Following on the from the In other news page for World War 1, here is a selection of newspaper articles and reports relating to remembrance in its various forms (Remembrance Day services, sales of poppies for Earl Haig’s Fund, the British Legion) in the 1920s and ’30s, prior to the beginning of the Second World War, at (or involving) Waters Upton. I have found no such articles or reports relating to Waters Upton before 1924 so for a couple of the earlier years I have included a few pieces from the Shropshire press about Remembrance Day and the beginnings of ‘Poppy Day.’
Year Index: 1921 | 1922 | 1924 | 1925 | 1926 | 1927 | 1928 | 1929 | 1930 | 1931 | 1933 | 1934 | 1935 | 1936 | 1937 | 1938 | 1939
1921
POPPY DAY.—Armistice Day (Friday, November 11th), is also to be known this year as “Poppy Day.” In connection with Field Marshall Earl Haig’s appeal for ex-Service men of all ranks, it has been decided on that day to sell in the streets artificial red poppies, this being the flower more associated with the war than any other.
Shrewsbury Chronicle, 4 Nov 1921, page 4.
REMEMBRANCE DAY,
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11th.
WEAR A FLANDERS POPPY.
“I look upon this Day not by any means in the nature of an ordinary Flag Day but as a Day of Remembrance on which I hope every member of the community will wear a Poppy as a token of remembrance and respect for the fallen, and a sign that the memory of those heroes is and always will be with us”.
Field Marshal Earl Haig.
Wellington Journal, 5 Nov 1921, page 3.
FLANDERS POPPIES.
For two minutes on Armistice Day our hearts beat as one. Whoever we are, there is no escape from that silence. […] The occasion should not, and will not, end in emotion. The warning of the poet will be heeded. “If ye break faith with us who died, we shall not sleep, though poppies grow in Flanders fields.” Every one must give as they can to Lord Haig’s Poppy Fund on behalf of the distressed ex Service men—the very comrades of those whose loss is mourned.
Bridgnorth Journal, 19 Nov 1921, page 3.
On November 11th three years ago the glad ringing of bells proclaimed the end of over four years of war. At eleven o’clock on that day the “cease fire” sounded the close of the great conflict in which hundreds of thousands of Britons had laid down their lives for the motherland. Today,
“In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place ——.”
To-day the whole British nation will rest from its work and its pleasure for two minutes as a tribute to the memory of the brave men and women who lie scattered across our “far-flung battle-line.” But thought they lie in foreign graves their spirits still live. […] The two minutes’ silence to-day will bring back to the memories of the living the sacrifices of the dead; it is hoped it will also act as a reminder that unselfishness, comradeship and hard work are almost as necessary now for the country’s welfare as in the war years. […]
Shrewsbury Chronicle, 11 Nov 1921, page 4.
1922
Remembrance Day.—The fourth anniversary of the signing of the Armistice, which is better known perhaps now as Remembrance Day was observed by all classes at Shrewsbury on Saturday with a reverence to the memory of the Glorious Dead who fell in the war that is so characteristic of the Salopian capital. The sounding of the hooters at 11 o’clock brought all traffic in the town to a standstill, and as well in public and business premises and private homes the two minutes’ silence as universally observed. The introduction last year of he “Flanders Poppy” as a symbol of Remembrance Day, the sale of which realised the handsome sum of £500 towards Lord Haig’s ex-Servicemen’s fund was repeated this year with greater enthusiasm and success. Poppies were sold by ladies in the chief thoroughfares of the town, while others made a house-to-house collection in the suburbs. The work of organising so large a scheme was carried out by a committee of the British Remembrance Legion, […]
Wellington Journal, 18 Nov 1922, page 6.
1924
CHILDS ERCALL […]
POPPY DAY. — In the villages of Child’s Ercall, Eaton, Bolas and Waters Upton Poppy Day was observed on Armistice Day. The combined effort resulted in in the sum of £7 10s. 8d. being collected. The following were the helpers:— […] Waters Upton: Misses Joan and Betty Fisk, Misses M. Parry, Irene and Hilda Goodall. […]
Wellington Journal, 22 Nov 1924, page 11.
1925
WATERS UPTON.
EARL HAIG’S FUND.—Miss Davies organised the sale of poppies in aid of Earl Haig’s Fund, and the sum of £1 2s. 1d. was realised. The sellers were:— Misses J. and E. Fisk, Irene Goodman, Dorothy Davies and Nellie Cox.
