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Hesketh Rectory
Hesketh Bank
September 1944

My Dear Friends,
Last month I said "Things are moving in the War, and we are all full of hope". I think that without any wishful thinking we now change 'moving' into 'galloping'. The end of the business is in sight, and we are getting very expectant.
On Sunday September 3rd, there are special services of Prayer and Thanksgiving being attended by large congregations of the Home Guard and Civil Defence Services. This Day is a call to Continued Prayer.
All good wishes to each one of you. I append a Special thought on Thanksgiving, passed on by a friend.
Yours very sincerely
A P THORNE

THANKSGIVING
As we prepare this Newsletter we are thrilled by the news of the victories which your loyalty, devotion, suffering, and service are winning for us, and for all the enslaved peoples of Europe. God is speaking in the language of events to an astonished world.
Let us pray that we may be found worthy of a complete and final victory, that together we may build a nobler and happier world wherein may dwell Righteousness and Peace.

POINTS FROM LETTERS
Leslie Bramwell has written to us twice this last month. He tells us of a visit to St. Peter's, Rome, which impressed him greatly, particularly the climb to the top nearly 450 feet, and the pictures on the walls particularly 'The Last Supper'. He has seen the King (our King) for the fourth or fifth time during the war.
One day after a very arduous route march they were rewarded by a visit to a monastery built by St. Francis. A monk took them round and Leslie seems to have found it as interesting as St. Peter's. He wishes to be remembered to Eric Ashcroft, and Tom Rimmer. He hopes it will not be long before he sees Eric again, and he asks Tom if it is warmer in France than the kilns of the brick works. He fancies now a ride up Croston.
J W Parkinson writes from Southern England. He says that the people round him have stood up to the Flying Bombs magnificently, the people up North have a lot to be thankful for. He greets William Bailey and looks forward to more Bowling together later. Also Harry Buck, Ralph and Harry Whitehead, James Coulton and his pal Tom Hurst. He is very glad to hear that Tom is improving. George Taylor (July 15) writes on St. Swithun's day to say the sun is shining in a cloudless sky, so he is writing in a field which, he says, is more comfortable than the turret of a tank! He sends his sympathy over 'D' day to Tom Bond, his old pal in Scotland, and hopes he may meet again in France. He looks forward to sorting out experiences at the corner of the Brow or Chapel Road end.
George writes again (August 9th). He received the August NL with five other letters, but he said that the NL was always the most interesting and comforting. He likes the articles by 'Country Lad' and 'Marsh News'. He tells us that the French farmer cuts his hay mostly with a scythe, rather a hard way. It is then turned by hand, followed by a machine which rakes and pushes the hay into strips about 3 yards apart. Then all the farm hands turn out, from twelve years old to the eldest. They all get weaving and pile up the hay in very high haycocks containing a full load. Then it is carted and stacked. Recently George met a chap from Manchester who has played cricket at Hesketh.
Joe Power also writes twice. On July 21st he alludes to the 'crossing' which was not too bad, although Jerry did try to give their boat all he had. They got over none the worse. In his second letter (Aug 10th) he alludes to 'Country Lad' which he appreciates highly. He (Joe P) is billeted in 'Ghost Village' a place without a soul living in it. Joe has been clearing out Booby traps and mines, a dangerous job, but as Joe says the villagers must have safe homes to come back to. He wishes to be remembered to W. Melling, with specially good wishes on his recent marriage.
Harry Hoyle's airgraph tells of very good health and happy surroundings in Canada. He sends his congratulations to Bob Iddon on his commission and his best wishes to John Jackson (who by the way is home on leave August 31st), and Harold Cookson and John Taylor, also his regards to the Home Guard.
Horace Hornby (July 10th) is full of thanks, first, for the Rev. W B Barton's farewell message and his kindness shown to the lads on leave (H. sends Mr B his best wishes), also to 'Country Lad' and 'Marsh News' and W Melling.
Nicholas Wright is in Normandy and has the important job of organising the mail service for anything up to 25,000 men. (Some postman! He noticed one letter to 1, Shoreside. He assures us that any letters to the boys he looks after will be delivered within three days of their being posted in Hesketh Bank. In spite of mud and dust and dust and mud, besides many things which cannot be mentioned, Nicholas has found his life very interesting, and much better than one would expect.
Tom Bond writes twice since he failed to get across, and reports good success on the second attempt. (Sounds like the Channel Swimmers). He sends his greetings to G Taylor and A Taylor and thanks Mr Barton for his message.
Jim Sutton (July 16) thanks us for his NL's which he says are coming through more regularly. He particularly wants to send his deep sympathy to Bert Miller on the sad death of his wife.
Husked farmers will be interested to know that Jim has been eating beans, apricots and plums for some weeks before July. Practically all the harvest is gathered in. Thank you Jim, for your message to us at the Rectory. We are all well.
David Rimmer writes August 10th from HMS Algerian to thank us for the August NL. 'at sea'. He sends greetings to Frank Taylor, Cecil Cookson, and a speedy recovery to Tom Hurst, and to his brother John.
Bob Iddon writes from HMS Mosquito (July 4th) in warm praise for the NL. He too, enjoys 'Country Lad' and 'Marsh News'. He reports that the most important topic in Alexandra, next to the war, is the discussion in the Egyptian Parliament as to whether women shall be educated or not, thus showing that out East the idea of women's inferiority to men dies hard. Thank you Bob, for your interesting letter (APT).
Ronnie Whiteside (Aug.14) writes to say that he is well and fit after being in Hospital with yellow jaundice. He is (above date) in a convalescent camp run by the South Africans and having a very good time. On the other hand he has had some sad news of some of his India pals being killed recently. (Alright Ronnie I will try and fine out about Ted Baybutt and put a PS to this NL)
Frank Taylor writes to say that he has been transferred from the Navy to the Royal Artillery. Good luck to you Frank.

