George White (1852-1899)

George White (1852-1899) was the second son of William White (1822-1896) and Elizabeth Kingsbury White nee Fry (1827-1900).

In 1861, aged 9, was a scholar at Bloxworth School. Ten years later George was in service at Creech Grange for Revd. Nathaniel Bond as a ‘hall boy’.

By 1881, George was back living with his parents at Willwood, Kingston following in his father’s footsteps as a gamekeeper. George’s whereabouts in 1891 are unknown.

George died on 17 January 1899 and was buried at Kingston Old Church in the lower graveyard.

↑Up to Parents↑

Across to siblings:  |  James Edward (1850-1919)  |  Harriet Deborah (1854-1947)  |   Edmund William (1859-1896)  |  Charles (1861-1913)

 

Edmund William White (1859-1896)

Edmund William White (1859-1896) was the third son of William White (1822-1896) and Elizabeth Kingsbury White nee Fry (1827-1900).

In 1871 he was a scholar at Kingston School where his sister Harriet was teaching.

Edmund, a general labourer, did not marry and lived with his parents at Willwood, Kingston. He died on 29 December 1896 and was buried at Kingston Old Church in the lower graveyard.

↑Up to Parents↑

Across to siblings:  James Edward (1850-1919)  |  George (1852-1899)  |  Harriet Deborah (1854-1947)  |    Charles (1861-1913)

 

Charles White (1861-1913) = Annie Jane Beaves (1870-1948)

Charles White (1861-1913) was the youngest child of William White (1822-1896) and Elizabeth Kingsbury White nee Fry (1827-1900). He was baptised at Bloxworth on 10 March 1861.

In 1871 Charles was a scholar at Kingston School. By 1881 he had become a carpenter journeyman.

On 21 May 1894 he married Jane Gerrard (1862-1894) at St. Paul’s Church, Poole. Jane had previously worked as a servant for Revd. Spencer Smith at Kingston New Vicarage before moving to Poole.

Less than two weeks after their wedding, Jane was dead. She was buried at Kingston on 7 June 1894.

Charles returned to the family home at Willwood, Kingston and continued living there after his parents died.

On 23 February 1903, Charles married Annie Jane Beaves (1870-1948) at Kingston. Annie was the daughter of Henry Beaves (1834-1903) and Mary Ann Beaves neé Gover (1839–1901) and she taught in the Sunday School at Kingston.

Charles and Annie had one son:

  • Gerald Claude White (1906–1984) – Gerald, a gardener, married Dorothy Kate Green (1912–1999) at Kingston on 26 February 1938. Gerald and Kitty had two children, Margaret and Kenneth, both born at Kingston.  The family later moved to Bransgore on the edge of the New Forest.

By 1911, Charles, Annie and son Gerald were living in South Street, Kingston. Charles died on 5 March 1912 but Annie survived him by 36 years just living long enough to see see her grandson Kenneth born.

Gerald served in Italy during World War 2 and while there he composed a poem about Kingston and the surrounding area. We are grateful to his daughter Margaret King neé White for giving us permission to reproduce it here.

↑Up to parents↑

Across to siblings:  |  George (1852-1899)  |  Harriet Deborah (1854-1947)  |   Edmund William (1859-1896)  |  Edmund William (1859-1896)

 

James Edward White (1850-1919) = Eliza Legg (1854-?)

James, a bricklayer journeyman, was the eldest child of William White (1822-1896) & Elizabeth Kingsbury White nee Fry (1827-1900).

James married Eliza Legg (1854-) in the old St. James’ Church at Kingston on 14 November 1878.

