| World War One in Ledbury - Town Crier |
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World War One Town Crier
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Ledbury Guardian Newspaper 08 08 1914 It is difficult for a little country town like Ledbury to realise the tremendous activity of war which is now manisfesting itself round our coastline. Even now our Territorial Regiments are forming a ring of steel round the country. Although it is hardly probable they will see any actual warfare, honour is none the less due to those men who have laid down their work and left their homes without a murmur. The same feelings rise in them as in the gallant Militia men of Liege, who, on Wednesday, repulsed 80,000 German troops who in a short 24 hours had violated the principles of war and shocked civilisation by their ruthless and unneccessary destruction of Vise. So far as Ledbury is concerned, we will hope that trade may not become seriously affected. The excellent speech by Mr Lloyd GEORGE in the House of Commons on Wednesday evening, supported as it was by Mr Austen CHAMBERLAIN, should have considerable effect on the nation at large. The man in the street can best help his comrades in arms by going about his work in the usual manner and business firms can materially add to the hopefulness of the situation if they act in a similar way. The excellent move by the Goverment in closing the Banks for three days should have generally helped the tension which has naturally arisen and there should be no rush to hoard gold when the Banks re-open on Friday. To hoard gold at the present time would be the greatest possible mistake, as the hands of the Goverment would therefore be tied. Paper money will take the place of gold, while there is an ample supply of silver in the country. One of the most interesting and best features of the present war lies in the fact of there being no news to the whereabouts of the British Fleet or the French Army Corps. When they have done something we shall all be pleased to hear of it but till they do, we dont want to hear of them. One of the many lessons taught by the Boer War has evidently gone home. A little while ago there appeared in several German newspapers an account of a supposed interview of the Kasier with a gipsy, when he was quite a young man. "Germany," she told him, "will have a great war in 1914, and," she added ominously "Germany will 'go under' when she is ruled by an Emperor who mounts his horse on the wrong side. His heir will perish on the scaffold." It is significant, if one is at all superstitious, that the Kaiser owing to his lame arm, has to mount his horse on the off side. People are already asking, "Well the Low Countries open their dykes and flood their country in face of the invader," As a last resource, there is no doubt they would. Apropos of this there is an old, almost a classic story worth recalling. It was at a great review at Postdam. The old Kaiser was hoping to impress greatly the assembled diplomats and foreign attaches. As one of the guards' regiments passed he turned to the Dutch Minister with pride, exclaiming "There you see the finest soldiers in the world. Nothing could resist them. Not one of them is less than 6ft 4in. tall. What have you to say to that? " The Dutch Minister was calm. " Magnificent, your Majesty! " he replied "but they are not tall enough! : - we can flood Holland 7ft deep." The leave taking of Reservists is marked by comedy as well as pathos. One day this week at a local station a woman who was seeing her husband off, was weeping bitterly. An Officer went up to her "Dont cry, my good woman," he said "He'll come back alright." "I ain't worryin' about that, sir," sobbed the woman, "but you dont know my Bill. He got such a temper that if anything were to cross 'im he'd shoot the lot o&;39; them, Germans, he would." The War Notices outside the office of the "Guardian" are now illuminated. The cost of the current consumed will not be very great and Mr Jack HILL and Mr HOULT have kindly offered to bear the expense. Mr HOPKINS has given permission for the connection to be made to his installation. BELLMAN Ledbury Guardian Newspaper 15 08 1914 Whatever one's politics may happen to be we cannot but appreciate the way in which the present Goverment have risen to the occasion. It is true they have had the indirect assistance of all parties in the House of Commons, but this has simply meant the dropping of controversial subjects for the time being. There can be no hesistation in admitting that in every department - Army, Navy, Finance - the Goverment have so far made no mistake. Next week harvest will be in full swing. On many farms this will be carried out with some difficulty owing to the wholesale purchase of horses which during the past fortnight has been going on over the whole country. Under which circumstances we are hoping that farmers will receive every assistance from those who still possess horses or powerful means of traction. The value of a good harvest to the country under its present state of war is immense, and it should be borne in mind that in helping the farmer we are helping to repel the only foe which is ever likely to subdue England itself. The Ledbury Guardian "Notice Board" continues to be an unvailing source of interest. The latest news of the war is posted at frequent intervals and practically all, Ledbury comes along at one time or another. The principal points of discussion during the past week are easily arrived at. Putting them in point of order they are:- 1) What is the fleet doing? 2)Where is the British Expeditionary Force? 3) Will LIEGE hold out? 4) Why wasn't GOEBEN caught? The doings of Russains, Austrians, Servians and Montenegrins are casually dismissed. In their own time they may still have their day, but to "the man in the street" they are not yet to be regarded as principals on the stage of Europe. They play merely as ?????? before a misty background of war. We understand a fund is about to be started in Ledbury for the relief of the Wives and Families of those men in the Territorials and the Reserves who have been called to their posts. In this connection, MR HOULT has offered the Cinema House for a Benefit Performance. BELLMAN Kington Reporter Newspaper 22 08 1914 The Territorials (Yeomanry and Infantry) from this and adjoining counties are getting on all right. More than that it is not my province to state. War news is not the most easy thing to get, although the clash of arms in Europe is without parallel. The most strict censorship is being excercised, which is very different from the conditions which formerly obtained. Really, the most reliable news is that issued by the Official Press Bureau, for much of the contents of the war telegrams generally has been a gross exaggeration. It must be sufficient for us to know that all is well up to the present. During last week two gentlemen who were well-known in this district have passed away in the persons of Major MYSONS formerly of Bosbury House, and Mr Henry MORGAN, late master of the Ledbury Workhouse. Although Major MYSONS had not resided at Bosbury for three years past, yet he continued to evince the keenest interest in the doings of his old parish, and never failed to be present at any of the leading functions in the village if it was at all possible for him to attend. The name of MYNORS was and is respected in the village of Bosbury, and the villagers heard with sincere regret of the death of one whose life had been so wound up in the place. Mr Henry MORGAN, the late master of the Ledbury Workhouse, leaves behind him a record of public service which it does one good to reflect upon. The name of MORGAN and the home of Ledbury's poor had been almost synonymous terms for nearly 40 years, and it is given to few men to render such exemplary service as did the late Mr MORGAN to the Guardians, ratepayers and poor alike. It was indeed a home for the aged and infirm, and well did Alderman RILEY put it last Tuesday, when he said that Mr and Mrs MORGAN were more than Master and Matron of the Workhouse, they were father and mother there. In other departments of life Mr MORGAN spared not himself in the service of his fellow