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Strange but true
MORE TALES OF THE UNUSUAL CULLED FROM THE ARCHIVES OF OUR LOCAL NEWSPAPERS AND ELSEWHERE
FEEDING THE POLITICIANS: In the year 1301, King Edward I called a Parliament at Lincoln which was held in the Chapter House of the Cathedral. This Parliament was attended by about 300 members and their attendants. So, in order to feed them, food had to be collected from other parts of the county. They sent to Bourne for meat and in the accounts of the Parliament, it is shown that they paid "Walter de Auclound two shillings and eight pence for carrying two carcases of beef and 10 carcases of mutton from Bourne to Lincoln, a distance of over 30 miles". Sitting in Parliament, even in those days, must have been dry work for it appears from the accounts that this body of 300 men drank 3,121 gallons of beer in 3 days. Fortunately for the Chancellor of the Exchequer, beer was cheap at that time, only costing one penny per gallon. - from Bourne and People associated with Bourne by J T Swift (1925).
RAINING WHEAT AT BOURNE: On 26th April 1661, at Bourne in Lincolnshire, it rained wheat. Some grains were thin and hollow, others firm and would grind into flour. Pecks of it were taken from off church leads and other houses leaded and several who were witnesses brought up quantities to London. - extract from Admirable Curiosities published in 1728.
BENEATH HERE
lieth interred the body of Mr Thomas Stevens Hussey who at the age of ten
years was presented with a commission in the Royal Artillery by the late
Marquis of Granby. He departed this life September 8th, 1787, aged 34
years. - inscription on a ledger stone in the nave of the parish church
at Morton, near Bourne. NOT SO FLEET OF FOOT: On Monday morning, a person by the name of Russell, at Market Deeping, near Bourne, undertook for a trifling wager to run a mile in five minutes. He lost but went the distance in five and a half minutes. - news report from the Lincoln, Rutland & Stamford Mercury, Friday 30th June 1809.
HIGH SPEED BRICK LAYING: Mr John Banks, a brick maker of Bourne, undertook for a trifling wager to make 1,000 bricks in three hours, which arduous task he performed last Saturday in one hour and 55 minutes. - news report from the Stamford Mercury, 31st July 1812.
HORSE DROWNED: Mr Westmoreland of Billingborough, near Bourne, lost a valuable draft horse on Tuesday, owing to a wagon load of beans being driven so near to a gravel pit that it overturned. The horse was drowned in the pit. - news report from the Lincoln, Rutland & Stamford Mercury, 6th November 1812.
HEFTY BEAN BAG: Last week, John Stimson, of Stainby, near Bourne, carried a sack of beans weighing 18 stones and upwards, two miles within the hour without resting, for the trifling wager of half a guinea. - news report from the Lincoln, Rutland & Stamford Mercury, Friday 29th October 1813.
THE LINCOLNSHIRE GIANTESS: On Monday night, died at Rippingale, near Bourne, aged 16, Ann Hardy, daughter of Thomas and Sarah Hardy, of that place. This young woman had attained the extraordinary height of seven feet two inches and had attracted much attention in this part of the country, having for a considerable time past been publicly exhibited at fairs & etc as a phenomenon. Her father is a man not more than five feet six inches in height and her mother only of middling stature. The coffin measured seven feet and a half in length and two feet seven inches across the shoulders. - news report from the Lincoln, Stamford & Rutland Mercury, Friday 21st July 1815.
A CORRESPONDENT at Bourne has communicated an account of the "sale of a wife" at that place on Saturday last. The dealing parties are represented to be a native of Rippingale and a tradesman of Bourne: the scorn of every decent person will reprove them. As this is a case in which we are not hampered by the consideration due to an advertisement, and have therefore a full option, we shall decline publishing the disgusting particulars; and we shall embrace the opportunity of saying a few words for ourselves respecting some advertisements that have lately stained our columns. In whatever comes to us as an announcement that is to be paid for, it is considered to be our duty to allow the utmost latitude to the public that is consistent with our own legal safety; and the use which is made of the privilege by some persons, should not lead others to conclude that we catch at scurrility for profit: we are sensible of the pollution which some matters give to our pages, and would gladly, if we could, avoid it. The situation of the conductor of a newspaper is always arduous and dangerous, and often painful. - news report from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 5th May 1820.
On Saturday last, Lucy Barber, the "wise woman" of Market Deeping, was taken before magistrates at Bourne on a charge of extorting money under pretence of foretelling future events, from Mrs Odell, wife of Mr Odell, hatter, of Deeping. After a suitable admonition from the magistrates, she was discharged, on paying expenses and promising not to offend again. - news report from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 29th November 1822.
The good people of Bourne had their feelings excited on Saturday se'nnight [a week ago] by the funeral of a deceased merchant, shortly before of considerable consequence in that place. It was clearly wished to inter the corpse with the utmost dispatch and privacy. Accordingly, no funeral bell was tolled, but the coffin and its dishonoured contents were at an early hour in the morning carried to the grave, from the dwelling house in which the deceased had for many years resided in comfort and supposed opulence. There were not any pall bearers; and from the inadvertence of those who bore the coffin, the pall was caught by the wind and blown off. This unceremonious way of consigning to the "narrow house" the remains of one who until very lately had filled so considerable a space in society, was to the contemplative mind affecting; and the notice of it may perhaps be instructive to many persons. The deceased had been speculative and imprudent, and his recent failure has involved numbers in distress. - news item from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 7th March 1823.
PARDON ASKED: I, John Bray of Bourne, Lincolnshire, having committed an unprovoked and indecent assault on Elizabeth, wife of Emblyn Hardy, of Pointon, about eleven in the forenoon of this day, near the village of Morton, do now thus beg pardon, consent to all reasonable expenses, and promise never to offend in like manner. (signed) John Bray, his mark, in the presence of Thomas Rawlin, Constable of Morton. - news item from the Lincoln, Rutland & Stamford Mercury, 20th June 1823.
A few nights ago, a labourer named Batty, of Morton, near Bourne, was alarmed by the screams of an infant who was in a cradle in an upper apartment, and on proceeding to discover the cause, he ascertained that the child had been bitten in one of its hands by a rat. The following evening he was again alarmed by the cries of the elder children in another apartment, when he discovered that a rat was in bed with them and had seized a boy on the face and one of the eyelids. The children have not yet recovered from the attacks of the vermin. - news report from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 4th November 1825.
MASTER HUBERT,
the INFANT ROSCIUS from Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, ONLY SEVEN YEARS OF AGE!
