Bradford Abbas with Clifton Maybank 

Incumbent's records of parish life and the Church (starts 1886)

Dorset Record Office microfilm R/1410/PE/BRA:IN 2/1-

Includes handwritten notes and newspaper cuttings, village newsletters and leaflets

 Invited but unable to attend            Lucy NAPPER 90            Chas. BRAGG

Wid. SMITH            ?Ann HUNT - HIGGINS            M. GARRETT

Christmas Gift – 3 yds flannel

Rules of the Guild of Ringers – S. Mary, Bradford Abbas 1886

1. Members undertake: to remember that the Belfry is a part of God's House, and to avoid all unseemly conduct therein.

2. To set an example of sobriety and godly life

3. To chime for Sunday and Festival services, and to ring on Queen's accession and New Years Eve, and to attend the services when possible

4. Practice night Tuesday 7 to 9 – admission to Belfry only by permission of the Captain who shall be selected by the Guild

5. Payment for ordinary chiming will be received by subscription at Christmas – and divided according to attendance

6. Should the Guild consist of more than six members, the Captain shall arrange for chiming by rotation

7. Chiming shall commence twenty minutes before each service

8. Fines for Practice – first 5m: 1d after 2d absence 3d. The Captain may remit fine on sufficient excuse

9. Each member to pay 1d per week to the General Fund, every 6^th practice night

10. Admission to the Belfry at other times than above specified to be by permission of the Vicar only

11. By 'Members' is meant 'Ringers and Chimers' who shall be members of The Church of England

Names listed: James BRAGG; John BRAGG; George CHAINEY; George GAY;

Tom COOMBES; Charles GARRETT

From Misses BUCKMAN

Mrs WICKHAM's Class 1888

February 1888 Bradford Abbas Smoking Concert (newspaper cutting)

On Monday evening, a smoking concert was given in the Parish Hall, the Vicar in the chair. In spite of the snow it was well attended. Mr FIELD presided at the piano, which has lately been added to the room. Mr PURCHASE brought the house down with "How did you leave the pigs?" rendered in character. Messrs. ARNOLD, BOXALL, T. COOMBS, W. LOADER, Job GILL, R. KENNELL, W. GOODENOUGH and Admiral Lord Frederic KERR gave of their best, and a very social gathering closed with the National Anthem.

The concert given on Thursday was a decided success. About 30s was handed over for the furnishing expenses of the Parish Hall. The toy band did credit to its organiser and conductor, and Mr BOWEN, of Chetnole, was heartily appreciated by a large audience. Friends from a distance gave invaluable aid. Programme:- Pianoforte duet, Scotch Airs, Mrs A. CLAYTON and Miss A. PLACE; song "The Little Hero", Mr MINIFIE; vocal duet "Flow on Thou Shining River", Miss STANDEN and Mr C. LYON; song "In the North Countree", Mrs BOWEN; Song "The Gallants of England", Mr C. Lyon; song, with violin obligato, "The Chord of Love", Miss Standen and Mr C. Lyon; Haydn's Kinder Sinfonie, the orchestra; pianoforte duet, "Valses", Mrs and Miss Lyon; song "The Sons of Old John Bull", Mr Minifie; song "The Old Loch", Mrs Bowen; song "The Sentry's Song", Mr C. Lyon; song "Sally on Our Alley", Miss Standen; song, Mrs Bowen; song "Tubal Cain", Mr Minifie; song with chorus "Dinah Doe", Mrs Lyon, Miss Standen, Mr C. Lyon and Mr Minifie. 

May 1888 Memories of The Past (newspaper cutting)

There used to be gay doings in this village on May 29^th, when the Club was in full swing. It broke up about 1872, but the villagers have never been allowed to entirely forget the Society, inasmuch as Mr J. PITT, who had for 50 years been the flag bearer, has always unfurled the silk on what used to be club-day. Though in his 90^th year, and very weak, he was anxious this year to keep up "the good old custom", and by the assistance of two friends, he managed on Tuesday last to parade the village with the flag, headed by the Bradford Abbas brass band. Calls were made at Mr A. CLAYTON's and at the Vicarage, where he was warmly welcomed. On finishing the round, he acknowledged the cheering, and hoped the day was not far distant when the village would possess another good club. The band were also cheered for their services.

November 1888 An Entertainment (newspaper cutting)

An Entertainment by the Band of Hope was given in the school-room on Thursday. The Rev. Gordon WICKHAM was in the chair, and Mrs Gordon WICKHAM presided at the harmonium, and also read a very interesting piece entitled "Solomon Pumpkin". The following took part:- A. RING; C. SMITH; H. JEANS; L. PARSONS; S. HERRIDGE; A. WADMAN; W. CONWAY; R. CONWAY; A. GILLHAM;

F. GLOVER and B. GAY. A vote of thanks brought a pleasant entertainment to a close.

January 24^th 1889 Fathers Meeting commenced

June 1891 Destructive Fire (newspaper cutting)

Four cottages burnt to the ground. Furniture destroyed

Yesterday (Monday) morning considerable consternation was caused in the village by an alarm of fire, which came from the direction of a number of thatched cottages situate near the cross, and close to the line of the L & S W Railway Company. Soon after the 11.30 up train had passed it was found that the corner house of the block nearest the line was alight on the thatched roof, and that the flames were spreading rapidly, fanned by a strong breeze, which blew them in the direction of the three other cottages immediately adjoining. All the labourers who were at work in the field promptly responded to the call of help, and there were, indeed, very few indeed of the villagers who did not put in an appearance. ……The four homes, which were burnt to the ground were occupied by Jacob DICKER, Edward DICKER, James CONWAY, and Robert GLOVER, who will suffer considerable loss, and who have the sympathy of their fellow parishioners.

