May 1897

May

OUR first words must be those of profound gratitude for well-spent Lent, in commemoration of our Saviour’s long fast and temptation in the wilderness. Surely, the more we try to follow closely in His footsteps, the nearer we shall be to Him, and the more we shall make ourselves one with Him. This, we are thankful to say, seemed fully realized by the large number who made Lent a time of special devotion; and on Good Friday, during the three hours’ darkness that reigned over Calvary whilst Jesus was suffering on the Cross, gathered together for prayer and meditation. There have never been so many before. God has heard their prayers and ours.

A BR1GHT and beautiful Easter Day ushered in the message of the Resurrection. - The Church was beautifully decorated in honour of the great Festival, and large numbers of white lilies, those emblems of a pure love, seemed to speak to us of the corrupt body raised in incorruption, sown an dishonour, raised in glory.

were more Communicants than ever before. In five year the Communicants have increased fourfold. We believe also that their whole heart went with them in their devotions.

AT a meeting of School Managers of tbe neighbourhood, held in Ely, Mr. Arthur Hall, Pell and the Rector were appointed representatives to an Association for recommending necessitous Schools to participate in the Grant allowed under the last Education Act.

THE Flower Show has been passing through a crisis, or rather developing its aims to increase. its usefulness. The Committee are anxious to make it a real village holiday. Hence the whole catalogue has been revised, and everything done to encourage competition, and thus improve the Show; also to improve the Sports. At the same time the Committee are endeavouring to provide additional amusements. This year the Show will be held at Mr Stockdale's, who has been most kind and ready to help to make it a success.

THIS year the Feast falls in Whit week, and we have decided to hold our Garden Party and Jumble Sale on Tuesday afternoon in that week. A special bill will be published, but we may announce now, that on Tuesday, June 8th, the Jumble Sale will be held in the Rectory Garden. There will be the sale of things; Concert in the Garden; Tea; the Militia Band, and ,some small illumination of. the Garden in the evening. Contributions, of any kind whatever, will be gladly received at the Rectory-Clothing, eggs, fruit, poultry, etc.

WE must congratulate the local Benefit Society on the rule lately made not to allow any beer to be taken outside the tent on the occasion of the Annual Dinner. This change has removed what would soon have become a very grave scandal, and we hope it may always be strictly adhered to.

THERE has just gone from our midst one of the oldest and best-known inhabitants of the yillage, namely, Mr. John Few. A kind-hearted man, who all his life has applied himself to the duties of his daily calling, without interfering with anyone. He has now run his course and passed away at the ripe old age of seventy-three.

WE are pleased to announce that the Charity Commissioners have accepted Mr. John Brittain and Mr. James Stevens to represent the Parish .Council as trustees to the Feoffee Charity.

MK. HAYES FISHER, M.P., and Mr. Giles, M.P., have become vice-presidents of the Flower Show, and have very kindly subscribed to it.

WHATEVER may be said for or against the present Government, one very practical benefit has been conferred upon agricultural parishes-one which will be keenly appreciated by everyone farming land: For the future, rates on land are reduced one half. The other half is supplied by the Government. This generous treatment will reduce the rates of this parish by about £ 1,000. Such generosity to the farmer has never been heard of before.