1851 May 24th

Fatal Accident

A serious accident happened at this place on Monday last, to a man named George Copperwaite, a railway labourer, who met his death under the following circumstances. The deceased was working on the Shepreth extension line, and about nine o’clock in the morning was engaged with others in filling waggons with clunch. He had filled his waggon, and was going to get some water of one of his companions, when some clunch from the bank he had been excavating gave way, and a quantity of it fell upon him.

The deceased fell across the rail, and the engine to which the waggons were attached being in motion passed over him, with two or three carriages before they could be stopped. Assistance was rendered, and the deceased was found lying partly on the line and partly off, his head and the upper part of his body lying off the line, and the lower part of his body and the right leg and arm lying on the line. The carriages passed over his right leg in a line to the right shoulder, up the groin of the deceased, who survived about 10 minutes, and then died in great agony. He was about 32 years of age. No blame was attributable to any body, and an inquest having since been held before Mr. Marshall, the jury returned a verdict of “Accidental death.”

1851 September 20th

The Church-Rate case

It is stated that the expenses of the defendant in the ill-advised Church-rate case in this parish amount to £536 17s. 6d., and that sympathisers with the defendant, who were very ready with their tongues and pens, have been far less ready with their cash, having subscribed only £133 12s. 1d. This affair ought to be a warning to ignorant people against being led away by bad counsellers.

1851 October 4th

Melbourne Inquest

On Friday (yesterday) and inquest was holden at the Rose inn, in this village, before J.E. Marshall, on view of the body of Mr. Wortham Hitch, aged 52 years. It appeared that the deceased was subject to fits, but had not had an attack for 9 months, until Thursday, and on that day he appeared in his usual health up to about 6 o’clock, when he was found by his daughter lying on his face in his dining-room, and quite dead. He had been observed to enter the dining-room about half-past 3, and close the door after him. A pair of nut-crackers lay by his side, and blood had issued from the nose of the deceased. It appeared from the medical testimony that the deceased died of apoplexy, and a verdict to that effect was returned.

1852 March 6th

Inquest

An inquest was holden here on Tuesday last, before Mr. Marshall, on view of the body of the illegitimate male child of Sarah Green, aged 10 weeks. It was satisfactorily proved by medical evidence that the child, which had been ailing, and refused the breast since its birth, died from natural causes, and a verdict to that effect was returned.

1852 April 3rd

Inquest

On Tuesday last, an inquest was holden at this place, on view of the body of George Coningsby, a child about four months old. It appeared that the deceased was the son of respectable parents: it had been healthy up to about a week before its death, when it seemed to be afflicted with congestion of the bowels. Castor oil was administered, and then diarrhoea ensued, which continued till Sunday night. On that night it went to bed with its mother, who was awakened two or three times in the night, and looked at deceased, but finally went to sleep. On awaking at seven o’clock on Monday morning, she found the deceased dead by her side. On a post mortem examination by Mr. Metcalfe, it appeared, according to that gentleman’s statement, that the deceased died of apoplexy, and a verdict was returned to that effect. Every attention appeared to have been paid to the deceased by its mother, who it seems had no notion of the real nature of the disease under which it laboured. No medical advice was called in during the illness.

1852 May 1st

Curious and Fatal Accident

A curious accident occurred at this village, about 11 o’clock on Tuesday last. Some children were engaged at play, and one was dragging a wash-trough on wheels. In the trough was an infant named Emily Dearson, (aged about 16 months.) A horse and cart were passing along the road, and the child who was drawing the trough, seeing the cart advancing, abandoned it in the middle of the road. The horse (a blind one) stepped in the trough, and literally stamped out the poor infant’s brains. At an inquest held before Mr. Marshall, the facts appeared, but the children engaged in, and witnessing the transaction were so young that the coroner did not feel justified in examining them under oath, and a verdict of “accidental death” was returned.

