All posts for the month October, 2019

“The Committee cannot proceed with the design selected unless a total of at least £500 is secured”

Stratfield Mortimer needed to raise money for its war memorial.

The War Memorial

The Committee report as follows:-

“Subscriptions received to date at Lloyds Bank are £166 6s 0d. In addition, £100 has been promised. Any donations to this fund should be sent to Lloyds Bank, Reading, crossed ‘Mortimer War Memorial Fund.’ Smaller subscriptions will be gladly welcomed by the Hon. Sec., Miss Phelp, Wisley, Padworth Road.”

It is hoped that the above amounts will be largely increased early this month, as the Committee cannot proceed with the design selected unless a total of at least £500 is secured.

Stratfield Mortimer parish magazine, October 1919 (D/P120/28A/14)

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by berkshirerecordoffice on 31 October, 2019  •  Permalink
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Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 31 October, 2019

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“Willing to come here as curate as soon as he can leave the Army and be ordained Deacon”

A soldier wanted to become a Church of England clergyman.

It was given out in Church that Mr C T Lord is willing to come here as curate as soon as he can leave the Army and be ordained Deacon, if the congregation are willing to have another curate. That means, I suppose, are the congregation ready to guarantee his stipend? As a member of the congregation I should like to say that I think if the Rector will trust us and engage Mr Lord that we will not fall short in doing our part to support him. We badly need another curate.

From a Parishioner.

Newbury parish magazine, October 1919 (D/P89/28A/14)

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by berkshirerecordoffice on 29 October, 2019  •  Permalink
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Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 29 October, 2019

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Pray daily for an honourable settlement

Peace had brought industrial unrest, as lower paid sections of the population protested against high prices and the threat of reduced wages.

The Vicar’s Letter

Dear Friends and Parishioners, …

I write this letter while the country is under the shadow of a great strike. I feel that honest men will differ as to the rights and wrongs of this struggle, and we must respect honest differences of opinion. But the strike is of a magnitude that forces men to take up one side or the other.

Personally, I feel that with three months in which to bargain with the Government before any reduction of pay could in any case take place, a strike now is unjustifiable.

And so, while I expect there are many minor grievances against the Government now that the strike has been started, many of us after careful reflection feel that we must support the Government, not only in keeping order, but in carrying out the transport of food and necessaries. For nothing but very serious grievances justify a powerful section of the people – I think there are sometimes grievances so great as to do this – in holding up so far as they can the ordinary life of the whole community.

But whatever view each one of us takes, I hope we shall all remain friends as befits fellow countrymen and fellow Christians, and avoid all needless bitterness of word or deed.

Finally, as Vicar, I would ask every parishioner to pray daily for an honourable settlement, so that in peace at home we may produce food, coal, clothing, houses and manufactured articles, and not merely print more paper money, that will neither warm nor feed us…

I remain, Your faithful friend and Vicar, C E M Fry.

Maidenhead St Luke parish magazine, October 1919 (D/P181/28A/28)

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by berkshirerecordoffice on 28 October, 2019  •  Permalink
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Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 28 October, 2019

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Bravery during the last Offensive Operations on the Marne

A soldier with links to Wargrave was honoured by our French allies.

Crazies Hill Notes

We are very pleased to record that Mr. Walter George, Gunner in the Royal Marines Artillery, has been awarded the French decoration, Croix de Guerre, for bravery during the last Offensive Operations on the Marne.

Mr George is well-known at Crazies Hill, where his wife, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Waldron, resides.

Wargrave parish magazine, October 1919 (D/P145/28A/31)

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by berkshirerecordoffice on 27 October, 2019  •  Permalink
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Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 27 October, 2019

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Starting for Malta

Charles Carpendale, a distinguished naval officer, later had a pioneering role at the BBC. He also became a volunteer bookbinder.

26 October 1919
Carpendales came to tea. He starting for Malta on Tuesday to his ship “Benbow”.

Diary of Florence Vansittart Neale of Bisham Abbey (D/EX73/3/17/9)

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by berkshirerecordoffice on 26 October, 2019  •  Permalink
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Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 26 October, 2019

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A heavy loss from an experiment of the Government

The County Council’s Finance Committee feared the purchase of land for smallholdings for demobilised soldiers would be a burden for years to come.

Finance Committee, 25 October 1919

It is known that there will be a heavy loss on the working of these schemes, which for the time being is estimated at about £800 per annum, but it is uncertain whether, as time goes on, these losses will tend to increase or diminish. The purchases are being made to carry out an experiment of the Government – intended primarily for the benefit of ex-Service men on the footing of the loss for the first seven years being borne by the State, i.e. the Taxpayers, instead of the Ratepayers, bearing the burden for this period. The question is who will bear it afterwards? The land is at present being bought at high prices, but with the prior approval and consent of the Board of Agriculture.

