Old Ledbury - World War One in Much Marcle Village

World War One in Much Marcle Village

World War One Much Marcle Village

Kington Reporter and Ledbury Guardian Newspaper 08 08 1914
ABANDONED
The Much Marcle and Yatton Flower Show and Sports has been abandoned owing to the war. The prizes for gardens and wasps nests will be given as usual.

DEATH - Rosa ASTON
ASTON - July 24th, at Street Farm, Much Marcle, Rosa Mary ASTON, wife of Arthur ASTON, aged 38 years

Ledbury Guardian Newspaper 08 08 1914
MONEY Vincentia Sybella - Funeral
The funeral took place at Much Marcle, on Tuesday of Miss Vincentia Sybella MONEY who passed away on Friday last at the age of 91 years. Miss MONEY passed away at Wootton- under-Edge. Although not a native of Much Marcle she spent many years of her life in the parish, where she was held in high regard and esteem. The remains were enclosed in an elm coffin with brass fittings, and the breast plate bore the following inscription:-
Vincentia Sybella MONEY. Died 30th July, 1914. Aged 91 years.
The grave in which the body was interred was lined with ferns and margarites. The service at the church was conducted by the Rev. C. L. MONEY-KYRLE and the Rev. R.T. MONEY-KYRLE (cousins) The hymns "Praise to the Holiest in the Height" and "As now the Sun's declining rays" were sung.
The chief mourners were:- Colonel Olive GRIMSTON (nephew), Mrs ANDERSON (niece). Rev. Andrew POPE (cousin). Captain POPE (nephew). Rev. A. MACLAVERTY (cousin). Mrs MONEY (niece). Rev. C. L. MONEY-KYRLE and the Rev. R. T. MONEY-KYRLE. Miss V. MONEY-KYRLE (cousin), Mr. E. BOSANQUET Miss THOMPSON. Miss RADCLIFFE COOKE, Mrs. ALLEN, and Rev. A. B. SPITTAL.
The bearers were: Messrs, R. HARDWICKE, S ENGLAND, W. FAWKE, Edwin TURNER and J. BRAZIER.
Beautiful floral tributes were sent by the following :-
Rev. A. L. and Mrs. MACLAVERTY.
In affectionate remembrance, from the Vicar and his Mother, Much Marcle Vicarage.
In loving and thankful remembrance of dear Miss MONEY, from the Misses WEARE.
In affectionate remembrance of bye-gone days from Mrs. Michael ASCOT.
In affectionate remembrance from Lady TREVELYN.
From Colonel and Mrs. GRINSTON.
In loving memory, from all at Langley Burrell.
In affectionate remembrance of a sincere friend, from Lady LLANGATTOCK, of the Hendre.
With love, from Una and Violet.
With fond remembrance, from R. HARDWICKE and family.
With sincere regret and affectionate memory, from Mr. and Mrs. F. N. WINGATE, Stratford.
With much sympathy, from E. BROWN.
In affectionate remembrance of dear Miss MONEY, from Winifred AVORY.
With kind sympathy, from Mrs. WARMINGTON.
From Mrs. PURNELL EDWARDS, Mr. J. P. PURNELL EDWARDS, and Miss PURNELL EDWARDS.
With tender affection from E. T. HOPE?.
In loving memory, from Sybil BERNARD.
In loving memory of dear Miss MONEY, from Lord GIFFORD.
From Miss. KING, Miss O.A. KING and Miss L. P. KING.
In loving memory, from Mrs. R. E. E. MONEY, Miss MONEY and Mrs. HAMILTON

Kington Reporter Newspaper 29 08 1914
PATRIOTIC MEETING
A patriotic meeting is announced to be held for Much Marcle and district at the Much Marcle Schoolroom on Monday next, August 31, at 8.p.m. The chair will be taken by General CLIVE, and an address on the naval and military situation and the country's needs will be given by Admiral of the Fleet Sir Arthur D FANSHAW, G.C.B., G.C.V.O. A programme of music and songs will be given, and as usual we expect to see the schoolroom filled with Marcle patriots.

