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Extracts of the Mapperley Parish Magazine - May 1933
Mid-Lent Sunday Women's Service. This ever-popular service, which is a hardy annual in this parish, was again held this year and, as usual, was well attended by the women and girls of the parish. Special hymns were sung. The Vicar gave the address. Solos were given by Mrs. Woodhouse (Derby), Miss Hart (Heanor) and Mrs. Church (Ilkeston). A collection was made for the sick of the parish. A Missionary Play and Film of Uganda were given at the school on March 27th. The Rev. P. F. Pleming, of Derby, gave a short account of C.M.S. work, illustrated by a series of excellent film pictures of Uganda. This was followed by a play, “The Lantern,” by Miss Swift and friends from Derby. Mr. R. L. Hogg presided over a full house. Easter Day Services. - The Church was tastefully decorated by willing helpers and, as befits Easter, the services throughout were bright and cheerful The choir rendered beautifully the anthem “This is the Day.” Mr. Matthews presided at the organ. The solo was well sung by Peter Birkin. There was a large number of Communicants at the 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. services. Vestry Meeting and Parochial Church Meeting was held on April 19th. Mr. G. J. Woolley and Mr. R. 1. Hogg were re-elected Wardens; and the following Sidesmen were elected: Mr. Udall, Mr. Fogg, Mr. Hobson, Mr. B. Thornley, Mr. Boam, Mr. Cook, Mr. W. Birkin, Mr. Straw and Mr. Storer. Church Council:-Mrs. Pleming, Mr. W. Hawley, Mr. W. Birkin, Mr. Storer, Mr. Fogg, Mr. Hobson, Mrs. Hobson, Mrs. Watchorn, Mrs. A. Martin, Mr. and Mrs. Udall and Mrs. J. Cook. BAPTISMS
Beating the river bounds of the Parish of St. Dunstan's-in-the-East. (Text below next page)
ROGATIONTIDE, the first three days of the week before Ascension Day, even now retains its twofold significance, and during recent years some of its ancient characteristics and observances have been revived even in the heart of London. As was so often the case, the Christian ceremony originated in a pagan custom, but from the very earliest days of the Church in Britain, the Rogation Days were those during which blessing was supplicated on the fruits of the earth, then at the commencement of their spring growth, and they were also the time when, without fail, the bounds of every parish and village were perambulated by its inhabitants, both young and old. This old custom persists even now, slightly altered, in the heart of London. Because of its early religious associations, "Beating the Bounds” was a custom in which the Church has always played a pre-eminent part. It was first observed in the days when maps were unknown, and the only way of remembering the parish boundaries was by maintaining its landmarks. The perambulation was carried out with the vicar at the head, followed by the beadle, and various parochial officials, and a crowd of boys armed with green boughs, with which to beat the parish border-stones. Only two years ago the venerable custom of beating the bounds of the parish of St. Dunstan-in-the-East was revived after an interval of some years. A procession of twelve head boys from St. Dunstan's College. Catford, headed by the beadle of the Tower Ward, set out from the church in Idol Lane at noon. They wore white surplices and carried willow wands, to which were tied bunches of herbs and sweet woodruff, St. Dunstan's flower, and the rector, the Rev. A. G. B. West, and other officials carried nosegays. The procession passed through the Rubber Exchange, the Coal Exchange, several office buildings and Billingsgate Market in its rounds; at each halt the rector recited prayers, and verses of a hymn were sung. At the Custom House steps a launch, provided by the Port of London Authority, took the party out to beat the south boundary, which lies in the middle of the Thames. The boys sang the National Anthem from the tower of St. Dunstan-in-the-East when the tour of the boundaries was completed. A similar custom is carried out in the perambulation and beating the bounds of the Manor and Liberty of the Savoy, which dates back to 1245. The perambulation commences at the Chapel of the Savoy, and the beadle acts as leader when the fourteen Duchy of Lancaster marks are inspected, so that there may be continuity of observation as to their position. The boundary marks consist of iron plates with three lions, surmounted by a crown, and encircled by the words "Duchy of Lancaster." They can be seen at various places, including buildings opposite the Law Courts, near where the old Temple Bar used to stand, the Embankment, Waterloo Bridge, and the Lyceum Theatre. Tho last mark is actually on the stage of the Lyceum, and this spot marks the end of the perambulation. In many parts Rogationtide was known as "gang week," and the days called "ganging days”, from this custom of “ganging” or procession. It was also known 88 "Cross Week", because it was customary for crosses to be borne in the processions. The observance goes back, it is certain, to Anglo-Saxon days, for it is mentioned in the laws of Alfred and Athelstan. The boys used to be included in the procession to ensure that the knowledge of the exact position of the landmarks should be perpetuated for as many years as possible. Formerly this beating of the bounds