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RECTOR'S WEEKLY NEWS
May 4th 1944
No. 213 - Issued weekly since May 1940

My dears boys and girls,
Another double number this week because I have received so many letters that I cannot get extraxcts from them all into an ordinary issue. But it is just as well, for this will do to commemorate our "Salute the Soldier" week. Our Target in Tarleton, is £10,000 but we ought to raise a good deal more.
As you will see, we really did salute the soldier for a couple of our own lads, Billy Parkinson, who on both sides of his family is rooted and grounded in Tarleton, and Sandy Laing, who, although a comparatively new-comer has truly adopted us, as we have adopted him. Billy Parkinson also is a 'desert rat' and one of 'Monty's Own' . These two took the salute symbolically for you all, for all the time they stood on the platform, as the H.G.; N.F.S.; A.R.P.; Special Police; A.T.C.; etc marched past them, I saw you all on the platform taking the saIute with them. For all of you were the ones we desired to honour. When you come home I intend to arrange a similar 'March Past', when you all will be present to take the salute from the whole village on parade.
May God bless you and keep you safe until that great and glorious day, and honoured, as you should be honoured, for the great work you are doing for the safety, honour and welfare of your Country.
With my love, my blessing, and all my prayers,
Ever, your affectionate comrade,
L. N. FORSE.

HOME FRONT NEWS.
The chief event this week - the Grand March Past of the Home Defence Units. It is salute the soldier week. The green canopied platform was erected at school gate near Tarleton Hotel, bunting all along school playground and on British Legion opposite. Home Guard under Lt. J. Melling; A.R.P. under command of Head Warden G. Marsden; N.F.S, commanded by Company Officer Harry Hodge; A.T.C. commanded by Flight Officer J. Hilton; Police under Sergt. Saul, and Girl Guides with Mrs Ball leading. A big attraction was the large contingent of Women N.F.S. from Southport who were very smart. The Salute at the March Past was taken by Dvr. William Parkinson, R.A.S.C., of the 8th Army, who had fought under 'Monty' from Alamein to Naples, and Corpl Sandy Laing of the Royal Marines. Colonel Dorling of the North Western District, opened the week with a really excellent speech, and brought with him an Army loud speaker van.
Mrs. Robshaw, mother of Ken (Doctor's Lane, Sollom) was married on Thursday to R.S.M. Watson at Ormskirk Registry Office.
Margret Gabbot was married on Wednesday in Tarleton Parish Church by the rector to Fred Banks of Longton. Bride in white with long train. Reception and wedding breakfast at Garlicks.
Mrs. Hodge, mother of Jack, was riding her bicycle when she was knocked off it by a dog running across the road. She broke her arm in two places and was taken to Southport Infirmary.
A bull belonging to Harry Spencer attacked John Hornby, Gorse Lane, last week and ripped his arm open.

On Leave: Billy Parkinson and Sandy Laing who as stated above took the Salute at the grand March Past. Jack Hodge; Ronnie Johnson; Alf Rowland; who has just returned from Canada.
The rector was preaching at Emmanuel, Preston, on Sunday evening for their Day School Anniversary. The Vicar of Emmanuel sent his Curate to take the Service at Tarleton and the rector must have forgotten this for he asked his friend the Senior Chaplain N.W. District. So both arrived in Tarleton and the Senior Chaplain read the lessons and preached while the Curate took the rest of the service.

