Wateringbury Girls School Log (1914-19 )

Post date: Nov 28, 2014 7:18:17 PM

There follows selected extracts from the Girls School log kept at Wateringbury School. It is a more detailed log than the Boys School log. The selection of items to transcribe puts an emphasis on war related topics and diseases affecting the school. The "scheme of work for 1915-16 " has been transcribed in total but not for other years. Comments about the weather are only occasionally transcribed. Attendance statistics are also only occasionally transcribed.

Wateringbury Girls School Log

1^st Jul 1914: May Carr returned to school; as her head was still in a filthy state she was again sent home.

3^rd Jul: The attendance is still not good; several still away ill; others away as their mothers are busy fruit picking. School closes today for 1 week’s holiday; a shorter holiday will be given at hoppicking.

14 Jul: Girls at Laundry Class. Isabella Borden sent to school but went elsewhere.

15 Jul: Rev. M. Richards took 1^st class for scripture. Punished Isabella Borden.

17 Jul: Mildred Carr’s name removed from register as she is now 14 years of age. Violet Crayford has also left having obtained an exemption certificate. Constance Stow & Dorothy French are being examined tomorrow for a Scholarship to Maidstone Grammar School for Girls. [both girls failed to obtain the scholarship.]

29 Jul: Sir George Wolseley and Miss Maitland called. The 1^st class sang some songs before they left. Sir George very kindly gave 5s. towards prizes for the girls.

4 Aug: Laundry class as usual. This is the last of the course. Florence Collison is suffering from scarlet fever as well as diphtheria.

12 Aug: Dorothy Curd who has not attended the last few days came this morning. As her throat seemed swollen she was sent to Dr. Sanders who said that she was suffering from diphtheria. She & her sister were sent home with a note.

14 Aug: The attendance in all the classes , except St. V , has been poor this week. So many are kept at home to look after the babies while the mothers go out to work.

21 Aug: The girls have decided to give up their prize money this year to the Prince of Wales’ Fund to relief distress caused by the war. The sum of £1 12s. 6d. has been sent to the Vicar for this purpose. Work for the War Hospital taken instead of needle work.

The eclipse of the sun this morning was viewed by all the school.

24 Aug: attendance is poor as hoppicking has commenced.

25 Aug: As the attendance is so poor it is thought adviseable to close school this afternoon for hoppicking holidays, one month & 3 days.

28 Sept: Reopened school this morning.

2 Oct: 1^st class looked at war pictures the last half hour. At 12 oclock yesterday & today a short intercession was said by the girls for the war . It has been issued by the Bishop of Rochester.

13 Oct: Ivy Sloman has scarlet fever; notices sent to Drs. Greenwood and Roberts. Mrs Leney has sent wool for the girls to knit into mittens for the soldiers at the front.

16 Oct: Dr Roberts called and advised that the children from Latter buildings where the fever cases are, should be excluded from school for a time.

21 Oct: The girls are busy making mittens for the soldiers . Mrs Leney is supplying the wool. They are also bringing warm garments to school & making others, to send to the Belgian refugees at Folkestone.

23 Oct: A box of clothing (containing 65 garments) was sent to Folkestone on Thursday.

30 Oct: Sent box of new garments that the girls & some of the mothers have made to London for the Belgian refugees. Sent also 29 prs of mittens to Mrs. Leney for the soldiers.

4 Nov: Rev M. Richards took 1^st class for scripture. Temperature chart received yesterday from the Kent Ed. Committee to be filled in each day at 9 a.m. & 3 p.m.

10 Nov: Girls at Cookery class – 5 away-the two Butchers who have gone away for a time-Edith Winter who is ill, Louise Kirby whose brother has just died with diphtheria & Bessie Shepherd who is wanted at home.

12 Nov: Sent 2 packages containing 113 garments (28 new) to the Women’s Emergency Corps, Baker st., London for the Belgian refugees.

19 Nov: Afternoon so dark that Stds I & II in Classroom & Std III & IV in School room could not see to do their usual lessons as the gas burners were defective.

2 Dec: Commenced a fresh lot of mittens for the soldiers. Rev M. Richards took 1^st class for Scripture. He also took names of children whose fathers are at the war viz. Lily & Florence Booker & Marjorie Weller.

9 Dec: 13 prs of mittens sent to Mrs Leney who has forwarded them to Captⁿ Atkinson , 3^rd Hussars for the men at the front.

11 Dec: a fourth consignment of garments for the Belgian refugees is now ready and will be dispatched to the Women’s Emergency corps on the 14^th.

18 Dec: A great deal of knitting & needlework for the war & refugees has been accomplished by the girls during the term, who have given up their play, and come to school earlier in order to help. Great credit is due to the girls & also to the assistant Teachers for their valuable help.

23 Dec: A little entertainment will be given by the girls instead of the last two lessons. Mrs Leney & a Belgian lady & children were present all the time.

11 Jan 1915 : School re-opens this morning. Several girls still away ill.

12 Jan: Girls at cookery class

19 Jan: Girls at cookery class.

21 Jan: Very dark wet afternoon-no gas.

22 Jan: Edith Evans has scarlet fever so Edith & Esther will be unable to attend for a time. Mrs Leney has sent work for more mittens for soldiers & sailors.

26 Jan: Girls at cookery class. Isabel Bordend has diphtheria.

28 Jan: Diocesan examination held by Rev F. Lace.

29 Jan: Miss Bingham-Stevens called. The attendance of May Carr has not improved althpugh she has been fined. The temperature of both rooms has been very low again for the first part of the day. Average for the qtr 66.6%; the lowest for several years. Average for year =75.5; av. No. on roll 85.

2 Feb: The diocesan report⁴ received today is as follows:

(from Mr. Lace)” The hard work of the staff and the eager responsiveness of the children seem to me to form two marked & pleasing features of the religious education in this school. I found that the girls had gained in each group, sound & practical knowledge in all parts of a very full syllabus. The written work is also very good. The only weakness I noted applied to both the lower groups viz. a lack of accuracy in the catechism repetition. The girls in all these standards knew the explanation better than the text. I was especially pleased with the Old Testament work in Std. I & II & with the Prayer Book work in Std. III & IV. The work of the seniors can be quickly & fairly summed up as altogether excellent. The tone of the school is most pleasing. H. Powell Dio. Inspector.

February 12: Averages for week 64.3; 83.5%; 77 on roll

February 15: received notice that Nellie Sales has diphtheria. There are now two cases of diphtheria & one of scarlet fever.

Admitted Nellie & Ena Blackmore from Bearsted and Margaret Bentley from ?Gustling. There are now 80 on roll.

Feb 16: Girls at Cooking Class as usual.