1853 January 29th

Melbourn Accident

On Thursday, the 20th, as Joseph King, in the employ of Mr. Sparks, at Melbourn, was feeding a chaff-cutting machine, his left hand was, by some means or other, drawn in with the straw, and before the machine could be stopped (being worked by horses), his fingers came under the knife, and were all cut off close to the palm of the hand. He was immediately sent off to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, where the bones of the forearm were found to be smashed, and a further removal of the hand rendered necessary in consequence of the great laceration and brusing of the parts. He is doing well, and it is hoped that he will yet have a serviceable member.

1853 March 19th

The Bible Societ

On Sunday last, the sum of £10 6s. 10d., was collected at Melbourn, in aid of the Jubilee fund of the British and Foreign Bible Society.

1853 November 11th

Melbourn Inquest

An inquest was held before Mr. Barlow, at Melbourn, on Thursday evening, on view of the body of George Halls, who died suddenly, within about 200 yards of his house, whilst going to work in that morning. Medical testimony went to prove that deceased had died from disease of the heart.

1854 June 3rd

Melbourn New Infant School

The Infant School which has lately been erected in this parish, on a site presented by John Mortlock, Esq., was opened on Monday last, when divine service was performed in the church, and a most impressive sermon preached by the Rev. H.V. Elliott, Incumbent of St. Mary’s, Brighton, from the text Galatians. VI. 2. “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Not withstanding the unfavourable weather, the church was well filled, and a collection made at the doors amounting to 22l. 5s. 11d. After the service many of the congregation proceeded to the School, which is a spacious stone building, where a prayer was offered up by the Vicar, imploring God’s blessing on the undertaking.

1854 August 5th

Inquest

An inquest was held at Melbourn, on Saturday last, before Frederick Barlow, Esq., coroner for the county, on view of the body of Elizabeth Catley, who on the night previous was found by a neighbour on the road towards her (deceased’s) house, in a dying state, and she died before she could be got into her own house, which was about a furlong from where she was found. From the evidence of her son, who stated that the family had expected she would some day be taken off in this way, the jury found that the deceased had died from natural causes.

1854 September 23rd

Robbery

Last week a watch was stolen from the house of Mr. W. Chapman; and on Saturday information thereof was forwarded to Bury St. Edmunds. On the same evening the watch was offered for pledge of Mr. Steel’s, who made the police acquainted with the fact. A man named George Smith has been apprehended and removed.

1855 February 10th

Accident

On Friday, the 2nd instant, as a Miss Evans, daughter of Mr. Evans, Regent-street, Cambridge, was out walking, she slipped and fell, and unfortunately broke her arm. Without delay the bone was set, and Miss Evans returned to Cambridge the same evening. [We understand the young lady is rapidly recovering.]

1855 July 7th

Births and Deaths

The number of births and deaths registered in the Melbourn district of the Royston Union, for the quarter ending June 30, is as follows:–

Births	Deaths
Girls. 17	Males 23
Boys 33	Females 20
Total 50	Total 43

1855 July 12th

Violent Assault

On Tuesday, William Beard, of Meldreth, was brought up in custody of Supt. Stretten, before J.E. Fordham, Esq., charged with violently assaulting and wounding William Baillee, of Melbourn. Complainant is suffering from paralysis, but occupies a beerhouse, his wife managing the business. Prisoner was drinking there in the morning, and on being left alone with the old man, without the slightest provocation, threatened to kill him, at the same time commencing a furious attack with a pair of tongs, infliciting several blows upon his head, one of which cut completely through the scalp. The old man defended himself as well as his infirmity would allow, until the arrival of his wife, who very courageously seized his assailant, until the arrival of a police officer, by whom he was at once secured. No reason can be assigned for this cowardly attack, other than that Beard, who is usually very quiet, is slightly deranged, and may have imagined himself injured.

1855 August 4th

New School at Melbourn

On Monday last, a large number of the inhabitants of Melbourn assembled in the Church lane, at half-past ten o’clock, to witness the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of a building now erecting as Boys’ and Girls’ Schools, for the Trustees of the late Mr. John Trigg’s charity, by Miss Fordham, of Melbourn Bury.

Mr. Nash, the architect, having explained the designs, which had been sanctioned by the Charity Commissioners, and obtained Miss Fordham’s approval, requested that she would lay the foundation stone.

