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Victory approaches but when? In May victory
over Nazi Germany was not far away when the Rev. Hibbert wrote "You
will have seen in the papers the announcements made about V Day ('V'
being short for victory) as regards national holidays and a special
day of Thanksgiving for Victory in Europe. Mr. Simpson and I have decided
that on the day hostilities cease in Europe and V Day is announced to
hold a united service in the parish church in the evening at 8. Places
of worship will he open for anyone to come in at any time of the day
for private prayer and thanksgiving. Paper shortages cause cover change The usual cover (shown on the main history page of this site) was temporarily changed in February. As the vicar explained; "you will wonder what has happened to the parish
magazine when you receive the copy for this month, for it looks different to the accustomed one. The reason for this is that the printers have informed me that owing to the paper restriction, and the shortage of supply of that commodity, they have to curtail the size of our magazine. It may seem strange to many, as we are approaching the end of the war and victory we hope not so far off, that at this stage we should be obliged to restrict such a small matter as the parish magazine. But there it is, and neither the printers nor myself can do anything about it. However, we trust that it is only for a short period and when paper supplies can be had as before we shall be able to have our old cover back again and more space for parish matter and advertisements. I hope the advertisers will appreciate our position. The list of church officials will have to be omitted temporarily, and instead of the month's calendar I am just putting down a few 'dates to remember'.... So please excuse any omissions or shortness of notes about any parochial matter. At any rate the war cannot last for ever." Congratulations and good news In
May the vicar's letter included positive news "Paratrooper William
Bennett returned to his home a few days ago. He was captured at Arnhem
last year, and was taken to a prisoner-of-war camp in Silesia. Quite
recently he was released by the Americans. He has been through most
trying ordeals especially when the Germans marched the prisoners further
into the heart of their country. He is now glad to be at home with all
his dear ones. February's edition included a link to the past; "The son of my predecessor (the Rev. R P Farrow) has, I understand, recently received the OBE. We offer our congratulations to Mr. Jack Farrow, who is a naval officer, and it must have been a proud moment for Mrs. Farrow to have accompanied her son to Buckingham Palace to see him receive his decoration. Congratulations too, to L/Cpl. Maurice Spense who has been awarded Field Marshall Montgomery's Certificate of Merit for outstanding good service and devotion to duty during the campaign in France." The current vicar's son received an honour; "My wife and I appreciate very sincerely the many good wishes and congratulations we have received on the award of the Military Cross to our younger son, Raymond. Naturally, as any parents would be,we are very proud of him." August saw more good news; "Congratulations to the parents of Corporal T.J. Pool, RAF, who has been 'mentioned in dispatches', and of course to Corporal Pool himself. The father was 'mentioned in dispatches' in the last war. A beautiful little gift has been presented to the Children's Corner in the form of a book bound with olive wood covers containing pictures taken in Palestine and scenes of bible stories. There is an inscription in the book, ' A token for daddy's safe return. Muriel Bates, June 1945'. We welcome Mr. Bates home again after so long a time overseas, and I am sure his wife and Muriel are overjoyed to see him again. I am grateful for this lovely gift." |
Victory in Europe Celebrations Victory over Nazi
Germany dominated the June edition as the Rev. Hibbert wrote; "What
a great relief it was to so many of us when V.E. Day was announced !
A day that we had so long waited and prayed for. Although there was
sadness in many hearts because of those who will not return, and anxieties
for those still serving, fighting and suffering in the Far East, the
day was marked as a day of rejoicing and thankfulness. Enderby's Red Cross effort Many events were
taking place during the summer to raise money for the Red Cross. In
June the mother's union letter mentioned some; "Now for a word
of thanks to Mrs. Elliott and her committee, also Mrs. Hames in arranging
for an afternoon Whist Drive at the Conservative Club on May 1st. We
all had a very enjoyable afternoon and the proceeds from the Whist Drive
came to £4/9/0 for the Red Cross. The Queen of Festivals "After Good Friday comes Easter, the Queen of Festivals. It is a beautiful and glorious festival reminding us of Christ's resurrection from the dead and triumph over His enemies. His resurrection is a guarantee to us that we too will rise again, for by His sacrifice on Calvary and risen life He has opened the gates of heaven to all believers. In that 'other life' we shall meet our loved ones who have gone before, and that is the comfort to many who have 'loved and lost awhile'. Christ triumphed over evil things which were the cause by which he was nailed to the cross. His triumph is an earnest that whilst evil may in some respects gain the upper hand it will be ultimately be conquered. I have just been listening to a postscript to the news on the radio. It concerned the treatment of certain men in a prison camp in Berlin. Barbarity and cruelty are not hard enough words to use about the Germans responsible for these crimes. But now the mills of God are grinding slowly but surely against the perpetrators of wickedness. This is not to suggest that we as a nation are perfect, without fault or stain, but it is not to be denied that we took up the sword in this war for the righteous and just cause. In the end, good triumphs over evil, right over might, and that is one of the chief messages of Easter. It is more than a pity that some people do not even know what Easter is associated with. I read the other day that Dr. Joad, of Brains' Trust fame, recently mentioned that a questionary in a factory disclosed that nine girls out of ten girls did not know what Easter stood for. One asked 'What is it in aid of?' thinking, no doubt, it had something to do with a flag day." |
Victory over Japan brings an end to the war The vicar's letter
for September reflected on the final end to world war 2; "V.J.
