Hopping (1883):"Hopper's rest"

Post date: Aug 28, 2012 2:47:5 PM

Extracts from Parish magazine of September 1883:

HOP-PICKING SERVICES, etc

Mr. E.P. Leach will again act as Missionary to Hop-pickers during the coming season, this is we believe the 23rd successive year in which Mr. Leach has acted in this capacity in Wateringbury. A second Missionary, Mr. Churchman, has been appointed to act for the Canon Lane District and that part of the Parish which lies to the west of Canon Lane, and a tent for services will be pitched near Mr. Goodwin's house.

THE HOP PICKERS REST

By the kindness of Col Symes¹, the Cottages near the Upper Mill will be again furnished as a Coffee Tavern and Reading Room during the Hopping Season. Coffee will be provided during the dinner hour and in the evening. Illustrated Papers, Books etc. will be very acceptable and may be sent to Col Symes , or to the Vicarage.

Extract from Parish magazine of October 1883:

The events of the last month may be summed up in one word, "Hop-picking". A fierce and disastrous gale on Sunday, September 2, ushered in the arrival of our immigrants, but since then the weather has been on the whole very favourable for their work. Though in many respects there has been an improvement in the "manners and customs" of our annual visitors , yet there is much still to be desired, especially in the way of less drinking and purer language . Col Symes "Hopper's Rest" has been well patronised , and frequent expressions of thankfulness for the excellence of the Soup, Tea, Coffee, etc., have been heard from those who availed themselves of the boon. The Services in "The Tent" at Mr. Goodwin's have been well attended , as have also the Sunday Schools there and at Mr. Fremlin's.

Notes

1. Col. Symes does not register in any Wateringbury census but is recorded as a Wateringbury resident when his son, George Stewart, was baptised in St. John's the Baptist on 10 September 1882. George Stewart went on to have a distinguished career as a colonial administrator. His father, Lt. Col. William Alexander Symes, was also on the Church Improvement Committee in 1883.