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Extracts from the Kelvedon Hatch Parish Magazine.

The Kelvedon Hatch Parish Magazine was first published in 1893 by the the Reverend Wilkie Peregrine, Vicar of St. Nicholas's Church. The magazine was published monthly and bound copies could be purchased with the publication 'Home Words' at the end of each year. The webmaster has original magazines from 1896, 1897, and 1902, and copies from 1893 and 1898.

The magazine concentrates on the activities of the church: Services, Baptisms, Marriages, Deaths, activities of various church affiliated societies, fund raising events in the village and in the early years, letters to the editor. On occasions there are references to events or problems involving most of the village and some of these are reproduced below.

June 1893
"KELDON" LADS
Sir,--
Will anyone help us boys? We have nowhere to play out of school hours - not even the playground - except the roads. Here we get into trouble by doing things we ought not to, so people call us a rough and rude lot. Is it fair? Do we boys of Keldon Parish have even a chance given us of doing any better? Do, someone, lend us a field to play in; we should love to have a game of cricket and rounders. Then people would begin to say what a nice behaved lot those Keldon Lads are.
Yours obediently, YOUNG KELDON

August 1893
The Excursion
Our Annual Parish Excursion took place on Tuesday, 20th June. A start was made from Kelvedon Common at 7.45 a.m. in brakes supplied by Mr. W. Weal, for Brentwood station, where the train was taken for Clacton-on-Sea, which was reached about 11 a.m. During the first part of the day the weather was a little unsettled, but it afterwards cleared up. The party, which consisted of about seventy-five persons, amused themselves in every kind of way; some went by steamer to Harwich and back, others paddled in the sea, or sat about on the beach, while all seemed to enjoy the novelty of the seaside. At 4.30 p.m. tea was served at the Criterion Hotel, when ample justice was done to the provisions supplied by Host Appleby. It was with much reluctance that we made our way back to the station at 6.35, and reached Kelvedon Common at 9.30 p.m. having spent a most enjoyable day at the seaside.

November 1893
Agricultural Depression
Dear Sir --
As the parishioners have been invited to make public their grievences in "Our Parish Magazine" may I be allowed to ask why "outsiders" are taken on for work in the parish, when already we have in our midst plenty if obale bodied men ready to work? Is it not hard, especially now that the labour supply is in excess of the demand, to make matters worse by so doing? Times will be bad enough this winter in the parish, let us not help make them worse. Let charity indeed begin "at Home."
Yours truly, "Live and Let Live"

December 1893
Rough Music
Dear Mr Editor,--
Are we living far away from civilization, in the centre of the Dark Continent, or in civilized and peaceful England? It would seem the former, judging from the heathenish noise that took place on Kelvedon Common one night some weeks back.
And what was it all about? A certain young man was deluded enough to take unto himself a wife. Some of his friends to show, we presume, their disapproval of being robbed of the chances of gaining the affections of the said young woman, showed their jealousy by indulging in what is commonly called rough music.Now, sir, if such a thing had taken place among the wild and heathen tribes under English rule, it would have been suppressed at once with greatest rigour. Why is such a state of things allowed in Essex? It is nothing more or less than a scandal, that peaceable citizens should thus be disturbed; and a disgrace to all who took part in it. If the noisy crew wish to drink the bride and bridegroom's health, why did they not do so like men, and subscribe for it among themselves, instead of like cowards trying to extort it at other people's expense. Rough music after weddings has long since been given up in other villages, let us hope that Kelvedon Hatch will follow their example.
Yours faithfully,"Soft Music"

July 1897
The Jubilee Parish Festivities.
The whole Parish turned out on Tuesday, June 22nd, to celebrate the 60th year of our Good Queen's Reign. At 2 p.m. a large gathering assembled in the Parish Church. After Prayer had been offered and the National Anthem sung, a Procession, in full regalia, was formed , which wended its way to the field, kindly leant by Messrs. J. and W, Newcombe, at the back of the School, where the Festivities wre to be held. At 2-30 p.m. Sports were arranged for all the children, who entered heartily into the programme, which consisted of the following events:-

1. Flat Race, 100 yards, boys, 1st H.King; 2nd W. Durrant.
2. Flat Race, 100 yards, girls, 1st M. Burton; 2nd F. Mann
3. Wheelbarrow Race, 50 yards, boys, 1st H. King and A. Chrisp; 2nd H. Malyon and F. Malyon.
4. Egg and Spoon Race, 100 yards, girls, 1st A. Coleman; 2nd M. Coleman.
5. Flat Race, 200 yards, boys, 1st E. Elliott; 2nd E. Chrisp.
6. Needle and Thread Walking Race, 100 yards, girls, 1st A. Coleman; 2nd A. King.
7. Three-legged Race, 100 yards, boys, 1st H. King and G. Durrant; 2nd E. Chrisp.
8. Flat Race, boys under 8, 1st G. Hobby; 2nd H. Peregrine.
9. Flat Race, girls under 8, 1st D.Coleman; 2nd E. Mann.
10. Long Jump, boys, 1st G. Durrant; 2nd A. Chrisp.
11. Sack Race, 100 yards, boys. 1st G. Durrant; 2nd H. King.
12. Consolation Flat Race, girls, 1st E. Brenes; 2nd A. Mann
13. Consolation Flat Race, boys, 1st J. Pegram; 2nd F. Mann

Money prizes were given - all 1st Prizes, 1s ; and 2nd Prizes, 6d.

