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On 20th October 2009, we started publishing a weekly "Filby News" bulletin on the Village Voice page. Previous Village Voice bulletins can be found at the Village Voice Echoes page.

Then we got to wondering what our forebears considered worthy of record and what they were doing one hundred and twenty years ago. This page is the result. Starting in January 2010 we are publishing, month by month, the Victorian equivalent of Village Voice starting with January 1890.

Our source is the Flegg Magazine, published from January 1890, it incorporated The Church Monthly and comprised 26 or so pages of articles and news. It was illustrated with engravings and cost one (old) penny, 1d.

The first edition started with a New Year's letter from the Clergy of Flegg which set out "some of our objects in starting this Magazine:"

These were: Union, every parish should have its Magazine, Increase in Godliness and The Work of the Church

We have followed, as best we can, the original spelling, punctuation and use of capital letters. The only conscious change is to put in full some abbreviations.
PLEASE NOTE: the words used are, of course, those of the original contributor, usually the Rector, and reflect the attitudes and the accepted usage of words prevailing at the time the article were originally published.

To see the latest Voices from the Past report go to Voice from the Past.

You may also wish to visit Voices from the Past: 1890 to find the stories from that year.

Filby News

1891

December 1891

Hymns for the Month

Morn. | Even.
December 6th49317 | 4850370243
December 13th52355 | 352514823
December 20th5026847 | 5343220349
December 25th—Christmas Day5961 | 605862
December 27th6066 | 6259285379

Sunday, December 27th.— It is proposed to keep this day as our Lifeboat Sunday. The offertory in the evening will be given to the National Lifeboat Institution. All parishioners are invited to keep this Sunday as a Day of Thanksgiving for those who have been preserved from the perils of the deep, and also as a Day of Prayer on behalf of those who have suffered loss.

We have to thank the local Press for inserting accounts of our Band of Mercy Meeting and Dedication Festival. We will try not to repeat what they have kindly printed. The former was held at the end of October at the School. Besides the children we had a fair number of our adult members present. The Baroness Burdett-Coutts was the principal speaker, Miss F Lucas (the founder of the Band) also addressed the meeting as well as the Rector. The songs sung by the children were well rendered, and showed signs of careful teaching. A few new members joined as one result of the meeting and others no doubt were encouraged to carry out the objects of the society by showing kindness towards all animals and one another.

The Dedication Festival commenced on the Thursday before All Saints Day by two meetings held at the Rectory; the one in the afternoon for women, and that in the evening for men, the latter the best attended. The Rev R. G. Cope spoke both at the afternoon and evening meetings. There was a great deal of life about both meetings, and gave promise of a well-observed Festival, I hope which was not disappointed. The number of communicants on All Saints Day was satisfactory. The services were well rendered by the choir, who had previously prepared carefully for them. On the Monday following a Parish Tea took place at the School, nearly 200 were present. Our band of tea-makers again did efficient service, and are best thanks are due to them. After tea, speeches were made by the Rector, who explained the Special Church Work for the winter months; the Bible Classes, he mentioned, for women and girls at the Church, on Sunday afternoons at 3 p.m., and for lads at the Rectory at 3:30 p.m., are now being held, and all who join them are welcome. C. F. Lucas, Esq., who is himself an active church worker, followed with an impressive speech on the duty of the people taking their part in the work of the Church. The Rev. C. Dowman, who was a clergyman in the Church of Ireland when it was Disestablished and Disendowed, gave a graphic account of his experience during that time, he pointed out the harm that was done by that Act of Parliament, and how the whole country suffered, not least the Nonconformists of Ireland.

On the Thursday in All Saints' Week a Special Evening Service was held, at which there was a large congregation. The Revs. C. J. Lucas, H. W. Harden, W. A. Green, J. A. Beaumont, C. Dowman, and the Rector were the clergy present. The service was sung by the Rector of Winterton, the sermon was preached by the Rev. C. Dowman, and the Rev. J. A. Beaumont sang to solo anthems during the service, one from the Elijah "It Is enough," and the other from the Messiah . "Why do they even so furiously rage together."

The Mothers' Meeting, on Monday afternoons, has been started afresh this year, and there is a goodly attendance. Any wishing to join can do so.

The Working Party meets every Thursday at the Club, and though we have an increase in numbers, there is still room for more than would be very welcome.

The Trustees of the Poor Land have been able to distribute 10 cwt. of coal this year to 51 different families; this is an addition of 2 cwt. to each one compared with last year.

The Sunday School. — The prizes for the past year will be given away in Christmas week, and we hope that the parents of the children will make a point of attending this meeting. New courses of instruction commenced on Advent Sunday, and will be taught Sunday by Sunday throughout the year. Each child can win 12 marks a very Sunday, 6 at morning and 6 at afternoon school; 2 marks are given for attendance, 2 for lessons, and 2 for good behaviour will stop a report of marks won, and number of times absent, is sent to every parent once a quarter.

