Friday 29 August 2014

The Diary of Montague Hardwick Knott, 1957 (28)

Thursday 29.8.57

We slept until 8o’c this am. H & I went to B’m & called at Ongar Hospital on the way. Mrs Jopson was pleased to see us but was in no great shape.

Things are still progressing at the house but it seems unlikely they’ll be ready by Sept 18th.  We called on May Jopson & George, the Simmons & Roy Horsnell. Then home to lunch.


[…]

Thursday 28 August 2014

Remember

Today we mark the centenary of the death of Stoker Walter Brazier, age 28, remembered on the War Memorial at Blackmore, who was killed on 28 August 1914 in the Battle of Heligoland Bight.

Wednesday 27 August 2014

The Diary of Montague Hardwick Knott, 1957 (27)

Tuesday 27.8.57

Am gradually mastering my enemy. It has just chimed 9pm & I propose going to bed when I written this diary up.

Yesterday I felt rough. Weather was much improved. The violent winds had dropped & at times it was most pleasant.

Took my car to Stewart & Arden for service & spent an hour in Ilford waiting for it. Walked round to Harrison & Gibson’s Furniture Store, a fine display.

After lunch & a rest I went to B’m & met the Archt’t & builder. Things are going forward spent a couple of hours there. Called on Mr Hartley on way home. He is most helpful – gave me names of lay-readers for Paslow C Services. They feel better for their holiday.

[…]


Wednesday 28.8.57

[…]

Monday 25 August 2014

The Diary of Montague Hardwick Knott, 1957 (26)

Sunday 25.8.57

Feel much better but not back to normal. […]

Was off to B’m before 8.30. Called at Ongar Hosp & altho’ Matron thought Mrs Jopson was getting more use of her limbs, to me she seemed much worse.

We had a good morning service. Eighteen to H.C. After service called on Miss Huddleston, the Jopson’s, the Searle’s & Miss Thomas. Met Ruby Argent at the latter’s home.  Then home for lunch where I am awaiting it & feeling hungry.


It was a wild night & galey today. Twigs & boughs on all the country roads & I hear the rather poor fruit harvest is suffering badly. The ground is covered with windfalls. Mins has just come in so off we go for lunch. 

ESAH160: Great War: The Peoples' Story

ESAH160: Great War: The Peoples' Story: "WW1 through the eyes of ordinary people" is how ITV's Sunday docu-drama 'Great War: The Peoples' Story' is de...

Sunday 24 August 2014

The Diary of Montague Hardwick Knott, 1957 (25)

Saturday 24.8.57


Am not feeling very bright. Since Wednesday have been troubled with a bout of my old complaint. […]

Wednesday 20 August 2014

The Diary of Montague Hardwick Knott, 1957 (24)

Tuesday 20.8.57

[…] Worked at home until 10o’c & then went to the bank in Wdfd. The purchase money for 3 Firs Walk has come through so we have put £2000 on deposit. £1200 odd in the Abbey National & are leaving the rest on current a/c.

[…] Went to Branch the printers for some prints of St Laurence’s interior. Hope to have them by the week-end. Went to Mother’s & found Roy busy reconstructing the scullery. Looks as though he’ll make a good job of it.


Next to B’m where I found good progress at the house. Called on Sylvia Searle – a cripple of delightful character, on Mrs Jopson & the Hartleys. Nobody at home of the last named. Home for late tea after which a couple of letters before washing the car. 

Blackmore: Thomas Read Hull. Family Visit Grave.

Cleared grave of Thomas Read Hull
Previous hidden grave
(February 2014)
Received: 17 August 2014

I went today to Blackmore and cleared the grave a bit. I enclose a photo !
Thank you again for your research and direction, without which I wouldn't have found it.
I have, incidently sent a photo to Read Hull's new Gt. Gt. Gt. Grandson who may be interested when he is bigger.
Best wishes

Charlie Hull

Tuesday 19 August 2014

The Diary of Montague Hardwick Knott, 1957 (23)

Monday 19.8.57

How quickly the time slips by. Saturday saw H busy about her business in the am and I at my desk. […] Marjorie Shorey has changed her car – another Ford “Prefect”. A 1956 model but looks good.