The owners of the property are the executors of the late Mr George FRANCIS, of Stoford, and it is believed that they are not insured …… Mr RING, the schoolmaster, and Capt. DAMON, with others, kindly supplied refreshments to the workmen.

There can be no doubt that the fire was caused by a spark from the 11.30 up train.

Easter Communicant List 1892 (Some names difficult to read)

ARNOLD Henry

BRAGG James

COOPER Robert

DODGE William

GLOVER Robert

GREEN –

GREEN Arthur

LANG John

LANG William

LEEDING George

PATCH Joseph

RING John J.

SPERLING Clement

CHAINEY George

6^th May 1892 Fire (newspaper cutting)

On Friday last, a thatched cottage belonging to Mr George HIGGINS was destroyed by fire. The cottage stood close to the L & S W Railway, and it is believed that some fire from the engine of the train, which left Yeovil Junction at 1.50pm, must have ignited the thatch, which, being in a dry state, was soon ablaze. Ladders were placed against the building, and a number of willing hands carried buckets of water, but it was all to no avail, the fire having too firm a hold, and all the neighbours could do was remove the goods to a place of safety and watch the fire do its work of destruction. Had the fire happened at night, it is very probable that several lives would have been sacrificed. The goods were uninsured, but Mr G. Higgins had insured the building.

Confirmations Whitsun Day June 2^nd 1895 

November 1898 The School (newspaper cutting)

The School was examined on November 18^th by the Diocesan inspector, and the following report obtained :- "The school has been extremely well taught in all its subjects – Old Testament, New Testament, and Prayer Book – the children answering readily and with intelligence. Repetition very well said, infants bright and intelligent; singing very good in tune and tone; all much interested in their work." – R. S. McDowall, R.D., inspector. Considering the change of teachers and the short term (some seven months only) devoted to the syllabus, the result is highly satisfactory, and a credit to the teacher. Mr WALKER's class obtains "V.G.", the highest mark, in all subjects, and Miss NORTON's in five out of eight, while

Miss LOVERING received special commendation for the infants. The following were awarded certificates as specially distinguishing themselves :- Upper group, IV to VII Standards – Jane JEFFERY, Winifred JEFFERY, Frank WEBBER, Cecil HELLYAR, and Bertie COURTNEY.

II to III Standards – Ethel CHAFFEY, Beatrice BAKER, George WILLS, and William LEGG. I Standard – Maggie HIGGINS, Alfred LANG, and Hilda MOODY.

November 1898 A Sad Accident (newspaper cutting)

See report on inquest below

A sad accident happened to a child named Alice SMITH, aged 7 years, on Monday. It appears that during the school dinner hour she threw a piece of paper on the stove in the classroom, and, standing too near, the lighted paper fell out on her dress, which was quickly enveloped in flames. Fortunately, Mr John LANG was at work in the schoolyard, and, seeing the child, had the presence of mind to cover her with his coat, the headmaster (Mr WALKER), who was passing by, rendered the same assistance, thereby, it is hoped, saved the child's life. Mr LANG was severely injured on both hands. Prompt help was given in dressing the child's burns, which covered the body from the waist upwards, by Mrs Uriah LANG and Mrs WICKHAM, and she was then taken to Mrs DAWE's house to await the doctor's arrival. Dr INGRAM was most prompt in his attendance, and after a further careful dressing of the wounds, the child was conveyed to the Yeovil Hospital. Through all her terrible suffering the child remained perfectly conscious, and she was wonderfully brave and patient. Her thought was for her mother ("Mother don't cry.") and, in answer to the vicar, whose voice she recognised, she tried hard to be still while, now and again, the pain seemed unbearable. None of those who ministered to the little sufferer but felt they were "taught by a little child." – The little sufferer succumbed to her injuries on Wednesday, and an inquest on the body will be held this (Friday) morning.

November 1898 Distressing Fatality at Bradford Abbas (newspaper cutting)

Relates to Alice Sarah SMITH, of Wyke, buried 26.11.1898, aged 7 yrs

A CHILD TERRIBLY BURNT AT SCHOOL

DEATH AT THE HOSPITAL

An inquest was held by the coroner (Mr E. Q. LOUCH) at the White Lion Inn, Kingston, Yeovil, on Friday morning, touching the death, which took place on Wednesday at the hospital, of Alice SMITH, the seven-years-old child of a groom in the employ of Mr COOPER, of Wyke Farm, Bradford Abbas. The jury chose Mr W. B. COLLINS as their foreman. Supt. SIMPSON, of Sherborne, was present and watched the enquiry.

Walter WALKER was the first witness called. He stated that he was master of the Bradford Abbas School, in which the deceased was a pupil. She lived at Wyke Farm, which was situated about three-quarters of a mile from the school. It was the custom, especially during the winter months, and occasionally during the summer, for children who lived at a distance to bring their dinners with them to eat at the school. Witness lived about 100 yds away. On Monday, a little before 1 o'clock, he was standing at the boys' entrance talking to Mr LANG, who was working in the schoolyard. The boys' entrance was not within sight of the girls' and infants' entrance. Mr LANG, glancing over the wall, saw some smoke and started to run as fast as he could, witness following. Directly they got outside, they saw a child in flames. Witness cried out, "Throw her down and roll her over." This Mr LANG did, and extinguished the flames to some extent. Mr LANG and witness then threw their coats over the child, and completely put out the flames, and a labourer who was being employed in the schoolyard assisted in removing the smouldering clothing. They sent for the doctor and Mrs WICKHAM, and obtained other assistance, and the child was removed to the village inn. As far as he could understand from what he had heard, deceased had been burning some paper, but where she got it from, and why she was burning it, he could not say. By some means or other – whether it was from the draught or not, he could not tell – the paper flew back and, being lighted, burnt the child's pinafore, and she immediately ran out of school.