man, and he was gone to the great Beyond with the thought that of his era is be truly said "Well done, thee good and faithful servant . Ledbury Guardian Newspaper 22 08 1914 War news is all the rage just now and even errand boys are not immune. This one of the fraternity found to his cost while cycling down the Southend the other day. While he rode he read, and while he rode bang into a harmless horse standing quietly by the side of the road. The horse, without getting at all flustered, but probably with the view of discouraging similar meetings, quietly put his foot through the spokes of the front wheel. Monday night last witnessed some strange goings on in Newbury Park, after the hour when all respectable people should be in bed, or at least indoors. A tall stranger of foreign and military appearance, was noticed creeping stealthily down the park and after vainly trying to get in at several gates, succeeded in reaching the front door of one of the houses. Here he was seen for some considerable time groping around in the dark and the thought immediately arose "Burglars" or worse still "Spies". A peaceful solution of the mystery was served, however, when it was found that the gentleman visitor in question had stayed out later than usual, and having taken part down town in an excited discussion on the war, the "Colonel" was rather confused as to where the front door key had been left for him, to enter the house. A magistrate was sitting in his room when there entered the wife of one of his tenants, who he (the Vicar) would call Mrs. Smith. Asked her business, she said "Well your Honour, I suppose you know my husband John is very bad? " "Yes, " said the magistrate, "I've heard and am extremely sorry. He is one of my best tenants and I shall miss him very much indeed. "Yes, " said Mrs Smith "It's a bad job. John is going sure enough. I suppose you know Farmer Jackson. He's a (widdler) widower and wants somebody very bad to mind his cows and calves, and I'm sure when John's gone I shall want somebody to talk to about the weather and the crops, so please your Honour, we've made up our minds to be married when John's gone. " The magistrate said he did not altogether disapprove of second marriages, but he thought it was most indecent for Mrs Smith to be talking about marrying again before her husband was gone. He certainly could not approve of such a thing, but he wished to know why she had informed him of the fact? "Well, please your Honour, " replied Mrs Smith, "I've told John what I be going to do, and he took on terrible about it, and do say that if ever I marries Farmer Jackson he'll haunt me. Now, please your Honour, I do want to know if I can swear the peace agin him?? " Lady customer (pleasantly) "I hear you are getting married, Mr Ribbs. Let me congratulate you." Mr. Ribbs (the local butcher): "Well, I dunno so much about congratulations, mam. It do be costing me a pretty penny, I can tell you. Mrs Ribbs, as is to be, what with her trousseau, you know, and the furnishing, and the licence, and the parson's fees, and then I've to give her three sisters a piece of jewellery each, and wot with one thing and another, she's a heavy woman, as you know, mam, 13 stun odd, an' I reckon she'll cost me best part o' 2s. 11d. a pound before I get her home." He had a newspaper in his hand and a hopeful smile on his face when I met him and he informed me that he had been "spotting winners" by a method which would have made the fortune of a friend if he had had the pluck to back the beast that the method had selected. It appeared that you took the list of horses - any list in any newspaper would do - and counted from the first horse until you reached thirteen, even though there were fewer than that in the race. That thirteenth horse you knocked out. Again you counted the horses until you reached thirteen - a number chosen probably out of sheer bravado - and knocked them out. This was continued until there was only one horse left, which was the certain winner. The one that had gone out before it would have third place, and that which had disappeared immediately before the winner second place. I think I have got the thing right, but I must say I was a little dizzy when he had finished. It was my interests to test the method - the Chinese puzzle method he called it - on some race soon, then I might have known whether I had understood correctly. But my friend may have misunderstood it himself, and the result of his attempt was that the first two horses did not complete, and the third' performance is best described in the familiar sporting phrase, "also ran". Ledbury Guardian Newspaper 29 08 1914 We understand that Dr. HARRISON, who is at present serving with his regiment at Hereford, is ranking as "Major". Ledbury may well be proud of the men who left the town the other day. Ninety per cent of their Battallion have volunteered for active service. "If you can't enlist-recruit, " has been taken to heart by one or two gentlemen well known in Ledbury, with the result that there have been several patriotic visitors to the Drill Hall during the present week. Certain employers in the district have shown no sympathy with the young unmarried men in their employ. In more instances than one, men have been given the choice of enlisting and having their jobs kept open for them or dismissal. A drastic method of recruiting, but all classes of young men are bound to realise their responsibilities. Unfortunately education during the past ten years has not featured duty of a boy to his Church and his country, as it should have done. The individual therefore, is not altogether to blame, and this is the pity of it, as the realisation in the days that are to come will be all the more bitter. The rumours that fly around Ledbury are wonderful in their imagination and the rate at which they travel. We started with 19 German cruisers being sunk. Then it was Admiral JELLICOE'S Flagship with more Germans that had gone down. This week we have had 40,000 Germans cut up by British Cavalry - wholesale surrenders on the Russian frontier and another North Sea engagement. Needless to say no reliance can be placed on any of these "tales. " The information which is posted every day at the "Guardian" office, is as accurate as it is possible to obtain, and readers may always rely upon here obtaining the latest intelligence. The other day in a Birmingham tramcar a lady was sitting dreamily with her purse lying before her on her knee. A benevolent old gentleman beside her touched her and said, "It is a dangerous thing to leave your purse like that. " The lady glared haughtily and made no reply. Presently the old gentleman rose to get out, and as he passed her he handed her her purse, saying: "You see I told you how easily it could be done! " This time the lady thanked him with vivacity. Presently, when she opened her purse to pay her fare, she found that the benevolent old gentleman, to give point to his lesson, had abstracted £3 1s 2d the sum which it had contained. The chambermaids at Anderson's Hotel, London, are still laughing at the consternation of a country gentleman who arrived there on a Saturday evening to stay over cattle show week. He brought some linen shirts and gave them out to be laundried and his indignation when they were returned, stiff-starched, and glossy, knew no bounds. "Lord sakes! " he ejaculated, rubbing his right hand up and down the highly polished front, "I only wanted 'em plain boiled not 'ard boiled! " BELLMAN Ledbury Guardian Newspaper 05 09 1914 A poem by Mr. John MASEFIELD, entitled August 1914, appears in the English Review for this month. The story, which is not very reverent, but which in the circumstances has some point, was told yesterday that the Kaiser read to his Chief of the Staff his latest proclamation, which ends, "God help us! " "But supposing He doesn't? " queried Von Moltki. " Then, " replied Wilhelm, " I shall send Him an ultimatum! " A minister one day got into conversation with an Irish soldier who was stationed at Norton Barracks, Worcester. The rev. gentleman asks Pat what regiment he was in and so on. Then Pat began to ask questions. " I'd like to know what you are, " he said. " I'm