James and Eliza lived at Church Knowle and had four daughters and a son:

  • Nelly Elizabeth Harriet White (1879-1950) – Nelly married Thomas William Spaul (1879–1960) at St Olaves, Stoke Newington, London in 1907. Thomas, the son of a pocket compass maker, was a commercial traveller. Nelly gave her father’s trade as licensed victualler instead of bricklayer journeyman. When Thomas died in 1960, they were living at Margate in Kent.
  • Charlotte Deborah White (1882-1973) – Charlotte was in domestic service for Sir Henry Seymour King (pictured right) who was a mountaineer, banker and conservative Member of Parliament. Charlotte married Albert Head in 1916. They lived in Islington, London.
  • Mabel Eliza White (1885-1959) – Mabel was in domestic service at Organford for a retired naval commander. She married George William Mudford (1884-1948) at Christchurch in 1906. They lived in Upper Parkstone, Poole and it is thought they had a baby girl, Jessie Irene, who died shortly after birth.
  • Jessie Alice White (1889-1944) – Jessie married Sydney George Slade (1886–1947) in 1926. Jessie and George lived in Church Knowle, with Jessie being the schoolteacher at Church Knowle school (pictured below) and George the shopkeeper.
  • William Albert White (1894-?) – William was a milkman at Church Knowle before signing up in 1914 to serve with the East Kent Buffs (emblem pictured right) during WW1. In 1920, William, who was then a shop assistant and living in Pimlico, married Henrietta Roper (1893–?) at St Mary Magdalene in Peckham, London.

James died in 1919.

↑Up to parents↑

Across to siblings:  |  George (1852-1899)  |  Harriet Deborah (1854-1947)  |   Edmund William (1859-1896)  |  Charles (1861-1913)

 

William White (1822-1896) = Elizabeth Kingsbury Fry (1827-1900)

William White (1822-1896) was the third son of John White (c.1779-1861) and Harriet White nee Davis (c. 1789-1873). William, was baptised at St. Andrew’s Church, Bloxworth on 6 October 1822.

William married Elizabeth Kingsbury Fry (1827-1900) in 1846. Elizabeth, baptised at Bloxworth on 23 March 1823, was the daughter of William Fry and Deborah Kingsbury who married at Morden in November 1808. William and Elizabeth had five children, all born at Bloxworth:

In 1851 William, aged 20, was an agricultural labourer living at Woodlake in the parish of Bloxworth with wife Elizabeth aged 23 and young son James aged just 1. Ten years later the family of seven was complete, still living at Woodlake and with William still a labourer.

By 1871 the family were living at Willwood, Kingston with William now employed as gamekeeper and Elizabeth a laundress. James a bricklayer, Harriet a schoolteacher and Edmund and Charles scholars. George was a live-in servant for Nathaniel Bond over at Creech Grange. By 1881, George had returned to Willwood and was following in his father’s footsteps as a gamekeeper. James and Harriet had left home, Edmund had become a general labourer and Charles had become a carpenter journeyman.

Ten years on, William now aged 69 was still employed as a gamekeeper, and sons Edmund and Charles were living there still, both unmarried.

William died on 6 February 1896 aged 73 and was buried two days later in the lower churchyard behind the old church.

Elizabeth died on 12 January 1900 aged 72 and was buried three days later, also in the lower churchyard but in a separate grave.

More information of William’s parents:

John White (c.1779-1861) was born at White Bay in Newfoundland, Canada c.1779.

It is likely his parents had migrated to Newfoundland through the Port of Poole which had strong links with the emerging colony. By his late thirties, John was living in England, as he married Harriet Davis (c. 1789-1873) at Bloxworth St. Andrew on 28 January 1817. Harriet, also in her late thirties, had a three year old son, Thomas Miles Davis, from a previous relationship. John and Harriet had six sons, all baptised at Bloxworth: Edward born in 1818, James in 1820, William in 1822, John in 1827, George in 1834 and Joseph in 1836 (when Harriet was aged 47). Joseph died as an infant just two years later. John senior, an agricultural labourer, died in 1861 aged 82 and Harriet died a decade later in 1873 aged 85. They are buried at Bloxworth.

