Hoping for the end of the Great War, local boys missing in action, great work at the school, death of the good greyhead from Temple and a cause for celebration.
Revd Farrar is optimistic in May 1918 as he reflects on the past year and writes: ‘Hope springs eternal’ – we have to go on hoping that the end of the war may be drawing nigh.” It was hoped that the Americans joining the war last year would hasten this, however, “the collapse of Russia has enabled our enemies to mass enormous forces on the Western Front. Sacrifices have been called for from all in the matter of restriction of articles of food and drink etc, but in the face of the immeasurably greater sacrifices demanded of our soldiers and sailors, and those who minister to them in foreign lands, and never forgetting those who have given their lives for us – all have patiently and with good heart borne their trials and privations. ‘Be strong and of a good courage is God’s call to us,’ as we must still fight on.”
Many of the village families had sons and husbands serving in the war who were wounded; some of those affected were: John Sandells was reported missing in May, he was wounded in August 1916 but went back to France with a brave heart after some time in hospital. Robert Plumridge was one of the 5 sons of Mr and Mrs Henry Plumridge who were ‘serving’. He was one of the volunteers in the early days of the War (image). Sergeant George Harding was wounded on October 16th but recovered after some months in Hospital.
Miss Elizabeth Vansittart-Neale was married to Captain LB Paget of the Rifle Brigade on October 20th 1918 in Bisham Church. ‘Every good wish was expressed, on behalf of the very many, to Captain and Mrs Leo Berkely Paget.’ Reverend Farrer notes that the church registers fail to reveal a similar record of a bride married from Bisham Abbey. Her marriage carried the hope of a new heir for the Abbey family.
In Bisham Primary School, after 30 years as Head Master and Infants’ Mistress, Mr and Mrs Atlee resigned their posts. During this time the school had earned high character and received year by year “excellent” reports from the various Inspectors. The assistant teachers and children showed their esteem by giving them an armchair and lamp, whilst the managers marked their appreciation by a presentation of books. The accompanying letter spoke of “The great work which they had done in training and building up the characters of a whole generation of children.”
Work in the churchyard proved difficult and repairs to the church roof were deferred due to the difficulty of getting labour and materials after four years of war. The three remaining elm trees in the churchyard finally had to be removed as they were, “Not unlikely to cause damage to gravestones, and also the space for burial needed every possible addition.”
A local death was noted: James Theopolis Thomas succeeded in raising Temple Mill from a state of collapse to one of prosperity. “He was always generous, considerate, and helpful, and his example of how to grow old was one which we should all do well to follow, if we can”. He was baptized in September 1820 and died on the last day of the old year, 1917. Yet on Friday, Dec 28th he rode his tricycle into Marlow.
Revd Farrer reflects that his annual letter becomes longer in spite of his efforts to shorten it. “I think it is not without use and interest as a record of Parish History.” Indeed it does give us some insight into the life of the parish at this time.
Episode written and narrated by Sheila Featherstone-Clark based on Bisham Parish Report of May 1918. Revd Farrer is voiced by Nigel Greenwich. Photo is Robert (Bob) Plumridge on December 6th 1917 (courtesy of Pete James). Sound effects from www.Freesound.org.
Hoping for the end of the Great War, local boys missing in action, great work at the school, death of the good greyhead from Temple and a cause for celebration.
Revd Farrar is optimistic in May 1918 as he reflects on the past year and writes: ‘Hope springs eternal’ – we have to go on hoping that the end of the war may be drawing nigh.” It was hoped that the Americans joining the war last year would hasten this, however, “the collapse of Russia has enabled our enemies to mass enormous forces on the Western Front. Sacrifices have been called for from all in the matter of restriction of articles of food and drink etc, but in the face of the immeasurably greater sacrifices demanded of our soldiers and sailors, and those who minister to them in foreign lands, and never forgetting those who have given their lives for us – all have patiently and with good heart borne their trials and privations. ‘Be strong and of a good courage is God’s call to us,’ as we must still fight on.”
Many of the village families had sons and husbands serving in the war who were wounded; some of those affected were: John Sandells was reported missing in May, he was wounded in August 1916 but went back to France with a brave heart after some time in hospital. Robert Plumridge was one of the 5 sons of Mr and Mrs Henry Plumridge who were ‘serving’. He was one of the volunteers in the early days of the War (image). Sergeant George Harding was wounded on October 16th but recovered after some months in Hospital.
Miss Elizabeth Vansittart-Neale was married to Captain LB Paget of the Rifle Brigade on October 20th 1918 in Bisham Church. ‘Every good wish was expressed, on behalf of the very many, to Captain and Mrs Leo Berkely Paget.’ Reverend Farrer notes that the church registers fail to reveal a similar record of a bride married from Bisham Abbey. Her marriage carried the hope of a new heir for the Abbey family.
In Bisham Primary School, after 30 years as Head Master and Infants’ Mistress, Mr and Mrs Atlee resigned their posts. During this time the school had earned high character and received year by year “excellent” reports from the various Inspectors. The assistant teachers and children showed their esteem by giving them an armchair and lamp, whilst the managers marked their appreciation by a presentation of books. The accompanying letter spoke of “The great work which they had done in training and building up the characters of a whole generation of children.”
Work in the churchyard proved difficult and repairs to the church roof were deferred due to the difficulty of getting labour and materials after four years of war. The three remaining elm trees in the churchyard finally had to be removed as they were, “Not unlikely to cause damage to gravestones, and also the space for burial needed every possible addition.”
A local death was noted: James Theopolis Thomas succeeded in raising Temple Mill from a state of collapse to one of prosperity. “He was always generous, considerate, and helpful, and his example of how to grow old was one which we should all do well to follow, if we can”. He was baptized in September 1820 and died on the last day of the old year, 1917. Yet on Friday, Dec 28th he rode his tricycle into Marlow.
Revd Farrer reflects that his annual letter becomes longer in spite of his efforts to shorten it. “I think it is not without use and interest as a record of Parish History.” Indeed it does give us some insight into the life of the parish at this time.
Episode written and narrated by Sheila Featherstone-Clark based on Bisham Parish Report of May 1918. Revd Farrer is voiced by Nigel Greenwich. Photo is Robert (Bob) Plumridge on December 6th 1917 (courtesy of Pete James). Sound effects from www.Freesound.org.