The Comforts fund sends postal orders to Enderby troops

As you may have read in the 1940 review a 'comforts tin' was used to collect money through out 1940 and in January one of the uses of the money is mentioned;

"Through the comforts fund postal orders to the value 12/- (2/- coming from the children), with a card of Christmas greeting, have been sent to each person serving in the Forces. This will help cheer their hearts and show that they are not forgotten. We wish them good health and prosperity in the cause for which they serve, and a safe return home when the conflict is over."

The Advertisers of the war years

We only have the local section of the whole magazine in the bound copies but we catch a glimpse of other advertisers in May as the local section is extended for the accounts;

The bishop sits in the cathedral for war damaged parishes

"On Sunday, May 11th, the Collections will be devoted to the fund in aid of Dioceses and Parishes which are in distress through air raids.... This is one way we can give a helping hand to the parishes where bombs have done so much damage to Church life and work. The Bishop will sit in the Cathedral (D.V.) on May 21st to receive gifts from the parishes of the Diocese and individuals. I hope that our gift will be a worthy one and if you are not able to come to our church on May 11th, do please send your contribution either on this day or as soon after as possible. If not on the 11th it can left at the Vicarage. The Bishop and his committee have a unanimous desire to help hard hit parishes in other Diocese and be in a position to give assistance in this diocese if there should be need."

Parish tea cloth

In March the magazine mentions a cloth "It may interest the parishioners and friends of Enderby to know that the cloth that Miss Turton so kindly made and embroidered the names on the same, realised £9/14/0, there being 388 names. It will now be in use at teas and sales of work e.t.c.

The names have been recorded in a book as well as on the cloth. The money as you know, went to the sanctuary and organ fund. It will be a lovely thing to hand down in the parish from one generation to another, having the late bishop's name on it and also the Coronation year of our King and Queen."

It would be interesting to hear of what happened to this cloth. If you know please contact the webmaster via the contacts page of this web site.

Rationing means no 'Big Spreads"

"I wish to thank Mrs. Cooper and her helpers and friends for providing a nice little tea for the confirmation candidates. In these days of rationing we could not gave them a 'big spread' but a cup of tea and a sandwich were most acceptable"

An Easter message from 1898 is relevant in 1941

In July the Rev. Hibbert was also looking at past parish magazines;

"Quite recently I came across an old bound copy of our parish magazine, through the kindness of a parishioner, and in 1898 Mr. Aylward, a former and much loved vicar, wrote about the Holy Communion in connection with the Easter Festival. And so I thought that I would publish an extract from it in this month's magazine.... Apparently he considered it necessary to write upon this subject, just as I do at this moment."

The Extract was from "Enderby Parish Magazine", 28th March 1898;

"On Easter Day - the Christian's great festival of joy and triumph - the Holy Communion, the Church's greatest service of praise and thanksgiving, will be administered at 8, 9.30, and after the morning service. Again, I would appeal, with all earnestness, to the Communicants of the parish, not to refuse this invitation to approach the table of their Lord. It is specially sad to see the parents of those who have been confirmed, seldom or never setting their children the example of coming to that most Holy Feast. May God the Holy Spirit put it into the hearts of many, who have of late grown cold and careless in this matter, to make a fresh start this coming Easter Day, and to maintain it during the years to come! What an Easter Day it would be for me if I could know that I had administered the Holy Communion to all the communicants in the parish, who were not unavoidably prevented from being present."

A Day of National prayer

The vicar wrote for the April edition just before a day of national prayer: "My dear friends, I am writing this letter on the eve of the Day of National Prayer, the fourth we have had since the beginning of the war. The King has called his people to prayer once again, and not only to prayer for the stern and testing days that lie ahead, but also for thanksgiving for the blessings already received. There is much to thank God for, and not least the heroism and the courage of our fighting forces and the civil defense services, as well as the ordinary civilian. We have already been through testing times, and in spite of all the havoc and suffering that war brings in its train, our people have shown marvelous courage and fortitude. And is on this day of national prayer another opportunity is given to us to dedicate ourselves afresh to the stern service now required of us. 'Hitherto God has helped us' and it is only by his help, brought to us by prayer, that the powers of evil can be defeated. If we are to God' s instruments we must draw our strength from him in penitence, trusting in the might and power of Christ, the Prince of Peace.

Good Friday and Easter will soon be here. The tragedy of Good Friday, with all its sadness and sorrow ended in the triumph of Easter. Let that be our strength and stay in these days of war, and one day, please God it may be soon, the mists and clouds will be dispelled and sun will shine through. 'Let England be for God, and God will most assuredly accept and guard the soul of England."