 

 

 

 

 

Harriet Deborah White (1854-1947) = Charles William Miller (1851-1943)

Harriet and Charlie

Harriet, was the daughter of William White (1822-1896) and Elizabeth Kingsbury White nee Fry (1827-1900). She was born at Bloxworth and  attended school there in 1861 aged 6. By 1871, aged 16, Harriet was a schoolteacher at Kingston school. Harriet later became a schoolteacher at Tyneham.

Harriet married Charles William Miller (1851-1943) at Kingston on 29 January 1879.

Charlie’ was the son of William Henry Miller (1821-1883) and Sarah Jane Miller nee Miller (1825-1914).

As there were so many Miller families at Warbarrow, Harriet was referred to as ‘Mrs. Charlie.’ Charlie and Harriet did not have any children. They lived at Fern Hollow, Worbarrow where they also kept chickens. As visitor numbers increased, they sold eggs, chocolates, sweets and even postcards to boost their income.

Fern Hollow, Warbarrow

Harriet was a stalwart in the choir at Tyneham having sung with them for over forty years. On 19 December 1943, Charlie and Harriet, along with all the other villagers, were evicted from their homes at Tyneham and Worbarrow. Charlie and Harriet went to live at Rose Cottage in Stoborough but Charlie died on 1 January 1944, less than two weeks after the eviction. The army allowed him to be buried at Tyneham.

Harriet died on 29 August 1947 but had to be buried at Wareham because the Ministry of Defence would not give permission for her to be buried with her beloved Charlie at Tyneham.

Margaret King nee White remembers visiting her father’s Auntie Harriet at Rose Cottage, Stoborough.

↑Up to parents↑

Siblings:  |  James Edward (1850-1919)  |  George (1852-1899)  |  Edmund William (1859-1896)  |  Charles (1861-1913)

1943: We’ve never found anywhere like it on earth

Gerald C. White served in Italy during World War 2 and while there he composed a poem about Kingston and the surrounding area.

We are grateful to his daughter Margaret King neé White for giving us permission to reproduce it below.

O peaceful hamlet nestling there
Under the crest of yonder hill,
What memories dear you bring to me’
Sweet memories that linger still.

I think, maybe, of lofty Swyre,
With its purple patch of heather bright,
And its glorious view of land and sea,
From Portland Bill to the Isle of Wight.

Of Kimmeridge Bay with its squat watch tower,
With Gad Cliff beyond, in the shimmering haze,
And Smedmore hiding ‘mong the trees there,
Where I’ve spent many pleasant Saturdays.

Then, gazing eastward t’ward the vale,
Of Encombe, lying far below,
The tree-cald slopes and meadows green,
What a peaceful scene in these days of woe.

Then beyond again, where the Egmont Cliffs,
Reach out to meet the Channel tide,
And the craggy height of St Albans Head,
Standing strong and bold on the other side.

Of Chapman’s Pool, just beyond our view,
Where we spent pour childhood holidays,
Of the rock-strewn shore so deserted now,
But alive with vivid yesterdays.

Further still, the spire of Worth’s ancient church,
And the tiny village of Purbeck stone,
With the snow-white cliffs of Ballard Down,
Where “Old Harry” keeps his watch alone.

Then, turning north east I can plainly see,
The beginning of Branksome’s lovely chine,
Then the Isle of Brownsea in the harbour of Poole,
Where B. P. And his scouts camped the very first time.

The line of the Purbecks runs straight ‘cross my view,
From Ballard and Nine Barrow Down to the east,
To Corfe’s ruined Castle, where an ancient Brave Dame
Fought bravely, till gunpowder ended the siege.

Then westward again where the Barrow of Creech
Has the village of Knowle nestling under its breast,
And beyond,in the distance, where Flower Barrow’s tip
Looks on Lulworth, whose cove is the nicest and best.

Strolling back along the hillside,
And into the road at London Doors,
Now bereft of tourist traffic,
Till blessed peace comes to our shores.

Leaving Orchard Hill behind us,
Through field of corn, or furrowed earth,
Thence thro’ wood of elm and ash trees,
And so the village of my birth.