Ledbury Guardian Newspaper 05 09 1914
PATRIOTIC MEETING AT MUCH MARCLE
AN APPEAL TO FARMERS'S SONS
WHAT WOMEN CAN DO TO AID RECRUITING
With the object of enlisting recruits for Lord KITCHENER'S Army a patriotic meeting was held in the schoolroom, Much Marcle, on Monday evening. The room was well filled and the proceedings were of an enthusiastic nature. The Union Jack was prominently displayed and there could be no doubt that before long Much Marcle will have contributed its quota to His Majesty's forces.
GENERAL CLIVE presided and he was supported by Admiral of the Fleet, Sir Arthur D. FANSHAWE, G.C.B.,G.C.V.O., MR. A. R. ROWDEN, Rev. C.L. MONEY-KYRLE, MR. H. WESTON etc., etc.

SUGGESTED BANISHMENT OF THE KAISER
The meeting opened with the singing of the National Anthem, following which the Chairman delivered a stirring address. He gave a brief outline of the present position of affairs, and remarked that one hundred years ago a similar thing to what was taking place at the present time, happened. With regard to the question asked as to what would become of the Kaiser in the event of Germany being defeated he the speaker would suggest that he should finish his life on some island, a punishment which would be well merited. (Hear, hear)

THE CALL TO ARMS
Sir Arthur FANSHAWE followed with an able remarks. He prefaced his remarks, by saying that he had served 50 years in the Navy. The reason he was there that evening was to try and bring home to the minds of those present the seriousness of the present crisis which called forth every man of eligible age to the service of his country. The speaker proceeded to trace the history of the present war, in the course of which he referred at length to what he described as the splendid feat of arms achieved by our gallant troops during the last few days. Throughout the glorious history of our Army, nothing had ever been done which exceeded the splendid work that had already been performed by our field army. (Loud applause.) But what had they been doing at home since the beginning of the war? It was true that they had raised an army fairly rapidly, but in addition to the 100,000 men who had rushed to the colours in response to Lord KITCHENER'S appeal half a million men were still required.
Their allies had rendered their splendid service and he wished to impress upon them the fact that France could not do more than she was doing at the present time. Whilst England had so far done well in the matter of recruiting she could do a great deal more. Now, the call was to the young men of England to come forward. (Hear, hear.) The cause of the war was a righteous one. It was brought about by a message received from Germany that England should betray France a message which might well be called a very infamous one. Germany repudiated her solemn treaty to maintain the independence of Belgium and England at once informed Germany that it must be "hands off Belgium or war". The result was that England determined to defend a weak country against the tyrannical attack of a strong one. (Hear, hear and applause.) In America, England had won greatest respect over the actions she took and all sides feeling was with them. They had got to see this great struggle through no matter what it cost. The alternative before them was a most terrible one inasmuch as England would be placed under the iron heel of a cruel military despotism. Therefore, if they were going to remain a free, happy country, their duty was clear. There was every prospect of a happy peace for generations once the tyrannical military of Germany is broken. After a brief reference to the splendid service rendered by the Navy, which had maintained complete command of the sea, the speaker concluded with another strong appeal to all young men to enlist.