- will give his amusing and rational entertainment on Friday the 19th and
on Monday 23rd February in the large room at the Angel Inn, Bourne, when
he will sustain ten different characters in appropriate dresses and in
quick succession, and also sing a variety of favourite comic songs, etc.
He will also, by desire of many of the inhabitants, repeat his
entertainment at Market Deeping on Wednesday evening next from whence he
will proceed to Stamford, Uppingham, Oakham, Melton etc. - public
notice from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 19th January 1830. NOTE: Many notable English actors from the 16th
century onwards were nicknamed after the
AN ACCIDENT occurred in Bourne at midday on Saturday last. Three ladies, seated in a one-horse chaise and who were approaching the fair along North Street, were so unfortunate as to drive over a poor woman and a child: the wheels went over the body of the former and the child was deprived of the end of a finger in a similar way. The horse, which was a spirited one, had usually been driven to the Bull Inn [now the Burghley Arms] and on this occasion it was wished to pass by, the whip was applied which set the animal off at speed: he was fortunately stopped before any other accident occurred. Every attention has been paid to the injured persons by the ladies who were thus placed in so disagreeable situation. - news item from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 5th November 1830.
MR. MOORE, of Edenham, near Bourne, has at this time a pig of enormous size of nine feet four inches in length, seven feet six inches in girth, and of the supposed weight of above sixty stone. It is feeding on barley meal. - news item from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 28th February 1831.
On Friday night
last, a bull, the property of Mr Teesdale, of Haconby, near Bourne, broke
from the place in which it was confined, entered a crew-yard adjoining and
tore out the entrails of a valuable horse. When found in the morning, the
horse was dead and great part of the entrails devoured by pigs. - news
item from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 28th March 1831.
We have heard
of two striking curiosities, one an enormous oak tree now on sale in the
parish of Thurlby, near Bourne, the other a preposterous fat pig at
Edenham, in this county. For the former, the proprietor, thirty years
since, refused the astonishing sum of £130; the bark is valued at £30. The
root or trunk is considered very short but of large dimensions; the limbs
are of astonishing length and thickness. The hog above alluded to is a
native of Edenham and is supposed to be the largest ever exhibited to
public notice: it was lately sold for 26 guineas and weighed upwards of 70
stone.
AS THREE UNPROTECTED FEMALES, one only 12 years of age, were driving a vehicle from Deeping to Bourne on the 7th inst., two would be gentlemen with a lady in a gig overtook them halfway between Langtoft and Baston, and though the vehicle was drawn further on the right side of the road than was necessary purposely for the gig to pass them, these "gentlemen" drove the gig wantonly and forcibly against the female's, and broke every spoke in the wheel: fortunately the horse was quiet or something more serious must have happened. The lady who accompanied them exclaimed, "How should you like to be served so?" The only excuse they made was their (grey) horse was blind, and they said "no one is hurt" and immediately drove away, recommending the injured party to apply either to Mr Gee or Mr Moses of Mr Rowell, of Langtoft, for another conveyance. As these blackguards are fond of a lark, if they will make arrangements for a fistic encounter, or if they prefer the genteeler amusement of pistols, they may meet with a customer by leaving their names either at the Chestnut Horse, Deeping St James, or the Horse and Groom, Bourne. Should they refuse, and no further apology be made, their names are well known - they did not pass Kate's Bridge toll gate - and they certainly will have to defend an action of law by way of a finishing spree. - from a correspondent, published by the Stamford Mercury, Friday 18th January 1833.
On Monday the 25th ult., as Mr Vessey, of the Horse and Groom public house, Bourne, and another person, were driving for a wager to Mr Nettleship's of Deeping and back, on their return (having drunk pretty freely, and the time being as late as seven in the evening), whilst travelling as fast as the horses could be made to go, Mr Vessey, the foremost, came into contact with a sociable [an open carriage with facing seats] in which Mr Willoughby, of Crowland, was riding, where the road passes through Thurlby, and which from its narrowness prevented Mr W from clearing himself from the furious driving of the other. Mr Willoughby was precipitated head foremost from his vehicle, but fortunately received no further injury than a few severe contusions and the destruction of his apparel: Mr Vessey's gig was overturned, and himself shot out by the force of the concussion: the horse was thrown flat on its side, and the shafts broken off. Mr Vessey has been since confined to bed from the hurts received. It is a great pity that such exercises should take place on a public road, and at so late an hour: intoxicated Furiosos should try their powers in places where the public are not endangered by their rashness. - correspondent writing to the Stamford Mercury, Friday 6th December 1833.
AGE OF THE ECCENTRIC: The odd and unconventional is deeply embedded in English social history and many are remembered solely because of the way they lived their lives outside the mores of the time, doing harm to no one but preferring to follow their own inclinations, no matter what the neighbours might say. Deviation from what is considered to be normal conduct has had serious consequences in the past, especially during mediaeval times, when strange behaviour often ended in death but generally those who preferred to follow a different drummer were quietly tolerated by the communities in which they lived and when they passed on, their life was duly acknowledged. The Stamford Mercury reported one such obituary on 17th March 1837 with the following notice: “Death. Died at Scottlethorpe, near Bourne, on Sunday last, the 12th instant, aged 64 years, Robert Whiles, a well known eccentric character.” We are not told the reasons for his reputation but I imagine that he must have lived and died a happy man.
A NEW CRICKET CLUB has sprung up in Bourne during the past week. It is to be denominated the "Wide-awake Club" as from the early hour they commence playing (4 o'clock a m), the members are supposed to possess the peculiar faculty enjoyed by "Billy Barlow's boy" of sleeping with one eye open. - news report from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 23rd May 1845.
A REMARKABLY LARGE CABBAGE of the early kind has been grown by Edward Spridgeons, gardener, of Edenham, near Bourne, its weight, when divested of leaf and stock, being 11½ lbs. Mr Charles Christian, of Swinstead, purchased it as a wonder. We understand that Mr Spridgeons has cut many of nearly a similar size. - news item from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 26th September 1845.
The following incidents took place at the house of a highly respectable tradesman in Bourne whose better half, with much glee, related them to a gentleman of Spalding. Being busily employed in the kitchen, she suddenly heard a violent dash [strike] at the window (which she expected was either broken or cracked), and to ascertain the cause she ran to the door leading to the yard when she observed a covey of partridges running in various directions: a leash [three] entered the brewhouse and the door which had been fortunately open was quickly closed and the feathered invaders captured. She then took up a pursuit of the others: one was observed under a bush and the lady took it up in her hands: when another instantly started from the yard across the street into the premises of a tradesman opposite: following her prey into the shop she secured the fifth and thus proved a surer sportsman than hundreds who pay four pounds for the privilege of shooting at game. It is supposed that the covey had left the fields from fright. - news item from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 17th April 1846.
