Page 14 • The HERALD • 26th January 2023 v READ THE HERALD ONLINE: www.herald-publishing.co.uk v WILLIS DECORATING & JOINERY SERVICES Est Since 1986 Interior & Exterior Painting & Decorating Wallpaper Hanging Hand-painted Kitchens & Spray Finishes Wardrobes, Bookcases, Radiator Covers Call David on 023 8084 9800 or 07946 048261 E: david.willis24@btinternet.com WESTWOOD BUILDING BUILDING & LANDSCAPING WE ARE A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS WITH OVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE BASED IN THE NEW FOREST. WE OFFER FREE QUOTATIONS AND ADVICE WHAT WE DO: • PATIOS • DRIVEWAYS AND BLOCK PAVING • GROUND WORKS • BRICK WORK • EXTENTIONS • GARAGE CONVERSIONS • CHIMNEY REPAIRS • ALTERATIONS • WE OFFER A FULL PLANNING AND DESIGN SERVICE TO SUIT YOUR PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS • FREE ESTIMATES • GUARANTEED WORKMANSHIP Call: 07725 002162 Email: westwoodbuilding@outlook.com • Foxhills, Ashurst, SO40 7ED All General Plumbing • Boiler Installations • Boiler Breakdowns • Gas Appliance Servicing • Central Heating Repairs 023 8089 9300 07917 445369 petertarr1@hotmail.co.uk Reg: 3515993 PETERTARR Gas, Plumbing & Heating Send your local news to The Editor, The Herald, 2 High Street, Hythe SO45 6AH or email: editor@herald-publishing.co.uk The Fawley Temperance Movement by Robin Somes, Fawley and Blackfield Memories Fawley has long been home to many religious beliefs, including Baptist and Methodist, so it’s no surprise that a strong Temperance movement emerged here, as it did elsewhere. e rst reports date from around 1875; both Fawley Temperance Society and Band of Hope had been started late in 1874. In January 1875 the Hampshire Independent reported a well-attended public tea and meeting held by the Temperance Society, at the Board School. e meeting featured singing, prayer, and testimonies on the evils of strong drink and the bene ts of abstention. James Caton, a saddler from Fawley, was praised for starting the movement. On Whit Monday that year, a procession, another public tea and meeting were held; the Independent reported: “During the last seven months no less than 166 have signed the temperance pledge in Fawley”. On James Caton’s death, aged 40, in 1879, he was carried to his grave by members of the Temperance Society; some 250 joined the church procession. He was noted for persuading over 600 to join his cause, and was known in the district as “the drunkard’s friend”. e Society continued to prosper a er Caton’s death – his son taking an active part - and came to encompass a brass band, choir and cricket club, providing much entertainment at the annual Whitsun festival and other occasions. 1884’s festival featured a lunch tent at the rectory, processions around the village, before returning to the rectory, “where various amusements were provided – such as cricket and Aunt Sally. During the day a juvenile match of cricket was played between eleven boys chosen by Mr. Bowyer, of Stonehills, and eleven boys of the Board School, Fawley… At four o’clock the bell rang for a public tea, when the tents were filled to excess. The splendid band kept up their beautiful strains of music till seven o’clock… At the close, eight came forward and signed the pledge. The day throughout proved a perfect success”. Fawley Band of Hope also held similar events; a er Christmas 1887, the Independent reports: “The Fawley Band of Hope, now numbering 352, met at the Public Hall, where addresses were given by Rev. A. M. Hoare and the Secretary (Br. H Bowman). At 3.30 tea was provided by the committee, after which each child received a present, enclosed in a large snowball, sent by Captain Cecil Drummond, of Copythorne, who is ever ready to lend a helping hand to the Band of Hope and Temperance Society”. ere is little evidence of the Temperance Society a er around 1893, but the Band of Hope is known to have lasted at least until the 1920’s; both seem quaint and outdated now, but a reminder of a vibrant age for Fawley. A Band of Hope member’s card from the 1870’s e Railway Club of the New Forest meet on Friday 27th January in the Forest Hall, Brockenhurst Village Hall, Highwood Road, Brockenhurst. SO42 7RY Club member Phil Benstead will present the stories of Bristol’s Floating Harbour and SS Great Britain. e River Avon leading to the port of Bristol has a huge tidal rise and fall. At low tide vessels became stuck in the mud and ships started to divert to Liverpool. Starting in 1765 a huge ‘ oating harbour’ was built that transformed the port’s fortunes. e ship S.S. Great Britain. designed by I.K. Brunel in 1839, was years ahead of its time. ere were many delays during the construction phase. Once into service further changes were needed; from luxury Atlantic liner to troop ship, immigrant carrier, warehouse, quarantine ship, hulk and complete restoration. Visitors welcome. £5 on the door. Arrive from 7pm. Start at 7.30pm. Find them at: www. railwayclubo henewforest.org Bristol’s Floating Harbour and SS Great Britain Photo: Phil Benstead
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