100 years ago

1906 - May

1897 - 1898 - 1899 - 1900 - 1901 - 1902 - 1903 - 1904 - 1905 - 1906

May 30, 1906

The Bishop of Lincoln visited Stapleford to re-open the parish church which has undergone a thorough restoration.

The cost of the restoration, amounting to about £500, has been entirely met by gifts from Lord Middleton and the Vicar (the Rev T. W. Dolphin) and voluntary subscriptions.

The whole of the stonework of the tower has been repointed, the roof retiled, and better arrangements provided for draining the roof, which had suffered considerably by water collecting and remaining in various places.

The floors have been relaid with concrete, a new font, new screen, new oak choir stalls, and a new oak slab to the altar have been fixed, the windows have been reglazed throughout and the interior redecorated.

o-o-o-O-o-o-o

The great national festival of Empire Day was observed in Normanton-on-Trent by a demonstration and procession of the day school children who, with flags and banners, assembled near the churchyard corner, sang loyal and patriotic songs and saluted the British flag, under the able conductorship and command of their schoolmaster, Mr J. Owens.

A small charge was made for admission to a public concert, the proceeds being devoted to the purchase of new lamps for the schoolroom.

The children were regaled with a free tea during the afternoon.
 

May 23, 1906

There was a large attendance of farm servants at the May Hirings at Newark and there appeared to be a brisk demand for their services.

For female domestics there were many more inquiries than could be satisfied or suited.

Wages ruled for men were £22 or £23, while strong youths took places at £14, those who do the milking securing £16 or £17. Boys were asking £15, but many had to be content with £13.

Women servants were difficult to get for farmhouses, many preferring the town. Good strong girls were able to command from £12 to £15, more money than last year.

o-o-o-O-o-o-o

The Friends of Newark Hospital have succeeded in investing May Fair with some of its old-time attractiveness.

At the townsmen's night of the fair the gaieties witnessed in the square were as spontaneous and hearty as they were also innocent and enjoyable.

o-o-o-O-o-o-o

The annual gathering of the members of the Brant Broughton Friendly Society took place and as the "young men and maidens" were at home for their yearly holiday, there was a numerous assembly of members and their friends.

The proceedings began with a parade of members to the parish church, headed by the Newark Borough Band, who, under the leadership of Mr Carle, played delightful music throughout the day.

At church the service was conducted by the Rev A. F. Sutton (Rector) and an address was given by the Rev George Dunbar of St Alban’s, Nottingham.
 

May 16, 1906

An unqualified success was achieved by the Newark Agricultural Society with its 1906 exhibition and programme, held on the Sconce Hills.

The weather, although bitterly cold, and at times threatening, kept fine, and happily did not militate against a large attendance.

Indeed the receipts at the gate show an increase of £9 over 1905, the total for both days reaching the handsome figure of £218 17s 6d.

o-o-o-O-o-o-o

A strong protest against the Education Bill was made at a meeting of inhabitants of Southwell held at the National Schools.

The Rector (the Venerable Archdeacon Richardson) said the proposals of the Government would destroy the Church schools in their old form.

They would make the normal religious education in all schools throughout England of one type.

He conceded that education in the council schools was immeasurably better than a mere secular system but to churchmen that did not seem sufficient.

o-o-o-O-o-o-o

As briefly mentioned in a previous issue the Midland Union of Conservative Associations will hold their nineteenth annual meeting at Newark.

The gathering will be one of great interest and importance.

The delegates, representing the principal Associations in the ten Midland counties, will assemble at the Ossington Coffee Palace under the presidency of Viscount Churchill.

We are glad Newark has had the honour to be selected for the conference and we are sure the visitors will carry away with them pleasant recollections of their kindly reception in our famous town.
 

May 9, 1906

At a service held at St Paul's Cathedral under the auspices of the Mothers’ Union, the Bishop of Southwell made a striking reference to the Education Bill.

They were told by many politicians, he said, and by many who were hostile to the church, that parents cared little or nothing about the religious education of their children.

That was one of those gross misstatements of fact which came from a patronising class which was itself most guilty in this matter.

Working class mothers did care, and cared very keenly about religious instruction for their children, and especially when that instruction came along with the kindly ministry and shepherding of the ministers of God.

o-o-o-O-o-o-o

Evidently the word "can't" is not included in the vocabulary of Elston Methodists and the traditions of their forefathers transmitted to the present generation in their pristine form, stand them in good stead when a work of gigantic proportions is required to be done.

Thus on May 3, the very eve of the anniversary of the day when the first stone was laid, the re-opening services were held after the thorough renovation and repainting of the church and schoolroom.

o-o-o-O-o-o-o

The annual exhibition of stock and implements under the auspices of the Newark Agricultural Society will be held on the Sconce Hills Ground and promises to be quite as successful as its many predecessors.

Over £400 is offered in prize money including some valuable silver cups and medals and there are about 540 entries, as compared with 490 last year.

May 2, 1906

The fortnightly meeting of Newark Rural District Council was held at the Ossington Coffee Palace.

A resolution was received from the St Albans Urban Council, calling serious attention to the terrible nuisance and damage caused by motor vehicles by dust on district roads, the expense entailed of watering the roads and the damage by the dust to farmers’ crops and property.

It was proposed that the council adopt a similar resolution. Mr Wand said he had no doubt that owners of property on the roadsides were suffering considerably as well as the farmers. The cars were a great danger to other people using the roads.

o-o-o-O-o-o-o

The Newark Squadron of the Sherwood Rangers Imperial Yeomanry held their usual church parade before going into training on Sunday, attending the parish church, accompanied by the band.

They are to be congratulated on their smart appearance. We understand there are still vacancies for a few more recruits, and we can imagine no greater pleasure for a young man than belonging to so smart a corps.

o-o-o-O-o-o-o

At the annual meeting of the Newark Sunday School Union the honorary secretary of the union, Mr J. W. Ordidge, said: "The number of scholars has increased to 2,484.

This increase is particularly gratifying, being not altogether due to new scholars admitted but a decrease of scholars who have left."