a soldier too, " replied the minister. " And what regiment are you in, and where is it stationed? " Pointing to the sky, the minister said, " My regiment is in Heaven. " " Faix, exclaimed Pat, " you're a long way from the barracks. " The two servants were talking on the tram. " Does this war they are talking so much about make much different to you? " " She says we have got to econermise, so we've got to have margarine at meals in the kitchen. " " Doesn't she have it then? " " Not her. She says it doesn't suit her digestion. But there's nothing wrong with her digestion. We know that; for as often as not we send her up the margarine and have the butter ourselves." The servant's letter when on holiday lacked punctuation if not interest. Dear Madam, I am having a very nice time as my old friend who went for a soldier is on furlo but I have got a bad cold on my chest and bronkitis so if I can't travel I shall go on Lloyd George for a week hoping you are having just as good a time yours respectful. The mistress, who cannot console herself with either soldiers or the Chancellor, is inclined to think that the maid will have far the best time. BELLMAN. Ledbury Guardian Newspaper 12 09 1914 "How to cook a German Sausage " - Cook on a British Kitchener; use a Japan enamelled saucepan, Greece well with Russian Tallow; flavour with a little "Jelly " cos; serve with little French capers and Brussels sprouts. The other day, a farmer not far from the Malverns, got into a dilemma, through fondly , but erroneously, imagining that he could drive a traction engine with as much ease and skill as he could a horse. After thrashing at a certain farm he tried to remove his traction engine, but the huge monster, like a young horse in a race got fractious at the post, with the result that it was soon in a hole. Here was a pretty how-do-you-do. For a considerable time the farmer endeavoured to persuade or force the engine to give up occupancy of the hole, but his efforts were all in vain. When he had given up all hopes he despatched a messenger nine miles for another engine to come to the rescue. In due course the rescuing engine arrived but the driver thereof superciliously declined to tack on his engine to the one in the hole, observing "I can move the engine easily enough. " Then like an experienced and practical jockey, he mounted that troublesome engine and brought it directly from the hole. That resolves the mind of the farmer, who had begun to make resolves that he would never more attempt to drive an engine, but would stick to farming. The squire 's son had just been ordained. For the following Sunday he was to take the morning service in his native village. He was a young man and very nervous; however, he did his best, and returned to the vestry having accomplished the service to his own satisfaction. "I think I got through the service without any mistake, John! " he remarked to the old clerk, who was helping him off with his surplice. "It was first rate, Master Dick! " said the old man with enthusiasm. "I don 't know as I have heard it better done ", after a pause, he added "but the old parson, he never given us the evening service of a morning. " At a Parish church in the Severn Valley a severe rebuke has been administered to some jokers. There was a funeral service for a deceased member of the congregation. The solemnity of the occasion doubtless did impress the devout and the thoughtful, but there were present others of a callous turn of mind which degenerated into levity was quite apparent as the sequel will show. At the close of the service a collection was made. After the collection there was a painful pause, during which the congregation and choir remained standing and the organist sat motionless, but on the alert. Some moments elapsed during which the congregation were wondering why the Benediction was delayed and what the "wait " was owing to. All eyes were directed to the Vicar who was the central figure. He was standing statuesquely on the Altar steps holding the salver on which had been deposited the offertory bags. A few more moments waiting and then the painful suspense and consequent tension were relieved by the sound of the Vicar 's voice. He had evidently been ruminating on the subject before venturing to give utterance to his thoughts. Then, apparently more in sorrow than in anger he said "The has been for several weeks past a dreadful trick practiced in this church - that of placing in the offertory bags old buttons, bits of brass, bits of lead, peppermints and pieces of sweetmeats. Who the offenders are I know not, but there is one "All-seeing eye " who saw those abominable things deposited in the bags, and I warn those offenders that though they might trifle with the vicar and the church wardens, yet they had better give nothing at all than insult the Almighty. " After that admonition, the rev. gentleman pronounced the Benediction and then the impressive strains of the "Dead March " pealed forth from the organ. The solemnity of the occasion and the sacred surroundings, coupled with the rebuke, doubtless made the jokers feel a little uneasy. Ledbury Guardian Newspaper 19 09 1914 Whilst a good number of the friends and relatives of those who have gone from Ledbury and district to serve their country, have responded to the invitation made to help to fill our Ledbury "Roll of Honour, " there are still many whose names we have not yet got. This list, when complete, will not only be very interesting now, but will be a valuable record in the years to come. We hope therefore, that the friends and relatives of all those men of Ledbury and neighbourhood, now serving in His Majesty Forces, will send us the names without delay. We will be pleased to publish any letters or parts of letters of public interest from local men now on service, in the "Ledbury Guardian. "and we will gladly send six copies of the paper in which such letter appears post free to the person sending it. It may not be generally known that strangers visiting the East Coast resorts have to answer a series of questions, relative to their nationality and business. The following list of queries has just been received by a Ledbury lady who is now contemplating a visit to this part of the country:- (1) Do you object having your luggage searched for 1895 guns. (2)Was your Uncle Joshua shot as a spy. If not, why not? (3) In the event of hearing General von Kluck (ing) in the back garden at 4 a.m., what steps would you take? State also length of steps and direction. (4) If the Russian steam roller Pots-dam Kaiser, what effect will this have on the Alaskan Salmon Canning industry? Draw a diagram illustrating your answer showing Kaiser's moustache on every pot without which none is genuine. (5) Change " German soldier" into "an infernal scoundrel" Without altering a letter. (6) Explain the anomaly: "Mailed Fist" "Failed Mist" (missed), mentioning in your answer whether "Le age" and "Le man" had any bearing on the ultimate issue. An extraordinary story is told of a missing watch. A Lady visited the Wallasey Sandhills, and while there had the misfortune to drop her watch. It disappeared so completely that a careful search revealed no trace of its whereabouts, and the owner was forced to return home without it. A year later she revisited the spot in company with some friends, and, in course of conversation, began to turn up the sand with the joint of her umbrella. Imagine her astonishment when the missing watch suddenly appeared to view, little the worse for, the prolonged burial in the sand. A sterling example of loyalty and love on the part of our allied sons of the British Empire beyond the seas, occurred at Tilbury Docks on August Bank Holiday. An Indian liner had been converted into a hospital ship, and it was necessary to paint her hull white, and with the Red Cross. No ship's painters were available, but the Lascar crew carried out the work, and when offered the usual bonus declined any payment, saying they had worked for the King. So loyal an act on their initiative surely, deserves to be recorded. One afternoon two pretty girls rambled up to the platform of a country railway station. Evidently from their dress and