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Hesketh Rectory
Hesketh Bank
August 1945

My dear Friends,
It so happens that I am writing these notes on the nineteenth Anniversary of the Consecration of our Church of All Saints Hesketh (July 17th 1926). Elsewhere is a note on this; and it is worth recording with deep thankfulness that during these last six years in this Diocese of Blackburn, not a single church was touched by enemy bombs, with the one exception of our own old church in Becconsall Lane and some of the memorial stones in the graveyard. Even then it was only blast and splinters and superficial damage. As we look back on July 17th we have a deal to be thankful for, when we remember the vast destruction elsewhere. Yes, the church still stands, but here is a thought for this month.
The Church is not brick and stone. It is YOU and I.
Yours very sincerely,
A.P. THORNE.

POINTS FROM LETTERS.
Leslie Bramwell’s letter date June 25th, has much to say about the prospects of home-coming, and as we have heard he is to arrive home this week (July 15-22) we will answer it in person.
David Rimmer (H.M.S. Holdfast) tells us now openly that he has been in force ‘PLUTO’ for the last two years. He is now in port in Southampton. He wishes to be remembered to his brother John, and Frank Taylor and Cecil Cookson. He thanks the women of Hesketh for their gifts.
Wm. Bailey warns us that there is quite a lot of work to be done in Germany before we can say that we have achieved peace. He has been driving a good deal through Germany and has seen himself how it has been knocked about.
Harry Devitt writes from India (June 30). No need Harry, to apologise for not calling, better luck next time, Ed.) He is very interested in ‘Marsh News’ and has missed lately ‘Country Lad’, whom he cannot yet identify, man or woman! He is looking forward to the lovely sun-washed turf on the edge of the Astland, which in the sun-baked land of India he has missed most of all. He wants to tell Jim Woodhead that we need not pine for shooting, at any rate, in the Himalayas. It is much too fearsome a task. He wishes to be remembered to Jim Bloor who was in the same small station as himself, and yet he never met him.
Tom Brewer (July 7) is now in Greece with the Black Watch. He thinks that the Greeks were the best ally that Britain had. They are extremely independent and proud, and take their politics very seriously. In Athens they are mainly Royalists, and very friendly to British Troops. One in three speak a certain amount of English. Tom has tried a local dish, goat’s meat, and likes it. Up on the hills where Tom is there are hundreds of sheep and goats, with little bells tied round the leaders’ necks. All night you can hear these bells jingling on the hillsides, a pleasant sound.
Joe Power (July 5) is back again in Germany. While waiting to cross the Channel home, whom should I see but Harry Buck from the Brickcroft. He is now in a German ordinance depot and destroying all German munitions, including V.1’s and V.11’s.
Wm. Ainscough (July 6) thanks us for sending on the March and April numbers of N.L. He congratulates Tom Bond on being engaged. He too is doing a lot of guard duty and looking after Poles and Russians and other people who have been working in Germany. He sends his best wishes to Joan Binns and once again thanks the W.V.S. for all they have done.
Stanley Holden (June 17) (S.E.A.A.F.) says that his June N.L. arrived in record time. Last December’s N.L. went to five places before catching up in India. He is having a foretaste of the monsoon. He particularly wishes to be remembered to Kenneth Baxendale, Kenneth Brandwood, and John Jackson.
Leslie Tiffin( June 29) has been spending a few days leave on an island near Naples and viewing amongst other sights, a church built on the mountain side out of the solid rock, a marvellous place. He sends greetings to Horace Hornby, Peter Dawson, Jimmy Buck, Cecil Cookson, and his brother Fred.
J. W. Parkinson (July 7) has visited lots of places in Belgium. He was lucky enough to get 24 hours leave in Brussels with his brother. He recommends a visit to Blankenburghe on the Belgium coast. (Thank you, John, Mrs. Thorne is much better.)
Harry Hindley’s (June 5) seems to have missed us till lately, but here it is, and we acknowledge it at last. He says “Life is not very pleasant in Germany”. We miss the good friends we made in France, Belgium and Holland.
George Taylor (July 9) has a bit of news for Leslie Tiffin. Lawrence Ashcroft, an old friend of Leslie’s, has joined George’s regiment (C Squadron). His address is L/Cpl. L. Ashcroft, 5th Troop, ‘C’ Squadron, 4/7 R. Dragoons, B.L.A. Lawrence looks very well and goes on leave July 9th, and sends his best wishes to the Tiffin family. For Hesketh lads information, George is near the Dutch border, at METLIN (?) about 15 miles from ENSCKIDE in Holland. They are there till September in training. The 4/7th have now a new nickname, “the First and Last Regt,” being the first cavalry turned into Tank Regt. In 1939, and the last to leave Dunkirk, the first armour ashore on D-Day, first tanks across the Seine and Somme, first into Belgium, and led the rescue column to Arnhem, and the last Tank Regt. to be fighting the Germans. George ends an enthusiastic letter with “Keep the N.L. going at all costs.”
T. Coulton (S.E.A.C.July 1) sends a very interesting p.p-c of the Himalayas. He is enjoying 14 days leave in Darjeeling, 9.000 feet above sea-level. Food there he says is comparable to pre-war England, so he is not wasting his time!