VILLAGE NEWS
On July 31st, Thomas Buck of Newarth Lane, was working on Mr H Slinger's farm at Mere Brow when a bale of straw, eight rows high on a lorry fell and caught him on the back of the neck, and rendered him unconscious. Matthew Slinger went with him in the Ambulance to Ormskirk Cottage Hospital where he was X-rayed. Luckily nothing was broken but he had to remain in Hospital three days. We are glad to say that he is now home again and quite well.
William Ball (Newarth Lane) has been home on leave. He is engaged to be married to a girl from Newcastle.
Recently the growers of Hesketh Bank and Tarleton have been giving good help to the Red Cross.
They gave farm and market garden produce which was sold retail from a stall on Preston market on Saturday August 26th by members of Hesketh Bank and Tarleton District Branch of the National Farmers' Union (Secretary Tom Singleton, Fermor Rd). The Sale realised £107.11.6 but with donations which have since come in it is hoped to bring it up to £120. Well done Growers! You cannot do too much for the Red Cross. We are sure the Forces say 'AMEN' to this. Which reminds us of the children of Hesketh Bank who have also been doing fine work for the Red Cross. During the school holidays there was a pretty sight in Chapel Road when two girls aged seven, Betty Dawson and Shirley Iddon, dressed as Red Cross Nurses ably assisted by their cousin Joan Coulton, held a Bring and Buy Sale. They did a roaring trade, and got £21 for the Red Cross.
Pat Cookson, Joyce Heaton, and Margaret Melling, also landed up at the Rectory one evening with one pound and five shillings which they had got for the Red Cross through an open-air stall. Amazing isn't it!
Much excitement was caused down Guide Road last month through Sydney Iddon's young geese. Somehow they got out, and Sydney was in terrible agony over his Christmas dinner!
Mr N Whiteside, Station Road, has won a barometer for Golf at Southport Links.
Dr Croft has broken a bone in his ankle through a fall. His many patients send him their deep sympathy.
Mr Herbert Coulton, the Delta, has won the Gold medal for Bowling at Hesketh Bank.
Ralph Iddon, (Chapel Rd) is home for 21 days leave after 3 years abroad.
Albert Taylor and William Iddon (Chapel Rd) have been promoted to Lance Corporals.
The following births have taken place recently: -
Mr Mrs W Wright, a son. Mr Mrs Roger Iddon, a son (Stanley). Mr Mrs Coulton, a daughter (Doris). Mr Mrs T Iddon, (Chapel Road) a daughter (Edna Ann). Mr Mrs T Hornby (The Walk) a daughter (Beth). Mr Mrs F Burton, (nee Sally Whiteside) a son. Mr Mrs J Latham, Moss lane; a son.
Mr Mrs Banister, Becconsall Lane, a son.

A GENEROUS BEQUEST
The late Lord Hesketh has left £1,000 to the Parochial Church Council for the maintenance of the Church and its work. During his lifetime Lord Hesketh gave the site for the Church and also paid for the completion of the building of the Tower. Until 1931, Lord Hesketh was sole patron of the Living but in that year the advowson was acquired by the Church Council and the right of presentation to the benefice placed in the hands of Trustees, one of whom was Lord Hesketh.

