Weekly News 13-01-1944

The Lancashire villages of Hesketh Bank, Becconsall & Tarleton

Weather Forecast
Location Map

Another double number this week for no special reason, but chiefly because I want to acknowledge a few more of the huge mass of letters I have received from you all this Christmas.
We might, very suitably, call this the "Union Jack" edition, or perhaps the "8th Army Special", because this week I have received so many copies of the 'Union Jack' from Tarleton men in the B.N.A.F., and the C.M.F. It must certainly have been very thrilling to find, when you are in Italy and N. Africa, such a long and appreciative reference to Tarleton and the N.L.
Those of you who were good Churchgoers in the days before the war will remember how often I used to say that there was no reason at all why a tiny village like Tarleton should not start a light that would blaze all over the world. Well, from the many letters I have received from total strangers in Italy and N. Africa, it looks as though we really were blazing the light of Tarleton far and wide.
But I meant a Spiritual Light, the Light of the World, which in the years that are past we have dimmed ourselves. There really is no reason whatsoever why you should not re kindle that Light, and show forth to all, not only with your lips, but in your lives, that true Light which alone can bring Peace and contentment back to this distracted and weary world. And it is worth doing, and would be the grandest gift we could possibly give our children.
With my love, my Blessing, and all my prayers.
Ever your affectionate friend and padre,
L.N. FORSE.

HOME FRONT NEWS:
Mrs. Richard Tindsley, wife of Mr. Richard Tindsley, tailor, Hesketh Lane, died on Tuesday and was buried at Tarleton on Saturday. She was 54.
The Rector gave his usual Epiphany party for his Altar Servers on Thursday. He had a new conjuror from Southport who did some splendid tricks.
Schools re opened after Christmas holidays on Monday last.
Frank Foster, who is in India, writes to his mother "I was at Evensong last Sunday, and saw Tom Harrison". (Kearsley Ave.).
The Rector has bought Giles Wright's field behind the Church, and is hoping to build a really good Parish Hall on it. There will be room also for a couple of Tennis courts.
Mrs. Matt Sutton, who has been very ill after the death of her little girl, Maureen, has been officially notified that Matt is coming home on compassionate leave.
The Rector has received two "Union Jacks", the 8th Army Newspaper, containing a long account of the Tarleton N.L. They both came from perfect strangers in the 8th Army. Sister Heron, whose husband is in Italy, sent her a copy which she kindly sent to the Rector.
The new Rector of Rufford, the Rev. E. Steinly, was married in Rufford Parish Church last Thursday to the Matron of Rufford Sanitorium, Miss Nancy Owen.
Miss Kate Coulton, who lived beside Harrison's, Coe House Farm, Holmes, was found dead in the Runner, which runs just behind her house, on Thursday. It is imagined that she must have slipped in and, as the Runner is deep there, could not get out. She was buried at Tarleton on Monday. She was 65. She was the sister of George Coulton who is blacksmith for Robert Hull.
Billy Parkinson, son of Robert Parkinson, Church View, Church Road, was home at the week end.
Peter Dawson, of Moss Lane, was on the Jamaica when it fired the last shot that sank the Scharnhorst. In this week's "Extracts", readers will also notice that Submarine Detector John Coulton, of Hesketh Bank, who was on the "Opportune" during this engagement, also claims a few decisive shots. So when they get home we shall have some wordy battles as to who really did send her to the bottom.
Mr. Anderton, uncle to Bert Marsden, has bought the two houses at the top of Kearsley Avenue, where Mr. Peters, the schoolmaster, and Mr. Pendlebury live. He gave £900 for the pair. As Mr. Peters is leaving Tarleton, Mr. and Mrs. Anderton will live in the house he now occupies.
Flying Officer Yorrie Davies and Miss Abbott, both Liverpool school teachers evacuated to Tarleton with their children in 1939, were married on Saturday at Ormskirk Registry Office.
Tarleton Corinthians played Southport Holy Trinity at Tarleton on Saturday and won 3 - 1.
Since writing the above about the Rector having purchased the field behind the Church, Mr. Harold Webster has asked the rector to be allowed to go 50-50 with him in the cost of the land. His brother, that great citizen of Tarleton, Mr. Fred Webster, had promised to bear half the cost with the Rector some years ago, but his lamented death prevented this. We are most grateful to Mr. Harold Webster for his generous gift.
Dr. Herbert, the Bishop of Norwich, who was the Bishop of Blackburn, writes to the rector saying "I send my affectionate greetings to all Tarleton friends", and among these friends are all those lads, and lasses, who have been confirmed by him.
The "Ormskirk Advertiser" this week printed the whole of the long article that appeared in the "Union Jack", together with some very complimentary references to the rector and his work for those of his parishioners who are serving with H.M. Forces.
Dvr. Jack Robinson has been appointed batman to the Ajutant of his Unit.
On Leave: Ronnie Johnson: Arthur Worth: William Riding: William Pickervance: William Bridge: Hugh Melling: William Parkinson: Jack Twist.

EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS:
Etiquette demanding that we give our guests the place of honour, here come first two letters from total strangers in B.N.A.F.
Lieut. J. Williamson, R.A., writes "In view of the 'Corner Stone' article in this particular copy of the 'Union Jack', I felt that I must send you a copy, to let you see how far afield your own magazine travels and the effect that it has out here. Trusting that the New Year will see all the men of Tarleton - and the girls - returning safely home."
Fus. L. Gardner, of Kirkham, writes from B.N.A.F. saying "No doubt this copy of the 'Union Jack' has been sent to you by one more closely connected with Tarleton, but, having time to spare, I decided to forward you a copy, just in case, as I thought the article 'Corner Stone' might prove of interest."
Now for extracts from our own village lads.
Dvr. Fred Taylor, Hesketh Lane, writes from B.N.A.F. saying "I am sending a copy of the 'Union Jack' on to you. I have written to the Editor and have sent the double number on to him, and also told him that you would be only too pleased to send him the N.L. which he says is a world-wide paper, and I agree with him."
Dvr. Sid Ball writes from B.N.A.F. to say "I have something very interesting to tell you this time. I bought a 'Union Jack' in town yesterday, and to my surprise I saw that a lad had picked up one of your N.Ls in a N.A.A.F.I. in Italy and had sent it to the local paper. It was very funny seeing all about Tarleton in it. He was praising the N.L. and I think it deserves all the praise one can give it; and I might as well confess that, although we are a lot of rogues in this tent, we look forward to the N.L. Please remember me to my old pal Jack in the Navy, my brother Ernie, and all the best from one of the boys, Sid."
Dvr. Billy Harrison writes from B.N.A.F. saying "Well, sir, here's a bit of news for you. I bought the 'Union Jack' two days ago and to my surprise there was a good piece in it about your N.L. By the way, the 'Union Jack' is the daily paper over here and we get all the news in it. Well, a boy went into a N.A.A.F.I. in Italy and picked up your N.L. and wrote to the 'Union Jack' and told them what a good paper it was, the best paper he had ever read. Please remember me to my pal George Farrington, my brother Tom in India, and all the boys and girls in the Forces."
Dvr. John Caunce writes from M.E.F. where he is in a Convalescent Depot, to say "I am enclosing three photographs, one of the Church in the hospital where I was a patient, and two snaps of the donkey Derby which we had in the grounds. On the one you will see me between the two patients with white shirts on, on the donkeys. On the other you will see two sisters and one nurse. The nurse who is on the right side is the one I was friendly with, but I had to leave her behind when I Ieft the hospital. You would have been surprised if I had brought her back."
L/Cpl. Frank Hewitson writes from B.N.A.F. saying "While I was having my mid-day 'mangey' I picked up the 'Union Jack' as something to read. As I saw the splendid words - Tarleton, Lancashire - came a pleasant surge of pride that this was all about our own News Letter. What a pleasant surprise it was; I felt quite privileged to be part of it. I think that the writer expressed the feelings of all of us who so eagerly read the glad news from home."
Leading Seaman John Coulton, R.N. writes from his ship to say, "No doubt you would have heard my Ship's name mentioned as having taken part in the sinking of the "Scharnhorst". It was roughly 11.30 am. when contact was first made, and from then until she eventually sank, about 7.30 p.m. it was a running fight for her, salvo after salvo, or hit and run all the time. We got the order to torpedo attack when she had been hit several times, and we closed the range to about 2,500 yards, and did our run in, and got a couple of direct hits. All this time she was firing away at us, only with smaller arms, but it was not at all healthy during the time it lasted. I can assure you, anyway, that we can thank God once again that we came through safe and sound, and but little worse for the experience."
O/Tel. John Webster, R.N. whose ship has already sunk two U.boats, and is still searching for its third 'kill', writes from his ship, saying "I suppose that you will be entertaining the Servers at the 12th Night Party. I recall the happy times we had with the hot-pot supper and plum pudding on those enjoyable evenings; and since then the Servers are all over the world. I would be especially grateful if you would remember me to those Servers in your next N.L., and wish them every success and a speedy and safe return."
A/M Vernon Ogden, R.N. writes from his ship saying "Thanks very much for the N.Ls received. I wish you a Happy New Year, and may we all be home with you by this time next year."
Dvr. Dan Johnson (Holmes) writes from B.N.A.F. saying "I promised myself that when last Sunday came round I would do my best to gain a little ground in my letter writing. But when Sunday came round I was half way through breakfast, I was given a job, and being duty driver I could not argue about it. So I got sent on a drive of 120 miles. That was at 10 a.m. and I had to be back to take some of our chaps to work on Monday morning. At 6 p.m. it was quite dark, and I had still over 70 miles to go on the return journey over some of the worst mountainous country one could imagine. However, like the bad penny, I got back shortly after 10 p.m. and although fed up I found potatoes left over from dinner and started to make tea quite unknown to anyone. It was worth it, however, and was not a bad ending to a good day's work which by rights should have been a day off."
Gunner John Hornby writes from C.M.F. to say "Thanks very much for the Christmas Card I received O.K. I am able to tell you that I am in Italy. It is a very nice country and nice girls, but like my old pal Jimmy Latham I am ready for the war to be over and won. Please remember me to James Latham, Fred Taylor, Harry Woosey, and my old pal Nick Taylor (H.B.)"
Stoker William Melling, R.N. (Hesketh Bank) airgraphs from his ship to say "I was surprised to see that Kenneth Nicholson was one of the Marines that landed at Madagascar, because I was in that landing myself, and I must say that they did a good job in a short time. I never thought that I was so near to a fellow townsman. Well, I've been in India for some time and now I'm hoping to be relieved."