Day came sooner than we expected, but it could not have come too soon.
We rejoice now that final victory has been won, and the war is over.
The war has lasted for nearly six years, and we have been through many
trials and perils. We thank God for the gallantry, bravery and devotion
to duty of all those who have served by sea, land and air, for our leaders
and those who have had great responsibilities to shoulder for so long,
and for those at home who have helped in various ways towards final
victory. And we do not forget the Allies who have played their part
magnificently in the struggle. A Church Youth Fellowship begins In 1944 the vicar has written about the dioceses encouraging youth fellowships. Enderby followed this call in March when it was noted; "Our church youth fellowship has made a start in it's activities, meeting in the junior School on Thursdays at 8pm., though in Lent the members are invited to attend the service in Church before proceeding to the school. Our numbers at present are small but we hope to increase in membership and usefulness as time goes on." 'Enderby Church Modern School' changed during headmaster's time In September the vicar reflected on the resignation of the headmaster and reveals a glimpse of the changes in the school up to that time; "Mr. Jackson has resigned the Headmastership of the Enderby Church Modern School. He has been Headmaster for twenty-six years, and during this time the School has advanced from being a senior school to what is now called a modern school, with senior scholars coming to the Enderby School from neighbouring parishes. Thus our school is an important one in the County. For some time past Mr. Jackson has felt the strain of the multifarious duties which have been placed upon him as Head, and his health has not been of the best. He has had to be responsible too for the School Centre, which is some distance away from the school. Many people think of the school hours and holidays and forget what has to be done "behind the scenes." I know something of this for I have seen it for myself. I was hoping that Mr. Jackson would have been able to continue for a little while longer, but having more than reached the time when he could retire the School Managers accepted his resignation with regret and with real appreciation for all that he has done for the School. I am only too sorry that he has not been able to see, and take part in, a new School at Enderby, and but for the war it is most probable that the new building would have been erected by now. The present building, excellent as it was considered to be in days gone by, is not adequate and suitable for present day requirements. Mr. Jackson has had the close support and willing co-operation from all the members of the staff', and they have worked harmoniously together for the good of the School. The many scholars who have passed through his hands will not easily forget the Headmaster who has always had their welfare at heart, and on their leaving school he has by no means lost touch with them, for he has guided and helped them in many ways. Apart from the School, Mr. Jackson has entered into the community life of the village, taking an important part in parish affairs in many different capacities, and we are glad to think that we shall not lose his valuable help in these ways." The vicar's presentation for 21 year's service The parish notes described a presentation where the church showed it's appreciation to the Rev. Hibbert; "The evening of Wednesday, April 4th, was thoroughly enjoyed by all parishioners and friends who attended for the presentation to the vicar and Mrs. Hibbert of a grandfather clock and a silver salver to mark the completion of 21 years at Enderby. The ladies' committee had worked very hard to make the evening such a social success and our thanks are due to them and all who helped on the entertainment side. Mr. Jackson supported Mr. Drummond, spoke very sincerely of the splendid work which the vicar had done, both for the church and the parish during the 21 years, and was very pleased to announce the appointment of the vicar as rural dean." |
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Rogationtide - A 'service' trip around Enderby A specific service was arranged each year to bless the crops, e.t.c. and in July the vicar's letter gave a description of the service as it moved around Enderby; "The weather cleared up wonderfully well in the evening, so we were able to hold a Rogationtide Service in the open air on Tuesday, May 28th. After a short service in Church the choir and congregation moved in procession to the Cross, where the Bishop of Leicester gave a short and most appropriate address. From the Cross we moved on to the Park, and a halt was made at a newly seeded pasture - the lesson from the Scriptures and the prayers were taken by Mr. Williams, representing the Free Churches. Another halt was made at a drinking trough for the cattle, by the side of the pond in the Park, and Mr. Winterbottom took the reading and the prayers here. Further on, with the Warren Farm in close view, a blessing was asked on the farmhouse and farmyard. Across the park, by the side of a cornfield, we