Feb 17: Ash Wednesday –Children assembled at Church at 9 a.m. for service & marched back to school in time for registers to be marked at 10.00 a.m. The morning was dreadfully wet; several girls got very wet feet & were obliged to take off their boots and dry them on reaching school.

Feb 18: 1^st class girls had lessons on poultice making & fomentation this & last week. Too wet for drill.

Feb 19: Average for week 67.6; 80 on roll; 84.5% . Medals won this year by four girls only. The attendance has been poor all the year.

Feb 23: Girls at Cookery class- Cooking teacher very late owing to late train.

Feb 24: Heavy fall of snow prevented some girls from attending. Many had to take off their boots. Lesson on poultices & fomentation.

Feb 25: As some thousands of Kitchener’s Army were to march through Wateringbury from Maidstone early this morning, all the departments with the staff marched down & lined the road along which the troops were to come. They remained until all had passed through. It was a practical lesson in patriotism & history⁵.

A parcel of mittens (made by the girls) also containing chocolate, matches, candles & soap, was sent to the West Kent Regiment at the front on the 13^th. Each pair of mittens contained a letter from the maker. Answers from the recipients have been received in two cases.

Feb 26: Average for the wk 71; 80 on roll; 88.7%.

March 8: Admitted Evelyn Wood to Standard I from Addington.

March 11: Miss Cripps, assistant away ill, influenza.

March 19: Only 54 present today; so many girls are ill with bad colds, influenza, & sore throats. Average for week 63.4; 80 on roll; 79.2%. Bessie Shepherd has left school; she is 14 yrs of age, & is working in the hop-garden. Isabella Borders has returned after diphtheria.

March 24: The Queen Victoria Memorial Essay Prize was completed for today by the V standard & upwards-the subject was “The Victoria Cross”.

March 25: Term examination begins. As Miss Cripps is still away ill the subjects will be the 3 R’s & Drawing.

March 26: Lily Shepherd has diphtheria.

March 31^st: Several fresh girls absent today; 3 are being confirmed& others have gone to the service. The results of the Term examinations are good considering the very bad attendance through the weather and through illness. Average for week 62.5; 79 on roll; 77.6%. School closes today for Easter Holidays-2 weeks. The teachers & girls have today sent 42 boxes of cigarettes to the West Kent at the front- each box contains a letter from a child.

April 19^th: School reopened after Easter holidays. Admitted ten girls from the Infants dept. The attendance officer called. Miss Cripps , assistant teacher, returned to duty, which was notified to the K.E.C. Rosa Lanstead & Rose Lambert St. VII having reached the age of 14 have left. Lizzie May & Marjorie Wells have been granted exemption certificates, but neither of them are at work. All standards promoted today.

May Carr has left, having moved to Maidstone. Miss Bingham- Stevens called.

April 20. A new course of Laundry was commenced today , the class going the whole day. Names forwarded to K.E.C.

April 23 : St. George’s day was celebrated by all the departments meeting in the Girls’ playground, and singing the “ Imperial”, and the National anthem, cheers were given for the King. The usual midday intercession was also repeated after which grace was sung and the children dismissed.

During the day the girls read the legend of St. George.

Average for the week 75; 85 on roll; 88.1%

Several letters of thanks have been received by the girls from soldiers (officers & privates) at the front for cigarettes sent.

Sir George Wolseley has kindly sent a prize to be given to one of the girls.

A great number of girls brought pound of various things to be given to the hospital, as this is Pound day.

3^rd May: Staff: Miss Hinton. H^d. ?? Certificated. Miss Harvey, assistant ?? Certificated. Miss Cripps assistant.

Scheme of work for 1915-16

Handwork: Class I. Cardboard modelling-introduce cane & raffia work.

Class II. Ditto

Class III. Modelling in stiff paper (carton)& cardboard, plasticine, toymaking.

Drawing & Painting: Class I. Simple objects of everyday use. Buds , flowers etc. Memory work a feature. Painting from flowers & fruit.

Class II Simple objects ; painting confined to designs.

Class III: Free arm. Common objects. Memory work.

Domestic Economy. Class I: Laundry & cooking classes at the Institute each week. Setting dinner & tea table. Making bed (practical work). Uses & sources of clothing. Care of baby.

Music: Class 1. Staff notation combined with tonic Solfa. ??? breathing & voice exercises; time & tune sight tests; unison & 2 part songs.

Class II The same but simpler work. Unison songs.

Class III Tonic Solfa with introductory staff notation- voice and breathing exercises, easy time & tunes; songs.

History Class I From early period to present time divided into 3 parts. 1914 early period to 1485. 1915 from 1485 to 1688. 1916 from 1688 to present time.

Class II lives of great people from early to present time.

Class III Stories of great people & stirring events.

Geography: Class I Countries connected with the war. Local geography (???? In connection) Steamship routes to Continent. Food supplies. Bristish possessions briefly. The Globe –earth’s motions, latitude & longitude, climate.

Class II: England- local geography. Knowledge of Scotland & Ireland.

Class III: Elementary notions. Definitions generally, illustrated by plasticine. Talks about other lands.

English Reading Class I: To read fluently & know meaning of passage in poetry & prose. Clear enunciation.

Classes II & III The same. Good supply of books (stories, geography, history, health, character) to be used.

Composition & dictation In all classes on lessons given; simple descriptions, imaginary subjects; letters & addresses in upper classes; dictation in all classes.

Spelling From reading lessons-list of words from chapters to be read; & those in daily use.

Recitation & Literature Poems suitable to age of child. To have a knowledge of prominent writers.

English grammar: Class I Parts of speech & their use; simple analysis of sentences, prefixes & suffixes.

Class II Parts of speech & their use. Forming sentences.

Class III Forming sentences.

Correct writing & speaking.

Object Lessons: Class I General knowledge

Class II & III: common things, animal life; plant life. In all classes –notes & sketches from childrens’ own observation.

Arithmetic: Class 1 The Long rules- vulgar and decimal fractions. Bills. Methods of Unity. Prices by parts. Interest & proportional division. Revision of work. Proprtion , complex fractions. Interest. Measurement of areas. Metric system. Averages. Mental work.

Class II Four rules in money, weights & measures. Notation to 9,999 & sums of money not greater than £100. Practical work in measuring & weighing. Practical work in measuring inches & fractions. Introduce decimals. Mental work.

Class III: Four simple rules; also applied to money (99d & £10). Shopping, measurement of inches, quarters & halves. Carried out in paper & models.

As this is a week subject the classes , as the wok progresses will be worked in sections.

Needlework: Class I Patching in calico, flannel & print; button & button hole; tape strengthening; darning holes in stockings or on web; tucks, gussets, feather stitch; flannel binding & seams; cutting out & fixing own garment (shirts, chemises, drawers, nightgowns). Cutting out in paper chemise & pinafore- prices & quantity of materials used- Knit socks or stockings.

