1952: Recollections of a former vicar

Extracts from ‘From the crack of the pistol‘ (published c. 1952) by F.S. Horan, Vicar of Kingston from 1932-1938:

Quot Homines, Tot Amici

I found my Chilton experience of a country parish a help at Kingston. Muriel and I soon got going and found plenty to do, visiting the cottages, the school and the distant farms, of which there were several.

“What are the special needs of this place?” was a question I asked myself. It had a rather pleasant feudal atmosphere about it. Nearly all the men worked on the Encombe Estate. The polite manners of an earlier generation had not quite died out. ‘Sir’, ‘Mam’, capping and even a curtsey from an aged inhabitant, lent a nice touch of dignity to everyday intercourse; yet there was a delightful sense of cameraderie in all our relationships. The children under the care of Miss Broad and Mrs Cottrell, in our village (church) school, which I visited regularly, rose politely and gave me a cheery chorus of welcome when I appeared. Muriel, as always, was my great help in a hundred ways. She took over the Sunday School, and it was everything to me to have her opinion on the various village problems which arose from time to time. She was quick to help in any emergency of sickness or trouble.

Our great stand-bys in the village were Mr. and Mrs. Tom Joyce, and Mr. Gerald Loxton.

Joyce was the village blacksmith – a pillar of the church, and one of the nicest, friendliest, staunchest men who ever stepped. His wife was as nice as he was, gentle and refined. She had been the village school mistress. They both knew the village inside out, and were wise and understanding. It was a great help to discuss with them any plans or alterations that one might have in mind.

Sir Ernest was the Vicar’s warden, and Gerald Loxton, the People’s warden. Gerald could see further through a brick wall than most people and had a delightful, dry, Dorset sense of humour. I was very fortunate in having such men as Joyce and Loxton. They are proofs of what wonderful help laymen can be in a parish.

They weren’t the only ones I learnt to value and love at Kingston. We had so many willing helpers in all our plans and schemes for the good of the village. There was a keen spirit of co-operation – nearly everyone was glad to pull his weight in the village life. Some have passed on: I can see them now. Gilbert Dorey, the Estate woodman, with a natural musical talent and a wonderful mastery of the beautiful organ in the church, that he loved and played so well. Mrs. Orchard, the postmistress, our untiring helper in the W.I. and in all our socials, and in every project. Bill Hooper, our most reliable Captain of the Bells. George Hunt, always ready to help in anything, a very kind, open-hearted fellow. I salute them all!

There were a good many young men in the village who seemed rather at a loose end. I was keen to get into touch with them, and found the Boys’ Club Room helpful for this purpose. There we played games of an evening, and arranged cricket club fixtures and so on.

The Kingston Cricket Club was quite a going concern. A certain Ernest Hixson was Captain – a tricky left-hand bowler; and we had a redoubtable demon bowler in one of the Dorey family – Arthur. With a long run and a hop, skip, and jump, he would deliver a ball calculated, on a rough village wicket, to strike terror into the most intrepid batsman.

Ken Orchard (son of Charley Orchard and Mrs. Orchard the postmistress) was our champion heavy-weight slogger. He used to stride up to the wicket with his bat over his shoulder, a broad assured grin on his face – a Hercules, but for the leopard skin. Fielders fell back – he took his centre – and then with every ball bowled it was “six” or “out” with him. Ken certainly didn’t believe in slow cricket – he quickly brought any match to life. We had fixtures with most of the villages round and our Kingston boys generally gave a good account of themselves.

When the cricket season was over, I suggested play-acting during the winter months. How would they like to try a One-Act play as a start? At first they were shy; but I got them going. We started with Shivering Socks, an appropriate title for us at the moment! They came and rehearsed, undisturbed, at the Vicarage.

On a given day we gave the performance. The only place we had for such an outbreak was the small village schoolroom, where all socials and functions – even dances – had to be held. The audience, packed like sardines, too perspiring even to boo or cat-call – took it well on the whole and let themselves go at the end with a round of applause. Thus a Kingston Dramatic Society was started and on we went to further triumphs!

We found much unexpected talent among young and old. Little did we think that before long England – and even Canada – would lend an ear to us – that, in fact, we should broadcast! But so it proved.

We couln’t have done it without outside help. The person in the village to whom we owed most was Mrs. Fenwick-Owen. She and her daughter, Morvyne, were very keen on the dramatic effort: they loved acting, and realised what a good thing it is for a village to get people out of their shells and give them a form of self-expression combined with lots of fun. “Mrs. F-O” was untiring in the help she gave, and was always so jolly about it – rehearsing, producing and suggesting plays.

We were greatly handicapped at Kingston for want of a village hall for social activities. When I went there I saw this was an urgent need. There were two churches – the new and the old. The old church, though it bore signs of its Norman origin in the walls, and had an Elizabethan bell, had been re-built only some fifty years before the new one arose.

The new one was almost a miniature cathedral, and stood upon a hilly eminence. It was built in 1887 by Lord Eldon (the father of Sir Ernest Scott), of Purbeck stone and marble, in the Gothic style. Street, the architect, was given carte blanche and made a wonderful thing of it. Grand and imposing, it cast the little old church – a stone’s throw away – into the shade. Our services were held in the new church: the old church was hardly ever used.

What a pity I thought, not to make some use of the old church? Could it not still serve a good purpose? Could we get leave to turn it into a Village Hall? I talked this idea over with Sir Ernest Scott and members of the Church Council, and they were quite willing for me to approach the Church Authorities at Salisbury with the suggestion. This I did, with the welcome result that permission was granted. The Union of Benefices Measure allowed such a change to be made where there was a redundancy of churches: so we obtained leave to transform the old church into a Village Hall.

It took time and effort to do this; but the great work was accomplished at last, thanks to the many willing workers in the village who came forward to give their voluntary help – especially the young men of the Boys’ Club. They took off their coats and slaved away in their spare time – reflooring the building, making a platform and doing a hundred things. So, by its own voluntary labour, Kingston had a village hall.

Some other places besides Kingston benifited from our labours. ‘Chaddy’ [Revd. R.M. Chadwick] was thankful to purchase the pews, stained oak, plain and good, for the chapel at Forres. He had them scraped and now they look beautiful in their new setting. The altar and fittings were given to the Infirmary Chapel at Wareham. The attractive candelabra now hang in Arne’s tiny church which survived the bombing there. Memorial tablets were transferred to the new Kingston Church.

The Village Hall has proved an untold boon to Kingston. Scouts and Cubs and Brownies, which we started, have functioned there. A flourishing Kingston W.I. which we also started, has had it for all their meetings and doings ever since. It has served for village dances, concerts, whist drives and shows of all descriptions.

When the Second World War came, I don’t know what Kingston would have done without it as a place for the flood of evacuated school children that descended on the village to be schooled, helped, entertained and catered for in all conceivable ways. Indeed, it came just in time for Hitler’s outbreak and its consequences!

The Village Hall was not only used for secular purposes. We sometimes had religious services there – especially in Lent – and lantern lectures on various subjects. It was quite invaluable to us. Through this strange metamorphosis the old church had come to life again and was able to do something for the new church which greatly needed help for there was no endowment for the upkeep of that majestic building. It wanted a better system of heating and lighting and the organ was crying out for repairs. Where was the money to come from?

The old church by becoming a village hall, where funds could be raised throughout the year by shows and sales and other things, was able to make some welcome response to the appeal of its new neighbour. More was needed however than it could manage so I got busy and staged a Fete on a large scale in the beautiful grounds of Encombe, by permission of Sir Ernest Scott.

Sir Ernest was dubious about it at first; thought it was a big undertaking and felt people would never want the long walk from Kingston down to Encombe and back again. But I advertised it terrifically. Went down to Swanage to broadcast it. Booked buses to run right down to Encombe. Went to great trouble with George Bartlett, the proprietor of the Eldon Arms, to get a licence to have a bar on the Fete grounds to give the villagers a chance of having their pint down at Encombe instead of leaving the side-shows to go back to Kingston for a drink.