As I walk through the clean and tidy streets,
What memories dear are here portrayed,
With school chums trundling iron hoops,
From the blacksmith’s shop where they were made.

Mem’ries of Guy Fawkes night returning,
The “Cross” with a bonfire blazing high,
While children’s laughter still re-echoes,
Thro’s the crimson flow of the evening sky.

The old village pump still stands alone,
In the midst of the quiet village street,
It was our mainstay in days of drought,
And where, as lads, we used to meet.

I gaze on the church’s beautiful tower,
And hear, in my dreams, its lovely bells,
Ringing out their message of gladness,
To Purbeck folk o’er hills and vales.

Many an hour I have spent in that tower,
And looked from the top on the view far and near,
And have sat in the belfry watching the ringers,
On the eve and dawn of another New Year.

Sweet memories too of the lofty chancel,
Of friends in the choir stalls at morning and night,
Of the happy hours I’ve spent by the organ,
List’ning to music, forever so bright.

Mem’ries of my happy wedding,
And of my bride in radiant white,
And the christ’ning of our baby daughter,
On a cold day in Spring, the dear little mite.

Then the old village school where I learnt as a youngster,
With “Awlward” beyond where we played in the hay,
Where we jumped and races and scrambled for biscuits,
And the village turned out on our annual Treat Day.

When the old village Band played at night for the dancing,
On the lawn in the twilight and out in the Square,
Now popping inside the “Scott Arms” for a “bitter”,
Till merriment rose on the sweet summer air.

Mem’ries still green of the old Recreation Room,
Keen games of billiards, snooker, and darts,
With the pals that are now scattered over the Universe,
Some day we’ll meet again, joy in our hearts.

Now my thoughts still stray on, up the steep “Knapp of Matthe”,
To the turf of the sports ground on the hill top at “Drawn”’
Where we fought many “battles of cricket and football,
And have made many friends in the Pavilion.

Of the old village shop where I bought my first “sweeties”,
And fetched jugs of milk for the family store,
Thoughts of choristers’ suppers and Sunday school parties,
With a Christmas tree later and crackers galore.

And memories, too, of the “Hall” on the turnpike,
Converted, for social events manifold,
Thoughts of Whist Drives and Dances and Amateur Drama,
And the broadcast of Hardy’s “Three Strangers of Old”.

Of rambles to Bradle and Orchard and Willwood,
Of that dear little cottage in which I was born,
Of the blackberries, hazelnuts, chestnuts and flowers,
Which we sought for, and found, in this valley of our’n.

I think of my home, in the Lane round the corner,
Of think of my wife who’s waiting so bravely for me,
And my mother who’s thinking forever about me,
And my five year old daughter just chuckling with glee.

These are some of my thoughts, and the thoughts too of others,
Not so far away from the place of our birth,
But, wherever we’ve travelled, through Afric’ or Europe,
We’ve never found anywhere like it on earth.

G. C. White

David Hooper (1843-1922) = Emily Sarah White (1845-1905)

David Hooper (1843-1922) = Emily Sarah White (1845-1905)

David was the son of Thomas Hooper and Sarah Hooper (nee Tatchell) both of Kingston who married in 1839.

David’s occupation was at various times described as agricultural labourer (1861), labourer (1874), saw-yard engine driver (1881), general labourer (1891), engine driver at carpenters yard (1901), thrashing engine driver (1905), and sawyers labourer (1911).

In 1851, David was living in Kingston with his parents and other siblings. He was still at home with his mother in 1861 but by 1871 was boarding with his elder brother Henry Hooper and Henry’s young daughter Susan.

Henry Hooper, David’s older brother with whom he was lodging in 1871. Photo courtesy of Dave Cooper.

David married Emily Sarah White (1845-1905) at Kingston in 1874. Emily was the second daughter of William White and Mary Ann White (nee Roe), both of Kingston (their first daughter Emily died shortly before she was born). In the 1871 census, Emily aged 25 was shown as a laundress.