In 1926 there is to be a Valuation of all the lands held by the County for Small Holdings purposes, including those bought at the commencement of the movement when prices were much lower. If the balance of the loans raised to provide the total purchase price should then exceed the Valuation the Government will assume responsibility for the excess and provide the annual Sinking Fund charges in respect of it. If, however, the land should be valued at more than the outstanding loans the County would get nothing; and in either event, after 1926, the County would be left with the land on their hands and with the obligation of clearing off the remainder of the loans as well as with the prospect of bearing any annual losses on the working that there then might be….

The Council, in considering whether or not to increase their commitments in regard to Small Holdings on the above lines, may wish to bear in mind that the projects now being pushed by a Government Department are not entirely for the benefit of ex-Service men, but are open to civilians as well. The extent to which the County should embark on unprofitable schemes, which may ultimately result in a subsidy out of the rates to civilian Small Holders as well as to ex-Service men is for the Council to consider and determine.

Berkshire County Council minutes (C/CL/C1/1/22)

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by berkshirerecordoffice on 25 October, 2019  •  Permalink
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Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 25 October, 2019

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An experiment of the Government – intended primarily for the benefit of ex-Service men

The Government was strongly encouraging local authorities to provide land for ex-servicemen to take up farming. Berkshire County Council was sceptical.

25 October 1919

[Referring to the purchase of land for smallholdings] It is known that there will be a heavy loss on the working of these schemes, which for the time being is estimated at about £800 per annum, but it is uncertain whether, as time goes on, these losses will tend to increase or diminish. The purchases are being made to carry out an experiment of the Government – intended primarily for the benefit of ex-Service men on the footing of the loss for the first seven years being borne by the State, i.e. the Taxpayers, instead of the Ratepayers, bearing the burden for this period. The question is who will bear it afterwards?

The land is at present being bought at high prices, but with the prior approval and consent of the Board of Agriculture.

In 1926 there is to be a Valuation of all the lands held by the County for Small Holdings purposes, including those bought at the commencement of the movement when prices were much lower. If the balance of the loans raised to provide the total purchase price should then exceed the Valuation, the Government will assume responsibility for the excess and provide the annual Sinking Fund charges in respect of it. If, however, the land should be valued at more than the outstanding loans the County would get nothing; and in either event, after 1926, the County would be left with the land on their hands and with the obligation of clearing off the remainder of the loans as well as with the prospect of bearing any annual losses on the working that there then might be….

The Council, in considering whether or not to increase their commitments in regard to Small Holdings on the above lines, may wish to bear in mind that the projects now being pushed by a Government Department are not entirely for the benefit of ex-Service men, but are open to civilians as well. The extent to which the County should embark on unprofitable schemes, which may ultimately result in a subsidy out of the rates to civilian Small Holders as well as to ex-Service men is for the Council to consider and determine.

Berkshire County Council Finance Committee minutes (C/CL/C1/1/22)

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by berkshirerecordoffice on 25 October, 2019  •  Permalink
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Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 25 October, 2019

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Orders any day

After the war, Mesopotamia, which had formed part of the Ottoman Empire, fell under British control. It later became Iraq.

24 October 1919
Dan & Lorna arrived at tea time to stay before he goes to Mesopotamia. Expects orders any day to sail.

Diary of Florence Vansittart Neale of Bisham Abbey (D/EX73/3/17/9)

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by berkshirerecordoffice on 24 October, 2019  •  Permalink
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The special week’s holiday in honour of ‘peace’

24th October 1919
The school closed at midday (the special week’s holiday in honour of ‘peace’ granted at the request of H. M. the King being taken as a mid-term holiday) and will reopen on Monday Nov 3rd.

Windsor Royal Free Boys’ School log book (C/EL72/3, p. 216)

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by berkshirerecordoffice on 24 October, 2019  •  Permalink
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Peace mugs distributed

Souvenir mugs to celebrate peace were in high demand in Hampstead Norreys.

24th Oct.

Yesterday (Thurs) the Peace Mugs were distributed to all the scholars by Mrs Coper of Eling. A number of parents also attended to receive mugs for those children above or below school age.
The 1st Class children sang two songs before the presentation, and afterwards, on the proposition of the Head master, thanked Mrs Cooper for coming to distribute the mugs.

They were bought with money collected by the Peace Celebrations Committee.

Hampstead Norreys CE School (C/EL40/2)

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by berkshirerecordoffice on 23 October, 2019  •  Permalink
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Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 23 October, 2019

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War experiences

The Hallams heard about a friend’s war experiences.

23rd October 1919

Edgar Upperton came in to-night and read out to us his war experiences as far as he has written them up in full from notes in the diary he kept out there.

Diary of William Hallam of Swindon (D/EX1415/26)

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by berkshirerecordoffice on 23 October, 2019  •  Permalink
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Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 23 October, 2019

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To make our country, our county, our village, supreme monuments to our Glorious Dead

There was still bitterness towards those who had chosen not to fight.

