Bell-ringing, cowman vacancy and a funeral
130 Years Ago
Sussex Express, 6 Mar 1894
FLETCHING
CHURCH BELLS AND BELL RINGING
The parish church (S. S. Andrew and Mary) possesses a peal of six bells, all of which were cast at the Whitechapel Foundry, London. Five were cast by Messrs. Lester, Pack and Chapman in A.D. 1769, and the treble bell by Mr. T. Mear and added in A.D. 1811.
The tenor bell measures 35 inches in diameter and weighs 7cwt. 3qrs. 20lbs. No. V measures 32 ½ inches, and weighs 6cwt. 3qrs. 11lbs. No. IV measures 30 inches, and weighs 5cwt. 3qrs. 17lbs. No. III measures 29 inches, and weighs 5cwt. 1qr. 18lbs. No. II measures 27 ½ inches, and weighs 4cwt. 2qrs. 26lbs. The treble measures 26 inches, and weighs 4cwt. approximate. The following inscriptions are to be seen on three of the bells:
On the third bell: “At proper times our voices we will raise in sounding to our benefactors praise”. On the tenor bell: “Robert Foord, churchwarden, Thomas Johnson, overseer.” On the treble bell: “The Hon. Geo. Aug. Fred. Ch. Holroyd, Richard Simmons.”
The first complete peal of 720 plain bob minor rung on the above named bells was performed on Thursday evening the ultimo., in 30 minutes, by the Fletching band of ringers, who, by the bye, are to be greatly congratulated, considering they had had no instructor, but have gained their knowledge of the changes by constant and persevering practice. The peal consisted of 18 bobs and
two singles. Those who took part in the ringing are as follows :—Mr. G. Stevenson,
tenor (conductor) ; Mr. Jos. Burley, 5th ; Mr S. Burley, 4th; Mr. William Andrew,
3rd; Mr. F. Newnham, 2nd; and Mr. T. Bellingham, treble.
Sussex Express, 13 March 1894
SITUATIONS VACANT
AS COWMAN — Wanted, March next, an industrious trustworthy, married man, to look after four or five cows, and manage pigs and poultry, and fill up his time in the garden; good character a necessity.
Apply by letter, stating wages, to The Vicar, Fletching, Uckfleld.
120 Years Ago, 12 Mar 1904
FLETCHING. AGENT FOR THIS PAPER — Mr. J. J. Hales.
FUNERAL — Amid much sympathy and regret the remains of Margaret Eva Weston, youngest daughter Noah and Georgina Weston, of the above parish, took place at Fletching. Deceased, who was only 16 years of age, died on March 14th, after two days of illness. The coffin bore the inscription “Margaret Eva Weston. Died March 4th, 1904. Aged 16 years. The spirit shall return unto God, who gave it”.
The corpse was met at the Lych Gate by the members of the choir, and the service was conducted by the Rev. E. P. Hood (vicar of the parish). Hymns 499, 536 and the Nunc Dimittis were sung by the choir.
The grave was lined with ivy. Deceased was a member of the church choir, and of the Girls Friendly Society. The coffin was covered with wreaths.