Over a century ago a church magazine was published for the Depwade Deanery with the above title. It reported on events and news from each parish. Recently, through the kindness of Jean Stimpson, I received a few photocopies of relevant Forncett entries to add to the Archive. They enhance the picture of the Forncetts from 1916-1928, but are by no means complete. If any readers can add to my collection, I should be most grateful for contributions.
The three editions published during WW1 are of course most interesting with their accounts of matters relating to Forncettians fighting for their country. In 1916 Pte Wm LUDKIN was killed, as was Percy GRAY. John NEWMAN was severely wounded and then married and moved to the North. Edward GOSTLING was killed on the Somme, while William and Claud from the same family were seriously wounded. Others mentioned include: SKIPPER, GREEN, BROOKES, FRYER and BLAKE.
In 1917 the death of Pte Herbert ROE is reported on the Eastern Front.. Among those on active service, mention is made of WATERS, COLEMAN brothers, TANN, HUNT, SCOTT, SELF, SYMONS and LOVEDAY.
The effects of war continue to make themselves felt even in 1921, when Mr Robt. BROOKS is reported as dying for reasons “traceable probably to trials experienced in the War”. In this year too a decision was made at the St Mary War Memorial Meeting to raise funds for a Memorial Cross.
The Forncett Archive
Occasionally items of interest appear on eBay. One such showed a postcard with an unusual view of the mission church at Forncett End with the gates and stile. It must have been taken ca. 1905-6, as the bellcote has not been added. The gates are of an impressive design; the picket fence is of interest and the stile is similar to the one on Tabernacle Lane for the footpath behind the Methodist Church.
