Normandy Historians - Home Page
Normandy in the Press
Normandy in the Press
1908 to 1909

“Normandy in the Press” presents a past view and happenings of the village as seen from selected reports and articles in the local papers. The reader should note that until 1955 Normandy was predominantly part of Ash, Willey Green was part of Worplesdon and a small part of Flexford was in Wanborough.

The researched material held at County Libraries and Record Offices was hand-copied over a number of years by society member Peter Trevaskis. Those notes have been subsequently transcribed by members: Alan Norris, Eira and James Nursaw; Emma Rafferty; Peter Blakiston and Stephen Cranstone.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure correctness in the copying and transcribing, readers are advised to refer to the original newspaper source for the full account.

Normandy in the Press Index
*****

1908 January 4th
Surrey Advertiser
Normandy
Mr R J Harvey (late J Walford Bentley) Grocer etc is the Local Agent for the "Surrey Advertiser and County Times". Mr Harvey will give personal and prompt attention to all orders for papers, advertisements etc, printing that has been entrusted to him

1908 January 11th
Surrey Advertiser
School Entertainments
Crowded audiences assembled on Wednesday and Thursday evenings for the annual entertainments given by children attending the Wyke School. A varied programme of songs and recitations was performed in a commendable manner, reflecting great credit upon Mr Blaber, the headmaster and his staff, and several encores were demanded. The accompanist was Miss Wright. Votes of thanks proposed by Mr Harvey on Wednesday, 2nd, the Vicar on Thursday were warmly carried. Mr Blaber suitably replying.

1908 January 11th
Surrey Advertiser
New Years Social
The annual New Year Social was held on Friday evening of last week in the Wyke School and proved a distinct success. In the main room which had been decorated with evergreens, curtains and flags, a varied programme of dances interspersed with songs and a few games was gone through. Non dancers were able in another room to take pleasure in cards, smoking and conversation. A capital programme of songs was rendered. Miss Wheeler was an excellent accompanist and Miss Jacobs is to be congratulated on her playing of the dance music. Mr Bluck was M.C. and was ably supported by the following committee - Messrs Blaber, Woods, Field, H. Rickard, Clark, A.E. Stedman and Stonard (Pirbright). The company which numbered between 110 and 120 dispersed about 4.30pm after joining in 'Auld Lang Syne' and the National Anthem.

1908 February 8th
Surrey Advertiser
Prize Distribution
On Friday evening week the annual prize distribution in connection with the Sunday School took place in the Wesleyan Church, which was crowded, Dr H H Chester C.C. presided. Some capital songs and recitations were rendered and short addresses were given by the Chairman on the value of Sunday Schools. Mr Angell on advantages of living in the country, and the Reverend T. Naylor gave some advice to parents, young people and children in a pleasantly suggestive manner. Mr Hayward's statement showed that it was in a flourishing condition, the attendance being remarkably regular. 84 books were awarded, Dr. Chester handing them to the recipients. Votes of thanks and the Doxology closed the proceedings. Previous to the meeting, the parents were kindly entertained to tea by Mr and Mrs Hayward, who adopted this method of commemorating their marriage. They were heartily congratulated by their many friends.
An evening concert, promoted by Miss M. E. Pryor, was given on Wednesday evening in the Wyke School in aid of the St Marks Sunday school and library. There was a fairly large attendance and the various items were much appreciated, encores being frequent.

1908 February 15th
Surrey Advertiser
Wesleyan Organ Fund
The Wesleyan Sunday School was filled on Wednesday evening, when a concert was given in aid of the new organ fund. A creditable programme was given, although the prevalence of influenza necessitated many alterations at the last moment. songs were contributed by the Misses D. Harvey and Smith and Mr Weller. Duets by the Misses Deedman and Miss Smith and Mrs J Horne, recitations by Mr D. Home and Mr Hayward, a reading by Mr Jackson, anthems, part songs and a choral fantasia by the choir and two organ solos by Miss H. Deedman, who played the accompanists. Mr Hayward was Chairman.

1908 February 22nd
Surrey Advertiser
Normandy
A most enjoyable Cinderella dance was held in Wyke School on Friday evening of last week, a large company being present. Mr Rollings supplied the music, giving great satisfaction as did Mr J. Horne in the catering department. The arrangements were made by a Committee consisting of Messrs Blaber, Woods, Field, Rickards, Clarke, Bluck, A.E. Stedman and Stonard.

