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Hesketh Rectory
Hesketh Bank
June 1944

My Dear Friends,
Another Whitsunday will have passed away before you get this newsletter, but its message remains, and it is indeed a message for us all in these days of war.
It takes its name from the Whit Sun, or Whit Sunday, the day when Christians have always commemorated the coming of God's Holy Spirit to the first followers of our Lord Jesus Christ. These first Christians called the Holy Spirit by a very good name 'the Paraclete', which means 'The Friend called to our side', a grand name for GOD. Jesus had said goodbye to them on Ascension Day but He promised that for those who trust Him, His Holy Spirit would be always with them, 'the Friend called to their side'. You and I need that Friend and He has promised to stand by us at all times, and never to let us down. He is the Divine Comrade giving us courage, patience, and strength, and simple though it may sound, He is to be had for the asking. Ask, then, and He shall be given you. Seek, and you shall find.
Yours very sincerely,
A P THORNE

POINTS FROM LETTERS.
Fred Carr writes from CMF, to say he is getting his NL regularly. He sends his best wishes to sister Ruby, cousin Ronnie and last but not least his old pal Tom Brewer, whom he reminds that he (Fred) has got more service in than he has.
Stoker W Melling hopes to be home soon, after two and a half years foreign service.
Bob Sharples (SE Asia) writes from the wilds to say how welcome the NL is there. He has just been entertained (May 4th) by the Waters sisters better known as 'Gert' and 'Daisy'.
Joe Power (May 12th) writes to congratulate Hesketh on the 'Salute the Soldiers' Effort, which he says, is just the extra which the soldiers want, to help in finishing the job. Joe was particularly taken up with 'Country Lad's' contribution in a recent NL. The place where he is stationed has two dozen houses, a shop, a pub, and a church, the last named being the only place worth looking at (Good for you, Joe).
Tom Hurst's last letter, dated April 12th from his hospital in Italy, arrived here only a few days before he himself finally "landed" in Station Road on May 25th. He appears to have made a marvellous recovery, and we are glad to see him back. He tells us in his letter of Easter Services "out there" and his Easter Communion, and sends a special message of good cheer to James Coulton, John Parkinson, Thomas Iddon, and Bob Sharples.
Harry Hoyle writes from Carberry, Manitoba, and speaks of the NLs as a "breath of home to this outpost of the Empire". On his leave he has visited Banff in the heart of the Rockies, with its unsurpassed scenery and wild life abounding, buffalo, elk, beaver, eagle and gopher (a special type of rat). While he was at Banff he had a swim in one of its hot springs in the open air during a snowstorm about 5,000 feet above sea level! Harry sends his best wishes to John Jackson, Harold Cookson and John Taylor MN.
Kenneth Baxendale has returned to England after enjoying six weeks in Northern Ireland. He asks for Cecil Cookson's address. Here it is, if it hasn't changed: Hut No. 17, D Squadron, Troop 12, 6 and 1st Training Regt. RAC, Stainton Camp, Barnard Castle, Co. Durham.
Ronnie Whiteside (CMF) sends us a real cheery one. "I am writing from my dug-out where there is the old log fire burning, as it is my night on duty, so while you good friends of old Lancs. are tucked away in your soft beds and clean white sheets I will be keeping old Jerry awake with our friend the 25-pounder and I am sure that in a few days we will see him out of this place and finally out of Italy. I have lately had a bit of an experience. I was in a train smash head on with an ammunition train, but thank goodness the ammo didn't go up, or else - I was not hurt at all. All the boys seem in high spirits, so again I say cheerio". Ronnie concludes by sending greetings to his pals Gordon Iddon and Leslie Bramwell.
Two letters since May NL from Leslie Bramwell. In the first he said how unlucky he was in not knowing that Tom Hurst had been in hospital not far from him before he changed his address. Leslie has been on leave in Cairo and enjoyed it immensely, the only trouble being with the shoe-shine boys who are evidently real pesterers! He also tells of an Arabic wedding when a man bought his wife from her father for £600. Heavier fees than Hesketh (Editor). In letter No.2 Leslie says he received one NL on Anzio beachhead. At the time of writing he was having a well-earned rest after being in action for six months. He has spent one day's leave in a place like Preston or Southport, seeing folks going around with their shopping baskets. He has also gazed at the wonders of Mount Vesuvius in eruption. The other night he was talking to a chap who knew W Baxter when he was a policeman in Bury, and he has also met a Corpl Dewhurst in the RE's from Southport. Leslie closes by sending greetings to Bert Miller, Tom Brewer, and Harry Buck.
Henry Whitehead's letter is dated March 11th. He reports more mud where he is than there ever was in all Hesketh out marsh. Henry and his brother Ralph do look forward to the NLs. They send their best wishes to all the lads.
Jim Sutton (Edith Dawson 's husband) writes "April 19th" from CMF. He has not met any Hesketh lads yet though very near them, but up to then he had met three Tarleton boys and he spent last Christmas in hospital in N Africa with Jack Wright. He too has gazed on Mt Vesuvius in eruption, with the flames and lava pouring out, and everything around covered with dust and ashes. He would like the Hesketh children to see the trees there laden with oranges and lemons. He is still at his job of repairing all kinds of engines. He sends special cheerio to Bert Miller.