STRONG APPEAL BY MR A R ROWDEN
MR. A. R. ROWDEN was the next speaker. He plainly pointed out the great need for recruits at the present time. They were fighting for their very lives and it was a case of England going under or Germany. It was unnecessary for him to remark upon the magnificent performances of our Army and Navy. (Applause) The question which concerned them that evening was as to what was their duty in this grave crisis. It was that every man, certainly every unmarried man, and every married man who could possibly be spared, between the ages of 17 and 35, should join the Colours. (Hear, hear) Their places should be taken by lads under 17 years of age or by men of 45 or 50. Of course there was a certain number of men who could not be spared, because trade must be kept going. But in the case of a farmer who had four or five sons, one might be necessary for the management of the farm, but certainly no one had a right to keep more. He considered it was the duty of every employer to make it as easy as possible for his men to go. There would be very few, if any, employers who would not be prepared to keep the positions of their employees open in this time of emergency. (Hear, hear). Further, when the war was over, preference should be given to the man who had fought his country's battles over the man who had stayed at home and made things easy for himself. (Hear, hear) He thought everyone ought to be very proud of the Herefordshire Regiment, the members of which had not only volunteered for foreign service, but been accepted. (Loud applause) Proceeding, the speaker said that the age limit for Lord KITCHENER'S Army had now been increased from 19 to 35. Territorials for foreign service could be included from 17 to 35. Now was the time for mothers and fathers to show their patriotism and see to it that their children did their duty by their King and country. No parents should stand in the way of their sons who were willing to serve their country. Up to the present, the men in the surrounding neighbourhood had come forward splendidly, but more were yet needed. They must never let it be said that our voluntary system had failed, therefore it was up to all young men of eligible age to come forward. If they did not they knew well what Lord KITCHENER would be forced to do. If, however, recruiting continued as at present, there would be no need for compulsion. He had heard young men make the remark "I will go when "I'm fetched" and "Why don't gentlemen like Mr. So-and-so send their sons". With regard to the last remark, he (the speaker) might say that duty was being done by every class from top to bottom. (Hear, hear). For instance, immediately when the war broke out two sons of a well known local gentleman volunteered for service. (Loud applause). Again, in the parish of Eastnor, three houses had contributed six sons, all of whom had either gone, or offered to go. (Renewed applause). With regard to the other remark, which was the most honourable, to join voluntarily or be compelled to join? He did not think the question needed answering. (Hear, hear). Young women had it within their power to persuade their sweethearts to join. He had in mind a particular case in their own neighbourhood where a young lady particularly successful in using her influence to persuade young men to respond to their country's appeal. (Loud applause).

THANKS
The Rev. C. L. MONEY KYRLE moved a warm vote of thanks to the Chairman for presiding. They owed him a great debt of gratitude for his presence there that evening.
The motion was carried with acclamation and General CLIVE briefly replied.
This concluded the proceedings.

Ledbury Guardian Newspaper 03 10 1914
FUNERAL - Harriet SMITH
The funeral of the late Mrs Harriet SMITH (widow of William SMITH, of Awnells, Much Marcle), took place on Friday at Much Marcle Church, the Rev. C. J. MONEY-KYRLE officiating. The deceased lady was held in high respect in the neighbourhood, as was evidenced by the numbers attending at the church, amongst whom was noticed Messrs. H. WESTON and J. C. POWELL (churchwardens), T. A. PALMER (Kempley Court), J. H. WALKER, F. TAYLOR, T. WILDING, D. FAWKE, and the old employees of the farm. The chief mourners were: Mr. and Mrs. W. H. SMITH, Miss SMITH, Nurse SMITH, Mr. and Mrs. H. SMITH, Mr. and Mrs. S. SMITH, Mr. and Mrs. POPE (son-in-law and daughter). The floral emblems were most tasteful, and were sent by the following: Mr. and Mrs. SMITH, of Brookside; Jessie and Mary, Kempley Court; Felix and Llewie; Annie and Patty; Gus and Edith; Alice and Bessie; Charlie and Ella; Sid and Nell; Laura and Harry; Mr. and Mrs. F. TAYLOR, Moor Court; Mr. and Mrs. WESTON; Mr. and Mrs. W. HODGES; Will and Lizzie and family; Mr. and Mrs. CRABTREE; Mr. and Mrs. J. H. POWELL (Chandois); Mr. and Mrs. A. BELLAMY, Gloucestershire; Mr. C. WHITE, the Upper Redding. The casket was of hand polished oak, with breast plate engraved, "Harriet SMITH, died 22nd September, 1914, aged 78 years," - The entire arrangements were carried out by Messrs. BLINKHORN and Son, Ltd., Gloucester.