1908 March 7th
Surrey Advertiser
A Successful Performance
Wyke School was crowded on Tuesday evening when Shakespearean comedy 'As you like it' was given by the people of Ruskin House School in aid of the funds of 'The Normans Club'. The performance was in every way excellent, and the audience had a most enjoyable time. The portraiture of the various characters was delightful, and great praise is due to the performers, the more so as many of them had to play two parts. This, however, was done so skilfully that the audience was unaware of the fact, and could hardly credit it when made known. The cast was The Banished Duke and duke Frederick (the usurper) - Miss D Lawlor, Amiens and Jacques (attendants)- Misses Edna Smith and Muriel Miller - La Beau ( a courtier) - Miss Muriel Miller - (Oliver) - Jacques Orlando (sons of Sir Rowland De Boss), Misses Edna Smith, r Young and Little Long Parkhouse: Old Adams (servant) and Touchstone (a clown) - Miss Florence Green: Corin and Silvius (shepherds): Miss E Young and Muriel Miller: Sir Oliver Martext (a vicar) Miss R Young: Million (??) ( a country fellow): Miss Edna Smith: Rosalind (daughter to the Banished Duke) Miss Muriel Mapson: Celia (daughter to Duke Frederick) - Miss Marjorie Anderson: Phoebe ( a shepherdess) Miss Edna Smith: Audrey (a country wench) Miss Madeline Green: court ladies etc - Messrs Ellen Taylor - Kate and Lillie Howlett, Ursula Flex and Madeline Green. Between the acts Mrs Lawlor played the pianoforte roles 'Loreles' and Chopin's Prelude XV and Mrs Ida Sweeting sang 'Let me weep', 'Eldorado' and 'Happy Song'. Col. Coussmaker 'The Normans' and others rendered valuable help in various ways, but the credit for the production belongs to Miss Baxter, the principal of the School who is to be heartily congratulated on the success of her efforts.

1908 March 7th
Surrey Advertiser
The Cottagers Club of Wyke and Normandy
'Back to the land' - 'Keep them on the land'. With this view the Cottagers Club of Wyke and Normandy has been established, and it is working steadily. It has its miniature rifle club, 'The Normans', it rents a recreation ground in summer half of the year. It has now, with the cordial co-operation of Dr Chester C.C., Lord of the Manor of Wyke, acquired a club room. Of course, this has not been done and is still doing its best to get the funds together. A few more pounds are wanted, and then it will have a well appointed room, 50 ft x 18 ft at the moderate rate of 10/- [10 shillings] per annum, secured to the Managing Board for seven years at the least. The members - there are now 42 of them - meet every evening. They shoot with an air rifle, they box, they play games, and from time to time the managers, each absolute on his night of office get up amusements, using the club's magic lantern. They have had two entertainments, the best being 'Lt. Pearings dash for the North Pole'.

1908 April 25th
Surrey Advertiser
Eastertide
The church of St Marks was prettily decorated by Miss Richardson, Miss Steadman, the Reverend and Mrs Pickford, Mr Smith, Mr Bluck and others. Flowers were sent by Sir Owen Roberts and Col. Coussmaker.

1908 June 20th
Surrey Advertiser
Ash Parish Council
Sir Charles Owens, General Manager of the London and South Western Railway replying to the Councils' request for a halt platform on a site between Aldershot and Ash Junction near the Shawfields Road, stated that as there were stations at Ash Green and Ash Church, it was felt that the needs of the neighbourhood were fairly well provided for, and that there would not be sufficient new traffic to justify the expense of the proposal. The directors therefore regretted that they did not see their way to meet the wishes of the Council. Mr Beeton said that they must be like the old woman who went round with tapes and buttons, and refuse to take 'no' for an answer. He moved they write again -- carried.