Dvr. Dick Sephton airgraphs from M.E.F. saying "Thanks for your N.Ls keeping me informed of all the local news during the 3 1/2 years I have been out here. I have heard on good authority that Jimmy Burns has landed back in Blighty. Is that correct? If so, tell him not to keep it secret how he managed to do it, as I, myself, am about ready for back. Please convey my kindest regards to him, as he was the only one whom I really knew that I ever met out here. Well, I have here a couple of pigs, a few ducks, a turkey, and a couple of cock-chickens, so we look like having a good feast on Christmas Day."
Sergt. Ernie Ball writes "This time I am writing to you early so that before I get too busy I shall have written to you at least once this year, but I will do my utmost to keep it up. At present I am doing the job of Chief Clerk although it is not a job I really like."
O/S Ronnie Iddon R.N. writes "I had a good Christmas seeing that it is the first I have spent away from home. There were lots of good things to eat. I would like to wish you a Happy New Year, and please pass it on to all the people in Tarleton, and all in the Forces; mostly to my brother Harry Iddon, Fred Bentham, David Hanson, Jack Hodge, Edwin Hodson, my cousin Dick Johnson who is abroad, George Wait, Arthur Barron, and Arthur Proctor, and tell him that there is a boy here from Preston (in the next hut to me) who used to pal with him. His name is Fred Leyland. Please remember me also to John Caunce".
Gunner George Wait writes "It is very nice here and we are right on the sea coast. I am here for three month's driving course, and like it very much. I have not had a bad Christmas. We had turkey for our Christmas dinner. I have some grand pals here and we are all good friends,"
L.A.C. Stanley Quinlan writes "This is a quiet little place surrounded on three sides by mountains and open to the sea on the fourth side. I should imagine that it is a very nice place in the summer-time. There is little in the way of amusement. We have a picture house down in the village, but it is a great change from the other stations I have been on. Although I have not yet attained the ranks of 'Air Crew' I am getting in plenty of flying hours. I am pleased to say that Betty (his wife) is improving very nicely. Our baby is also doing fine. Please remember me to my old pals Alf Rowland and Ken Nicholson."
Rfn. Charlie Wright, (Chuck) "says "I got married on Dec. 24th to a real nice Scotch lassie, and no regrets. I am sorry I did not tell you before now. Everything is much the same round here, but it is very cold. I did not see my old pal Robert Bond when I was home, so please give him my kind regards".
Pte: Nellie Pendlebury writes from an R.A. Battery saying "I did want to send you a Christmas card, but I couldn't buy one in any of the shops round here; they had all sold out. Remember me to all in the Forces, especially to my brother Gerrard."
Corpl. Jimmy Burns writes from somewhere in England to say "I liked that bit in the N.L. 'Fall into Line'. Thanks to you that we have such a thing as the N.L. Please remember me to my brother Tom, C.M.E.; Dick, at sea: George still in England, and my brothers-in-law George West and Harry Forrest. Also my pals Hugh, Bert, and Mick Melling, James Leacy, Bert Price and Harry Crook".
Gunner Harry Harrison also writes from somewhere in England saying "I am now in hospital with a bad ulcer on my leg. Since being admitted on New Year's day I have been in bed; but I am receiving the best of attention and care. Please forgive my writing but I am getting the needle in my arm every day and my hand is not too steady. Please remember me to my brothers in law Allan, Dick (M.E.F.) Billy, and all my cousins, and good luck to them wherever they are."
Pte. Robert Watson, who is a member of the rector's own Division, writes "I have been here just over a week now, but some of the lads have been here over a month. There is one picture house in the town and also a Y.M.C.A. which is very good. We also have a N.A.A.F.I. On Christmas Day for breakfast we had eggs and bacon; for dinner turkey and pork; and also had a very nice tea. And after tea some of the lads got together in the Mess and gave a very good show."
Pte. George Farrington says "The weather here is fairly bad, for there's nothing but rain, but you can't expect anything else up here in Scotland. I expect to be home on compassionate leave early in February as, if all goes well, there is going to be a happy event in the family. Please convey my best wishes to all in the Forces through the N.L."
AM/E Edwin Hodson, Fleet Air Arm, writes "At present I am in sick quarters although there is nothing seriously wrong with me. I am in a small extension to a Ward, there are big windows on three sides so we can see right out over the Chase. There are only two more chaps beside myself in this ward so we are taking things quietly for a change. Everything seems quiet and peaceful here after being in the workshops for the past week or two. Remember me to all my pals in the Forces, and to my brother Les. in India, through the N.L. please."
AC Walter Rawsthorne writes from the South of England to say "My Christmas was spent very quietly, having to be on duty most of the time. However, we had wonderful food and even a few cigarettes. Please pass on my best wishes for the New Year to all the boys and girls in the Forces, especially to my pals Tom Rigby and Bob Barron".
Sergt Instructor George Hardcastle (the Rector's nephew) writes, "I was wondering what had happened to my N.Ls recently. I did not have any for three weeks. I was just going to write and see where they were when I was handed three when I went to get my pay."
A/Cpl. Harry Moss (Mere Brow) writes "Please thank the Mothers' union for the first Christmas gift I have received. It is extremely kind of them to go to such trouble in trying to make our sojourn away from home a little more pleasant".
Dvr. Ronnie Johnson says "I have been very busy since last Wednesday when I started taking my truck out to convey the Post Corporal with letters to the lads. We had a lovely Christmas dinner, turkey, roast goose, and pork, and the Officers waited on us, so we were honoured for once. There is no news from here, only trees and fields and regular Army life, nothing unusual.
A/C Leslie Clarkson, Bretherton, says "Thanks for N.Ls. It is grand to hear what is happening at home and to the boys overseas. All the best for the New Year, especially to my pals and to Harley McKean, my work pal, and Jimmy Jackson (Tich), John Ball, and all the boys and girls."
Corpl. Jimmy Swift sends a really beautiful Season's Greeting Card from East Africa. It is a photograph of lofty palm trees and lovely scenery, and at the bottom right hand corner is a tip top photo of Jimmy himself. On the back he says, "Here's wishing you the very best. I hope we shall soon be back together once more joining in at these great times."