The W.I. arranged for large numbers of teas (and how well they organized them!). We got a Band to play for us and to wind up the Fete with dancing on the lawn by moonlight.

The day came. It was August: there were many visitors about – and posters on all the hoardings. People came in flocks from Swanage, Langton and Worth Matravers, Corfe Castle and Wareham – from all round the countryside – had a great time and emptied their pockets for the benefit of our Church Fund.

We raked in £170, and the fete was such a success that it has become an annual affair. In August 1937 it was opened by Leslie Banks who had a holiday cottage at Worth Matravers, the charming little village on the coast near St. Aldhelm’s Head. He was always ready to do a good turn.

Our first ambitious venture in the acting line was a performance of the Morality Play, Everyman. We were fortunate in getting a talented actress, Miss Joyce Bailey, as our producer and to play the part of ‘Everyman’. Two artist friends of ours – near neighbours – Miss Jane Welsh and Miss May Wilson were our mainstays. Miss Welsh was assistant producer, and Miss Wilson was mistress of the robes – and much more besides. These two gifted people provided all the dresses and props and, with a wide experience of producing and acting, helped us in all our doubts and difficulties. Without them, our production could never have reached such a high pitch.

Everyman has a big cast, so that friends from round about and many of our own villagers were roped in for the parts. I was ‘Death’. Muriel, ‘Faith’. Skrimmy was ‘Goods’ and was brought onto the stage in a wonderful chest, out of which he emerged with arms and face covered in gold paint – from which he suffered afterwards. Sir Ernest Scott started the play off by reading the prologue from the stage.

It was a great success at Kingston and also at Swanage where we played it for two nights at the Mowlem Theatre. It was felt to be an exceptional production for  a small village. So the Kingston Players had made a good start.

This was only the beginning of many plays that village talent provided. Those who didn’t act themselves were only too ready to help behind the scenes. Ken Orchard (the Hercules of the Cricket Club) was our lighting expert and he never failed us. The plays we did after Everyman were generally produced by Mrs. Fenwick-Owen and gave scope for all and sundry, both male and female, to show their capabilities.

We were keen to do a Dorset Dialogue play – so one day Mrs. Fenwick-Owen and Muriel returning from a W.I. meeting in Dorchester, called on Mrs. Thomas Hardy at Max Gate to ask if her husband had ever written a short play suitable for village acting. She at once gave them a privately printed copy of The Three Wayfarers – a play adapted from one of his Wessex Tales which, she said, was very dramatic and would be most suitable. So we got going on that and performed it with success both at Kingston and at the W.I. Drama Festival at Dorchester.

This was the play we were asked to broadcast. Francis Dillon of the B.B.C. Western Regional saw us do it at the Dorchester Festival  and arranged with Mrs. Fenwick-Owen, who produced us, to broadcast it from our Village Hall. We were naturally elated.

Francis Dillon came and stayed in Kingston for a week, and put us through our paces for the broadcast. We were tremendously interested in the arrangements for it, especially for the “noises off” which were done direct from Bristol and made to synchronise exactly with our spoken words. It seemed wonderful! We had many rehearsals through the week. On the day, it went without a hitch and, so far as we know, was heard by listeners from John o’Groats to Lands End, and certainly in Canada by the relations of some of our broadcasters. It was a Red Letter Day for the Kingston Players.

We once made a new departure, and tried our hand at a … Minstrel Show – male and female … It took some doing to collect good jokes and patter. Muriel went about with a red note-book and wrote down all she could get hold of. Then we had to fit them in with the songs and dancing. We had full audiences at Kingston, Corfe Castle, Langton Matravers and Swanage. Sir Ernest, in the audience at Kingston, was absolutely convulsed with laughter. He himself supplied one of our best jokes.

For a time much interest was taken in Folk dancing. Miss Ruth Dawson came over from Langton Matravers to teach us. Several of the older people were beautiful dancers – George Hunt and Mrs. Senneck especially.

I could count on those who helped most in social activities to help in religious activity too – as sidesmen, choirmen, bell-ringers or anything connected with the Church. We were all good mixers. I think our strenuous work in creating a Village Hall had helped us in this: it had drawn us together in a very matey way.

One Lent we had a Village Mission taken by the Diocesan Lay Missioner, Mr. C. S. Agar. It was very well attended and we had special meetings for men, women and children, besides the daily Mission Services. The Mission was a help to many. It was to Muriel and me.

On Good Fridays we generally had a Sacred Cantata in the evening, such as Stainer’s Crucifixion, Maunder’s From Olivet to Calvary and Darkness and Dawn. These were arranged by our good organist, Gilbert Dorey, who took infinite trouble over the practices. We had an augmented choir for them – Muriel, and Morvyne Fenwick-Owen (who had a charming voice which she later took on stage proper), and several other women from the village were in it, as well as extra men. The Cantatas were very much appreciated by the village and many who came from outside.

One Good Friday morning we had a Procession of Witness through the village, with hymns and a short address, which I have on the rising ground opposite the Post Office. Sir Ernest Scott, the Choir, and a number of others joined us in the witness. Our Easter services were always delightful, full of life.

After his ordination ‘Chaddy’ came up several times of a Sunday and preached at Evensong. Sometimes we exchanged and I went to Forres Chapel.

Muriel found some good helpers among the girls for her Sunday School work – especially Irene Sansom (now married with two little boys of her own). For a time Miss Joan Muspratt kindly came up from Swanage to take the class of older girls.

I was anxious that, with all our considerable social activities, we should put first things first, and I think that everyone knew I was keen on this: while at the same time I did not wish to draw a hard and fast line between secular and sacred – bearing in mind the words of Archbishop Magee: “There is nothing secular but sin”.

We had a strong British Legion contingent in the village, and we made much of every 11th of November. On the Saturday evening before Remembrance Sunday, we assembled in force at the Eldon Arms (now the Scott Arms). There we had a truly wonderful Dinner – with Sir Ernest Scott in the Chair. With speeches and a sing-song we kept it up pretty late. My usual song was Father O’Flynn. It was a most enjoyable re-union. Mrs. Bartlett, the Proprietress, excelled herself each year with her marvellous Roast beef, roast fowls, plum pudding and apple tart and other things. She was a striking old Victorian character immensely respected and very dignified in her glossy black silk; rather grim till you got on the right side of her – but she certainly delivered the goods.

On Remembrance Sunday we always had a packed church for the Service. Our British Legion men came in force, and the Swanage Legion Band. They were marshalled and paraded to church by our Charley Orchard, who had served in the Dorsetshire Yeomanry, and now marched in front of the Ex-servicemen like a Drum Major.

Inside the Church we had a moving Service – the Silence, the special hymns, the Bugle Calls sounded by Gerald White (our gardener), the placing of a wreath against the War Memorial Tablet, and at the close, the March off to the tune of “Onward Christian Soldiers” played by the Band.

The congregations at our usual Sunday morning Services were greatly helped by Oldfield (Co-educational) and Spyway (Preparatory) Schools, who came along and added considerably to our numbers. When Forres Chapel was built, Oldfield missed the schools’ service I had taken at All Saints’, Swanage, and which was discontinued; so they came up to Kingston in buses on alternate Sundays all the time I was vicar there. The Hicksons of Oldfield and the Warners of Spyway, were long-standing frends and we were always very glad to see them with their bus loads of boys and girls whom they brought along because they liked our simple short service.

St. James was our patron Saint – one of the “Sons of Thunder”. Our Cathedral-like Church, dedicated to him, lent itself well to services on special occasions, such as the Remembrance Service and Harvest Thanksgiving and the big Festivals.

In the Summer months, too, it came into its own with Summer visitors, and Scouts and Guides from camps near by. So then we had very good morning congregations and hearty services and were glad of the size and beauty of St. James’s Church. It was an impressive and worshipful place.

The Church Tower commanded a grand view towards Corfe and Poole Harbour beyond. It had a fine peal of eight bells, and we had a hefty team of keen bellringers under the Captain of the Bells, Bill Hooper.