FAREWELL TO THE REV. W B BARTON
After eleven years of devoted service in the Banks Circuit the Rev. W B Barton is leaving to take up another ministerial appointment in the Midlands. All of us in Hesketh - both Church people and Methodists - are sorry to lose him; we shall miss his cheery presence and his very welcome
co-operation; we wish him God-speed and every success and happiness in his next Circuit.
On Saturday 26th. August there was a farewell meeting at Banks Methodist School, when Mr John Taylor of Mere Brow (Circuit Steward) presided. Speeches were made by Messrs, Tom Johnson (Banks), Robert Bond (Moss), Thomas Wright (Hesketh Bank), J Barlow (Hesketh Lane), and Mrs Alan Smith spoke for the Women's Missionary Society. The Rev L J Jackson said the prayers; Miss Jennie Wright and Mr Jas Taylor sang solos.
A presentation in cash on behalf of the Circuit was handed to Mr and Mrs Barton by Mr T Johnson.
Mr Mrs Barton thanked the donors and spoke of their affection for the district and its people. Mr Barton's last service in Hesketh as Circuit Minister was on Sunday afternoon (the 27th) when an anthem was sung by the Choir and a duet was rendered by Mrs R Cookson and Mr W Iddon.

GREETINGS
We welcome the Rev B Oliver as the new Methodist Minister to Banks Circuit and we pray that his ministry may be richly blessed with his people in this district.

CONGRATULATIONS
To Nicholas Rimmer on the excellent result he has achieved in the recent School Certificate Examination. Nicholas is one of our Old School Boys, winning a scholarship to Hutton Grammar School some few years ago. We look forward to his future with confidence.

A FAITHFUL SIDESMAN
Mr James Iddon, Station Bridge, died on 16th August, and was laid to rest in Hesketh Churchyard on the following Saturday. For over 40 years Mr Iddon had been a Sidesman at the Parish Church and a member of the Parochial Church Council since its formation. He performed his duties as sidesman most faithfully and we shall miss his genial companionship. To his daughters and their families and to his sisters we send sympathy.

BOWLING CLUB
In completing their League Fixtures on August 8th, the 'A' Team again won the League Championship for the second season in succession. A play-off for the position of runners-up will take place on Tuesday 29th, at Holmeswood Green between Tarleton and Holmeswood 'A' with a return game on Tarleton Green on Thursday 31st, between the same teams Aggregate scores in both matches to decide who are runners-up.

PRESIDENT'S DAY
The President's Day for the Hesketh Bowling Club was held on Saturday 26th August when 64 competitors entered for the Handicap. The weather favoured the occasion and a good attendance witnessed some excellent bowling. In the semi-finals, Rd Iddon (Dick Sam) beat George Tiffin and Ted Edmondson beat W Rymer. Ted Edmondson was a worthy winner, beating Rd Iddon (Dick Sam) 15-7 in the Final. All the four semi-finalists were on the scratch mark.
The prizes were presented by Mrs Moses Johnson, wife of the President. A vote of thanks to the President was proposed by the Chairman of the Committee, Mr Joseph Taylor, and seconded by Mr W Rymer. Mr J Taylor (Boundary), Vice-Chairmen moved a vote of thanks to the Ladies, and this was seconded by Mr Harry Forshaw.
In the Holiday Week quite a number of local bowlers spent their holiday in the Fleetwood District and took part in the Visitors' Bowling Handicaps there. Bill Cookson (Alty's) was beaten in the final on the Tuesday, but Bobby Cookson made amends on the Thursday by winning the event, and Hesketh was again represented in carrying off their share of the prizes.
The Club commences the Handicaps in aid of you lads and lassies on Saturday 2nd September. Let us hope that the weather will again favour us so as to make them a success.

MARSH NEWS
I read in a 'Shooting' paper the other day, that Corncrakes are very rarely seen in Nottinghamshire - the same thing applies here. A few years ago, as some of you know, they could be heard in nearly every clover field on a warm summer's night. There seems to be no accounting for their disappearance. As mentioned in the last issue the Harvest is early this year. Cutting commenced about the 7th August and by now, it is all out with the exception of an odd field of barley. Some of course, had been carted, and it all should be "safely gathered in" by the time of the Harvest Festivals. The day of the horse-drawn self-binder has nearly passed, in favour of the longer endurance of the tractor. The pea-picking season has just about finished. The later varieties grew too much 'straw' which caused extra work turning them back off the sprouts. It looks as though there will be a bumper crop of sprouts.
Salmon fishing ends on Thursday - the season on the whole has not been as good as the last year or two, but the fishermen aren't grumbling.
The shooting season began, of course, on August 12th. There is nothing much to report at the present. I have been round to the outlets on one or two mornings and have seen very few ducks - but instead found a good supply of mushrooms!
D T.

PS Many thanks for letter from Harry Hindley just received on going to press, dated August 26th. He wishes to be specially remembered to the lads of the Home Guard. In answer to Ronnie Whiteside's enquiry about Ted Baybutt is that he is (Aug.31st) somewhere in France with the BLA.

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