In answer to questions, witness said the grate was an open one, but had no protection round it except the doors that closed upon the fire. There was no guard.

The foreman thought the jury would like to express themselves respecting the absence of a guard. – Mr WALKER: There is one now.

Mr BROWNE asked if it was not usual in schools, when children stayed behind during the dinner-hour, to arrange that someone older should remain with them to look after them? – Witness replied that such was the custom in some of the larger schools, where a teacher would be expected to stay, perhaps once in three weeks, but if he advertised for a teacher and told him that he would have to stay at the school two or three times a week during the dinner-hour he thought it would be difficult to engage one.

Mr BROWNE asked if it was not usual for monitors to stay? – Witness: There are not always monitors with them. – In answer to further queries, Mr WALKER said that there were no departmental restrictions. He added that there was a boy in the room at the time of the accident.

The Foreman: Do you wish to inform the jury that the infants are allowed to remain during dinner-hours with no protection whatever in the way of monitors? – Witness: No, there are always older girls who take dinner with the younger ones, and they always take charge. When witness went home to dinner he saw who were in charge, and it was their duty, besides, to sweep the room. If the weather was wet and stormy, the children had a little school among themselves, and the older girls acted as teachers.

The jury agreed that the witness's explanation was satisfactory.

Mr BROWNE expressed the opinion that the protection provided was insufficient, but he did not think that the schoolmaster or those in charge of the school were responsible for that. Some order should be given by the educational authorities whereby provision should be made for persons to be properly in charge of the infants during the dinner hour. – Another juryman: Or that a screen should be placed around the fire. – The foreman thought that the schoolmaster had done all he possibly could under the circumstances. – Referring to Mr BROWNE's remarks, Mr WALKER asked if he meant that one of the staff should remain with the children during the two dinner hours, meaning eight hours continuous stay at the school? – Mr BROWNE replied that he considered some means could be adopted to meet the necessity. – Mr WALKER replied that the children really had no right to be there; they were allowed to stay as a courtesy. – The coroner: That's a point that the department should find some way out of.

Henry LEGG, aged 12, said he went to Bradford School. At one o'clock on Monday he was in company with Alice SMITH in the infants' classroom. There was a fire burning in the grate, and witness and deceased were standing by it. The grate had doors to it and these were open. Neither witness or deceased opened the doors; they were open before. There was no guard to the grate. They had been sitting in front of the fire, and after witness had moved the form on which they had been sitting, deceased put a piece of another boy's paper on the fire, and the wind blew it back on her pinafore, catching it on fire. Deceased ran out of the doors, and witness fetched Mr LANG and Mr WALKER, who put the flames out by placing their jackets over the child.

The Foreman, on behalf of the jury, complimented the lad on the clear and intelligent way in which he had given his evidence.

Mrs SMITH, mother of the deceased child, who was deeply affected, in reply to the coroner, stated that she had nothing to say except that the occurrence was a pure accident.

Dr. P. A. COLMER deposed that he was sent for between one and two on Monday. His assistant went immediately, and, having examined and dressed the child, ordered her removal to the hospital, where she had since been under the witness's treatment. She was suffering from extensive burns on her face, head, neck, arms, and abdomen, and she died early on Wednesday morning, the cause of death being shock, from which she never recovered. She made no statement to witness while she was under his treatment. She could speak at first.

In summing up, the coroner remarked that one's attention had been called to, he had almost said, the want of precaution to prevent accidents. Of course, it was now a very common practice in schools, village schools especially, for children who were attending from a distance to bring their meals and to remain during the dinner-hour, but he was not aware that there was any regulation of the department under which the presence of a monitor was required, and, as Mr WALKER said, it would, perhaps, be rather difficult, as schools were at present organised, to provide for any such attendance. Whether the department would see fit to give it closer attention remained, of course, to be seen. Clearly closer supervision than that which was at present exercised should be exercised, because in schools that were of such ancient type fireplaces were not of the most modern description. It was highly necessary and important that, if children were allowed to take their meals in the school, full provision should be made whereby immediate access to the fire was prevented.

The Foreman said the jury quite agreed with the coroner's remarks.

The Coroner asked Mr WALKER if it was not the practice in most schools that the whole of the building was open during the dinner-hours and the children could go in any part of it. –

Mr WALKER replied that such was the case if the weather was wet or cold, but they were only supposed to go into the school when the weather compelled them to. Otherwise they were supposed to go out when they had finished their dinners.

The Foreman expressed the opinion that the coroner's remarks bearing on the case should, if possible, be forwarded to the Education Department. They would not, however, lose sight of the fact that there were extenuating circumstances to be considered in rural districts. – The coroner intimated that he would be happy to carry out the suggestion. – The jury agreed that the placing of a screen over the grate would be sufficient protection: also that no blame attached to any-one. – Mr WALKER mentioned that the present arrangement had stood the test of 50 years, and there had never been the slightest accident. Of course, they regarded it as safe.