CHASE EXTRAORDINARY: Several of the inhabitants of Morton, near Bourne, met with an unexpected amusement last week. A committal to prison of an unfortunate debtor had been placed in the hands of the bailiff of the county court, who having obtained knowledge of the whereabouts of his victim, sought warily, accompanied by his henchmen, to secure the prey. On approaching the field where the man was shearing, the vehicle for conveying him to prison was cautiously left behind. On nearing the reapers, care was taken to secure the right man who, when commanded to submit to the mandate of the court, stared like a rat in a trap, and placing his thumbs elegantly at the extremity of a prominent member of his face, muttered "with a hook", and smiting the action to the word, dropped his shearing hook and proceeded to offer the officials "leg bail".
A WAYSIDE BABY: A poor travelling woman arrived at her unexpected place of confinement on the high road at the end of Morton village near Bourne, on Thursday 4th May, where she was delivered of a female child: she was afterwards removed, and kindly received into a private house which was near. Within a few hours of the birth of the infant, it finished its short course of life. Feelings of sympathy were excited for the surviving mother and the greatest attention was paid to her: medical aid was soon produced and she is now doing well. This is the second occurrence of the same kind which has taken place at or near the same spot within the last eight years. The poor woman is now removed to the Union-house [workhouse] at Bourne until she is able to resume her journey. - from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 17th May 1850. FREAK OF NATURE: A most extraordinary case of feline malformation occurred in Bourne on Saturday last. A kitten had two distinct hind quarters and although the fore parts were joined, each pair of fore legs were exhibited quartered with the hind parts; so that, had it lived, it could not have walked on the hind and fore legs at the same time. The neck is thicker than usual, and the mouth, tongue etc of peculiar formation. It lived only a short time, owing, it is said, to the curiosity of the neighbours. The mother cat belongs to a poor man named Huffer and the prodigy may be seen at Mr Daniell's, bookseller. - news report from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 9th May 1851. The following are the extraordinary dimensions of a four-shear Lincolnshire ram of the Dishley breed, bred and fed by Mr Hodgkin, of Dyke, near Bourne, as taken publicly when naked: height, 32 inches; girth in the narrowed part behind the shoulders, 5 feet 10½ inches; breadth across the hips, 1 feet 10½ inches; the same over its ribs; breadth over the shoulder, 2 feet; the collar broad; and at the ear tips, 1 foot 2 inches; it yielded 13 lbs. of wool and 14 lbs. when a lambhog. - news item from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 26th September 1851. THE CAPTIVE: A funny trick was played on a young man in one of our ironmonger's shops on market day a short time back. A gentleman, known as a "rum fish", was engaged in examining a pair of constable's gloves when the youth was politely showing his customer how captives were secured. Presently, the pupil proved such an adept that before he could say "Jack Robinson", the young shopman was seen "hugging the irons" to which were appended a pair of philhanks [presumably handcuffs], our humourous friend having inadvertently pocketed the key and coolly walked off, not returning until some 2 or 3 hours afterwards. Unfortunately, no other key was available. A blacksmith's services were called into aid and he filed off the yoke: but our young friend was compelled to sit grinning until his keeper's return before he could doff the gloves. - news item from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 1st August 1851. Very trying to "True and ardent lovers". - On Monday last, a happy incident should have occurred in Bourne but by some oversight or lack of foresight on the part of the husband elect (which would verify the well-known saying that "true love is blind"), or from an intensity of feeling that would secure a dear object at once by annihilating 168 hours; or by some other of the thousand things which enter a man's brain at such a time and convert calmness and order into "happy confusion" - by some miscalculation the forestaller of happiness found that he had arrived at Bourne seven days before the expiration of the three weeks' notice required to be given to the superintendent registrar. The happy couple, of course, were decked in their best for the occasion and no doubt both had hearts beating very high in anticipation of the bliss almost within their grasp. The doors of the Baptist Chapel were already opened to receive them and the officiating minister was in readiness to do his part of the ceremony; but alas! no certificate could be procured until next Monday! No doubt the week in the interim will to them drag on very slowly, and we only hope that they may experience (as most likely they will) "double" joy when the proper time arrives. - news item from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 17th October 1851. THE LONG DISTANCE WALKER: A young man named Elsom on Monday last commenced walking three journeys a day between Bourne and Sleaford, making a distance of 54 miles daily, which it is his intention to continue for six successive days. The energy and resolution necessary to perform this task of pedestrianism would certainly be much better directed were they applied in an equal degree to some productive and useful employment. - news report from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 17th March 1854.
MULTIPLE LAMBS: John Harris, shepherd to Mr J L Arden, farmer and grazier, of Dyke, near Bourne, has an ewe which recently dropped five lambs, three of them being now living. - news report from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 10th April 1857. SINGULAR OCCURRENCE.- A carrier pigeon alighted on Saturday morning last at Mr Adcock's, Scottlethorpe Grange, with a slip of paper attached to its neck and written thus: "Despatched 5:30; Tunbridge." The poor bird was quite exhausted and has evidently mistaken its place of departure, as the parties who still possess it are perfect strangers to its intended errand. - news report from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 22nd May 1857. ERRANT CLERGYMAN: The inhabitants of a neighbouring village west of Bourne are concerned to find how lightly their feelings are considered by the vicar who frequently causes annoyance by neglect and delay, not only in the reception of funerals, but also in the performance of the marriage ceremony. On Tuesday, at the hour fixed by the incumbent, a most respectable young couple presented themselves to be married: they remained in the church till 12 o’clock and, no clergyman appearing, they were under the necessity of postponing the rite till the following day, to the great inconvenience of the family and friends from a distance. His excuse, when informed of the disappointment he had caused, was: “Oh, I forgot all about it!” At the last funeral he attended, he kept mourners and bearers waiting two hours in the street; and generally he is considerably behind his time, occasionally exposing the relations and friends of the deceased to snow and rain. - news report from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 17th July 1857. GIANT MUSHROOM: On Tuesday last, Mr Thomas Handley picked up a mushroom in Bourne West Fields which measured 3 feet 4 inches in circumference. - news report from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 11th September 1857. FREAK OF NATURE: An ewe, the property of Mrs Elizabeth Smith of the Fortescue Arms Inn at Billingborough, near Bourne, recently dropped a pair of fine lambs, one of which had two perfect hind and three perfect fore legs; the fifth leg, protruding from the middle of its body, was of the length and size of the others and had two perfect feet upon it; it lived about four days. This great curiosity has been carefully preserved by Mr E Goodacre. - news report from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 30th April 1858. Miss Montague, the celebrated Mesmeric Lady, paid a visit to Bourne on Thursday, the 3rd inst., and her audience being so small, she was obliged to dismiss them, it being a complete failure. We are told that she attended the Bible meeting that evening. – news report from the Grantham Journal, Saturday 12th June 1858. MONSTER RHUBARB: There is now growing in the garden attached to the Bourne Union-house [workhouse] two roots of rhubarb, second year's growth, the stems of which measure as follows: Leaves 3½ ft. long and girth 7 inches. There have been some larger plucked from the same plants and are so heavy as to require supporting with props. - news report from the Grantham Journal, Saturday 19th June 1858. GIANT PORKER: On the 13th inst., a pig was slaughtered belonging to Cornelius Patrick, of the Austerby, Bourne, which weighed 42 stones 5 lb. It measured 5 ft. 11 inches in length and 6 ft. 6½ inches in circumference. It was 18 months old and when put up to feed, 12 weeks since, it was estimated to weigh 17 stones, so that on average it "laid on" about 2 stones per week. - news report from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 24th December 1858.