We wish all our Readers and Parishioners, in the best and highest sense of the word,

"A Happy Christmas"

Baptism.

November 1st — Alice, daughter of Robert Whur and Emmerline Culling.

November 1891

Hymns for the Month

Morn. | Even.
November 1st396222313 | 391Anthem427436
November 5th | 435437221222
November 8th436428240 | 274437215365166
November 15th172277 | 208219370193
November 22nd280165 | 19922328826
November 29th47320 | 5351217203

In 1891 November 1st was All Saint's Day and the 29th Advent Sunday.

We publish monthly our list of hymns to encourage congregational singing. All who can sing are asked to practice, if possible, the hymns beforehand. The Cathedral Psalter, which we use costs about 1s., and the singing of the Canticles and Psalms would be greatly improved if more of our people would make this purchase.

The Dedication Festival. — In my annual letter to you. I have given a list both of services and meetings that we purpose to hold during the Holy Season of All Saints. We are looking for a willing and hearty response to the invitation given. Besides the Sunday Services on the 1st and 8th, there will be a special Full Choral Service on Thursday, the 5th, at 8 pm, when a well-known friend of ours, the Rev. C. Dowman, Rector of Fletton, Peterborough, will be the preacher.

The Harvest Festival on October 4th. — Our account of this, and Filby news generally, must be short this month owing to lack of space. The number of Communicants was not quite so large as usual, which is always a matter of regret. The congregations were good, especially in the evening, and the singing satisfactory. The Rev. C. W. Kirkby preached us a powerful sermon in aid of Home Missions; £2 11/6 was collected; and that the Morning Service the offertory was £1 7/- for the Choir. Many stayed to hear the grand "Hallelujah Chorus," which was played with great spirit as the closing voluntary. The growing habit among us of not leaving the church until the voluntary is ended, is one that we desire to encourage.

Our Winter Classes and Meetings will be explained to you during the Dedication Festival. What we want most are two Bible Classes — one for working men and the other for lads. The latter will be held at the Rectory on Sunday afternoons at 3.30, commencing November 8th.

Baptisms.

  • October 11th. — Lilian Maude, daughter of Spencer and Hannah Matilda Howlett
  • October 11th. — Edith Mary Ann, daughter of John William and Ellen Edith Goatson

October 1891

Hymns for the Month

Morn. | Even.
October 4th381321386 | 382Anthem383384379
October 11th259301 | 343167257346
October 18th433266446 | 220439448233
October 25th180236 | 238256207254

Sunday, October 4th. — Harvest Festival; Services — 8:30 am, Holy Communion; 11 am, Morning Prayer and Holy Communion; 3 pm, Children's Service; 6:30 pm, Evening Prayer. Preacher in the Evening: Rev. C. W. Kirkby. The Harvest Offerings will be devoted to the Choir Fund, which is £8 in debt, at the Morning Services, and in the evening to Home Missions.

Burials.

  • September 6th. — Alice Yallop, aged 27 years.
  • September 15th. — Walter Frederick Watson, aged 4 years.

The Clothing Club. — We would remind all members that this is the last month for paying in for this year, and no payments will be received after the end of this month. The cards will be given out the 1st Monday in November, and also new ones, at the usual time and place.

September 1891

Hymns for the Month

Morn. | Even.
September 6th217176 | 207193184231
September 13th221355 | 16321516627
September 20th219260236 | 155431224439
September 27th217222 | 19929516524

Notice — (1) The Early Services on Sundays will commence in future at 8:30 a.m. (2) The Evening Service at 6.30 instead of 7 p.m.; the change to begin on Sunday, September 6th. The Rev. S. Barker Simson will continue in charge of the parish during the month.

The Harvest Festival is arranged to be held the first Sunday in October, and it is hoped that many will return thanks on that day to Almighty God at Holy Communion, which is the special way ordained by our Lord. There will be celebrations at 8:30 a.m., and also after Morning Prayer. The offertory at these Services will be given to the Choir Fund, and in the evening for Home Missions. The sermon in the evening will be preached by the Rev. C. W. Kirkby, London Organising Society for A.C.S.

The Choir went for their annual outing on Monday, July 27th. Cromer was the place chosen, and start was made soon after 9 a.m. to meet the 10 o'clock train at Ormesby. A two hours' journey was pleasantly spent in the train. After a short walk by the seaside all met at the Victoria Restaurant, where lunch was served. A very pleasant afternoon was spent seeing the sights of Cromer, and after an excellent tea a start was made for the station, and Filby was reached about 8:30 p.m. All were sorry to see Mr Payne was not able to go with us, owing to his duties at the school. He was the only absentee.

The Flower Service was held on Sunday afternoon, August 2nd. The Rev. J. H. Raven kindly came over from Beccles to preach on behalf of the Waifs and Strays Society, which is doing good work among the destitute children of our large towns, and is providing and educating at the present time about 1600 children in its different homes. The offerings of flowers were plentiful from young and grown-up people, and we may certainly say that all gave of the best. The offertory amounted to £1. The flowers were sent the following day to the Children's Convalescent Home at Yarmouth, where they were greatly appreciated.