Sunday was encouraging. H came w me both am & eve. There were 17 out in the am & 15 took Communion. We called on Miss Thomas at Paslow Common & learned that it was her birthday. As Miss G was out & M had in invite for tea we were on our own & enjoyed it. H forgot her door key in the am & I had to get in thro’ kitchen window on our return from church.

There were about 35 out in the evening. […] Felt free & believe God blessed the preaching. […]

We were all together for supper. Miss G brought half a birthday cake of which we all partook.

Went to B’m first thing this am. Found the plumbers busy. Still looks doubtful if we will be in by the 18th Sept. Called on Miss Thomas & promised her the hymns & psalms in advance for Sept. Called also on Mr Wood, Miss Loker & Canon Gallop. The latter gave me the block of the pc interior of St Laurence’s Ch. I want to get some more pc’s printed. Saw Willie Emmett in the village. He has promised to speak to the other boys about joining the choir.


Was back for lunch & a busy pm at my desk. Dick Browning phoned asking me to take a Quiet Afternoon with his S. S. Teachers. Have promised to do so on 7th Sept. After tea continued at my desk & prepared an expenses statement for the Inspector of Taxes. 

Saturday 16 August 2014

The Diary of Montague Hardwick Knott, 1957 (22)

Friday 16.8.57

Another day has sped its way. H feels an emotional strain living opposite her old home & seeing people go in & out. However she has been very courageous & I have admired her spirit in what must be trying circumstances for any house-wife let alone one of H’s age.

Whilst H stayed at home this am I went to B’m.  Called at Ongar Hosp to see Mrs Jopson. She is making good progress tho’ still seriously ill. She appreciated my call & the flowers I took were, she said, her favourites.

Found nobody working at the house.  Called on Miss Thomas re Paslow services, on the Simmons & the Woods. Anne S showed me her engagement ring. Roy Horsnell is her fiancé. Was home for 1o’c lunch.

Had a good sleep this pm & then to work in my temporary study. After tea to work again & at 8o’c H & I walked round to Joyce Stunt’s where we stayed for an hour.


Tonight’s radio told of a man being charged at Woodford with the criminal assault & murder of a boy of seven on Saturday last. Poor child & poor murderer. What processes of filthy lust led him to such degradation & what remorse gnaws at his conscience now. 

Thursday 14 August 2014

The Diary of Montague Hardwick Knott, 1957 (21)

Wednesday 14.8.57

These have been two very trying days for my little wife & they have been busy enough for me too.

Since Monday, we have been turning out, sorting, keeping & rejecting a hundred & one things.

I was on the go from 7am – 10.30pm yesterday with H almost as long. We moved over to Minnie’s & slept there. It rained on & off all day.

This am H & I were both over & No 3 by 7o’c. We hardly stopped for b’fast as the removal van turned up before 9am. It proved too small & so part of our f’ture had to be left behind. They were away by noon. It has been very wet today. Brightened up at tea-time.

I went to Brentwood. Was surprised to find that it is nearer here than is Blackmore by 2 – 3 miles. Arranged for the transfer of my Barclays A/c from W’fd. Called on the removal people & complained of its mismanagement of our removal & then went on to B’m.

Attended the W.I. Exhibition. Some very creditable entries. Found good progress in the house & picked up a letter in the church. Delivered some jumble to Church Hse, W’stow.

[…] Phoned KD & learned Sam Radley passed away this am. Learned at B’m that Mrs Jopson has been moved to hospital & has made some progress.


Thursday 15.8.57

[…]

Tuesday 12 August 2014

The Diary of Montague Hardwick Knott, 1957 (20)

Monday 12.8.57

We both slept soundly. I turned out at 8o’c & went into H who couldn’t believe it was so late.

Took car into Stewart & Arden Ilford for service & returned home to take up upstairs & landing carpet. This pm collected car & went to B’m where I met Mr Insall, the architect. His assistant, Mr Scarff had been at the church all day & Mr I arrived at about 5o’c & I half an hour later.

Found good progress in the house.  Went along to the Jopson’s & found Mrs J is just the same.

Mr Scarff found the church most interesting & is making a report through Mr Insall. It will cost several thousands of pounds but one can see it could be made very lovely.