Wellington Journal, 21 Nov 1925, page 9.
1926
CHILD’S ERCALL. […]
ARMISTICE DAY was commemorated […] The usual sale of poppies was carried out by some of the children of Child’s Ercall and district, and £7 2s. 7d. was realised. The following sold the poppies:— […] Waters Upton and district: Nellie Cox, Dorothy Davies, Lily Poole, Irene Goodall, G. Tinsley. […]
Wellington Journal, 20 Nov 1926, page 11.
1927
CHILD’S ERCALL.
POPPY DAY RESULT. — The amount received from the sale of poppies from Childs Ercall and district shows an increase of nearly £1 over last year’s amount. The various amounts collected were:—Childs Ercall £2 12s. 3d., Eaton £1 11s. 9½d., Bolas £2 5s. 1½d., Waters Upton £1 12s. 7½d.; total £8 1s. 9½d. The sellers of poppies were:—Waters Upton: Ruby Austin, Lilian Bennett, Dorothy Povey, Dilys Williams and Dorothy Davies. Bolas: Hilda Lovatt, John Robinson, William Nichols, Colin Owen, Albert Sumner. Eaton: Dorice Williams, A. E. Bland. Childs Ercall: Nellie Manners, Harry Beckett, Charles Heath, Ch. Dorsett, Jno. Annandale.
Shrewsbury Chronicle, 25 Nov 1927, page 5.
1928
Poppy Day.—As a result of Poppy Day in Wellington and district, in aid of Earl Haig’s Fund, the following amounts were realised:— […] Waters Upton £1 4s. 1d., […]
Wellington Journal, 1 Dec 1928, page 9.
1929
CHILDS ERCALL.
POPPY DAY. — As in past years Flanders Poppies were sold by the children. The result were very pleasing, the amount collected being in excess of last year although the village of Waters Upton was this year included in the Wellington area. […]
Wellington Journal, 16 Nov 1929, page 16.
WATERS UPTON.
REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICES were held at the church on Sunday and were attended by good congregations. The Rev. J. Jurvis officiated and preached appropriate sermons. Special Psalms and hymns were sung, and special prayers and thanksgivings offered. At 11 a.m. the Two Minutes’ Silence was observed on Sunday, followed by Handel’s “Hallelujah” chorus, played on the organ. The National Anthem was sung before the Blessing. During the evening service the organist, Mr G. Hicks, played, by request, Handel’s “Dead March” (from “Saul”) and Spohr’s “Blest are the departed” (from “The Last Judgment”).
Wellington Journal, 16 Nov 1929, page 16.
Poppy Day Collections. — Appended are details of the collections in Wellington and district: […] Waters Upton, £1 0s. 8d.; […] Congratulations are due to the lady workers for the splendid result, the way their work was carried out being deserving of the highest praise. Thanks are also due to the traders, who kindly displayed window bills and posters, and to the public for their generous support. Mr. W. Gwynne is the local hon. representative.
Wellington Journal, 23 Nov 1929, page 9.
1930
Poppy Day Collections.—The following is a list of ladies who organised the collections in Wellington and district, together with the amounts realised:— […] Waters Upton, Miss Meakin, White House £1 5s. 6d.; […]
Wellington Journal, 22 Nov 1930, page 9.
1931
Poppy Day.—As a result of Poppy Day collections in Wellington and parts of Wellington rural area, over £118 was realised. Certain church collections are still to come in. Appended are details of the street collections:— […] Waters Upton £1 11s. 9d., […]. Congratulations are due to the lady workers of each district on the excellent manner in which the collections were carried out, and thanks are also due to the public for a generous response. The organisers of collectors were:— […] Waters Upton, Miss Meakin; […]
Wellington Journal, 21 Nov 1931, page 7.
1933
Poppy Day.—In connection with the Remembrance Day appeal for Earl Haig’s Fund the following amounts were raised in Wellington and district:— […] Waters Upton (Miss Meakin), £1 5s. 3d.; […]
Wellington Journal, 18 Nov 1933, page 14.
1934
Poppy Day. — The Wellington Branch of the British Legion wish to express their thanks to those who so generously supported the Remembrance Day appeal for Earl Haig’s Fund. In spite of the unfavourable weather, sellers faced their undertaking with the usual courage. The women’s section of the branch rendered valuable service, and the following result was obtained:— […] Waters Upton, Miss Meakin, £1 2s 3d.; […]
Wellington Journal, 24 Nov 1934, page 8.
