Parish pump - villages in 1909

A look at what life was like in our villages in 1909- A DEBATE took place in connection with the Wimblington Recreation Club, presided over by the Rector, the Rev R B Hill. The subject was: 'Are humorous and comic songs beneficial?' Mr T A Rooke took up the 'for' side, with Mr E A Ellen the 'no'. The Rector dealt with points raised by each party with voting eventually in 'for'. But in every instance the line was drawn at the good and clean humorous song.- GUYHIRN County Councillor, Councillor W Weston, was presented with a clock at a meeting of the Tholomas Drove small holders for his services on their behalf over the previous year. The chairman, in his remarks, said it was always a pleasure for him to take his stand by his old friend Cllr Weston, as he had since Cllr Weston had represented them on the Isle of Ely County Council. Cllr Weston thanked the chairman and fellow small holders for his present and moved a vote of thanks to the chairman and members for the efforts they had made on his behalf.- COATES Public Hall was the scene of a public lecture by Mr A J Chaplin, describing a day's trip to London from York. A lantern was used for pictures, with nearly 100 slides provided by the Great Northern Railway Company. During the evening Messrs J Beeton and H Fox rendered songs, and were encored upon each occasion.- UPWELL Horticultural Society held a meeting at the Five Bells Hotel in the village which showed the club to be in a positive position. Gate receipts from their horticultural show in 1908 were up by £15 7s. 1d. Compared to receipts the previous year and there was an increase in the number of group members. Because of the higher gate receipts, the society's balance now stood in their favour compared to their deficit in 1907. The chairman, Mr W Welchman, said that it was satisfying to find the society held its position so firmly, with its hybrid nature showing that every department met with public favour.