Archived Extracts

Two old Huthwaite residents were buried on Saturday. One was Mr. J. Goodall, of 14, Strawberry Bank, who was 80 years of age. The other was Mr. J. Bowler, aged 77, of 85, Blackwell Road. The Rev. W.L. Boulton officiated in both cases.

The usual Christmas donation of £10 for the poor of Huthwaite has been sent to the Vicar by the Duke of Portland, and divided into half-crowns, has been taken out and distributed among the old and needy. £ does not cover the number of cases, were an extra half-crown would be desirable, consequently two or three pounds more are dded at the Parish Church, in order to deal with a freater number of deserving cases.

On Christmas morning there were three celebrations of Holy Communion at the Parish Church, the Rev. W.L. Boulton officiating in each case. The building has been decorated with white chrysanthemums on the alters and evergreends on the windows. The last service was choral,.. The organ accompaniments were played by Mr. G. Heigton.

Those responsible for the visiting children from Southend arranged a series of diversions during the holiday period. On Tuesday afternoon, at the invitation of Mr. T.G. Richardson (Headmaster), 366 children with their teachers assembled at the Lyric Cinema to view a delightful film entitled "High School" featuring Joan Withers, a popular favourite with children. The New Street School children of Huthwaite were with them, and they formed together a very happy family. At the close Mr. Richardson thanked Mr. Hirst (Lyric Manager) for the excellent provision made for the children's entertainment, and Mr. H.A. Simpson expressed thanks to the Southenders for their hospitality.

On Sunday afternoon Mr. Harrison Slater, the well known elocutionist gave a recital in the Sherwood Street Church.... The chairman was Mr. H.A. Simpson and the event was organised by Miss H. Hawler on behalf of the Church funds.

The children of the New Street School assembled in the Hall on Friday morning for a concert play-acting, singing and dancing, some forty children in quick succession running through their various forms of entertainment. At the close the Headmaster led the children to cheers for the teachers, the caretaker, the Southend visitors, not forgetting the dentist and his lady assistant. They were then presented with a good packet of boiled sweets, manufactured within shouting distance of the school.

Father Christmas visited the Church of England School, Common Road, on Thursday. Christmas songs and carols were sung, and the children wore fancy caps. The school was decorated suitably for the occasion, and each child received various presents, which were distributed by the visitors after the departure of Father Christmas. On Friday afternoon the children entertained each other with plays , songs and recitations. Afterwards the children broke up for their usual fortnight's holiday.

Owing in a great measure to the effort of an indefatigable secretary, Mr. A. Monk, a record year of progress was disclosed at the annual meeting of the "Peacock" sick and Dividing Society, which was held on Saturday night at the Peacock Hotel. The report showed a striking improvement in all directions. The number of members had increased during the year from 206 to 237, while the annual share-out amount to £1 5s. per member, which was also a record amount. Great satisfaction was displayed by the members and the Secretary was complimented by the auditors on the praiseworthy condition of the books, and he was unanimously re-elected. The appointments made were as follow:- President, Mr. G. Weston; Vice-President, Mr. G. Colman; Secretary, Mr. A. Monk; Auditors, Messrs. T. Bonser and A. Buxton; Sick Steward, Mr. T. Bradley; Sick Visitor, Mr. E. Moakes; Trustees, Messrs. D. Bonser, E. Pitt and W. Rhodes; Committee, Messrs. J.W. Wilson, A. Stoppe, J. Lee, R. Moorhouse and J. Mansell. Refreshments were provided and an evening of harmony was spent. An encouraging number of new names were submitted for membership, and the gathering altogether was one of the most successful in the history of the Society.

On Friday morning the children of the New Street School (Infants' Department) had their Christmas party. The rooms had been decorated by the teachers and children, under the supervision of Miss Searson (Headmistress), a feature being a Christmas Tree illuminated both with electric bulbs and candles. Father Christmas arrived laden with gifts which were distributed by the teachers, but there were no chocolates nor oranges. A sufficiency of toys and useful articles, however, made up the deficiency. Carols and recitations were rendered, and the following plays....