Mr. Mortlock, on behalf of the Ladies’ Comittee, presented her with a handsome silver trowel, requesting her acceptance of it as a memorial of the day, as well as a slight acknowledgement of the thanks which they felt due to Mrs Fordham and herself, for the interest and exertions they had shown in promoting education among the poor of the parish: he also deposited a bottle, containing the names of the present trustees, &c.

Miss Fordham, assisted by the builder, Mr. Wm. French, prepared the bed of mortar, and the stone inscribed;
“Trigg’s Charity Schools.
This stone was laid by
Miss Fordham, of Melbourn Bury,
July 30, 1855,”

was lowered into its place; and having received three taps from her trowel, was declared duly laid.

Mr. Fordham addressed the company as follows – “Friends and Fellow-parishioners, Allow me to congratulate you on the event of this day. More than thirty years have passed away since the establishment of a British school in this parish, during which long period many now present, many more who are absent, and some in the distant colony of Australia, have received from it blessings which are beyond all price. Although it has been in some measure superseded by more recent schools in the adjoining parishes, it appears to me to possess advantage over kindred institutions in the neighbourhood, from its unsectarian character, being open to Dissenters and Churchmen alike. Trusting the inhabitants of Melbourn and its neighbourhood will avail themselves to the utmost of all the advantages which this institution is calculated to confer, I again congratulate you on the occasion which has brought us together. In my own name and that of my brother trustees, and, I may say, in that of the parish at large, I beg to tender our grateful acknowledgements to Mr. Mortlock, for his kindness in presenting the site upon which this school is to be erected. In behalf of my daughter, I have to express her thanks for the very handsome and unexpected present she has just received, and, although the doing her duty at the school has been its own reward, she cannot but feel gratified that her labours of love have been so appreciated.”

The contractor having been informed that Mr. Fordham had provided a supper for the workmen, at the Rose inn, that evening, (to which we doubt not ample justice was done,) and three cheers for Miss Fordham, and three more for Mr. Mortlock have been given, the meeting separated.

1855 August 25th

The Church

The beautiful church at this parish, after a complete restoration of the interior, was re-opened for Divine service on Thursday, the 9th inst. when a sermon was preached to a large congregation by the Hon. and Rev. Lord Arthur Hervey, rector of Ickworth, Suffolk, from Heb. xii, 22-24, and a collection made at the doors of £27. A very considerable sum was expended a few years ago on the restoration chiefly at the chancel, in the hope that the parishioners would be induced to carry on the same good work in the body of the church. This hope has now been realised, as all the old and unsightly pews have been replaced by well-arranged oak seats of the most substantial character; the floor laid with Newcastle tiles, and the walls and stonework cleaned and repaired, at an expense fo £800, raised by subscriptions, with the exception of a grant of £50 from the Church Building Society. The works were designed and commenced by the late Mr. Rattee, of Cambridge, and only completed by his succesors in the business. After the service, there was a large meeting of visitors and of the parishioners who attend the church, to the number of about 200, in the vicarage garden, to partake of tea provided by many of those present, when a further number of small contributions to the church were received.

1857 January 10th

Appointment

The Rev. Chas. F.G. Jenyns, vicar of Melbourn, has been appointed a Surrogate for the proving of wills and granting marriage licenses in the Archdeaconry of Ely.

1857 June 20th

The Rev. C.H. Spurgeon

There was an enormous concourse of persons at Melbourn yesterday (Friday) week, to hear the famous Mr. Spurgeon. He preached two sermons: in the afternoon, it is calculated 5,000 persons were listeners, and in the evening 7,000. Tea was provided in tents, to which about 1,200 persons sat down in comfort. The day was exceedingly fine, and the arrangements were so good as to reflect credit upon those who undertook the heavy task of making them. After deducting the expenses, the collection left a surplus of over £70 for the fund for the erection of Mr. Spurgeon’s “Tabernacle” in London.