Six new lamps have been placed in the Church, and are suspended from the centre of the arches. They are the greatest improvement, and it must be a satisfaction to all members of the Working Party that they have taken a considerable share in this good work which has done so much to beautify the church. One or two more lamps are still wanted, and there is a small debt on those already put up, so we shall have to ask our Working Party to renew efforts during the coming winter to complete this work.

The Free Education Bill, passed by the Government during the last session, will come into force on September 1st. All children, under 15 years of age, will be admitted free, without any payment of fees, when the school opens after the harvest holidays.

August 1891

Hymns for the Month

Morn. | Even.
August 2nd210322 | 238300208240
August 9th37172 | 164271225280
August 16th277298254 | 22030826623
August 23rd242276 | 261431291432
August 30th197209 | 299295229274

Mr Chasteney, Organist of the Parish Church, has, we are glad to say, successfully passed with honours, Senior Division, at the recent examination in Harmony and Counterpoint, held at Trinity College, London.

The Flower Service announced for July 26th has been postponed to the first Sunday in August at 3 pm.

It has been impossible to arrange a Band of Mercy meeting during this last busy month. It is put off now until the Autumn, when we hope to have a really good meeting.

A gift of £3 3s. Has been received Colonel Corbett for the Church Lamps' Fund.

The report of the School Board Inspection has been received since our last issue, and is altogether very satisfactory. There have been exceptional difficulties during the past year owing to the severe winter and the illness at different times of the year, both of master and children. The Government grant amounts to £69 7s., which is an increase of over £18, compared with last year; and with good attendance some £10 more would have been earned. The principles of Agriculture are now taught in the school, and we are glad to see that all our nine candidates passed. This is a subject which may be of great use to the children in their after life, and we shall hope to see equally good results another year. The report speaks of great improvement in the Infant School, which we are glad to notice. Our school teachers have worked hard and well during the year, and it is for parents to see to the regular attendance of their children, which is the only way for them to obtain a really good and useful education.

A meeting of the W.H.S. and Communicants’ Guild was held at the Rectory in the early part of the past month. The attendance of members was good. After the singing of him and prayer. An address was given by the Rector on Church Organisation, in which he dwelt upon the importance, both of the W.H.S. and the Guild and what a great means these two societies may be for the increase of Church life in the parish. This was followed by an earnest address from the Rev. C. Donman, which was an appeal to his hearers to be workers for God, and how necessary it was for each individual to be a Communicant in order to live the Christian life. He also spoke of the very great influence that women now may have over others, and how much depends upon the faithful discharge of their duties in Church and home. The rest of the evening was spent in quiet recreation in the Rectory garden.

The Sunday School and Girls' Choir Treat, was fixed for July 21st. The weather was not propitious as there was heavy rain in the morning and a thunderstorm in the afternoon. The children met at the School at 9.15, and from thence they came in procession to the Church, where a short Service was held. A start was then made to Yarmouth in conveyances kindly lent by Mr C.B. Lucas, Mr Chapman, and Mr Walpole; and from that time to two o'clock. It was beautifully fine, and the children enjoyed themselves very much by the sea – side. Then the storm began, and all had to wait an hour in the shelters on the Jetty before returning home, where a good tea was waiting for them at the school. After tea the party broke up, as the storm was again threatening, and it was nearly seven o'clock.

On Wednesday, July 23rd, Miss F. Lucas, with the Rector, attended at the school, and gave away the prizes which had been won by the scholars. A system of Marks has been started by Mr Payne in order to encourage the children in this mood of education, with the hope set before them of gaining a prize at the end of the year. A scholar may win as many as 60 marks a day — 30 each school, so day's absence from school may mean a loss of 60 marks. The prize winners were the following: – 1, R. Walpole, 5468 marks; 2, W. Smith, 5433; 3, E. Sims, 5231; 4, G. Easters, 5213; 5, H. Bunn, 5156; 6, W. Green, 5145; 7, B. Warren, 5116; highly commended, G. Lilley, 5186, and S. Bunn, 5061; commended, C. Gaze, 4899; H. Walpole, 4844; J. Trett, 4823; P. Allard, 4788; G. Green, 4779; L. Cooper, 4764. The prize for regular attendance was won by C. Gaze, who was the only boy who made 400 attendances out of a possible 408.
For care and attention at their work prizes were given to Esther Minister In Standard II., and to Noah Culling in Standard I., and A. Walpole and Emily Warren in the Infants' Class, and extra prizes were given to J. Westgate, and H. Nichols. For best and neatest work at the fortnightly examinations, prize winner, H. Walpole; and for the best behaviour in school, Albert Nicholson.

Baptisms.

  • June 28th — Jacob William, son of Jacob and Anne Thompson
  • June 28th — William George, son of Elijah and Georgina Saunders.
  • June 28th — Rosa Elizabeth, daughter of William and Louisa Jane Hubbard.