A NARROW ESCAPE: On Saturday morning last, an accident occurred in Bourne which, had it not been for the remarkable fortitude and self-possession of the lady occupying the vehicle, might have proved of very serious consequence. After the departure of the 8.30 am train, Mrs L C Lawrance, of Dunsby Hall, was proceeding from the train in a small four-wheeled carriage driven by her coachman when the horse became unmanageable and started off at a furious pace along South Street. When opposite the Mason's Arms, the coachman was thrown out but Mrs Lawrance, with extraordinary presence of mind, immediately assumed the driver's seat. The coachman's legs got entangled with the reins by which he was drawn along the ground between 30 and 40 yards and it is miraculous how he escaped with his life. The horse ran its head into Miss Barwis's window and a considerable portion of the stone wall underneath the window was displaced by the collision, the fore wheels of the vehicle at the same time coming into contact with the kerb stone, which is about six inches higher than the road, whereby the horse was thrown down and Mrs Lawrance pitched out of the vehicle, fortunately, however, sustaining very little or no injury. Nor did the coachman or horse appear to be seriously injured. - news item from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 28th August 1863.
DEATH ON THE LINE: A facetious correspondent sends us the following account of a fatal accident on the Bourne to Essendine railway: On Wednesday last week, a rumour was circulated in this town that a person had met with his death upon the line. This of course caused serious reflections in the minds of the sympathising public and numerous questions were asked, as to name and native place of the deceased. Fox was given as the name but the place could not be defined. It afterwards transpired that the victim was not a biped but a quadruped, frequently known as Reynard the Fox. It is supposed he had been out to a Christmas party, indulged too much, stopped too late, and that in crossing the line, he was knocked down and killed by the engine. His head and brush were forwarded to a well known bird-stuffer in Bourne to be preserved as a memento. The timely disclosure of the facts prevented a gentleman from seeing the fatal spot, after taking his railway ticket. - news item from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 28th December 1866.
ACCIDENTS: On Sunday afternoon last, Mrs Elfleet, senior, aged eighty-two, fell upon the causeway in Star-lane [now Abbey Road] and broke a thigh. The slippery state of the roads and paths during the last few days has caused a great number of accidents from falls. The very reprehensible practice of boys sliding upon the causeways is too prevalent in Bourne and ought to be put a stop to in some way or other. - news item from the Grantham Journal, Saturday 1st January 1870.
A DEADLY SANDWICH: On Saturday morning last, John Mee, hakwer and confectioner, of Deeping St James, attempted to commit suicide by taking a threepenny packet of "Linnell's vermin killer", which he himself had purchased at Mr Linnell's shop at Market Deeping the same morning. On purchasing the poison, he went home and spread it on some bread with lard, and ate the greater portion of it. Mr Deacon, surgeon of Market Deeping, was immediately called in and used every effort to save his life. He is now considered out of danger. - news item from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 8th April 1870.
MARATHON WALKER: On Wednesday of last week, William Richards, of Oxford, walked 50 miles in 12 hours, starting from the Market Place in Bourne between 7 and 8 o'clock in the morning, walking 6¼ miles on the Deeping road and back, repeating the journey four times. Ten miles out of the 50 were walked backwards and the whole distance was completed about a quarter before eight in the evening. Richards is about 30 years of age and his weight is about nine stones. - news report from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 22nd August 1873. EXTRAORDINARY GARDENING SUCCESS: The gardener employed by William Parker Esq., of Hanthorpe House, near Bourne, was last season rewarded for his cultural skill with a fruit of Gilbert's Improved Victory of Bath melon weighing 9 lb. and which, when cut, proved of the most delicious flavour. It was grown by Joseph Rowlett, who has been in the employ of Mr Parker for several years, and the weight of the fruit in this variety is quite unprecedented and stamps him out as a gem amongst his horticultural brethren. - news item from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 10th April 1874. RECREATION: The young men in the shops and offices etc in Bourne seem determined to employ the summer months in a helpful manner. The Star Football Club has been reorganised, and commenced play on the evening of Monday last. In the morning many of them enjoy the national game of cricket before commencing business, the wickets often being pitched soon after five o'clock. - news item from the Grantham Journal, Saturday 25th April 1874. A BULLOCK KILLED BY LIGHTNING: During the past few days a great change has taken place in the weather. For several weeks past the dry, cold winds have been very disadvantageous to the grass and root crops, but on Monday several heavy showers of rain, accompanied with much thunder and lightning, visited this district to the great joy of farmers and gardeners. On the evenings of Monday and Tuesday the air was delightful, after the gentle showers during the day. On Wednesday, the North Fen farmers suffered some injury, but, we hope, derived more benefit, from a heavy shower of hail. A valuable young bullock belonging to Mr Joshua Williamson, of Bourne, was grazing in a field where several men were working, and for shelter the men took to a hovel and the bullock to a high hedge. About fifteen minutes after they perceived the animal motionless on the ground and on examination found it quite dead. There were no visible marks upon it, but there is no doubt it was killed by the lightning, which was very vivid at the time. - news report from the Grantham Journal, Saturday 27th June 1874. POTATO: A monster potato is now on exhibition in the window of Mr John Evans, naturalist, in West Street, Bourne. It is a specimen of the "American Rose", and weighs 3 lb. 4½ oz; its greatest circumference is 19½ inches and its smallest nearly 16 inches. It was grown by Mr Bliss, being planted on the 13th of May last, and dug on the 13th of October instant. - news item from the Grantham Journal, Saturday 17th October 1876. DRASTIC ACTION: A servant girl in the employ of Mr May, of Lound, near Bourne, having quarrelled with her fellow servants, went to an upper window on the evening of the 30th ult. and threw herself into the yard, a depth of 25 feet. When picked up, she was unconscious and had evidently received severe injuries. The girl has been nine years in the service of Mr May. - news report from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 8th October 1875.
