Thorley Articles in the Herts and Essex Observer1918
12 January 1918 p5 col 2
Bishop’s Stortford accident to Mr GEW Ackerman.
A rather serious accident happened to Mr GEW Ackerman of Portland Road, Receiving Officer of the Board of Guardians for the Bishop’s Stortford District, while out driving at Thorley on Monday morning. When at the spot known as Bird’s corner, the pony slipped on the icy surface of the road, and falling, pitched Mr Ackerman over its head onto the road. He struck the ground with considerable force, and severely injured his head. A bad wound was made in his forehead, and both eyes were much damaged, in addition to his being greatly shaken. His wrist was badly sprained. He was able to proceed home, where he was medically attended. The pony was uninjured and the cart undamaged.
2 February 1918 p5 col 7
Thorley
Sergeant C Kingsley Menhinick ASC, MT, elder son of Mr and Mrs Menhinick of Thorley, has been awarded the Mons Star with chevrons, for length of service, having been at the front since the early stages of the war in 1914.
9 February 1918 p5 col 4
Bishop’s Stortford Urban District Council - Reconstruction of the Black bridge.
The Council agreed to plans by GER to reconstruct the wooden bridge over the river at South Mill – it was proposed to put in bridges for the river, the back water, and the sewer. Plans did not mention putting a bridge over the South Mill level crossing.
16 February 1918 p6 col 5
St Alban’s Board of Finance
Thorley raised £16 for the Diocesan Fund - the money goes back to parishes, people and institutions in Herts and Beds urgently needing financial support.
23 February 1918 p5 col 1
Bishop’s Stortford – a magistrate’s fighting family.
Mr E Pelly of `the Lodge, Witham, and formerly of Twyford House, Bishop’s Stortford, has received information that his second son Major EG Pelly, MC has been awarded the DSO. Major Pelly enlisted in the Essex Yeomanry in August 1914, and afterwards received a commission, serving in France for just over twelve months; he was then transferred to the Indian Expeditionary Force in Mesopotamia with the Mechanical Transport, where he is now serving. Lieut JN Pelly, RN served at Gallipoli and elsewhere; his third son Lieut H Pelly served with the Essex Regiment, and after being mentioned in dispatches, was killed at Gallipoli; his fourth and youngest son Sub-Lieut DE Pelly, RN was one of the few officers saved from HMS Formidable.
2 March 1918 p4 col 4
Thorley – War Savings Association.
This Association has just completed its first year. It started on February 21st 1917 with 22 members and now has 200 on the books. During the year it has invested £1104/1s in 1502 war savings certificates.
16 March 1918 p5 col 1
Bishop’s Stortford – War Savings Associations.
February total for Thorley was £94/8s
23 March 1918 p5 col 4
Thorley
Thorley War Savings Association – Business Men’s week – the total sums invested through the Association during the week are: by coupons £29/9s; single certificates £371/4/6d; and by £5 bonds, £100; making a total of £500/13/6d
6 April 1918 p5 col 5
Thorley
The Easter Vestry was held on Tuesday when the Rev JEI Procter nominated Mr Laurie Frere as Rector’s churchwarden. Mr Newman, who has already held the office for 32 years, was unanimously re-elected parishioners’ church warden. Messrs GS Streeter, J Lawrence, G Patten, W Evans, D Patten and R Newman were reappointed sidesmen. The churchwarden’s accounts were passed and other matters usually transacted at the Easter Vestry dealt with. The Rector thanked the churchwardens, the sidesmen, the organist, the choir and the bellringers for their services during the past year.
Easter at the Church
The church was nicely decorated for the Easter festival. The east end was decorated by Miss Procter, the pulpit and lectern by Mrs and Miss Streeter, the prayer desk by Mrs G Patten and Miss Lane, and the font by Mrs and Miss U Frere. Several members of the congregation sent cut flowers. The congregations were good, especially at the morning service, and there was a large number of communicants. The Rev JEI Procter (Rector) officiated at all the services. The offertory, which was on behalf of the St Albans Board of Finance, amounted to £6. The Lenten Savings boxes for the Church Army for providing recreation huts for our soldiers in France realized £8/16s.
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Bishop’s Stortford – secretary of the tennis club is Miss D Watts, of Tynewydd, London Road.
