Hopes for a happier new year

The Rev. Hibbert greeted his readers in the January magazine with hope and concerns; "I ended my last letter with wishing you a Happy Christmas. I start this one with wishing you a happy new year. May it be a happier one than 1946! For although the war was over there were many who were still serving overseas and were not demobilised until well into the year. I know that there are some who are yet to be demobilised, and calling up of young men of eighteen takes several away from their homes, also the world has by no means settled down after the struggles of 1939-1945. There is much unrest almost everywhere, and many countries are beset with difficulties which they find it hard to overcome. Yet in spite of all these things we look forward to brighter and happier times, and so may 1947 lead us on to them!"

The old cover returns

In January, the shortages in paper had abated sufficiently for the magazine to return to its old cover, which had had to be used for advertising from 1945. "You will be pleased, I am sure, to see the Parish Magazine in something like its former state. The cover we were accustomed to is back in use once again, and I am personally pleased to see it. It is quite an attractive one. Miss Sloan, some of you will remember, was responsible for the sketch of the church, and her friend, who was at a school of art in London, worked the Celtic design."

The 'Lightbearers' - church drama

In December, the vicar noted the success of a dramatized service; "So many parishioners appreciated the little dramatized service, Lightbearers, which was given on November 9th, and have asked for a repeat performance.. I think many were impressed with the beautiful simplicity of the dramatized service, and the symbolism it tried to portray. We shall try to add just one or two more episodes next time.

Mr. Derek Burman had spent a lot of time over the production and the result well repaid all his efforts... I am very grateful to him, for young as he is he seems to understand what is required in these matters. All the players did their parts very well, from oldest to youngest."

Prisioners-of-war held in Enderby

The magazine often contains brief sentences on things that people knew of at the time but can be new 'news' to us later on. The problem is that you want to know more than the short information that is printed. This is the case for a sentence included in February's vicar's letter;

"Some of the prisioners-of-war at the Enderby Hostel made delightful toys in their spare time and these were brought to Mr. Simpson and myself for distribution just before Christmas." No other mention is made of these prisoners in any edition of the magazine.

Dedication Service for Women's Legion banner

In December, the vicar looked back to a dedication service; "The dedication service of the Standard of the Women's Section of the British legion on November 2nd created much interest in the village. As there were so many visitors from other branches in the county there was little room in the church for parishioners apart from the members of the Legion. I am privileged to perform the dedication ceremony, and the Rev. A Turner preached an appropriate and stirring sermon. When the fittings can be obtained the Standard will be hung in line with the men's standard in the war memorial corner.

Good wishes and a canine lesson at the end of the year

The mother's union section looked forward into the coming year; ;"I do very sincerely wish you all a very happy Christmas and brighter new year.

In spite of food rationing and hard times ahead we all can be thankful that, in spite of everything, this Christmas is a peaceful one, and the horrible fighting is over. But let us not forget those dear boys still serving wherever they may be, especially those in Palestine. Many mother's hearts are still anxious. Please let us go forth, as our dear President, Mrs. Lyons, told us, to be a witness to God's goodness to us, for we have so much to be thankful for.

May I quote a very good story I heard about a sheepdog who won a gold medal, and why he won? 1. It took longer to start than the others. It lay at the shepherd's feet, watching and learning until quite sure of it's master's will and then go darting out to do it. 2. Despite all difficulties it never barked. 3. It never stopped wagging it's tail. This is a lesson for all of us to learn - watch and wait on our master's will and then go darting out to do it.

We must encourage each other to go out full of joy, patience and courage into the world that is full of turmoil and anxiety, and the witness we are able to give will indeed help others."

The vicar produces a 'coming-of-age' film

The Diocese of Leicester had been created in 1926 (you can see the year's review in this site). To celebrate it's 21st year, the diocese was intending to something special for it's 'coming of age' and the vicar enthusiastically started producing a film of the diocese to celebrate the event and raise funds; "As most of you know I have been busy this summer in making a film for the diocesan coming of age. It has been a bigger task than I anticipated, for my travels have taken me practically all over the County.

I have taken 'shots' of anything interesting in church and village life that I have read about or heard of, and I have included in the film a little of some of the industries of the city and county of Leicester. Also sport, such as cricket, bowls and tennis. As regards Enderby itself, there are pictures of the rogationtide procession, old S. John's church and the vicarage, the mediaeval pack horse bridge, 'shots' taken at the quarry, a long distance view of a cricket match in progress, ladies bowls match and so on. All these local items have been put in to make the film as interesting as possible. I do hope to show the film in various centres in the diocese in order to create a further interest in the coming of age, and also to increase efforts on behalf of the diocesan appeal.

In connection with the coming of age there are to be special services at various centres in the diocese. Some of us will be able to attend the services at the Cathedral in the evening of November 5th and I hope we can get a bus load to go to Lutterworth on October 30th, when the Bishop of Stafford to be the preacher."

In November, a dramatized service occurred called Lightbearers which is mentioned elsewhere in this year's review. Also the magazine asked for help with another method of celebration; "There is to be a peal on our Church bells on October 25th, the coming of age. Similar peals will be rung in many Churches. Mr. W Salt, junior, is anxious for a few more bellringers. Will anyone willing to ring or to learn the art of bell ringing please get into communication with him?"

