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RECTOR'S WEEKLY NEWS
March 30th 1944
No. 208 - Issued weekly since May 1940
DOUBLE EASTER NUMBER.

My dear Boys and Girls.
My flrst thoughts, expressed in words, must be to wish you all a very happy Easter. There should be no more happy season than that of Easter because it is the proof that the Battle of Life has already been won and that we can share in the Victory if we will only take our share of the warfare. I suppose that few of us would deny that this particular war is being waged for a very definite purpose; to bring the world back to sanity and Truth. This makes it a Crusade. And we know that it is already won if, and only if, we each one do our fair share. Exactly the same may be said of our spiritual struggle. Also please do not forget to go to Holy Communion at Easter for in that way you can obtain the strengthening and refreshing of the soul that we all need if we are to fight our spiritual battles successfully.
Quit you like men, be strong;
There's a battle to fight,
There's a wrong to right,
There's a God who blesses the good with might,
So fare ye forth with a song.
Again with every good Easter wish, and with many, many prayers for your safety,
ever your affectionate friend and pastor,
L. N. FORSE.

HOME FRONT NEWS.
Mr. Jack Wrennells, poultry breeder of Broughton, well known in Tarleton, was killed by a motor while walking home last week.
The Banns of Marriage between Jack Stazicker and Winifred Pendlebury were asked out for the first time last Sunday. They hope to be married on April 22nd in Tarleton Parish Church.
Mrs. Johnson, mother of Enoch, is going to live in Pinder's house in Blackgate Lane. Jack Stazicker has taken Mrs. Johnson's present house and will live there after he is married.
Nellie Barron, Doctor's Lane, is very ill again.
Mr. and Mrs. Billington, Mere Brow, have adopted a little girl: She is three years old.

On Leave:- Robert Howard, Tom Spencer, George Barker, Harry Price, Norman Barron, John Sutton, William Jones (married Annie Ball, Chapel House Farm, Tarleton Moss); William Barker, Nicholas Taylor (married Tolsey Stazicker), Jack Ashcroft, Harry Buck (H.B.), Fred Bentham, Tom Miller (Sos, of Longton), David Rimmer, John Rimmer, Noel Clark, Arthur Harrison, Walter Ascroft.
Corinthians played Bretherton at Tarleton on Saturday and won 4 - 1.
The Home Guard had night operations on Sunday and started out from the rectory at 4 o'clock in the morning.
Mr. Harry Ashcroft, Gornall's Farm, Holmeswood, died on Sat. last.
Young James Rimmer, of Rufford, who was killed when the earth sterilising apparatus he was using suddenly exploded, was buried at Rufford on Saturday. He was just 20. His father who was seriously injured is doing well.
The Banns of Marriage between Charles Henry Evans, a soldier of Sheffield, and Nancy Bridge of Sollam, were asked out on Sunday last in the Parish Church.

EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS.
Dvr. Robert Iddon writes from the C.M.F. "As you will probably know that I am now in Italy. I have had two N.Ls. I am sleeping in the back of a wagon and am using the camouflage net for a bed and its not too bad. Please remember me to Jimmy Jackson, (Tich) Leslie Clarkson, John Ball and all my friends from Bretherton and Tarleton". (Bob Iddon, of course, used to work for Jack Mee.)
Dvr. Roger Ward writes from C.M.F. "After having been in hospital, convalescent depot, and base depot, since September I have at last joined this Artillery Regt. Although I have been to so many different depots since Sept. I was never without the N.L. for long. It is a fact that if any mail is getting through I can always be sure that the N.L. will be there. Although I have arrived at a very hot spot, it seems grand to be back with a Unit and feeling fit again,"
A/B Will Ball (Scoot) writes from his ship "Thanks for 4 very welcome N.Ls received from you last night. Last night I was speaking to one of the boys from Bank Hall who used to stay at the rectory, and his friend stayed with my mother. It is just a year ago since I was last at home, and I am ready for a few days more leave."
Dvr. John Caunce sends his first letter for over six weeks. He writes from C.M.F. saying "As you will see I am now back with my Unit. Please give my address to my mother. Give all at home my love and best wishes. Remember me to Jack Spencer and all the family. It is now two months since I had any mail at all. Since I last wrote to you I have had a sea trip, I cannot say where to. When I get settled down I shall be able to give you more news."
L/M/M Arthur Proctor airgraphs from his ship "I have had a good trip out to ---, the food is very good with plenty of grapes, bananas etc. We are kept very busy on maintenance of motor vehicles."
AC/2 Freddy Coupe writes from Nassau "Nothing very interesting seems to happen here. However, although I never have much to say I feel it my duty to write because I always get the N.Ls each week for which I am truly thankful: they always arrive pretty well on time. Excuse me for using the typewriter; I can never write a letter in the middle of the night, and as I type this it is about 3 o'clock in the morning; also I have got to learn to type so I'm getting some practice in. Remember me to Roger Watson, and tell him to drop me a line sometime through the medium of the N.L."
Cpl. Jimmy Swift R.A.F., writes from East Africa "Good morning to you, sir. Please accept my sincere thanks for the work you are doing for us lads, and I only hope that the strain is not too much for your declining years. I am still in the same old spot, trying my level best to keep cool although at this period it is nearly impossible. I manage to attend the Service at the Cathedral every other Sunday. My best wishes to all at home, and to all my comrades in arms."
Pte. Hugh Rowland writes from India "Thank you for all the grand N.Ls you have sent me all the time I have been in the Army. In the special Double Christmas number dated Dec.16th. I was surprised to read that L/Cpl Fred Forshaw, Capt. Croft and Pte. Ken Robshaw seem to have been stationed at the same place as I was for nearly a year. I would have liked to have met any of them; but now I am in the jungle. Harry Latham from Kearlsey and I wrote to each other as he is over here too. Please remember me to the boys and girls from Tarleton, and especially to my brothers Jim and Alf." Philip Rigby ( Fermor Rd.) and Peter Guy (Moss Lane) are also in the jungle.
Dvr. Fred Taylor, Hesketh Lane, writes from B.N.A.F. "I am very glad to say that it has been letter week for me this week and I have received 3 or 4 a day up to to-day, and to-day there was no mail for anyone. Four of the letters from you. They don't get to me every week, but the best of it is they do reach me in the end, and that is something to be thankful for. Please remember me to J. Hornby; J. Latham, Arthur Worth; and all the boys and girls in the Forces."
AC/2 Maurice Haskell writes "During the last fortnight I have started my flying, and although I have only a few hours to my credit at present they will soon mount up. The Instructor, by the way, is an ex-operational fellow, and knows all the gen about air operating. All of them are mighty decent blokes, always ready to answer your questions. There is a great din in this hut; one of the lads had a piano-accordian, and the other lads are singing at the top of their voices so that you can hardly hear the accordion. Please remember me to Eva Foulds, Alan Jay, Ronnie Iddon and all the other boys and girls in the Forces."
Stoker William Harrison (Coe House Farm, Blackgate Lane) writes "The country round here does not come up to the Tarleton and district standard, but it is fairly good. This morning I went to Church in one of the dining halls, and as near as I could guess there were about 4000 people present. Yesterday afternoon the class that I am in were allowed to go into town and roam around the shops. I can assure you it was grand to get out of camp."
E.M.S. Ann Barron writes "Did I tell you that I am now in the Plastic Room.? It is a very busy dept. as this is a leading Orthopaedic centre and we make great use of plaster of paris. I read, with pleasure, in last week's issue of the N.L. the letter written by Mrs. Melling, because I was one of her flock. My best wishes to all, especially my brother Bert, my cousins Arthur and Robert, and all my pals. Let Alice Bentham know I am thoroughly happy and enjoying my work as much as she is."
Sapper Jimmy Harrison says "I have been to --- and my present address is not on the top of this letter. We are kept very busy here now-a-days and we look forward to a day off at the weekend."
Malcolm Parkinson, R.A.F. writes "Just a few lines to let you know how life is treating me - on the whole I am not doing too badly, although I wouldn't say 'No' to a spot of leave. My work is very interesting, probing into the insides of radio-location equipment."
Pte. Joe Power writes "This is a very quiet spot; we are at least 4 miles from the nearest village. I wish we were much nearer to a Church. It does seem a great miss in one's life when one is accustosed to attending Church frequently; then one is sent to a remote spot miles away from a place of worship. This is the only Sunday I have missed attending Service; it is just as bad as missing dinner when really hungry. Please convey my best wishes to Bill Melling, R.N., and thank him for his recent inquiries through the N.L. about me."
Cpl. Will Bridge says "I have been very busy, courses and so forth and my time, I can tell you, has been quite limited. The result can be seen by the second stripe. I've nothing at all to complain about as I am marvellously fit. I've been away to --- and passed a physical training course. Please remember me personally to Dvr. Dick Sephton and my brothers-in-law Tom and Ken Dandy."
Pte. Ronnie Sergeant writes "You will notice that I have been drafted to a new Battalion. This, by the way, is a kilted Battalion, but owing to the rationing difficulties etc. it was impossible to get new kilts, with the result an order has been issued cancelling compulsory kilts, and those who do not wish to wear kilts hand them on to those who are keen to do so. Needless to say I have not the least desire to wear a kilt. I am very glad I was not in the Battalion when it was compulsory to wear them. I was very sorry to miss seeing the King, Queen and Princess to-day when they visited the Battalion. Please remember me to my brothers-in-law and all my friends." . - .
Gunner Arthur Harrison sends two letters saying "I am with the boys who have been abroad. They have got their ribbons up. I saw my new Captain about getting some leave and he is letting me go on Monday."
Cpl. J.H. Sutton airgraphs "I have not had the opportunity of seeing Jack Moss since I rejoined my Unit, but hope to do so soon. You see it was through the N.L. that I learned that Jack Moss was here; also Matt Farrington, and, of course, Nick Dewhurst. We are having terrible weather here at present."
LACW Margaret Moss (Mere Brow) writes "The weather here at the moment is terrible. We have been deep in snow for a week now. I was at home on leave at the end of January at the same time as my brother in the R.A.F. and my brother-in-law Tom Harrison in the R.A.V.C. I had a lovely time. My best wishes to all in the Forces from Tarleton and Mere Brow."
AC/1 Leslie Clarkson (Bretherton) writes "I enclose photo for your collection in the Lady Chapel. I hope that you will have space in the N.L. to give my friends my kind regards and best of luck, especially Harley McKean, John Ball (Bretherton), Hugh Sutton and my pal Jimmy Jackson (Tich), and I hope they are all in the best of health as it leaves me at present."
Dvr. Alan Barnes writes from a Military Hospital saying "I have been having trouble with my stomach for quite a while now so I reported to my M.O. who sent me for an X-ray and I saw a Specialist. So here I am in my second week in hospital on a diet, so you see I am sort of fastened down for a spell. This is the centre for all gastric troubles and the Doctors and Nurses do all in their power to help the patients get back to health and strength. Please remember me to all in the Forces and also to my brother-in-law Richard Townsley, overseas."
Mr. John Hornby, B.E.M., R.N. writes "Your N.Ls are always a source of comfort and an example of clear cut patience on your part which assists me greatly in my present duty of teaching prospective young Officers. So far I have not come across any of our local lads, but, as you know, I would be pleased if any of them come to be trained here. I would do my best to help them in their new sphere of life. I am now nicely settled down and my work is very interesting, for I am learning as well as teaching."
LAC Freddy Pollard writes "I suppose you know this part of the country. We are 19 miles from --- and last Monday I went there and had quite a nice day, and saw all the college boys going around in their paste board caps. There are quite a number of chaps here that I have been with before. It is surprising how nice it is to meet someone you know when you go to a new station."
AC2 Alan Jay writes "I have been in Abbey Lodge Hospital for 15 days suffering from influenza. I went to see the Padre last night and got from him a new issue of the New Testament bound in RAF blue. It cost 6d and is a very nice little book indeed."
Dvr. Robert Parkinson writes "I have been posted back into workshops and am much better here than at ----. I have only been here a few hours but from what I have seen it appears to be alright."
Instructor-Sergeant Hardcastle writes "We have been forced to alter the date of the wedding. It will now be exactly a week later, April 20th. This is one of the results of both being in the Forces. It is a job getting leaves to co-incide. After this, thank goodness, we shall both automatically get them together. That is one of the benefits of being married."