manner, one of the fairies was going to take the train, and the other had come to see her off. Eventually the train steamed into the little station, but the traveller seemed in no great hurry to get aboard. With watch in hand the guard waited. Finally he looked towards the fair passenger impatiently, "Madam, " said he with another glance at his watch, "if you are going on this train, you must get aboard. " "Just a minute" returned the passenger, with a flustered expression, "I must give my sister a kiss. " "Get aboard miss, " obligingly responded the guard, "I'll attend to that. " Even in times of war, flippant youth is irrepressible. A young son, the other day propounded the following conundrum: - "Father, why does the Kaiser drink out of a bucket? " The father had to give it up and the boy replied, "Because he has sent all his mugs to the front. " Then the boy began again. What are the Poles doing in Russia? " The parent shook his head, and then the boy gave the answer, "Keeping up the telegraph wires of course. " A long wisp of artificial grain that served as a stick-up in the sweet girl's hat, was placed horizontally, so that it tickled up and down the face of the man who sat next to her in the car, until it came to a resting place with the end nestling in his right ear. After the car had travelled some distance, the man was seen to remove from his pocket a large jack-knife, which he proceeded to strop on the palm of his horny hand. Excitedly the girl inquired, "Why are you doing that? " "If them oats gits in my ear again, " the man ejaculated, "there's going to be a harvest. " BELLMAN. Ledbury Guardian Newspaper 26 09 1914 The handsome sum of £10 has been handed over to the local War Funds by Mr. HOULT as the result of the Benefit Performance at the Cinema House on Tuesday evening. We are glad to be able to publish the appreciative letter from the Rector of Ledbury, which appears in our correspondence column this week. When the war started we realised that Ledbury people would be as anxious as those living in larger towns, to follow the fortunes of their country, and as the duty to supply news should be done by a newspaper, we took it upon ourselves to do the work. We have done our best to ensure that the news we publish should first be authentic, and secondly, should come through without delay. It might interest our readers to know that in more than one important item of news published recently, Ledbury has been sometimes an hour ahead of many very much larger towns in the Midlands. We would like to take this opportunity of informing our readers in the country that we shall be pleased at any time to give a summary of the latest telegrams over the telephone. Our number is "43". At the last camp the driver of an ambulance waggon, anxious to show his prowess at an inspection, started his four horses off across uneven country at a dashing hand-gallop. The little bugler was sent forward with the word to "halt. " The message he really delivered to the impetuous driver was: "Hi! The Adjutant wants to know if you think you're a bloomin' horse gunner in action. " Trotter sat in a bar-room on Saturday night with a party of cronies, when one of them, Billy Blank, was called out by his wife. Billy rose hurriedly, leaving his glass of beer on the table. A few minutes afterwards Trotter's little boy ran into the bar-room, crying "Father, mother's bin a jawin' with Billy Blank's wife, and Billy has hit mother on the nose. " Trotter jumped up, but then on second thought he resumed his seat and uttered savagely: "The coward! Hit mother on the nose did he? Then I'll drink his beer. " A horny-handed son of toil, who had been married less than a year, was complaining to a friend of his wife's extravagance. "How is a man going to save anything for old age? " he said. " I no sooner get home than its "Tom, give me half a crown, give me a shilling, give me sixpence for this, that, and the other thing. I just can't stand it. " "Why, Tom, what in the world does your wife do with so much money? " " I don't know, I ain't give her none yet. " The residents in a certain suburban road have set themselves steadfastly against paying a penny for war specials. One of the "Awful Slaughter" brigade was offered a halfpenny, and when it was refused was told to take his papers elsewhere. "Call yourself Englishmen! " said the purveyors of terrors indignantly, "there's not a blighter in this road ' d pay a penny to ' ear London was burned. " BELLMAN. Ledbury Guardian Newspaper 03 10 1914 In the death of Mr. Luke TILLEY, Ledbury, loses one of its most interesting personalities. Since his retirement from business some short while back, this familiar figure has been more than missed from the establishment in High Street, which his life work had made so well known. Mr. TILLEY made his business his hobby, and his keen and personal attention to detail and an unfailing courtesy, enabled him to attain the position in Ledbury and to win the respect of his fellow townsmen, which he thoroughly deserved. Mr. TILLEY's knowledge of Ledbury of the last half century was unequalled and this he was always glad to place at the disposal of any enquirer. Mr. TILLEY had many friends, made during a long and busy life - friends which the course of time has drifted into many byways of the world, but there is not one to whom this news will not come with grief, and pass on leaving behind it a saddened feeling that a good man and a good friend has gone to his last rest. Death covers the world today with open arms, but it is only when the hand falls in our circle that we grasp its full meaning and realise that long journey which we all of us must some time take and from which there is no return. We understand that Mrs. ROWDEN, of Eastnor, has volunteered for the front as a nurse. Recently, a suspicious looking individual was observed by a Ledbury lady to be making a sketch of the old Town Hall. Filled with the horrors of the recent Zeppelin bomb outrages and other wicked deeds committed by the Germans, the thought sprung into the lady's mind that the poor artist whom she saw busily engaged, might be plotting against his native land and the Ledbury Town Hall in particular. The result was that she lost no time in communicating with the police. The officer who came on the scene quickly perceived the man's object, which was to make a few pence by making sketches of the Hall and selling them to the public. A Ledbury lady this week had a very annoying experience. She had received a letter from her husband, who has gallantly volunteered for the defence of his country, and with the missive in front of her she promptly wrote a reply. Unfortunately, she was somewhat pressed for time, but succeeded in reaching the post. Some little time after when she had returned home, she found to her surprise and disgust, the letter she had previously written on the table. It then dawned upon her that she had put the letter she had received from her husband into the envelope and returned it to him. It was then too late to rectify the mistake and, worse still, she could not remember his address. What the husband said on receiving the letter may provide copy for this column in a subsequent issue. A street arab was walking down the street with a very badly-fed donkey, when a Masher began making fun of the boy. He said "Hi, boy, what will you take for your donkey?" The boy did not answer, so the Masher said, "Boy, do you hear? How much do you want for your donkey?" The boy at once looked up and said, "If you want to buy my donkey, mister, you had better first ask your mother whether she can keep two of you." A lady had written to ask a chiropodist to call and follow out his system and was eagerly awaiting the arrival of the man of nerve, when a knock at the front door was heard. "At last he cometh" said the damsel to herself, and a gentleman with a black bag was ushered into the boudoir. After the customary morning greeting had taken place, the sweet and attractive-looking lady took off her shoes and stockings, when lo! there was a faint cry and the gentleman with the hand bag had vanished. He was the pianoforte tuner. "Are you certain that this is the man?" asked the commanding