EXTRACT FROM LETTERS.
AB Tom Dickinson, R.N. airgraphs from his ship in the near east "We have two local lads in the stablishment. Bob Rimmer from Mere Brow and a lad called Hough from the Police Station at Walmer Bridge. When I first met Bob out here he was taIking to another lad, saying how his twin brother and sister used to 'bawk'. I then asked him where he lived and no one was more surprised than I when he told me. That bit of Tarleton slang gave him away, and I never knew him in civvy street. Remember me to Tom Bolton, Bob Howard and Bert Fawke, through the N.L."
L/Cpl Frank Foster airgraphs from India "I have heard with very real regret of poor Dick Johnson's death in Italy. As you know, he came out to the middle east on the same boat as I three long years ago. For the past seven months I have been running a small Pathological Lab. Eric Hind is still here living a few hundred yards away. How I long to be home again, amongst my own people and friends. I dream about it - living my own life, undisturbed in my own village! Remember me to everyone through the N.L."
Tom Parkinson airgraphs from B.N.A.F. "How I spent Easter Day I can't tell you, but I shall never forget it, and it was the first time for years that I missed going to one of the Services. But it was impossible this time. However my thoughts were with you and my family on that day. I knew where they would be and what you would all be doing. This country is much like blighty, especially Cumberland and we find the change a benefit. Give my kind regards to all the S.S. Scholars and Teachers."
Dvr. Ronnie Pilkington writes from M.E.F. "I would be very pleased, if you would give my kind regards to Mrs. Johnson and tell her how sorry I am to hear of Dicks death in Italy. Remember me to Richard Burns, R.N. and Tom, Jim and George, not forgetting their families at home. I also congratulate Evelyn Taylor on her wedding and would be pleased if she would drop me a line anytime. Also please remember me to my brother Harold R.A.F., hoping that it will not be long before we meet again in old England."
Seaman Hugh Sutton (Bretherton) writes from his ship in the Royal Navy "A rolling ship is hardly the place for any kind of writing. It is quite impossible to mention where I am, but to my mind an Eskimo would be much more at home here. The other day the ship got covered with ice and we had a lovely job chipping it away. I see by the clock that it is very near tea time so everyone must stop writing soon, but if you have any room in the N.L. will you please remember me to John Ball; Leslie Clarkson; Jimmy Jackson and Ken Dandy?"
AC Freddy Coupe writes from Nassau "This will be my last letter to you for a month or five weeks as I go on leave soon. I am going to stay with relatives in U.S.A. I am expecting to have a marvellous time, and maybe I'll have more news for you when I return. I went to the 8.30 Communion on Easter Day. We have a nice small Church here. No doubt mother would be in Church at the same time. I am doing a lot of swimming as it is still so hot."
Pte Ken Robshaw, writes from India "It is grand to get a bit of news from home, also of the lads who are lucky enough to get a spot of leave in Tarleton. I only wish that I was one of them. I am keeping in good health and am making the best of things. My mail has been reaching me very well up to date. Remember me to all the Tarleton lads in the Forces."
Marine Wm. Wright sends a letter from the North saying "I have not seen anything of Les (Leslie Hodson) or Harry Iddon yet, but I am keeping my eyes open as they are neither of them far from here. We have had to go for a medical to-day for the Commandos. I got through O.K. A.l. We are still at the same camp and the people around are very nice. They are always asking us out to tea. We are going to an ENSA concert on Sunday night and are taking some of them with us. My kind regards to all the boys and girls in the Forces, not forgetting old Les."
O/S Ken Dandy, R.N. writes from his ship "I still manage to go to Church every other Sunday. A Rear-Admiral nearly always reads the Lessons. I see by last week's.N.L. that there was a spot of excitement outside the Garage when the van loaded with hens caught fire. Well, I have got the morning watch, so I am turning in early."
Pte John Ashcroft writes "I have just had a short spell under canvas and was getting nicely used to it when we were moved back again into the building. As the camp was a new one we had no conveniences and had to walk half a mile for a wash and shave and meals. On Easter Sunday we went to Christ Church, it is a lovely Church. I was riding on a bus through the suburbs one Sunday afternoon when I saw in big letters outside one Church this notice "If absence makes the heart grow fonder this Church must have many friends." Best wishes to all Tarletonians every where."