Every New Year’s Eve was the occasion of another dinner at the Eldon Arms, with Mrs. Bartlett going strong as ever in the matter of beef, puddings and apple tarts. This was the Choir and Bellringers’ Dinner. It was kept up with song and merriment till about 11.15pm when we all adjourned to the Belfry where we rang the Old Year out and the New Year in, had a prayer, and then closed with the hymn “Father, let me dedicate all this Year to Thee”.

During my time at Kingston I was much indebted to the Agent of Encombe Estate, Mr W. E. Candy, who invariably gave his willing help and co-operation in all that was undertaken for the good of the Village. He was one of the School Managers, served on the Parochial Church Council and on the Village Hall Committee; and gave valuable help as Hon. Treasurer of the Fetes we had at Encombe. If I was ever in any difficulty I could always count on his sound advice.

Mr. Candy had entered the service of the third Lord Eldon (Sir Ernest Scott’s father) as long ago as 1890, and continued to serve the same family when Sir Ernest Scott became the owner.

Sometimes in the summer we let the Vicarage and trekked off for a holiday. In 1935 we let it for some weeks to a Mr. and Mrs. Milligan and their young family. We went to Chagford first for fishing … From there Muriel and I set off for the Shakespeare Festival at Stratford-on-Avon. We did some sight-seeing too …Then we turned our faces towards home and this time, as the Vicarage was still let, we parked ourselves in a wizard little stone cottage on the cliffs above Dancing Ledge , called “Sea Spray”. This enabled me to do the duty at Kingston and make arrangements for the Encombe Fete and Flower Show.

Here we were joined again by Editha Roupell … She brought her young nephew and niece … They brought a tent with them … and pitched alongside “Sea Spray” … We mealed together in the cottage – or more often on the terrace, and had a great time, lots of fun. So did the two Kingston girls, Margaret Senneck and Edna Turner, whom we brought along to work for us.

The Encombe Fete and Flower Show was again a huge success. We had lovely weather. All the entrance tickets were sold, and about a thousand people came, including many Scouts and guides. Our Church Funds benefited very considerably. We were fortunate in having many good helpers …

Towards the end of 1936 we were much saddened at Kingston by Tom Joyce‘s failing health – he had been such a good friend to us. Some internal trouble developed and caused him a good deal of discomfort and suffering. He was taken to the West Hants Hospital at Boscombe, where I visited him several times. I remember him smiling up at me after a talk – it was my last visit, I think – and saying, “I’m having a rough passage, Vicar”. It was over for him just after Christmas. His wife did not long survive him. She passed on the following summer. In them we had lost two whom we could ill spare.

Dr. Dru Drury of Corfe Castle and his daughter were special friends of ours. He has an extensive practice there and in the surrounding villages, including Kingston. He is a man of many parts, a great supporter of the Church and a keen archaeologist.

Janet, living in such surroundings, could not fail to have both the historic and histrionic sense. She roped in many of us at Kingston for various plays and pageants. She now runs an amateur troupe known as “The Purbeck Players” and regularly carries off bouquets at the annual Dorset Drama Festival.

She produced The Tempest at Corfe Castle, and Kingston, and in the grounds of Encombe. I played ‘Prospero’ which meant much memorizing, but was well worth it. A Kingston girl – Dulcie Curtis, made a charming little ‘Ariel’, and Morvyne Fenwick-Owen played ‘Miranda’ with much feeling. … Encombe afforded a beautiful outdoor setting and we had a large and appreciative audience there.

Janet, now Mrs. Wilson, is an exceptionally able and imaginative producer and gets the best out of a cast. Her “Purbeck Players” today are highly skilled. They have performaed a variety of plays .. Some outstanding acting has been shown in these productions by Dulcie Curtis as ‘Velvet’, Syd Payne as ‘The Farmer’, Gerald Loxston as ‘Churdles Ash’, Mrs. Elford as ‘Araminta’ and Mrs. John Lawrence in several parts, to take but a few instances.

In July 1939, just before the awful cloudburst of World War II, a wonderful Dorset Pageant was performed in the grounds of Lulworth  Castle (by permission of Colonel Weld). Many Dorset W.I.’s contributed episodes to illustrate historic events in Dorset from earliest times. It fell to the villages of Worth Matravers, Kingston and Corfe Castle to act an episode entitled Benjamin Jesty, the discoverer of the use of cow-pox injections against the small pox. For Jesty lived at Dunshay in the parish ofWorth Matravers, and his tomb is in the churchyard of Worth’s ancient and lovely little church.

Janet Drury produced our episode. My part in it was to make a speech in honour of ‘Jesty’. A Mr. Drew drove on with Muriel in a dog-cart as “parson” and “parson’s wife”!

A date that stands out in my Kingston period is May 12th, 1937 – the day of the Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. In the morning , we assembled in the Church to listen to the broadcast of the Service from Westminster Abbey – very moving and impressive.

For the rest of the day we flag-wagged, junketed and racketed: sports and races for both children and grown-ups; a fancy dress procession; ‘cakes and ale’, tea and buns for anyone and everyone; fireworks and a bonfire after dark; a dance in the Village Hall to finish with. A day to be remembered!

In August this same year a word began to echo in my mind, and a wish in my heart – “Retirement”: not from active service as a “Sky Pilot”, but from being restricted to one place for my efforts. I had now been forty years in orders, and I began to feel I should like to cut adrift from the daily humfdrum routine of parochialities and be a free-lance – free to give what clerical help and assistance I could in the neighbourhood and diocese, unfettered by a parish.

When I sent my resignation to Sir Ernest Scott, I received a charming letter from him, regretting my decision, thanking me for my work at Kingston, and saying how sorry the people would be to hear that I was leaving, for it was, he said, ‘a case of Quot homines, tot amici‘.

I could not have had a nicer nor kinder patron than Sir Ernest – always willing to help and co-operate in any way he could. He was a good sportsman, a most considerate landlord to the people on his estate and a friend to all.

My last Sunday as Vicar of Kingston was July 10th, 1938. For some weeks previously Muriel and I had been busy paying farewell visits, always a sad business: but we were cheered by the thought we were only going to live a short distance away and would often see our Kingston friends. We had an extremely happy and interesting time there and were genuinely sorry to leave. I was succeeded by the Rev. M. de Burgh Scott, long well-known to us in Swanage.

 

 

 

1938: The Late Mr. Gilbert V. Dorey

Three former vicars of Kingston (Corfe Castle) attended the funeral service at St. James’ Church, on Saturday afternoon, of Mr. Gilbert Victor Dorey, who for over 30 years had been organist at the church. The interior of the building which deceased knew and loved so well, still bore its Christmas decorations, as the coffin, borne by four senior employees (Messrs. Gerald Loxton, Charlie Orchard, George Hunt and Jesse Marsh), of the Encombe Estate, was carried into the church, the cortege being preceded by the choir, with the congregation joining in the hymn, “Peace, perfect peace.” As the cortege left the church the “Nunc Dimittis” was chanted.

The Vicar (the Rev. M. de Burgh Scott) conducted the service, assisted by the Rev. F. S. Horan (the former vicar). Mr. Charles Pond was at the organ.

The principal mourners were the widow, Mrs. C. Clark, Mrs. G. Randall, Mrs. E. Brake, and Mrs. W. Neale (sisters), Mr. A. Dorey and Mr. R. Dorey (brothers), Mr. C. Dorey, Mr. W. Randall, Mr. and Mrs. P. Hann, and Miss O. Dorey (nephews and nieces), Mr. G. Dorey, Mr. and Mrs. E. Dorey, and Mrs. W. Smith (cousins). Mrs. F. Dorey, Mrs. A. S. Dorey, Mrs. A. Dorey, Mrs. W. Dorey, and Miss Jukes (sisters-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. F. Cooper, Mr. and Mrs. L. Turner, Mr. J. Marsh, and Mr. and Mrs. Donald Barnes.

