BURLEY VILLAGE MAGAZINE - Articles from 1977
January P8 RAINFALL 1976
Captain Macnair reports that for the twelve months to November 30th, 29.12 inches fell, which is pretty near the average over the years, but it was very oddly distributed. Of this total, 20.3 inches fell in the last three months. For June, July and up to 28th there was only 1.2 inches and for the last 38 days of that time there was no rain at all!
March P11 (W.I.) JUBILEE SCRAP BOOK
Amongst the W.I.’s most treasured possessions are the two Scrap Books, one of which was on public display at the Village Exhibition. The first was produced in 1952, exactly 25 years ago, the Parish Council has accepted the suggestion that we produce a similar book commemorating this Jubilee Year.
It is proposed to ask each Village Organisation (and there are 28 to date) to submit photographs and/or script, either to me or to Mrs. Towers (Rooks Farm) as soon as possible so that work may begin and justice done to our present scrap Books, and that on completion, the new Book may be on view to the public along with the others, during the week of Celebration in Burley, beginning on 5th June until Saturday 11th.
It is proposed to ask each Village Organisation (and there are 28 to date) to submit photographs and/or script, either to me or to Mrs. Towers (Rooks Farm) as soon as possible so that work may begin and justice done to our present scrap Books, and that on completion, the new Book may be on view to the public along with the others, during the week of Celebration in Burley, beginning on 5th June until Saturday 11th.
H.M.C-P., Honey Lane.
April P19 CORDUROY
The corduroy which was used to make trousers for working men in our boyhood days had come a long way since it was worn by Kings and princes, for it was a coarse, tough material, would stand up to hard wear and was reasonable in price. After some use in all weathers, the corduroy would become stiff and the surface hard, so that a pair of trousers would just about would just about stand up on their own. So hard would the surface become that it was not an uncommon sight to see a man bend down to tighten up the seat of his pants, and strike a wax vestas match across his backside!
By the way, the usual practice then was to wear a leather strap around each leg, under the knee, to keep the bottoms of the trousers out of the mud, I seem to remember that these straps were called “yankers”, I know that they were called “bowyangs” in Australia.
In 1910, when we arrived in Burley, corduroy was very popular for boys wear, for jackets as well as for trousers. How those boys would strut when they first appeared in their new corduroys, and how we envied them! Only that corduroy would make music as its wearer walked along, “cheep-cheep”, and the coarser the cloth the louder the “cheep”. Then the smell! There was nothing like it! A vulgar smell, yet attractive, horribly so.
Our mother, after much pestering, bought enough corduroy at Cox and Hicks in Ringwood to make trousers for the three of us. “Velvet Corduroy” it was, as she so carefully explained to us, not the common sort! I remember it was green in colour, not the usual light brown, it smelt nice and didn’t utter the tiniest squeak when we walked. We just had to wear those trousers, and mother didn’t know until afterwards, how disappointed we were. It was also years afterwards that I discovered why the cheap corduroy, when new, had that peculiar smell. It appears that men of those days who purchased such garments, greatly fancied a “high sheen” on their new “cords” and the only way the manufacturers could find to produce this sheen, was by steeping the material in a solution of water and dog’s excrement!!!
By the way, the usual practice then was to wear a leather strap around each leg, under the knee, to keep the bottoms of the trousers out of the mud, I seem to remember that these straps were called “yankers”, I know that they were called “bowyangs” in Australia.
In 1910, when we arrived in Burley, corduroy was very popular for boys wear, for jackets as well as for trousers. How those boys would strut when they first appeared in their new corduroys, and how we envied them! Only that corduroy would make music as its wearer walked along, “cheep-cheep”, and the coarser the cloth the louder the “cheep”. Then the smell! There was nothing like it! A vulgar smell, yet attractive, horribly so.
Our mother, after much pestering, bought enough corduroy at Cox and Hicks in Ringwood to make trousers for the three of us. “Velvet Corduroy” it was, as she so carefully explained to us, not the common sort! I remember it was green in colour, not the usual light brown, it smelt nice and didn’t utter the tiniest squeak when we walked. We just had to wear those trousers, and mother didn’t know until afterwards, how disappointed we were. It was also years afterwards that I discovered why the cheap corduroy, when new, had that peculiar smell. It appears that men of those days who purchased such garments, greatly fancied a “high sheen” on their new “cords” and the only way the manufacturers could find to produce this sheen, was by steeping the material in a solution of water and dog’s excrement!!!
G.L.
May P20 ROMANS IN BURLEY
Excavations in the New Forest during the past 100 years have provided evidence of Roman culture in many places. Even though no kiln has been located in Burley, many pieces of Romano-British pottery have been found. Some of these in the grounds of the Old Vicarage. It was here in 1936 that the only Roman coin was dug up. This was a coin of Diocletian, which shows the bust of the crowned Emperor on the obverse “heads” and Jupiter on the reverse (“tails”). The mint-mark is illegible but it was probably minted in Lugdunum (Lyons) or Rome, between AD 284 and 295. (This coin and the pottery already found justifies a claim for an entry on the map of Roman Britain).