Sergt Jimmy Leacy C.M.P. writes "I have been attached to one of the Guards' Training battalions on a Drill Course. It was hard, but I made the grade, and qualified 'Distinguished'. While on the Course I saw Harry Crook a few times, Arthur Molyneux was in a camp not far away, but I did not see him. I would like to be especially remembered to Bert Price, Dick Burns, and Harry Crook. Harry you have not answered my last letter and I don't know your present address. Best wishes to all Tarletonians in the Forces."
Pte. Harry Woosey begins "At last I am actually starting a long overdue letter to you. You know, rector, letters are what keep a soldier overseas going. I never knew that there were so many unselfish people in all my life as I know now, after being in the Army. Please remember me to all the lads and lassies wherever they may be, with a special word for my brother-in-law Eric Booth, Bob Hall and Jack Robinson."
Gunner Arthur Harrison says "I have not written sooner because we have been very busy; and I can't tell you much because our letters are censored. We were told on Parade this morning that you need only put 1 1/2d. stamp on your letters. So that should save you a shilling or two each week. I spent a lovely morning while I was on leave cutting the grass and tidying the graves in the Churchyard. When I used to come home from work I used to stop at Cocker Bar Bridge and look across at Tarleton Church. I think it is the nicest Church for miles around."
Dvr. Jack Robinson says "To-night I am on duty so I have settled down and written a few letters; but when we do write we cannot say much. I bet everything is looking nice round the rectory now with all the flowers out. It was hard luck not getting to see you when you went to see your brother. Could you let me have his address?"
Gunner Ronnie Whiteside writes 'I am still 'somewhere in Italy' and am now at a transit camp waiting to go back to my Regt. after having been for three weeks in hospital. Let it be bombs and more bombs for Germany until they have been thoroughly broken and beaten. Then we shall be able to relax a little. Cheerio to all readers of the N.L. and the best of luck to all the young men and women in the Forces from the village."
AC2 Alan Jay writes "As you can see by my address I have been moved. Your N.Ls cheer me up a lot and keep me in touch with our village. I am here for a period of six months on a P.A.C.1 course. Remember me to David Hanson, Maurice Haskell, Harry Latham in India and Harry Woosey, and the best of luck to all the other boys and girls in the Forces."
Stoker William Harrison (Blackgate Lane) writes "We have been very busy lately scrubbing floors and brushing rooms out, but I think we shall start our training again now. I've been to Church once since I came here, because every Sunday morning the passages in our sleeping quarters have to be brushed out: There is a rumour that we are going on a route-march tomorrow, so we shall get to see a little unspoiled nature."
Pte Joe Power (H.B.) writes "I am not sorry to get a fixed address, as it makes it rather difficult with the mail when one is always on the move. But I must say that the good old N.L. has always found me eventually. The last one I received a week ago had no fewer than one dozen post marks on the envelope. Although very busy I did find time to attend Easter Communion. At first I thought that it wasn't going to be possible until I determined myself to go whatever happened. I do think that the impossible can be made possible if one is determined to make it as such. Is this a record - within the last twelve weeks I have attended Service in 17 different villages and towns and have had to hitch hike or walk up to three miles to attend."
Craftsman Ken Ogden writes "I had a letter from my brother Vernon the other day, and he is out at sea again. I would much rather be in this job than the R.A.M.C. although all my old pals are in Italy now. I have not met any lads from Tarleton since I have been here, but I am always on the look-out."
Nurse Alice Bentham writes from a Military Hospital "I have had the privilege once or twice of late of taking patients on transfer to other hospitals. Two weeks ago I took a journey by ambulance to ---, the hospital at --- is where Ann Barron is nursing and I felt greatly tempted to visit the plastic room to seek her out. I began to wander in that direction but I met what was obviously the Matron, so I, remembering the strict Red Tape measures of most military hospitals, decided to retreat."
Walter Rawsthorne writes,"While the weather is fine we find life under canvas quite pleasant, but when it rains you awake to find water dripping on your face, and a few worms crawling on your bed. Although we are an entirely self-contained unit we don't have a padre, but once a fortnight we are visited by one, and if fine, we have a nice open-air Service. Please pass on my best wishes to Tom Rigby, whom incidentally I thank for his nice letter to my mother, and also Bob Barren and his brother Arthur, and Dora Iddon."