FATAL ACCIDENT: On Saturday 26th ult., a youth, aged seventeen, a native of Bourne, was killed by the kick of a horse at Castle Bytham. He was employed by Mr Story, farmer, of that place, and was the son of Mr Hare, of West Road, Bourne. The animal kicked him on the chest and he died before medical aid could be obtained. An inquest was held on Monday and a verdict of accidental death returned. - news report from the Grantham Journal, Saturday 2nd June 1877.
SINGULAR CASE OF ENTOMBMENT AND ENDURANCE: A little pet dog belonging to Mr Bland of Obthorpe, near Bourn, was missing from home for a fortnight. No tidings could be heard of it from any source, when at the end of that time, Mr Creasey of Obthorpe, who with his son was searching for lost sheep, on passing a hollow willow tree, heard faint whines, and on going nearer, felt sure a live animal was inside. A small hole at the base of the tree was with a knife made large enough for a man’s hand, and after a great quantity of decayed wood had been removed, the living skeleton of little Trinket was drawn out and kindly carried home, where, after slaking its apparently intolerable thirst with water, it was given at intervals, small quantities of new milk. Its usual playfulness has now returned upon recovery. It is supposed it chased a rabbit and entered the hole at the bottom of the tree, and scratching inside filled up the place of egress, hence the 14 days’ imprisonment without food or water. – from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 27th June 1877.
ON BOURNE STATUTE DAY, during the busiest part of the time, a pheasant was observed to enter the shop of Mr J W Nichols, general dealer, West Street, Bourne, while there were several customers in the shop, and walked through the shop into a room behind, where it was captured by Mr Nichols, who kept it in confinement for three or four days, during which time it laid two eggs. Mr Nichols has since returned it to one of the gamekeepers. – news item from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 30th May 1879.
A STRANGE VISITOR: On Wednesday last, while some beasts were being driven past Mr Shilcock's house in North Street, one of them entered his back yard and from thence proceeded into the dining room and along a passage to his office. After looking round for a few minutes, the animal quietly passed through the doorway and into the street without doing the least possible damage. - news item from the Grantham Journal, Saturday 24th January 1880.
TAXIDERMY: Mr John Evans, taxidermist, of West Street, Bourne, is now in possession of the head of the Marquess of Exeter's noted prize bull, Telemachus IX, which has had to be killed, and the head has been forwarded to Mr Evans to be stuffed. - news item from the Grantham Journal, Saturday 23rd September 1882.
EXTRAORDINARY FRUIT: Mrs Claypole, of Rose Cottage, Rippingale, has recently gathered some fine pears off a tree in her garden, one of which weighed no less than 22½ ounces and in circumference measured 13½ inches. Several others were also grown of an immense size and of excellent quality. - news item from the Grantham Journal, Saturday 20th November 1883.
A FRIEND IN NEED: A somewhat out of the ordinary case of begging was heard before magistrates at Bourne on September 23rd against Gustave Henderson, aged 17, a native of Brunswick, USA. The court was told that after failing to get a ship at the London docks, he was making his way to Hull but on his journey north, was found begging in the streets of Bourne. The chairman, Lieut-Colonel William Parker, told the accused that he ought to have known that begging was not allowed and he should have sought refuge at the union [workhouse]. He had been in jail for a week but would be allowed to go free and warned not to beg any more otherwise he would most certainly be apprehended again. At this point, a gentleman stepped forward and addressed the court: "I am a minister and if I might be allowed to speak on behalf of the foreigner, I would be glad to subscribe half-a-crown towards paying the lad's fare to Hull." He then handed round his hat to the people in the courtroom and very quickly collected a further 5s. and the accused left the court with his new friend. - news report from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 31st October 1884.
ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON, the 3rd inst., as the 3.24 pm passenger train from Spalding to Bourne was running at a rate of thirty-five to forty miles per hour, it ran into a covey of partridges. The fireman (George Palmer), seeing the birds, put out his hand and caught one, which was not in the least hurt. We need hardly add that the bird was taken care of for domestic purposes. - news item from the Grantham Journal, Saturday 18th September 1886.
A BULLOCK IN A COOK SHOP: On Wednesday last, a fat bullock which was being driven into Bourne became excited and after running in various directions, entered a pastry cook's shop. Here it remained for several minutes when it quietly left, the only injury it committed being the breaking of a dish and damaging a little pastry. - news item from the Grantham Journal, Saturday 28th April 1887.
A LINCOLNSHIRE LADY SUED FOR HER WEDDING OUTFIT: His Honour Judge Hooper had before him in Bourne yesterday, a singular case under the Married Women's Property Act, in which a Spalding lady named Rodgers, the wife of Mr Dewick Rodgers, of Morton, was sued by a local tradesman for £24, expenses largely incurred in connection with a wedding outfit upon her marriage. The defendant had purchased a quantity of wearing apparel and household requisites from the plaintiffs (Messrs Measures Brothers, Bourne). Mr Rodgers has since failed and the plaintiffs now sought to recover the amount due from the defendant, who had a private income, on the ground that she had made herself personally liable. His Honour gave a verdict for £6 12s. 6d., the amount for articles of dress supplied for the defendant's own use since her marriage. The wedding took place in February last and the parties are now living apart. - news report from the Nottingham Evening Post, Thursday 27th October 1887.
AN ENTERTAINING EGG: A Cochin China hen belonging to Mr Henry Berry, of Bourne, on the 13th inst. laid an egg of extraordinary size and peculiar structure. It has two perfect shells, the outer shell containing two distinct yolks; inside this is a perfect egg with one yolk. The egg weighed 8¼ ounces and is 7½ inches in circumference. This Cochin produced a similar egg in 1886 and another in 1887 and it has also laid upwards of a score of similar eggs but without a shell to the outer egg, the two yolks and the centre egg being plainly visible. - news report from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 24th February 1888.
POISONED BY EATING YEW: Mr J Bettinson, of Dyke, has recently sustained a serious loss through the poisoning of four valuable young beasts. The animals died shortly after eating some yew twigs which had been thrown upon a heap on the farm premises during the autumn. Yew is supposed to possess a sweet and palatable taste which renders it attractive to animals. It is, however, deadly poison. Another case of yew tree poisoning, it is stated, occurred at Market Deeping last Monday week. A handsome young pony belonging to Mr Marritt , of the White Horse Inn, broke into the garden and ate off a flourishing yew tree. About on hour from the time of its entrance into the garden the pony was found dead. - news report from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 18th May 1888.