Class II III Practice cutting out simple garment in paper & pinafore. Pleating, sewing on tape & loops; herring bone on canvas & flannel; knitting 4 needles; garments in calico or linen. Knit socks.

IV Cutting out in paper chemise or pinafore. Knit socks. Gathering & setting in; run & fell seam; run & back stitch; darning as for thin place in canvas, flannel or stocking web; flannel seams. Garments in calico print or muslin.

Class III Running, hemming, sewing & felling ; practice in fixing & tacking; cutting out squares & oblongs ; small doll’s clothes cut out & made by the class; small garment or pillow case made; knitting purl & plain; fancy stitiches, chain edge; knitted articles.

Drill & Games: as set out in Drill Book.

May 5^th: As the girls are giving an Entertainment tonight & tomorrow night in the Church Rooms. Registers will be closed both days at 9.30 a.m.; school dismissed at 11.30 reassemble at 1.10 p.m. & dismiss at 3.20 p.m.

May 7^th:The entertainment will be repeated this afternoon for the school children, so the registers will be closed at 9.30 a.m. to enable the girls who are performing to go home to dinner. Afternoon school as usual.

All the entertainments are in aid of soldiers & sailors who have lost their limbs. Proceeds amounted to £8. 10. 3.

Average for the week 74.4; 82 on roll; 90.7%. The attendance is improving.

The May Queen was chosen this afternoon by the girls, by vote. They voted for the nicest, gentlest girl in standard II; Dorothy Meyers obtained 46 votes out of 74. She will be crowned on Monday.

10^th May: The May Queen was crowned this afternoon at 11.30 in the playground. She and three former Queens attended by their pages and a guard of honour marched in procession to the “Chair of State” (decorated with apple blossom). They were preceded by the rest of the school singing suitable songs. All wore wreaths of flowers, and the guard carried staves with flowers at the top.

14^th May: Gladys French has diphtheria. Louise Kirby has obtained her exemption certificate and has gone to work.

20^th May: The sum of £8 was sent in answer to Lady Falmouth’s appeal for disabled soldiers or sailors on May 17^th. The attendance officer called and took the names of Emily Gibbs & Doris King.

21^st May: School closes for 1 day only for Whitsun this year and as Empire Day falls on that day (Whit Monday) the whole school assembled today in the Boys’ playground where the National Anthem was sung , the flag saluted, then “Imperial” sung. The usual mid-day intercession for the war was made, after which grace was sung & the children dismissed.

The Earl of Merth’s appeal for comforts for overseas soldiers & sailors was well responded to by the girls, between 7s. & 8s. being taken today. Collection to continue on the 25^th.

Average for the week 68.1; 80 on roll; 85.1%.

25^th May: Girls at Laundry class. Earl of Merth’s fund 9s. Doris King has obtained her exemption certificate and has gone to work. Emily Gibbs has returned after several weeks absence.

2^nd June: 50 eggs were collected this morning from girls, boys & teachers for the wounded; 49 were collected last week.

4^th June: The sale of 3 gross of patriotic flag and scent satchels by 12 1^st class girls has brought in a sum of £1. 4. 2. which has bought £1. 1s. worth of cigarettes & the remainder spent in chocolate & postage for the Royal West Kent Regiment at the front. Letter were written by the girls the last lesson this afternoon to put in each box of cigarettes.

9^th June: The attendance officer called. Rev M. Richards took 1^st class for scripture; also brought some stick insects which interested the girls very much. Dr. Roberts held a medical inspection this afternoon of girls presented. 2 have defective eyesight. A child examined who had been away with “acute rheumatism” & was found to have heart disease (Lilian Brooker). Edna Bentley is not to drill. 51 eggs collected today for the wounded.

11^th June: Grace Wolfe, age 13, who has made her attendances for an exemption certificate [sic] has received notice from Mr. Allison that “fruitpicking” (which is the work she intended to do) is not beneficial employment & therefore he cannot grant a certificate.

18^th June: Seven girls have been away this week through illness. Average for week 71 ; 89.7%; 79 on roll. 6 walking sticks and a game have been brought by the girls to send to the Red Cross Society for the wounded and one of the Y.M.C.A. Base Camp.

21^st June: Lily Shepherd has returned after being absent some weeks with diphtheria & scarlet fever.

2^nd July: Average for week 69.5; 78 on roll; 89.1%. A bundle of 16 walking sticks collected by the girls has been sent to the B. Red Cross Society for the wounded. A parcel of 9 games was sent at the same time to the V.A.D. Hospital, Goudhurst. School closes this afternoon for 1 wk’s holiday.

12^th July: School reopens today. Florence Brooker, Evelyn wood away with chicken pox.

16^th July: Collection for the French Relief Fund: 7s. in school. All wore the Tri-colour which 1^st class had painted; a talk was held in each class about France & at 12 o’clock, before the intercession for the war, we all sang the “Marseillaise”. Average for week 68.4; 78 on roll; 86.6%. 29 eggs collected for the wounded this week.

22^nd July: Very wet day. Girls assembled at 2.15 p.m. & in spite of the rain marched down to the bridge where they stayed until the ceremony was concluded.

4^th August: 31 eggs for the wounded today.

6^th Aug: Gladys Luck was sent home immediately after opening school this afternoon. Her face was covered with a thick rash. A note was sent to her mother. Average for week 69 ; 78 on roll; 87.3%

9^th Aug: Gladys Luck has measles. Queenie Jury certified by doctor to have eczema & has to remain away 2 weeks. Violet Hartwell (rash on face).

10^th Aug: Girls have made 184 small bags of lavender to send to the wounded soldiers. 9 walking sticks were sent to the Red Cross Society today.

11^th Aug: 25 eggs collected for the wounded.

13^th Aug: Letter written to the wounded soldiers by the 1^st Class this morning instead of the usual Grammar lesson.

Attendance is very poor again. Two girls are away from home; two have been away with defective eyesight and are attending hospital; two have measles; one eczema; one rheumatism; and one is anaemic.

18^th Aug: 47 eggs collected for the wounded this week.

25^th Aug: The results of the Term examinations were good considering the number of children who have been away ill. Arithmetic is the weakest subject, especially in St. IV.

26^th Aug: The vicar, Miss Livett, Mrs Leney, Miss Goodwin &the Rev M. Richards were present this morning when the prizes list was read out (by the vicar). Certificates were presented by Mrs. Leney. Certificates were given instead of prizes, the girls having voluntarily given up the prizes in order to spend the money on cigarettes for the sailors.

4^th October: School re-opened this morning. Hop-picking is not quite finished -3 girls still picking. Attendance good. Miss Cripps absent till the 14^th with the K.E.C’s & the managers’ permission. She is to be married today and afterwards will continue her work at school. Have received a photograph of H.M. Torpedo Bt. 14, presented by the crew to the girls, who sent 116 packets of cigarettes & sweets to them, bought with their prize funds.