At 3-30 p.m. a Conjuring Entertainment was given by Professor Augustus Brignall, which gave much amusement.

All the children sat down to a substantial tea at 4-30, after which sweets and oranges were distributed, and during the evening the Swings, See-saws, and Roundabout were never still for a moment. At 5-30 p.m. a Meat Tea was served to all the adults, after which 2oz. Packets of tobacco for the men, and 4oz. Packets of sweets for the women were distributed, together with oranges.

Sports for the adults commenced at 6.15 p.m., of which the following is the programme:-

1. Flat Race, 100 yards, men. 1st B. Hobby; 2nd C. Hobby.
2. Flat Race, 100 yards, women. 1st Mrs. G. King; 2nd, Miss Page.
3. Hurdle Race, 300 yards, men. 1st John Weal; 2nd James Weal.
4. Egg and Spoon Race, 100 yards, women. 1st Mrs. F. Mann; 2nd Miss Sweeting.
5. Walking Race, 200 yards, men. 1st James Burton; 2nd R. Crisp.
6. Walking Race, 160 yards, women. 1st Mrs. G. King; 2nd Miss Pain.
7. Flat Race, 100 yards, men over 50. 1st W. Weal; 2nd W. Powe.
8. Flat Race, 50 yards, women over 30. 1st Mrs. R. Crisp; 2nd Mrs. G. King.
9. Mile Race, men. 1st C. Hobby, 5s; 2nd A. Trundle, 2s 6d.; 3rd John Weal, 1s.
10. Needle and thread Walking Race, women, 100 yards. 1st Mrs. Barnes; 2nd Miss Sweeting.
11. Sack Race, 100 yards, men. 1st James weal; 2nd George King, jun.
12. Consolation Race , 100 yards, women. 1st Mrs. W. Fitch and Mrs. T. Littlechild, equal.
13. Consolation Race, 200 yards, men. 1st R. King; 2nd W.Dutton.
14. Tug of War, Married v. Single. Won by the married men.

Money prizes were given.

With the exception of Nos. 9 and 14 all prizes were worth - 1st, 3s., and 2nd, 2s. The Mile Race was one of the best of the Programme, and excited great interest. Mr W.Gould kindly acted as Starter, and Mr. C.F.White as Judge. These gentlemnen were ably assisted in carrying out the Sports' Programme by the following: Messrs. Coleman, Poate, Knightbridge, Powe and Willings. At 6-30 p.m. free Cocoanut Shies were given to the children, and at 7-15 p.m. a second Conjuring Performance was given by Professor Brignall. During the rest of the evening the company amused themselves with Dancing, Round Games, Cocoanut Shies, Swings, &c., &c., and at 9-45 p.m. 2 Tar Barrels were lighted, and a small display of Fireworks took place under the management of Mr. T. Cox. The Jubilee Festivities were brought to a close at about 10 p.m. by those present in the field singing "God save the Queen." We desire to thank all those ladies and gentlemen who so kindly gave their services on this happy occasion, among whom we would mention Mr. Willings, who roasted the joints of meat free of charge.

July 1897
The Great Hailstorm
On Midsummer Day, Thursday, June 24th, one of the most terrible storms experienced in Essex took place. The morning had been very hot and bright when suddenly at 3 p.m. the wind got up from the west and rain began to fall, followed almost immediately by a terrific hail storm, accompanied by thunder and lightening. Many of the hailstones measured 2½ inches in diameter and appeared to be almost solid ice. Before the storm, gardens and crops around looked most promising, appearing better than they had done for years, but within 15 minutes all was changed, nothing was left but blighted hopes and utter ruin - everything above ground seemed to be annihilated and destroyed. The force of the hail storm was such that it completely stripped the tress of all fruit, and even tore the bark off the trees - to say nothing of their leaves. The crops in the fields were simply cut to pieces.

The loss to this parish alone will exceed £2,000. Hardly a house in the parish escaped having its windows broken. At Brizes Park it is said over 900 panes of glass were shattered - at Kelvedon Hall over 400 - at Pryors, the Chase, the Rectory, upwards of 70 each - and other houses in the same proportion: greenhouses, &c., were simply wrecked.
Never in the memory of the oldest inhabitant has such a storm been known in the parish - and may God grant we may never see the like again, but after all-
"What out Father does is well:
May the thought within us dwell:
Though nor milk nor honey flow
In our barren Canaan now,
God can save us in our need,
God can bless us, God can feed."