Diocletian lived from AD 245-313. He did not come from a wealthy or noble family, but had a distinguished career in the army and was appointed Emperor by the soldiers. The Roman Empire had been crippled with anarchy for fifty years – during this time all but one of the 21 Emperors had a violent death – and Diocletian made sweeping reforms which effectively stabilised the state of affairs.
One of the most interesting reforms was introduced to improve the financial situation. There were taxes on land and business, payments in kind, and a poll-tax. When people tried to avoid paying by giving up their trade, he forbade them to change it. However inflation continued in spite of all the taxes, and so in 301 Diocletian gave out an edict fixing maximum prices for food, which was meant to prevent exorbitant prices (it did not work!).
This Emperor is well known for his treatment of early Christians: at first he attacked the churches and their writings, but then Christians were accused of a plot to murder him, and the great persecution began. He abdicated at the age of 60 and retired to Salona, where his main occupation became the cultivation of cabbages.
Diocletian lived from AD 245-313. He did not come from a wealthy or noble family, but had a distinguished career in the army and was appointed Emperor by the soldiers. The Roman Empire had been crippled with anarchy for fifty years – during this time all but one of the 21 Emperors had a violent death – and Diocletian made sweeping reforms which effectively stabilised the state of affairs.
One of the most interesting reforms was introduced to improve the financial situation. There were taxes on land and business, payments in kind, and a poll-tax. When people tried to avoid paying by giving up their trade, he forbade them to change it. However inflation continued in spite of all the taxes, and so in 301 Diocletian gave out an edict fixing maximum prices for food, which was meant to prevent exorbitant prices (it did not work!).
This Emperor is well known for his treatment of early Christians: at first he attacked the churches and their writings, but then Christians were accused of a plot to murder him, and the great persecution began. He abdicated at the age of 60 and retired to Salona, where his main occupation became the cultivation of cabbages.
P.Mays
October P 11-12 THE PARTY GIVEN TO MR. AND MRS. ALFRED HUTCHINGS
It was a happy occasion in the Parish Hall on Thursday evening the 8th September when we all gathered there to show our appreciation to Alfred and Jessie Hutchings on their retirement from the Post Office.
It is now thirty years since Alfred returned here to help his father in our Post Office, and within a few years, he, Alfred, was in complete control. During that period, Alfred and Jessie have given their all to our village and have endeared themselves to all who have had the pleasure of knowing them. Mr. Hutchings Senr. “Bill” that dear man and great character, must have taken over the Post office in about 1927, which makes 50 years of service from the family, and now Roger of the third generation is there to carry on the tradition. Wonderful!
In spite of the arduous task of running the Post Office, often under difficulties, both Alfred and Jessie found time (we don’t know how!) to help and take responsibility, with many of our local organisations and it is this devotion, as well as their official contribution, that we appreciate and for which we thank them.
The organising committee had, as expected, prepared well for the party, so all went smoothly, with lots of good things to eat and drink. The Chairman of Committee, Mr. Harry Law was at the entrance door to welcome Mr. and Mrs. Hutchings, when he presented Jessie with a most beautiful orchid and then guided them through the crowded hall for the real presentations. He handed them both an illuminated address, a painting of “Highland Water” by Caldi, and a cheque for £150. Then Mr. Brian Marchant, on behalf of the postmen, presented them with a pair of silver candlesticks.
The illuminated address was really beautiful and all praise and thanks to Mr. Alan Brown who did it, also thanks to Mr. Frost who, at short notice, framed it so tastefully. It must have been an unforgettable time for Mr. and Mrs. Hutchings, specially when they heard the applause from their many friends in the Hall after Alfred’s short speech of thanks.
The address listed particulars of the many activities in which both had taken part, and to place them on record in the magazine here they are:-
Alfred George Hutchings:-
Sub-Office Assistant, 1st September 1947 to 14th April 1951.
Sub-Postmaster: 15th April 1951 to 30th April 1977.
Member of Burley Parish Council and present Chairman.
Past Chairman Burley Village Fayre Committee.
Past Secretary Burley Football Club.
Trustee Burley Men’s Club. Member Burley Scout Committee.
Past Member Burley Fire Brigade.
Member of the Royal British Legion.
Army Service during World War II.
Mrs. Jessie R. Hutchings:-
Past Parish Clerk.
Past Secretary Burley Charities.
Sub-Office Assistant of the Post Office.
Member of the Mother’s Union.