APPRECIATION:
The rector is, naturally, very pleased with, and very proud of, the many encomiums that have recently been showered upon the News Letter in every quarter of the globe, and particularly that which comes from the 8th Army. He is not one, however, who takes pleasure in receiving all the praise when all the praise is not due to him. One of the chief and most pleasing attractions of the N.L. is its general 'get up'. The rector has neither the time, nor the ability, to cyclostyle 300 copies of the N.L, every week. For many years before the war he had sent all his matter that needed duplicating to the well known firm of Brown's Typewriting services Ltd. Brougham Street Works, Burnley, Lancashire. He sent his copy one day, and the next day he received his 500, or as many as he ordered, copies at the rectory. They always came back by return of post. This, then, is the firm which, week by week, turns out our N.L. in so pleasing a style. One of Brown's artists does the picture of Church and Schools on the front, one of his typists does the rest. All the rector has to do is to send the script, and next day back come the 300 copies of the N. L. that he has asked for. Then along he takes them to Miss Evelyn Webster, whom he has supplied with the necessary addresses together with the right number of envelopes and the money for the postage, and she addresses them and sends them out. 14,000 envelopes are used every year to send out the N.Ls and, of course, an equal number of stamps. Roughly speaking about 13,000 2 1/2d stamps are stuck on the envelopes every year and about 1,000 1d stamps for those who receive the Parish Magazine. So you can work out for yourself how much the postage alone costs. As regards the cyclostyling this is almost the cheapest part of each issue of the N.L., for Brown's Typewriting Services Ltd. of Brougham St, Burnley, are the cheapest duplicating firm that the reotor has so far come across. He has tried many others, but they were neither as efficient or as reasonable in their charges. So we all owe our thanks to this firm.

Next Rector's Weekly | Rector's Weekly Index | Rectors Weekly Introduction