stopped for a moment. Here Miss Dodman, a member of the Women's Land army, read a short lesson. Then we walked through the park, and across the road into a field, where in front of us were fields of potatoes, kale, angolds, and other roots. At this, and at all the halts, the Bishop gave the appropriate blessings. The procession then returned to the Church, and in the churchyard the Bishop pronounced the final Blessing. The singing of the hymns en route were accompanied by a few members of the Enderby Band, and I was especially grateful for their help. Mr. Christie, the Secretary of the County Young Farmers' Clubs, very kindly arranged for the attendance of the young farmers, and there was a very good attendance of them. Afterwards they had a little social amongst themselves in the Co-operative Hall. The Bishop seemed particularly pleased at the arrangements made, and many of our parishioners expressed the hope for the continuance of these Rogationtide services. Mr. Clarke, of the Warren Farm, was most helpful about it all, and gave us permission to go anywhere over his land for the itinerary of the Rogationtide procession." The church is given an invalid chair In June, the vicar gratefully acknowledged a gift to the church; "The ladies of the Enderby W.V.S. Red Cross depot, through Mrs. Pope, presented to the church an invalid chair. This chair is to become the property of the church, and is intended for the use of persons residing in our village, to be loaned or hired out at our discretion. I have asked Mr. Gilliver to be responsible for the hire and loan of the chair, and applications should be made to him. It is suggested that a charge should be made, namely 6d. per day. I am indeed most grateful for this gift which I am sure is highly appreciated." Diocese fund supported through a "sit in" and whist drives The diocese of Leicester was in need and Enderby church had been allocated a figure of £639 to raise over seven years. As rural dean (the level up from vicar), the Rev. Hibbert galvanised the churches efforts. A deanery gift service was held in June and the vicar 'sat in' church to receive gifts on behalf of the church to the fund. In September, he wrote "with regard to the diocesan appeal fund we are having four more whist drives at the vicarage this autumn and winter. It has been decided to hold these on the first Wednesday of the on this of October, November, December and February (1947)... the limit is sixty tickets (fifteen tables) each evening. Last summer these whist drives were very popular." Summer events in Enderby September's edition started "I an glad to know that many of our parishioners who were at the seaside during August week had much better weather than we had in Enderby, for it was quite unsettled here. There was a large crowd of people at the Gymkhana on August bank holiday Monday, but unfortunately the rain spoilt part of the proceedings. I understand, however, that the takings at the gate were quite considerable. The farmers are to be congratulated on arranging an interesting Gymkhana. Although it was not particularly warm, the fete arranged by the British legion in July was a success. Mr. Rowlett kindly allowed the use of his filed and paddock for this purpose. Miss Audrey Bunney looked very charming as this year's 'Queen'". Grateful Thanks July's edition acknowledges a gift of "A pair of brass candlesticks for the children's Corner, given anonymously. ''Deo Gratias for the preservation of a dearly loved one from many and great dangers, and for his safe return home. Te Deum Laudamus". |
A war memorial corner in Church In May plans to commemorate the fallen soldiers of Enderby were underway; "The Women's Voluntary Services, though Mrs. Pope, have decided to allocate the balance of their funds to certain objects for the benefit of the village. There was a special desire also to present an In Memoriam book containing the names of the Fallen in both world wars to be placed in the Parish Church. This is a splendid idea. Mrs. Pope is anxious that the book shall be as good a one as it is possible to procure. I have a little scheme in mind which, if acceptable, will make the War Memorial corner in Church a really worthy one. What I am asking now is that the names of the Fallen in this last world war, as printed below, should be checked by parishioners, and especially the relatives of those who made the supreme sacrifice, and if there are any corrections or omissions I want to be informed of these as soon as possible. I am well aware that some of the names relate to men who were not strictly Enderby men, but I think that it is better to be inclusive rather than exclusive. I have been told that some of the names as recorded on the tablet to the Fallen (1914-1918 war) in the Church refer to men who were not as we say "bred and born" in Enderby, so we could hardly do otherwise as regards the second world war. I have copied the names from the list in the Church Porch, and I will wait until the end of May before definitely giving the order for the book and the inscription of the names. It is hoped that the book will be ready and the names read out from it on Remembrance Sunday, November 10th.