On Saturday, Mr David Maxon, on hearing screams proceeding from the direction of the South Street river, ran to the spot and saw a little child named Spridgeon struggling in the water. The back premises of Spridgeon's house abut on the river and the child in playing had fallen in. Mr Maxon at once rescued the little one from its dangerous position. - news report from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 13th July 1888.
PONY STEALS BARN DOOR: On Monday morning, a pony belonging to Mr J Chamberlain, Bourne Spice Mills, ran away with a barn door attached to it. The animal had been tethered to the insecure door and, taking fright, escaped with its strange appendage. After sustaining considerable injury, the pony was captured in Back Lane. - news report from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 19th April 1889.
CATTLE POISONING: A singular case occurred at Bourne last week resulting in the death of four beasts valued at £60 and causing injurious effects upon the person who dressed the animals. In consequence of the indisposition of some of his stock, Mr Benjamin Ayre, farmer, of the Light Dragoon Inn, Star Lane [now Abbey Road], procured half a gallon of a certain chemical solution which had been recommended as a wash. Mr Ayre dressed the coats of four beasts, diluting about a wine-glass full of the solution with about two gallons of water. He applied it with a brush, rubbing the animals down the centre of the back and on the saddles. Within a day or two, the animals became very ill and refused to eat. Suspicious of the efficacy of the remedy, he used oil to counteract the action of the solution. The beasts, however, became worse and were apparently in fearful agony until Saturday morning when three died. On Sunday morning, the fourth died. Mr John Holmes, veterinary surgeon, was called in during the latter part of the week and expressed his opinion that the animals were suffering from poison. Mr Ayre was himself seriously affected through his hands coming into frequent contact with the solution. His hands are swollen and apparently paralysed. On Sunday, he complained of pains in his body and another medical gentleman was summoned. Mr Ayre is now progressing favourably. Mr Holmes has submitted portions of the deceased animals to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, London, for analytical examination. The stock was not insured. - news report from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 4th April 1890.
A VICIOUS HORSE: A girl at Bourne, Lincolnshire, named Wade, 14 years of age, has been kicked in the face by a horse belonging to her father, and received such terrible injuries that no hopes are entertained of her recovery. The horse was a very vicious animal and had previously broke Mr Wade's leg and his son's arm by kicking. On Saturday, the girl was in a semi-conscious state. - news report from the Nottingham Evening Post, Monday 8th September 1890.
AN UNEXPECTED OCCURRENCE: Accompanied by Canon Edmund Venables, the Precentor, and Canon Edward Leeke, the Chancellor, the members of the Lincoln Cathedral choir visited Bourne Abbey Church en route for Grimsthorpe Castle. After giving the members an historical and archaeological description of the interior of the Abbey Church, Canon Venables was proceeding to describe the west front and tower when an awkward contretemps brought the lecture to an abrupt termination. Stepping backward to secure a better view, he fell into the Bourne Eau. Happily, the water was shallow and he easily got out. The party afterwards proceeded to Grimsthorpe Castle, spending an enjoyable day. They dined at the Black Horse Inn. - news report from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 25th July 1890.
THE PUBLIC DECIDE A JOB APPLICATION: Imagine applying for a job today only to find out that five other people also wanted it and the successful applicant would be chosen by public ballot. Such a situation occurred in Bourne during the late 19th century when the office of assistant overseer and rate collector fell vacant and there were six applicants. A public vestry meeting, forerunner of our present local council system, was convened at the Town Hall on Friday 4th September 1891 to make the appointment and so great was the interest that the room was crowded and many ratepayers who were allowed to attend were turned away due to lack of space. Alderman William Wherry, who presided, explained the object of the meeting and during his speech, gave a eulogy on the work of the retiring officer, Mr William Bray, whose appointment dated from 1858. The job carried a salary of £130 per annum (about £8,000 at today's values). The six candidates were then nominated but rather than leave a decision to the meeting, they demanded a poll of the parish and this was arranged for the following Wednesday between 4 pm and 10 pm. The turnout was not great as many farm workers were prevented from taking part because the harvest was underway but the result, declared at 10.30 pm, was decisive with the job going to Thomas Edward Sewell who polled 307 votes. The other candidates were P Glendening (120), J J Crane (84), F J Green (65), Charles Eldred junior (7) and W R Garner (0). BOURNE'S GRAND OLD LADY: One of the oldest inhabitants of Bourne in past times was Mrs Howarth who died on Saturday 15th January 1892 at the age of 87, at her home in Star Lane [now Abbey Road] where she had lived for 75 years. Her life had been an interesting one as the Stamford Mercury reported the following Friday: "It is a singular coincidence that the deceased entered upon the occupation of this cottage in 1817, about the time of the death of Princess Charlotte, and while in her last illness, received with much concern the tidings of the death of the Duke of Clarence. Mrs Howarth's sons have all died abroad, the death of the youngest, who had attained distinction as a clever detective, taking place recently at Rochester City in the United States. Mrs Faulkner of Bourne is the only surviving member of the family." AN ACCIDENT NARROWLY AVERTED: Considerable excitement, and no little alarm, was caused on Sunday morning shortly before morning service by the sight of a runaway horse with brougham attached, careering at full gallop through the streets of Bourne. There being no occupants in the carriage, it was feared that this was the precursor to the tidings of a fatal accident. It appears that as Captain Pritchard, of Cawthorpe Hall, and his family, were preparing to start for church, the horse, in backing, turned restive and bolted. Captain Pritchard had happily, just prior to this, requested his wife and children to leave the carriage where they had been seated. The horse took a roundabout race by way of North Street, South Street, Thurlby Road, the Austerby, Queen's Bridge and Eastgate, and was finally checked at the second bridge, as police Superintendent Willerton Brown drove up in pursuit. Considering the number of people around at the time, it is marvellous that no casualty occurred. Both horse and carriage were uninjured. - news report from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 27th May 1892.
A PHENOMENAL swarm of bees is reported by Mr William Redmile Garner, farmer and shopkeeper of Dyke, and honorary secretary for the Bourne district of the Lincolnshire Bee-Keepers Association. Last week, he had a swarm of bees weighing 24lb. The average weight of a swarm is about 4lb. An ordinary swarm contains about 5,000 bees, thus the swarm in question may be computed to contain 120,000 bees. - news report from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 29th June 1894.
