Badsey (with
Aldington) and Wickhamford
Parochial Magazine
1903
JANUARY
The two new Bells have been successfully fixed in the Tower and give great satisfaction. The
larger bell weighs 5cwt. 1qr. 1lb and bears the following inscription: "A. M. D.
G. Victoriae Reginae Dilectissimae Regnum nos canimus MCMII." The
letters A. M. D. G. stand for the Latin words "Ad majorem Dei Gloriam," and the complete translation
is "To the greater glory of God. We celebrate the reign of the most beloved Queen Victoria, 1902."
The treble bell weighs 4cwt. 2qrs. 16lbs., and has on it the inscription: "Gul: Henr: Price A.M.
Vic: Jul: Sladden, Henr: Keen, Ecclesiae custodibus MCMII (William Henry Price M.A. Vicar;
Julius Sladden, Henry Keen, Churchwardens 1902"). Tuesday, December 30th, was a memorable day in
the annals of the parish. The Rev. F. E. Robinson, Vicar of Drayton, Berks., very kindly brought
over to Badsey a select band of members of the Oxford Diocesan Guild, who rang the first peal of
5040 Stedman's Triples on the eight bells in two hours and fifty-two minutes. The ringers were W.
Finch 1, A. Fox 2, H. Judge 3, W. Bennett 4, T. Payne 5, W. Large 6, Rev. F. E. Robinson (conductor) 7,
F. Webb tenor. The following is Mr. Robinson's own criticism of the bells: "The two
new bells cast by Messrs. Mears and Stainbank were much admired by all the band, their tone
being bright and melodious, harmonizing well with the original six." This is very high praise from
such an expert in bells as Mr. Robinson. Mr. and Mrs. Sladden very kindly entertained at dinner on
Dec. 30, the visitors, together with our own ringers and chimers, and they had tea at the
Vicarage.
FEBRUARY
We are glad to announce that the new clock is now being fixed in the Tower, and we hope that soon after the magazine is in the hands of our readers, it will be completed. The formal Dedication of the Clock and Bells will take place on Thursday, February 12th. The Bishop has promised to come to Badsey on that day, and the special service of Dedication will be at 3 p.m., when the Bishop will preach. We are sure that the parishioners will be glad to have the opportunity of listening to the earnest and eloquent words of the Bishop. It is proposed, on the day of the Dedication (February 12th) to have a Parochial Tea followed by an Entertainment in the Old School. Notices giving details of the arrangements will be issued later on. The proceeds will be equally divided between the funds for the new clock and bells. Any gifts of money or provisions for the tea will be gladly received at the Vicarage. Offers of help in preparing for the tea will be also welcomed, as there will be much work to be done. The sum of 8s. 6d. in small amounts has been received for the Clock Fund since January, 1st. The total sum now in hand is £81 0s. 7d.
JUNE
We are pleased to announce that the governing body of Christ Church have offered the vacant charge of these parishes to the Rev. William Carmont Allsebrook, M.A., who has accepted the same. The new Vicar will not come into residence, we understand, till after Midsummer. We are confident that he will be cordially welcomed by the parishioners, and, have every hope that his association with these villages will be of the happiest description, and productive of much good, under God's blessing, to the Church and to those committed to his charge. The Rev. W, C. Allsebrook. graduated at Jesus College, Oxford, took his B.A. degree in 1891, and M.A. in 1895. He was ordained at Liverpool in 1891, and became priest in 1892. His first curacy was that of Great Crosby, Liverpool, from 1891 to 1893; and from 1894 to 1897 he was Curate of Stratford-on-Avon. He is now Chaplain of Christ Church and of New College, Oxford, and was Chaplain of Jesus College from 1897 to 1901. He was also Senior Proctor for the University 1899 and 1900.
The report of H. M. Inspector upon the work of the schools for the year ending March 31 last
has been received, and is as follows :-
Mixed School :- "The Mixed School continues in a creditable state of efficiency. The discipline
is excellent."
Infants' School :- "The Infants' write and sing nicely. They also show proficiency in kindergarten
exercises and knowledge of common objects. The rest of their work is of fairly good quality. The
Infants' behaviour, too, deserves commendation."