In October, the vicar noted; "The Memorial Book, with the names of the fallen in both world wars, is completed and will be dedicated at this service. Its a very nicely bound book, and we hope that the oak cabinate which is being made by Mr. Insley, in the woodwork department at the school centre in Shortridge Lane, will be ready by then, so that the book is permanently placed there. The intention is to provide a little war memorial corner around the existing memorial for the first world war. " The December edition
reflected on it's dedication; "Several members of the W.V.S., British
Legion Men's and Women's Sections, Cadet Force, and Leicester and District
Branch of the Salonika Reunion Association were present. Major White
read the lesson. The Enderby Band was in attendance and played for part
of the service... Return home During the year soldiers were returning; "The men and women in the forces are coming home from demobilisation, through their release groups or some special scheme, and we give them a hearty welcome.. I like to know of those who are being demobilised, for I am taking a card of 'welcome' to their homes." |
Enderby village institute must have a caretaker or close A plea for a caretaker for the village institute in the May edition gives some information of the buildings history; "I have been asked through the medium of the magazine to appeal for a caretaker in respect of the Village Institute, in Cross Street. A caretaker is badly wanted , and if nobody comes forward it is possible that the Institute will have to close down. The Twenty-sixth Annual Meeting was held recently which shows how long the Institute has been in existence, and it would be a pity if it had to be closed. The building was originally the infant school for the village, and some years ago it was handed over to the parishioners of Enderby as a village institute. It has served a very useful purpose, though, of course, much could be done in way of improvements if sufficient money were available. It is hoped, therefore, that somebody will offer to take over the duties of caretaker, even if it is only five evenings a week." A call to make 'homes' for the 'boys' Mrs. Hibbert was much moved by the bishop of Leicester who had been to Italy to see the men who were still serving abroad. In July's mothers union section she wrote; "The bishop told us the main thing the boys out in Italy wanted to hear about was home. It is up to the wives and mothers of these men to see to it that they come home to a place worthy of the name, and where the guiding spirit in that home is a true and noble presence; and an influence for good. It has been said so many times that the government can build houses, but they cannot make homes. That is the woman's job." Harvest hit by weather In October, the vicar was looking forward to harvest thanksgiving although the harvest was not as successful as wished; "The harvest this year has given much anxiety on account of the weather, especially in the cornfields, but there has been a plentiful supply of fruit and vegetables. The farmer has had a most trying time and we do sympathise with him in his endevour to 'gather in the fruits of the earth in their season'. All the same there is need for thanksgiving to God. If the harvest has not been so good as we hoped it would be, or if in some places it has been almost a total loss, yet in other parts of the world we read of really good harvests and ingathering of crops." Those who gave their lives Even after the war had been won, tragic news is mentioned in the magazine; "No definite news has been received by Mrs. Margaret Gilliver about the death of her husband, F/Sergeant Harry Gilliver. He was reported missing some months ago, but now he is presumed killed. How hard it has been for the wife and parents, very few can realise! He was the only son of our verger, and he will always be missed in the home. But they have all been brave, and their grief has not made them at all hard or bitter; in fact they have entered into the joy of those whose dear ones have returned home safely. Our thoughts and prayers have been with them, and Divine Strength has been given to them." A new boiler requires more fundraising In November 1945 there was a new reason to raise funds for the church; "Sad to relate, the heating apparatus in the Church has gone wrong. The boiler leaks very badly and cannot be repaired satisfactorily. So a new apparatus has been offered and will be erected as soon as it can be obtained. I hope it will not be long delayed as the cold days will soon arrive. Mr. R.W.West is acting as hon. treasurer for the new boiler fund, and already he has received to anonymous gifts of £5 and Mrs. AL Taylor has kindly sent £2/2/0... Mrs. J Ashmore, with the help of the Enderby and Lubbesthorpe Farmers and their wives, is kindly arranging a Whist Drive for this fund." It was not until September that the vicar could write that; "the new boiler for the church has arrived, and at the time of writing it is being placed in the boiler house. This is something to be thankful for, and all being well we should be kept warm in the church on Sundays this coming winter. Mr. West will be glad to receive further subscriptions for the boiler fund." New churchyard gates In November, a promise was received from the Drummond family; "Captain Drummond has graciously promised to present the new churchyard gates, in memory of his son, Captain Frederic C Drummond, the Leicestershire regiment (King's African Rifles), who fell at Moyale, Somaliland, in July 1940. The gates are now being made." |
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