1908 June 27th
Surrey Advertiser
Wyke
Divorce action - An anonymous letter

In the Divorce Court on Thursday before Sir Govell Barnes, Major Arthur Edward Lascelles was the respondent to a divorce suit instituted by Mrs Hilda Lascelles, daughter of Mr Charles Douglas Basnett of Henley Park, Guildford. Mr Barnard, who appeared for the petitioner, said that the parties were married on 29th January 1889 at St Marks Church, Wyke and there was one child, a daughter, now over 18 years of age, issue of the marriage. The Major and his wife went out to India, where he had several attacks of sunstroke. In 1904 they came home, Major Lascelles being stationed in Ireland. At the end of the year 1904 there was a temporary separation, owing to the respondent's health. In June 1905 however, he wished to make the separation permanent. Mrs Lascelles objected, and in November 1906 obtained an order for restitution of conjugal rights, which had never been obeyed. Last January, however, Mrs Lascelles received an anonymous letter, telling her that if she made inquiries at a certain hotel in Ireland she would find her husband had previously stayed there with a lady in 1905. Evidence having been called to this effect, a decree nisi with costs was granted.

1908 August 29th
Surrey Advertiser
Wyke & Normandy
School Treat

On Saturday the children attending the day schools were entertained by the kindness of Mr and Mrs Henriques to a splendid treat at Normandy Park. After indulging in sports for an hour and a half they sat down to an excellent tea at the conclusion of which the sports were continued, prizes to the number of about 90 being provided by Mr and Mrs Henriques for whom hearty cheers were given. As the children left for home each boy and girl was presented with a packet of sweets and a bun and some fruit, these dainties being served out by, among others, the Reverend and Mrs Pickford, Mrs and Miss Richardson, Mr and Mrs Blaber, the Misses Bluck, Mr T. Blaber and Miss Blaber.

1908 October 10th
Surrey Advertiser
Wyke & Normandy

A popular concert was given on Monday evening in the Normans' Clubroom, in order to reduce the building debt, which will now be under £5. There was a fairly good audience and the various items were much appreciated. The contributors to the entertainment were Messrs Blaber, Rickard, Stedman, Dring, Woods and Miss Field, who with Mr Marriott helped in the accompaniments.

1908 November 28th
Surrey Advertiser
Wyke and Normandy
Big Farm Fire - Supposed incendarism - £400 damage.

At 11:30pm on Sunday night the Guildford Fire Brigade received a call to a fire at Westwood Farm, Normandy, the property of Lt Col Coussmaker, and in the occupation of Mr L C Morris, Captain T Hooke and First Officer A W Hall left with the steamer, followed by Foreman Holt with the manual. The outbreak was first noticed about two minutes to eleven by P C Thatcher who saw smoke issuing from the buildings. He at once proceeded to the farm, and found that a barn containing oats, which had been obtained off 16 acres of ground, was well ablaze. A very strong wind fanned the flames and the Guildford Brigade, P C Thatcher with Mr Morris, Mr Fred Horne and Mr W Davey, did their best to quell the flames with water obtained in buckets from cattle troughs and a pond nearby, but owing to the great wind, their efforts were not of much avail, although they succeeded in saving a portion of the building. Mr Morris rescued half a dozen horses from the stable just in time, for one animal had already begun to show the effects of the great heat. On their arrival about 12:30am, the Guildford brigade devoted their attention to saving the stables nearest to the farmhouse, and this they succeeded in doing, after one and a half hours strenuous work, with the help of the Aldershot Brigade, who arrived on the scene about half past one. It was found necessary to pull the oat rick to pieces, and the Guildford Brigade did not reach home until about eleven o'clock on Monday morning.
An investigation on Monday morning found that considerable damage had been done. At first it was difficult to estimate the exact amount, and it was thought that the loss would not be covered under £1000, but after careful examination of the premises it is believed that the total amount of damage is between £400 and £500. All the property was insured.
This is the second outbreak of fire that has occurred at the farm within the last fortnight, and it is believed to have been the work of an incendiary. The building were found to be alight first in the further end of the premises from where the previous outbreak occurred, and less than an hour before is was discovered P C Thatcher passed by the farm and found it all safe, so that it is surmised that whoever set the building alight watched for their opportunity.

1908 December 12th
Surrey Advertiser
Wyke and Normandy
School entertainments.

The children attending Wyke St Marks School gave their annual entertainments on Monday and Tuesday evenings. The programme consisted of two sketches - 'Presented at Court' and The Contented Plumber', recitations and songs, the whole being admirably performed and reflecting great credit upon the teachers. Each evening there was a crowded audience, and at the close of the second performance the vicar, the Revered N Pickford, distributed the prizes and medals, and also, on behalf of the children, presented Mr Blaber, the head teacher, with a shaving glass.