officer, when a farmer accused a soldier of shooting a chicken. "I won't swear to him," said the witness, "but I will say he's the man I suspect of doing it." "That's not enough to convict a man," retorted the commanding officer considerably nettled. "What raised your suspicions?" "Well sir," replied the stolid farmer, as he slowly mopped his forehead with his handkerchief, "it was this way. I see him on my property with a gun, then I heard the gun go off, then I see him putting the chicken into his knapsack, and it didn't seem sense no how to think that the bird committed suicide!" BELLMAN Ledbury Guardian Newspaper 17 10 1914 Members of the Ledbury Board of Guardians were highly amused on Tuesday when returning from their meeting to see a dog in Belle Orchard with a small pig for his companion. Neither seemed to be taking much notice of the other, but as someone remarked, in referring to the dog, "he doesn't seem very particular in his pals." A few days ago there was considerable excitement in one of the Ledbury houses of "refreshment." A certain gentleman, not unknown in the town, in fact he is a conspicuous figure in our midst, was eagerly discussing an event which had recently come under his notice. After detailing all the facts leading up to the story, our friend caused some amusement by exclaiming that the scene of the occurrence was a "corrugated coach." Of course, he meant a corridor train. On Sunday afternoon there was an exciting scene in one of the leading thoroughfares of Ledbury. There was a buzzing noise in the air - the Germans had not invaded Ledbury, a Zeppelin airship was not flying overhead, neither was the buzzing noise caused by the dropping of bombs - it was caused by a walking stick and a spanner. A dog, the owner of which is a popular local resident, would persist in running after a motor cyclist and compelling him to get off his machine. As the animal repeated the offence on several occasions and then ran off to a place of safety, the motorist was determined to take revenge and with a spanner in hand he mounted his machine and went in pursuit of the dog. The dog ran off at top speed, which was somewhat accelerated by its owner, who though advanced in years, threw his walking stick at the dog with all the force he could command. The motorist simultaneously let drive with the spanner. But the dog happily escaped .... and was soon in its kennel, leaving its owner to parley with the motorist, who eventually went on his way, no doubt vowing vengeance on the dog. Needless to say the affair provided much amusement for passers by. The intensity of the war fervour is such that those who now spend money on pleasure to buy pictures, to play golf, to attend a place of amusement, are in danger of being dubbed unpatriotic. Yet one may show a truer patriotism in doing these things than in bombarding the Press with hysterical letters or regarding the present and future with a countenance of gloom. Let one put the matter into a nutshell. The country has called for our best and bravest to go to the firing-line. A million may be wanted - perhaps two - before the war is finished, but the bulk of the population - forty-three millions and odd - are still left in these islands. In what way can these best help to bring the war to a speedy and successful issue? One of the worst evils that war can bring in its train- perhaps the worst, so far as England is concerned - is unemployment among the masses. And unemployment in hard times has a tendency to grow in volume like an avalanche rolling down a mountain side. There are plenty of people who urge the well to do to show their patriotism during the war by denying themselves of all luxuries and amusements, never thinking of the hardships it will cause to the thousands of people whose livelihood is gained by providing these, and the general loss to the community caused by their being thrown out of employment. See how the matter works out. The people with money to spare bank it, curtailing their shopping and giving up games and amusements. Their economy causes a gradually widening circle of misery. Numbers of people in different grades of life are thrown out of employment, and, instead of being wage-earners, they and their dependants come directly or indirectly on charitable funds. The money deposited in the banks will have to come out again either in the guise of charitable subscriptions or government grants for their support. They get it in the end, but whereas they would have given good value for it, they are now unable to make any return, and the country is the poorer by the loss of their labour. Let those who have money to spare make it their guiding rule to spend it in such ways as to benefit those who are hard hit by the war. There is a good deal of money which even in a small place like Ledbury is being kept locked up. Shillings spent now will save Pounds spent later on. Those who are left behind will have their share of the fighting and the sooner they start their battle against the evils of unemployment the better the chance of victory. BELLMAN. Ledbury Guardian Newspaper 24 10 1914 More men left Ledbury on Thursday morning to serve their country. All over England the same thing is happening, but it is in the smaller towns where it becomes the more noticeable. A band plays them to the station, a few friends wave them farewell as they pass through the streets, a cheer or two as the train leaves, then they become units in the great scheme of national defence. All praise to those men who have left their work and their homes for their duty. As they left Ledbury this morning they looked a credit to themselves and to their town. Our enemies may have forced the science of the 20th century to serve their ends, but in England we have the fighting spirit of two thousand years to draw upon. I do not know who was responsible for the band, but a word of thanks may well be added for those who gave their friends and fellow townsmen a send off. "In the Wake of the Huns" was an oft repeated phrase which occurred to us when hearing of a little episode which happened the other day on the Worcester Road. A certain motor cyclist, by no means unknown in the neighbourhood, brutally destroyed a chicken by running over it. Why this particular chicken should have crossed the road will now probably never be known. The motor cyclist went on. Close behind was a country cart, whose occupants witnessed the disaster. They stopped and carefully and reverently lifted the body of the bird into the cart. Then they too went on. The thought now comes to us - Were they a kind of Red Cross Brigade, or did they intend to devour the slain? A Ledbury lady whom we have had the pleasure of writing about on a former occasion was most anxious to send away a very important letter of some urgency. In order to ensure a prompt reply she wrote and stamped an envelope for a reply to come back. It did come back and in record time too for the next post brought it. The lady had, unfortunately, put the letter into the wrong envelope. Result, more trouble over a "scrap of paper." The usual crowd round the railings at a military hospital were keeping a sharp lookout for German patients, when one appeared clad in the usual grey overcoat with red facings. As he strolled about inside the railings, the crowd moved with him, pointing him out to each other as "one of them Germans." He took a seat with his back to the crowd and evidently overheard their remarks, for he suddenly turned to them with a smile. "Yes," he cried. "A German overcoat, but a Welshman inside it." Two eminent physicians had been called in consultation. They had retired to another room to discuss the patient's condition. In the closet of that room a small boy had been concealed by the patient's directions to listen what the consultation decided, and to tell the patient, who desired genuine information. "Well, Jimmy," said the patient when the boy came to report, "What did they say?" "I couldn't tell you that," said the boy, "I listened as hard as I could, but they used such big words I couldn't remember much of it. All I could catch was when one doctor said, "Well, we'll find that out at the autopsy." BELLMAN. Ledbury