HERR STOEFFLER'S BIBLES.
While a prisoner of war in Germany the rector was taken to Pforzheim where the Interpreter at the Kreigsgegangenenlagar (prisoner of war camp) was a certain Josef Stoeffler. There were two Stoeffler brothers who owned a factory at Pforzheim making cheap jewellry. Before the war Josef lived in North London and planted this jewellry on the English market. On arriving at the camp the rector asked him if he could get a few English Prayer Books, Bibles and Hymn Books so that the prisoners-of-war could hold a Service. "Certainly" said Josef, "As many as you like." True to his word a huge packing case arrived at the camp within a few days. Before it was even opened with the crowbar Joseph supplied, he asked the rector for a receipt, stating that the case contained 240 books, for, said he "I have been round to all my friends and relatives and have borrowed these books, and have promised that they will be returned at the end of the war." On the case being opened out fell the 240 books a medley of Bibles, Hymn Books of all descriptions, and a few Prayer Books. It was easy to see how Herr Stoeffler became possessed of such a marvellous library, for inside each book were written, in Josef's neat handwriting, such words as these "To little Sophy, with love from Uncle Joe on her 9th Birthday" or "to little Fritz" etc. etc. He had sent them as Birthday or Christmas presents to all his relatives and friends in Phorzheim. But - stamped in large gold letters on the outside of each book one found "CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, HAMPSTEAD. NOT TO BE TAKEN AWAY". So that's how Joe got his family presents on the cheap. And he had asked me for a receipt!!