22^nd Oct: 2 boxes of apples brought by the girls (about 3 bushels) were sent to the fleet today.

21st Oct: History lesson on Nelson & Trafalgar.

29^th Oct: only 12 eggs were sent this wk. for the wounded.

3^rd Nov: 6 eggs sent for the wounded.

5^th Nov: The staff and all departments of the school subscribed towards wreaths for the funeral of Mr. Leney, a Manager, whose death on the 3^rd results from an accident in the Hunting Field.

19^th Nov: Sent a box of apples to Torpedo Boat 114 today, collected by the girls & some of the infants. Mr. Chambers (farmer) also sent some to the school.

24^th Nov: Caned Nellie Smith for stealing food & sweets from a girl’s basket in the lobby; also Queenie Jury & Ida Luck for bad language.

1^st Dec 2 eggs brought for the wounded. The sum of 7s. has been brought by the girls for the “……. Club Xmas Comforts Fund” for our soldiers & sailors.

3^rd Dec: Girls painting Xmas cards the last two lessons this afternoon to send out to a Y.M.C.A. base in France.

8^th Dec: 7 eggs taken for wounded soldiers.

10^th Dec: an appeal has been received from the Women’s Emergency Corps for clothes for the refugees. As the girls have in several cases finished their work for the year they are now making garments to send, or mending old ones.

22^nd Dec: ????? produced toy for each child. An orange, packet of sweets, & a Xmas card given to each child.

14^th January 1916: A hamper of clothes sent to the Women’s Emergency Corps for the Belgian refugees. The girls are still making garments for the same purposes, during needlework lesson, and in odd minutes.

21^st Jan: making mittens for minesweepers, from wool given by Mrs Leney, and making Belgian refugees clothing to send to the Womens Emergency Corps.

28^th Jan: Naomi Beech (age 13) has applied for her attendances in order to get an exemption certificate –to help her father with hop stringing.

31^st Jan: Naomi Beech has been granted an exemption certificate . Her name will be removed from the register. End of school year; average for year 71 [probably % attendance]. The lowness is caused by a great deal of illness the first 4 or 5 months of the school year. Four [attendance] medals only have been gained, and certificates.

9^th Feb: Rev. M. Richards took 1^st class for Scripture. 8 eggs sent for the wounded. A box containing between 30 & 40 garments made by the girls , also many that the children have grown out of, has been sent to the Belgian refugees today.

15^th Feb: Received the Diocesan Report:-

“There has been much sickness in the school during the past year. The work, however, maintains the high standard of past years. It will be possible in the lower groups to strengthen the teaching by further correlating the lessons, especially in the direction of illustrating the Catechism from Bible narratives. The middle group has made a particularly good study of the order of Morning and Evening Prayer. The seniors are a strong class , intelligent and very well taught. Throughout the school the order and tone is everything that could be desired. H.J. Powell Diocesan Inspector. “

2^nd March: Received a letter of thanks from Commander Fitz Clarence for 12 prs. of mittens knitted by the girls & sent for distribution to a minesweeper.

3^rd March: Alice & Lizzie Ballard⁷, also Daisy Pilbeam, will be excluded from school as their heads are in a dirty condition. The managers have been informed.

6^th March: Alice & Lizzie Ballard returned to school this morning but as their hair was not thoroughly cleansed they were again sent home.

8^th March: very few girls at school owing to a very deep snow.

13^th March: Alice & Lizzie Ballard have returned to school. Their heads are very much better.

20^th March: Daisy Pilbeam returned to school this morning after 2 weeks exclusion, but as she was in almost as dirty a state , she and her sister were sent home.

24^th March: Owing to the increased cost of paper , economy is being practised in the 1^st Class by writing above and below the lines at top & bottom of pages in exercise books. Odd pieces of paper such as insides of envelopes etc. are being used for pencil work in arithmetic.

29^th March: 13 eggs collected for the wounded. 5 boxes of cigarettes sent by the girls to the wounded at Preston Hall, Aylesford, to whom the Wateringbury Choral Society are singing tonight.

30^th March: a wreath was sent from the girls and teachers on the sad loss of Mr. Fremlin.

7^th April: The Pilbeams have now been absent for 5 weeks & 3 weeks (dirty heads). Notice has been sent to the attendance officer.

10^th April: the Pilbeams returned this morning but as there was little improvement , they were sent home.

12^th April: Pilbeams again returned & again sent home. The parents of the Pilbeams came to protest against the children being excluded , and said they should take them to the doctor.

14^th April: Pilbeams returned, and allowed to remain as there was marked improvement. They had been taken to Dr. Sanders who sent message that they were not in a fit state to be at school. Enid Curd sent to Dr. Sanders –she has scalp ringworm. Charlotte Huggett has tonsillitis.

19^th April: The May Queen was chosen by the girls before closing; the highest number of votes being given to Eva Fullager St II (57 votes).

1^st May: School re-opened today. The school walls have been swept and all windows cleaned. The sum of 7s. has been collected and sent to the Y.M.C.A. for extension of huts for soldiers.

2^nd May: A very good collection for Pound Day at the West Kent Hospital has been made and numerous pounds of groceries have been forwarded.

3^rd May: 19 eggs collected for wounded soldiers today.

5^th May: Mrs. Weller, school cleaner, has been granted 1s. extra in wages for the duration of the war² .

8^th May: the crowning of the May Queen has taken place this morning in the playground. The new Queen is Eva Fullager St. II. Appropriate songs were sung , and after the coronation the maids of honour danced “Sir Roger” & the small children a figure but owing to the unsettled cold morning , the proceedings had to be cut short. Photographs were taken.

17^th May: Rev. M. Richards took 1^st class for scripture. 9 eggs collected for the wounded. The sum of 13s. 6d. will be sent to the Overseas Club on Empire day. It has subscribed chiefly by the girls.

22^nd May: Medicinal herbs⁸ are being collected by the girls and will be forwarded to Byfleet to be dried. Mrs. Leney (Manager) has become a member of the Herb Growing Association in order that the girls can collect. At present dandelion roots and chives will be brought. Mrs Leney is paying the carriage and also paid for 4 orange crates for packing.

24^th May: Empire Day. Rev. M. Richards gave a patriotic address , the “Imperial” was sung (God of Battles). The school marched round to the Boys’ playground to rehearse for a little Empire Celebration this afternoon. The ceremony commenced at 2 o’clock. Several visitors were present, amongst whom were Mr. & Miss Lambert , Rev. M. Richards, Mr. & Mrs. Warburton & Mrs. Lemmens. The National anthem was sung & the Union Jack unfurled all present saluting. Then patriotic songs were sung chiefly by the boys as the setting of the tunes and the words learned by the girls differed from those used by the boys . The girls recited “Love of Country” The Flag and “England, My England” (Kathleen Boorman, Doris Smith & Elsa Smith). The infants sang a song. At the close Mr. Baker & Mr. Lambert spoke to the children. Cheers were given for the King & Mr. Warburton called upon the visitors for cheers for teachers and children. The children then dismissed (3.30 p.m.) for the afternoon.