Guardian Newspaper 31 10 1914 We understand that a Ledbury gentleman intends offering a prize of half-a-sovereign for the best bonfire with an effigy of the Kaiser on November 5th. In a certain publication a controversy has been raging as to the reasons why people do not go to church. This had elicited the following from a gentleman: "Your correspondent who last week gave some reasons why people did not go to church did not exhaust his subject. I heard one the other day which, had it not been personally vouched for by the minister who related it to me, I should have been loth to believe it. As it is I hope it is only an isolated case, but all who read it will admit that it was calculated to effectively prevent the particular person from going to chapel again. Here is the story; An old man living in a country district was asked why he did not go to chapel. He read his Bible regularly, and he believed he would go to Heaven, but attend chapel, no he would not. When young he was a member of a Methodist class, and fell in love with a buxom farm servant. The farm servant, however, was not a Methodist, and he had scruples about proceeding with the courtship, remembering the text, "Be not equally yoked with unbelievers." In his perplexity he sought counsel with his class leader, who advised him that even his right eye should be cast from him if it interfered with the law of Christ, and, acting on this advice, he gave up the courtship. Not long after, on going up the village street he saw a wedding, and on enquiring found that his sweetheart had been married to his class leader. Henceforward he read his Bible at home, and dispensed with the aid of his class leader. It would take a lot of visitation schemes to restore that man's faith in humanity." We are all familiar with the feats of skill we can do when we are not trying. Every cigarette smoker, for instance, has noticed how a fag-end, flung carelessly into the grate, will perch itself accurately on end on one of the bars, or stick quaintly at the back of the fireplace quite out of the reach of the flames. Well, this is that kind of unintentional feat. The housekeeper went into the scullery with a kettle in her hand, and finding no light there, sought somewhere to put the thing while she struck a match. Feeling certain that the "slop-stone" was clear, she cautiously lowered the kettle until it stood quite firmly there. Then she made a light, and perceived that the only thing that was in the sink was an egg-cup, upon which, in the dark, she had chanced to balance the kettle. A rather amusing story is told by a lady just arrived from America. Two days out a passenger died, and was buried at sea. The burial was to take place at twelve o'clock midnight. There were four clergymen on board, and it was arranged that the senior one should conduct the ceremony. One of the others, wishing to take part, took his Prayer Book, and while strolling on the deck saw a body wrapped in a blanket under the bulwarks. Concluding this was the corpse, he remained in its vicinity. Other passengers wishing to see the ceremony, and seeing the clergyman with his Prayer Book, and the body in the blanket, formed round the body, and others congregated until there were about 40; but judge of their surprise and astonishment when the supposed corpse stretched out its arms, groaned, and asked: "What are you all staring at?" It was a stoker having a nap, and the burial had taken place from another part of the vessel, so they were all disappointed. BELLMAN. Ledbury Guardian Newspaper 07 11 1914 At the Urban Council meeting on Monday the Housing Committee were able to announced [sic] the completion of the plans for proposed erection of artisan dwellings in Ledbury. Several congratulatory speeches were made upon the success which had attended the efforts of the committee to improve the housing accommodation in the town, all of which were no doubt well deserved. It was, however, at the same time interesting to note that the Councillors who were loud in the praises of the committee were among the very people who in the past have accused the committee of being dilatory in bringing forward their scheme. It was evident that they did not realise the amount of work involved in the preparation of the plans, but after the eulogistic remarks made on Monday evening, must now feel that their labours are at last appreciated. The houses about to be erected will be built upon the most modern principles and will be a credit to the town. The committee have been greatly assisted in their efforts by the generous spirit shown by Mr. W. A. H. MARTIN, the owner of the land, and Mr. HILL, the tenant, and if other landlords in the neighbourhood follow Mr. MARTIN's example we may hope to see in the future housing accommodation in Ledbury still further improved. An amusing story reaches us this week, but whether it has its origin from the Ledbury Schools we are unable to say. A boy scholar persisted to his schoolmaster that there were "twenty-five' letters in the alphabet despite the protestations of the latter that there were twenty-six. The boy recited the alphabet as follows - a b c d e f g h i j - l m n o p q r s t u v w x y x. But, said the schoolmaster, do you know, Willie, what letter you have missed out? The boy, quick to perceive his mistake, replied, "yes sir, K sir!" And where would you put that letter my little man, proceeded the schoolmaster? "In the "next letter sir!" promptly replied the youthful scholar. Owing to the possible danger at present existing in this country from hostile airships the authorities have requested the management of the Cinema House to discontinue for the present the use of the big arc lamps outside the building. We understand that this is the only light thus affected in Ledbury, so Ledburians may now sleep peacefully in their beds. Scene: The Homend. Billposter covering hoarding with brown paper. Enter Working man. Working Man: "What are you doing that for?" Billposter: "Government order." Working Man: "What do you mean?" Billposter: "All hoardings to be covered in khaki so as not to show up as a mark for Zeppelin Bombs." Working Man gasps a bit and then moves off to tell the tale to his pals. Certain ladies who are attending a certain class in Ledbury are, we understand, industriously engaged in the study of "It's never too late to mend." Of course it "might" be said "They are old enough to know better," but the world has moved on since they were young and the standard of manners and etiquette seems to have changed somewhat. Still talking in school hours always was forbidden. We would suggest that as singing is recommended as an aid to house work, a little chorus of "Polly put the Kettle on" by the whole class might prove a happy way out of the difficulty. BELLMAN. Ledbury Guardian Newspaper 14 11 1914 Ledbury is faced with the possibility of being asked to billet a thousand soldiers in the town. Some of the townspeople apparently regard the prospect with mixed feelings, but the business people are almost unanimous in favour of the project. If the amount paid weekly for each man should be seventeen shillings and nine pence as stated at the Council meeting last evening, it would mean that £1,000 per week would be spent in the town, and we venture to assert there is no single individual either directly or indirectly, who would not benefit thereby. That a thousand men would take a little squeezing in goes without saying, but provided that everyone, high and low in the social scale shares in proportion, it should be possible. We frankly admit that we are looking on this from a financial point of view, but we feel sure there are many whose patriotism will assist them in overcoming the little objections and inconveniences that will naturally come about. If Bedford put up 40,000 troops and a little village in the same county with a population of only 300, provided sleeping and feeding accommodation for 400 men, Ledbury should be able to look after 1,000. These notes are written before the Council meeting this evening but we feel confident that an invitation through the Mayor of Hereford to General McKINNON will be sent. There are many business men in the town to