had a religious as well as secular significance, in that the accompanying clergymen in the processions would beseech (rogare) Divine blessing upon the parish lands for the ensuing harvest. Originally the custom of asking blessing upon the growing crops was a Roman festival held in honour of Ceres, the goddess of agriculture, and when adapted to the use of the early Church it was decreed that it should be observed on the three days preceding Ascension Day. Legend records that litanies were first sung in procession on these days by Mamertus, an old-time bishop of Vienne, in the fifth century. At the time earthquakes had been causing consternation in his diocese, and calamities had fallen on the crops of the peasants in Central Europe. Gradually it became an understood custom that processions and supplications for the coming harvest should characterize these days, and in time it became recognized as a regular observance of the Church. It is thought that the term "Gospel Oaks," which is still often heard, may have arisen in connection with these processions, for as the people perambulated the boundaries, the children beat the walls and trees with their sticks, and the men marked crosses on the oaks. Under certain of these the procession would stop, and the parson gave a short address, and because of this these oaks were known as "Gospel Oaks." One such old custom is still regularly observed at the old-world village of Cartmel in North Lancashire, which possesses a beautiful priory church dating back to the twelfth century. On each evening of the first three days of the week, the parishioners meet in the churchyard and walk out to certain spots in the parish, carefully chosen so that in each case the valley and the farm lands, the whole of the countryside being at the height of its spring beauty, are in full view of the vicar and people. At each spot a short service of blessing is held, with a prayer, hymns, and address. In Norfolk, at Carleton Rode, a tiny village lying in the heart of an agricultural district, the old custom still persists. Before the evening service on Rogation Sunday, the rector and his people meet at a selected spot, where prayers are offered for the growing crops. Afterwards a procession is formed, and the surpliced choir leads the way through the village to the church. At one time these Rogationtide observances deteriorated into an excuse for drinking and feasting, although actually the days were appointed fasts. A parish-ale or feast was invariably held after beating the bounds, which assured its popularity, and sports and dancing were features of the processions. For these and allied reasons, the Injunctions of Queen Elizabeth, issued at the time when the influence of the Reformation was great, forbade many such practices, and only "the useful and harmless" part of the custom was allowed to be retained. The people were to make the perambulation of the parishes, as had been done before, and then they were to return to church to make their common prayers. At certain convenient places while the bounds were being beaten, the clergyman was to admonish the people to give thanks to God for the increase of the earth, and the 104th Psalm was appointed to be said on these occasions. The biographer of the saintly Richard Hooker, the famous theologian and divine of the sixteenth century, whose character was so sweet that he is said never to have been seen angry, tells of how he would never omit to carry out the perambulation in his parish boundaries, for he was both faithful and diligent. The writer was no less than gentle Izaak Walton, and the passage runs: "He would by no means omit the customary time of procession, persuading all, both rich and poor, if they desired the preservation of love, and their parish rights and liberties, to accompany him in his perambulation, and most did so; in which per ambulation he would usually express more pleasant discourse than at other times, and would then always drop some loving and facetious observations to be remembered against the next year, especially by the boys and young people; still inclining them and all his present parishioners to meekness, and mutual kindnesses, and love; because love thinks not evil, but covers a multitude of infirmities." There are instances of persons bequeathing certain money in their wills to provide refreshments for the people on ganging day. Thus at Clifton Reynes, in Buckinghamshire, a bequest of land directs that "one small loaf, of cheese, and a pint of ale, should be given to every married person, and half a pint to every unmarried person, resident in Clifton, when they walked the parish boundaries in Rogation Week." At Leighton Buzzard, in Bedfordshire, a seventeenth-century London merchant named Wilkes left land and almshouses to the town, and there the boundaries of the property are still beaten each Rogation Monday. At Keston, in Kent, the inhabitants all walk along the parish footpaths in order to ensure their right-of-way shall be maintained for ever. It has been suggested that a revival of this ancient observance of beating the bounds would be of invaluable service towards the maintenance of rights-of-way along the footpaths and bridle-paths of rural Britain. In these days of motor traffic they are liable to be forgotten although their loss would be an irreparable one.