The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death", and voted their fees to the deceased child's mother.

24^th/28^th July 1891 Fatal Accident (newspaper cutting)

Mr WALDEN, dairyman, of this place, on Friday Evening, met with an accident which has terminated fatally. He was returning from Yeovil in his trap, when, on gong up Babylon Hill, the trap got too near the bank, with the result that Mr WALDEN, who was sitting on a barrel, was thrown out upon the road. The horse continued on its journey, eventually reaching home, when Mrs WALDEN was surprised to see the trap without her husband. She and her son went back to search for Mr WALDEN, and found him about a mile and a half from the house. He was conveyed home, and Dr FLOWER attended from Yeovil. It was discovered that a serious injury was sustained to the spine, and the whole of the body from the shoulders was paralysed. – On Tuesday, an inquest was held before Mr C. L. O. BARTLETT, deputy-coroner, of Sherborne, a jury of whom Mr Gordon WICKHAM was foreman. – Wm. WALDEN, deceased's son, was the first witness examined. He said his father's horse arrived home on Friday night about twelve o'clock, but as his father was not in the trap to which the horse was attached, witness went to look for him, and found him lying on his face at the corner of the hill leading to Bradford from Babylon Hill. His father was sensible. With assistance witness got him home, and the next morning went to Yeovil for Dr FLOWER. – Witness was asked by a juryman the kind of seat his father had in the trap, and he replied that it was a barrel which he had borrowed at Yeovil. His father was a heavy man, and witness conjectured that as the barrel was swayin, owing to striking the bank, his father must have lost his balance, and been thrown from the trap. – William GLOVER, of Yeovil, said deceased was drinking with him at the Globe and Crown on Friday night, and he left there to go home at about five minutes to eleven. He got into the trap and drove off all right. Witness did not consider him the worse for drink,

and thought him quite capable of driving himself home. – Dr FLOWER, of Yeovil, said he was summoned at 10.30 on Saturday morning to Bradford, and he went immediately. He saw deceased in a sitting-room, where he was lying. His body from the shoulders down was paralysed, owing to the spinal chord being injured. He continued to attend the deceased until death ensued. – The jury returned a verdict of "accidental death", and added a rider to the effect that they were of the opinion that the turn in the road leading to Bradford from Babylon Hill was very dangerous to anyone driving there at night, and asking that it should be immediately altered.

(Note: Friday is traditionally market day in Yeovil. Caryl Parsons)

February 1895 Fatal Fall (newspaper cutting)

On Sunday morning the dead body of a labourer named John DODGE, of Bradford Abbas, was found at the bottom of the cellar steps of the New Inn, Yeovil. It appears that the deceased, in company with several others, went into the bar of the inn and stayed there for a short time. No-one saw the deceased leave the house, but on Sunday morning, about ten o'clock, on an entrance to the cellar being made, his dead body was found at the bottom of the steps. He had no doubt mistaken the cellar door in the darkness for another, and opened it, falling to the bottom of the steps. When found he was quite cold and he must have been dead for several hours. He was a married man, and leaves a widow and grown-up family. He was 68 years of age.

(Note: Report of the inquest gives "Mr DODGE was insured in the Pearl Life Assurance Company.")

November 1899 Garden Plots

Average marks per pupil 135

Standard          140            1^st        130            2^nd        120            3^rd

'The plots generally show a marked improvement on any previous year.'

Twenty centres competed (117 plots). Bradford Abbas standing fourth.

December 1899

5^th Commenced course of Basket work. Ten lessons

Teacher Mrs WHEELER, Broadstone

Class:

The classes were held on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

15^th School inspected by Mr BUTT

 15^th Vicar gave a Lantern Lecture in the School on the Boers, their country, ways, neighbours and wars. Mr WALKER took the chair at 8pm. Mrs WICKHAM managing the Lantern. About 100 were present. Mr WALKER sang Rule Britannia, The Red White and Blue, the audience joining heartily in the choruses. The meeting closed with the National Anthem

August 1900 The Bradford Sand Road (newspaper cutting)

To the Editor of the Western Gazette

Sir, - The District Council of the Sherborne Union has undertaken to complete the stoning of the sand road which lies between Bradford and Yeovil on condition of my guaranteeing £30 to meet the total cost of £60. May I through your columns appeal for assistance from those who use the road? Offers of assistance have been made by Mr A. CLAYTON, Mr G. FLOWER, Dr COLMER, Mrs McCALL, Mr J. B. PAYNTER, Mr A. S. WILLIAMS, Mr J. B. PETTER, Mr G. DAMPNEY, the Somerset Trading Company, and the Yeovil and District Co-operative Society. I am anxious to complete the work before winter, and will gladly acknowledge all contributions, however small. – I am, Sir, yours faithfully, Gordon WICKHAM, District Councillor, The Vicarage, Bradford Abbas

23^rd August 1900 Bradford Abbas Flower Show (newspaper cutting)