September 1902
Coronation Celebrations
Saturday, August 9th, 1902 will be a day long remembered by the people of Kelvedon Hatch. It was the day on which out Most Gracious King Edward VII, and good Queen Alexandra were crowned at Westminster. In honour of the event the people of the parish "kept high-day and holiday." The Coronation Festivities were held in the field next the Club House, kindly lent by Mr. Hutchinson, of Dodd's Farm. At 1 p.m. about 100 persons, over the age of 16 years, sat down to a substantial repast of roast beef and plum pudding, etc. The children met at the School at 2 p.m. where they were presented with Coronation Medals, and then marched to the field with flags flying, headed by the Hackney School Prize Band, which played at intervals, on the field, during the afternoon and evening. Sports for the children commenced at 2-30 p.m., when the money prizes were carried off by the following:-

1. Three-legged ace, Boys - 1, W. Burton and J.Fitch; 2, S.Coleman and H.Peregrine
2. Three-legged race, Boys - 1, J. Burton and G.Burton; 2, W. King and J. Brown; 3, A.King and B. Sawkins.
3. Flat race, Boys, 120 yards - 1, W. Waters; 2, A. Burton; 3, G. Clark.
4. Flat race, Girls, 120 yards - 1, Eva Waters; 2, Maggie Burton; 3, Annie Benton.
5. Flat race, Boys, 100 yards - 1, H. Peregrine; 2, J. Fitch; 3, J. Clark.
6. Flat race, Girls, 100 yards - 1, K. Copeland; 2, E. Willings; 3, Jeannie Brown.
7. Flat race, Boys, 80 yards - 1, G. Burton; 2, A. Curtis and F. Sweeting (equal)
8. Flat race, Girls, 80 yards - 1, Jeannie Brown; 2, Myra Burton; 3, Janet Brown.
9. Flat race, Boys, 70 yards - 1, A. Curtis; 2, F. Sweeting; 3, B. Sawkins.
10. Flat race, Girls, 70 yards - 1, L. Burton; 2, A. Pooley; 3, A. Weal.
11. Egg and Spoon race, Girls - 1, A. Weal; 2, D. Coleman.
12. Egg and Spoon race, Girls - 1, Jeannie Brown; 2, Phyllis Knightbridge.
13. Needle and thread race, Girls - 1, Maggie Burton; 2, Eva Waters; 3, Florence Mann.
14. Needle and thread race, Girls - 1, K. Copeland and E. Mann (equal); 3, Jeannie Brown.
15. Consolation race, Boys - 1, C. Burton; 2, J. King; 3, T. Lawrence.
16. Consolation race, Girls - 1, Dorothy Wheatley; 2, J. Ewens; 3, M. Fitch.

The sports and games for the infants commenced at 3 p.m., and were under the management of Mrs. And Miss. C.F. White, Mrs. Peregrine, and other kind helpers. The prizes for these little ones consisted of sweets and toys.

At 4-15 p.m., tea was served to 155 young people (including the Band boys) under 16 years of age, after which, the distribution to the children of Coronation Medallion Chocolate Tins and packets of sweets took place.

The sports for the adults began soon after 6 p.m. and were the center of much interest and amusement. Money prizes were competed for. The following were the prize winners:-

For men
1. Flat race, 100 yards - 1, J. Weal; 2, J. Crisp.
2. Flat race, quarter-mile - 1, J. Crisp; 2, James Weal.
3. Flat race for men over 40 - 1, Mr. Waters; 2, Mr. Hobby; 3. Mr. Thurgood.
4. Bicycle race, one mile - 1, H. King; 2, J. Barnes.
5. Sack race - 1, James Weal.
6. Consolation race - 1, W. Coleman; 2, T. King.
7. Flat race, quarter-mile - 1, J. Crisp; 2, James Weal.


For women
1. Flat race, 100 yards - 1, Mrs. G. King; 2, Mrs. A Sawkins.
2. Egg and spoon race - 1, Mrs. A. Sawkins; 2, Mrs. W. Fitch.
3. Flat race (for women over 30) - 1, Mrs. G. King; 2, Mrs. A. Sawkins.
4. Needle and thread race - 1, Miss A. Mann; 2, Mrs. A. Sawkins.
5. Consolation race - 1, Miss A. Burton; 2, Mrs. J. Burton.

Mr W. Gould kindly acted as starter, and Colonel Fane and Mr. C. F. White as judges.

The day turned out warm and fine, but arrangements had to be made in case of wet, and, under the able directions of Mr. I. Mugleston, two large rick cloths were joined together, and made into one large tent, under which the tables were set out for the dinner and tea. During the evening refreshments, as long as they lasted, were served to adults. Cakes were kindly sent by Mrs. C.D. Royds and Mrs. Fane, sweets by Miss Vera Waterman, tea by Mrs. Arnold. One large break was kindly lent free of cost to fetch and take back the Band to Brentwood, by Mr. W. Weal, and rick cloths by C.D. Royds, Esq., Colonel Gordon, Mr. W. Knightbridge, Mr. Hutchinson. A tent by Colonel Fane, and tables and seating for 50 persons by Mr. I. Mugleston, and last, but not least, we have to thank the following for kindly cooking the potatoes - Mrs. G. King, Mrs. Mann, Mrs. W. Fitch, and Mrs. Jesse Porter.