Those who gave their lives

April's parish notes included sad news "Mrs. Hibbert has written in her Mother's Union letter about the great trouble that Mr. and Mrs. Neale have sustained. Eric was their only child, and the loss to them is almost irreparable. When he was reported 'missing' some time ago there was just the hope that he was alive. Then came news of him being a prisoner of war ; and now the report of his death. How we do feel for these sorrowing parents! Words can hardly express what we do feel. Mr. and Mrs. Neale are so much liked and appreciated by their friends and so staunch in their religious faith. It will take a long time for their wound to heal, if ever, but we offer them our heartfelt sympathy and prayers and trust that God will shower upon them that comfort and true consolation which He alone can bestow."

In July the letter noted "Lady Scott, a sister of Mr. Drummond, has recently received news that her only son , 2nd/lieut. Merlyn Montagu Douglas Scott, of the Rifle brigade, has been killed in action in the Middle East...... News has also been received that Able Seaman L.R. Jarvis, whose father lives in George Street, Enderby, has been reported missing, presumed killed. We truly sympathise with Mr. Jarvis and family in the big trouble that has come to them, as well as to the wife of Supply Chief Petty officer K.C. Parssells, who was reported missing presumed killed on war service at the same time. Mrs. Passells came with her small family to live in Enderby temporarily some little time ago. We commit all these sorrowing ones to the merciful consolation of the Heavenly Father."

New years reflection recommends the psalms in times of trouble

January's vicar's letter began; "May the year 1941 bring us through the stress and strain of war to more hopeful and peaceful times!

No one can say when the war will end, we can but hope and pray that the end will not be long delayed. Are we, as individuals, doing all we can to deserve God's blessing of peace? In spite of all the havoc and suffering that war brings in it train, so many people do not seem to be turning to God and accepting Him as Guide and Counsellor, as well as sovereign Lord of all. How can we expect God to help us if we do not walk in His ways?

May I commend the Book of Psalms? I find it so helpful in these days of stress and trouble. Here are a few quotations; 'The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom then shall we be afraid'" (and there are many more quotes).

"The Psalms have comforted the hearts and strengthened the faith of many all down the ages. May they comfort and strengthen you in these bewildering and momentous days! One day, soon we hope, the clouds of war will be dispersed and the blue sky of peace will be over us, and great will be the joy of those who have learned to lean upon God."

War time tea for scholars

"We had fine days for our little parties on the Vicarage lawn.... It was very pleasant to see the (Sunday school) scholars enjoying themselves, and an excellent war time tea was provided. Afterwards, several games and sports were carried out until quite late in the evening... When the war is over I trust we may be able to renew our Sunday School outings to Wickstead Park and such like places, but war time measures prevent such pleasures nowadays. At Christmas I am hoping to arrange a little party for the scholars. It did not seem possible last year as the school was not then completely blacked-out."

Enderby 'Harvest Camp'

Help was needed to bring in the harvest during the war. In October the magazine noted some helpers; "Several school girls from Leicester have attended a 'harvest camp' in our village for a month. They seem to have enjoyed the experience, and I hope they have rendered some useful service. I have visited the 'camp' three or four times, and on the last occasion one of the mistresses in charge was full of praise for the kindness and neighbourliness of Enderby people."

Mothering Sundays without family

"March 15th is Mothering Sunday, and at 6 O'clock we shall hope to have our Mothering service, hardly a Family Service nowadays as so many sons, and several daughters, are away serving their country in the forces. But we shall particularly think and pray for our loved ones who are away from home. Let this be a real Mothering Service this year, and let us join together with as many members of our family as is possible, to pray to Him 'who is the only giver of victory, and canst save by many or by few'.

We are having our 'ups and downs' in this war just now, and it seems more 'downs' than 'ups' , but let us not be discouraged or disheartened. One day, please God, the clouds will be dispelled and the light will shine through. Keep close to God, learn afresh the real joy and comfort that prayer brings, be trustful and confident in God's power and love."

Thanksgiving for a good harvest and rationing!