1935
WATERS UPTON
THE REMEMBRANCE SERVICE was held on Sunday at 11 a.m., when about 20 ex-Servicemen attended. The lessons were read by Mr. J. Buttery (Waters Upton), G.M. for the Albrighton and Wellington District Oddfellows’ Friendly Society, and the Rector, the Rev. G. E. Terrot preached an appropriate sermon. The wreath in memory of those who had fallen was laid on the memorial by Major E. J. Fisk.
Wellington Journal, 16 Nov 1935, page 13.
Poppy Day Collections.—The result of the Poppy Day collections in aid of Earl Haig’s Fund in the urban and rural districts was as follows:—Total, £165 5s.; […] Waters Upton (Miss Meakin) £1 17s 3d.; […]
Wellington Journal, 23 Nov 1935, page 8.
1936
WATERS UPTON […]
POPPY DAY. — The amount collected by the sale of Poppies for Earl Haig’s Fund by Miss Lilian Bennett (Waters Upton), was £2 10s.
A REMEMBRANCE SERVICE was held in the Parish Church on Sunday, when about 25 ex-Service men from the parish and district, marshalled by Major E. J. Fisk, attended. The lessons were read by Mr. James Buckley, Waters Upton, and the rector, Rev. G. E. Terrot, preached. The names of those who had fallen were read and a wreath was laid on the memorial by Major E. J. Fisk. The service ended with the singing of one verse of the National Anthem. The wreath had been purchased by subscriptions from the ex-Service men and a balance of about £1 10s. will be forwarded to Wellington Cottage Hospital. It has been decided to form a branch of the British Legion at Waters Upton.
Wellington Journal, 21 Nov 1936, page 14.
WATERS UPTON […]
BRITISH LEGION —A general meeting of the newly-formed branch was held on Monday. The president (Major E. J. Fisk), presided, and all the officials and committee were elected. A large number of members was enrolled, and a cordial invitation was given to all ex-Service men to join the branch.
Wellington Journal, 19 Dec 1936, page 13.
1937
A BRITISH LEGION STANDARD was dedicated at Waters Upton on Sunday, when a service was held at the Parish Church, and the salute taken by Col. Baldwin-Webb, M.P. (inset).
Wellington Journal, 26 Jun 1937, page 5.
Note: I have taken a ‘digital clipping’ of this photo with its caption, which you can view on the Findmypast website.
WATERS UPTON
BRITISH LEGION DEDICATION.—The dedication of the standard of the Waters Upton branch of the British Legion took place on Sunday. The parade formed at headquarters, and headed by the Tibberton Silver Band, under the leadership of Mr. R. W. Maddocks, and marshalled by Major E. J. Fisk, T.D., proceeded to the Parish Church, where a service was conducted by the rector (Rev. F. [= G.] E. Terrot). The dedication service was taken by the Rev. R. A. Giles (rector of Sheriffhales), the address being given by the Rev. F. Poole (rector of Muckleston). After the service the parade re-formed, and marshalled by Major E. J. Fisk, paraded the village, the salute being taken on the return journey to headquarters by Lt.-Col. J. Baldwin-Webb, T.D., M.P. The standard bearer was Mr. James Buckley, the escorts being Mr. G. T. Price and Mr. A. Bennett. The secretary of the Waters Upton branch, Mr. H. Smith, carried out the arrangements. The branches attending with their standards were: — Wellington, Hodnet, Tibberton, Sheriffhales, and Wellington (women’s section). Lt.-Col J. Baldwin-Webb and the Rev. R. A. Giles addressed the members of the British Legion, and visitors present included:—Lt.-Col. A. W. Blockley, Mr. T.W. Nunnerley, Mr. P. A. Barnes, and Mr. and Mrs. Womersley, Shrewsbury, county secretary of the British Legion.
Wellington Journal, 26 Jun 1937, page 15.
DRUMHEAD SERVICE AT WELLINGTON
STRONG MUSTER OF BRITISH LEGION BRANCHES.
To commemorate the anniversary of the dedication of the standard of Wellington British Legion, a drumhead service was held in Wrekin College grounds on Sunday afternoon. The parade, which was marshalled by Mr. J. Handley, was accompanied by the Wrekin College O.T.C. drum and bugle band and Tibberton Prize Band. Branches of the British Legion represented included Wellington, Shrewsbury, Market Drayton, Minsterley, Newport, Shifnal, Dawley, Tibberton, and Waters Upton, together with women legionaires, Wellington St. John Ambulance Brigade, Boy Scouts, etc. […]
Bridgnorth Journal, 24 Jul 1937, page 7.