["Scheme of work for 1917-18" not transcribed]

2^nd June: several 1^st class girls with Hd. Teacher spent the holiday afternoon in gathering foxglove leaves to send to the National Herb Growing Association. Ethel Maytum St. V has obtained an exemption certificate.

12^th June: Received from Mrs Leney a P.O. for 9s. payment from the Nat. Herb Ass. for dried Chives, raspberry leaves & ground ivy.

13^th June: very cold weather. Temperature 49 in school-the fire lighted in class room.

16^th June: a fire has been lighted each day in the classroom. Several girls were punished today for coming into the playground and throwing their hats there after school hours; also for behaving rudely to the master.

23^rd June: School closes today for 1 weeks holiday in order to allow children to help with fruit picking.

10^th July: An entertainment giving by the combined depts. In aid of the children of Belgium. It was unfortunately spoilt by a deluge of rain, each dept. having to seek the shelter of its own school, and the visitors visiting each in turn. It is proposed to hold it again on Wednesday.

12^th July: 16 eggs sent to the wounded. The entertainment again held and was able to be held outside, rain keeping off until just the end. The sum of £2. 10s. was collected ; 13s. coming from this school.

27^th July: Attendance Officer called, took several names. Ellen Couchman has whooping cough. Florence Humphrey away owing to whooping cough in the house. Dora Rogers away with bad cough.

3^rd August: holiday as usual when the choir excursion takes place.

4^th August: It has been decided to wind up the Penny Bank; and then open a new Penny Bank, and also a War Savings Association for the children. The deposits in the former are now limited to 15s. This has been explained to the scholars today in readiness for Monday the “paying in” day. An adult branch in also to be formed. The attendance is very poor indeed- most of those away are not well. Average 69; 82 on roll.

25^th August: the sum of £4 2s. 1d. has been collected for Kentish prisoners of war by parties of school girls singing reciting and acting their school pieces to wayside audiences. School closes today for 5 weeks holiday for hoppicking.

The War Savings Association has 31 members & the new Penny Bank 108 members.

2^nd October: Reopened School. 73 percent present out of 79 on roll.

4^th October: 16 eggs sent to the wounded.

10^th October: 4 eggs only sent to wounded. Received from Mr. Leney £1 4s. 6d. from the Nat. Herb association for herbs collected by the girls and sent to the association. The money has been sent to St. Mary’s Auxiliary Hospitals for Soldiers & sailors who have lost limbs.

12^th October: An appeal has been sent by Lord ?Barham? for Xmas puddings for men at the front. Subscriptions are already coming in.

8s. 5d. has been placed in the box belonging to Mrs Bingham Stevens for Kentish Prisoners of war. This brings the total to £4 10s 6d. handed to Mrs Bingham Stevens & sent by her to Mr. J. Spoor Rochester.

1^st class are helping to make hospital jackets for the wounded.

9s. for Herbs has been expended on carriage of other Herbs to London, details of which were sent to Mrs Leney. There is a balance of 2s. 9d.

3^rd November: Kate Ashbee has obtained her exemption certificate and leaves school today.

Lizzie Ballard, Isabel Borders & Nellie Smith have been caned for repeated disobedience.

Mittens, helmets & small cushions are being made for the troops by the girls in their odd minutes. The wool has been provided by subscription.

16^th November: Canon Livett visited the school to arrange the holiday for Monday afternoon when the shrine given by Mr. & Mrs. Brocklebank will be dedicated by the Bishop of Rochester.

?19^th Nov: Half holiday this afternoon on the occasion of the dedication of the Shrine.

22^nd Nov: 6 eggs sent to the wounded. A parcel of woollens was sent to the depot for comfort for the troops on the 16^th (29 mittens, 3 helmets, 2 mufflers, 1pr. socks).

23^rd Nov: received 5 lbs of grey wool from Miss Lambert to knit 20 prs of socks for the troops. They will be done in odd times chiefly. Painting Xmas cards for old boys at the front, this afternoon instead of usual flowers & leaves.

29^th November: unable to obtain any eggs for the wounded.

8^th December: the sum of 13s. has been forwarded to the “Daily Telegraph” for the Soldiers Xmas Puddings.

10^th January 1917: Sent 9 eggs for the wounded. Received the picture of Jack Cornwall, which has been framed. It is to belong to the 3 depts, and will remain in each for a few months.

26^th January The rooms are very cold indeed again, 37 in schoolroom & 39 in classroom. Received 5lbs of wool to knit for the soldiers from Miss Lambert, also 1 doz sets of No 11 needles.

5^th Feb: as a good deal of snow has fallen in the night & is still falling the Teachers were again unable to reach school until 9.45 a.m. A number of girls are away, 57 being present. A good deal of time has been taken up in clearing away the snow brought-in, in thawing the frozen taps & waste pipe in the lobby.

9^th Feb: Charlotte Huggett st VI has now been away some weeks. Her father has not been well, and as her mother and sister both work regularly in the brewery she has been kept at home to attend to her father. Her name has been sent twice to the attendance officer.

13^th Feb: Girls at cookery classes. In order to help the mothers recipes of cheap & nourishing dishes are from time to time written on the B.B.[blackboard] & the girls copy & take home. This was done today instead of copybook writing.

28^th Feb: The Victoria Memorial Essay is being written today on “ What I have done & am doing for the War.” 5 eggs sent to the wounded.

23^rd March: Took the 30 girls to the Boys’ School at 11.30 this morning to be weighed & measured.

28^th March: Medical inspection at 1.30 this afternoon by Dr. Roberts. 30 girls inspected of 1908 or 1904 births . Hilda White is excluded for 1 month further (Tuberculosis).

20^th April: Average for week 72.1; 77 on roll. Secular work began at 9.5 this morning and playtime at 10.55; the 1^st class then went to Church with Hd. Teacher to join in the Service in recognition of America joining the Allies to fight against barbarism. The remainder of the girls had their usual scripture lesson. Miss Lambert came to school on the 16^th to ask the girls to take charge of the flowers in the War Corner⁹ in Church.

23^rd April: Needlework being sold today. Collection for wounded horses 6s.

[Scheme of Work for 1917-18 not transcribed]

1^st May: Girls at Cookery Class. The May Queen has been chosen (by votes) by the girls; the highest number of votes were given to Ruth Andrews St II . Owing to the scarcity of flowers the crowning ceremony will not take place for a few weeks.

