Emphatic Protest against any Legislation which aims at making separation a ground for Divorce, whether by mutual consent, accidental circumstances or legal separation order.
"As Christian citizens we believe that legislation on these lines would weaken the life-long bond of marriage, endanger the happiness of home life, and, seriously injure the welfare of the children of the realm.
"Upon these grounds we urge His Majesty's Government to withhold its support from any such legislation.
"This new petition may be signed by any parishioners who did not sign the previous petition, at any time on application at the Rectory."
* * *
Mrs Gaze, the local Secretary of the Ladies' Association in connection with the Hospital has been able to send to the Treasurer the sum of £4 7s 10d from our Parish. This is a result of the house to house collection on Tuesday, September 3rd and it has been very gratefully acknowledged. The collectors were: Hilda Curson, Evelyn Wilby, Iris Alborough, Annie Keighley, Millie Thraxton, Ellen Mackrell, Olive Ringer, Hilda Nichols, Olive Bailey and Ethel Blake.
* * *
A most grateful letter from Prebendary Carlile has been received as an acknowledgement of the sum of £6. 15s which was the result of the Flag Day held on September 10th. The following are some extracts from the letter:
"It is with a very special sense of gratitude that I write to most heartily thank you for helping us so splendidly in your Flag Day effort. I fully realise the amount of work it has meant to you to gather round you such a band of sellers as to enable you to collect so good a sum, and I feel sure you must be as highly gratified with the result as we are. I should be most grateful if you would kindly convey to your helpers my deepest appreciation of their most encouraging help to replace the hundred lost huts.
The sellers were: Ethel Blake, Olive Bailey, Evelyn Wilby, Hilda Curson, Millie Thraxton, Iris Alborough, Hilda Nichols, Annie Keighley and Olive Ringer.
* * *
The following notice appeared in the Parish Magazine for February 1915: - "I find that the Old School is used on all occasions for all sorts of purposes. It is not my wish to make anything out of the room, but as I am responsible for keeping it in good repair and have t provide lights and fires, I shall in future make a fixed charge for the use of it, viz, during the Winter months, 2s for an afternoon or evening and during the Summer months 1s 6d.
This charge has, with a few exceptions, been disregarded almost ever since the date given above. Meanwhile everything has risen very considerably in price and the room consequently is run at a financial loss. It must therefore, be understood that in future persons hiring the room must observe the charge.
The war ended in November 1918 but the November edition of the magazine came out at the beginning of that month and so started with news of further names on the Roll of Honour.
Private George William Moore 1/4th Norfolks
The whole Parish is sorrowfully aware that George Moore has been "missing" ever since the Battle of Gaza. He was last seen on April 19th, 1917. We regret to announce that the War Office has recently stated that he is believed to have been killed on that date. It is difficult to pass any remarks on this occurrence without seeming to draw invidious distinctions, but in losing George Moore we have lost an upright Christian man who would be a loss to any community. Few men could have left the parish with a cleaner state. He was of a quiet and industrious nature, which won for him the affection of many friends. His unimpeachable character won for him the respect in which he was held by all who knew him. He leaves a widow and a little boy.
Private William Bishop 1/5th Norfolks
William Bishop was taken prisoner at the Battle of Gaza, April 19th, 1917, and for about five months he was able to write home regularly. Suddenly, in September 1917, his letters ceased to arrive and nothing was heard of him until a few days agao, when the War Office announced that information had been received to the effect that he died of enteritis in hospital at Nigde, in Turkey, on November 4th, 1917. He leaves a widow and three sons.
The relations and friends of both the above soldiers, who have given their lives, for their country, have the assurance of our deepest sympathy.
The same magazine also had the first mention of a possible War Shrine in the village to the fallen. For more information on this visit our War Memorial section. Other items in the edition included the following:
Hethersett War Savings Association - Officers - Chairman, Dr G. E. Deacon; Treasurer, Mr Beeby; Secretary, Rev F. Jarvis' Collectors, Mr E. Stace and Miss Cullum.
The Association has at present forty three members and a large number of Certificates have been issued. It is hoped, however, that there may be a considerable increase in membership in the near future, and that thereby many more will be helping to provide shells and guns for our men, and at the same time will be making a good investment for themselves.