AN UNUSUAL MOTH was captured one night last week by Mr Pike of Bourne. It was a specimen of the rare convoluting hawk moth (Spinx convolvuli), a species which is often met with on the Continent but very rarely taken in England. It is a fine male specimen. - news item from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 12th October 1894.
Note:
This moth was probably wrongly named and should have been the convolvulus
A STAMPEDE OF BLACK CATTLE caused problems at Bourne on Sunday 29th November 1896. About 4 o'clock in the morning, a railway worker heard a great commotion from one of the cattle trucks in the freight yard near the station and found five steers trampling another beast underfoot. Proceeding to liberate the endangered animal, the other five escaped in all directions, careering up the lines, and one madly rushed out on to the road and into a fen drain from which it was, with some difficulty, pulled out later in the day. Two beasts headed towards Thurlby and after some chasing were recaptured. One galloped to Morton and in the afternoon was brought back with comparatively little trouble. Another located itself near the gatehouse in Mill Drove and caused a great deal of trouble but was eventually captured and driven back along the railway line to Bourne but with a mad rush, escaped again and it was not until it had caused a great deal of alarm to pedestrians in the town that towards evening, it was recaptured, securely fastened and taken back to the station in a butcher's cart. The cattle were eventually sent on their way to King's Lynn. A GOOD AND SUCCESSFUL OPERATION: A young Houdan pullet, the property of Dr James Watson Burdwood [Medical Officer of Health for Bourne], becoming crop-bound, was operated upon. The crop was opened to the length of five inches, the inner one was sown up with a continued suture of horsehair, the outer with five silver sutures. A large round substance was removed, almost as firm as, and resembling, a cricket ball. The substance weighed 8 oz. and measured 11 in. in circumference. The pullet was fed on soft food for 20 days. Her hospital was a hamper to which she regularly retired, making a peculiar noise for the lid to be closed. After a month's illness, she made a good recovery and was anxious to return to her companions in the poultry run. She was welcomed with a loud clucking and now goes to roost as usual. - news report from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 24th December 1897.
PERILOUS JOURNEY: A cat was found on the centre bogie beam under a railway carriage at Bourne railway station on Saturday morning. Pussy, who was in a state of great trepidation, had journeyed on her perilous perch from King's Lynn to Saxby, thence to Bourne, where she was discovered. The unbooked passenger has become domesticated in the goods shed. - news report from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 18th November 1898.
A COURAGEOUS ACT: On Friday afternoon, soon after 4 pm, two horses attached to a dray took fright on coming from Walter Fulcher's timber yard and bolted at a furious pace down North Street. The driver, William Smith, in the employ of Mr Pick of Thurlby, was thrown out. As there were a number of people passing, and many children just returning home from school, there was the greatest fear of some calamity. Police Constable Charles Spurr was passing and, perceiving the danger, he dashed forward without a moment's hesitation and caught hold of one of the madly careering animals. At great peril to himself, he held on and, after a hard struggle, succeeded in bringing the animals to a standstill near Messrs Foley's [at the corner of Meadowgate]. He led them into Mr David Pick's yard [baker and corn dealer in North Street]. Two men mending the roads had a narrow escape. Their barrow was completely smashed. The pluck and presence of mind displayed by Constable Spurr merit the highest praise. - news report from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 9th December 1898.
SHOCKING ACCIDENT: Whilst Mark Clay, a farm lad of Bourne, was harrowing a field near Thurlby on Friday, the horses suddenly bolted and the youth was dragged under the harrow, one of the prongs penetrating his abdomen. His head was also injured by a kick of the horse. No help was near and, as soon as he could extricate himself, Clay walked home, a distance of two miles, holding together the wound as well as he could in his agony. Dr Gilpin was immediately summoned. Hopes are entertained of the lad's recovery. - news report from the Stamford Mercury, 12th May 1899.
FIVE LAMBS have been born on the farm of Mrs Mills at Bourne, Lincolnshire. These very early comers are as frolicsome as if it were balmy spring instead of dismal November. - news item from the Lichfield Mercury, Friday 10th November 1899.
GRIZZLY BEAR FOUND: A geological discovery by Mr Henry Goodyear, a farmer of the Austerby, Bourne, in his fen field near the Bourne Eau bridge, proves to be very interesting. The skeleton of the animal found in the clay bed of the ancient forest under the fen land has been presented by Mr Goodyear to the Geological Museum in Jermyn Street, London. Professor E T Newton, the eminent geologist, pronounces it to be the skeleton of a large bear of the grizzly type. In thanking Mr Goodyear, he expresses the wish that equal care might be taken of similar geological remains when discovered. - news report from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 8th March 1901.
RIPE STRAWBERRIES have been gathered at Bourne, Lincolnshire, this week. They were of full size and flavour and ripened in the open. - news report from the Western Times, Thursday 23rd October 1902. THE WALKING CRAZE: On Saturday afternoon, a pedestrian contest was decided, open to members of the Bourne and Billingborough Rifle Volunteers. The conditions were to walk from Bourne to Folkingham (9 miles), thence to Billingborough (3 miles) and back to Bourne (2½ miles), a total distance of 21½ miles. A strong westerly wind was blowing but this did not seriously impede the progress of the competitors. Five started and four completed the distance. When Billingborough was reached, four of the competitors were practically all together and up to that point about 2 hours and 23 minutes had been occupied in covering the 13 miles. The men, who were accompanied by cyclists, were then walking very strongly. Private Teat, the winner, covered the distance in four hours and ten minutes. Private Arthur was second. Slight rain fell during the concluding stages of the walk. It was stated that another contest will take place at Whitsuntide. – news item from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 22nd May 1903. MOTOR CAR COLLISION: A motor accident occurred on Thursday just in front of the police station in Bourne [then on the corner of North Street and Burghley Street], but had no very serious results. The car belonged to Viscount Enfield, who was himself a passenger, and he was accompanied by two ladies, with the driver. Just as the car reached the police station, Messrs Bray and Son’s fish cart turned out of the police station yard. A collision was inevitable. The driver of the trap pulled his horse up but the animal slipped on the granite setts that form the crossing and the driver of the motor car, who had it well in hand, at once applied the brakes. The car collided with the trap, both the wings of the former being damaged, the front lamp glass broken and the lamp bracket bent. The trap also suffered damage. The motor car was able to proceed on its journey to Burton Hall, Lincoln. - from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 23rd October 1908.
DOG STUNG TO DEATH BY BEES: Near Bourne, on Wednesday, bees invaded a dog's kennel, apparently mistaking it for their hive, and the dog, a large retriever, being chained up, could not escape. Its cries attracted the attention of its owner who found the poor animal covered with bees which clung tenaciously to the animal after it was released. Eventually, the dog went into some water and thus got rid of the bees but was so severely stung that it died an hour afterwards. - news report from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 27th August 1909.