7^th May: Very cold morning. Fire lighted in Class room. Several girls away. E.Gibbs, F. Petchey, V. Andrews, A. Foord, M. Weller, K. Poile & May Strudwick have measles.

24^th May: Empire Day. National anthem sang after prayers, the a talk on the Empire, after which National songs were sung finishing with the national anthems of our allies.

25^th May: average for week 55, a number of children away some with or through measles (15) others not well.

7^th June: H.M.I. Miss Loveday visited the School at 9.30 this morning remaining till 3.35 p.m. Spelling & composition throughout were commended ; also the singing & recitation of the 1^st class.

8^th June: The average for the week is 63.6; 77 on roll. Waste paper sent to the Kent Ed. Com. Wool is being collected by the girls from the meadows and hedges and will be sent to Mrs. ?Tennent?. Plans have been made to feed the School children on five days of the week at the Institute in order to save bread. The cooking will be done voluntarily by the ladies of the parish except on Tuesday when the cookery class will do it. The charge will be 2d. per head & will consist of stew and pudding. The Kent Ed. Committee have given the use of all the cookery class utensils and permission for the Cookery class to cook, subject to approval of H.M.I.

12^th June: The Dinner Canteen⁶ opened today 125 children were fed. It promises to be a great success. Very hot day.

15^th June: Annie Foord St VII has been granted an agricultural license. School has been dismissed at 11.50 this week & will continue to be until the Canteen is in good working order.

29^th June: 125 children have taken tickets this wk for their dinner at the canteen.

4^th July: 7 eggs sent to wounded. sang “The star spangled banner”.

5^th June: received 10lbs of wool to knit soldiers socks.

6^th July: Miss Loveday (H.M.I.) called this morning while on a visit to the Infants dept. She afterwards visited the Canteen. Mrs Taylor, attendance officer, called & took 4 names. Spelling taken the last lesson this afternoon. Average for week 70.4; 78 on roll. Method of getting the girls into the safest places in event of an air raid³were practised this afternoon.

10^th July: 116 dinner tickets sold this week.

31^st July: 5 eggs sent to the wounded, and a lot of vegetables brought for the Navy , on Monday.

2^nd August: Unable to drill or play the whole week as the rain has fallen incessantly. The number at the Canteen this and last week fell from 115 to 74.

7^th August: The Canteen numbers have dropped to 53; the price has been raised to 1s. per wk, instead of 10d.

17^th August: The School War Savings Association is now a year old & during that time 165 Certificates have been bought.

20^th August: attendance Officer called. A large quantity of vegetables sent to the Navy.

21^st August: 29 pairs of socks knitted for the army-wool provided by Miss Lambert.

22^nd August : The vicar came this morning to present the prizes (4 for St VII) & certificates & also the Victoria Memorial Essay Prize to Doris south . School closes this afternoon for Hoppicking holidays (5 wks) & reopens on October 1^st. Average for week 68.3; 76 on roll. Annie Foord , 13 years of age, now working under agricultural license, has applied for her attendances.

2^nd October: the canteen opened with 20 children.

5^th October: Numbers of horse chestnuts are being brought by the girls . They are for munition making.¹

9^th October 27 children at canteen today.

16^th October: 41 children at Dinner Canteen today.

17^th October: 3 eggs for wounded . Large quantity of vegetables brought for the navy. Wool wound this afternoon.

22^nd October: Admitted Gwendoline Mercer from Canning Town . She is staying here on account of the air raids³.

23^rd October:Cookery class sent to Institute but had to return as teacher did not come. 49 children at canteen today. Good collection of vegetables for navy this morning, Sent 10s. 2d. to St. Dunstan’s Hostel for the Bland Soldiers & Sailors.

16^th November. Children collecting acorns to sell for pigs; proceeds to be given to a War Fund 5lbs of wool sent by Miss Lambert to be knitted into socks for the troops.

23^rd November: Miss Cator called to bring some materials to make dolls for the hospital babies who have been raided.

30^th November: Received note from the mother of Winnie & Nellie Smith to say that they are going to their own parish school. (As they are exceedingly troublesome children, quarrelling, using bad language & frequently fighting Mrs Smith had been warned that they would be expelled if there was no improvement.)

4^th December: 23 pairs of grey socks knitted by the girls in odd times sent to Miss Lambert who provided the wool. The socks are going to the troops.

10^th December: The scripture lesson was omitted this morning, lessons commencing in secular work immediately after Prayers to enable the Teachers and a few girls to be present at the unveiling of a War memorial in the Boys school at 11 o’clock. The vicar came in for a few minutes.

12^th December: Term examinations commencing. 6 eggs sent to the wounded. The Xmas cards painted by the girls (about 100) have now been sent off to the old boys & teachers at the front.

15^th January 1918: The purchasing of the 200^th War Savings Certificate was celebrated today by the members drawing for it. It was drawn by a little boy Underhill belonging to the Infants dept. The vicar, Mrs. and Misses Livett were present, also Mrs ?Longley? and Mrs Smith. The vicar made a few remarks to encourage the children to save what they could & help win the war.

23^rd Jan: 18 girls weighed & measured for Medical Inspection on Friday 25^th.

25^th Jan: medical Inspection by Dr. Robert’s assistant at 2 o’clock. 19 girls (one away with chicken pox) to be examined; also Norah Latter (tonails), Norah Sparkes (fainting fits) Margaret Weller (deafness-discharge) & Esther Pilbeam (sore eyes).

Elsa Smith who left a short time before Xmas, Vera Andrews and Majorie Rogers are intending trying for the Special Exhibitions at the Grammar Schools (Maidstone & Bromley).

31st Jan:[generally positive Diocesan report received is detailed].

6^th Feb: A gold wristlet watch was presented to Miss Harvey this morning on her resignation after nearly 9 years service here. It was subscribed for by the Managers, Teachers & children, and many kid friends in the village.

8^th Feb: The school has been disorganised today as a teacher had to go to the Infants School to take charge owing to the Mistresses’ mother being very ill.

The school will now be divided into 2 groups :

Group 1 in Classroom: Standards I, II, III, 28 children

Group 2 in Schoolroom: Standards IV, V, VI, VII 39 children.

The former will be taken by Mrs Dubben & the latter by the Hd teacher. The number on the roll is so much smaller owing to girls over age leaving and families removing, that the application for an uncertificated teacher to succeed Miss Harvey has been cancelled. There will be 8 infants sent up at Easter & as there are only 5 in Standard I at present, the class would be very small.

11^th Feb: Girls at Cookery class.

12^th Feb: Girls at Cookery class.

15^th Feb: The District Nurse came this afternoon to show the girls how to make & put on hot formentation & how to read a clinical thermometer.

1^st March: Nurse Smith came this afternoon to show how to change sheets on an invalid’s bed, give a blanket bath etc. The doll’s bed was used & also a large doll.

