May issue - Magazine - Page 43
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LOCAL INTEREST
Castle Bytham Parish in World War One
During his time as a Parish Councillor in Castle Bytham from 1991 to 2018, Nigel Allsopp made
note of some interesting historic Parish minutes from World War One that he shares here.
30th October 1914
Belgium refugees
That the council shall recognise the dire distress caused by
the war and the number of Belgium refugees coming to
England helpless and homeless. [It] offers as much as in
their power lies to support the scheme which they
understand the R.D.C [Rural District Council] has in hand
to relieve the same. Proposed E. Clark. Unanimously
agreed.
20th November 1914
War aid
That the circular be filled up stating the amount of moneys
collected, or articles made and forwarded to the National
funds or depots. Proposed Bradshaw.
Recruiting
The names were called out by the Clerk after they had
been addressed by Mr. Harrison, Chairman, Dr. Turner
and Mr. E. Clark upon the importance of those being free
and able to join His Majesty's Forces for Imperial
Defences. With but two or three exceptions, all answered
No, after which it was explained to them that their names
would be sent to the proper authority to be dealt with.
Resolution
That all the names of the eligible men, married or single,
in the village be ascertained and written to, requesting
their attendance at a meeting of the council on Friday
November 27th 1914 at 7.30pm.
10th March 1916
Resolution
That the names of thirty eight single men be forwarded to
Mr. Bell of Bourne. Carried unanimously. The Clerk was
instructed to write to L. Holt Esq asking him, as Leader of
the Special Constables (for the period of the war), to
consult with same and arrange with same for a number of
villagers willing to serve on a Special Patrol in pairs, in
and out of the village in the event of an air raid likely to
take place. To duly warn the inhabitants of same and thus
th
alleviate any such sudderners as on March 5 last.
[Presumably by ‘sudderners’ they meant there had been an
air raid on that day with no warning.] Also to ask if he
would see that arrangements can be made with Authorities
for an earlier notice be given by wire or telegraph than on
the last occasion. Proposed Clark. Carried unanimously.
19th January 1917
[At this time, rats were considered a serious problem due
to their ability to spread disease, and sparrows were
considered an agricultural pest, so the government paid a
bounty for their eradication and clubs were formed to
track and kill them. Rewards were given on production of
sparrow heads and eggs and rat tails.]
Rat & Sparrow Club
That the Clerk shall write to Mr. Holdich, Clerk to the
County Council, for rules for forming a Rat and Sparrow
Club. Proposed Lawson. Seconded Thraves.
11th May 1917
Rats & Sparrows
That a halfpenny per acre be levied on agricultural land
for the killing of rats and sparrows in accordance with the
Government's wishes. The same to be collected by the
Rate Collector. Proposed Clark. Seconded Lawson.
That Mr. Jas. Harrison be appointed receiver of Rats and
Sparrows and Eggs. The Government rates same be
adhered to. Proposed Bradshaw. Seconded Clark.
Allotments
That the Council shall invite the representative, Mrs. J.
Holmes of the Ladies War Committee, to meet this
Council if she deems it necessary after the inspection of
the allotments. Proposed Clark. Seconded Bradshaw.
21st September 1917
[Voluntary rationing was in operation in 1917 and people
filled in sugar forms to claim their allowance of 340g per
week. By 1918 rationing had become mandatory.]
Filling up the sugar forms
That notices be given out in the Church and Chapel and
School and in the Village, that persons wishing to help in
filling up the sugar cards may apply to the Recreation Hall
on Monday Sept 24th from 12 to 12.30 and Tuesday the
25th from 6 to 7 o'clock. Proposed Lawson. Seconded
Jackson.
Clerk’s War bonus
That the Clerk be paid a War Bonus of £1-0-0 per year
during the War. Proposed Harrison. Seconded Parker.
Rat & Sparrows
That the Clerk be appointed Receiver of Rats' tails, 1d
each, Sparrows, 3d per dozen, Sparrows eggs, 2d per
dozen. Proposed Bradshaw. Seconded Parker.
4th October 1918
Precept
That a precept be drawn upon the Overseers for £6-0-0
and the following a/c be paid. Assurance for 1916-1917:
£2-0-0. Elsom for half year salary: £1-10-0. Mr. Harrison
for Rats and Sparrows 1917, £1-8-6d. The Clerk War
Bonus for 1918. A total of £5-11-0.
A cheque for same be signed No 145.
Village War memorial
That a Public meeting be held in the Recreation Hall on
November 21st at 7-15pm to consider the question of a
permanent Village Memorial for the Men who served in
the War. Proposed Lawson. Seconded Clark.
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