GUN ACCIDENT: On Sunday, about noon, a young man named Robert Osborn went to a field in the occupation of his father in Manor Lane, Bourne, where a double-barrelled gun was kept for the purpose of shooting the rats which infest the fowl run. He was found soon after with a gun shot in his face. A little lad who discovered him fetched assistance and Mr T S Skinn proceeded to the spot where he met Mr Jackson of Edenham who went for Dr Gilpin whilst Mr Skinn attended to the injured man who was still conscious and was assisted to Dr Gilpin's surgery where his wounds were attended to and he was subsequently removed to the Butterfield Hospital. The charge of the gun seems to have penetrated his left cheek and the left side of his chin and blood was flowing profusely from the wound. The injured man stated that he had intended shooting rats when the gun went off accidentally. He is progressing as favourably as can be expected although on Monday his condition was critical. - news report from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 29th August 1913. CLOCKS throughout Britain were put forward by one hour at 2 am on Sunday 21st May 1916 to launch daylight saving time, as it was officially known. Britain was then involved in the Great War of 1914-18 and the government told MPs that hundreds of thousands of tons of coal would be saved by the change in an attempt to help the war effort. The prospect of lighter evenings was widely welcomed, with the clocks being put back again in October, although not everyone was happy with the new arrangement as the Stamford Mercury reported on Friday 26th May 1916: "Farmers in the Bourne district are not putting the new Summer Time Bill into operation but are retaining the former times for commencing and leaving off work. In all other business concerns, the new times have been worked with general advantage. Various comments had been made as to the proposed change, there being some who declined to alter their clocks and looked upon the proposal with suspicion that it meant another hour’s work a day with no corresponding recompense." THE DARK NIGHTS have been responsible for three unpleasant experiences which, fortunately, have not proved serious, reported the Stamford Mercury on Friday 24th November 1916. Three people who were just leaving Mr George Bett's shop in Eastgate (later Kinnsway, now unoccupied) on Monday evening took a wrong turn and walked direct into the river which runs opposite. Fortunately in each instance, assistance was immediately forthcoming and the parties, two of whom were ladies, were happily little worse for their immersion. The darkness of the past few nights has been intense. MASSIVE VEGETABLE: A beanstalk has been pulled in the Bourne district of Lincolnshire measuring 8 feet 3 inches high and carrying 47 pods. - news item from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 25th August 1916.
AMONG THE CROCKERY – GOODS DAMAGED BY SHEEP. Messrs Lawson and Son, glass and china dealers of Boston, sued L Schmetzer, a butcher [of West Street], at Bourne County Court for £1 17s. 3d., being damage to crockery by defendant’s sheep. The facts, which were not disputed, were that plaintiff was driving some sheep to his premises and when near the market pitch occupied by the plaintiffs, the animals jumped in amongst the crockery and did damage to the amount claimed. Defendant contended that the goods were displayed on the highway and that there was no protection provided by the plaintiff. His Honour, giving judgment for the plaintiff, for the amount claimed, said that the goods were lawfully on the highway. – news report from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 26th March 1926.
THE CIRCUS HORSE: There were a number of milkmen who delivered around Bourne during the Second World War of 1939-45, one in particular being Morley Bradshaw who lived in Abbey Road opposite the entrance gates to the cricket ground. His dairy was at the back of a house opening on to Manning Road and he delivered his milk in a two-wheeled trap pulled by a multi-coloured horse which soon got a reputation in the town as "the circus horse" because of the tricks it got up to while out on the rounds. But one day, the horse excelled itself. Morley had loaded the trap with churns of milk ready for his rounds when the horse decided to perform one of its tricks and reared up, spilling the entire load of milk all over the road. Morley called on other dairymen in the town for assistance and they all rallied round to provide him with extra supplies to ensure that his customers were not left without their daily pint although it was rather a sacrifice for them because milk was rationed at that time. - from Memories of a Wartime Dairymaid by Winifred Pool, a member of the Women's Land Army, 1939-46.
A VERY WELCOME VISITOR: The most elusive of the deer that inhabit the Bourne
area is the muntjac, one of the seven species that live wild in Britain. It is a small creature, growing to between 16-25 inches in height, and easily recognisable by its humped back appearance.
The muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak) was imported from China to adorn the gardens of stately homes but has lived wild in this country after escaping from Woburn Park in Bedfordshire around 1890 and has since spread to
Lincolnshire, but prefer a more solitary existence although they often pair up for company or move around in family groups.
In recent years, I have heard many tales of wild boar being at large in
Bourne Wood but this is not true and what has undoubtedly been seen is a fleeting glimpse of a muntjac that my wife has on occasions also mistaken for a large dog. They do not confine their wanderings to the forest and I have several times seen one crossing the fields outside my study window between the north of Bourne and Dyke village, perhaps having been out on a nocturnal excursion and making a late return to the safety of the woodland. I have therefore had the chance to observe them closely through binoculars which I always keep handy for sightings such as this. BOURNE WOOD has just had its first wedding, according to The Local newspaper on Friday 12th September 2003. Sally Ann Inkel and Martin Livingston, both aged 29, decided on a spiritual occasion rather than the traditional church marriage, and after tying the knot at the registry office in Lincoln the previous day, they celebrated in a less orthodox fashion when friends and family formed a circle amid the trees and joined hands with the happy couple standing in the middle for a pagan hand-fasting ceremony. The usual reception was not forgotten and a marquee had been erected for the wedding buffet with a harpist to provide the music. "I have loved Bourne Wood for many years and used to play here as a child", said Sally. "It was always my dream to have this ceremony and it turned out to be a magical day." The occasion needed special permission from the Forestry Commission who were pleased to co-operate. Forester John Wilcockson said it was a first for the woods that provided a great setting for a great idea.
The decision outraged civic leaders who had arranged a celebration for St George with a coffee morning at the Corn Exchange while many other shops, business premises and bars also observed the occasion. Councillor Brian Fines (Bourne West) was particularly outraged because as an ex-military man, he was involved with arrangements for Armed Forces Day in June when flags were again due to be flown around the town. “What a sick, sad society we are becoming”, he said. “Flags have been flown there for donkeys years.” The Mayor of Bourne, Councillor Shirley Cliffe, was also upset. "This is the first year that the flag has not gone up and we are all quite disgusted that we cannot celebrate by flying it. These health and safety rulings are quite ridiculous and we hope that the problem can be sorted out for the future."
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