David and wife Emily. Photo courtesy of Dave Cooper.

David & Emily lived in West Street, next to the Post Office on the west side, all of their married lives.

Emily died in 1905 aged 59 of chronic bronchitis and David survived her by 17 years.

David & Emily had six children:

1.  Thomas Hooper (1875-1875)

Sadly, Thomas died shortly after birth.

2.  William Gerald Hooper (1876-1941)

At the time of the 1891 census ‘William’ was shown as an errand boy aged 15 living at home with his parents and younger brothers and sisters. He left home very shortly after and found employment as a gardener. It seems Gerald did not serve in the forces during the First World War (based on present family knowledge). He worked his way up to Head Gardener at Trafalgar Gardens, Downton.

Trafalgar, Downton pictured c.1905

During this time Gerald (as he was known) lodged with fellow gardener Sidney Cook & family at Charlton All Saints, Salisbury in Wiltshire. At the outbreak of the Second World War, Gerald was still at Charlton All Saints with the Cook family but his occupation was then recorded as a Builder’s Labourer. Gerald then returned to Kingston and lived with his sisters Jane and Nora until his death in February 1941 at Corfe Castle where he is buried in the ‘New Cemetery’ (the old ‘new’ cemetery!).

3. David Hooper (1878-1918)

David’s mother and father remained at the same house in West Street, Kingston throughout their life so it is most likely that David attended the local, Kingston School. Compulsory education required attendance only until the age of 10 years at that time and he initially became an errand boy (1891 census).

By the 1901 census he is absent from home but, as he could join the regular army at 19 and from his records we know that he originally joined the Dorsetshire Regiment, it is assumed at present, that he did join – most likely at Dorchester – in 1897/8. His regimental number was 15705.

David Hooper in uniform in the family garden at West Street, Kingston. Photo courtesy of Dave Cooper.

At that time the regular soldier joined for seven years active service followed by 6 years in the national reserve. If he joined at 19 then this service expired in 1910/11 when he was 32 years old. In the 1911 census David is a boarder with a Walter and Myra Bartlett at Canford, Poole, Dorset where he is a House Painter, he is aged 32 and unmarried.

From the medals David was awarded it would appear that he did not re-enlist until the Military Service Act was introduced in January 1916 which imposed compulsory enlistment for all males between the age of 18 and 41. This strong assumption is made as he was not awarded the 1914-15 Star which was awarded to those involved in a theatre of war during 1914-15.

As David was conscripted he had no choice as to which regiment he joined and he was delegated to the ‘The Prince of Wales Leinster Regiment (Royal Canadians)’ and he joined the 2nd battalion where his regimental number was 5359.The 2nd battalion was in action in Flanders as part of the 6th Division during 1915. In October 1915 the battalion was transferred to the 24th Division, 73rd Brigade.

Assuming David joined the battalion during the early months of 1916, then he was involved with the 24th Division fighting on the Western Front for around two years. On 1 February 1918 the battalion were again transferred, this time to the 47th Brigade of the 16th Irish Division. In the Somme the Germans began a big push – “Kaiserschlacht” (Kaiser’s Battle), in an attempt to regain lost territory on 21 March 1918 when they had an immense advantage in manpower with 58 Divisions ranged against the British 16 Divisions. The 16th Irish Division suffered large losses during this battle with 7,149 men lost.

David Hooper went missing “presumed dead” on 27 March 1918 and memorial’s to him are at the Commonwealth War Memorial at Pozieres, nr Albert, France, and in his village church at Kingston, Dorset. David’s body was never found (along with 1000’s of others) and he never married but he is recalled to mind with this research into his two medals.

4.  Nora Sarah Hooper (1880-1948)

Nora & husband William. Photo courtesy of Dave Cooper.

Nora married William Charles Cooper (1881-1962) at Kingston in 1907 and they had four children: David, William, Mary & Gerald.⇒Please see The Cooper / Hooper Connection 1907 for more information and photographs.