Got home at about 9.30 after bringing Mr Insall as far as Woodford Station. […]

Monday 11 August 2014

The Diary of Montague Hardwick Knott, 1957 (19)

Sunday 11.8.57

H is v tired. Has stayed at home all day. I have missed her company. It will be a good thing when we are away from this house, with our furniture stored. I must try to get her away for a few days.

The day has been a joy to me. Took services at B’m & Paslow Common this am. Went into a Miss Tindall’s house for coffee after H.C. at Paslow C. Home for lunch at 1o’c.  This eve took Ev Pr at B’m. A nice number out. Felt free & had an attentive congregation.

[…] Found Mrs Jopson had had a stroke in Church at the close of the service. Tk her home & waited for the Dr a lady. She said there might be another. Will call tomorrow.


Was home about 9.30pm. H had gone to bed. Had supper & started reading Marcel’s book on infant baptism. 

Sunday 10 August 2014

The Diary of Montague Hardwick Knott, 1957 (18)

Saturday 10.8.57

It hasn’t been such a happy day in some respects especially for my darling. I had been to B’m, taking Annette with me where I found continued progress w the Vicarage. Minnie & H were in the kitchen when I returned & when I spoke of the progress H was scornful & sceptical. […] I do not sufficiently remember that my dear one is twenty years older than I & that all the change & stress of present events are far more trying to one past seventy than to one past fifty.

[…]

Was busy in my study after 2hrs sleep this pm. Finished preparing sermons for tomorrow & planned services for tomorrow week. Called on Mother & Roy for half an hour this eve. Roy is rebuilding the scullery to make a kitchenette & seems to be doing well.


It was a year ago tomorrow that I had a slight stroke. Thinking back on that experience & the sense of impotence, the slurred speech & useless left arm & leg, I rejoice in God’s goodness & my wonderful recovery. I shall never forget the courage of dear H & all she did for me then. 

Saturday 9 August 2014

The Diary of Montague Hardwick Knott, 1957 (17)

Friday 9.8.57


[…] Was home for tea & spent the evening at our preparations for the move. […]

Friday 8 August 2014

The Diary of Montague Hardwick Knott, 1957 (16)

Thursday 8.8.57

Was astir by 7o’c.  We were sitting to b’fast by 8o’c. Hope to recommence my exercise tomorrow. As the Dr told me to keep from them for a week I have done so but have missed them.

It has been another day of sorting, clearing & packing. In destroying some old receipts I could not help noticing how some things are two or three times as costly now as they were when the war finished in 1945.

We had lunch at the Pantry & enjoyed it. This eve we drove to B’m & found more progress at the house. Also went with Miss Thomas to see the Mission Church at Paslow. Quite a nice little place. I have to get speakers booked for Sept.

We went on to the Marriage’s where a presculation was made to Canon Gallop. The worthy man was visibly touched by the affectionate regard of the parishioners. The Marriage’s are charming people with three lovely children, two boys and a girl. The boys have the looks that should be the girls.


I shared with Mr M some ideas for the Parish & promoting the work. He was interested & sounded co-operative. We came away feeling cheered. 

Thursday 7 August 2014

The Diary of Montague Hardwick Knott, 1957 (15)

Wednesday 7.8.57


[…] We both have been sorting & packing in readiness for our removal. […]

Wednesday 6 August 2014

The Diary of Montague Hardwick Knott, 1957 (14)

Tuesday 6.8.57

[…] Went to B’m after my rest & left H at home. Saw Smith the builder & went to his brother’s pig farm & slaughter house in the village. Visited Miss Huddleston, the Emmetts, one of the pubs & the Rumbold’s.


[…]

Tuesday 5 August 2014

The Diary of Montague Hardwick Knott, 1957 (13)

Monday 5.8.57 Bank Holiday


This has been rather a lazy day. […] Drove out into the Essex countryside & relaxed & took our tea in a little by-lane. […] on our way home stopped to watch the planes at the airfield near Passingford Bridge. 