7^th March: Miss Lambert called to read a letter from Italy sent by a soldier who has received one of the prs. of socks knitted by the girls.

14^th March: Nurse came this afternoon to show 1^st Class how to bandage.

15^th March: Marjorie Rogers was absent on Monday to attend Maidstone Grammar School where she sat for an examination for a special exhibition for the school.

8 April: Reopened school after Holiday. Admitted 9 girls from Infants dept, and Sybil Smith from Southlands Practising Schools. The school has been thoroughy cleaned during the holiday, walls swept & windows cleaned by the boys.

22 April: Marjorie Rogers & Elsie Smith have both failed to obtain a special exhibition for Maidstone Grammar School.

24 April: Nurse Smith called this morning to examine some girls who are not kept clean. Several were found to be verminous chiefly the Curds; the Pilbeams, L. Ballard & Edith Large were also not clean.

26 Apr: Average for week 69; 76 on roll. The amount deposited in the Schools War Savings Association by Boys, Girls & Infants to December 3st 1917 is £154. 16s. 8d.; 37 members. (affiliated in August 21^st 1916).

1 May: At 10.30 this morning the May Queen was crowned. A procession was formed to the playground by the girls, all wearing wreaths of flowers, while a May Day song was sung. A second procession was formed, the three old Queens being conducted to their thrones preceded by a guard of Honour. Lastly the new Queen was ushered in-Lorna Bannister and seated on a gaily decked throne. After the coronation the procession reformed and came back into school. The May Queen & Guard were photographed in the afternoon.

24 May: Empire Day. A short address by the Hd Mistress, the National Anthem, “The Red White & Blue”, ”Flag of Britain” & three cheers for King & Empire, immediately after prayers. Flags sold for overseas fund.

28 May: Mrs. Taylor called. Kate Wella who obtained an exemption certificate stated that she was entering domestic service in Mrs. Chamber’s household. She is found not to have been working there at all, but remaining at home. The parents have been fined. Lizzie Maytum who also obtained an exemption certificate and who also gave false information has returned to school . Elsi Burgess has returned. Doris Wickenden retuned on the 27^th but was sent home owing to the dirty state of her head. The Parish nurse has attended to her and she returned to school although not properly clean.

11^th June: Mrs Livett called to invite the girls & teachers to haymaking on Friday next.

14^th June: School will dismiss at 3.30 and march to the Vicarage Glebe where they will make hay; each child will receive a bun and ginger bar.

21^st June: School closes today for a week’s holiday.

1^st July: Reopened school this morning; several girls absent with influenza & one with ringworm.

5^th July: Average for week 61.8; 73 on roll. 8lbs. of sheep’s wool has been collected by the girls chiefly and will be sent to the sheep’s wool depot 23 Queens Gate Gardens, S.W.1.

17^th July: The attendance has been poor this week again owing to bad colds, whooping cough & ringworm cases.

Ellen Couchman has been absent the greater part of the week owing to her brother’s death.

21^st July: Very wet day- rain coming through the roof badly.

8^th Aug: Fifteen away ill with whooping cough or influenza.

9^th Aug: Average for week 56.3 ; 69 on roll.

16^th Aug: Attendance very poor all the week-several ill with influenza. Average 56.7; 70 on roll.

19^th August: Attendance is better today.

22^nd Aug: school closes today for 5 wks holiday. The thermometer registers 84 in the classroom & 81 in the school; unable to do manual work.

30^th Sept: Reopened school 61 present. A very wet week & extremely cold morning.

11^th October: Several are still away with whooping cough.

18^th Oct: A number of girls way ill- several present with very bad coughs. The rooms are so cold at 9 a.m. (40)that all the school has been taken out in the playground at 10 o’clock for 10 mins to get them warm. Average for week 58; 70 on roll.

Mrs Dubben still away.

£2. 2s. has been obtained by the girls from the sale of picture postcards for the royal Nat. Lifeboats Institution and sent on 17^th.

A sack of nut shells and fruit stones, weighing 48 lbs,has been despatched to Southend.

The girls are busy knitting socks for the troops from wool kindly provided by Miss Lambert.

28^th Oct: As there are several fresh cases of illness this morning in this dept (only 47% ) and Mrs. Dubben the assistant not feeling at all well it is thought advisable to close for 1wk. The Cookery classes will not be held this week.

4^th Nov: School reopened today : 49 present. Several still absent with bad colds, influenza & whooping cough.

8^th November: Received postcard from Miss Pelman to say that she had developed influenza. No cookery class. Sent 37lbs of nutshells to Southend. Attendance shows no improvement.

11^th November: Better attendance. Great excitement waiting for war news, which came between 11 & 12 –lessons stopped, cheers were given & at 10 min to 12 all the schools & staff marched to the cross roads where the National Anthem was sung & the children dismissed for the day.

12^th November: Rev. M. Richards called, also Mrs. Taylor who again took Edith Herbert’s name for irregular attendance. No cookery classes this week. Mrs Dubben away.

15^th Nov: The school is very cold & difficulty is experienced in keeping the children in the large room warm as the coke & anthracite for the stove have not been received. 46 was registered at 9.35 this morning.

25^th Nov: Mrs Taylor called. Lizzie Maytum away owing to influenza in her sisters’ home.

28^th Nov: 3 sacks of rags sent to Millwall (War Office Depot).

13^th Dec: Received 17s. from the National Salvage Company for 3 sacks of rags collected & sent. It will [be] sent to the St. Dunstan’s Hostel for Blind Soldiers.

6^th Jan 1919: School reopened today- attendance good.

8^th Jan: Miss Lambert called to bring a Xmas Card sent to the children from the front.

20^th Feb: Nurse Smith called and examined Mary Skinner who was found to be in an extremely dirty state –verminous in head & body. The school will be closed tomorrow on account of Hd Mistress not being well. Several girls away ill.

5^th March: The School attended Church at 9 a.m. for the ash Wednesday Service.

7^th March: The school attended church at 9.a.m. for a memorial service in memory of one of the infants teachers who died last week.

4^th April: Commenced to take the Children’s newspaper – several girls also take it.

14^th May: a few visitors came up to see the May Queen this morning. Songs & dances followed the crowning. A silk robe has been presented to the school for the May Queen by Miss Harvey a former assistant.

12^th June: Agnes Cronk has left school. Her parents are leaving the village.

8^th July: School reopens today. Received the news of the sad death of Lorna Bannister who has been lying ill for some wks (consumption & dropsy).

13^th Aug: a day’s holiday for the pageant as nearly all the girls are dancing in it.

20^th Aug: School closes today for the King’s week & 5 weeks hoppicking holiday .

1^st Oct: Hd mistress unable to return from Lowestoft owing to the railway strike.