A single certificate costs 15s 6d and in five years you will get £1 for it.........
You may think that the War is nearly over, but a lot of money is still required to finish it, and you will still have time to benefit yourself by means of the Association.....
Don't wait till the War is over and then wish you had joined.
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The Sunday Evening Service in the Old School will begin again on the first Sunday in November, and will be held throughout the Winter at 7 p.m.
The main difficulty before us in starting these Services is that of firing and light, but last Winter they were so much appreciated and so well attended that the question is being everywhere asked "Why not try again?" Well we are going to try again.
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We need far more help for the prisoners of war. We have read a good deal in the papers of late about their treatment and condition. If there is anything that we can do to alleviate their sufferings let us do it with a really good will.
If every person who came to church every Sunday put one penny in the box by the church door, we could send off at least one parcel a week to one of our men in captivity. Can we do this as a thanks-offering for our own many blessings? Some can afford two pence and some more still. Try to make a regular act of it, a Sunday habit! When other people see you doing it they will follow suit.
The war was over but reports of deaths continued as was illustrated by the December 1918 magazine:
It was with very great regret that we learnt of the death of Corporal Arthur Hubbard, 7th Batt., Norfolk Regiment. He was killed in action on September 18th, 1918. He leaves a widow and three children, and two adopted nephews. We offer to those who mourn his loss our deep and sincere sympathy.
There was news of a Christmas Carol event and more about Hethersett War Savings and the rather strangely titled Waifs and Strays Society:
It is hoped carols will be sung in the village during the week preceding Christmas in aid of the work of the National Institute for the Blind, which includes the aftercare of Soldiers and Sailors blinded in the War. This institute is responsible for the welfare of over twelve hundred blinded soldiers and sailors. All will agree that this is work that deserves the most generous support.
It is not possible in so scattered a parish to visit every house, but as much ground as possible will be covered. If it can be arranged, a short Carol Service will be held in the church in the afternoon of Christmas Day when a collection will be taken for the same purpose. Definite notice of this cannot at present be given.
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Hethersett War Savings - Wednesday Nov 13th was Hethersett "Gun" Day. The gun was stationed outside the Post Office and a considerable crowd collected. Speeches were made from the gun by Mr Raikes and Mr Martin Jones. The amount invetsed in Bonds and Certificates was £733 1s 6d.
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Miss M. Back, the local Secretary of the Waifs and Strays Society had received £4. 16s 7d in subscriptions for this year.
There was also notice that the Hethersett Prisoners of War Fund had been closed. A total of £7 11s 3d had been collected from the alms box and collections. Parcels to Prisoners had cost £7 and the balance of 11s 3d was sent to the Norfolk Prisoners of War Help Association.
In January 1919 there is still plenty of war news
Roll of Honour
It is with sincere regret that we have learnt of the death of Private Fred Harvey, Labour Corps. He died in France of pneumonia following influenza on Dec 8th, 1918.
We also deeply regret to have to report that Bertie Sparrow, who was a lodger in the parish at the time he enlisted, has been killed.
Repatriated Prisoners
We rejoice to be able to welcome back to the Parish: William Howes, Doyier Livick, William Thurston and Walter Blake from imprisonment in the hands of the enemy.
William Howes was serving on Submarine E 15, the first submarine to attempt passage of the Dardanelles, which met with misfortune. For three years and eight months he has been a prisoner in Turkey.
Private D. M. M. Livick, Coldstream Guards, was taken prisoner on April 13th, 1918. He was the last Hethersett man to fall into the enemy's hands and the first of them to return home.
Private William Thurston, 4th Batt, E. Yorks Regt was captured during the Battle of Arras on April 23rd, 1917, and was a prisoner for twenty months.
Private Walter Henry Blake, 1st Batt N Staffs Regt was taken prisoner on March 21st, 1918.
Diocesan War Roll
Those who have not seen the Diocesan Gazette will be interested to learn that the names of all men in this Diocese who in the course of the War have given their lives for their Country, will full particulars of rank, arm of service, regiment or ship and date of death, are to be recorded in the Memorial Chapel in Norwich Cathedral.