Ledbury Guardian Newspaper 31 10 1914
Petition
The following petition to Mr. ASQUITH is being signed by the householders of the parish of Much Marcle
"We the undersigned, desire to express the wish that the Government will, without further delay, give adequate pensions to those men who may be incapacitated for life while fighting for their country, and that where the breadwinner has lost his life in that cause a pension will be given to his dependents sufficient to maintain them in comfort without their having to recourse to either poor relief or charity. "
Constance C. COOK, Monks Walk Cottage, H. WESTON, The Bounds, L.E. FOWLES, Wallwyn Court, W.P. BLANDFORD, Huntleys, A.P. DAVIES, Fair Tree, Ledbury, Ursular WHALLEY, Hellens, Ada MONEY- KYRLE, The Vicarage, C.L. MONEY-KYRLE, The Vicarage.

Ledbury Guardian Newspaper 07-11-1914
WHEELWRIGHT AND FARMER
ACTION IN COUNTY COURT
At the Ross County Court on Saturday, Sidney COX, wheelwright, Gamage Villa, Much Marcle, sued William C. JONES, farmer, Baldwin's Farm, Newent, for £1 16s. 8d., for goods sold and work done.
Mr. H. GARROOD, solicitor, Ross, appeared fr (sic) the plaintiff, and Mr. W. THORPE, solicitor, Ross, was for the defendant.
After Mr. GARROOD had explained the circumstances surrounding this case, the plaintiff went into the witness-box and said that defendant gave him a cart to rebuild in November, 1909. He did the work and sent in the account. Defendant had not paid for the iron work which was done by the black-smith, and the amount now due was £1 16s. 8d. He (plaintiff) had paid the blacksmith, and though he had applied to the defendant for the money he could never get it. COX never questioned his liability, when approached for the money, but kept putting the payment of it off. He (the plaintiff) was to find all the materials for the job except four bed pieces.
In reply to Mr. THORPE, plaintiff admitted that the two receipts handed in were signed by himself, one of which stated that defendant had paid on account for £2 11s. 6d. in respect of this work.
Mr. TURNER said he did at one time carry on business as a blacksmith and did the iron work for this cart for £1 16s. 8d., for which he was paid by the plaintiff.
Defendant then gave evidence, and said that he made an arrangement with the plaintiff to do the work for £3, and that Mr. COX would allow him three half crowns for the four bed pieces. He paid the account for £2 15s. 6d. for work done, and for finding all materials except four bed pieces. When asked for the money he always told Mr. COX he would not pay. He never had an account for this until the plaintiff put his debt in the hands of a debt collector.
His Honour said this was a curious case, and one which was over a transaction which took place five years ago. It appeared that an arrangement was made in November, 1909, to do this work, the plaintiff to find all materials except the four bed pieces, and for that defendant had paid an account of £2 12s. 6d. in 1910. Nearly five years later the plaintiff brings this action. The whole claim was utterly hopeless, and he (the Judge) would give judgement for the defendant with costs.

Ledbury Guardian Newspaper 14 11 1914
MUCH MARCLE AND PENSIONS FOR SOLDIERS
CAPTAIN CLIVE AND LOCAL PETITION
Appended to the correspondence which has passed between Captain P. A. CLIVE, M.P., and Miss C. C. COOKE,of Much Marcle, on the above subject:-
"Dear Sir.
The enclosed petition has already been signed by 24 householders of all classes in the parish of Much Marcle, and, will in all probability be signed by every householder who will have the opportunity of so doing. I am therefore writing to you on behalf of the signatories to know what steps you intend to take in this matter when Parliament reassembles on November 11th. An early answer will oblige.
Yours faithfully,
C. C. COOKE (Miss).
November 5th, 1914"

21, Chester Street, S. W.
Dear Madam,
I am glad to hear the petition of which you sent me a copy is being universally signed in Much Marcle. It is difficult to understand the Government's long delay in making their promised statement about pensions when there are already thousands of widows receiving inadequate allowances. I shall do all I can to support the object of your petition, and will forward it as soon as received.
Yours faithfully,
P. A. Clive.

Miss C. C. COOKE.
A copy of the petition with signatures to date was forwarded to Mr. ASQUITH, and the following reply has been received:-
10, Downing Street.
"Madam.
I am directed by the Prime Minister to acknowledge the receipt of the resolution which you have forwarded me on the subject of adequate pensions for our soldiers and their dependents.
I am, yours faithfully,
Maurice BONHAM CARTER.