whom the war has brought a certain amount of loss. It would be a great pity if such a good chance to recoup a little was not seized upon. Malvern has already been spoken of in regard to the men the town has sent or rather not sent to the front. Here is another instance of the unpatriotic feelings of some of the townspeople. A number of men of the Worcestershire Yeomanry on leave for 48 hours to say goodbye before proceeding to the front, left Malvern early last Monday week. There were just two individuals to see them off. One was a man who had lent the boys his motor car; the other was a Ledburian who had walked nine miles, as there was no train so early. Ledbury certainly scores over Malvern in this respect. Harry LAUDER tells a story about Rab M'BETH, a friend who went of his, who went up to Glasgow once to see a brother off to America. They said goodbye on board, and then Rab went ashore, and as the great ship slowly drifted away from the quay, Rab continued to shout parting words of advice and encouragement to his brother, standing on the deck. "Goodbye Wull! Buck up Wull! See an' behave yersel'!" Everytime he shouted the ship was a little farther away, and Rab accordingly kept raising his voice more and more. The other people who were shouting goodbye were dumbfounded, and their goodbyes were hopelessly drowned in the roar of Rab's voice. When the ship was about half a mile away, Rab let himself go with a final tremendous shout: "Mind an' write hame, Wull!" A man standing near went up and touching Rab's arm, said, " If Wull doesn't write when he gets to America, you should just shout across to remind him!" G. BELLMAN. Ledbury Guardian Newspaper 21 11 1914 As we had reason to anticipate the Ledbury Urban Council passed a resolution inviting a portion of the troops included in the Mayor of Hereford's scheme to Ledbury. As might have been anticipated other towns besides Ledbury have realised the advantages such an addition to the population is likely to mean. Llandrindod Wells, for instance, sent a special deputation to interview General McKINNON (They also organised a house-to-house canvas of the town and the deputation took with them a complete scheme showing the arrangements that would be made for the billeting of the men. At the local Council meeting held at Llandrindod Wells, prior to the deputation being made, considerable stress was laid by more than one speaker upon the great opportunity the town had to secure £1,000 per week for three months. In Ledbury there are many who view the matter from the point of view of personal inconvenience. We fully admit that in many houses inconvenience would have to be met, but surely this is a matter which should be looked at in a broad spirit. There ought not to be many amongst us who cannot at time (sic) like this look at such a matter from the town's point of view. If the truth were known it would probably be found that the objectors were those whose business or source of income were those the least affected by the war. We have every reason to believe that the majority of the townspeople are anxious to see Ledbury a "military town" for the time being, but (and we will be quite candid on this point) there is not much chance of the military being sent here unless the inhabitants are prepared to make some personal sacrifice of their daily comforts. If this is quite clear then no stone should be left unturned to bring about the result desired. Ledbury has advantages which Llandrindod Wells cannot boast of as anyone who has travelled there by train must be well aware of and these advantages should be made the most of now. Talking of rural felicity reminds me that there was plenty of this commodity on Sunday last at a certain wayside inn. At the said hostelry there was an unwonted commotion and amusement among the denizons (sic) of the locality, and the cause was this: A coterie of customers, who needed matutinal sustenance after church, or appetisers for the mid-day repast, had betaken themselves to the said inn. Here they refreshed and appetised, but the effect of the generous liquor upon their delicate organisations was such as to inspire them with an insatiable desire to have some more. They consulted and deliberated, the result being that they gauged the extent of their thirst and cubical capacity to a mathematical nicety. Their unanimous conclusion was that they could "do" exactly three quarts more of the nut-brown beverage - no more no less - before the house closed. They therefore "clubbed" for that quantity, but when each had contributed his share, the collector found that there was exactly one penny short of the required amount. As no one volunteered to make up the deficiency, they deemed it expedient to approach the landlady and respectfully request her in the matter. She, however, at once declined the honour and showed her virtuous indignation at the bare idea of their entertaining such views so diametrically opposed to commercial integrity. Moreover, she reminded them that her husband had already given too much. Thereupon the host came upon the scene, and the customers who were beginning to feel the want of more liquor to sustain them, appealed to him. He, however, refused, and instead of foregoing the penny he lectured them upon the iniquity of trying to obtain liquor without being prepared to pay the full price therefor. Evidently the sermon or the subsequent refreshments had had considerable effect upon him, for he waxed both warm and eloquent, and in giving force to his arguments he thumped the table and bar, the result being that glasses and jugs were broken. Then as a finale to the proceedings he cleared the customers out of the house and closed the place up. In the evening when opening time again arrived the usual frequenters of the house were on the spot ? but were surprised to find the doors closed to all comers. They waited and waited until a little crowd had assembled, wondering what could be the matter within. At length their merriment and inquiries after the landlord's health led to that worthy appearing at an upstairs window. From his lattice he harangued the little crowd. At first sight people might have pardonally (sic) thought he had become a Blue Ribbonite for he was armed with two buckets of water which were placed prominently on either side of him. The object of these full measures of acqua pumpum was not at first apparent, but he speedily enlightened the little crowd by informing them that at the close of his address it was his intention to dispose the contents of the buckets on the devoted heads of anyone who should be rash enough to attempt an entrance on to his premises. This damped the ardour of those whose hour for a "drink" was overdue, and they left the spot more in sorrow than in anger. Since that eventful Sabbath evening the host has gone into sackcloth and ashes, and the effect of his being on the stool of repentance is that he has come to conclusion that there is more than meets the eye in the adage, "A penny wise and pound foolish." What will be the fashion after the war? This question reminds me of certain expert pronouncements on the subject that I sat under, so to speak, in a barber's chair. I had noticed or fancied I noticed that bearded men were not enthusiastically welcomed in that saloon, and there was perhaps a spice of malice in my suggestion to the barber that he had better get used to beards, for they would be fashionable very soon. "I hope not," he replied, gloomily. "This war's given us a tidy clout already." "Surely your trade is safe?" I said; people must have their hair cut. "Ay," he admitted, but look at all them young fellows that's gone to the front. Shaving them was money for nothing. But they'll all learn the art of shaving now, and they learn to get up in time in the morning, too. I've known fellows that went into the army - they couldn't stop in bed afterwards." He shook his head dolefully over the loss of trade implied with this increase of Spartan virtue through war. Then he cheered up, "No," he asserted with a sudden patriotic revival of confidence in the right-mindedness of his countrymen - "No, I don't think that beards will come into fashion again. Not in England." A