Other items in this edition included details of a confirmation service in Hethersett Church on Tuesday, March 11th and the fact that the cost of the magazine would have to stay at 1 1/2d and not return to its previous cover price of 1d.
With the war over, this section of the site will now concentrate on post war messages and articles. In February 1919 we learn that £17 11s was collected by the Hethersett Carol Quartet in aid of Blinded soldiers and sailors. The edition also contains the first part of a very long article on the dangers and evils of Bolshevism and Russia in general.
The March 1919 magazine had News from Germany
A great many of our men have written thanking the parishioners for their Christmas parcels. The following letter was recently received from Germany:-
"I received your parcel and good wishes for Christmas for which I return many thanks. At the present time I am at Cologne on the Rhine. It is a fine city, very up to date in every respect, in fact the German people are in every way very polite and well educated. It is the wonder of the English soldiers how such people could commit such atrocities as they did in France and Belgium. The cathedral is very fine. I dare say you have read how it is noted for its spires. It is more beautiful outside than inside; it has a fine organ.
The people can, many of them speak English, and they are very sociable to us fellows. I don't know whether there are any other Hethersett men in Germany; I was one of the first English soldiers to enter Germany, as the 1st Cavalry Division, to which I am attached, led the 4th Army. I was with them when General Sir H. Plumer took the salute on the Rhine Bridge. It has been fully reported in the papers; it would take too long for me to tell of our march through France and Belgium. We were received everywhere as conquering heroes.
I don't think we are stopping at these barracks (some German cavalry barracks) much longer. I think the battery is breaking up, them I suppose we shall all be demobilised or sent to other units. Again thanking you and the many friends who helped in many ways".
By April 1919 the magazine had returned to discussing religious and church matters as the War began to move further away. We do learn, however, that due to the conflict Scout camps were forbidden by the Military Authorities.
.... but for four years the Hethersett Scouts have been hoping for better days and have been slowly accumulating a small fund and part of the necessary equipment should those better days come. As soon as the Armistice was signed, the question of camp was brought out of the background and is now the first thought of every scout.
As a result of this the troop began raising funds, including putting on "a display" in the National School on April 21st for children and other performances on April 23rd and 24th for adults. Whitsun week was set aside for the scout camp at Wroxham.
A later edition of the magazine spoke of the tremendous success of the camp:
On the Wednesday, Colonel Charles, District Scout Commissioner, inspected the camp...... he declared the camp to be one of the best conducted, best arranged, and best equipped, he had ever inspected....
This first Hethersett Scouts' Camp to be held away from the Parish was an unqualified success. It is hoped that it will now become a regular event every year.
The same edition had the following war-related notice:
We heartily congratulate Captain Charles Back on being awarded the Military Cross for gallantry in the field. The recommendation was worded as follows: "Showed great gallantry and good leadership in our attack on December 15th, 1917, capturing the position in spite of very heavy losses.
Signed O. M. Torkington Lt-Col.
Further notice that "things were getting back to normal" came in the June 1919 edition.
At a well attended Meeting in the Old Schoolroom, on April 29th last, it was decided to restart the Cricket Club, which had ceased to exist since the start of the War.
Mr H.W. Back was elected chairman .... It was decided to play a few games as the strength of the Club increased, and already a few games have been arranged. A game with Wymondham takes place on Whit Monday, and all are invited to come and cheer the home team.
Junior members (ie belwo the age of 16) are to be admitted for the first time and any boy who is keen on the game is welcome, and will receive expert tuition from our worthy Captain Mr F. Dodman....... The subscriptions are: Senior Members, minimum 2s 6d; Junior Members, minimum 1s 6d. War Bonds accepted as payment.
Accounts showed that the parish magazine wasn't "paying its way" and was dependent on private subscriptions and grants.
Every effort will be made to continue to publish the Magazine, but the accounts make the difficulty obvious.
The parish magazine of August 1919 outlined the programme for peace and thanksgiving events.
Peace Festivities for Soldiers and Sailors - Saturday August 2nd
3.30 p.m. Sports. The Programme of Sports is published in the village. Entrees must be given to Mr Kent or Mr J. Curson on or before July 31st. The general public are invited to the sports.
6 p.m. Tea at the King's Head followed by a Social. The Sports' Prizes will be distributed after the tea.
