Commemorative

Christmas Eve at the Front

An interesting letter has just been received by Mrs Packer, of Broadclyst, from her husband, Corpl Packer of A Company, 1st Battalion Devonshire Regiment, who is serving with the Expeditionary Force in Northern France. In the course of a letter he describes a remarkable incident which occurred on Christmas Eve between the British and German trenches.

World War 1

The British Scuttle And The German Scuttle By Vulcan

He was a bit of a curmudgeon, and I rather expected to find him grumbling about the coal shortage. But I found him sitting in the kitchen quite cheerily, although the fire was burning low. ‘You see’, he said, pointing to the empty scuttle, ‘I’ve finished my allowance for the day. But that doesn’t bother me’. And he laughed as if at some secret joke he was hugging himself. ‘What are you laughing at?’ I said. ‘Well’ he answered, ‘whenever I see a scuttle I think of the Germans scuttling and the Bulgars scuttling and the big scuttle of the Turks in Palestine. I guess if it comes to scuttles, we British have got the best of it’. ‘Yes’ I replied, ‘the coat we do without is making it hot for the Germans’. ‘And perhaps it won’t be very long’ he added, ‘before we hear the Rhine whine’. ‘Of course’, he said becoming serious, ‘one does feel the cold a bit sometimes, but when I think of the boys in hospital and the other fellows in the ice and slush of the trenches I feel a bit ashamed if I’m tempted to growl’.

Gazette dated 22 October 1918

World War 1

Fete At Annery

By kind permission of Mrs Bayly a fete was held on October 16th in aid of the Monkleigh, Frithelstock, Weare Giffard and Landcross Nursing Association. In spite of much illness in the neighbourhood there was a large attendance, and all came in a generous spirit to help a good cause.
The tea arrangements were in the capable hands of Mesdames G Bond, H Bond, F Barrow, Folley, Lang, Martin, Moore, Squire, Withecombe Milman & Youatt, all members of the Nursing Committee, and gave the greatest satisfaction. There was a fancy stall and jumble sale. The sellers at the Fancy stall were Mrs Bayly, Mrs Daw and Mrs Holland, and at the Jumble sale, Mrs Lamplugh, Mrs Lermit and Miss Parsons, assisted by Mrs Seinor and Mrs H Redcliffe. Mrs John Lermit had a stall of cheap bundles, which found a ready sale. Mrs Smith’s side shows were a great draw. Mrs Balsdon had provided an excellent entertainment, although she was unable to be present herself on account of illness in her family. In the absence of Mrs Folley (who has been very ill with influenza) Mr Folley very kindly undertook to run the popular whist drive, followed by a dance. Some very handsome prizes, presented by Mrs Daw at the close of the evening, were given by Mrs Saltren-Willett, Mrs Smyth, the Rev E T Fyffe and other generous friends.
Great credit is due to Mrs Taylor and the staff at Annery for the excellent arrangements they had made at the ‘Bungalow’ and Garage for the requirements of the various events on the programme.

Gazette article dated 26 October 1918

World War 1

There was a good attendance at the Reading Room on Saturday night under the presidency of Mr Haynes, when Mr C S Parker (who was accompanied by Mrs Parker) addressed his supporters and was at the close, with the chairman, the recipient of a hearty vote of thanks.
Etson Harvest Thanksgiving services were held on Sunday Oct 20th, Mr James Cruse preaching in the morning and Rev J L Orchard in the evening. The following Wednesday a public tea was presided over by Mesdames Colwill, Heard, and Stone, assisted by Mrs Pennington and Miss Colwill. Mrs J Bragg cut up. Mr J K Jeffery was chairman of the evening meeting when both the ministers gave addresses.
Elmscott Council School, Harton Schools and the United Methodist and Wesleyan Sunday Schools are closed to the influenza.

Gazette article dated 29 October 1918