Miss C. C. COOKE."
The petition is as follows:-
We, the undersigned, desire to express the wish that the Government will without further delay give adequate pensions to the men and those dependent on them, who may be incapacitated for life while fighting for their country; and that where the breadwinner has lost his life in that cause a pension will be given to his dependents sufficient to maintain them in comfort without their having recourse to either poor relief or charity -
Constance C. COOKE, Monk's Walk Cottage, Much Marcle; R. WESTON, The Bounds; L. F. FOWLES, Wallwyn Court; A. P. DAVIES, The Fair Tree, Ledbury; W. D. BLANDFORD, Huntley; Ursula WHALLEY, Hellens; Ada MONEY-KYRLE, The Vicarage; C. L. MONEY-KYRLE, The Vicarage; E. A POPE, Awnells; R. and F. E. A. DOWN, Seychelles; F. EDWARDS, Bickerton; H. and W. BEAMOND, Bickerton Cottage; G. DOVEY, Kempley Road; Alec SPITTALL, Audley Cottage; R. HARDWICK, Audley Cottage; E. BALDWIN, Post Office; A. and L. TAYLOR, Causway Cottage; H. E. COX, The Swan; H. B. MORRIS, Marcle Street; C. and L. JONES, Marcle Street; W. BOWKETT, Marcle Street.

Ledbury Guardian Newspaper 28 11 1914
SHOOTING
The Herefordshire County Miniature Rifle Association, to which the Ross Club is affiliated, has a large percentage of its members now serving their King and country. Out of all the clubs in the county, Ross stands at top of the list, with having 16 members doing duty. The Whitchurch Club has seven, and Much Marcle eight.

Ledbury Guardian Newspaper 05 12 1914
WHIST DRIVE & SOCIAL
A whist drive and social, arranged by Much Marcle and Yatton Flower Show Sports Committee to raise money for the local relief funds for Belgian refugees, was held in the Schoolroom, Much Marcle, on Friday night. Mr. Frank TAYLOR (secretary of the Sports Club) was responsible for the admirable arrangements, whilst Mr. W. M. PRICE (co-secretary) fulfilled the onerous duties of M. C. The guests numbered about 120. At intervals the Ledbury Quartette Party (Messrs. H. B. WHYLES, E. W. REED, J. BACHE, and W. J. TEAGUE) contributed vocal items, songs, duets, trios, and quartettes, all of which were well rendered, as was testified to by the rounds of applause at the end of each item. Mr. E. A. HOBRO was the accompanist.
Mr. T. WILDING, on behalf of the guests, thanked the singers for their excellent contributions, remarking that it was the general opinion that the harmony provided that evening was the best ever heard in that room.
Mr. HOBRO replied with a few well chosen remarks.
The prize winners were as follow:
Gentlemen: 1. Mr. H. GUILDING, Print House, Kempley; 2. Mr. W. HOMES, Goldhill, Bosbury; 3. Mr. J. BARTLETT, Ribston Lawn, Much Marcle.
Ladies: 1. Mrs. WEAVER, Much Marcle; 2. Miss Cassie WHITE, Much Marcle; 3. Miss MEREDITH, Ledbury (after cutting the cards).
Married Couple' s Prize: Mr. and Mrs. John BARTLETT.
At the conclusion of the whist drive there was dancing, and before the party dispersed votes of thanks were extended to all who had in any way contributed towards the success of the function.

Ledbury Guardian Newspaper 19 12 1914
BELGIAN REFUGEES
A party of Belgian refugees arrived in Ledbury on Monday evening, on their way to Much Marcle, where they will stay for the present. They were met at the station by the Rev. C. L. MONEY-KYRLE (vicar of Much Marcle) and Mr. H. WESTON, The Bounds, and were taken to Much Marcle in a conveyance.

Sources
1914 Newent Reporter Newspaper - Herefordshire History
1914 - 1919 Ledbury Guardian Newspaper - Herefordshire History
1916 Tilley's Almanack
Photographs are credited to the owners
Comments are from members of the Old Ledbury Facebook Group
Cuttings from Ledbury Reporter newspapers
Transcribed by Kay STEVENS

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