Chard and Ilminster News 04 Jun 1904 Shepton Beauchamp Friendly Society Festival Serious Accident

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The Chard and Ilminster News. Somerset, Dorset and Devon Advertiser Saturday 04 Jun 1904

Page 3 Column 4


SHEPTON BEAUCHAMP.

BENEFIT SOCIETY FESTIVAL.

SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

The members of the Shepton Beauchamp Friendly Society held their annual festival on Thursday, the event being heralded in the early morning by a merry peal from the church bells. At ten o'clock the roll was called, to which 91 answered. Much interest was displayed in the new flag, which is the work of Messrs KENNING & Son, of London, and is a very fine one. It represents on one side a carter and a shepherd shaking hands, the background representing a typical country scene. It is splendidly painted on rich blue corded silk, the design being surrounded by a handsome piece of scroll work, bearing the words “Shepton Beauchamp Friendly Society” in gold letters, the whole being surrounded by a beehive, representing thrift. The obverse side is much the same, except that the central design represents a labourer and a reaper shaking hands. Borne aloft by two stalwart bearers it made a brave show and gave general satisfaction. This year the first move was to the church, where an excellent sermon was preached by the Rev. V. S. S. COLES. After church the procession was re-formed, and, headed by the Barrington Brass Band (Bandmaster J. BOND), proceeded to Underhill Farm, where light refreshments were supplied by Mr. and Mrs. YOUNG. Rain now began to fall, but the possession marched to the farms of Messrs NASH, ROWSWELL, and F. ENGLAND, by which time the rain was coming down so heavily that a halt for shelter was made when the school was reached. The storm having abated a fresh start was made, the members being hospitably entertained by Mrs. ASH and Me srs <sic> J. H. ENGLAND and J. JACOBS.

After a complimentary visit to Shepton House, the procession wended its way to the Crat, where dinner was partaken of in a tent provided by the Rector. A capital meal was served by Mr. J. W. ROWSWELL, and a company of about 125 sat down. The Rector (the Rev. A. LETHBRIDGE) presided, supported by the Revs. V. S. S. COLES, J. HAMLET, F. H. HUGHES, and Messrs LEAN, J. JACOBS, H. C. YOUNG, E. M. DENTON, G. D. ROSENTHAL, J. H. and F. ENGLAND, B. WHITBY, H. ROWSWELL, J. Cash MATTHEWS, J. STRINGFELLOW, H. W. SOUTHCOMBE, T. ALLEN, T. ROWSWELL, W. ENGLAND, C. CORNELIUS, E. BEST, F. PIDGEON, W. MADDOCK, W. MUNCKTON, and E. MALE. - After dinner the Chairman briefly proposed “The King and Royal Family.” - Mr. J. Cash MATTHEWS, in g ving <sic> “the Bishop and Clergy.” spoke in eulogistic terms of the Rector's work in Shepton for 30 years, which evoked responsive cheers. He rejoiced that Mr. HUGHES was becoming more restored to health, and was pleased to see Mr. PATERSON more amongst them. - The Rev. V. S. S. COLES, in a humorous reply, said he was going to speak shortly on the work of the Church in villages. He was seeking information, and his audience informed him that “we and Barrington be brothers, but South Petherton are only cousins.” He thanked them for the affectionate way in which he was welcomed, and parted to catch a train amidst cheers. - The Rev J. HAMLET also replied, and pleaded for mutual forbearance, so that happiness and prosperity might ensue – The Chairman gave “The Employers of Labour,” and remarked upon Shepton's fortunate state in having an aboundance <sic> of work for the women to supplement the wages of the husband. - Mr. J. LEAN, in responding, spoke of his intention to work the Manor and Upton Farms, amidst cheers, and gave a few practical hints about thrift in prosperous times. - Mr. B. WHITBY (Yeovil), who was very cordially received, touched lightly on the fiscal proposals, and wished the farmers a more successful year than last, to their own benefit and that of their labourers. He spoke of the difficulties of the gloving industry, and hoped the depression may be only temporary. He wished the Club renewed success. - The Chairman gave “Prosperity to the Shepton Beauchamp Friendly Society.” He rejoiced to see so many young men joining, and said what pleasure he felt in seeing so many men in church that morning. - Mr. LEAN (treasurer), in responding, congratulated the Club upon its financial prosperity, and thanked the visitors for their attendance. - Mr. J. Cash MATTHEWS (secretary), said there was a record number of members. He produced roars of laughter by a play upon the stewards' names. “Great Scott, no wonder we prosper if we have two Clarks,” and was sure the Club would continue, as they had decided in choosing a steward “to go on to Ever-lasting.” The members had contributed £113, sick pay amounted to £34, and there was a balance of £107, with 123 members. The year's work had been a most pleasant onef <sic> as all had combined to keep the rules and carry out suggestions. - The Rev. F. H. HUGHES humorously proposed “The Visitors,” and coupled with the toast the name of the Rev. M. PATERSON, who suitably replied. - Mr. DENTON also replied. - A hearty cheer for the Rector for presiding concluded the dinner.

The Club members and their new flag were next photographed. Dancing on the green went on until 10 o'clock when a most enjoyable day came to a close.

During the evening a sad accident happened. Mr. PRIDDLE, of Broadway Hill, was present with some swing-boats. His grand-son, a lad of 17, was trying to stop one, when the plank snapped and the boat struck him violently in the forehead. P.C.'s LITTLE and ISAACS and the Sergeant at once saw that his injury was serious. He was conveyed to a house and the doctor on arrival pronounced that the unfortunate young man's skull was fractured. He laid unconscious all night, and a trepanning operation was performed upon him the next morning. He is progressing as well as can be expected, though not yet out of danger. The village nurse was most assiduous in her attention to the suffer <sic>.



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