Burial.

  • July 2nd — Emily Amelia Goatson, aged 78 years.

July 1891

Hymns for the Month

Morn. | Even.
July 5th280317 | 26121527335
July 12th172260 | 221191242231
July 19th175233164 | 23825820921
July 26th290239 | 292235257268

An Organ Recital will be given by Mr Chasteney on Sunday, 19th, after evening service.

A Flower Service will be held on the last Sunday of the month, 26th, at 3 pm, at which gifts of flowers will be gladly received from young and old, and they will be sent the following day to the Children's Convalescent Home at Yarmouth. There will be an offertory for the Church Lamps Fund. One lamp has been put up on approval; if it proves effectual after a trial five others will be ordered of the same pattern. With the Working Party money, etc, there is £4 in hand, just half of what is wanted.

A Band of Mercy meeting will be arranged, if possible, during the month, of which due notice will be given.

June 7th was our Hospital Sunday. The offertory was given to the Yarmouth Hospital, and was an excellent one, almost everyone giving something; it amounted to £4 0s. 5d.

Miss Lucas's Wedding — On Tuesday, June 2nd, Miss Lucas, daughter of the late Rev. C. Lucas, was married to Colonel Corbett, at Christ Church, Chelsea, London. A tea was kindly provided by her for the Choir, Members, members of the W.H.S., Working Party, Village Club, widows, and others. The village was gaily decorated with flags, and several merry peels were rung during the day by the Martham bell-ringers, whose services had been obtained for the occasion. The tea was in Mr Chapman's barn, which was most prettily decorated. The two chief mottoes were "Health and Happiness to the Bride and Bridegroom" and "God Bless the Bride and Bridegroom." After tea Mr Chapman proposed "Health and Prosperity to Colonel and Mrs Corbett," and a vote of thanks was returned to Mrs Corbett for her kindness in providing the evening's cheer. The following ladies presided at the tea tables: — Mrs Chapman, Mrs Walpole, Mrs B English, Mrs Goodwin, Mrs Smith, Mrs Harrison, Mrs J Lingwood, Mrs G Lingwood, Mrs J Culling, Mrs S Walpole, Mrs Bunn, and Mrs A Dixon. Before tea. Mr Chasteney played the "Wedding March.", And he also played several enlivening pieces during tea, and presided also at the piano during the dancing and songs which followed the tea till 12:30. During the evening the Martham ringers gave a specimen of their hand-bell ringing, "ringing the changes". The people of Filby presented Miss Lucas with a handsome set of saltcellars, together with a cream jug and sugar basin, with the best wishes of all, a day or two previous to her leaving Filby after a short visit. On Wednesday evening the Sunday School and Day School children also had tea provided for them, and made themselves as happy and merry as their elders had done the evening before.

The School Board Inspection took place on Friday, June 12th, and was conducted by Mr Butler and Mr Dibdin, H. M. Inspect laws. The results have not yet been made known, but we hope next month to give a very favourable account, but the bad attendance of some is sure to decrease the amount of the grant and to increase the rate to carry on the school. Regular attendance is, now-a-days, especially, good for parents, children and ratepayers.

Baptisms.

  • June 12th (private) — Robert, son of Robert and Anne Maria Bessey.
  • June 21st — John, son of George and Phoebe Green.

Burial.

  • June 5th — Matilda Thompson, aged 13 months

June 1891

Hymns for the Month.

Morn.

  • June 7th — Hospital Sunday, 311 368
  • June 14th — 293 178 pt.1
  • June 21st — 34 304 299
  • June 28th — 4 218

Even.

  • June 7th — Hospital Sunday, 189 274 270 20
  • June 14th — 182 276 165 13
  • June 21st — 282 Anth. 291 234
  • June 28th — 222 431 269 432

Miss Lucas' Wedding — A marriage is arranged to take place between Colonel Corbett, late of the Indian Army, and Miss Lucas, eldest daughter of the late Rev. C. Lucas, of Christ Church, Chelsea, London, on Tuesday, June 2nd. Amongst her wedding presents is one given by the parishioners of Filby, as a token of their best wishes for her future happiness. A tea will be provided on that day by Miss Lucas for the Filby Choir, Members of W. H. S., Working Party, Village Club, Widows, &c.

The Sale of Work (by a Friend) — On Thursday, May 14th, the members of the Filby Working Party held their Annual Sale in the Mission Room. The day was, fortunately, very fine, and the attendance good. There were a large number of both pretty and useful garments for sale (some of them presents), and these were quickly disposed of; and the quantity of work that had been completed reflects the greatest credit on the members, who must have worked most industriously during the winter months. The stall-keepers were Miss Finlay and Miss Wilkinson, Mrs B English, Mrs G Lingwood, Mrs Walpole, Mrs Gaze, the Misses Chapman, whilst Mrs S Walpole and Mrs J Lingwood plied a busy trade at the Refreshment Stall. Nearly £7 was taken, and after all expenses were paid for the materials, etc., £2 10s 0d. was cleared, which is to be expended on lamps for the Church. It is much to be hoped that next year more may join, and that the Working Party may still further extend its usefulness. We wish it all success, and hope it may be a power for good in the parish for many years to come.

