100 YEARS AGO

1

Rev. Gardner(formerVicar): "We are glad to hear that the Rev. Gardner had a safe and calm voyage to Madeira, and that he wrote in the best of spirits to Mrs. Gardner. We imagine that he reached Pietermaritzburg on or about the third Sunday in Advent, as we noticed that the 'Guelph' reached Durban about that time."

2

Parish News: "The new Vicar, Rev. S.P. Townend, will take the Services at the Parish Church on the first Sunday in the New Year. The Rev. A.H. Watson leaves the Rectory on January 2nd. He wishes to thank the parishioners of Bunbury for their kindness and courtesy during his stay. He has been appointed Vicar of OvinghamonTyne, on the nomination of E.E. Bigge, Esq.

3

Aldersey Grammar School: "On Wednesday, December 20th, the Rev. A.H. Watson visited the School for the purpose of distributing the prizes gained during the year. Reports upon the work of the halfyear were read by Mr. Watson. The following is the report of tier Majesty's Inspector T.S. Gleadowe, Esq.: 'The efficiency of the School is in all respects exceedingly well maintained. The elementary and class subjects have been well taught, and the specific work is exceedingly good. Discipline and tone are creditable. My Lords have sanctioned the omission of the Annual Inspection of your School due in November, 1900. The highest possible grant had been awarded for all subjects including Drawing, and the specific subjects, Algebra and Agriculture.' The Reading of the boys was examined by the Rev. A.H. Watson, on Friday, December 8th, who expressed himself well pleased with the result.
The prizes consisted of a valuable lot of Books, generously provided by the late Rev. J.C. Egerton, Mr. Brocklebank, Mr. W.E. GarnettBotfield, Captain Phipps, R.N. and Mr. J. Taylor
The winners of the Attendance Prizes had a remarkable record:
i             G. Large who had not been once absent in 8 years, ie. since admission.
ii            H. Sheen, who had not been once absent in 7 years, i.e. since admission.
iii           S. Dutton, who had been absent onlyone day in 7 years."

4

Bunbury Cricket Club: "The Annual Ball, under the auspices of the Bunbury Cricket Club, was held in the Public Hall on Wednesday, the 13th December. On account of the war, however, the Committee decided that the proceeds of the dance be handed over to fund for the relief of the Wives and Families of the Reservists now occupied in the war. Miss Blain again worked most assiduously for the event, and in every particular she met with ready response. One of the great attractions of the Cricket Club Ball is undoubtedly the refreshment department. All the food is generously provided by the Gentry, and those who attend the Ball are certainly favoured, for the price of the ticket covers everything. The ball was appropriately decorated; indeed it had never looked so pretty. Such mottos as 'Help the homes that Tommy left behind him', 'Our Gallant Officers', 'God Save the Queen', 'Rule Britannia' had been admirably arranged by Messrs. Hinde and Parker, while the other part of the decorations was tastefully arranged by Miss Blain, Mr. A. Sheen and Mr. G.W. Hewitt. The floor was in capital order, and the music, as supplied by Finney's String Band, was of excellent merit. During a short interval, the Band played Sir Arthur Sullivan's setting to 'The Absentminded Beggar', after which a collection was taken which realised £7 8s 9d. Messrs A. Sheen and G.F. Dutton officiated as M.C.s, and Messrs. R.D. Hughes and R. Parker as stewards. The refreshment bar was in the able hands of Messrs. Feet, Hickman, Amos and Hawkins, to all of whom every praise is due for the manner in which they performed their duties. The Dance was graced with the presence of Mrs. and Miss Blain and a large party.”

5

Provident Club: “Total amount of Cash paid into the Club reached the sum of £525 8s 2d. A portion of this was withdrawn during the year leaving a total of £509 15s 8d for final distribution, in addition to £25 6s 6d as interest.”