13 April 1918 p5 col 1
Bishop’s Stortford – Volunteer Orders
Captain GS Streeter of Thorley Place has been promoted Major and Commanding Officer of the 1st Batt. Herts Volunteer Regt.
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Stortfordian wounded by German gas shell.
Official news was received during the weekend by Mr and Mrs H Saban, of 8 Thorley Terrace, Twyford Road, that their third son, Private Walter Saban, of the Royal Sussex Regt, has been wounded by a German gas shell while fighting against the great enemy offensive, and was admitted to hospital in France on March 26th. Since that date he has been brought to England, and is now in hospital in Cornwall. Private Saban was the first man to enlist at a recruiting meeting in the Market Square on June 9th 1915, when at the age of 18 he joined the Herts Regiment, with whom he went to France in August 1816. Since then he has been transferred to the Royal Sussex Regiment. Mr and Mrs Saban have another son, Private William Alfred Saban, of the Herts Regiment, now serving in France. This son went out with the regiment on Nov 5th 1914, and has seen some heavy fighting, including the present great struggle. Another son, Henry James Saban, who was wounded and gassed in the first battle of Ypres, was discharged from the army in August 1916.
20 April 1918 p 5 col 1
Bishop’s Stortford – Wounded
Among the Stortfordians whose relatives have this week been officially informed they have been wounded is Private Frederick Bird, a driver in the Mechanical Transport, Army Service Corps (attached to an ammunition column) whose wife, living in South Mill Road, has been notified that he has been severely injured. Private Bird is still in hospital in France, where he expects to remain for some time yet before he can be moved to England. In a letter to his wife he says that he was engaged in taking ammunition to the line, and had arrived within a few yards of the position, when a German shell fell beside his lorry. A heavy bombardment was going on at the time, and as the lorry preceding him had entered a shell hole, he had just left his seat when he was struck by the shell. He was severely wounded, among his injuries being a fractured thigh. Private Bird joined up about two years ago and a fortnight later was sent to France.
27 April 1918 p 2 col 7
Thorley
The DCM – Sergeant CK Menhinick, elder son of Mr & Mrs Menhinick of Thorley, has been awarded the DCM for re-dressing and rescuing some wounded men from a village which was being heavily shelled on the morning of the 5th inst.
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BS War Savings Local Committee
Return for March Thorley £565/15/6d.
4 May 1918 p 5 col 2
Bishop’s Stortford Men in the War – Killed in Action
The sad intelligence, contained in a letter received by his brother, Mr E Handscomb, of 10 Twyford Road, South Mill, from his platoon officer, came to hand this week of the death in action of his brother Rifleman Herbert Handscomb, King’s Royal Rifle Corps, in France on March 22nd. The writer says that Rifleman Handscomb went into action on March 21st and was killed the next day by a German sniper who shot him and a comrade next to him in the back of the neck, adding “He was a fine soldier, and during the little time he was with us he made himself liked.”. Rifleman Handscomb was a single man, 33 years of age, and was well known for several seasons as an efficient playing member of the Bishop’s Stortford Town Club Football Team. He enlisted in October 1915, with other Stortford men in the Army Ordnance Corps, and went to France a fortnight later as a storekeeper. Since he was last home on leave during the autumn of 1917, he was transferred from his work as a storekeeper, and went to a training camp, being later attached to an Infantry Battalion. Deceased was a son of the late Mr and Mrs James Handscomb, and was a member of a well known Stortford family. A quiet and reserved man, he was much respected in the town. In civil life, he was employed as a carpenter and joiner, having worked for several builders in Bishop’s Stortford. When he enlisted he was engaged at Sawbridgeworth Joinery Works. His elder brother Coroporal Edward Handscomb is now serving in France with the Military Police.
11 May 1918 p 5 col 1
War Savings Committee
April return for Thorley £6/8/6d.
18 May 1918 p 4 col 5
Soldiers Sad Death on the Railway near Bishop’s Stortford.
An account of the inquest after the man was hit by a train on the railway just north of the Spellbrook signal box. PC Eames of Thorley attended the incident.
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Thorley – Mrs C Clark and Mr and Mrs J Clark and Family wish to thank all friends for their kind expressions of sympathy in their great sorrow and bereavement.