Monday's Washing. To WASH UNBLEACHED SHEETS - Dissolve a good handful of soda in a basin of boiling water and put in a washing-tub, half-filled with cold water; soak sheets all night. Next morning, wring out sheets and wash as usual. (Mrs. L. STIFF) BABIES WOOLLIES.- When washing these the blue-bag should be squeezed in the last water. This prevents them turning yellow, as is often the case with frequent washing This also applies to blankets. (No name attached.) TO WASH WOOLLENS OR FLANNELS SUCCESSFULLY. - Dissolve olive-oil soap in boiling water, adding cold water until the right temperature to put your hands in... Squeeze the articles to remove dirt only rubbing the badly soiled places. Rinse in two or three waters, squeeze but don't wring, shake well and dry as soon as possible. (Miss R. PRICE) To-day's Thought We all want more of something, often forgetting that something wants more of us. Tuesday's Sewing. CARE OF SEWING MACHINE - Turn the machine back, fold a piece of old linen round hairpin, and remove all dust and fluff. Then thoroughly clean the whole machine with a rag soaked in paraffin: this loosens the old caked-on dirt. Run machine for a minute and wipe off superfluous oil. Finally, apply best machine-oil to all the holes. Then thoroughly wipe with a clean duster. (Miss E. HARRIS.) To MEND LARGE HOLES IN PANTS OR SOCKS. Crochet around the hole. in treble stitch until it becomes small enough to darn in the usual way. This method of repairing large holes is neat, quick and strong. (Mrs. TOLLEY.) A DAILY PRAYER CLOTHES-BAGS NIGHT-GOWNS, These are use ful to keep costumes and dresses from the dust. Cut across shoulders to top of armhole, re- move sleeves and collar: seam up bottom of nightgown to form the bag and continue side-seams across armholes. Neaten top with a narrow hem and insert a draw-string The garment to be protected should be placed on coat-hanger inside bag, draw string pulled up well, and hung by hook on a peg. (Miss E. LONGMAN.) To-day's Thought: Gratitude sweetens life and makes many friends. Wednesday's Nursing. PRUNE JAM FOR CONSTIPATION - Soak ½ lb. prunes till tender, drain off water, putting a teacupful with the prunes in a saucepan or stewing jar, with 1 tea- spoonful of ground ginger, 20 senna pods (tied in a muslin bag), a cupful of best demerara sugar and the juice of one lemon. Let the whole simmer gently for about a couple of hours, or until the stones come away easily from the prunes, then squeeze the bag of senna dry and remove it, and bottle the "jam." One teaspoonful taken first thing mornings on an empty stomach is splendid; half teaspoonful for children. (Miss A. D. SMITH) SORE LIPS. - These are often caused through a cold, and should be dabbed with a little eau-de-Cologne. The sore will then dry without a scab forming, which is the case when anything greasy is applied. (Mrs. EVANS.)
OUR WEEKDAY PAGES FOR WOMEN WITH HOMES Thursday's Cooking. RHUBARB AND BISCUIT MIXTURE - Line a sandwich-tin with pastry, and lay evenly over some rhubarb, cut small; cream together 2 oz, each of margarine and sugar, add 2 oz. of ground rice and a well-beaten egg- Spread the mixture over the rhubarb and bake in a moderate oven till a delicate brown and rhubarb tender. (Mrs. R. WOODMORE.) WHEN making cakes have a jug of boiling water by you and dip the knife in this every now and then as you mix; it will save time. Also, if top is smoothed over just before putting into the oven with a hot knife, it will cook nice and shiny as confectioners' cakes do. (Mrs. WEST.) A CHEAP, DELICIOUS PUDDING. – To ½ lb. of breadcrumbs add sugar to taste, one egg and a pint of milk. Mix well together, put in a buttered pie-dish and dust over with a tea spoonful of cinnamon. Bake in a moderately hot oven for an hour until nicely browned. Serve with any stewed fruit. (Mrs. CRAMPTON.) To mix custard-powder smoothly, mix half the sugar dry with the powder. The sugar granules separate the powder and make the mixing quite easy. (Miss G. M. CURTIS.) To-day's Thought: A strong character is never made of only one sweet ingredient. Friday's Household. SUNBLIND HINT-To prevent sunblinds over street door from becoming torn, it is a good plan to insert metal eyelet holes. It can then be hooked, or tied back without any fear of damage (Mrs. FLETCHER) (Fig. 2) HOME-MADE ICE CREST. - Pro-cure a 7-lb. biscuit tin, bore a hole the size of a pin's head in a corner at the bottom of the tin. Wrap a piece of ice in flannel and place at the bottom of the tin. Put the lid on, rest the tin on two bricks in a cool place, with a dish under the hole to catch the drops that run from the ice, All kinds of food can be kept in the tin, such as milk, butter, jellies or lemonade, etc., during the hot weather. (Miss H. WHITELEY) (Fig. 4) METAL meat