The annual exhibition in connection with the Bradford Abbas Amateurs' and Cottagers' Society was held yesterday (Thursday) in dull and showery weather, the exhibits being staged within a marquee in a field kindly lent by Mr Jacob WILLS. There was, as usual, a good display of flowers, fruit, and vegetables, but there was no honey for the competition, the recent show at Compton rendering this unnecessary. Several fine lots of honey, not for competition, were, however, shown, the exhibitors including Mr LEEDING (gardener to Mr CLAYTON), the Beekeepers' Association, Mr R JEANS, Mr W POMEROY, and Mr E HIIIGINS of Bradford. Near the entrance to the tent was a capital group of miscellaneous plants, not for competition, lent by Mr A CLAYTON and the Rev Gordon WICKHAM, while the following also had exhibits not for competition, viz., cactus dahlias, 19 varieties, Mr E Archdall FOOKS, Sherborne (gardener, Mr T HITCHCOCK); melon by Rev Gordon WICKHAM (gardener Mr RODBER); a collection of fruit and flowers, Mr COOPER, Wyke (gardener Mr C SMITH); vegetables, Mr LEEDING; dahlias, General PLACE (gardener Mr J ANDREWS); apples, Mr E HIGGINS; apricots, Mr W LANG, the whole of whom secured prizes of merit. The judges were Mr G H COPP (gardener to Mr A T DRAKE, Holnest) and Mr H HUNTLEY (horticultural instructor to the Dorset C.C.). It was a good all-round show, there being a marked advance on previous years. The first prize-winner for vegetables, open, had a splendid exhibit, the dahlias were very fine, and the peaches and grapes in the open classes were remarkably good. Both potatoes and onions were much above the average. Mrs Albert CLAYTON gave the prizes away about six o'clock, and a programme of sports had been arranged by the following committee – Messrs R JEANS, E HIGGINS, and F WILLS. Music was rendered by the Yeovil Town Band, Mr J HYDE conducting.

Officers of the Society – President, Mr Albert CLAYTON; Vice-Presidents, Rev Gordon WICKHAM and Messrs R M BRIDGE, W C WHITTLE, R H COOPER, R JEFFREY, and T KING; Treasurer, Rev Gordon WICKHAM; Hon. Secretary, Mr G LEEDING; Committee,

Messrs W WALKER, R JEANS, J BRAGG, J RODBER, J HIGGINS, T KING, E HIGGINS, F GILHAM, and J CHAINEY.

(Not all classes awarded 3 prizes, depending on number of entries and quality of exhibits. This still applies today, 2004. Caryl Parsons, Bradford Abbas OPC)

Appended is a list of the awards:-

COTTAGERS CLASS

Flowers – Three window plants (prizes given by the Rev Gordon WICKHAM and

Mrs WICKHAM) – 1^st E HIGGINS, 2^nd Mrs SYMES, 3^rd T BISHOP. Three geraniums, in pots (Prizes given by the Rev Gordon WICKHAM and Mrs WICKHAM) 1^st E HIGGINS,

2^nd E PARSONS. Asters – 1^st E HIGGINS, 2^nd Mrs SYMES, 3^rd G CHAINEY. Roses –

1^st E PARSONS. Dahlias – 1^st Mrs SYMES, 2^nd G CHAINEY. Stocks – 1^st E HIGGINS,

2^nd G CHAINEY. Basket of garden flowers (prizes given by Mrs Albert CLAYTON) – 1^st

E PARSONS, 2^nd E HIGGINS, 3^rd G GAY. Bouquet of wild flowers (prizes given by Miss Violet CLAYTON) – 1^st Hilda LEEDING, 2^nd F RODBER, 3^rd Ethel WILLS, 4^th A RODBER.

Fruit – Dish of table apples – 1^st G GOODENOUGH, 2^nd G JEANS, 3^rd E HIGGINS. Dish of kitchen apples – 1^st G JEANS, 2^nd G GAY. Dish of plums – 1^st G GOODENOUGH

Vegetables – Peas – 2^nd T BISHOP. Beans, scarlet runners – 1^st S APLIN, 2^nd E HIGGINS, 3^rd

G CHAINEY. Cabbages, white – 1^st F BATTEN, 2^nd E HIGGINS. Cabbages, red – 1^st

E HIGGINS, 2^nd F BATTEN. Carrots – 1^st E HIGGINS, 2^nd S APLIN, 3^rd T BISHOP. Onions, spring sown – 1^st G JEANS, 2^nd E HIGGINS, 3^rd E PARSONS. Potatoes, round – 1^st G GAY, 2^nd T BISHOP, 3^rd E PARSONS. Potatoes, kidney – 1^st G GAY, 2^nd F BATTEN, 3^rd

E PARSONS. Parsnips – 1^st E PARSONS, 2^nd F BATTEN, 3^rd S APLIN. Turnips – 1^st

E HIGGINS, 2^nd G JEANS, 3^rd G GAY. Vegetable marrows – 1^st S APLIN, 2^nd F BATTEN, 3^rd E PARSONS. Shallots – 1^st E HIGGINS, 2^nd F APLIN, 3^rd S WARR. Collection of vegetables (prizes given by Mr C DODGE, florist, Yeovil) – 1^st E HIGGINS, 2^nd G CHAINEY, 3^rd T BISHOP. Collection of potatoes (prize given by Mr Albert CLAYTON) – 1^st Mrs SYMES 2^nd T BISHOP, 3^rd G CHAINEY

AMATEURS CLASS

Vegetables and fruit – Best collection of vegetables – 1^st J HIGGINS, 2^nd R JEANS, 3^rd U LANG. Onions – 1^st G JEANS, 2^nd J HIGGINS. Tomatoes 1^st E HIGGINS. Plums – 1^st G GOODENOUGH, 2^nd U LANG, 3^rd W LANG. Best collection of apples – 1^st R JEANS, 2^nd J LANG, 3^rd J HIGGINS.