Major Charles Clark MC Killed in Action
Profound regret has been caused in Thorley at the news recently received by Mr and Mrs James A Clark of Moor Hall Cottages, that their eldest son, Major Charles Clark MC, Royal Field Artillery, was killed in action in France on April 25th. Deceased had a wonderful army career, having risen from the ranks to a high position. Major Clark was born at Thorley in 1881, and attended the village school, after which he went to work until he was 16 years of age for Mr F Newman of Moor Hall Farm, where his father has now been employed for 40 years. He then enlisted in the Royal Field Artillery despite the fact that he was two years under age, and afterwards saw service in South Africa and India. While in India he married Miss Emily Philpott, who, with their little daughter, lives at Thorley. When war broke out he was still in India, not having been home for eight years, and held the rank of sergeant. Shortly afterwards he returned to England, where he took up a commission in the Royal Horse Artillery, his old regiment with whom he went to Gallipoli. Here he won the Military Cross for fixing wires and getting a report back to the Battery and Headquarters some hours before the next quickest message got through. He was one of the first to land on “W” beach, and almost the last to leave at the evacuation of the peninsula. Subsequently he was sent to France, where he was made Lieutenant, and later was promoted to Captain, being at the same time gazetted to the Royal Field Artillery. Only a few weeks before his death he was further promoted to the rank of Major. He was home on leave in March, but was recalled on account of the German offensive commencing, and met his death exactly a month after he left home. From information which has come to hand he was killed by a shell, a fragment of which hit him in the stomach, while he was in position with his guns, and he died almost immediately. A superior officer writes that he was a gallant soldier, kind and gentle with his men and beloved by his fellow officers. He had been in the army over 16 years. Mr and Mrs Clark have had three other sons serving. Sergeant James L Clark, who has just been invalided out of the Army Veterinary Corps; Sergeant William Clark, time expired from the Herts Regiment, now on munition work; and Trooper Joseph Clark of the Herts Yeomanry, in ……..
25 May 1918 p 5 col 2
Thorley – The House to House Collection organized by Miss Procter and Mrs Streeter, on behalf of the Hertfordshire Regiment’s Comforts Fund, was made in Thorley on Monday and realized £15/9s. including £1/10s from the Twyford House Mothers’ Meeting, per Mrs Frere. The collectors were Mrs Featherby, Mrs Carr, Mrs Watts, Miss P and Master Streeter, Miss Bird and Miss Rist.
1 June 1918 p3 col 5
Thorley – Rabbit Lecture
Mr GS Streeter presided over a meeting held at the schools, on Wednesday evening, by the Bishop’s Stortford Rabbit Association, when a lecture on rabbit keeping and rearing was given by Mr E Mansell, County Council lecturer.
8 June 1918 p 5
War Savings
Thorley return for May - £211/9s.
15 June 1918 p 3 col 3
Bishop’s Stortford Food Control Committee – Above the Maximum Price
Mrs GS Streeter of Thorley Place, wrote that she was holding a sale of work at the VAD Hospital in aid of the Wounded Soldier’s Cigarette and Embroidery Fund (for providing them work during the winter evenings), and asked if the Committee would grant permission to sell butter, eggs and poultry above the maximum price.
Mr Cooper: Can we grant permission?
The Executive Officer: said that officially the Committee could not grant permission but in the case of the recent Farmers’ Red Cross Fund sale they had intimated that they would raise no objection to certain articles being sold above the maximum price. The poultry question would cause some difficulty, as if the birds were sold dead they could not be bought without coupons being surrendered.
Mr Gee: said he thought the poultry should be sold alive.
Mrs Pape: I should not think they will sell poultry above the maximum price on what it is fetching today (laughter).
The Committee agreed to allow the articles asked for to be sold above the maximum price, but the Executive Officer will intimate that the Committee consider the poultry should be sold alive.
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Thorley – Sad death of a Thorley soldier
The greatest sympathy is extended to Mr and Mrs James A Clark, of Moor Hall Cottages, whose eldest son, Major Charles Clark, MC, was recently killed in action, in another bereavement they have just sustained, by the death of their third son Sergeant Albert James Clark, Army Veterinary Corps. Deceased, who was 27 years of age and married, his widow and two children now living at Albury, was in the Metropolitan Police Force when war broke out and was among the first four hundred members of the force to enlist. He had been in France more than two years, and last January contracted an illness which necessitated him being in hospital for some months, and from which he has recently died. Mr and Mrs Clark have another son, Trooper Charles Clark, Herts Yeomanry, serving in Egypt, while a fourth, Sergeant William Clark, time expired from the Herts Regiment, is now on munitions work.