"The Harvest Thanksgiving will be held on October 4th, and we have good reason this year to make it a real thanksgiving. The harvest of corn and fruit, e.t.c. seems to have been a good one and we have cause to be grateful for these blessings. It will help to provide us with a plentiful supply of food in these days of war, and also help to relieve the problem of shipping. Eventhough we have to go without many things that we have been accustomed to have in peace time, and certainly things in the nature of luxury, we have been supplied with the needful things of life as regards food. Rationing is good for us, because it means that we all have an equal share. Of course it is not perfect, and there are some anomalies, but on the whole it is working very well, and instead of complaining about some items in connection with food, fuel and clothing, we should remember with gratitude that we are receiving the things that we need. A Harvest Thanksgiving reminds us of God's gifts through nature, for without God's blessing all our labour would be in vain."

Enderby Girls Training Corps

In August the Rev. Hibbert welcomed a new youth organisation to Enderby; "Mrs. Harris has got together a large company of the G.T.C. (Girls Training Corps) and it seems to be taking on very well. The members are very keen and I am sure Mrs. Harris is 'putting her heart and soul' into it. It is a pity that there is not a similar organisation for boys and young men in the village. Such a few sent in their names that a company could not be formed."

Those who gave their lives

In February the vicar's letter mentioned bad news; "News came through recently that Mr. Harold Greasley had died on active service. He lived for a time with his sister, Mrs. Rowley, and to her as well as to Mrs. Eric Handley we offer our deep sympathy. He was well liked by all who knew him.

Mrs. Hinton has heard that one of her sons is missing. We only hope that soon she and her husband will hear that he is safe and well." In August worse news arrived; "News has been received by Mr. and Mrs. Hinton and Mr. and Mrs. Wells that their sons, Fred Hinton and Thomas Wells, have died on active service. We do indeed offer them our heartfelt sympathy. War always brings tragedy and sorrow, but when it touches our nearest and dearest the distress is very keenly felt."

The obituary for April ended; "News recently came through of the death on active service of Mr. A. Russell. He was married at the Parish Church only a comparatively short while ago to Miss. Dorothy Billingham. Their married life was very brief, and we offer our heartfelt sympathy to Mrs. Russell in her bereavement."

The worry of war

The vicar's wife wrote "I should like to thank you in this letter for the kind enquiries of our dear son. Such kindness and sympathy in the last few weeks of anxiety has been a great help to both the vicar and myself, for we both know only too well what anxious and heavy hearts so many of you carry in these sad days of waiting for news of your dear ones.

The news has been so much better that in spite of all, we have felt cheered and filled with pride for all the brave deeds that have and are being done, so on Christmas morning let us lift our hearts in thanksgiving to God for all his mercies to us. We have so much to be thankful for, have we not, when we hear what other countries are suffering.

The price goes up but the content goes down.

July saw a decision on the price of the magazine; "Mrs. Spencer and I have discussed the matter of the Parish Magazine and we think the price of the magazine ought to be raised to 3d. per copy from October next. The reason being that even at the increased price of 2 1/2 d the magazine would run at a loss. Until the last two or three years it has paid its way with a small profit, but now with increased costs of printing and a decrease in advertisements, there has been a deficit at the end of the year."

The magazine came with inserts and these were affected by the war as well. "Like so many newspapers and periodicals, owing to war time conditions, the Magazine with the insets of 'Home Notes' and 'Diocesan leaflet' is not so full of reading matter as it used to be, but that cannot unfortunately be avoided. I truly hope, therefore that you will still wish to take the magazine, but if you feel that you must discontinue taking it will you please let the distributor know as early as possible? An extra halfpenny is not really very much, yet it will make all the difference between running the magazine at a profit or loss.. It is the medium through which you can keep in touch with the affairs of the church and parish, and I do try to make the magazine interesting, helpful and personal."

The Church bells celebrate victory

The magazine for December could announce that the bells had been allowed to ring out; "After having been silent for two years our church bells rang out on November 15th to mark the victory in what the Prime Minister has called the Battle of Egypt. Unfortunately, with taking my usual service at Blaby Institution, at which on this occasion the members of the A.R.P. (Air Raid Patrol) Wardens' service in that part of the parish attended, I was not able to hear the ringing of the bells. I hope that the next time they are rung it will be to celebrate the final victory of the allied nations over the forces of evil. And, please God, may that time be not far distant. There may be hard times still to come and great difficulties to surmount, but the ringing of the bells was requested not only for national rejoicing but to spur us on to further effort until final victory is achieved. In a recent postscript to the broadcast news a certain Major General gave us a simple and homely motto, 'keep on keeping on'. And that is the message of the bells on November 15th. I am very grateful to all who came to help in the ringing of the bells. As a matter of fact more ringers turned up than there were bells to ring."