Flowers – roses 1^st J LANG, 2^nd J HIGGINS. Asters – 1^st J LANG, 2^nd E HIGGINS. Collection of window plants – 1^st Mrs COUSINS, 2^nd R JEANS. Best collection of cut flowers grown in the open – 1^st J LANG, 2^nd W LANG, 3^rd U LANG. Dahlias, show – 1^st G CHAINEY, 2^nd J LANG. Dahlias, cactus – 1^st J LANG, and G CHAINEY

OPEN CLASS

Collection of vegetables – 1^st Mr SHERWIN (gardener to Rev J BLANCH)

Collection of fruit – 1^st F COOMBS (gardener to E BOWLES, Fisherton, Surrey),

2^nd J ANDREWS (gardener to General PLACE, Thornford), 3^rd – BISHOP (gardener to Dr WILLIAMS, Sherborne).

Special prizes to Cottagers only – celery (prize given by Mr J B PETTER, Yeovil) E HIGGINS

Beet (prize given by Messrs NEAL and WILLIAMS, Yeovil)

Amateurs only – Best collection of potatoes (prize given by Mr GODFREY) – 1^st J LANG, 2^nd U LANG, 3^rd J HIGGINS.

Special prizes, open to both cottagers and amateurs – Tomatoes – 1^st G CHAINEY

A special prize of 10s (given by Mr T KING) for a model house and garden space, not to exceed 3ft by 2ft (open to the village only) J LEEDING

Technical Garden Plots – Prizes given by the Technical Instruction Committee for the best produce grown by the boys holding allotments under them at Bradford Abbas –

1^st Harry LEEDING, 2^nd Frederick SMITH, 3^rd John HERRIDGE, 4^th James GAY, highly commended Charles BISHOP and Geo. WILLS.

The fruit trees and rose trees, which formed some of the prizes, were given by John SCOTT and Co., The Royal Nurseries, Merriott, Crewkerne.

February 1901 Newsletter

Baptisms – Jan 15^th Evelina Beatrice, daughter of Tom John (Andrews) and

                   Florence Maria WHITTLE

Marriage – Dec 26^th Frederic Charles GOSNEY and Rosanna Charlotte GILLHAM

Miss RADDALL, assistant mistress, resigns her position owing to ill-health. Her work has been conscientiously done and we shall miss her.

Bradford United Football Club

President, the Vicar; treasurer, Oswald V. YATES Esq.; secretary, Mr Harry WARR; captain, Mr Reginald JEANS; committee, Messrs Arthur SMITH, H. JEANS, Reginald, Herbet, Bertram and Charles CHAFFEY. Headquarters, The Old Mill, kindly lent by Mr T. WHITTLE, and fitted up by the president as a recreation room for the members. Club subscription 2s over, and 1s under 15.

March 1901 Newsletter

Football

Bradford Abbas v Nautilus Works, played on February 9^th, at Bradford. The Yeovil team proved too good, the locals being beaten by ten to one. The Vicar and Mr WICKHAM provided tea for the two teams in the clubroom.

The home team was more fortunate against Milborne Port Night School on February 16^th, gaining five goals to one.

Wild Flower Class

The Bishop of Salisbury has awarded prizes to Minnie and Bertha HIGGINS for a collection of 181 and 178 different flowers.

May 1901 Newsletter

Baptism – April 4^th Henry James, son of Henry and Kate GILLHAM

                 April 23^rd Martha Louisa Annie, daughter of William Collis and

                                  Annie Louisa Maria WHITTLE

Football Club

The Club has been fairly successful for a first season, having won five out of twelve matches, drawing four and losing three.

Census

Our population which was 603 in 1801 is now reduced to 455, of which Clifton claims 64.

January 1902 Newsletter

Baptism – Dec 16^th Frederic Charles, son of William and Amelia Catherine STREET

                 Dec 29^th Henry Alfred, son of Henry and John and Sophia LEGG

Marriage – Thomas SPILLER and Alice Alethea PARSONS

Deaths – Anne DAWE

               George DODGE, 2^nd Dorset, of enteric fever at Bloemfontein

Football Club

Dec 7^th v Kingston School Lost 1 to nil

             v Stalbridge Scratched

             v Sherborne Church Lads' Brigade Won 1 to nil

             v Yeovil Won 4 – 2

The team played most pluckily with nine men against Kingston, it was the hardest and best game of the year. The headmaster kindly entertained the team to tea.

Fixtures for January

4^th Sherborne Baptists Home

11^th Stalbridge (crossed out)  Away

18^th (blank)

25^th Yeovil "B" Away

March 1902

Baptism – Violet, daughter of Ernest and Beatrice Maud KIDD

School Report for 1901

… Diocesan medals for unbroken attendance were awarded to the following:-

Winifred JEFFERY (3^rd year)                Florence RODBER

Fred SMITH                                        Ethel KNEAL

Hubert GLOVER                                 Hilda LEEDING

Robert WADMAN                              Bessie BISHOP

Mabel KING

November 1902 (Seems to be a newsletter)

Harvest Thanksgiving

Thanks to the Misses COOPER, Misses JEFFERY, Miss HATFIELD, Mr G. LEEDING and Mr J. RODBER, the Church was very beautifully decorated for our Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, September 28^th.

There were not as many as usual at the early celebration, but the Church was well filled at evensong.

The Vicar preached at both services, and the offertory, amounting to £3.17s.6d, was given to the Yeatman Hospital.

Flower Class

Hilda LEEDING again holds first place with 370 specimens, the next in order being

Amanda RODBER, 297; Alice DAWE, 241; Ethel WILLS, 236; and Robert WADMAN, 193.