Monday 4 August 2014

Remember

One word inscribed on the wall of the
Ongar War Memorial Medical Centre
Tuesday 4 August 1914
11pm
The moment when Britain entered the Great War

"The lamps are going out all over Europe, we shall not see them lit again in our life-time"

Lights Out
An hour when the nation remembers

Essex Record Office: First World War Resources

The Essex Record Office published on its blog a set of resources for those wishing to investigate further the Great War.  Follow this link for more: http://www.essexrecordofficeblog.co.uk/first-world-war-resources/

Navestock: War Memorial

The names of those on the War Memorial inside St Thomas' Church, Navestock are recorded here: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=71872545

High Ongar: War Memorial

The names of those on the War Memorial outside St Mary’s Church, High Ongar, have not, to my knowledge, been published before online.  This transcription is produced 100 years to the day since Britain entered the Great War.

On the front face:



To our / glorious dead / 1914 – 1918
And below:
1939 -1945

On the south face is recorded:

Pte. J E Argent,  R. W. Kent Regt.  
Pte. S J Bush,  Essex Regt.  
Sergt. J Crane, D.S.M.,  R.M.Fus.  
Pte. H Clark,  Essex Regt.  
Pte. L W Cook,  Essex Regt. 
 Cpl. T A Donovan,  Norfolk Regt.  
Sergt. A F Donovan,  Norfolk Regt.  
Pte. J Farr,  Essex Regt. 
L.Cpl. P Fincham,  Essex Regt. 
Pte. S S Fogg,  Duke C.L.I. 
Pioneer G A Hall,  R.E.  
Bombor. W King,  R.F.A.  
Pte. E Maynard,  Linc. Regt.  
Pte. H Maynard,  R.W. Kent Regt.  
Pte. Wal. Maynard,  Essex Regt.  
Pte Wm. Maynard,  Lab. Corps.  
Pte Com Owers, M.C. Corps  
Seaman H C Pearce,  Royal Navy

The names of the fallen of the First World War continue on the north face of the Memorial thus:

Pte. F L Pennington,  Essex Regt.   
Pioneer H W Phillips,  R.E.  
Sig. F T Ruscoe,  Essex Regt.  
Sergt. T F Smith,  West Rifles   
Pte. T A Saunders,  R. Sussex Regt.  
Pte. F Saunders,  Essex Regt.  
Pte. C Savill,  Bedf. Regt.  
Pte. J Savill,  Bedf. Regt.  
Pte. C Shepherd,  Essex Regt.   
Pte.. H H Sitch,  R.A.S.C. 
Pte. T Tadgell,  R.A.S.C.  
Pte. A H Thomas,  V & L Regt.  
Pte. H Wood,  Midsx. Rgt.  
Pte. C W Wright,  Essex Regt.  
Pte. F C Witham,  Essex Regt. 
Sergt. R G Wood,  R.E.  
L Cpl. C W Wye,  W V Regt.

Those who died in the Second World War are commemorated on the base of the Memorial.  On the south face:

A.C.2. H Bentley,  R.A.F.  
F/O S T Byer,  R.A.F.  
Pte J J Guyher,  Suffolk Regt. 
Sapper S R King,  R.E.  of Norton Mandeville parish  
Fl.Sgt. W W Hopper,  R.A.F.  
Cnr. S C Neville  R.A.

Then on the north face:

Major A McCorquodale,  Coldstream Guards   
W/O R W C Phillips,  R.A.F. V.R.  
Pte. F Radaian,  P/C Q.O. Regt.  
Fl.Sgt. J Smyth,  R.A.F. 

Cpl. R L Wright,  Pioneer Corps

ESAH160: Discover First World War Records at the Essex Reco...

ESAH160: Discover First World War Records at the Essex Reco...: Discover records at the ERO which tell fascinating stories about life at home and abroad during the First World War, and find out how to...

ESAH160: Theydon Garnon: War Memorial

ESAH160: Theydon Garnon: War Memorial: The War Memorial Tablet for Theydon Garnon can be found inside the village church on the east wall of the north aisle.   It reads: ...

ESAH160: Harlow to Commemorate First World War

ESAH160: Harlow to Commemorate First World War: News from Harlow Council:  Harlow Council is working with a number of individual residents and groups, including churches, schools, ar...

ESAH160: Open Air Exhibition: Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris

ESAH160: Open Air Exhibition: Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris: The Great War began on 4 August 1914.  On the eve of war, the Foreign Sec- retary Sir Edward Grey reportedly said, ‘The lamps are going ...