1908 December 12th
Surrey Advertiser
Wyke and Normandy

A very pleasant Cinderella dance took place at Wyke School on Friday evening of last week, when there was a good attendance. The music was supplied by Messrs Rowlings, H W Smith and Messrs Bluck and Field were MCs. The refreshments were provided by Mr Horne.

1909 January 9th
Surrey Advertiser
Wyke & Normandy
- Alleged Incendiarism - third fire in nine weeks
The Farm belonging to Lt. Col. Coussmaker, known as Westwood Farm, Normandy, was on Sunday night the scene of another fire.
Long report
-------------------------------
Sunday School Treat
The children attending St. Marks' Wyke Sunday School had their usual Christmas tree on Monday afternoon in the school. A Christmas tree had been brightly decorated. A good many of the mothers accepted the invitation to be present, and a party of nearly 100 sat down to the tea, which, as on previous occasions, had been provided by the kindness of Mrs Stevens. Miss Stevens also presented each child with a present of a packet of sweets. After the children had had various games, toys were distributed by the teachers, and the children dispersed after giving cheers for all who had helped give them a most enjoyable evening. Those assisting were the Rev. F.N. and Mrs Pickford, Mrs Montgomery, the Misses Stedman, Miss Richardson, Miss Black, the Misses Blabber and Mrs H. Steadman.

1909 July 24th
Surrey Advertiser
Wyke & Normandy

The annual show of the Cottagers of Normandy, Wanborough and Flexford was held at Westwood on Wednesday. In the afternoon there was a cricket match between elevens captained by Mr T. England and Mr T.P. Marriot, the former winning. The children of Wyke School were provided with a good tea, and sports followed.

1909 August 28th
Surrey Advertiser
Wyke & Normandy

On Saturday afternoon the school children, numbering about 180, and the London children staying in the village, were entertained by Mr and Mrs Henriques at Normandy Park. A bountiful tea was provided, and an enjoyable time was spent in games and races, for which prizes were awarded. Mr and Mrs Solors, the Rev. and Mrs Pickford, Dr and Mrs Fleming, Mr and Mrs Blaber and the school teachers were present, and gave much assistance.

1909 September 18th
Surrey Advertiser
Ash Parish Council
- Wyke Water - Wyke House
Long report

1909 September 25th
Surrey Advertiser

Farnham R O C - Water Supply - to East Wyke House
Long report
Further extract:-
The Sanitary Inspector (Mr A.A. Patrick) submitted a report upon an analysis of water taken from a well at Whipley Farm, Normandy, which supplied two houses in Perry Hill Road, Normandy. The report stated that the water was polluted and dangerous for drinking. It transpired that the well was in the district of Guildford Rural District Council, and a copy of the analysis was directed to be sent to that authority, and also to the Messrs. Mellersh of Godalming, agents for the owners.
Mr McLaren J.P. - 'If nothing is done what happens?'
The Chairman - 'You can then close the houses for not having a proper water supply'.

1909 December 25th
Surrey Advertiser
Wyke & Normandy - Christmas Festivities

On Saturday evening the workers employed at Henley Park were entertained by Sir Owen and Lady Roberts. Supper was laid in the servants hall, which had been gaily decorated, and after justice had been done to the good fare provided, the evening was spent convivially. During the proceedings Sir Owen and Lady Roberts came in and presented each guest with a suitable and useful Christmas gift.
---------------------------
The mothers, children connected with the Henley Park estate were the guests of Sir Owen and Lady Roberts on Wednesday evening. After tea, there were various games, interspersed with music, songs being contributed by Mrs and the Misses Black, and the presentation of gifts from the Christmas Tree by Lady Roberts.
A happy time was spent and hearty cheers were given for Sir Owen and Lady Roberts before the visitors dispersed. Miss Jones, Mr Bluck and Mr Harrold deserve credit for their part in the arrangements.
----------------------
School Entertainments
An entertainment was given on Monday and Tuesday evenings in the schoolroom by children attending Wyke National School, and on each occasion there was a crowded audience.
The programme, a lengthy one, consisted of songs, recitations and two sketches "Mrs Mulligatawnays Spring Cleaning" and "There's a time for Everything" , all of which were rendered very considerably. After the performance on Tuesday evening the Rev. N. Pickford distributed the prizes and also proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Blaber and the staff, which was heartily carried.

******

Home PageTop of Page
Previous Page
Next Page
Normandy in the Press Index
 
© Copyright by Normandy Historians All Rights Reserved.