Discharged Sailors’ and Soldiers’ Federation

On Wednesday, 22nd October, the Mortimer and District Branch met at the Jubilee Room, under the chairmanship of Mr R W Sharp, the prospective representative of the branch on the Local War Pensions Committee. Mr H C Eggleton, the Branch Chairman, explained clearly the objects of the Federation, viz (briefly), “To safeguard the interests of every ex-Service man and the dependants of our fallen comrades, and to make our country, our county, our village, supreme monuments to our Glorious Dead”.

It is hoped that every man who has worn the Blue or Khaki (excepting only conscientious objectors) will join the Federation. Will every man whos is suffering through delayed gratuity, etc, kindly communicate with Mr J Anderson, Secretary, Nightingale Lane, Mortimer, who will give every possible assistance; also all widows, mothers, or other dependants of those who have made the supreme sacrifice. It is hoped to have a Burghfield sub-branch, if enough new members join.

Note: The Editor willingly inserts this, and assures the Branch that the Reading Rural WP sub-committee will hope to work in harmony with a friendly ally.

Burghfield parish magazine, November 1919 (D/EX725/4)

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by berkshirerecordoffice on 22 October, 2019  •  Permalink
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Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 22 October, 2019

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England expects every one to do his duty, now, just as in Nelson’s time

21st Oct.

As today is “Nelson’s Day”, I gave a short address to the children of 1st Class on “Sea-Power”, showing how Britain is & has been for hundreds of years “Mistress of the Seas”, but that she has always used this power justly, allowing the true freedom of the seas to all nations, especially taking under her care the smaller nations, and keeping the seas clear of piracy and slave-trading. I also spoke of the Battle of Trafalgar, and of Nelson’s famous signal, impressing upon the scholars that England expects every one to do his duty, now, just as in Nelson’s time.

Hampstead Norreys CE School (C/EL40/2)

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by berkshirerecordoffice on 21 October, 2019  •  Permalink
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Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 21 October, 2019

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A service patient

October 21st, 1919

Letter from Berkshire Asylum read stating that the Minister of Pensions has paid the sum of £2.2.0, the cost of maintenance of Arthur Sumner in that Asylum up to date of his being classified as a service patient, and this Union has been credited with the amount accordingly.

Windsor Board of Guardians minutes (G/WI1/26)

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by berkshirerecordoffice on 21 October, 2019  •  Permalink
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Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 21 October, 2019

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The site for the Berkshire war memorial should be the Forbury Hill

A site was selected for a Berkshire war memorial.

21 October 1919
Executive Committee meeting

Present: J Herbert Benyon, President
Messrs Foley, Bates, Willink, Belcher, Bradbury, Barker, Quelch, Howell, Hayward, Johnson (Town Clerk), Arman (secretary).
…
The Secretary reported that the land in the Caversham Road, suggested as a possible site, could not be obtained for a lesser sum than £5000. He stated that it was understood that the Forbury Hill site would most likely be granted by the Town Council if desired.

The suggested designs sent in by the undermentioned gentlemen were on view and received consideration:

No. 1. Lt C H Perkins, ARIBA, Bracknell
2. J H Willett, Caversham
3. C B Willcocks, Reading
4. H Hutt, Reading
5. J H Carey & Son, Windsor
6. A N Arman (amateur), Reading
7. F G Belcher (amateur), Reading

A general discussion took place during which a scheme in connection with the new Caversham Bridge was referred to and explained by Mr Howell, and the suggestion was more or less supported by Mr Bates.

It was considered that the committee as a body should view the Exhibition of War Memorials at the Royal Holloway before coming to any conclusion, and it was thought that subsequently it should be debated whether a competitive design should be obtained by offering a premium and throwing the competition open generally, or whether it would be best to place the matter into the hands of some eminent artist to prepare a design and advise generally.

In order that some definite progress be made it was proposed by Councillor Quelch, seconded by Col Barker, that the site for the memorial should be the Forbury Hill in the Forbury Gardens, Reading. Carried.

The secretary was requested to make a formal application to the Town Council for the grant of the site in question. He was also requested to send a report of the committee meeting to the newspapers announcing the decision as to the site (subject to the approval of the Town Council).

Mr Hayward moved, and Mr Bates seconded, that Dr Stewart-Abram, the mayor-elect, be invited to join the committee. Passed unanimously.

The secretary submitted proposals, which were approved by the committee, to print and circulate throughout the county a poster asking that the names of Berkshire men for record on the memorial be sent to the vicars of the respective parishes; that the vicar of each parish in the county be asked to co-operate in obtaining the names of the men for record purposes; to print and circulate the suggested letter to the vicars of parishes together with the record card of which drafts were adopted. Similar applications for co-operation to be sent to the Comrades of the Great War and the Federation of Discharged Sailors & Soldiers.

Berkshire War Memorial Committee minutes (R/D134/3/1)

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by berkshirerecordoffice on 21 October, 2019  •  Permalink
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Posted by berkshirerecordoffice on 21 October, 2019

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