Mere Brow Local History Society’s team of volunteers recently completed over 2 years of intensive work transcribing each of the 310 “Rector’s Weekly” World War II newsletters in order to make them accessible to everybody over the internet.

The much acclaimed newsletters were originally sent by the Rector of Tarleton, Reverend L.N. Forse, to all the local men and women serving with the forces during World War II. The newsletter provided regular updates of events “back home” in the villages of Tarleton, Hesketh Bank, Mere Brow, Sollom, Rufford, Bretherton, Hoole and Banks and also provided a conduit by which contact with family and friends also serving their country could be maintained.

Recognition of the work of the Rector and the significance of the newsletter to its recipients was widespread and similar initiatives were later introduced in many more villages across England. Over 78,000 copies of the Tarleton Rector’s weekly newsletters were posted out between 1940 and 1946. These important historical documents which captured the events, thoughts and emotions of a rural Lancashire village as the war unfolded are now available for all to read at http://www.tarletonvillage.com/history/rectorsweekly

A handful of the newsletters remain elusive and the History Society is hoping that the raised awareness of the project may well flush out the few missing issues and, probably for the first time ever, allow a complete set of the Newsletters to be available for reading.

Dear Editor,

Having returned from holiday recently I was delighted to see that the wall damaged last year in a RTA had been repaired finally.

The bad news was that there had been another accident within 200 metres. Are we looking at an area just waiting for the first fatality this summer? The speed zones on this road from the Hesketh Arms through to Mere Sands access road need to be reviewed to reduce traffic speeds approaching the junction with Rufford Park Lane.

Anyone got any suggestions on the best way forward?

Trevor Bates
Rufford New Hall
Rufford

ED - Why not share your thoughts on the Rufford Discussion Forum

Dear Editor,
It's great to see things happening around the Hesketh Arms pub, but what's the current plans & opening dates ?

Being a new member of the village, (Nov 03) we're really looking forward to the pub re-opening which on a nice summers evening or weekend will hopefully be another focal point for the village.

That said, we're also really looking forward to meeting new members of the village & seeing the village in it's summer glory.

Please could you pass on our thanks to the pub owner & workers as I'm sure this resting place will be a great asset to our village.

Best Regards

Rob Lea
Hillview Cottage
Sluice Lane

ED - We have had no update for quite some time. If anyone out there knows anyone involved with the future of the Hesketh Arms or the current refurbishment work then please ask for an update which we can share with the village!

Dear Editor,

My wife & I have just enjoyed our first Cup of Coffee in "Th'owd Boatman's Cabin" at Fettler's Marina, Rufford. Also on offer were a wide selection of goodies including cakes, cheesecake
and delicious looking fruit pies.

This new coffee shop is now complete inside & is very nearly complete outside with patio decked areas complete with several timber "Sunshade Awnings" which clients may hope to shelter from the "Burning Sun" this summer in Rufford.

The inside is cleverly set out as a brightly painted canal "Narrowboat" with cabin and the "Gunwales" as the Coffee Shop Counter.

The interior decor includes an interesting selection of "Canal Art" featuring the traditional "Roses & Castles" Theme.

Seems well worth an exploratory venture, even for landlubbers.

Best Regards,
Arthur Wright

The All England Shield - Open to Anyone
The Mere Brow & District Shield - 10 mile radius of Mere Brow
Junior Shield Open to under 14s

Application No.:8/2004/0207
Proposal: Listed Building Consent - Demolition of existing single storey extensions; refurbishment and erection of single storey extensions.

Application No.: 8/2004/0206
Proposal: Single storey extensions and refurbishment; landscaping to existing car park and erection of 1100m high boundary wall.

Location: Hesketh Arms, 81 Liverpool Road, Rufford
Applicant: Mr G Hedges, C/O Agent Inn Design & Contractors, Bootle

Application No.: 8/2004/0183
Location: 77, Cousins Lane, Rufford
Proposal: Two storey front extension
Applicant: Mrs B Hobson, 77 Cousins Lane, Rufford

Work on access to the 'other' marina gets underway

Work progresses on the site entrance to the proposed St Mary's Marina but residents remain sceptical about the protracted delevopment. A local commented "When they start digging out the marina itself is the day when I will believe that they actually intend to build it". No official statement has been received from the developers since July 2003 when they estimated work would be completed by autumn 2004. Have you any information? If so let us know! St Mary's Marina | Fettlers Wharf

Are things alright as they are or is it time for a change? Would joining Sefton really be the end of the world or would South Ribble be the best for us? Will any of it make a difference or will Rufford be ignored by whoever is in charge?

Judgement Day nears for West Lancs District Council with only two weeks remaining in which you can submit YOUR views and feedback to the Boundary Committee on their much publicised proposed changes. Enter your feedback here.

Application No.:8/2004/0048
Proposal: Change of use of part of existing agricultural building to form farm shop and cafe.
Location: Homestead Farm, Wiggins Lane, Holmeswood, Rufford
Applicant: Mr & Mrs G Seddon,
Homestead Farm,
Wiggins Lane,
Holmeswood
Date Valid: 02/01/2004

Local schools, businesses and many households are increasingly reliant on access to the internet and broadband internet access will become more a necessity than a luxury over the coming years. BT is upgrading telephone exchanges to allow broadband access as "trigger levels" of interest are attained. A trigger level of 450 has been set for the Rufford exchange which is very high given the size of the village.

Progress to date has been steady but we need another 150 households to register in order to get Rufford into the broadband queue. A leafleting campaign sponsored by the Rufford Parish Council will begin shortly with more details but you don't need to wait!

Register your interest & check progress

 

A letter received by the Parish Council conveyed that for the second year running the Cavalier Caravan Club members have reported being abused by Rufford villagers. The Caravan Club had again rented the Village Hall facilities over the New Year period but complained that on several occasions they were on the receiving end of verbal abuse "of an unpleasant and personal nature" from local residents.

The Chairman reiterated that any comments locals may have about the hiring of the hall and recreation ground should be directed to the Parish Council and not the people who have hired the facilities.

The Cavalier Caravan Club have confirmed that they will not be returning to Rufford for the 04/05 New Year period.

Rufford Parish Council received four applications for the vacant position. The review of the applicants was conducted in private and the Chair announced that a Mr D. Lawrenson had been selected. Unfortunately Mr Lawrenson was not present at the meeting to hear the news.

Graham Martin of Thornton Close is interested in compiling a history of Rufford Band and requests that people with any connections with the band or are in possession of any historical material or knowledge relating to the band get in touch.

If you feel you can help Graham with this endeavour please click here to send an email

A vacancy has occurred on the Parish Council, If you are interested in becoming a Parish Councillor please contact either the Chairman, Mr. P. Grace by telephone on 01704 821486 or the Clerk to the Council, Mr. J. Forshaw on 0161 797 5287. The position will run until the next set of Parish Council Elections.