Mr. W. Dorey (eldest brother) was unable to attend owing to illness.

Included among those present in the church were Archdeacon Smith and the Rev. Raymond A. Bond (former vicars), Mrs. M. de B. Scott, Mrs. F. S. Horan, Mrs. Raymond A. Bond, Mrs. Fenwick-Owen, Captain J. Docrwa Rogers, Mr. Walter E. Candy (agent to the Encombe Estate), and Mr. E. A. Hixson, together with many estate employees and villagers.

The large number of wreaths included tributes from the bellringers, choirmen, boys and girls, and sidesmen of St. James’ Church, Kingston, Mr. W. E. Candy (agent), and Messrs. Hixson, Loxton, Gale, and Marsh (senior employees), Estate and farm employees, Kingston ex-Service men and Kingston Women’s Institute.

FLORAL TRIBUTES.

The beautiful floral tokens included the following:- In ever-loving memory of my darling Husband, from his sorrowing Wife; Cecil and Ron (sons); Charlotte and family; Bessie and family; Jennie and Ernest; Lou and George (Canada); Mabel and Will and Phillip; Walt, Gert, and Marjorie; Alf, Rose, Fred, and Iris; Bob, Bet, Grace, and Betty; Art, Irene, Olive (nephew and nieces); Annie, Agnes, and family, Charlie, Kath, Michael; Lot, George, Nance, Ern and Rose, and Amy (cousins); Alice (sister-in-law); Ben, Fred, and Frank (brother-in-law and nephews); Walt and Ern (brother-in-law and sister); Bert and family (brother-in-law and sister); Vicar and Mrs. Scott; Rev. Raymond and Mrs. Bond and Miss Margaret; Mr. and Mrs. A. Cooper and family; Mr. and Mrs. W. Stickland; ”Eldon Arms,” Kingston; Mr. and Mrs. F. Tatchell; Mrs. Allen, Corfe Castle; Mr. and Mrs. P. Damer and Nellie; Mrs. N. Phillips; Mr. and Mrs. D. Barnes; Rhoda and Will; Ronald and Hubert; Jack.

Mrs. Dorey and family sincerely thank the many friends who have expressed sympathy and sent floral tributes in their bereavement.

NATIVE OF THE VILLAGE.

The late Mr. Dorey passed away at his home, 3, West-street, Kingston on Tuesday, after a fairly long period of ill-health, although his last illness was of short duration. Aged 51 years, he was a native of the village, and throughout the whole of his working life had been employed on the Encombe Estate. As far as the communal spirit of the village was concerned Mr. Dorey was one of the greatest stalwarts. His greatest interest was in the church, which he served faithfully for 44 years, as choirboy from the age of seven and upwards of 30 years as organist and choirmaster. He also lent a hand at bell-ringing, and at times he rang regularly for fairly long periods, in spite of the calls made upon his time by other church duties. As a tribute to his memory the bells were rung half-muffled following the committal on Saturday afternoon.

A KEEN MUSICIAN.

A keen musician deceased could play a number of instruments and for many years was one of the leading members of the Kingston Village Band. He was also interested in the many social functions which have produced such a happy village life at Kingston, and he was ever ready to lend a hand in whatever direction the call was made. Only a fortnight before his death he took part in a play in the village hall, while it may be recalled that just 12 months before his passing – on December 26th 1937 – he was one of the Kingston Players taking part in Thos. Hardy’s “The Three Strangers,” broadcast by the B.B.C.

Mr. Dorey leaves a widow and two sons aged 13 and 9, with whom much sympathy is felt.

Western Gazette, Friday 6 January 1939

 

1938: Funerals – Lady Margaret Hamilton Russell

The funeral of Lady Margaret Rachel Hamilton-Russell took place yesterday at Kingston, Corfe Castle. The service at St. James’ church was taken by the Rev. F.S. Horan, and the Dean of Windsor officiated at the committal. Among those present were: The Hon. Sir Ernest Stowell Scott, the Hon. Osmund Scott, the Hon. Denys Scott, and the Hon. Michael Scott (brothers), Lady Louisa Longley (sister) and Mr. J. Longley, Viscount and Viscountess Boyne, the Hon. Claud and Mrs. Hamilton-Russell, the Hon. Arthur Hamilton-Russell, the Hon. Eustace and Mrs. Hamilton-Russell, and the Hon. Florence Hamilton-Russell (brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law), the Earl of Eldon (nephew), Lord Cottesloe, Mr. J.W.G. Bond, the Rev. R.A. and Mrs. Bond, Mr. Ivo Bond, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Bond, Mr. G.C. May, Major Charles H. May, Lady Hambro, Major R.C. Mansel, Mr. W.E. Candy, and a large number of villagers and employees on the Encombe estate.

The Times, Tuesday 1 February 1938

1936: Kingston Church Worker – The Late Mr. T. E. Joyce

A RECORD OF FAITHFUL SERVICE

By the death of Mr. Thomas Eastman Joyce, at the age of 71, the parish of Kingston has lost one of its oldest and most respected inhabitants. When he was rather suddenly taken ill at the end of November it was a great shock to his family and friends, for up till that time, he had seemingly enjoyed his full health and vigour, and although he had to enter Boscombe Hospital, high hopes were entertained for his recovery, but he was unable to overcome the effects of two operations and passed peacefully away on the morning of 28th December. Mr. Joyce was a native of Kingston, and, but for a few years when he was in business at Swanage, had lived and carried on the business of his father in the village all his life. Through his business, social activities and the generosity of his nature, he had earned for himself an almost unique position, but it is as a churchman that he will chiefly be remembered, for he had fulfilled every official lay position from choir boy to churchwarden, and despite business and social claims, his Church was paramount in his life. He was also a school manager.

THE FUNERAL

The funeral took place at Kingston on Thursday, a large congregation attending.  The service, conducted by the Vicar (Rev. F. S. Horan) assisted by the Rev. R. A. Bond, a former Vicar, was fully choral, and commenced with the “Dead March” in “Saul” (organist, Mr. G. Dorey), as the remains had rested in church overnight, when the opening part of the service was taken. Two of Mr. Joyce’s favourite hymns, “I heard a Voice,” and “Abide with Me,” were sung. The Lesson was taken from Revelation, 7-9.

The Vicar in his address spoke feelingly of the generosity of Mr. Joyce’s nature and the steadfastness of his character, and of the great service he had rendered to his church and village.
The coffin was borne to its last resting place as the choir sang the Nunc Dimittis. At the conclusion of the service the bells were rung half muffled by the village ringers, conducted by Mr. W. Hooper.

The family mourners were: – Mrs. Joyce (widow), Mr. and Mrs. Braisby, Mr. and Mrs. Stride (sons-in-law and daughters), Mr. Harry Joyce (brother), Mrs. Bailey (sister), Mr. F. Wort (nephew), Miss Wort and Miss A. Joyce (nieces), Mr. W. Baker (cousin), Mrs. Ashford (friend), and Mr. Tom and Bert Bullen (employees).

Among the many others present were: – The Hon. Sir Ernest Scott, K.C.M.G., M.V.O. and Mr. A. G. Loxston (fellow churchwardens), Messrs. G. Hunt, C. Orchard and E. Dorey (sidesmen), Mr. W. E. Candy, Rev. C. Smith (former Vicar of Kingston), Dr. Dry Drury and Miss Drury, Rev. and Mrs. Godson, Mrs. R. A. Bond, Mr. and Mrs. G. Bartlett, Messrs Charles Stride, A. Curtis, N. Phillips, J. Marsh, T. Seymour, W. G. Marsh, A. Moss, T. Hibbs, Woodford White, Hill-Brown, G. Edgar, Bert Hunt, Pushman, R. Ballam, Bridle, E. A. Hixson, Capt. Dowera Rogers, Mrs. George Smith, and Mrs. F. S. Horan.