ESAH160: New Doddinghurst War Memorial to be Unveiled

ESAH160: New Doddinghurst War Memorial to be Unveiled: The parish of Doddinghurst is to have a new War Memorial to remember the fallen of the parish over the two world wars.  It is being cons...

ESAH160: Postcards From The Front

ESAH160: Postcards From The Front: Published today by 'Essex Voices Past', the following is reflection on the outbreak of the First World War a century ago:  http://w...

High Country History Group: Greensted: First World War Fallen

High Country History Group: Greensted: First World War Fallen: The High Country History Group is preparing a book to commemorate the beginning of the First World War with a comprehensive record of th...

High Country History Group: Stapleford Tawney: First World War Fallen

High Country History Group: Stapleford Tawney: First World War Fallen: The High Country History Group is preparing a book to commemorate the beginning of the First World War with a comprehensive record of th...

High Country History Group: Theydon Mount: First World War Fallen

High Country History Group: Theydon Mount: First World War Fallen: The High Country History Group is preparing a book to commemorate the beginning of the First World War with a comprehensive record of th...

High Country History Group: Stanford Rivers: First World War Fallen

Published list of the fallen for the first time online. High Country History Group: Stanford Rivers: First World War Fallen: The High Country History Group is preparing a book to commemorate the beginning of the First World War with a comprehensive record of th...

Sunday 3 August 2014

The Diary of Montague Hardwick Knott, 1957 (12)

Saturday 3.8.57

[…]

We got away after our rest at about 3.30pm & after calling at B’m went on to Danbury. The Jameson’s have a lovely home.  He had evidently prospered in business. We enjoyed sharing past & present experiences. Walter’s wife comes from Norfolk & they have a charming daughter of eighteen. Olive.


Sunday 4.8.57

Slept soundly. The medicine Dr gave me is evidently intended to induce deep rest & relaxation.

We were away in good time & found the roads busier as was to be expected. I had prepared bread for the Holy Com Service in place of wafers & nobody commented. We had 15 out & 13 stopped to H.C. We had morning prayer up to the 3rd collect & H.C. from the “invitation”. Mr Newson, People’s Warden, said it was quite like old times to have M Pr again.

Called on the Rumbold family. […]

Marjorie Shorey came to B’m w us in the eve. Miss Bellchamber, her sister & husband turned up & several who were not there last week. Had about 50 present. Felt very free & believe God honoured His word.

We were asked to coffee after & H went to the wrong house. The husband received us kindly, the wife was in bed with lumbago. No sign of coffee & after half an hour we moved off. Outside H said she made a mistake: we ought to have gone next door. When we arrived, the coffee was spoiled & so was the lady’s humour. We explained & in due course & conversation we received fresh coffee & cake & forgiveness. The last of which I was glad to see materialise. It was ten o’c before we got away & 10.45 before we were home. Mins greeted us & shared some small family gossip.


H & I felt we had had a happy day in the Master’s service & look forward to our moving into the Parish. Lord, do thy gracious work in my heart & mind & will that I may prove a fit instrument in thy hand. 

Saturday 2 August 2014

LIGHTS OUT - The Royal British Legion.

LIGHTS OUT - The Royal British Legion.

The Diary of Montague Hardwick Knott, 1957 (11)

Friday 2.8.57

This has been a fairly uneventful day. […]

Have spent nearly all day sorting & packing my books. Have almost finished. After tea drove to B’m. The workmen are pressing on with the house now. All the upstairs rooms are plaistered & ready to start downstairs. The Sub-contractor says the carpenter is coming tomorrow & the painter next week.


Went to choir practice. Only four, beside Mr Simmons & me but I, for one, enjoyed it. Had a tedious journey home. A lot of traffic on the road doing a steady 30mph & running more or less bonnet to tail. H has been busy clearing cupboards & was tired. Looks like a nice day tomorrow. 

Friday 1 August 2014

The Diary of Montague Hardwick Knott, 1957 (10)

Thursday 1.8.57

The year is passing quickly by Trust we shall get to the Vicarage while we have some evening left.

Went to see Dr Grogono this am [...] He says all is well […] I’m to lay off exercises for a week.


[…]