Sunday August 3rd Thanksgiving Services
8.30 a.m Holy Communion
11 a.m Memorial Service to the Fallen, Mattins, Holy Communion and Address. The relations and friends of the Fallen are specially invited.
3.0 p.m Children's Flower Service
6.15 p.m Evensong
7.0 p.m United Thanksgiving Service in the National School Playground.
All are welcome. Soldiers and sailors specially invited (If wet, a Service will be held in church).
The September 1919 edition of the magazine marks the departure from the village of Mr F.A Bainbridge and details his outstanding contribution to the village. "Few men can ever have deserved the respect and trust he has won." Amongst the other notes was the following:
Decorations - We are proud to record the two following awards to Hethersettmen whilst serving in His Majesty's Forces -
Sergt G. H. Salter, R.A.M.C, Meritorious Service Medal. His Commanding Officer wrote: "This was mainly on account of the good work you did at Thiennes, when you were getting badly shelled."
Corpl H. Crowe, 2nd Batt Coldstream Guards. Military Medal. For gallantry in action on Sept 23rd 1918.
In November 1919 under the heading In Memoriam the magazine featured the names of "The men of the parish of Hethersett, who fighting for their King and Country in the War for the world's freedom, passed through the valley of the shadow of death, and have reached the life beyond:
GEORGE SIDNEY LIVICK
Lance Corporal, 9th Batt Norfolk Regiment
Son of John and Amy Livick
Killed at the Battle of Loos, 26th September, 1915
RALPH ANGUS BUCKINGHAM
A.B. Seaman HMS "Hampshire
Son of Frederick Thomas and Agnes Mary Buckingham
Drowned 5th June, 1916
WILLIAM EDWARD BRINGLOE
Private 12th Batt. London Regiment
Son of William and Sarah Bringloe
Killed in action, 7th October, 1916
GEORGE WILLIAM MOORE
Private 4th Batt. Norfolk Regiment
Son of George and Annie Maria Moore
Believed killed at the Battle of Gaza, 19 th April, 1917
HARRY SARGEANT
Private 4th Batt Norfolk Regiment
Son of Henry and Sarah Sargeant
Killed at the Battle of Gaza, 19th April, 1917
ROBERT JOHN BARTRUM
Private 11th Batt Essex Regiment
Son of James and Annie Jane Bartrum
Killed in action, 26th April, 1917
FREDERICK STEPHEN BLAKE
Private Yorkshire Regiment
Son of William James and Elizabeth Blake
Believed killed in action, 14th May, 1917
HARRY HERBERT CHILDS
Private 4th Batt Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry
Son of William James and Louisa Childs
Died in Hospital at Alexandria, 17th Sept, 1917
ARTHUR HENRY SHORTEN
Private 4th Batt Norfolk Regiment
Son of John Henry and Ellen Shorten
Killed at the Battle of Jaffa, 3rd November, 1917
WILLIAM BISHOP
Private 5th Batt Norfolk Regiment
Prisoner of War in Turkey. Died 4th Nov, 1917.
HORACE BEAUMONT
Fireman HMS Helenor No 1
Son of Robert and Helena Beaumont
Ship torpedoed, February 1918.
BENJAMIN GEORGE JOY
Private 2nd Batt, Suffolk Regiment
Son of Benjamin George and Hannah Maria Joy
Killed on Cambrai Front, 28th March, 1918
FREDERICK CURSON
Private 101st Company, Labour Corps
Wounded 13th May, 1918. Died in No 9 General Hospital, Rouen, 17th May, 1918
GEORGE ARTHUR HUBBARD
Corporal 7th Batt Norfolk Regiment
Son of George and Rose Hubbard
Killed in action, 18th September, 1918.
FREDERICK JAMES HARVEY
Private 3rd Batt Norfolk Regiment
Son of Walter and Jane Harvey
Died in Hospital, 8th December, 1918.