Scottish landlord, meeting one of his veteran tenants, stopped for a chat. How are you to-day? He asked. "Verra weel, sir, verra weel," answered John in his usual way, "Gin it wasna for the rheumatism in my right leg." "Ah, well, John be thankful, for there is no mistake you are getting old like the rest of us, and old age does not come alone." "I won'er to hear ye. Auld age has nothing to do wi't. Here's my ither leg just as auld, an' it's quite sound and soople yet." BELLMAN. Ledbury Guardian Newspaper 28 11 1914 Ledbury may congratulate itself and Mr W. L. TILLEY on the response which has been made towards the putting up of 900 Territorials on a route march from Hereford to Ledbury and back. To the time of writing well over 700 offers to provide men with beds in private houses have come forward. This is of course as it should be and we have little doubt but that Mr. TILLEY will soon be able to show that accommodation for the whole of the 900 has been offered. It would be a standing disgrace to the town if some 50 or 60 men were left without beds and had to take shelter with a couple of blankets in the Town Hall. There are some who talk about inconveniences, but who should consider convenience at the present time. From the reports we have heard, and the letters received in different quarters, there seems to be a far more intense feeling of patriotism in Germany than there is in this country. Invasion is only dimly possible yet; where would our talk of inconvenience go if the Germans were to invade England. Imagine Ledbury in ruins, not likely we admit, but in this world war of science anything is possible. The inhabitants or what were left of them, turned out. Where should we go? What road should we take? In an inland town like our own there are few sacrifices we are likely to be called on to make and this is all the more reason why we should gladly and willingly come forward to meet an obligation which has for its object the shelter for one night of men who are doing their duty and who, in serving their country, are serving us all. Scene in the Southend on Market Day: Scene: Two men from D---- watching operations preparatory to laying the electric light cables. Garge: I say Bill, what be 'em a'doin' 'ere? Bill (with an air of superior knowledge): Why, bless me, Garge, 'asn't thee bin readin' the papers lately. Thee oin in the harmy too, and dun't knaw that. Why they be-a-diggin' trenches for them Germans. Garge (surprised): Well! Well! Who 'ould-a-thaught that now. One Ledburian at least, in the person of Gunner C. J. BEVAN, stepson to Mr. F. JONES, The Firs, Newtown, Ledbury - was with "L Battery" in the famous episode referred to in the following vigorous lines which appeared in last Saturday's 'Times,' and many of our readers may like to see them:- BATTERY L. Battery L of the R.H.A. - Oh, the cold grey light o' the dawn - Woke as the mists were wreathing pale, Woke to the moan of the shrapnel hail - Battery L. of the R.H.A. Sprang to their guns in the dawn. Six guns all at the break o' day - Oh, the crash of the shells at dawn - And out of the six guns only one Left for the fight ere the fight's begun - Battery L. of the R.H.A. Swung her round in the dawn. They swung her clear and they blazed away - Oh, the blood-red light o' the dawn - Osborne, Derbyshire, brave Dorrell, These are the heroes of Battery L. These are the men of the R.H.A. Who fought that gun in the dawn. Ay, that was a fight that was fought that day, As the grey mists fired from the dawn. Till they broke up the enemy one by one, Silenced him steadily gun by gun - Battery L. of the R.H.A. One lone gun in the dawn. JAMES L. HARVEY. A "soldier's daughter" who resides not far from Ledbury is bestirring herself to wake up some of our young men who have not yet joined the Army. As she advises the "Bellman" of it herself, and as he has not the slightest idea to whom she has been paying attention, he can therefore refer to the matter with a clear conscience. It is appears from a specimen she has forwarded to the office that she has prepared a number of postcards (how many I wonder?) with three little bows, one of pink silk, one of blue, the third of red, white and blue. Then she writes as follows over the respective bows:- If of me you sometimes think, Send me back my bow of - (pink). If for me your love is true, Send me back my bow of - (blue) But if you would your duty do, Go and fight for the - (red, white and blue). We think there ought to be some kind of badge which could be worn by those who look as if they were eligible for active service, wish they were eligible, perhaps have tried to enlist, but as a fact are not eligible. There are no doubt men in Ledbury who are unjustly blamed for holding back. It may be that they look older than they are; it may be that they have applied for enlistment and have been rejected for a reason not apparent to the people they meet; it may be that they are above the recruiting age, though they do not look it. It is hard on these that they should be classed as slackers and some kind of badge to be worn would save them from an undeserved reproach. It would also have the effect of bringing into stronger relief those who can serve and won't serve. It will be rather interesting to see how the consumers of bottled beer take the extra halfpenny the half-pint, which most publicans are putting on. Thrifty Scotland has always refused to pay even threepence for a half-pint bottle with one of the two or three famous Burton names on it. They pay threepence, but insist on having a bottle containing a "reputed pint" - that is two-thirds of a pint instead of a meagre half-pint. Thus the Scotsman pays (or did before the war tax) only 3¼d. the half-pint for his bottle of beer. In that case it seems pretty clear that there was plenty of room in the profit on the English bottle of beer to pay the tax without increasing the price. It is quite possible of course that a lighter and therefore cheaper bottled beer may have been supplied to the Scottish market. The ordinary name for the characteristic bottled beer of Burton is "East India Pale Ale." It was first put up as an export beer to send out to thirsty British exiles in India. As with all export beers, regard is, had to its keeping qualities. Hops are antiseptic and preservative and therefore, India Pale Ale is very highly hopped. It is very thoroughly furmented (sic), so that there is very little unfermented sugar left in it. This makes it "dryer" and somewhat more alcoholic than other beers. And as hops contain a principle which has the properties of an opiate bottled beer must be a sleepier beverage than most beers. For the same reason, "bitter" must be sleepier than "mild," since bitter beer is the most highly hopped. Mild also is mild because it has more flavour of malt than of hops. The little girl of the period has returned from school, and the girl of the period is shocking to their fathers and mothers, and uncles and aunts, and just a little to her brothers. Her language gets more and more wonderful, as each term comes to an end. Here is a specimen: Two sixteen-year-old girls just back from a boarding school were on board a car, "Bally rotten journey up to town. Never saw such a lot of mouldy whaups as there were in a carriage." "My godmother, yes. Weren't they the limit!" "Never mind, here we are. Isn't it spiff! Where are you going for the hols?" "I don't know, some mouldy seaside place, I suppose. Can't go yet though, my mind's got the mulligrubs or something. Little rotter." And so on till the car reached the destination. "So long: be good, I hop it here." And she hopped. BELLMAN. 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 Laura JONES, Donna GORIN, Janet MEREDITH, Sue SMITH |
Ledbury Reporter
![[Ledbury Reporter]](/lr.jpg "[Ledbury Reporter]"){kind=small} The Reporter now has Archive photographs for the years 2005 - 2009 which you can view and order. Select a year then make sure Ledbury is the keyword entered before pressing GO. I have spent many an hour in the Ledbury Library looking through the old Reporters which are on microfiche. Support this great local paper.
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