NEWS FROM THE VILLAGE.
"Salute the Soldier" week passed off well for Hesketh Bank, £34,000 being invested during the week. The Target was £15,000. The week began on Saturday April 29th with a Whist Drive in the School, and a special send off by Captain Biggs, Assistant Public Relations Officer for the USA Forces in this country. Mr Herbert Parkinson presided, and a crowded room gave our American colleague a big welcome. On the following day, Sunday April 30th, there was a big Parade service at the church, consisting of Home Guard, ARP, WVS, NFS, and First Aid and the Parish Council etc, led by the Hesketh Bank Prize Band. The collections were all day for the Red Cross and amounted to £13. The band played for the National Anthem in church, taking up their position in the side Chapel.
On Thursday night, May 4th, the WVS gave a dance, making £15.3.0d, while on the Saturday the Home Guard wound up the week with a Whist Drive, making £44.4.6d. Both these sums were divided between the Red Cross and Comforts Fund.
The Day School Savings Group reached the total of £3349 during the week. Since the War began, our School Savings Group has invested nearly £18,000 in Certificates and Bonds.
Two certificates were given by Mr H Parkinson to the School Group for the best composition on 'How to Save'. They were awarded to Margaret Banister (Becconsall Lane) and James Cookson (Chapel Road). A'Bring and Buy' Sale organised by Mrs William Ball and Mrs Gautrey and opened by Douglas Iddon, took place in the CE School on Saturday April 22nd.Many good friends gave articles and cakes, and a Whist Drive was also held in connection with the Sale, the whole proceedings amassing the sum of £101. This was divided between the Comforts Fund and the Red Cross Prisoners of War Fund. Miss June Iddon presented a button hole of carnations to Mr Moses Johnson who presented the prizes.
We are sorry to have to record a number of deaths in the parish since our last NL. Miss Margaret Ann Leadbetter, Shoreside, aged 62 years. Mrs Mary Iddon, Jumps Farm, aged 79 years. Mrs Mary Topping, Silverdale, Becconsall Lane, aged 77 years. Mrs Alice Snaylam (mother of Mrs John Ashcroft, Newarth) aged 64, young Mrs Bert Miller Guide Road, aged 21 years, and little Marian Coulton, Chapel Road, aged 4 years. We ourselves, and you with us, pass on a message of comfort and cheer to all those who mourn.
We think that you would like us to send a special bit of sympathy to Bert Miller in the very sudden loss of his wife, and to the parents of little Marian Coulton. The Teachers and Scholars of the school sent a wreath for Marian's funeral.
Jimmy Rainford and Jennie Leadbetter are to be married at Hesketh Church on May 27th. Our best wishes go with them.
Congratulations on the following 'new arrivals': -
To Mr Mrs W Ball, Shore Road, a daughter. Mr Mrs Float, a son, Mr Mrs Eric Whiteside, a son. Mr Mrs Alf Iddon (Marion Stringfellow) a daughter, Mr Mrs R Buck a daughter, Mr Mrs W Baxter (Gladys Edmondson) a son, Mr Mrs Leslie Goring, a daughter, Mr Mrs Wilson (Irene Rigby) a son.
Eric Ashcroft (Chapel Road) has been wounded in Burma but is progressing favourably.
Bob Iddon has been awarded his Commission in the Royal Navy. Congratulations to him and to his parents.
Mrs W Edmondson, Chapel Road has been in Preston Infirmary for some time but is now home again and much better. Mrs B Buck is still in Sharoe Green Hospital. We wish them both complete recovery.
Mr Mason, Mill Lane, is winning quite a lot of prizes at the shows with his Dutch rabbits. He won the championship at Blackpool, and he has had £40 offered for one rabbit only 6 weeks old.
St Andrew's, Longton, are starting a Newsletter, so we wish them good luck.
Frank Taylor, Boundary Lane, has got his calling up papers for the Royal Navy.