22 June 1918 p 5 col 1
Bishop’s Stortford - Sale of Work at the VAD Hospital
Arranged by Mrs GS Streeter, Mrs Philip Gold and Miss Sterry in conjunction with the Commandant (Miss F Stacey), a highly successful sale of work, in aid of the Cigarette, Needlework and Comforts Fund of the patients of the local VAD hospital at Dane Hall, was held at the hospital on Wednesday afternoon. All the patients and staff worked indefatigably to obtain the satisfactory result achieved, which fact is more commendable inasmuch as the whole arrangements were made within a fortnight. The patients’ work included embroideries of various kinds, beads work, pen painting, necklaces, specimens of carpentry, etc. The result of this being something in the nature of £37 in the total receipts. Other stalls, presided over by the staff and patients, included china, produce and fancy articles. Unfortunately, rain prevented the sale being held in the grounds, but during the evening, as the weather improved, various out-of-doors attractions were indulged in, these including clock golf under Mr Tresham Gilbey, bowls under Mr JS Cooper, and “hoop-la” and “Aunt Sally” lent by Mr Baldwin Smith. The two last mentioned attractions were managed by Privates Laing and Huntley, the whole proceeds going towards the object in view. For the clock golf, bowls and needlework various prizes were given by Mr Tresham Gilbey, Mrs Newman and the Commandant. Mr ST Milbank also lent a weighing machine, and this was managed by Private Cook. During the evening the patients gave a concert to a crowded audience, the programme consisting of vocal and instrumental music and dances, being sustained by Miss Hartley, Miss Elsie Evans, Sergeant Whitworth, Sergeant Froggart, Fitter Osgood, Sapper Robinson, Private Gibson, Gunner Boyle, Private Harrington, Private Forbes, Private Barclay and the “Blue Boys” and “Wee Jack”. The total result of the day was that £102/1/10d was realized. Mrs Streeter and Mrs Philip Gold desire to thank everyone who so kindly gave to such a splendid collection of articles sent for the sale, and in various other ways assisted to make the event the success it was.
29 June 1918 p 6 col 4
Proposed War Memorial
A meeting was held in the Thorley School on Friday evening last, the Rev JEI Procter (Rector) in the chair, to consider the most appropriate method of perpetuating the memory of the sailors and soldiers of Thorley. After some discussion it was unanimously decided that at the conclusion of the war a mural tablet should be erected to their memory in Thorley Church. It was also arranged to hold another meeting on July 22nd to consider the question of any further memorial. Mr and Mrs Frere were appointed joint Hon Treasurers of the Thorley Memorial Fund. It was decided to invest the money collected in war savings till it shall be required.
10 August 1918 p 5 col 6
Remembrance Day was observed on Sunday in the Parish Church. The Service began with the Holy Communion at 8 am, when there were a large number of communicants. There was Morning Prayer at 11 am with sermon and Holy Communion. At 3,30 pm Litany was said in the Church and at 6.30 pm there was Evening Prayer with sermon. The Rector (Rev JEI Procter) officiated at all the services. In the morning he took as his text Deuteronomy viii.2 while in the evening he preached on the words “faint, yet pursuing” Judges viii, v 4. The congregations were excellent at all the services, and the collection, which was on behalf of the Hertfordshire Prisoners of War Fund, amounted to £12/1/1d.
17 August 1918 p 5 col 2
War Savings Associations
Thorley results for July £208/8/6d.
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Thorley – Herts Prisoners of War Fund.
On Monday evening a particularly enjoyable open-air concert, arranged by Mrs Laurie Frere, took place in a field between Thorley Place and the Green Man in aid of the Herts Prisoners of War Fund. A large and appreciative audience assembled. The programme was contributed to by a number of talented artistes. The first part being sustained by local performers and the second by a concert party from Hadham.
24 August 1918 p 2 col 5
Thorley
Jumble Sale. At the conclusion of the School Treat a Jumble Sale, arranged by Mrs Streeter, was held in the Rectory grounds. The stalls were managed by Mrs and Miss Streeter, Mrs and Miss Procter, Mrs and the Misses Frere, the Misses Lane and Miss D Newman. The proceeds, which amounted to £10/14/3d, have been given to the Organ Fund.