The mention of war related matters become fewer and fewer and it is not until March 1920 that we receive the following news via the parish magazine:
It is with sincere regret that we record the death of another of our Hethersett men who served in the war. Ray Childs enlisted in the R.A.S.C, M.T, on 25th October, 1916 and went out to France in the following May. He was severely gassed in 1918 but did not return home. Shortly after returning to duty he succumbed to an attack of dysentery and was admitted into hospital on 1st Sept of the same year. A few weeks later he was brought to England to the Toxteth Park Military Hospital, Liverpool. He recovered sufficiently to be sent back to duty at Shoreham, but it was only temporary, and shortly afterwards he was admitted to hospital again in London. He received his discharge on 30th April, 1919, and came home, but his health was in a very precarious state and after a fortnight only he went to the Kelling Sanatorium. He came home again on 26th Oct last and after thirteen weeks of illness bravely and patiently borne, he died on Feb 2nd. He was 24 years of age.
He was well known to very many parishioners. Before the War he was Local Secretary to the Juvenile Branch of the Rechabites Club. He was a keen cricketer and for two seasons acted as Secretary to the Hethersett Cricket Club. We extend our sympathy to his relatives and friends in their bereavement.
The December 1920 edition spoke about continuing to commemorate the war.
On Armistice Day, immediately before the two minutes silence, the tenor bell in the Church Tower tolled out the number of those who gave up their lives in this parish. It is hoped that this may become a custom which we shall connect with each anniversary of the Armistice as a tribute to their sacrifice.
Three years later in the November 1923 edition Armistice Day was still featuring:
The anniversary of the Armistice falls this year on Sunday November 11th, a day on which it is possible to mark it more fittingly than on a weekday. Special services will be held throughout the country. It will be kept as a Day of Remembrance of those who were killed in action or died of wounds or sickness during the Great War, and, of Thanksgiving for those who returned. There will be the customary short period of silence at 11 o'clock and consequently the principal service of the day will be a quarter of an hour earlier than usual, viz 10.45 a.m....
The service will conclude with a procession to the memorial in the churchyard, where a hymn will be sung, during which wreaths may be placed on the steps of the cross.
Fast Forward to the Second World War where the first list of Hethersett men serving in the armed forces appears in February 1940 and is as follows:
Gunner L. A. Bishop, Royal Artillery
Lieut N. Beaumont-Thomas, King George V Own Bengal Sappers and Miners
2nd Liet P Beaumont-Thomas, 10th Hussars
Rev R. R. H Back , YMCA
Pte W. E. Charlish, Royal Norfolk Regiment
Ord Sig R. Clutterham, HMS Woolwich
C. W. Craske, RAF
O. Craske, RAF
L-Bombr R. Clarke, OCTU
Major Alan Colman, Norfolk Yeomanry
Pte E. Duffield, RAMC
Pte F. Foster, 7th Batt Royal Norfolk Regiment
Gunner E. G. Frosdick, 51st Heavy Lowland Regiment
Gunner D. Gould, Royal Artillery
Pilot Officer John Gates RAF
Trooper P. Goodswen, Warwickshire Yeomanry
Trooper F. Goodswen, 7th Hussars
Pte J. Goodswen, RAMC
Pte R. J. Huggins, 1st Batt, Royal Norfolk Regiment
Pte E. Kerrison , Royal Norfolk Regiment
Pte F. Kerrison, Royal Norfolk Regiment.
The following names were added in March 1940
Cadet P. P Andrews OCTU
Volunteer R. Andrews ATS
Senior Leader E. G. Back ATS
Miss E. V. Back - Civil Nursing Reserve
Private R. Buttolph, Royal Norfolk Regiment
H. Chamberlain Royal Marines
Gunner A. C. Perkins, RA
L/Br W. G. Spurgeon, RA
L/Corporal P. Folkard, RASC
Private J. Ward, RASC
The list continued in April
Private C. R. Parfitt, Royal Army Pay Corps
Gunner A. Utting, 36th Signal Training Regiment
ATS J. M Harrison
Driver Jack Hodges, RASC
in June the following were added:
C. Brighton RAF
Gunner G. E. Dunton RA
J. Minter RASC
J. Noad RAF
J. McAnally RAF
Rachel McAnally, WAAF
S. Huggins, RFA
J. Walpole Norfolk Regiment
A. W. Chapman RASC
W. Collins Essex Regiment
J. Marshall RAF
July
R. C. Alborough, Searchlight Detachment
H. M. Moore, Civil Nursing Reserve
R. Ireland Royal Norfolk Regiment