"MARSH NEWS"
May 1944
For the first time since the last letter, I cycled down tonight on the Marsh and had a half-hour "survey". After a slight shower, which made it easier for onion weeding, quite a few people were "on the job". The "caulies" having had a good start, show signs, if their bright green colour is anything to go by, of doing very well. It must be years since oats on the whole, kept their colour so well. A few early sprouts have already been planted, and outside lettuce are being cut.
At the present time, the salmon aren't very plentiful.
Shellducks are nesting as usual down the rabbit holes in the bank. There are many more magpie nests in the trees along the old bank this year, which looks as though we shall have to have a shooting day! I have heard, though not seen myself, that a few Widgeon are nesting here this year, which is most unusual for this district.
DT

Bowling Club.
Fellow members and friends, this is the Bowling Green bringing you into line. Mr Moses Johnson is the President again but we have a new Chairman in Mr Joseph Taylor, and Vice-Chairman in Mr Thomas Taylor (Khiva, Moss Lane). They both take a real interest in the Bowling Green and in the War Comforts. The Official opening Handicap took place on May 13 th, shortly after 'Salute the Soldier' week. The opening game was played by the new Chairman and the retiring Chairman, the latter (Mr W Rymer) being the winner.
There were 54 entries for the Handicap, and the prize winners were Arthur Baxter first, W Baxter, second, Richard Banister, third, and Hugh Wignall, fourth. For League Bowling we have two teams 'A' and 'B'. The 'A' team was selected for the best 1943 averages, and consisted of W Baxter (Capt) E Edmondson, W Cookson, R Cookson, T Baxter, T Taylor (Moss), Geo Tiffin, and R Banister. Messrs W Rymer and W Taylor have withdrawn from active League bowling. The 'B' Team consists of Jas Johnson (Capt) D Wignall, H Coulton, J Jackson, F Johnson, Joe Watkinson, F Miller and K Bailey.
For the first match, under ideal conditions, the 'B' team beat the 'A; by 31 points, the 'A' only having one winner, the second match was reversed the 'A' team winning by the narrow margin of 6 points. On May16th the 'B' (at home) beat Holmeswood 'A' by 12 points, while on the same date 'A' (at Holmeswood) beat Holmeswood 'C' by 30 points. And so we go on with our game of Bowls in Hesketh Bank but while we play we think of you and will welcome you all back amongst us. God speed to you all.

Chapel News.
On May 10th there was a Youth Rally at Banks. The speakers from Hesketh Bank were Nicholas Rimmer and Jean Boston.
The Chapel Sunday School Anniversary was on May 7th. Preacher the Rev H J Ivons, FRGS, of Cardiff, who also gave a lecture on the Monday evening. "Youth faces the Post-war world". On Sunday afternoon a Demonstration Song Service "Castles in the Air", was given by the scholars, the organist being Mrs R C Wright. At the Lecture the Choir rendered two anthems, the Organist being Mrs W Iddon and the Conductor Mr Joe Watkinson.

Hesketh Church.
On Sunday May 21st, we had a visit from the Rev Monroe Peaston, the Organizing Secretary of the Church Missionary Society for this part of England. He preached in the morning and in the afternoon to the Sunday School, and again at two meetings at the Rectory on the Monday afternoon and evening. At these meetings he sold over £2 worth of missionary books, and the collections for the week-end came to £10 for the Society

A Morning Prayer
The day returns and brings us the petty round of irritating concerns and duties. Help us to play the men, help us to perform them with laughter and kind faces, let cheerfulness abound with industry. Give us to go blithely on our business all this day, bring us to our resting beds weary and content and undishonoured, and grant us in the end the gift of sleep.
Amen.

Patience.
Our anger and impatience often prove much more mischievous than the things about which we are angry or impatient.

Permanence.
It fortifies my soul to know
That, though I perish, Truth is so;
That, howso'er I stray and range
Whatso'er I do, Thou dost not change.
A steadier step, when I recall
That, if I slip, Thou dost not fall.

Security.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

PS.
Since going to press we have received two more letters, one from Leslie Bramwell (MEF) dated May 14th, and the other from John Rimmer, East Anglia, dated May 20th.
This is the third letter Leslie has written us in a month. This time he tells us of his visit to Jerusalem and the Holy Sepulchre, of desert football in the cool on the evenings, and of very hot days ' stripped to the waist and sweating like a bull'.
He has recently seen in 'the Southport Visitor' a photo of Richard Johnson, one of his school pals, who has been killed in action.
John Rimmer sends special congratulations on the success of Hesketh Bank's 'Salute the Soldier' week. He also wants to thank Mrs Bramwell and all concerned in the Comforts' Fund for the gifts he has received from them and he sends his best wishes to his brother David 'somewhere at sea' and to his old pal, Fred Tiffin.

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