From the Parish Magazine of February 1872.

“A Good Example. In these days of active rivalry and close competition in trade, it is pleasing to note individual instances of conscientious self-denial for the general good. There
are, we are happy to say, two Inn-keepers in this neighbourhood who close their houses on Sundays. For a long time past, as we have reason to believe, Mr A Brooks, of the “Five Bells” Wickham, has (to his honour be it spoken) drawn no beer on Sundays, and this excellent example has lately been followed by Mr J Hutchins of the “Wheat Sheaf” Chilton. The value of such a system is very great, and God’s blessing will surely attend it, for the evil effects of Sunday drinking, both to the publican, and his customers, can hardly be exaggerated. Happy indeed would it be for this country, if we could see public-houses thus generally closed, and this temptation to desecrate the Lord’s day, removed from the people. We are sure, too, that the first to realise the blessedness of this, would be the publicans themselves, thus enabled for one day in the week, to enjoy undisturbed, the peace and quietness of their own homes”.

From the Parish Magazine of February 1896.

“The Christmas treats to the Sunday school children were given on Tuesday and Wednesday January 28th and 29th, it being considered unwise to have them earlier on account of the epidemic of scarlet fever in the Town. The girls and infants numbering about 140, were entertained on Tuesday, and the boys to the number of 60 on Wednesday. After tea and “crackers” the children on both evenings went into the boys’ schoolroom, where Magic lantern views were shewn them by the Vicar and Mr Brindley, the humorous and amusing ones being received with shouts of delight by the children. At the conclusion, a bun and orange were given to each child and all went home well content at having spent such a pleasant evening. The Vicar wishes to offer his most grateful thanks to the assistant clergy, Sunday school teachers, and friends who willingly gave their help and worked so hard to make the treats a success, and also to Mr G E Platt who kindly lent the tables etc. The Tea, Cakes, &c were supplied by Messrs Alexander, and Jessett, and Miss Winkworth, who also generously gave 100 oranges to the children”.

“The Old Peoples Tea took place on Tuesday January 7th, in the Corn exchange, when about
160 people over the age of 55, sat down to a most excellent repast, which was thoroughly
appreciated by all present. A large number of ladies presided at the different tables, and a
willing band of helpers vied with one another in attending to the peoples wants. The viands
were cooked as in former years by Mrs Fruen, and a welcome surprise in the shape of hot
Christmas pudding for all, was provided by Mrs Gray. Tea being over, tobacco and snuff
were dispensed all round and a couple of hours were very pleasantly passed in songs and
recitations. Miss Appach very kindly came over from Elcot and sang six old English ballads,
for which she received quite an ovation, and capital songs and recitations were given by
Messrs. Higgs, Jessett, Chisell, Batt, Scott, and others. All united in thinking this years tea
beat the record”.

More from the Archives next quarter.

Fred Bailey