National Schools

Miss Blanche HALLETT has been provisionally appointed Infant Mistress, and Miss Jane JEFFERY will take Standards I and II. They will commence their new duties on December 1^st.

Evening School

There are now 21 on the register, but this by no means represents the number available, and I hope to report an increase by December. 'Learn all you can and when you can' is good advice for the present time, in which dullards and idlers are of no account.

Many a man owes his position to-day to the work he did in the Evening School.

Marriage – Sept 29^th Charles SMITH to Sarah Ann THOMAS

May 1903 Marriage of a Church Worker (village newsletter)

Last month we had to bid goodbye to another of our Sunday School teachers; always a matter of regret in a parish. On Easter Monday, 13^th April, Miss Eliza HIGGINS was married to

Mr Bertie POOLEY, at 12.0. The large number who attended the ceremony in the parish fully testify to the popularity of Miss Higgins in her native parish. She was given away by her brother Mr E. Higgins and was attended by her three sisters who acted as bridesmaids. Mr and Mrs Bertie POOLEY left on Easter Tuesday for their home in St Blazey, in Cornwall, and we wish them every happiness in the days to come. On Easter Sunday Miss Higgins was the recipient of a parting present from the teachers and children of the Sunday School. It took the form of a clock, and was given as a memento of her work amongst them and their appreciation of her efforts.

February 1908 Bradford Abbas District Council (newspaper cutting)

It appears that the villagers are about to experience the unusual excitement of an election. Mr Tom KING, the retiring councillor and guardian, has again been nominated, and his return will be contested by the Rev Gordon WICKHAM. Neither candidate withdrew on Tuesday, and the election will be fought on April 6^th.

April 1908 (handwritten)

The polling took place at the School on Ap. 6^th when the Vicar was returned by a large majority.

(printed leaflet)

Having been Returned as your DISTRICT COUNCILLOR by a majority which justified my not withdrawing from a contest, I wish to take this opportunity of expressing my thanks to those who so heartily supported me, and to assure all the Electors that I shall Endeavour to serve them during my occupancy of the office to the best of my power.

At the first Meeting of the Board I was able to obtain a Commission to report as to the re-making of Grope Lane, and I trust that this will soon be effected.

Yours faithfully,

Gordon WICKHAM

July 1908 A Mystery (newspaper cutting)

Some excitement was caused in the village Tuesday last when it became known that a complete set of clothes, including boots etc, had been found by some children in

Fanny Brooks' Lane. Rumours pointed to the possibility of a tragedy, but evidently a member of the wandering class had chosen the solitude of the lane as a venue for a change of attire.

December 1911 Medal Day (newspaper cutting)

At the conclusion of the morning session at the school on Friday, the medals etc, awarded by the Dorset County Council for unbroken regular attendance, were distributed. Mrs DUFF, of Coombe, who takes such a keen and kindly interest in parochial matters, distributed the awards, and gave the children an excellent address on the great value of regular and punctual attendance. The proceedings were interspersed with carols. Mrs and Miss CLAYTON, who were also present, distributed oranges among the children. Mr WARR suitably thanked the ladies for their kind interest in the school. Following is a list of the successful scholars -

Unbroken attendance (book and medal) – Victor HUTCHINGS, Hubert RODBER,

Fred COOMBS, Harold HUTCHINGS, Desmond HIGGINS, Stanley COOMBS, and Frances GILLHAM.

Present 97 percent of total times school was open (certificate and medal) – Charles READ, William RANDALL, A. CALLER, Ethel TRIM, Vida HUTCHINGS, Hilda GILLHAM,

Eva RING, Leonard RING, Samuel COLLARD, Fred TRIM, William SMITH,

Bertie GARRETT, Hilda COOMBS, Annie GARRETT, Edna BURROUGH, Clara SMITH, Marjorie DENSLOW, Lionel HIGGINS, Ernest TRIM, Adeline LANG, Rose RODBER,

Laura SHUTLER, Gertrude DENSLOW, Alice GILLHAM, Eva GARRETT,

Gertrude LANG, Lily CALLER, Lily RODBER, Leonard BRAGG, Dorothy BRAGG,

Arthur DENSLOW, Harry GILLHAM, Violet KIDD, and Muriel READ.

March 1912 A Curious Find (newspaper cutting)

While repairing the ceiling of the kitchen in the house of Mr John LANG a miscellaneous collection of articles was discovered in the space between the ceiling and the floor above. They consisted of several cows horns, used no doubt for drenching purposes, a quaint little earthenware jar, an iron two-pronged toasting fork, and several wooden articles, the last named being almost reduced to powder. How long those articles have been in their hiding place is difficult to surmise, as the house, an old thatched one, is evidently of great age.

April 1913 Parish Council (newspaper cutting)

The newly-elected Council met on Thursday evening last week when there were present Colonel C.E.DUFF, C.B.; Messrs A. CLAYTON, G. GOOD, T. KING, R. JEFFERY, J. LANG, J. DAWE, and the Clerk (Mr H. WARR) – Mr A. CLAYTON, who has been chairman of the Council since its formation, was again re-elected with Colonel DUFF as vice-chairman. – Messrs Joseph DAWE and Wyatt PAUL were appointed overseers. – The statement of accounts was presented by the Clerk, and the precept was ordered to be drawn on the overseers.

December 1913 Service for Men (newspaper cutting)

An address for men only was given in the church on Sunday afternoon by Mr Nowell SMITH, head-master of Sherborne School.