WATERS UPTON
BRITISH LEGION.—A whist drive was held on July 23, and Mr. P. A. Barnes (Cold Hatton), carried out the duties of M.C., assisted by Mr. B. O. Mundy (Waters Upton). Mrs. P. A Barnes presented prizes to:—1 Mrs. W. Poole (Crudgington), 2 Mrs. J. Buttery (Waters Upton),3 Mrs. J. Madelev (Waters Upton), consolation Mrs. W. J. Morrell (Cold Hatton); 1 Mr. T. Beech (Waters Upton), 2 Mr. T. Jones (Rivercot), 3 Mr. A. Jones (Sitch Road), consolation Mr. R. Morris (Cold Hatton).
BRITISH LEGION STANDARD.—The members of the Waters Upton branch of the British Legion attended the evening service in the Parish Church on Sunday, for their standard to be handed over to the care of the rector and churchwardens. During the singing of the last hymn the standard was handed over by the standard bearer, Mr. James Buckley, Waters Upton. The service ended with the singing of one verse of the National Anthem.
Wellington Journal, 31 Jul 1937, page 13.
WATERS UPTON […]
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY. — The members of Waters Upton and District branch of the British Legion accompanied by members of the Wellington branch men and women’s sections and members of the Ellerdine branch of the St. John Ambulance Brigade, paraded from their headquarters under the command of the vice-president, Mr. P. A. Barnes, on Sunday for service in the Parish Church. The names of those who had fallen were read out by the rector, the Rev. G. E Terrot, after which the Two Minutes’ Silence was observed. A wreath of poppies was then laid on the memorial in memory of the Fallen by the president of the branch, Major E. J. Fisk. The lessons were read by Mr. A. Huffadine (Crudgington), and the rector preached an appropriate sermon to a large congregation. The service concluded with the singing of one verse of the National Anthem. The collections were divided between the British Legion and Church Expenses Fund. After the service the members re-formed outside the Church and Major E. J. Fisk, in company with Mr. P. A. Barnes, and Mr. T. W. Nunnerley, took the salute. The arrangements were carried out by the branch secretary, Mr. H. Smith.
Wellington Journal, 20 Nov 1937, page 17.
WATERS UPTON
SALE OF POPPIES. — A record Sale of Poppies organised by the local branch of the British Legion in Waters Upton and district realised £l6 15s. 8d., and church collections amounted to £1 15s. 9d. The following were the amounts raised from each district with the collectors: Waters Upton, Mrs. F. J. Harris and Mrs. J. Buckley, £2 14s. 2d.: Sytch Lane and Cold Hatton, Miss Dolly Hill and Mrs. F. Wilkes, £2 4s. 10d.; Rowton, Miss H. Burgess, £1 3s.; Crudgington, Miss M. Poole, £2; High Ercall, Mrs. H. Kemp, Mrs. Smith and Mrs. J Pye, £4 12s. 5d.; Ellerdine, Miss Breeze, £1 18s. 1d.; Roden, Miss D. Griffiths, £1 14s. 11d.: Crudgington School, 3s.; Ellerdine School, 5s. 3d.; church collections, Waters Upton, £1 3s. 6d.; Rowton, 12s. 3d. The secretary was Mr. H. Smith, and the treasurer the Rev. G. E. Terrot.
Wellington Journal, 4 Dec 1937, page 19.
1938
WATERS UPTON
BRITISH LEGION SUPPER. — The first annual celebration of the formation of the Waters Upton branch of the British Legion took the form of a supper and social evening on Jan. 21 at the Swan Hotel, when upwards of 90 members and visitors assembled. The chair was occupied by the president, Maj. E. J. Fisk (Waters Upton Hall), and he was supported by the Rev. R. A. Gilles (vice-president of the county branch), the Rev. G. E. Terrot, and Messrs. T. W. Nunnerley, P. A. Barnes and O. D. Murphy. Apologies regretting inability to attend were received from Col. J. Baldwin-Webb, M.P., and Mr. D. Burgess. The usual loyal toasts were honoured. […] The secretary, Mr. H. Smith, reported that the membership now stood at 105, and remarked that his efforts to carry out the secretarial duties had been considerably assisted by the support which he had received from both Major Fisk and the members. […]
Wellington Journal, 29 Jan 1938, page 3.