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Footballer in the Army "Before I was called up Arsenal couldn't get me for four thousand pounds, and now the Sergeants sold me to B Platoon for a packet of fags."

School Examiner: "What is the Garden of Eden?"
Smart Boy: "The field of Foreign Politics, sir"

Figures prove that after a few weeks in the Services most girls improve out of all knowledge.

A.T.S. girls serving on aircraft batteries are getting bigger feet, reports a Medical Officer. Well, aren't they filling men's shoes?

Commandant to WAAF: "I see on this Form WPX321 you state that you are 21 years of age. But you stated exactly the same age on a similar Form you filled in two years ago .
WAAF: "Yes, you see I am not one of those girls who say one thing today and another thing tomorrow."

The helpful smile.
They might not need me -
Yet they might -
I'll let my heart be
Just in sight -
A smile so small
As mine, might be
Precisely their
Necessity.

For Historians.
It is said that when a famous British General saw a Hollywood-made Film showing an English Regiment on the Barrack Square, he remarked "Non Angli, sed Los Angeles."

Mathematical Teaser.
A man went into a Bank to cash a cheque. The cashier made a mistake, giving him as many shillings as he should have had pounds, and as many pounds as he should have had shillings. The result was that the man received exactly double the amount due to him. What was the amount on the cheque?
Answer at bottom of page.

Another Teaser.
A man set out from home with £2.15s in his pocket. He met a friend who borrowed £1., He then had £1.15s left. He bought a petrol lighter for £l. and so had 15s left. He spent 9s on a pair of gloves for his wife, and so had 6s left. He gave this to his young son, found his pocket empty. He had carefully made a note of what was left in his pocket after each transaction and found that the total came to £2.16s. But he was sure he only had £2.15s. when he set out. Put it thus.

The Lighter Side.
In a certain Parish Magazine the following two paragraphs were placed the one immediately after the other.
"We welcome the advent of Dr. Esrof into our village; we have never had a resident doctor before."
"The Vicar and Churchwardens are considering the extension of the Churchyard."
A certain Vicar was preaching a course of sermons. There was nothing in the Parish Mag. to indicate this, but printed on page 2 was the following:-
Nov. 16th. The only man who can win the war - The Vicar,
23rd. The type of man we all admire - The Vicar.

Quo Vadis. To every man there openeth
A High way and a Low;
And every man decideth
Which way his soul shall go.

Answer to "Mathematical Teasar".
The amount of the cheque was £6.13s. The man received £13. 6s.