February (19^th?) 1914 Wedding of Miss A. PATCH and Mr J. GRIFFITHS (newspaper cutting)

The marriage took place at the Parish Church on Thursday last of Miss Ada PATCH, of this village, and Mr John GRIFFITHS, of Cradley Heath, Staffs. The bride was prettily attired in a costume of saxe blue jappoline, and carried a shower bouquet of white and pink carnations and tulips. The bridesmaids in attendance were the Misses Mabel PATCH and Ethel GRIFFITHS, who were attired in dresses of biscuit coloured jappoline, and wore gold brooches, the gifts of the bridegroom. The bride was given away by her uncle Mr W. LANG and Mr W. PATCH acted as "best man". The service was fully choral, and the Vicar, Canon WICKHAM, officiated and gave an excellent address. Miss Gladys WILLS presided at the organ. There was a large congregation of friends and relatives, and a large party was entertained after the ceremony at the home of the bride. The presents numbered about 60. The bridegroom's present to the bride was a diamond ring, and the bride's present to the bridegroom was a gold albert chain. Amid merry peals of bells and good wishes the couple left for Weymouth, where the honeymoon is being spent. The bride's travelling costume was of brown whipcord with a hat to match.

August 1916 (newspaper cutting)

New Teacher – Miss Alice HODGES, of Milborne Port, has been appointed supplementary teacher in the Parish School, which re-opens on Monday, August 30^th.

Lavender For The Troops – The children of the choir have been engaged, under the superintendence of Mrs WICKHAM and Mrs STAUNTON, in making lavender bags for the hospitals, and about 120 will be forwarded this week.

October (27^th?) 1916            School Boy Drowned (newspaper cutting)

A distressing drowning fatality occurred on Friday afternoon to a seven year old boy named Reggie TUCK, son of Mr William TUCK, who is in the employ of Mr Wyatt PAULL. The lad, with several other children, was playing on the bridge near the mill and in reaching for a stick fell in and disappeared. Several children ran and acquainted the lad's mother with the occurrence and information was sent to the police. Operations were started a very short time afterwards to recover the body, but they were greatly impeded by the flooded conditions of the river. A strong current was running, and the water had risen above the banks and flooded the meadows around. A boat was obtained from Clifton Maubank and from it dragging operations have been carried out daily by the police, but without success and no further trace of the lad has been found. The continuous heavy rain has prevented the water from subsiding, and it is thought that the body has either become lodged against some obstacle, or has been carried down the river by the current.

(See entry for December 1916)

December 1916

Handwritten – After an inquest on the body of Reginald TUCK, Manor Farm, whose body was found on Sat 23^rd, the burial took place at 3pm.

Newspaper cutting – Memorial Service

On Christmas-eve a memorial service was held in St Mary's Church for Herbert SMITH, youngest son of Mr Alban SMITH, of this parish, who died of dysentery in Mesopotamia. Some 14 of the employees at Yeovil Junction, with Mr SCETTERINO, the station-master, were present, in honour of a former member of staff, and the church was filled. The service was shown upon a sheet stretched across the chancel, Mr WARR manipulating the lantern. Following this came a shortened evensong, the reading of the Roll of Honour and an address by the Vicar. The service which was followed throughout by rapt attention, was concluded by the Christmas hymn "While shepherds watched their flocks by night".

September 1917 Newsletter

Sailors and Soldiers Memorial

The Memorial, to which nearly every home in the parish has subscribed, is in course of erection and will be dedicated in September. The central tablet will contain the names of the fallen, and after the war the names of all who have served from the parishes of Bradford, Clifton and Wyke will be inscribed on the side panels.

Mr E. BARTLETT, of Yeovil, is the contractor, and C. E. BENSON Esq. Has provided the plans and very carefully superintended the erection.

War news

Compared with many other villages we have reason for thankfulness. We have mourned the loss of

Sergt-Maj Arthur BURROUGH, Scots Guards

Leading Stoker Bert SYMES, H.M.S. Hampshire

Pte Herbert SMITH, 2^nd Dorset

Pte Hubert GLOVER, D.C.L.I.

Pte Bert GOULD, 6^th Dorset

Pte William MARTIN, 3^rd Dorset

The hospital has claimed many for a while and sent them back again to the front.

November 1917

Handwritten – dedication of Memorial 18^th November 1917 3pm

November 1917 Home on Leave

The villagers were pleased to welcome home Ptes. R. LANG and C. CHAFFEY, home on leave after an arduous time.

May 1918 Newsletter

The Vicar has received a very interesting letter from Ernest PATCH from Cairo, in which he speaks of the regiment's share in the victorious approach to Jerusalem, and the pride of the regiment in Major WINGFIELD-DIGBY. "a splendid officer in action – cool and confident", he adds also "The colonel was great, I shall never forget the way he led us in a sword charge on November 15^th."

… Interesting letters have also been received from Sergt, Alfred COOMBS, Sergt. F. PURCHASE, and Lance-Corporal Leonard BRAGG, the latter is making towards recovery in Queen Alexandra's Hospital, Millbank. We await anxiously for news of Reginald LANG and Frank CLARK.

Intercession has been offered daily at 6pm for all our sailors and soldiers, especially for the sick and wounded, amongst whom are Sergt. Edward PARSONS, Lance- Cpl. Leonard BRAGG and George WILLS.

June 1918

Handwritten – The Old Mill is now occupied by German Prisoners working on Mr W. PAUL's farm and at Clifton, where they are giving satisfaction.

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