School Treat On Wednesday the School Treat was held in a meadow lent by Mr George Patten, of Thorley Hall. After running races and playing games the children adjourned to the school, where an excellent tea had been provided for them by Mr and Mrs Frere. Then, after more games, the prizes were presented. First, the Sunday School prizes were given. The following were the prize winners:- Class 1 Boys – Frank Chappell, George Stoakes, James Clark, Walter Warboys and Frank Warboys. Class 1 Girls – Florence Eames, Ruth Clark, Lois Harris, Winifred Wootten and Jane Clark. Class II Boys – Stanley Clark, Stacey Clark, Edward Clark and Frank Crabb. Infants – Harry Warboys (given by Percy Stevens), Thomas Doody, Frederick Prior, Alfred Warboys, Millicent Clark and Georgiana Robinson. Then the prizes were given to those who had done their best in the Scripture Examination in the Day School. The following children received prizes;- Class I Ruth Clark, James Clark, Edgar Atfield and Lois Harris. Class II – Frank Crabb, Frederick Prior, Stacey Clark and Richard Clark. Class III – George Seabon, Frederick Harris and Ernest Warman. The needlework prizes, given by Mrs Frere, Miss Death, Mrs Bull, Mrs Hartigan, Mrs Streeter ( for knitting) and Mrs G Patten (for the infants) were awarded to Lois Harris, Rose Death, Winifred Wooten, Jane Clark, Rose Death and Edith Clark. At the conclusion of the prize giving, the Rector (Rev JEI Procter) in the name of the parents and children heartily thanked Mr and Mrs Frere for their kindness in providing the tea, and also Mr Patten for allowing the use of his meadow. A large number of the parents of the children and other friends were present. The weather was perfect, the summer heat being tempered by a refreshing breeze.
31 August 1918 p2 col 7
Thorley The School
Miss Howell has accepted the post of head teacher of the Thorley School and will begin work next month.
Herts Prisoners of War Fund
As a result of the recent concert, Mrs L Frere was able to forward a cheque for £18 to the Secretary of the above fund.
Thorley War Memorial
A further meeting of the parishioners has been held with reference to the memorial to the sailors and soldiers of Thorley. It was decided that the names of the fallen should be inscribed on an oak panel to be placed in the Church, and that a large oak cross on a stone base should be erected as soon as possible to the memory of those who had died for their country. It was also decided that at the conclusion of the war a mural tablet should be placed in the Church. A committee was appointed to carry out the scheme. Mr and Mrs Frere have undertaken to act as joint hon. Treasurers of the memorial fund. The subscriptions which up to the present have been received amount to £71/1/6s.
14 September 1918 p5 col 1
Thorley
Military Sports were held on Monday in a field at Butlers Hall, to provide funds for a piano. The events resulted as follows:- 100 yards falt race, Sgt Head; respirator race, Pte Hall; hat-trimming, Gnr James; wheelbarrow race, Sgt Head and Sgt Smith. Women’s walking race, Miss Ward; Open blindfold race, Miss Patience Streeter and Master Streeter; egg and spoon race, Miss Baker; needle-threading race, Miss Warwick. A concert was given in the evening.
21 September 1918 p5 col 7
War Savings
Results for Thorley for August were £130/6/6d.
28 September 1918 p5 col 7
Thorley Harvest Festival
The Parish Church was beautifully decorated for the Harvest Festival, which was held on Sunday. The pulpit and lectern were decorated by Mrs Streeter, the prayer desk by Mrs G Patten and Miss Lane, the font by Miss Procter, the communion rails by Mrs G Patten, Miss Lane and Miss Dorothy Newman; the porch by the Misses Bird, and the windows by Mrs Archer, Miss Howell, Mrs Watson and Mrs G Seabon. Other helpers were Mrs J Watts, Mrs Gilson, Mrs G Harris, Mrs Akers, Mrs A Brewster and Miss I Sampford. Many of the parishioners sent contributions of corn, bread, vegetables, fruit and flowers for the decoration of the Church. The Rector (the Rev JEI Procter) officiated at all the services. In the morning he chose for his text the words :The Reapers are the Angels” St Matthew xiii pt 30. In the afternoon he preached on the words “Thou visitest the earth and blesses it: thou maketh it very plenteous” Psalm 65 pt 9 (Prayer Book Version). In the evening he based his sermon on the words “I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou has showed unto thy servant” Genesis xxxii pt 10. Owing to the unsettled weather, the congregations were not so lasge as usual. The offertory, which amounted to £16/3/1d, was divided between the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, the Herts Convalescent Home, and the Bishop’s Stortford Hospital. The large number of vegetables which were sent for the decoration of the Church will benefit sailors of the fleet.