WATERS UPTON LEGION ANNIVERSARY PARADE.—The first anniversary parade in connection with the local British Legion took place on Sunday evening, when over 100 members assembled. The parade formed at headquarters, and headed by the Tibberton Silver Band under the leadership of Mr. R. W. Maddocks, proceeded to the Parish Church, where a service was conducted by the rector, the Rev. G. E. Terrot, the lessons being read by Mr. A. Huffadine (Crudgington). A wreath was laid on the Memorial in memory of those who had Fallen by Major E. J. Fisk, T.D., the oration being read by Mr. A. Griffiths (Roden). After the service, the parade re-formed, and, marshalled by the secretary, Mr. H. Smith, paraded the village, the salute being taken on the return journey to headquarters by Major E. J. Fisk, T.D. Mr. T. W. Nunnerley (Crudgington Manor) was also present. The branches attending with their standards were Sheriffhales, Tibberton and Wellington. The members of the Ellerdine St. John Ambulance Brigade, under the command of Sergt. B. Pearce, were also present. After the members had been dismissed the Tibberton Silver Band played selections on the Green.
Wellington Journal, 25 Jun 1938, page 17.
ELLERDINE.
EARL HAIG’S FUND. — The collections in High Ercall and Waters Upton established another record, the total exceeding £24. The collectors included […] and Mrs. Buckley (Waters Upton). Church collections at Rodington amounted to £1 2s. 7d. and Waters Upon [sic] £2 2s. 3d.; wreaths £1 10s. The sale of poppies was organised by Waters Upton British Legion, with Mr. H. Smith secretary.
Shrewsbury Chronicle, 25 Nov 1938, page 14. Also reported in Wellington Journal, 3 Dec 1938, page 18.
1939
ELLERDINE […]
LEGION WHIST AND DANCE
A successful effort to raise funds for the Waters Upton and District branch of the British Legion was held in the Hut on Feb. 17, when there were good attendances for both whist and dancing. The event had been organised by the local committee, with Major E. J. Fisk, Waters Upton Hall, as chairman, and Mr. H. Smith organising secretary. The committee comprised Messrs. J. Buckley, C. Bennett, H. Woolley, F. D. Owen and B. Mundy, with the officers. Messrs. N. Quin and R. Griffiths also rendered valuable help in the arrangement of the room and with transport, as did the ladies who attended to the catering side of the function. Those helping were Mrs. J. Madeley, Mrs. C. Bennett, Mrs. J. Buckley, Mrs. W. Green, Miss D. Hill, Mrs. B Mundy, Mrs. N. Quin and Mrs T. Thomson […]
Mr. Burgess continued as M.C. for the dance, for which Stan. Madeley’s Band played. Prizes were gained by Miss W. Gregory and Mr. S. Pearce; Miss Jones and Mr. J. R. Highfield, both of Crudgington. Competition winners were Mr. Jack Wellings, The Poynton Dairy and Mrs. Rutter. Mr. Burgess moved a vote of thanks to the donors of prizes, all the workers and the company for their support.
Wellington Journal, 25 Feb 1939, page 14.
WATERS UPTON
BRITISH LEGION ANNUAL PARADE. — The annual parade of the members of the Waters Upton branch of the British Legion was held on Sunday. The members assembled at their headquarters, together with members of the Tibberton branch with their standard, and were headed by the Tibberton Silver Band, under the leadership of Mr. R. Mountford. The procession, marshalled by Lieut. E. Kayler (Shray Hill) paraded to the Parish Church, where a service was conducted by the rector, the Rev. G. E. Terrot, who preached an appropriate sermon. The lessons were read by Mr. A. Huffadine (Crudgington), and Mrs. J. S. Icke (Bolas Mill House) was at the organ. During the service the names of those who had fallen in the war were read out by the rector, the oration being read by the secretary, Mr. H. Smith. Later a wreath was placed on the war memorial by Major E. J. Fisk, T.D. After the service the procession re-formed and, marshalled by the secretary, Mr. H. Smith, paraded through the village, the salute being taken by Major Fisk supported by Lieut. E. Kayler and Mr. T. W. Nunnerley (Crudgington Manor). The standard-bearer was Mr. James Buckley (Waters Upton), and the escorts were Mr. A. Bennett (Cold Hotton) and Mr. G. T. Price (Roden). The standard-bearer for Tibberton was Mr. Arkinstall.
Wellington Journal, 1 Jul 1939, page 17.
