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Transcript © 2004 Hubmaker. All rights reserved.
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RECTOR'S WEEKLY NEWS
January 21st 1943
My
Dear Boys and Girls
The
sad news this week is that Frank Foster has had an accident in Ceylon;
and I am quite sure that I can rely on you all to remember him,
with me, in your prayers. The companionship of prayer is a very
powerful force. Undoubtedly, Frank, far away and feeling very lonely
in his far-off hospital will feel that compaionship if we give it
to him, and it will do him good. "In that day ye shall know
that I am in my Father, and ye in Me, and I in you". (St. John
14. verse 20). This and many other passages of the Bible, do really
show how very close we can get to each other through God. By Sacrament
and by prayer we can enter into that companionship.
With my love and prayers for you all,
ever your sincere friend,
L. N. Forse.
HOME
FRONT NEWS
We regret to say that on Monday Mr and Mrs Foster, Newsagents,
Manor House, had a cablegram from Ceylon saying that L/Cpl Frank
Foster is lying dangerously ill from a depressed fracture of the
skull. He is in a hospital in Ceylon. The Rector at once cabled
to L.A.C. Roger Watson who is also in Ceylon, asking him to get
leave and visit Frank. No further news to hand at the time of writing.
Muriel Iddon, Sutton Lane, still very seriously ill. Mr George Jones,
Blackgate Lane ( father of Marion ), died very suddenly on Wednesday
aged 60 years, and was buried at Tarleton on Saturday. Ruth Howard,
Sollom, was married on Saturday to Richard Baldwin, of Midge-Hall,
at Tarleton Parish Church. Reception afterwards at bride's home,
Jenkinson's Farm, Sollom. Dvr. Abraham Wright was married on Saturday
at the Tarleton Chapel to Annie Corner of Croston. Mrs Henry Caunce
Mere Brow (nee Annie Harrison) has had her baby girl christened
Jean, and Mrs Mullarky (nee Betty Taylor) her little boy John, Mrs
Hugh Southworth, Marshes Lane, Mere Brow, has a little girl - the
second. Churchwardens' Dance in Schools on Friday night in aid of
N.L. Fund. Harry Scambler,
Hesketh Bank, gave a huge rope of large onions, 6ft, long to be
raffled for. We thank him and the Churchwardens for their help.
Another guinea comes to the N.L. Fund in this way. Nick Latham found
a large mushroom, took it with him to 'the Bec', raffled it amongst
his friends for 6/-, Mrs Holdgate the landlady, winning it. She
then offered a box of 100 cigs which was raffled for 15/-. Cpl William
Whittle H.G. brought the money to the Rector. We thank all concerned.
The Rector has been officially appointed Hon. Chaplain to the 13th.
County of Lancaster Home Guard Battalion. It is a War Office appointment,
with the approval of the Commanding Officer and the nomination of
the Bishop. Tom Dickinson, R.N. home for 72 hrs leave. Harry Alty
R.N. home for ten days, O/S Gardner, (Longton) for ten days. Mrs.
James Parkinson (Mary Foster, sister of Frank, who married James
Parkinson of Kearsley Ave. and now lives at Penwortham) had a baby
daughter on Tuesday. She already has three boys. Mother and baby
both doing well but Mary has not yet been told anything abouts Frank's
accident.
EXTRACTS
FROM LETTERS
Gunner Harold Aspey writes, "I had a marvellous Christmas and
am quite well and happy. I would like to thank the Bowling Club,
M.U. and Conservatives for their generous gifts, I would like to
be remembered to all my pals through the N.L.". AC Charlie
Wright, (Tabby Nook), says "I would be very grateful if you
would thank through the N.L. the M.U., W.V.S., and the British Legion
women for their very welcome gifts. Also remember me to my pals
in the Services, Dick Blundell, Charlie Wright (Chuck), Frank Cairns
R.A.F,, and Robert Bond M.E.F. also to all the lads away."
L/BDR Dick Blundell writes "As you will see by the address
I have been promoted to the rank of Lance Bombadier, and now I am
in charge of our troop M.T. I get plenty of work but luckily it
is very interesting so, all round, life is not too bad except for
the cold weather. I always thought that the South was sunny, but,
believe me it is much colder than Lancashire. We have a big inspection
to-morrow
so I must carry on with spit and polishing. Please congratulate
Stan Quinlan for me on the birth of his baby, also remember me to
the Rowland Bros, Bert Fawkes, Vernon Ogden, John Iddon and Sid
Ball". Dvr Taylor writes from abroad to say "Your N.L,
which I received yesterday was the first mail to reach me since
I left England, and believe me it was welcome. Out here it gets
very warm in the daytime and very cold at night. Very nice for a
trip round, but give me grand old England and my grand old bed.