NEWS FROM THE VILLAGE.
The following Weddings have taken place.
James Gautry of Chapel Road, and Doreen Bowden of Birkdale, on July 7th. David Taylor, our “Marsh News” correspondent and Alice Winward of Granville Avenue, were married at Hesketh Church on July 2nd. They are living in Stanley House, Moss Lane. Other matrimonial news of Tarleton friends tells of Walter Rawsthorne’s (RAF) (who used to work for Mr. Clegg), marriage to a Belgian girl, and Tom Wright, of Kearsley Avenue, to a land army girl from Preston.
Talking of Tarleton, you will be interested to know that the three Tarleton boys to enter Berlin first were N.C. Clarke, of Carr lane (Army), David Harrison, of Kearsley Avenue (Air Force), and John Hornby, Hoole (Navy).
The following Hesketh Bank boys have been on leave, Martin Wright, Dick Baxter, Henry Baxter, Malcolm Taylor, Herbert Wignall.
Malcolm Taylor has been on embarkation leave. We wish him the best of luck.
Herbert Wignall is engaged to Marion Wright from Northern Ireland. Three children were baptized on Sunday, July 1st. At Hesketh Church: Keith, son of Mr. and Mrs Wilson of Moss Lane. Patricia Mary, daughter of Mr. nnd Mrs. W. Garlick of Station Rd. and Raymond John, son of Mr. and Mrs. Elijah Cookson , of Chapel Rd. We also congratulate Mr. And Mrs. J Measham, Shoreside, on the arrival of a daughter.
The Hesketh Bank children have a longer summer holiday this year. July 20th to August 27th.
There is a lot of whooping cough about the village at present. Our sympathy is with Mr. and Mrs Wright in ht serious illness of their only son, aged 10 (Granville Avenue). He is in Fazakerley Hospital.
We regret to announce the death of Mr. J. Rhodes, Station Road, at the age of 83. The first half of the Funeral Service took place at Hesketh Church on June 29th, and the interment at Preston Cemetery.
Mr. Rhodes was a stalwart Christian of the old school, a man of strong faith and a very warm friend of Hesketh Church. He was a most regular communicant and sidesman, an example of quiet persistence and determination in the public worship of God. Our sympathy is with his widow, and we shall indeed miss him from the village and the Church.
We congratulate May Cropper , of Manor Farm, on winning a scholarship to the Preston Park school. The Sunday School summer party was held in the real old fashioned way. In spite of fears we all managed to get into the 12-45 train to Churchtown, whence we wended our way to the Botanic Gardens, and there enjoyed ourselves to the full, on the lake, some almost ‘in’ the lake, or on the swings. The more staid members of the party favoured the bowling greens. The tea in St. Cuthbert’s Hall, kindly lent by Cannon Blakeney, was a triumph over difficulties; for we had to transport every inch of food and crockery from Hesketh Bank. Messers. Clegg’s catered for the food, Mrs. Slinger very kindly provided the milk, and ‘trifles’ were prepared by generous friends.
Last, but not least, John Ashcroft conveyed the whole ‘plant’, crockery and all, in his car and trailer, and the usual ‘cutters up’ and ‘waitresses’ assisted. All we had to do was to sit down, eat and drink, and be thankful!
One young gentleman almost missed his tea through private journeys round the gardens, but fortunately turned up towards the end, after the town-crier had searched in vain.
It was a glorious day and a great success, Southport Fair Ground and Peter Pan being visited afterwards.
The Alexandra Rose Day (July 7) brought in £14.9.0. For the Preston Infirmary from Hesketh Bank, exceeding the total of 1944. The Secretary of the Infirmary has written a letter to John Ashcroft, thanking him and his helpers.
A few girls in Hesketh Bank have recently been exchanging letters and small presents with friends in Malta. VE Day appears to have been celebrated there in much the same manner as in Britain.
Several folks have been ill recently, either at home or in hospital. Mrs. Prescott (nee Nellie Rimmer) has been in Southport Infirmary again, but is now improving. Mrs. Lee (Station Rd.) has recently had an operation in the same Infirmary, but is home again and better. Old Mrs. Moore (grandmother to Joe) has had a bad fall, but is progressing fairly well. Mr. Tom Topping has been down with severe neuralgia, but is considerably better.

