LIFE IN KETTLESTONE DURING WW2

FINDINGS FROM THE VILLAGE HALL MINUTES

There were whist drives and dances on a regular basis, with profits used to provide parcels for Kettlestone men serving in H.M. Forces.

The committee agreed to allow the hall to be used as a recreation room for soldiers billeted nearby. They were not allowed to use the billiard table or have a canteen.

Kettlestone had its own Homeguard.  Drill was carried out in the village hall.  The government paid for the hire of the hall and expenses.

The Church Army held lantern slide shows.

A fete was held to raise money for the returning service personnel.

15 men and 7 women returned from serving in the war.  The men received £4 each and the women, £2 each.

EXTRACTS FROM VILLAGE HALL MINUTES

April 29TH 1938

  A whist drive and dance was arranged for Wednesday May 18th at 7.30pm.   Admission 1/- including refreshments.    Dance 9d.

Mr Case was asked to be M.C. for the Whist Drive and Mr Hudson for the dance.  Mrs Hudson and Mrs Monument promised prizes for a card dance and Miss Newstead a competition.

It was decided to have the Walsingham Rhythm Orchestra.

February 26th 1940

It was proposed to have a Whist Drive on March 13th at 7.30pm. Admission 1/- including refreshments. Proceeds to provide parcels for Kettlestone men serving H.M. Forces and to pay for fire and gas used in hall.  A competition was organised to raise extra funds for same.

July 11th 1940

‘It was decided to let the soldiers billeted at Brockley Hill use the hall as a recreation and writing room every evening Monday to Saturday inclusive 6p.m. until 9p.m. each evening. Each member of the committee agreed to help clear up the hall each day.  The ladies of the village to be asked to help the committee.  It was agreed that they should not use the billiard table or to have a canteen for the present’

November 6TH 1942

The committee were called together to decide whether to let the Kettlestone Home Guard have the use of the village hall for drills etc.  The government is willing to pay expenses.  After discussion by members it was agreed to charge 3/6 each evening the hall was used, and that all wood used should be paid for.  As the hall was being paid for it was agreed to keep it swept clean by the committee.  Bills to be sent monthly to Mr A. Lacey.

April 11th 1944

It was arranged to hold a garden fete on Saturday 23rd September, the proceeds to be held in reserve for service personnel of the village on their return home.

Stalls, competitions and side shows were agreed upon.  It was decided to ask Mr Williamson for the use of his meadow.  Also that Lady Cook should be asked to declare the fete opened. A suggestion proposed by Mrs Barber that evacuees be allowed to use the chairs and crockery belonging to the village hall was agreed to by all members.

An application was made by the Church Army through Miss B. Cooper to park a van on the village hall ground and that the hall be used for lantern slides.  It was decided that the van could be parked on the ground, but not to use the village hall unless payments were made.

11th September 1944

Arrangements were made for the decided garden-fete to be held on Saturday 23rd September at 3p.m. Lady Cook kindly agreed to open the Fete on Mr Williamson’s meadow. Committee members and others were asked to take charge of various stalls and competitions.  Most of whom were approached accepted. Mr Flint offered a chicken as a lucky number competition.  Mrs Barber agreed to sell 6d. tickets for it. Miss Elsie Newstead and Mrs Chapman arranged to make lavender bags and various other articles to be sold.  Refreshments were arranged to be sold in the village hall by Mrs Chapman, Mrs Neave and Mrs Newstead.  Mr A. Colman agreed to take charge of the darts , also to help Mr Flint to mark out the meadow.

 May 27TH 1946

   All members were present including Mr H. Williamson and Mr J. Cooper who were elected treasurers for the Welcome Home Fund.  The meeting was held in order to discuss the sharing of £68 which was raised in September 1944. It was proposed by Miss Barber that the women on war work should receive some share in the money, this was seconded by Mrs Mann.  The Majority being in favour.

Miss Barber proposed that the women receive £2 each leaving the remains to be shared equally amongst the men.  This was seconded by Miss B. Cooper.  It was proposed by Mr Flint that the money be left in the savings bank until September, this year so that the full two years interest could be claimed, all members agreed.  It was agreed to by all members that a tree be planted in the churchyard if permission were granted as a memorial for Mr Derek Flint, who did not return home, but gave his life for his country.  Deepest sympathy was felt for Mr and Mrs Flint and family amongst all members.

May 19TH 1948

All members were present including Mr H Williamson treasurer of the Welcome Home Fund.  The meeting was held in order to share out the fund. The money with interest withdrawn from the bank amounted to £73  18s  4d  , Mr H. Williamson making it up to £74.  It was shared among 15 men and 7 women who were on war work.  The men received £4 each, the women £2 each.