The Lighter Side.
"That's a hard working little wife you have, Smith:"
"Yes, I only wish I had a couple more like her."

A regimental Padre in India found two soldiers weeping bitterly beside a dead elephant. He was much touched and said to them "Such grief does you credit, men: Were you fond of the animal?"
"No, sir," replied the soldiers "we've been ordered to bury it."

Young Tommy was watching his first football match.
"Daddy", he said, "Why are they booing that man?."
"Because he threw a brick at the referee."
"Yes but he missed him."
That's why they are booing him. "

Young sailor, "I never can see why they call a boat 'she,'"
Old Salt "Then you've never tried to steer one."

Dvr. T. Alty wites "I can't say much about this place, but the country round here is very beautiful at the moment with primroses. Will you please remember me to Sid Ball and tell him it won't be long now."

Some Spelling Twisters.
Ask your friends to pronounce the following words, and as you ask them spell them out like this:
B A C - K A C - H E; M A C - L E O D; M A C - I N -T O S H ; M A C - H I N - E R Y

A bit wooden.
The new recruit wanted compassionate leave, so, seeing the Colonel on the parade ground he timidly approached him and made his request.
"This is most irregular" said the colonel, "Go to the orderly room and get a Form and make your application on that."
Some time later he approached the Colonel carrying a wooden form which he had taken from the Orderly room, and on which was written in chalk his request for leave.

The Will to live.
I live for those who love me,
For those who know me true,
For the heaven that bends above me,
And the good that I can do;
For the wrongs that need resistance,
For the cause that lacks assistance,
For the future in the distance,
And the good that I can do.

Our oldest inhabitant,
The rector is seeking the oldest inhabitant in Tarleton in order to ask him to write the initial letter in the N.L. He is also asking the Chairman of the Parish Council and our one and only J.P.
As a matter of fact, and of interest, Mr. Robert Latham appears to fulfil all these qualifications. He is 84 years of age, and we do not know anyone in the village older, he is Chairman of the P.C. and he is a J.P. So he will write our next week's letter.

Royal Progress.
During the last war the rector's Battalion was on several occasions billeted in a village, called Delettes, in the Pas-de-Calais. As he used to arrange Dances, Concerts and Social evenings for the troops to which the French girls were invited, he became very popular with the inhabitants, especially, too, as he held a class for teaching the young French Lads English. Some years after the war during one of his annual visits to France he called at the village and paid his respects to the worthy Mayor and Mayoress. He was invited to stay the night. Next morning he awoke to the sound of the Church bells pealing, He asked the reason. "To honour you", said the Mayor. He was also informed that the Mayor had proclaimed the day a public holiday and had arranged for a fair, which was visiting the neighbouring village of Therouane, to come on to Delettes for the afternoon. All the morning the Mayor accompanied the Rector on a round of visits to old friends. Arriving back they found the village market square lined with venetian masks, and well beflagged; with the fair as the centre-piece. After a hectic afternoon on the swing boats and round-a-bouts came tea, and in the evening a Concert in the village school. This mostly consisted of cracked gramophone records, and songs by the Schoolmistress, an elderly but charming lady. After the Concert this lady asked the Mayer and Mayoress and the son Louis, together with the Rector, to honour her by partaking of coffee and biscuits in the schoolhouse which adjoined. They left about 9.15 p.m. and directly they reachd the street the Mayor politely asked the rector if he would mind taking off his boots and walking bare footed home. He explained that there was a curfew at 9 o'-clock and that it would never do for the Mayor and his party to be heard clanking down the street (for like all French village streets it was cobbled), after the curfew hour. The whole party took off their boots and went home barefooted. Next morning the Rector left the village, and the whole populace was waiting at the station to bid him goodbye.