A WARNING NOTE.
The following lines appeared in a daily paper by one Keith Horan, being a comment on VE Day.
“They’re pulling back the curtains and turning on the light
Another milestone passes, ‘tis the ending of the night.
The beacon lights of England are shining out once more,
We’ve brought our battered vessel to the safety of the shore.

But turn the lamps on Germany, floodlight the whole foul brood,
The ‘Bolsons’ and the ‘Buchenwalds’ and the things for which they stood.
From indolence and ignorance we are in danger yet,
May God protect this country if this country should forget.

We’ll soon be back at all our jobs, the common daily round,
We’ll soon forget the misery in interests newly found.
For we’re no good at hating, it goes against the grain,
But if we do, I swear to you, we’ll have it all again.”

HUNDRED END NEWS.
With basic petrol back motor cycling seems to be the latest craze with the lads round here.
Charles Bury has been on leave and has now removed from the shop and Mr. And Mrs. Hollinhurst of Leyland have now taken over.
Robert Bond snr. Has bought the detached bungalow “Greenacres” down Moss Lane for £1,025.
Mr. Charles Eatough of Hundred end Lane died suddenly on July 4th, aged 79 and was buried at Darwin cemetery the following Saturday.
Elizabeth Eatough, Hundred End Lane, who has been training to be a nurse has passed her State Final Examination at the Manchester Royal Infirmary and is home on a month’s holiday.

THE YEARS ROLL ON.
Twenty years ago, on 20th June 1925, the foundation stone of the new Church was laid by Lady Hesketh and on 17th July 1926 the Church was consecrated by the Lord Bishop of Manchester. We remembered with thankfulness all who gave their substance, all who laboured for its building, and all who have worshipped within its walls. It is hoped that in 1947 we may worthily celebrate the “Coming of Age” of the New Church.

CHAPEL NEWS.
Choir Anniversary, July 1st 1945. Preacher:10.45 and 2.30, Rev. W. R. Basham, of Liverpool.
Duet in the morning by Miss Vysick and Miss Mathers of Blackpool. Prize winners at the festival.
In the afternoon - Solos by Miss Vysick and Miss Mathers and items by the choir.
Evening at 6.30. - Sacred Cantata - “The King of Glory” by the choir. Organist - Mrs. W. Iddon. Conductor - Mr. Jos. Watkinson. Chairman - Rd. Spencer Esq., of Freckleton.
Offertories amounting to £33 were for Welcome Home Fund and New Organ Fund.

PRAYER.
Prayer is an instinctive act on the part of human beings. From the most primitive of the Human race to the most highly civilised person, prayer is a normal proceeding. It is the acknowledgement of a personal God, Whose will for us is our happiness, security, comfort, and holiness. When we admit that in God’s Will is our peace, then we can pray with confidence as a child can turn to his father for help and guidance.
We do not pray to change God’s purpose or to ask Him to comfort our desires. The sole condition of prevailing prayer is that in all things we should desire His Will to be done.
Prayer braces us to make the necessary changes in our purposes, desires, and actions that His purpose for us and others may be achieved. “Lord, be it unto me according to Thy Word,” is the keynote of the effectual prayer - that is the secret, and it is based on the knowledge of the All-loving Almightiness of God.
A LAYMAN.

HOUSING.
This is perhaps the most vital question of to-day and the Government must be given no rest until the houses are built. Plans and White Papers are not enough and if the Minister responsible for Housing cannot deliver the goods, he must be sacked and a stronger and abler man appointed. When the results of the general election are known the Government must be required to carry out it’s promises. No moral progress can be expected in this land until there are houses in which homes can be built. The family is the unit of social life and the greatness of a country depends on the vigour and healthiness of the family life of its subjects. For this reason, if for no other, the Church must demand the building of suitable houses, and we hope that the men returning from the Forces will not be shy at making their voices heard. Remember, the houses can be built - and if the Government is forced to treat it as an absolute condition of their continuing in office, then you may be quite sure, the houses will be built. We could find the men, the money, the materials for the making of munitions; we can find the men, the money, the materials for the building of houses. But we doubt if they will be built unless you in the Forces backed up by the people at home are insistent that your needs are met.
A TOWNSMAN.