skewers are very useful in the garden. Use them for staking small plants and for protecting peas and lawn seeds from the birds by tying black cotton across. Skewers are less conspicuous than twigs, are easier to handle, and can he used over and over again. (Mrs. B. Osborne.) To-day's Thought: Never say "No" from pride, nor "Yes" from weakness. Saturday's Children. TO KEEP SOCKS AND BOOTEES ON - Make a small elastic garter which just fits loosely but securely round the ankles; then no matter how much baby kicks, the socks will stay on. Of course, when possible it is good for him to kick without even socks on. (Miss W. WEBB.) WHEN making a child's coat, run a fairly deep tuck in the lining before cutting out; then when the coat requires to be let down this tuck comes out and the lining fits the altered length. (Mrs. TOLLEY.) Rusks-Remove crusts from pieces of wholemeal bread, cut into fingers and bake slowly a delicate brown. (Mrs. M. REX.) To-day's Thought: "Good luck "is the lazy man's estimate of the thrifty man's success. January Prize Award. The following received prizes in February: N. Holmes, J. Boulton, Mrs. A. Bell, Miss Dunk, the last two prizes being divided between Miss E. C. Brett, the Rev. R. Bruce-Dickson, Mrs. E. Grin and Miss V. Preece. An unusually large batch of letters of appreciation reached us this month from new readers: we thank them one and all. Monthly Prize Competition. If you know of a good hint for our household pages, send it to the Editor, 11 Ludgate Sq., E.C.4, during May. Each month we offer a prize of 5. for the best hint in each section. The prizes will be sent in June to the respective winners. 1938
The Reverend J Pleming The recent death of the Reverend J Pleming has removed one who was for very many years Vicar of Mapperley and whose incumbency can still be remembered by many parishioners with pleasure. In days which, in some respects, were more propitious for the church in Mapperley Mr. Pleming was an industrious priest, seeking the well-being of his people. It is well known how much he did for the restoration of the church school here. It seems fitting that some recognition and memorial of him should be placed in the parish church he served so long. The Vicar, therefore would be glad to receive donations towards the purchase of two books: one an Altar Book containing the Holy Communion Service: the other a Book of Common Prayer for the Clergy Stall to be used in the conduct of the services. These books will be suitably inscribed and will be a useful and fitting reminder. The quality of the books will naturally depend upon the generosity of your response, but we need at least about £10 to provide anything at all worthy of what we desire to commemorate. EVENING SERVICE IS NOW AT 6.30 P.M. AGAIN. The Gates 1938?
This month's photograph, as promised, is the excellent one of the St Wilfrid's Church gates, recently taken by the Pioneer photographer. Both the photograph and the article are reproduced by kind permission of the Editor of the Ilkeston Pioneer. The Gates were presented to the Church by the late Mr. T. Williamson in the early part of the First World War and were originally hung at the old churchyard entrance where they remained until the churchyard was extended. Up to that time a pair of iron gates hung in the position they now occupy. Mr. Williamson was agent for the West Hallam Colliery and lived at that time at the Firs Farm. He was, for a time, the Chairman of the Parish Council and, incidentally, had the Council Chamber table specially made and presented it to the parish. The gates, of solid oak were designed and made by Mr. Walter Carrington of 136, High Lane East, who was at the time employed by the colliery. Not only did he design and make them, but actually hung them entirely on his own—no light task. They were originally designed of different sizes with only one opening, and when they were moved to the present site, extra pieces had to be inserted to equalise them. This was done so cleverly that it is impossible now to see where the alterations were made. The wood was taken from stock of old and seasoned timber at the West Hallam colliery and at the same time and from the same design, Mr. Carrington made a pair of gates which were eventually used for the House, "Lewcote Bank" on High Lane Central, which was also owned by Mr. Williamson. The gates in the photograph are closed. On Sunday 16th October, they will open wide to welcome the whole parish to the St Wilfrid's Dedication Festival—the day each year when West Hallam is re-dedicated to God's Service. Both the preachers are well-known to you—is the Church to be really full?  Disclaimer - Copyright - Is this page correct? Something wrong or missing? Please let me know. Also contributions very welcome |
MAPPERLEY NOTES 