12 October 1918 p col 7
Maidservant’s Death from Burns – Inquest at Bishop’s Stortford
Mr Bryan Nockolds, deputy coroner for the Bishop’s Stortford District, held an inquest at Mr Jackson’s Hotel, Nothgate End, on Wednesday, concerning the death of Alice Jennings 22 – daughter of Herbert Jennings, horsekeeper to Mr Patten of Thorley Wash – a parlourmaid in the service of Major Prichard, of Hill House Harlow, who died in Bishop’s Stortford Hospital on Monday from the effects of burns. Mr F Sale was elected foreman of a jury of eight.
Mrs Ester Jennings, wife of Herbert Jennings, of Thorley, and mother of the deceased, gave evidence of identification and stated that her daughter was home on a fortnight’s holiday about a month ago. During her holiday on one occasion she complained of pains and fainted, but at the end of her holiday, when she returned to her situation at Harlow, she appeared to be quite well. On Thursday September 19th the witness received a telegram stating that her daughter had met with an accident and had been taken to Bishop’s Stortford Hospital. Witness went to the Hospital and found that she had been badly burned. Next day deceased told her how it happened. She said she had taken some medicine and went to the lavatory in her nightdress about 5 o’clock in the morning. She said she did not remember anything more until she found herself in flames, and she then ran into the night nursery. Her daughter had been parlourmaid to Mrs Pritchard at Hill House, Harlow, about seven months ……….
…….The jury were unanimous in returning a verdict of “Accidental Death” and added that no fault nor negligence were to be attached to anyone. They expressed sympathy with deceased’s parents and relatives.
19 October 1918 p5 col 1
Bishop’s Stortford – Ten times wounded.
Major (Temporary Lieutenant Colonel) J Nevill Marshall MC (Bar), Irish Guards, who has been home on convalescent leave at Langham House, Thorley, after receiving his tenth wound, has returned to France in command of a Battalion of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders. During his stay, he addressed the Bishop’s Stortford Volunteers on his experience with the Belgian and British Armies since 1914, and other military subjects.
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Mr & Mrs Jennings and Daughter wish to thank all friends for beautiful flowers sent and sympathy shown them in their sad bereavement.
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War Savings Association
The September result for Thorley was £109/1s.
26 October 1918 p6 col 6
Memorial Service
On Friday afternoon last a `memorial Service was held in Thorley Church for Private Frederick Herbert Beney, of the Northamptonshire Regiment, who died in a Prisoners of War Camp in Germany on June 25th last. The Service was conducted by the Rector (Rev JEI Procter). After the opening sentences from the Burial Service the 23rd Psalm was sung and the lesson (1 Cor. Xv 20) was read. Then followed a hymn “On the Resurrection Morning: (hymns A&M 499). After the hymn some collects were read, and the service concluded with the Nunc Dimittis, sung kneeling, and with the playing of the dead March in Saul. Miss Eccles presided at the organ. A large number of friends were present. In his sermon last Sunday the Rector referred to the manly character of Frederick H Beney, who was both a member of the Thorley Church Choir and a bell-ringer, and to the esteem in which he was held by all who knew him.
2 November 1918 p5 col 4
Bishop’s Stortford Urban District Council
Estimate for General District Rate – Thorley !s/2d. (BS was 1s/9d).
There is a first mention of the flu epidemic, co the UDC were looking for a temporary district nurse, and the Red Cross “Our Day” fundraising activities in the area were postponed.
9 November 1918 p5 col 1
Gassed and Wounded
Mr H Saban of Thorley Terrace has been officially informed that his third son, Private Walter Saban, Machine Gun Corps, was gassed and wounded on October 17th in the great advance on the Western Front. He was admitted to hospital in France, and is progressing favourably. He was also wounded and gassed on March 24th in the big German offensive.