FLORAL TRIBUTES

Floral tributes, many and varied, were received from: – Wife and family; Cynthia and John (grand-children); Mr. and Mrs. Harry Joyce (brother); Mrs. Smith and family (sister); Mrs. J. Wort and family (sister); Mr. and Mrs. Linn Joyce and family (nephew); Miss Ada Joyce (niece); Mr. and Mrs. W. Baker and Francis (cousins); Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey Baker (cousins); Misses N. and B. Braisby and Mrs. Ashford; Mr. and Mrs. Filewood; Miss. E. Butcher; Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Ashford; Miss Nellie Stride: Mr. Tom and Mr. Bert Bullen; The choir and bellringers; Sir Ernest Scott; Rev. and Mrs. Horan; Rev. and Mrs. R. A. Bond; Rev. and Mrs. B. D. Beeley; Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Candy; Dr. Dru Drury; Mrs. Loxston; Mrs. Bartlett and family; Mrs. G. Smith and Miss Bowden; Mr. and Mrs. C. Orchard, Ken and Joan; Mr. and Mrs. A. Bates; Mr. and Mrs. J. Beavis and family; Mrs. Bertie Bullen; Mr. and Mrs. F. Bullen and Fred; Henry, Kate, and Charlie Bullen; Mr. and Mrs. E. Dorey and family; Mrs. A. Dorey and family; Mr. and Mrs. Damer and family; Mr. Dawson Damer; Mr. and Mrs. W. Hooper and Mrs. Bridle; Mr. and Mrs. C. Brown; Mr. and Mrs. G. Edgar and family; Mr. and Mrs. Phillips; Mrs. Honeybun and Nora; Mr. and Mrs. Davis; Kingston Women’s Institute; Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Turner; Miss Vinney; Mr. and Mrs. Newbery (Corfe); Mrs. Sansom and Mr. E. J. Sansom; Mr. and Mrs. Everett; Mr. and Mrs. Hare.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. E. J. Sansom, of Wareham.

Mrs. Joyce and family desire to thank their many friends for kind expressions of sympathy in their bereavement, and also for the beautiful flowers sent.

Western Gazette, Friday 8 January 1937

1936: ‘’Witnesses deny there was any undermining’’

Inquest at Encombe House.

Denials that there was any undermining of the face of a gravel pit to cause a fall which buried Andrew Dorey, aged 57, of Encombe, Corfe Castle, with fatal results, was made by witnesses when the occurrence was investigated by the Coroner for East Dorset (Mr R Neville Jones) at the inquest held on the victim at Encombe House (the residence of the Hon. Sir Ernest Scott) on Monday evening. A graphic account of the tragic incident was given by Charles Stephen Dorey, a 26yrs old shepherd in the employ of Sir Ernest Scott, residing at South Street Kingston. He related how he went to the gravel pit at Encombe on Friday morning last, to assist in drawing gravel. His uncle, the deceased, and William Sansom were already working there. Witness went back to the pit at 2pm, after dinner, and with his companions he was engaged in sorting the gravel and loading it on the lorry. He was on the left of the lorry with his uncle and facing the cliff. The lorry was loaded and they were discussing whether they should load anymore, witness continued. Just then I looked up at the face of the cliff and saw a trickle of dirt and gravel falling on my left. My uncle was standing to the left of me. I thought I saw a movement on the face of the cliff and I think I shouted “we are going to have a fall,” but I am not quite sure. I shouted some warning or other and jumped to my right to give my uncle a chance to get out. At the same time a large quantity of dirt and gravel fell and tore off one of my shoes. I looked round to see where the others were and couldn’t see my uncle. I ran to the fall and heard a faint groaning under the gravel. The lorry driver, Fred Sansom helped me to scramble away the gravel with his hands. We uncovered his right shoulder and worked to his face, this was blue and he was silent.

Straight cliff.

Witness added that this was about ten minutes after the fall, other help then came. Deceased was lying on his left side with his head down hill, furthest away from the cliff. The face of the cliff was not undermined at this point-

The cliff was straight faced at the point of the fall.

The Coroner. Had there been any previous falls there?

Witness : No Sir; None while I have been working there.

Coroner: You knew it was dangerous to undermine, didn’t you? Yes Sir.

Mr P N Saddal (HM Inspector of Mines) You know that there is a piece at the side which is undermined? Yes Sir.

When was that done? Before we went there Sir.

The Coroner: Had you been working anywhere near this spot? We hadn’t been working opposite the spot.

Inspector of Mines: You are sure that no undermining was done during the time you were there? None Sir. We moved a large heap at the bottom of the cliff and scraped some loose stuff off the face.

Replying to other questions, Witness said that he believed instructions had been given that there was to be no undermining.

Another witness, William Alfred Sansom a labourer, employed by Sir Ernest Scott and living at Encombe, said that he saw a movement of dirt and gravel and shouted “look out!” He was standing on the platform on the right of the lorry, and as he shouted there was a big fall of gravel. He looked round but couldn’t see any sign of deceased, so ran for help.

Estate order.

The actual fall, the Witness said, took place where they had been working for a fortnight. He knew it was dangerous to undermine and there was an estate order not to undermine.

Walter Emmanuel  Candy, agent for Sir Ernest Scott, of Kingston, said that deceased was engaged with three other men in drawing gravel at a pit, the face 16ft high. He had previously warned the men not to undermine. Deceased had worked in this pit for some time past at intervals. I had reliance in him, he was a most experienced work man one of the most experience on the estate and “I had great confidence in him.” Mr Candy said, adding that he would be in charge of the gang, and had been employed by Sir Ernest Scott all his life.

In reply to the Inspector of Mines, Mr Candy agreed that it rained exceedingly hard on the night before the occurrence.

Dr. G Drury, Corfe Castle, said that the actual cause of death was suffocation. When he arrived on the scene he examined deceased and found that the right leg was shattered below the knee, both bones of the leg being fractured, and the left humerus was fractured high up. Witness tried artificial respiration for a short time, but without effect.

Evidence of identification had earlier been given by Arthur Harold Dorey, a son of the deceased and a chauffeur employed by Sir Ernest Scott, who said that he last saw his father alive at 1.50pm on Friday when he was in his usual good health. He next saw him about 3.30pm. He was then dead and partially buried under about 18inches of gravel.

Inspector’s opinion.

At the close of the evidence the Inspector of Mines, at the invitation of the Coroner pointed out that the face of the cliff was now vertical, and a stranger going to it would say that it had been over hanging, for where did the fall come from. In the face of the evidence he couldn’t say anymore.

(Under the Quarry Act it was an offence against the law to undermine, but on a private estate the Quarry Act didn’t apply.)

Recalling Charles Stephen Dorey the Coroner asked him : Before the fall occurred was there any undermining at this particular spot? No Sir.

Did you see the fall occur? Yes Sir.

Did the whole face slide down? Yes Sir. It looked as though the whole face came down from top to bottom.

You have no doubt about that? No doubt whatever.

You have heard the suggestion of the Inspector that the face is vertical now and it must have come from the top it came right the way down.

The Inspector observed that the accident would be a warning that it was dangerous practice to undermine, or even to work in some instances where the face was practically vertical.

The Coroner addressing the Jury, said that there was no question but that this was a pure accident, and he was certain all their sympathy went out to the widow and family in the tragedy. He was told that the deceased was a most esteemed workman on the estate where he had worked all his life, and was respected and liked by everybody in the district.

A verdict of “accidental death” was returned by the Jury, and they expressed sympathy with the widow and family, expressions with which Inspector G E Burt, on behalf of the police, and the Inspector of Mines joined.

Dorset County Chronicle, 24 September 1936

Transcription courtesy of Carol Brown whose late husband Ken was the grandson of the deceased Andrew Dorey.