5.  George T Hooper (1882-1908)

George was the fourth son of David and Emily Hooper and spent his childhood at Kingston where he probably also attended the village school. From his Service Record (transcript below), George entered the Royal Navy on 2 December 1897 as a Boy Seaman. However, his Engagement of 12 years started on his 18th birthday – 20 August 1900. He is recorded at that time as being 5ft 4 inches tall with dark brown hair, brown eyes and a fair complexion: he had a tattoo of an anchor on his left forearm.

While serving in HMS Fox as an Able Seaman George was awarded the African general Service Medal with a clasp for Somaliland 1902-1904. The ‘action’ on 21st April 1904, was the capture of a village named Illig, Somaliland which had been held by the ‘Dervishes’.

George’s naval career appears to have been quite normal with a character rating of VG (Very Good) throughout most of his career until he joined HMS Hindustan and it is left to the reader to contemplate whether he joined a’bad ship’, whether he ‘fell in with the wrong crowd’, whether he had met a girl and overstayed his shore leave or perhaps returned to the ship drunk once too often?? Whatever – our George spent seven days in cells – not a drastic sentence considering the times but obviously a serious offence in the eyes of the RN.

Sadly George never married and he died of pneumonia April 1908 while stationed at Whale Island (HMS Excellent) Portsmouth. However, some knowledge of his life has been gained through research into his medal which remains in the family.

6. Ann Jane Hooper (1885-1960)

Jane Hooper married Tom Senneck (1883-1960) at Kingston in 1918. They had two children: Thomas and Margaret. ⇒Please see The Senneck / Hooper Connection 1918 for more information and photographs.

Page last updated: 5 March 2017

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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.

 

 

 

1947: Aged Evacuee From Training Area – Mrs. C. Miller – Dies at Stoborough

An evacuee from the much discussed battle training area of the Isle of Purbeck, whose exclusion from her lifelong home at Warbarrow Bay has aroused the sympathy of all interested in the “battle” of Purbeck. Mrs. Harriet Deborah Miller, has died at her home at Stoborough. The fate of the only home she knew in her sixty odd years of married life has still to be decided by the Government.

Mrs. Miller, who was 93, was evacuated in December 1943, and within a week her 93 years old husband, Mr. Charlie Miller, died. By permission of the military authorities, he was buried in his home parish of Tyneham, and ever since his widow has grieved that she has been debarred from visiting his last resting place.

In view of all the circumstances Mrs. Miller decided that her last resting place should be at the cemetery adjoining Wareham Parish Church, where her relatives could visit and tend her grave.

So it was that Mrs. Miller was buried at Wareham, separated from her husband, with whom she lived in the little cottage at Warbarrow for the 63 years of her married life. A native of Kingston, she was for some time before her marriage a teacher at Tyneham School.

The funeral service was conducted by the Rev. John Frith, and chief mourners were Mrs. J. Hodge, Mrs. A. Head, Mrs. G. Mudford, Mrs. E. Woadden, Miss E. Houliston (nieces), Mr. G. White, Mr. A. Head, Mr. F. Hodge (nephews), Mrs. Houliston (sister-in-law), Miss Minnie Miller (cousin), Miss B. Minterne and Miss. W. Minterne (friends and former neighbours at Warbarrow). Others present included Mr. and Mrs. W. R. G. Bond, Mrs. Pryce (representing Wareham and Purbeck Rural Council) and Mr. C. F. J. Durant-Lewis, clerk to the Council), Mrs. H. C. Money, Mr. and Mrs. P. Brachi, Mr. and Mrs. G. Hart and Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Reeks.

Western Gazette – Friday 5 September 1947

Notes: Harriet was the daughter of William White and Elizabeth Kingsbury White nee Fry who lived at Willwood. Harriet taught at Kingston School for a while and appeared twice in the 1871 Kingston census, both at home with her parents and boarding with blacksmith Thomas Goodchild’s widow Mary. Harriet’s nephew Gerald White from Kingston was present at her funeral.

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