Winter weather causes trouble

April's magazine reflected on the winter months that appear to have been particularly harsh that year; "We have experienced some very severe weather lately that has been most trying. But now with the coming of Spring we can look forward to brighter and warmer weather, and we have been promised a good deal of sunshine this summer. We certainly deserve a lovely summer after all that we have gone through.

With frozen outlets the water poured into our church and caused a lot of trouble and inconvenience, although our troubles are nothing in compared with the trials that many up and down the country had to endure."

The Duke of Rutland opens Enderby's Gymkhana

By now the Gymkhana had become an annual event in the August bank holiday and this year an aristocrat opened the proceedings; "It kept fine, fortunately so, for the Gymkhana in Enderby Park on August bank holiday, and quite a large crowd assembled. The annual event attracts many from other parishes as well as from our own parish. It was a special attraction to have the Duke of Rutland to open the Gymkhana this year, with the Duchess present too. Captain Drummond, Mr. Jackson and Mr. Meek spoke of a Village Hall, for which the proceeds of the Gymkhana are intended. It will take some year's to raise the money required, but the object is a necessary one."

Maybe the last cot from Enderby given to the Infirmary

In August, the dawn of the much needed NHS brought a change; "I was privileged to dedicate another cot, probably the last now that the state has taken over the hospitals, at Leicester infirmary, on July 17th. I believe that I have been privileged to dedicate all the beds and cots which have been subscribed for by the parishioners of Enderby and Lubbesthorpe. On this occasion Mr. Timmins performed the unveiling ceremony."

Enderby's vicar is appointed as a Cannon of Leicester Cathedral

The parish notes for January announced an important moment for the vicar who had served Enderby for so many years; "As recognition of his twenty four years of faithful and untiring service to the Parish, and as a tribute to his good work for the Diocese, especially as Rural Dean, the bishop has appointed the vicar a Cannon of Leicester cathedral."

In February, the Rev. Hibbert could write; "Although it was a very wet evening several friends and parishioners came to my Institution and Installation at the Cathedral. I much appreciated their presence, interest and support, and the further good wishes I received."

Estonian Marriages in Enderby

In September the parish notes recalled something different for Enderby Church; "Less than a year ago an Estonian couple were in married in our church, and much interest was taken in this wedding because it was something quite out of the ordinary. On August 7th, another wedding was solemnised and we wish both Mr., and Mrs. Kersten much joy and every blessing in their marriage. The Estonian padre missed the train from Sommerset, and arrived just as the vicar has almost concluded the Church of England marriage service. But he was able to speak to them for a few minutes in the language they know best, and gave them his blessing. The Estonian marriage customs are something different from ours. Both bride and bridegroom come together to the church, and both receive a ring on the third finger of their right hand, placed there by the officiating minister."

Young People's Communicants' Guild lacks support to continue

January saw the abandonment of one of the churches groups; "It is so disappointing to me that many young folk who are confirmed so soon tire of coming to Holy Communion regularly. They start well, but soon give up. Our Young People's Communicants' Guild has not been continued for lack of interest. Parents generally do not help their children by coming to communion themselves, or encourage them as they should. Dances and 'pictures' are all very well, and I should be one of the last from discouraging young people from attending them, but because of a late return to the home on Saturday night they do not want to get up early in the morning. If there is no sacrifice in our religion very little good can be derived from it."

Scouts camp out in Enderby Park

"It was a pity that the weather was cold and wet for most of the time when a party of scouts camped in Enderby Park, for the weekend, May 29th and 30th. The bad weather prevented many people from being present at the opening on the Saturday afternoon, also the short service in the park on Sunday Morning. However in spite of this, I am sure the scouts enjoyed their weekend camp"

Socials arranged for the old folks and widows of Enderby

In February, the vicar was able to mention events for the older inhabitant of Enderby; "Early in December a social was given to the old folks and widows of the village. This was arranged by a committee, including Mr. Capers as chairman and Mr. Sanderson as Hon. Secretary. I believe this is the third of these socials, which is a means of bringing the older people of the village together for fellowship and enjoyment. The refreshments and concert were first rate.

The Old Members' Tea and Concert given by the Co-operative Society on January 10th must have been the biggest ever, for the hall was packed to overflowing. The Society always provides an excellent tea and entertainment. An opportunity is always given to the clergy and ministers to say a few words. Unfortunately, I was absent this year as it was the day of my Installation at Leicester Cathedral." (He was made a cannon of Leicester Cathedral).

More advertisers

Some trade advertisers appear in the local section of the magazine after the war. Two are shown here;

Enderby events are a success

June's edition remarked on successful events in Enderby; "The weather was much better this year for the Secondary Modern School Sports on may 11th. Much interest and enthousiasm was taken in the sports by both the members of the teaching staff and the scholars.

The crowning of the Enderby 'Queen' by Mrs. Pope took place at the Cross amidst glorious sunshine on Whit-Monday. The Queen (Miss. Audrey Sullivan) and her attendants looked very charming as they were driven through the streets of the village, preceded by the Enderby Band. The British Legion Fete and Gala was a great success and the financial result was particularly good."