Please remember me to Arthur Worth in your next N.L., and also to
all I know in Tarleton and Hesketh Bank". Sapper Norman Barron
says in his interesting letter "You will remember that I promised
you a photo when I was at home, I had a look at your collection
in the Lady Chapel and appreciated them very much. I would like
you to remind George Barker through the N.L. that he never wrote
me the letter he promised about four months ago when I went to see
him in hospital, I have lost all touch with him now, but the N.L.
will find him no doubt, and I would also like to send my kindest
regards to all the lads in the Forces and especially to Jack Moss
and Bill Ellison who I believe, have gone overseas". Gunner
Arthur Harrison sends his letter from the bleak and barren north,
saying "I have not had a N.L. for two weeks and I am missing
them very much. My wife told me about the nice time you had at the
S.S. prize giving, and about taking cakes out to the troops stationed
at home. I only wish I could have been with you. Through the N.L.
please thank the British Legion Women, the M.U, and all who sent
me money for Christmas. I appreciated all very much." Stoker
William Hudson writes from "Somewhere at Sea" to say "Here
I am, just writing a few words to thank you for the N.L. which I
received to-day. Please also thank the Bowling Club for the 30/-
and the M.U. for the 5/-. I don't know how the weather is in Tarleton,
but it is pretty cold on the sea, but you get used to it. I would
like you to give Pte John Caunce all the best of luck in his training;
and here's wishing you and all the lads a very happy New Year".
Cpl Billy Benjamin R.A.F. begins his letter "Well, sir, I think
these few lines will cone as a surprise. I was very glad to get
home, and be able to serve at the Altar at Christmas, and it certainly
did seem like old times, but perhaps we shall all be home by next
Christmas We had quite a bad crossing on our way back, and I was
sick for the first time. I think that if I were told I was to go
into the Navy I would pass out, Would you please, if possible, convey
to my brother-in-law Harry Harrison, my best wishes for the New
Year and tell him to look after himself. Also my best wishes to
all the Tarleton boys in the forces, especially Ernie Ball and Jack
Hague. Dvr Dick Taylor ( Mere Brow ) writes "I hope you will
excuse me writing to tell you that I am not receiving the N.L. every
week. I have just come back from another 5 days embarkation leave.
I understand Harry Schwartzman is in hospital somewhere near here,
but I heard he was pretty bad when I was on leave." Harry is
still very ill, but there is every hope of a complete recovery.
He will however, not go back to sea again, at any rate for a very
long time. Your letters Dick, are always sent regularly, but you
will keep changing your address. Sapper Eric Edmondson says, "A
few of us have just returned from a Course. We were billeted in
civilian houses and I spent the best time I’ve had in the
Army while I was there. We are a bit 'browned off' tonight having
been travelling with full kit all day. It is nearly lights out so
I think I will close now." Pte George Farrington writes "I
thought I would just let you know my new address although I have
only been moved from one end of the camp to the other as I have
to stay here a few weeks more on a Driver’s course. By the
way, I have been put in the K.O.S.B., otherwise the King’s
Own Scottish Borderers". Gunner Robert Iddon says "You
will see by my address that I have left ---- and am much nearer
home. I have been home for the last two Sundays. We are here for
five weeks by which time we shall have learned to drive. I have
been on a big Leyland wagon which is quite different to the Ford
8 that I used to drive round Tarleton. It is open at the front and
on a frosty day nearly freezes my face off". AC2 Freddy Coupe
says "I have seen one or two rather good films lately; also
I won third prize at the Whist Drive last week. I got fifty fags
so it wasn’t bad going. Well, as you say in the N.L. lets
hope 1943 will bring a Victorious Peace, and a better world in the
future. Remember me to Roger Watson and Malcolm Parkinson".
O/Tel Ian Forse ( The Rector’s nephew ) writes "I am
always glad to receive the N.L. as I know quite a lot of the lads
mentioned. Speaking as one who has found out what it is like to
be miles from home 'alone and unloved' as it were, I can say that
the work you put into the N.L.s is worth it. I was delighted to
see Ernie Ball’s greeting to me, I’ve not forgotten
him, for I always liked him - greetings and good luck Ernie. I may
take you out somewhere yet, or better still bring you back. Keep
a good look out. I do, or rather vice versa. We have been escorting
something with a full moon in dangerous waters. I was glad to reach
port". Dvr John Caunce writes "On Wednesday they got us
out of bed at 4 a.m. we had breakfast at 4.30. |