HESKET DOINGS.
Eh, aw’ve hed a real treat. Aw went to th’musical festival an’ it were what aw calls a gradely do. I heard some gradely singing and piano playing. It ud hev done you good to have heard it - it were fine. Aw should fill th’News Letter if aw started to tell you about th’pieces aw enjoyed - all of ‘em were good an’ rendered in a proper finished style. (Doesn’t that sound posh?) An talk about crowds - aw never thout th’old school could hev held so many folks. You’ll be glad to know as th’visiting competitors didn’t walk off wi’ all th’prizes. Th’Hesket Duet, th’Hesket Male Quartet, an’ th’Chapel Choir won first prizes, so th’village didn’t do so bad. Visitors enjoyed theirsens too - in fact, everybody were good tempered an’ bubbling over wi’ satisfaction, especially when they’d bin to th’catering establishment. Noe they hed some stuff. An’ th’reet sort o’ stuff too, Th’tea-room were packed but aw managed to pack a bit away afore I left it. Now th’ tomato sandwiches were just - eh, but it’s th’music aw were tellin’ you about, not feeding. Aw should think it’ll be an annual do now, th’first but surely not th’last. Aw allus says as when Hesket sets out to do summat, it does it gradely. An’ aw hopes as when next year’s do comes you’ll all be at home.
for it.
Th’next time aw went in th’bottom school were on th’following Thursday. What a contrast! It were nearly empty - just a two’th chaps looking bored an’waiting for folks to come for their voting’ papers. Oh ay, aw voted reet enough. Aw hopes as aw put mi cross against reet chap. Well we’se see. But aw’m hanged if aw con tell you what it’s all about. Aw wonder if you know.
LANCASHIRE LASS.

MUSICAL FESTIVAL.
The festival held on Friday and Saturday, 29 and 30th June, in the C.E. School, Chapel School, and the new Chapel was most successful, and reflected the greatest credit on the organisers and on those who carried out the scheme. A huge audience, far too many to be accommodated inside - gathered outside the Day school on Saturday evening to hear Miss Eileen Bennet of Chorley win the Challenge Cup. The Adjudicators were Dr. Wallace, Liverpool, Dr. G.A. Armstrong, Blackpool and Mr. F.B. Rawes, Poulton-le-Fylde. The proceeds, which were for the Welcome Home Fund, realised the wonderful sum of £150.

BOWLING NEWS.
The Hesketh Bank ‘A’ Team are still keeping up their winning form in League games, their position being still at the top of the Asland League Table, so far having won 13 out of 14 league matches. They were beaten however in the Semi-final for the “Wilkin Cup” competition, losing by 18 chalks to Holmeswood “B” on the Mere Brow Green.
In the other Semi-final, for the Wilkin Cup, Tarleton “A” beat Holmeswood “A” by 57 chalks, played on our green.
On Thursday last our “A” Team beat Mere Brow “A” by 58 chalks, and our “B” team beat Tarleton “C” at Tarleton on the same night.
Our “B” team is in excellent form this season, which consists of some young promising bowlers, such as Ken Bailey, Arthur Baxter and Frank Miller who are all bowling well.
Today, Saturday, July 14th, the “Parkinson” Cup Handicap is being contested with some 44 competitors. Oh, and by the way, you lads who are interested in Bowling may be pleased to hear the Club has purchased a lovely cup, called “THE VICTORY CUP” which will be played for on August 25th. This cup has cost something like £47.10.0d and we are looking forward to you lads having a crack to win this cup next year.
We are fairly well represented in the “News of the World” Cup played at Hartington Rd. Preston as yet. Billy Rymer, Dick Banister and Harold Gautrey play on Monday evening next in the third round, and Billy Baxter, Ted Edmondson and |Mo Johnson play on Wednesday next.
So I think this is all the bowling news this time.
W COOKSON.

MARSH NEWS. Saturday 14th July.
Being such a lovely day, I thought I would try my luck at fishing at the Hundred end outlet. Quite a few decent sized snigs have been caught in this outlet recently. As I went along, Slingers were busy mowing in the field nearest to the farm, and at the west side of the ‘Dib’ road they were pressing hay in the field. There are still a number of meadows to cut, so it is to be hoped that this good weather holds out. One day this week, two men were working in a field when suddenly one said to the other, “That sounds like a jet-plane about - the noise is different to the usual ‘buzz’, and upon looking up they found the ’plane’ was a huge swarm of bees passing over, perhaps they were from the hives which I have mentioned previously had been put in Dick Mortimer’s field. This last 3 weeks, farmers have been very busy, especially those with caulies, as they have come in very fast. Perhaps there are not quite as many peas as usual, but they are quite busy now picking.
D.T.

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