7^th Oct: Picture of Nurse Cavill hung up. Pictures & frame bought by girls & teachers (£1. 3s.)

10^th Oct: War Savings Association 3 years old. In that time we have subscribed £283. 19s. 4d. , & bought 361 certificates. Obliged to have a fire, the weather is so cold.

13^th Oct: As there is no wood for lighting fires the girls are bringing some from home or picking it up in the park or along the road.

10^th Nov: At 10.45 this morning all the Depts assembled in the playground on the anniversary of the armistice. Hymns were sang, the 2 minutes silence observed and a few words from Mr. Lambert who was present with Miss Lambert.

Notes:

1. Chestnuts .From IWM web-site: The propellant cordite was an essential component of ammunition during the First World War, and the solvent acetone was used in its manufacture. Acetone was usually distilled from wood, and was mainly produced by the great timber-growing countries. Before the war, most of the acetone used in Britain was imported from the United States. By August 1914, it was apparent that the stocks of acetone available in Britain would not meet the rapidly-growing demand. Acetone could also be produced from potatoes and maize, and new factories were built to do this. By 1917, however, the German submarine offensive threatened to cut off supplies of North American maize. Experiments at a King's Lynn factory to find a substitute resulted in the discovery that horse chestnuts could be used. The Ministry of Munitions began to collect the 1917 horse chestnut "harvest", and enlisted the help of schoolchildren. Vast quantities were collected, but only 3,000 tons reached the factory - collection was hampered by transport difficulties, and piles of horse chestnuts rotted at railway stations. Nobody really knew why they were collecting horse chestnuts - the government was secretive about its motive because the Germans could easily copy this novel form of acetone production. A question was asked in the House of Commons, but it was simply stated that they were required for "certain purposes". This veil of secrecy even brought accusations that voluntary effort was being used to provide personal profit. After initial difficulties, acetone production began at King's Lynn in April 1918, but the horse chestnuts were of poor quality and production stopped again three months later. The autumn of 1917, however, is still remembered as the time when conkers were collected for the Ministry of Munitions.

2. A so-called "War bonus" was quite common in 1916/8 due to the shortage of labour. Various village employees received one.

3. Air raids. This practice in July 1917 was shortly after the most deadly air-raid of the war by Gotha planes in daylight on 13 June 1917 which caused 162 deaths, including 16 children in a school in Poplar. In all deaths from Zeppelin and aircraft raids totalled only 835 in WWI, but of these 252 were children (and 542 serious injuries). Wateringbury does not seem to have any actual air raids in WW1 (it did not escape in WW2). However, as elsewhere the air raids of WW1 caused great fear. Both the girl's school (Gwendoline Mercer from Canning Town in October 1917) and the infants ( 2 boys in July 1916) took children from London who had moved temporarily to Wateringbury to avoid the air raids there, but these were individual private initiatives and there was nothing like Operation Pied Piper as in WW2. The first air raids on the UK hit Dover on Christmas Eve 1914 and in January 1916 The Red Lion, Dover, a pub belonging to Alfred Leney & Co was hit with one fatality; the brewery's Dover malthouse was also hit in this raid; in March 1916 the cooperage yard of the Dover brewery and its mineral water plant were both hit. The possibility of air raids was cited by the Church in the February 1918 Parish Magazine as one reason for altering the time of services. In 1916/17 the church took out insurance at an annual cost of over £7 against "aircraft". An interesting, but probably untrue, story can be read at Poison Gas bomb ?

4. Diocesan Report: the reports for all three schools were printed in the parish magazine of March 1915 and can be found within More letters from front (1915).

5. Kitchener's Army: the infant school log adds following detail: 3,000 soldiers and on their way to Aldershot.

6. Dinner canteen: this canteen was the subject of a letter in The Times and more can be read in the following article entitled On the Home Front A School Dinner Canteen at Wateringbury, 1917 originally published in The Journal of Kent History September 2014:

On the Home Front

A School Dinner Canteen at Wateringbury, 1917

In February 1917 Germany resumed unrestricted submarine warfare and quickly sank large amounts of the merchant shipping bringing food and other supplies to the U.K. As a result, in May 1917 Lord Devonport, minister of food, exhorted the country as follows: "We must all eat less food and especially we must all eat less bread...The enemy is trying to take away our daily bread. He is sinking our wheat ships. If he succeeds in starving us, our soldiers will have died in vain." Formal rationing was not introduced until 1918, but the public consciousness about the food issue and bread in particular is reflected in many cartoons in Punch during 1917.

The Times published on 5^th July 1917 a letter from “One behind the scenes” describing what one, unnamed, parish had done where most children had previously taken their own dinners to school, which had averagely included 6 oz. of bread each. By setting up a canteen in the school feeding 125 children, 5 days a week, the writer estimates that a saving of more than 1 ^½ cwt. of flour a week was being achieved. The letter notes that, although the object was to save flour, it also provided the children with a wholesome change of diet. It might have also said that at 2d. per meal it offered great value.

Although The Times letter avoids identifying the village, it is clearly Wateringbury and the author was probably the vicar, Greville Livett, who devotes considerable space in the parish magazine to a variety of food issues in 1917, including the school dinner canteen project. In Kent archives (reference P385/25/8) is a bundle of papers relating to the school dinner canteen run at Wateringbury National Schools, including minutes of the meetings of its canteen committee and lists of the many helpers.

As well as time contributed by many helpers, the canteen benefited from gifts of fruit and vegetables as well as charitable financial donations from several people in the village. The Working Men’s Institute provided a large room and a local brewer paid the gas bill. Kent Education Committee granted the use of their stove and allowed the cookery instructress and her class of girls to cook the dinners one day a week.

There is a list of dinners covering a 4 week period, which is probably the one adopted in Wateringbury. The menu for one week is shown below:

Monday Brown vegetable soup- Dumplings

Rice Pudding

Tuesday Cottage Pie; Green peas

Sago Pudding

Wednesday Scotch Barley Broth

Ginger Pudding-Sweet Sauce

Thursday Meat and Potato Hash; Peas

Baked Jam Roll

Friday Fish and Potato Pie; Parsley Sauce; Green Peas

Rice Pudding

The letter in The Times claims all the children appreciated the food “except one boy, who has not yet learned to like what he calls slops!”

7. The Ballards lived in Vicarage Cottages and the girls won prizes at Sunday School and in 1917 at main school so it seems a complex situation. Lizzie was caned in 1918.

8. Medicinal herbs . Jane Adams of the Open University writes: Within a few months of the outbreak of war in 1914 the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries issued a leaflet, The cultivation and collection of medicinal plants to encourage the growing of herbs in wartime. Commercial production had declined in Britain over the course of the nineteenth century and by 1914 demand by the pharmaceutical industry was met by supplies from German and Austrian territories.

9. War Corner . See War Corner