 

 

 

1936: Obituary: Funeral of Mr. Andrew Dorey

KINGSTON – FUNERAL OF MR. ANDREW DOREY – VICTIM OF GRAVEL PIT ACCIDENT

The beautiful little village of Kingston was in mourning on Tuesday  for the loss of Mr. Andrew Stephen Dorey, aged 57, who (as reported in another column) met his death in tragic circumstances on Friday, when he was killed by a fall of gravel in the course of his work on the Encombe Estate. Mr. Dorey worked from his boyhood on the Encombe Estate, and was for many years shepherd, but during recent years, since Mr. and Mrs. Dorey have been resident at Encombe House, where Mrs. Dorey is housekeeper, he has done general work on the estate. He was known and highly respected throughout the neighbourhood, and his lossis very keenly felt. He was a staunch churchman, and a chorister and bellringer for many years, also a bandsman in the Village Band. Mr. Dorey leaves his widow, one son and two daughters to mourn their loss.

The Vicar, the Rev. F. S. Horan, conducted the funeral service, during which he paid tribute to the character of Mr. Andrew Dorey who, through a life well lived, was leaving a happy memory for those who loved him. He was a friend to all, his cheery smile will always be remembered, and he leaves the village poorer for his loss.

Sir Ernest Scott was among those attending, and the large congregation included estate employees and parishioners. Mr. E. A. Hixson represnted Mr. W. E. Candy, the agent, who was prevented being present, and Mr. F. Pond represented the Swanage Town Band, deceased having been a member of the Kingston Band. Estate employees – Messrs. G. Hunt, H. Sansom, C. Brown, and C. Orchard – acted as bearers.

The chief mourners were the widow and family.

THE WREATHS

Beautiful wreaths were sent by the following: His loving and sorrowing wife; Art and Gladys (son and daughter-in-law); Irene and Percy (daughter and son-in-law); Olive (daughter); Charlotte, Mabel and Bill (sisters and brother-in-law) and Philip (nephew); Bessie (sister) and family; Jennie and Ernest (sister and brother-in-law); Walt and Gertie (brother and sister-in-law) and Marjorie (niece); Gilb and Frances (brother and sister-in-law); Alf and Rose (brother and sister-law); Fred and Iris (nephew and niece); Bob and Bet (brother and sister-in-law); Grace and Betty (nieces); Mabel, Will, Winnie and Gilbert (nieces and nephews); Jim and Kath (nephew and niece); Cecil and Ron (nephews); Lottie, Annie, Rose, Amy, George and Jennie (cousins); Ern (cousin); Aunt Fan, Bert, Fred, Win, Nancy and Len; Fred and Em; Bob; Cousin Poll (Ellen); Jim and Kate; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hann; Mr. and Mrs. W. Barnes and family (East Holme); Mr. and Mrs. D. Barnes (Arne); Mr. and Mrs. W. Cooper; Charlie, Nellie and Ken Orchard; Percy and Ada Damer; Mrs. Robert Damer and Dawson; Jack and Elsie; Joan; Mr. and Mrs. Seymour and family; In memory of our comrade and workmate, from men of Encombe Farm and Estate; From Garden staff, Encombe; Churchwardens, sidesman, choirmen and bellringers; Mrs C. Bartlett and Mr. and Mrs. G. Bartlett; H. Sansom and family; Mrs. Joyce; The Rev. and Mrs. F. S. Horan; Charlie and Beat (Creech); Bill and Maud; Mrs. Loxton; Mr. and Mrs. P. Churchill; Mrs. Pooss (Preston).

Mrs. Dorey and family wish to thank all who gave their assistance, also for sympathy in their sad bereavement, and floral tributes sent.

September 1936

Our thanks to Carol Brown who provided this cutting

1935: Fete in the Purbecks

FETE IN THE PURBECKS – EFFORT FOR KINGSTON VILLAGE FUNDS.

An unusual privilege – that of viewing the beautiful grounds of Encombe Manor –  was enjoyed by hundreds of villagers and visitors who attended a flower show and fete held there by kind permission of Sir Ernest Scott, K.C.M.G., M.V.O, on Thursday afternoon and evening. Fete attractions were scattered over the smooth lawns surrounding the delightful bright green lake at the rear of the house, and a small but excellent lot of entries for the flower show were exhibited in the quaint temple in the grounds round a magnificent bronze statue of a gladiator.  Glorious sunshine and an admirably organised programme made the occasion ideal. The effort was in aid of general parish funds and the flower show was the second annual.

The fete was opened by Sir Ernest, to whom sincere thanks were voiced. There was a variety of attractive side-shows and the general arrangements were supervised by Rev. F. S. Horan (vicar). Mr. W. E. Candy was hon. Treasurer, and the show was organised by Mr. N. Phillips, head gardener to Sir Ernest. Sir Herbert Cook, of Studland, was among those present, and his head gardener, Mr. F. C. Gibbons, judged the show exhibits. Commenting on their all-round excellence he said: “It is a much better show  than it was last year; it is at least twice as good.  I really do think that it will be a better show than that at Swanage in years to come.”

Organisers of the various departments of the fete were: – Side-shows, Mr. R. Dorey; gymkhana, Col. Muspratt; entertainments, Mrs. F. W. Pond of Swanage; refreshments, Mrs. Orchard (assisted by members of the Kingston W.I.). A folk dancing display was given under the direction of Miss Dawson, and there was Morris dancing under the leadership of Miss Dymand, of Langton Matravers. Many of the dancers had competed in winning teams in Albert Hall competitions. In the evening modern dancing took place of the lawn. The two entertainments arranged by Mrs. Pond of Swanage, and given voluntarily by the Everest Concert Party, were excellent. Selections were played by the Kingston and Corfe Castle Band, under the direction of Mr. W. Hooper, who gave their services.

There were frequent ‘buses from Corfe Castle and Swanage to Kingston, from where a special ‘bus service ran to Encombe along the steep and richly wooded slopes of the Purbecks, on top of which the beautiful village of Kingston stands.

Five hundred entrance tickets were sold and yet there were not enough for all. Besides these, Scouts, Guides, and children were admitted free.

 

FLOWER SHOW RESULTS.

Three vases of cut flowers – Mrs. W. Dorey, Mrs. A. Cooper, Mrs. C. Orchard. Cut flowers – Mrs. Tizzard, Mrs. W. Dorey, Mrs. Orchard. Sweet peas – Mrs. Orchard, Mrs. W. Dorey, Mrs. A. Cooper. Asters – Mrs. Orchard, Mrs. A. Dorey, Mrs. Tizzard. Stocks – D. Hunt. Window plant – Mrs. C. Hunt, D. Hunt, Mrs. W. Dorey.

Potatoes – J. Marsh, W. Dorey, W. Damer. Shallots – R. Beavis, J. Marsh, D. Hunt. Carrots – W. Tuck. Spring Onions – G. White, D. Hunt, G. Bartlett. Peas – Mrs. H. Hunt. Marrow – Mrs. J. Marsh. Runner beans – W. Dorey, P. Damer, D. Hunt.

Cooking apples – R. Beavis, W. Tuck, C. Brown.

Wild flowers – Miss I. Marsh, Miss G. Dorey, Miss Stickland.

Home-made jam – Miss Joyce, Mrs. A. Cooper, Miss K. Bullen. Plain cake – Mrs. W. Dorey, Mrs. C. Orchard, Mrs. A. Cooper. Fruit cake – Mrs. A. Cooper, Mrs. A. Dorey, Mrs. P. Damer. Jam sandwich – Mrs. A. Cooper, Mrs. W. Dorey. Collection of vegetables for special prize given by Mr. Gibbons – W. Dorey, J. Marsh, P. Damer.

OPEN CLASSES.

Runner beans – L. Stockley. Spring onions – G. Wright, Mrs. Stockley. Peas – 2, L. Stockley. Cucumbers – L. Stockley. Stocks – L. Stockley.

 

GYMKHANA FEATURES.

A gymkhana was admirably arranged by Colonel Muspratt of Swanage. Among the various amusing events were blowing up balloons (Miss Daphne Bankes was the winner in completion with many Scouts); balloon sticking; and sausage stakes.