The two candidates for pupil teachership presented at the April examination passed the
examination, and M. G. Pethard is recognised on the staff of the Mixed Department as a pupil teacher
from January 1st, 1903, and L. R. Cull on that of the Infants' Department from January 1st,
1904. L. R. Cull is not old enough for recognition from January 1st, 1903.
THE CRICKET CLUB
A long-felt want in the parish has been filled by the formation of a cricket club. The great draw-back in the past has been the difficulty of
obtaining a suitable practice ground. This, through the kindness of Mr. Mustoe, has been overcome for this
year. Should the club be a success it is hoped to make it a permanent institution like the Football
Club and that a good, central ground may be had and laid out in a proper manner.
THE FLOWER SHOW
The annual show is fixed for July 29, and we note several new prizes in the schedule. It is to be hoped the children will compete largely in the class set apart for them. Lady Hilda McNeill has kindly consented to distribute the prizes. Besides the usual attractions the Committee have engaged Messrs. Dowell and Miller, Negro Comedians, Conjurers, Dancers, etc., to give a series of their laughable sketches during the afternoon, and they will be assisted by Professor Macdonald's Royal Punch and Judy Show and Clever Dog Toby.
JULY
THE CRICKET CLUB CONTINUED
The Cricket Club is, we are glad to say in a fair way to become a successful institution. It has
met with a fair amount of support from lovers of the game in this district, but we should like to see its
ranks strengthened by the addition of more young men as players. "All work and no play makes Jack
a dull boy," and our young men would find in a game of cricket a good form of relaxation from their
arduous labours. Since the institution the Club has played four matches, and although no win has
followed their efforts, yet the games have afforded good practice and have been lost with the good temper
shewn by sportsmen of the best type. With such bowlers as Rainbow, Addis, Evans, Murray, and
Herbert, and such batsmen as Bird, Bowley, Emms, and Warner, success ought to crown their efforts in
the near future.
We are pleased to hear the Chimes going again in a satisfactory manner. Owing to the shrinkage of
the wood work to which the hammers are attached they failed to strike the bells properly. This is a
matter easily rectified. The Clock continues to go in a most satisfactory manner, and sets a good
example of regularity to everyone in the neighbourhood.
THE CHURCHYARD
We regret to find that considerable damage has been done of late in the Churchyard, and it is painful
to see torn shrubs, broken trees and trampled graves, where all should be in decent order. We
appeal to the parishioners generally to assist as far as possible in preventing the desecration of this
sacred spot a place which should claim the reverent care of all right minded people. The Churchwardens
would be very unwilling to have to adopt stern measures, and they trust that a timely warning
will have the desired effect. Children are forbidden to play in the Churchyard and older people, who
should know better, will be severely dealt with if they climb the walls, make a thoroughfare, do
damage to the grass, trees, shrubs or flowers, and more especially to the graves of those who sleep
their last sleep in God's acre.
THE VILLAGE NURSE
We are desired to state that Nurse Gammond is now resident at 1, Belmont Terrace, Badsey. It is
hoped that steps will shortly be taken to ensure the permanent residence in this locality of such a well
qualified nurse who may be at the ready call of those living in the neighbourhood who may require her
services.
OCTOBER
CHANGE-RINGING
On Saturday. September 12th, the Worcestershire and Districts Association of Change-Ringers
held their quarterly meeting at Badsey. There was a good attendance of members from Areley Kings,
Bromsgrove, Bengeworth, Brierley Hill, Dudley, Great Comberton, Kidderminster,
Martley, Malvern, Pershore, Tipton, Upton-on-Severn, Worcester, etc. There was service in the Church, with sermon by
the Vicar, at 5 o'clock, and over fifty attended the subsequent meeting at the Vicarage. Seven of our
visitors stayed over-night and, with the help of Mr. W. Keen, attempted a three-hours' peal on Sunday
afternoon. Unfortunately the peal broke down at the end of two hours and twenty-five minutes, but
we hope our friends will soon pay us another visit and see it through. As we understand that some have been vexed
with doubts as to the success of the recent addition of two new bells to our peal to complete the octave,
it will be a source of satisfaction to all to know that, those members of the W.
D .C. R. A. who tried the bells pronounced the "splice" an excellent one.