On Monday evening, May 4th, a Draught match was played at Burgh between six members of the Filby Reading-room and six members of the Flegg Burgh Club.

SCORES

Filby.WonDrawnBurghWonDrawn
S.Wright30E. Crane10
W. English40L. Curtis10
J. English40F. Shrieve10
P. Watson12F. Drake12
C. Hunt30T. Trett00
D. Smith10J. Read30
____________
16272

The return match was played, May 11th, at Filby.

SCORES

Filby.WonDrawnBurghWonDrawn
C. Hunt10H. Hunn20
P. Watson31E. Youngs11
S. Wright01F. Shrieve11
D. Smith21J. Read31
W. English31E. Crane01
J. English70F. Drake00
____________
16474

S. P. G. Meeting. — This meeting was held at the Mission Room, on May 5th, and, like a previous meeting of a similar kind, was only fairly attended. We would tell our absent friends that they were the losers, for they missed a most excellent lecture, full of interest, and not lacking in Irish wit. The lecturer was Rev. J. H. McCollum, an Irishman by birth, but for many years a resident in Canada. He had a most being encouraging account to give us of Church work and progress. The Canadian Church was a daughter of the Mother Church of England. The mother, through the S. P. G., had supplied the daughter's needs, and now the daughter was of full age she was self-supporting, and in some dioceses was now sending generous gifts to the SPG for work in other parts of the world. The members of the Canadian Church were taught to give at every service, and that it was as important to take their part in the offertory, as in any other part of the service. The Canadians, as a rule, had given gladly. What was the consequence? God had blessed them, and through His blessing the Kingdom of God was making steady and real progress among them. The latter part of the lecture consisted of a description of the country, its beauties, the wonders of winter and summer, the means of transect by rail and water, and the lecturer closed with reminding us how this was a part of the great British Empire to which it is our privilege and honour to belong. The collection amounted to £1 10s. 8¼d.

Since then the two great festivals of the Ascension and Whitsuntide have come and gone. The Services, especially in the evenings, were bright and the singing of the hymns good, but the singing of the psalms, canticles, and responses is left far too much to the choir, and the rest of the congregation is too often silent. The object of the choir is to lead that all may join; or, in other words, to help all to take their part in the worship of Almighty God. We would encourage all to do this.

It is with deep regret we record the death, from influenza, of John Dady, aged 67 years. He was a regular attendant at church, and was present at Holy Communion last Easter Day. He was buried in Filby Churchyard on Thursday, May 21st.

Burial

  • April — 28th Sarah Moore, aged 81 years.

May 1891

Hymns for the Month.

  • Morn.
  • 3rd -- 386 313
  • 7th Ascension Day --
  • 10th -- 147 150
  • 17th Whitsun-Day -- 210 156
  • 24th Trinity Sunday -- 160 162
  • 31st -- 271 170
  • Even.
  • 3rd -- 37 383 143 179
  • 7th Ascension Day -- 144 147 149
  • 10th -- 301 300 144 148 (1st part)
  • 17th Whitsun-Day -- 154 152 155 153
  • 24th Trinity Sunday -- 161 160 163 22
  • 31st -- 291 295 280 274

Notices for the Month.

A Missionary Meeting will be held at the Mission room on Tuesday, 5th, at 8 p.m., when an address will be given by the Rev. J. McCollum, of Toronto. We invite all to come.

Thursday, 7th, will be Ascension Day. Services - 8 a.m., Holy Communion; 11 a.m., Morning Prayer, and 8 p.m., Full Choral Service with Special Preacher.

17th, Whitsun-Day, the 3rd great Festival of the Christian year, there will be Celebrations of Holy Communion at 8 a.m. and 11.30 a.m. The offertory at all Services will be for the Church Expenses.

The Communicants' Guild will meet at the Rectory on Monday, 11th, at 8 p.m.

A Vestry Meeting was held at the Schoolroom on Monday, March 23rd, the Rector in the chair. The attendance was small. C. B. Lucas, Esq., and Mr. W. Chapman were re-elected Churchwardens; Mr. E. Palmer and Mr. W. Allard, Overseers; and Mr. D. Smith and Mr. W. English, Surveyors of the roads.

A Concert was given at the School on Easter Monday, of which notices have already appeared in the local Press. The room was well filled, and by the time the concert commenced there was hardly a vacant seat in the front part of the room. The performers were Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Lucas, Mrs. Rising, Miss Wilkinson, Mr. C. B. Lucas, Rev. J. H. Ware, Mr. E. Chasteney, Mr. B. Fathers, and the Choir. A most enjoyable evening was spent, and the audience showed their appreciation of the different pieces by frequent encores. We owe our performers a great debt of thanks, and also those who by their efforts sold many of the tickets. The proceeds amounted to £5 2s. 5d., which beats the record, it is said, of all previous concerts at Filby. This sum was devoted to the Mission Room Fund.