There were two bowling competitions. A pig presented by Mr. Barnes of Afflington Farm, was won by a visitor at the farm. A ham given by Mr. Dicker, of Wareham, was secured by Miss Roupell, a visitor from Surrey. The skittles prize, a shoulder of mutton, presented by Mr. Budden, of Corfe Castle, went to Mr. Brain. Treasure “stakes” were arranged by Mrs. Hare.

Western Gazette, Friday 23 August 1935

1924: Ex-Service Men’s Dinner

The ex Service men held their annual dinner on Saturday evening at the Eldon Arms Hotel, several guests being invited. After an excellent repast, provided by Mrs. C. Bartlett, the usual toasts were honoured, and fallen comrades were remembered. Mr. W. E. Candy replied for the guests. The company then settled down to a pleasant sing-song, the Chairman being Mr. Gerald Loxston, and the National Anthem brought to a close a most enjoyable evening.

Western Gazette, Friday 21 November 1924

1914: November: Parish Magazine

Vicar: Arthur Napier

Our monthly collection, taken on October 25th, amounted to the sum of £3 3s. 0d. The Rev. A. C. Nickol pleaded the cause of Foreign Missions. He is the Secretary for the Church Missionary Society. Next month, November 29th (Advent Sunday) we shall have the Rev. H. Macknight once more with us to ask for our collection towards the Missions to Seamen; but, as last year, he will preach at Morning Service only.

Band of Mercy

The annual competition, in which last year our Kingston Band of Mercy was so successful, took place on Wednesday, October 14th. The names of those who have entered are: May Speck, Lillian Allen, Winnie Munden, Eva Speck, Elizabeth Fricker, Annie Travers, Annie Hunt; Edward Travers, Ralph Hunt and Albert Fricker. We all had tea after School at Mrs. Bartlett’s and went thence to the Schoolroom again for essay-writing. The result may be looked for in the early part of the New Year.

Parish Bounds

I have been here for three years, and have only just discovered that what I thought was a part of my parish is not so. I refer to Hill Bottom; I have hitherto been given to understand that the cottages on the right-hand side (as one goes towards Chapman’s Pool) and the old coastguard cottages belonged to Kingston, but on investigation of the Worth Tithe Map, I find that all these cottages, together with those on the left-hand side, are in the Parish of Worth. The only difference that this discovery will make will be that I shall cease my periodical visitation of these cottages, and (in the New Year) my issue to them of the Parish Magazine, but I shall retain in the future for the dwellers in the cottages there the same interest and affection that I have had for them in the past.

Club Room

Our excellent Club Room is now open and in use. It is another sign of Lord Eldon’s generosity. He has given us the Room and the billiard table, a handsome present, and, as time goes on, we shall appreciate it more and more. Thanks to Mr. Candy’s interest in pressing matters on, we were able to make our first evening’s use of it on Monday, October 19th.

 

1914: September: Parish Magazine

Vicar: Arthur Napier

National Relief Fund

In hearty response to H.R.H. the Prince of Wales appeal that all churches and chapels should make a collection to the above fund, Kingston Church gave the largest offering which has been made by the congregation. The generous sum, £11 14s. 6d., was forwarded to Buckingham Palice on Monday, August 17th.

National Defence Society

The above offering, which was a special effort made upon an unique occasion of course substantially interfered with the usual monthly collection made on the following Sunday, August 23rd; but even so, we managed to give the Rev. F. Lombardini the sum of £2 17s. at the end of the day, after he had opened our eyes to the cause which he so eloquently pleaded at the Evening Service on that day.

The War

You will forgive me if I seem to pass by the one subject which is on our lips and in our hearts at this time; but truly I feel that there is nothing which I can in so short a space helpfully add to that which I am gradually counselling you from the pulpit.

On Sunday, August 16th, we used the full service appointed for the Church on behalf of the King’s Naval and Military forces.

Inspector’s Report

The Diocesan Inspector, the Rev. J. W. Coulter, made his annual visit and examination of the Kingston School in religious knowledge on July 30th, and afterwards sent the following most satisfactory report:

This School has had many difficulties to contend against during the year, having been closed three times for illness. In spite of this the religious knowledge is very good throughout. The teaching is most carefully given and the tone is excellent.

(Signed)     F.W. Coulter      Diocesan Inspector

Rifle Club Notes

Our rifle season closed on Saturday, August 1st, which by kind permission of Mr. Candy was allowed as a half-holiday for the purpose. The weather left much to be desired, but the shooting was not greatly interfered with by the rain. Appended is a list of prize-winners, who received their rewards from Mrs. Guise at 7.30 the same evening, to the accompaniment of a pleasant programme of music by the Band.

George Coombes, the cup and 10s.              229

Walter Beck, 8s.                                               227

Walter Dorey, 6s.                                            220

Jesse Gale, 4s.                                                   219

Thomas Joyce, Bell medal                             217

George Langtree, Roberts’ medal               211

Leonard Jeffrey, 2s.                                       211

George Davis, Express medal                       208

Charles Orchard, Daily Telegraph certificate

and S.M.R.C. Medal                              203

Arthur Travers, Daily Mail certificate      200

Baptism

Aug 16.             Alice Vincent

1914: May: Parish Magazine

Vicar: Arthur Napier

Vestry Meeting

Held on Tuesday, April 14th, about 25 parishioners present. Chief points considered were as follows:

  1. The appointment of Sidesmen to collect and count the monthly offertory, at Morning and Evening Service.
  2. To adopt a scheme similar to that in use at Wareham, in response to the Bishop’s urgent appeal re Church Finance. First, a card will be sent to each Church-family to be signed and returned by those who are willing to take part in the scheme, stating the amount they are prepared to give (say, for example, 1d. per month). Upon the return of these cards, the Secretary will issue so many envelopes, which in the case of the monthly contributor would be brought once a month (in the case of a yearly contributor, once a year), and dropped into a box in the Church, this box to be cleared after each Sunday evening’s service.
  3. To adopt a suggestion that the hymn during the communion of the people at Choral Celebrations be discontinued.
  4. The question of the right to use the North and South aisles of the Church was brought forward; and after discussion it was ascertained that it was Lord Eldon’s express wish that the North aisle should be for the use of the young men, and the South aisle for the young women and children: as this is so, there is no more to be said on the matter except to ask those concerned to respect his Lordship’s wishes.
  5. The following appointments were made:

Mr. Hughes, Sidesman

Mr. Joyce, Sidesman

Mr. Medd, Sidesman

Mr. Seymour, Sidesman

Mr. F. Hunt, Sidesman

Mr. L. Jeffery, Secretary for Church Finance

N.B. – In our Parish we are so situated that we have no need to appoint Churchwardens as other parishes do, the wardenship of the Church being entirely in the hands of Lord Eldon and Mr. Candy.

Collections

The Easter Offering for the Bulford Camp Church Building amounted to £4. The May collection (which will be made on May 17th) is for the Temperance Society, when the address will be given by Mr. G. Scott, Diocesan Secretary.

Wedding

Mar. 30.            Arthur Vincent and Susan Hibbs

1914: March: Parish Magazine

Vicar: Arthur Napier

Band of Mercy

A most gratifying result crowned our first entry in the Children’s Competition between the four counties of Dorset, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. The competition consisted of an essay to be written by any member (between the ages of 9 and 14 years) of each Band, upon the subject of animals. The four best essays were first chosen out of the different Bands of Mercy, and then these were compared and judged together. The result of this judgment was a win for Plympton (in Devonshire) and second place for Kingston, with a certificate of recommendation. Kingston’s chosen four were: Margaret Grant, May Speck, Olive Audley and Ralph Hunt.

The Concert

Owing to a domestic bereavement, neither Mrs. Napier nor I were able to be present at the Concert on Friday, February 20th, in aid of the Band funds, so I can only speak of it from hearsay, instead of from personal experience.

The day was unfortunately a wet one, but there were not many of the usual audience who were prevented from attending.

The Concert appears to have been an unqualified success, and a sum of £2 18s. 6d. was handed over to Bandmaster W. Hooper.