Mr. and Mrs. Hutchings’ daughter Marion unfortunately couldn’t be present, but otherwise, what a gathering of the clan! (and “clan” is more appropriate than many would think). Alfred’s sisters Marion and Isabel, his brothers Will and Robert, and their daughter Rosemary and sons Robert and Roger; how good it was to see them all together again. To complete the evening, Roger announced his engagement and this must have brought his parents great joy.
Throughout the evening, Mrs. Lesley Browning, full of good cheer, presented her book to all the guests for their signatures, and Bob and Mike Norman did splendid work with their cameras. The book of signatures and the album of photographs will be presented to Mr. and Mrs. Hutchings later. We mustn’t forget the Scouts, who did such a fine job in taking round the refreshments, quietly seeing to all the wants of all. Also after the presentation, our local singers, accompanied by Mrs. Howard on the piano, entertained with many popular songs and at the end led the singing of Auld Lang Syne. The Chairman of the Committee would like to thank all those kind people who subscribed and those who prepared the refreshments, the Hall and the flowers, also to thank especially Miss Weir the Secretary and members of the Committee, Miss Hardcastle, Miss Moberly, Mrs. Howard, Mrs. Deakin, Miss Flood, Mrs. Vicars-Miles, Major Millar, Mr. Kidd and Mr. Marchant.
It is now thirty years since Alfred returned here to help his father in our Post Office, and within a few years, he, Alfred, was in complete control. During that period, Alfred and Jessie have given their all to our village and have endeared themselves to all who have had the pleasure of knowing them. Mr. Hutchings Senr. “Bill” that dear man and great character, must have taken over the Post office in about 1927, which makes 50 years of service from the family, and now Roger of the third generation is there to carry on the tradition. Wonderful!
In spite of the arduous task of running the Post Office, often under difficulties, both Alfred and Jessie found time (we don’t know how!) to help and take responsibility, with many of our local organisations and it is this devotion, as well as their official contribution, that we appreciate and for which we thank them.
The organising committee had, as expected, prepared well for the party, so all went smoothly, with lots of good things to eat and drink. The Chairman of Committee, Mr. Harry Law was at the entrance door to welcome Mr. and Mrs. Hutchings, when he presented Jessie with a most beautiful orchid and then guided them through the crowded hall for the real presentations. He handed them both an illuminated address, a painting of “Highland Water” by Caldi, and a cheque for £150. Then Mr. Brian Marchant, on behalf of the postmen, presented them with a pair of silver candlesticks.
The illuminated address was really beautiful and all praise and thanks to Mr. Alan Brown who did it, also thanks to Mr. Frost who, at short notice, framed it so tastefully. It must have been an unforgettable time for Mr. and Mrs. Hutchings, specially when they heard the applause from their many friends in the Hall after Alfred’s short speech of thanks.
The address listed particulars of the many activities in which both had taken part, and to place them on record in the magazine here they are:-
Alfred George Hutchings:-
Sub-Office Assistant, 1st September 1947 to 14th April 1951.
Sub-Postmaster: 15th April 1951 to 30th April 1977.
Member of Burley Parish Council and present Chairman.
Past Chairman Burley Village Fayre Committee.
Past Secretary Burley Football Club.
Trustee Burley Men’s Club. Member Burley Scout Committee.
Past Member Burley Fire Brigade.
Member of the Royal British Legion.
Army Service during World War II.
Mrs. Jessie R. Hutchings:-
Past Parish Clerk.
Past Secretary Burley Charities.
Sub-Office Assistant of the Post Office.
Member of the Mother’s Union.
Mr. and Mrs. Hutchings’ daughter Marion unfortunately couldn’t be present, but otherwise, what a gathering of the clan! (and “clan” is more appropriate than many would think). Alfred’s sisters Marion and Isabel, his brothers Will and Robert, and their daughter Rosemary and sons Robert and Roger; how good it was to see them all together again. To complete the evening, Roger announced his engagement and this must have brought his parents great joy.
Throughout the evening, Mrs. Lesley Browning, full of good cheer, presented her book to all the guests for their signatures, and Bob and Mike Norman did splendid work with their cameras. The book of signatures and the album of photographs will be presented to Mr. and Mrs. Hutchings later. We mustn’t forget the Scouts, who did such a fine job in taking round the refreshments, quietly seeing to all the wants of all. Also after the presentation, our local singers, accompanied by Mrs. Howard on the piano, entertained with many popular songs and at the end led the singing of Auld Lang Syne. The Chairman of the Committee would like to thank all those kind people who subscribed and those who prepared the refreshments, the Hall and the flowers, also to thank especially Miss Weir the Secretary and members of the Committee, Miss Hardcastle, Miss Moberly, Mrs. Howard, Mrs. Deakin, Miss Flood, Mrs. Vicars-Miles, Major Millar, Mr. Kidd and Mr. Marchant.