The Working Party has met regularly during the winter, and they will hold their Sale of Work At the Mission Room on Thursday, May 14th, at 3 o'clock. Many useful and well made articles will be offered for sale, and the prices will be as reasonable as possible. Any gifts of work for the Sale will be gladly received.

Baptisms.

  • March 22 - Helena Ida Jemima, daughter of James and Maliaba Jemima Nichols.
  • March 22 - Frederick Robert, son of Frederick and Alice Yallop.
  • March 26 - (Private) Harry, son of William and Sarah Anne Turner; died the same day, aged 16 hours.

Marriage.

  • April 7 - Edward George Nichols (Filby) to Angelina Theresa Dagmore Walpole Futter, Yarmouth.

Opposite the above entries, on a blank page, appears the following handwritten note:
"1891 May 18 Heavy fall of Snow.
Witenslide Bushes and
Cones lay waited to the Ground."

April 1891

Hymns for the Month

  • Morn.
  • 5th -- 134 315
  • 12th - 127 230
  • 19th - 290 197 298
  • 26th - 137 229
  • Even.
  • 5th -- 125 Anthem 135 131
  • 12th - 299 137 139 140
  • 19th - 292 302 291 127
  • 26th - 270 295 140 271

Mr E. Chasteney has been appointed Organist and Choir Master. Miss Wilkinson, we are sorry to say, was obliged to resign this post on account of illness and doctor's orders. Mr Chasteney was late organist of All Saints, Monkland, Hertfordshire, and before that a pupil of Professor Monk, King's College, London. He will give lessons on the organ, piano, and violin, also in harmony and counterpoint. Application should be made to him personally or by letter addressed "Filby Post Office"

The attendance at the Lent Services, especially on the Thursday evenings, has being good. We trust that the words of our special preachers will bear some fruit, and that all those who have attended the services will continue to be regular worshippers of God In His House of Prayer. A very striking sermon was preached by Canon Venables on the text, "Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me." - Mark 8, 34. He dwelt on the three things each one must do, if he would get to heaven. 1. Deny himself. 2. Bear his cross. 3. Follow Christ.

Easter Day will be over by the time this appears in print. In case there should be any of our Communicants who may have been unable to make their Communion on that day, we would remind them that the Easter Festival lasts for eight days, and they should be present at Holy Communion on the first Sunday after Easter. There will be full Choral Service at the Evening Service on that day with processional hymns, anthem, &c.

Some little progress has been made with our Communicant's Guild during the past month, but there are several yet who, we hope, will become members. All those wishing to do so should ask the Rector for a card of membership, which he will willingly supply. No members will be admitted after Whitsuntide until our first Anniversary Festival in the autumn. Besides the meetings for religious instruction. There will be gatherings of a social character from time to time.

Baptisms.

  • Feb. 26th. (private) - Matilda, daughter of Jacob and Anne Eliza Thompson.
  • Mar. 20th. (private) - Charles Robert, son of Alfred and Alice Smith; died March 21st, aged 4 days.

March 1891

The Services during Holy Week, which commences on Sunday, 22nd, will be as follows: -

  • Sunday - 8:30 am., 11 am, and 7 pm.
  • Monday - 8:30 am and 4 pm.
  • Tuesday 8:30 am and 8 pm.
  • Wednesday – 11 am, Mission Room 7:30 pm.
  • Thursday – 8:30 am and 8 pm.
  • Saturday - 8:30 am
  • Good Friday - 8 am, 11 am, and 7 pm.
  • Easter Day - 8 am, Holy Communion, 11 am, Morning Prayer and Holy Communion, 3 pm. Children's Service, 7 pm. Evening Prayer with Sermon.

The Rubric at the end of the Communion Service says - "and a note that every Parishioner shall communicate at least three times in the year, of which Easter to be one."

About 20 have joined the All Saints' Guild, and there will be a meeting held at the Rectory on Monday, March 9th, at 7:30 pm for women, and 8:30 pm for men. The objects of the Guild will be further explained and it is hoped that all Communicants will become members. The cards of membership will be given out at the meeting. All who are Communicants or wish to become Communicants are invited to attend. It is quite time our Guild was in working order; the delay has been too long, so let all make up their minds to attend the meetings on the 9th, and start together.

Parish Library.

The number of subscribers is on the increase, and we hope to be able to provide for them. A third exchange of books has lately been made with Ormesby, and we have now joined the "Popular Book Club" in London, which will send us down a certain number of books twice a year. The first instalment will arrive shortly, and perhaps be ready for use the first Wednesday in March.
We are glad to notice that the number of our Sunday School Scholars gradually increases, and the attendance of late has greatly improved, especially where it is most wanted, in the third class, and also in the Infants' Class. The first and second classes set a very good example in this respect. There are still a few children in the parish who do not attend any Sunday School, and are losing the advantage of the regular and well-tried of instruction in the truths of religion, such as the Church possesses, and which is being diligently carried out by our Sunday School Teachers.