A very pleasing item in the Concert was the presentation to W. Hooper of a China dinner service by the choirmen and bandsmen on the occasion of his wedding, which took place on the following morning. Mr. W. Candy very kindly made the presentation in my absence.

Collections

The March Collection will be for the Bishop of Salisbury’s Fund, and will be taken on Sunday, March 22nd. I have not as yet been able to come to any decision as to the manner of making a house-to-house visit for this purpose (as was proposed in the paper sent to you all by Colonel Rolson), and so, for this time, at all events, we must ask the authorities to be content with a Church offering.

The amount (Morning Service only) received for and transmitted to the Church Army, February 22nd, was £1 10s.

Wedding

Feb. 21.            William Hooper and Margaret Elizabeth Beavis

1889: Fatal accident to Mr. F. C. Candy

On Wednesday night about eleven o’clock Mr. Frederick Charles Candy, in company with Mr. Dennis Dorey, were returning from Swanage to Kingston, the latter driving a spirited horse in a two-wheeled trap. They pulled up at the Eldon Arms, the home of Mr. Candy, and Mr. Dorey alighted, leaving Mr. Candy in the trap. He had barely tucked the reins through the ring of the pad when the horse moved on, slipping on the frosty ground, and started off at once. Mr. Dorey held on to the bridle for about 100 yards, when the shaft struck him in the mouth and knocked him down and the wheel went over him. The horse at the time was galloping at a furious rate and near the rectory gate Mr. Candy was thrown out against the wall. Dr. Hawkins was summoned from Corfe, but on his arrival deceased had been dead some time. Fuller details of the sad catastrophe were elicited at the inquest which was held on Thursday, at the Eldon Arms Inn, before Mr. Henry Symonds (deputy-coroner), and a jury, of whom Mr. Medd was foreman. The body having been viewed, the following evidence was adduced : –
Dennis Dorey said he lived at Barnstone and was a farmer. On Wednesday evening he and deceased went to Swanage together. Witness drove a horse in a two-wheeled trap. They left Swanage about half-past nine, and everything went well till they got back to Kingston. Then witness pulled up and got out of the trap, leaving deceased in it. Miss Candy was standing at the door. Witness intended returning home in the direction of Corfe Castle, and the horse’s head was turned that way. They both intended to get out of the trap at Kingston. Witness had just got down and tucked the reins through the ring of the pad, when the horse (a young one only broken in this winter) moved on, slipping on the frosty grounds, and started off at once. Nothing happened to startle the horse. Witness held on to the bridle for over 100 yards, when the shaft struck him in the mouth and knocked him down and the wheel went over him. When he fell the horse had got into a gallop. He did not think deceased tried to get out of the trap, nor did he cry out. Miss Candy ran after them. When witness fell the horse broke away, and a little way further on (close to the rectory gate) the trap struck against the stone wall. He did not see what happened, but he was not insensible. With the assistance of Miss Candy he went to the inn. The horse had never bolted before, and had stopped there scores of times.

Elizabeth Candy said her brother (the deceased) was 22 years of age and had been managing the Eldon Arms for her father. About a-quarter to eleven on Wednesday evening Mr. Dorey and her brother returned, driving up to the front door first and then across to the stable. She afterwards saw Mr. Dorey trying to hold the horse, which was endeavouring to break away. It was too dark for her to see her brother, but she ran down the hill and saw Mr. Dorey knocked down, and the horse run up against the wall. She picked Mr. Dorey up and helped him home, and then, in company with P.C. Ellis, went to look for her brother. Mr. Dorey appeared to be perfectly sober, and nothing she saw led her to believe they were not fit to look after the horse. The horse was young and she had frequently ridden behind it.

Richard Frost deposed to hearing the young men return, and to following Miss Candy and P.C. Ellis to where deceased was found.

P.C. Ellis said about a-quarter to eleven on the evening in question he was near Afflington barn, and the two young men passed him on their way to Kingston, and said. “Good night;” the horse going at a good canter. When he got to within 200 yards of the Eldon Arms he heard a trap going at a tremendous pace down Kingston hill. He saw Miss Candy leading Mr. Dorey, who was holding a handkerchief to his face. Miss Candy came out again in a few minutes with a candle, and they picked up two hats, and then went on to look for Mr. Candy. About 60 yards from the Eldon Arms on the right hand side of the road they saw the trap, and, putting his light under it, they saw deceased lying on the ground between the gutter and the wall. The horse and harness had clean gone and only a slight splinter was off the shafts. Deceased was entangled in the step of the trap. Witness felt his pulse and found he was quite dead. There were very severe injuries about the head and a large quantity of blood about, which ran down the gutter a long way. Deceased’s left ear and eye and mouth were injured. With assistance he afterwards got deceased home.

The Coroner briefly summed up, characterising it as a very sad accident, which they all deplored.

The jury returned a verdict of “Accidental death,” and generously gave their fees to the Dorset County Hospital.

THE FUNERAL

The funeral took place on Monday afternoon, when a large concourse of friends from far and near attended to pay a last tribute of regard and esteem to one so highly respected and beloved. The cortege left the Eldon Arms for the old parish church shortly after two o’clock, and besides the immediate relatives considerably over one hundred followed. The mournful procession included Mr. and Mrs. George Candy, their second son and daughter, their third son and daughter, Mr. Charles Candy and daughter (Bournemouth), Mr. Lewis Ash, Mr. And Mrs. Frost, Master and Miss Dorey, Mr. T. Cooper (Messrs. Devenish and Co’s. representative), Mr. H. W. Green (stationmaster, Corfe Castle), Captain Harrison, Messrs. F. Yearsley, F. Hibbs, Speed, G. Hobbs, Dorey, James Whittle, G. Elmes (Wareham), C. Smith (Arne), Caines and Son (Renscombe, J. Snook and Son, H.Stickland, Cleal, W. Stevens, W. Moss, T. Vye, S. Moss, Shittler. T. Luther, A. Stickland, Pople Gillman, J. Williams, Senior, E. Smith (Corfe Castle). W. H. Burt, W. Linnington, King (Herston). R. Hayman (Dorchester), Smith (Eastington), A. Burbidge (Swanage), F. Jackson (Encombe), R. E. Pinney (Backnowle), J. Hughes (Kingstone), and many others. At the church the funeral party were met by the Rev. S. C. Spencer-Smith, who conducted the service. On entering the sacred building the choir, under the leadership of Mr. W. Dorey, organist, sang the hymn “When our heads are bowed in woe”, and, after the solemn service had been performed, hymn 197. The procession was reformed and proceeded to the newly consecrated piece of ground, where the body was interred. The corpse was conveyed on a hand bier, supported by six men from Lord Eldon’s estate, and a large number of wreaths and crosses were presented. Among those sending these floral offerings being Mr. A. Burbidge, Miss Danilly, Mr. And Mrs. F. Jackson, Mr. Smith, Mr. And Mrs. C. S. James (London), Mrs. Evans (Dorchester), Mr. And Mrs. Green (Corfe), Miss Vincent (Victoria Hotel, Swanage), Mr. R. Cann (Wareham), Mr. F. Hibbs, Mr. G. Hobbs, Mr. E. Penna (Clapham), Mr. Bulpitt (Southsea), Mr. T. Cooper (Abbotsbury), Mr. D. Dorey (Barnstone), Mr. J. Uphill (gardener, Encombe House), Dr. Woodford Daniel (Wareham), Mr. George Whittle (Wareham), Mr. And Mrs. William Merson (Bournemouth), Mrs. Hoare (Swanage), Mrs. Frost (Kingston), and others. The inscription on the coffin was “Frederick Charles Candy, died January 2nd, 1889. Aged 22 years. Many letters of condolence were received from friends, who for various reasons were unable to attend the funeral. The late Mr. Candy was a great favourite with all who knew him, and much sympathy is felt with Mr. And Mrs. Candy and the family in their sad and sudden bereavement.

Dorset County Chronicle, 10 January 1889