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Death of Mrs Menet
The death occurred on Monday of Mrs Georgina Menet, widow of the Rev John Menet, the first vicar and founder of the parish of All Saints, Hockerill, at the age of 76. The deceased lady was the only daughter of the late Rev F Vander Meulen, a former Rector of Thorley, and sister of the late Admiral Vander Meulen of Hockerill, a former member of the Bishop’s Stortford Bench.
16 November 1918 p6 col 5
Thorley In Celebration of Peace
On Armistice Day William Seabon, aged 87. Who has been for the last 74 years and still is employed on Thorley Hall Farm, sang in public two old songs which he sang when peace was declared after the Crimean War, entitled “The Bunch of Roses” and “The Bonny Dew”.
A Victory Bonfire was lighted on Tuesday evening in one of Mr G Patten’s fields, the material for the same having been provided by Mr and Mrs GS Streeter. The Volunteer Bugle Band attended. Cheers were given and the National Anthem sung and the company danced round thre bonfire, the greater enthusiasm prevailing.
A Service of Thanksgiving for Victory was held in Thorley Parish Church on Tuesday afternoon. There was a very large congregation, the farmers having given permission to their men to attend the service. The lessons were read by Mr Frere and Mr Streeter, while the service was taken by the Rector (Rev JEI Procter), who chose as the text for his address “We give thanks to God” Colossians 1 part 3. The service concluded with the singing of the Te Deum and the National Anthem. Miss Eccles presided at the organ. The bells were rung both before and after the service.
23 November 1918 p5 col 7
Thorley Thanksgiving Services for Victory
Were held in the Parish Church on Sunday. They began with the Holy Communion. Then followed Morning Prayer with the Holy Communion afterwards, and there was an afternoon service. The Rector (the Rev JEI Procter) officiated throughout. The bells were rung at the close of the afternoon service. The collection, which was on behalf of the British & Foreign Bible Society, amounted to £5/19/3d.
30 November 1918 p5 col 1
Death of an ‘Old Contemptible’.
Mr and Mrs H Saban of 8 Thorley Terrace, have been officially informed of the death on the 6th November in a casualty clearing station in France, of their second son Private William Alfred Saban, of the Herts Regiment, from bronchial pneumonia following a severe attack of influenza. He went out with his regiment on Nov 5th 1914, and had been serving in France four years. He was a time expired man and he re-enlisted in 1916. He had been daily expected home on leave and, his death occurring just as peace was dawning, the blow becomes harder to bear. The deceased’s officer, writing to his mother, says “To all of us who knew him the blow is a severe one. He was one of my old hands, tried and trusted: he was always bright, willing and cheerful. We have lost a good comrade and you a good and brave son.” We hope to publish the late soldier’s portrait next week.
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War Efforts celebrated in Bishop’s Stortford
On the invitation of the directors of Messrs Featherby’s Ltd, all their assistants employed on war work met on Saturday evening. The Drill Hall was used for the occasion. Mr AS Barrett, who presided, mentioned that the meeting was called to celebrate the cessation of hostilities and the conclusion of three years strenuous and satisfactory work for the Government. He laid emphasis on the exceedingly friendly relationship between the firm and every assistant. Mr H Stanley Tee, on behalf of the Board, voiced the thanks of the directors to their assistants. He recounted the early history of the firm and its rapid growth (the firm now employ about 250 hands) and mentioned that these had been due to the indefatigable efforts of their managing director, Mr HG Featherby, and also to the works manager Mr Todhunter, the foremen Messrs Brown, Curtis, Manning and ALderton, and the head of the ladies’ department, Miss I Speechly. He expressed also the thanks of the firm and the staff for the inspiration and help received from Mr Laurie Frere, who had organized and taken sole responsibility for a department of the works.. Mr Todhunter (works manager) replied on behalf of the assistants and expressed their appreciation and thanks to the firm. At the conclusion of his remarks he presented to Mr Featherby a silver salver subscribed for by every one of the assistants. Mr Featherby warmly thanked the staff and Mr Todhunter for their gift and the quality of all their work. He recalled early struggles of the firm, and stated that today its name ranked very high with the Authorities and they possessed a sound established business. He hoped that before long the firm would be undertaking the manufacture of machinery on a large scale and that in the near future the staff would be doubled. The firm had never failed the government, they had fulfilled their contracts to the letter, and he had no fear of future and further success. Miss Speechly then presented Mrs Featherby with a bouquet, and Mr Todhunter was the recipient of a loving cup (presented by Mr Cresswell) also the gift of the employees. Speeches were made by the foremen, Messrs Brown, Curtis and Manning. Mr and Mrs Frere arrived later in the evening, and met with a most hearty reception. Mr Frere thanked the company assembled for the help he had always received from the heads of departments, and stated that in spite of late hours and the great strain of the war, his three years work at Thorley had been most happy. Music and dancing then followed, songs being contributes by Mr Charles Edwards and Miss e Joscelyne and a sketch by Miss Speechly and Miss G;lasscock. Mr J Manning also contributed to the general gaiety and good feeling.