A Concert will be held in the Schoolroom on Easter Tuesday, and the proceeds will be given to the Mission Room. Notices will be issued in due course, and it is hoped we shall have a full room.

Home Missions

There was a very fair attendance at the Mission Room on February 10th, when the Rector lectured on the above subject. The Chair at the meeting was taken by Mr Chapman, who proposed a vote of thanks to the Lecturer.

Baptisms.

  • Feb. 1st - Jesse Maude, daughter of Daniel and Eva B Smith.
  • Feb. 8th - Edmond Joseph, son of Henry and Mary Ann Sims.
  • Feb. 18th - (Private) Robert, son of George and Emma Gall.

February 1891

Lent.- A printed card, containing a list of Church Services, with a few words about this solemn season, will, I hope, be left at every house in the parish before Ash Wednesday. It is this special time of the year for prayer and instruction. Be in earnest: and let us make up our minds to use it.

The Guild of All Saints.-This Guild or Society is now in process of formation. It is for the regular communicants of the Church, who alone will be admitted members, and it has two great objects, both of which are for the Glory of God: – (1.) The increase of holiness in the heart of each member. (2.) The increase of the faithful. Then, besides members, there will be a branch for probationers, that is, for those who are not yet attendants at Holy Communion, as often as once a month, and also it will include those who are anxious to learn more about this Holy Sacrament before they become communicants. A few words, let me add of explanation: – (1.) Our name, "The Guild of All Saints." This has been chosen because our church is dedicated to All Saints, and it will be helpful. (2.) The prayer of the Guild will be the Collect for "All Saints Day." (3.) Cards of union will be given to all members. (4.) Meetings will be held of which due notice will always be given. Instruction every Sunday evening in Lent after service. (5.) Our motto will be: "We, being many, are one body in Christ, and everyone members one of another." Rom. 12, 5.

A very successful Band of Mercy entertainment was given by the members on January 5th. at the school. It was evident from the programme that great care and interest had been taken by the children in the getting up of the many pieces. This had been done well under the able direction of Mr Payne, by whom the selection of the pieces - no easy task - was made. The platform looked very bright with flags, etc., And there was a good audience though the weather was most wintry and severe. All the performances were well-rendered, and we cannot mention one or two where all did well will stop there were twelve competitors for the two prizes, to which a third was added, for the best essays on the elephant. The first prize was won by Humphrey Walpole, the second by May Walpole, and the third by Ernest Sims. The spelling bee was divided into two parts, first, for those over nine years of age, second, for those under. The prize for the 1st division was won by George Easters, the 2nd by Durrant Walpole. A very pleasant evening was closed with the National Anthem.

The Sunday School. - A very happy gathering of scholars and teachers, with some kind friends who helped us, took place at the Mission Room. On Dec. 28th. Our only regret was that some were absent from different reasons, the chief of which was illness. After a good tea there was a game of "Post," and then the prizes were given away by the Rector, a list of which was printed in our last number. Then follow the magic lantern, which was greatly enjoyed our thanks are due to the Rev. C. J. Lucas and Mrs. Daniel, who kindly lent the slides. – A report of the attendances and marks made by the children during December has been sent to all the parents, who can see by this means, how often their children have been at school, and what marks they have won. These reports will be issued quarterly. All parents are specially invited to attend the children's services, the first Sunday in each month, at 3 p.m. We hope that many, if not all, will endeavour to do this; it would encourage the children and be a help in many ways.

On Tuesday evening, January 20th, the members of the Village Club gave their annual negro entertainment, on behalf of the club, at the schoolroom. The first half consisted of songs and humorous dialogues, which were well rendered, the latter especially causing much amusement as each one was given. The second part began with a duet, "Upper ten and lower five," by Messrs. Harris, and Wiskin, and this received a hearty encore. A sketch, "Deaf as a post," gave much amusement, and was well acted by Messrs. P. Watson, W. English, Wiskin, Walter English, G. W. Payne, W. Chapman, and C. Harris. The whole concluded with a laughable sketch, "Music Monomaniac," which caused continual laughter. The above named, together with Messrs. Walpole, H Shreeve, W Harris, and C. Hunt took part in this. The proceeds amounted to £4. 5s., which after a small sum has been deducted for expenses, will be handed over to the village of Reading room.

Marriages.

  • Dec. 30th - William Ward and Rebecca Lingwood.
  • Jan. 4th - John William Goatson and Ellen Edith Gowan

Burials.

  • Dec. 22nd - George Herbert Cubitt, aged 2 years.
  • Dec. 27th - Richard Read, aged 53 years.
  • Dec. 30th - Elizabeth Crow, aged 71 years.
  • Jan. 20th - Caroline Hubbard, aged 59 years.

January 1891

The Sunday School, the following have one prizes for good attendance and conduct during the past year; 1st class - 1st prize, Humphry Walpole; 2nd, Robert Walpole; 2nd class - 1st prize, George Easters; 2nd, Beatrice Warren; 3rd class - no prizes awarded; infant's class - 1st prize, Bertha Warren; 2nd prize, Arthur Walpole.

Out of a possible total of 376 marks during the year, the following scholars have made 300 or more: - 1st class, in which the attendance has been very good - Humphry Walpole 374, Robert Walpole 371, Ernest Sims 368, May Walpole 360, Ethel Chapman 331; 2nd class - George Easters 360, Beatrice Warren 343, Edmund Chapman 333, William Green 318, George Green 306; 3rd class - none; infant's class - Bertha Warren 318, Arthur Walpole 300. The distribution of prizes etc., is to take place on December 29th, an account of which must stand over until next month.

On Monday, January 5th an entertainment will be given by the members of the Filby Band of Mercy at the Schoolroom, commencing at 7.30 o'clock. All members, that is to say all who have paid their subscription, will be admitted free. All who are not members will be charged 2d. for front and 1d. for back seats, to be paid at the doors. There will be a good programme, and all who attend may look forward to a pleasant evening. Member's free tickets can be had of Miss Wilkinson and Mr Payne, who will also receive any subscriptions not yet paid.

On January 20th, the Members of the Village Club will give their annual Entertainment at the Schoolroom, in aid of that very useful Institution.

A Meeting of the Band of Mercy was held at the Rectory on Thursday, December 18th. There was a good attendance. The yearly subscriptions were paid by all those who were present. Some new members were admitted, and other business was transacted. When this was finished an address was given by the Rector on "Birds and Animals," shewing some of the many ways in which they aid and protect one another. The first parochial meeting in the Hall of the new Rectory was closed with the singing of a verse of the National Anthem.

The Clothing Club. - This will be open as usual on the 1st and 3rd Mondays in each month, but the following alterations will be made: - It will be held at the Village Club, according to the old custom at 9 o'clock in the morning, instead of the Rectory at 9:15 a.m.

The Boot Club, for Sunday School scholars, is open at the School every Wednesday at 12 o'clock.

Burials

  • Nov. 28th Bertie Ernest Crowe, aged 2 years.
  • Dec. 8th William Reid, aged 34 years.

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Some continue to be written or revised.

Additions and Revisions
In 2010, to help you find the most recent information we launched this page. It contains direct links to new pages and those most recently revised.

Filby People Remembered

New for 2011. Following the success of our "Filby Weddings" and "Filby People" themed displays at the Church during "Open Gardens 2009 and 2010 respectively" go to this page to discover more about the 2011 display.

Filby Calendar 2012

Our 2012 calendar was launched at the Filby Reunion on September 25th, the profits again going to the New Community Centre Fund.
Having maintained the same price for three years, it has been necessary to be increase it to £7.50 to reflect the extra cost of materials. Any post and packing is extra.
As well as some 2011 calendars, earlier calendars for 2008, 2009 and 2010, are still available via this website by sending an email to the address below.
The price is £7.00 plus post and packaging.

Voices from the Past

On 20th October 2009, we started publishing a weekly "Filby News" bulletin on the Village Voice page.
Then we got to wondering what our forebears considered worthy of record and what they were doing one hundred and twenty years ago. This page is the result. Since January 2010 we have published, month by month, the Victorian equivalent of Village Voice starting with January 1890.

New Community Centre

For some time much village fund raising has centred on this project. We have now reached a stage where things are starting to show visible progress. To help us bring this to completion please support local events and initiatives.

Clubroom

This building is a bit special as it is one of the last two 'clay lump' structures in the village.

Clubs & Groups

If you wish to publicise your club, or organisation, and it is based in Filby or relevant to our village, please email the webmaster.

F.E.P.O.W. Memorial Bed

Originally created in 2008, and further developed with permanent features in 2009.
The Far Eastern Prisoners of War Memorial Bed is our recognition of the deprivations they suffered.

Filby Community Orchard

Phase One 2008

Alright; so it was only 21 one year old maiden trees but it was a start. We still planted 50% more trees than we initially planned.
In Phase Two, 2009, 30 trees were bought and planted. The orchard area was greatly expanded and now features the 'wild life' garden.
For Phase Three, 2010, at its September 2009 meeting the Parish Council agreed to allocate additional land to the Community Orchard Project. We now had space for another 36 or so trees and these were planted in late February 2011 bringing the total to 72 trees.

Filby: Local Roots

Bringing together Filby's past and present.

This project was developed and expanded with further exhibitions held in 2010 and 2011 with more planned for 2012. It features the collection of wedding photographs first shown in the Church during Open Gardens weekend 2009 and continually developed.
We would welcome the opportunity to see any photographs. pictures, recordings or documents relating to Filby you may be willing to share.

Rev. 1st January 2012