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Bishop’s Stortford “Thank the Guns” week
£58,705 was raised in total, of which £702 came via Mrs Frere from Thorley.
7 December 1918 p3 col 4
Photo headed “One of Bishop’s Stortford’s Old Contemptibles” and footed “The Late Private William Alfred Saban (Herts Regiment).” Whose death has occurred in France from bronchial pneumonia, following a severe attack of influenza.. (the article continues with the same content as on 30th November 1918).
P5 col 1
Bishop’s Stortford Petty Sessions.
Catching rabbits instead of rats.George Housden 24, farm worker, and William Cooper 16, peat seller, both of South Mill, Bishop’s Stortford, were summoned under the Poaching Prevention Act. PC Springett stated that at 10.00am on Sunday November 24th he saw the defendants coming along the towing path from the direction of Twyford. The pockets of both men were bulky and Cooper had a rabbit in his hand. They had a greyhound with them. He stopped them and Cooper told him the rabbit was caught by the dog. He searched them and in Housden’s pocket found a freshly killed rabbit, a catapult and several round stones. On Cooper he found two nets, and a ferret in a bag. Cooper said they had permission to catch rabbits, but when asked who gave it them, they were unable to say. Cooper said he had the ferret on him to catch rats. The Chairman (EB Barnard): You went out to catch rats and you caught rabbits? Cooper: Yes, sir. The Chairman: Then you were very lucky. Magistrate (Mr Graham) pointed out that the nets had too large a mesh for rats.
Cooper was fined £1 and Housden 5/-.
14 December 1918 p6 col 7
Thorley War Savings Association
The amount handed in to this Association for investment during ‘Thanksgiving Week’ was £702/18s. This is an advance of £200 on the sum subscribed in ‘Business Men’s Week’ in March.
21 December 1918 p5 col 1
Confirmation at St Michael’s Church
On Wednesday afternoon the Bishop of St Albans held a confirmation at St Michael’s Parish Church when 54 candidates were presented – included 11 from Thorley. The Rector (Rev JEI Procter) was present.
War Savings
Results for Thorley for November 1918 were £765/19s.
28 December 1918 p6
Thorley Christmas at the Church
The Church was beautifully decorated for the Christmas Festival. The pulpit and lectern were decorated by Mrs Streeter; the communion rails by Mrs Bull; the prayer desk by Mrs G Patten and Miss Lane; the font by Miss Berly Frere; and the windows by Miss Procter, Miss Newman and Miss Bird.
The congregations were excellent, and there were a large number of communicants. The Rector (Rev JEI Procter) officiated at all the services. The offertory, which was on behalf of the Coal, Clothing and Shoe clubs of the parish amounted to £6/8/2d. Mrs Streeter has provided cut flowers for the church during the past year.
Christmas Treat
On Monday, a Christmas Treat was given to the children attending the Thorley Sunday and Day School by Mr and Mrs Streeter. After a tea, the Rector (Rev JEI Procter) gave prizes to the children who attended regularly at the Sunday School. The children attending the Day School, under the supervision of their teachers Miss Howe and Miss Gladys Seabon, gave an excellent entertainment, which afforded much pleasure to their parents and other friends. Afterwards each child received a present, which had been provided for them by Mr and Mrs Streeter. At the conclusion, the Rector congratulated the teachers and children on the excellent entertainment they had given and thanked Mr and Mrs Streeter and their family for giving the treat. The proceedings ended with the National Anthem.