1857 July 11th

Bible Society

The annual meeting of the South Cambridgeshire Auxilliary to the British and Foreign Bible Society was held in the Schoolroom of this village, on Tuesday, the 7th of July. The meeting was addressed by the Hon. and Ven. Archdeacon Yorke, who expressed his warm attachment to the society, both on account of its great object – the dissemination of the Holy Scriptures throughout the world – and on account of the comprehensive principles on which it was conducted, admitting of cordial co-operation of various Christian bodies for that good end. He alluded to the obligations under which this country was laid by the possession of the Bible, to which it was indebted for its real greatness, for the freedom of its institutions, and for the liberty of religious worship which was here enjoyed.

The Rev. W. Gill, who for 15 years had been a missionary at Raratonga, attended as a deputation from the parent society, and gave an account of the effects which the Bible had been the means of producing in the South Sea Islands, which was listened to with great interest. He stated that a translation of the whole Bible into the Raratongan language had been printed by the Bible Society, and was read and deeply valued by the natives of that island, who were formerly idolators and cannibals. The meeting was also addressed by several of the neighbouring ministers, and letters were read from the Hon. and Rev. A. Saville, the Rev. T.R. Birks, and the Rev. F.G. Jenyns, the vicar of Melbourn, expressing regret that owing to abscence from home and other engagements they were unable to attend. The collection at the door amounted to nearly eleven pounds.

1857 October 24th

Robbery

Joseph Mann, alias Sykes, who was charged with breaking into the Rev. Mr. Jenyns’ house, is to be tried at the next assizes, instead of the sessions. He is a chimney sweep.

1858 January 16th

Births and Deaths

Number of births and deaths for the quarter ending 31st of December, 1857, for the Melbourn district:

Births . . . . . . . 50

Deaths . . . . . . . 60

1858 March 20th

Stabbing Case

George Miller, a labourer, was examined by the Magistrates on Monday last, charged with stabbing Sylvester Barrow, a fellow-workman. It appears that the men had been working together at Mr. Pullen’s farm, and had got up a quarrel between them, which ended in a knife being used by Miller. He stabbed Barrow several times, and injured him so much that he was unable to appear against him. The case was therefore remanded until Monday next.

1858 May 1st

On Sunday evening last, April 25, a very excellent sermon was preached in Zion chapel, Melbourn, to a very large congregation, by the Rev. Mr. Bailey, of London, who is expected to be the minister of the above chapel. The rev. gentleman selected for his text part of the 11th and 12th verses of the 21st chapter of Isiah – “Watchman, what of the night? The watchman said, The Morning cometh and also the night.” Previous to the sermon, a portion of the 19th chap. of Luke was read, and numerous comments made by the reader, Mr. Bailey. We cannot help thinking that it would be well if other ministers, as well as Mr. B., were to omit many simpled and superfluous observations, made as comments on the passage read, which appear to be intended rather to amuse than instruct. The Rev. gentleman is very young, apparently not more than 24, but rumour informs us he is only 19. He possesses qualifications well fitted for the noble office he occupies, and we doubt not that he will do much good. During the four Sabbaths that this minister has preached at Melbourn, many persons have been attracted, not only the inhabitants of the village, but from the surrounding places. We are told that Mr. B. has been under the tuition of the Rev. C. Spurgeon, and may add, if we can judge from one sermon, that Mr. Bailey somewhat resembles his worthy tutor in language, style, &c., and evidently has a love for figurative language, and anecdotal relation. Correspondent.

1858 May 29th

Lecture

On Tuesday evening last week, a lecture was delivered oin the British School-room upon the principles and benefits of life assurance, by Mr. M.B. Sutton, of the British Empire Mutual Life Association, Mr. W.C. Carver in the chair. Mr. Shippey, of Cambridge, bore strong testimony in favour of the Directors and the Association generally; after which Mr. Sutton explained in a popular manner, the difference between the proprietory, mixed, and mutual systems, and argued in favour of the immense superiority of the latter. The lecturer was warmly cheered at intervals during the whole of the lecture; and every one left the room highly delighted and not a little instructed.

1858 June 12th

Mr. Spurgeon

This popular preacher will preach two sermons at Melbourn on Friday, July 2, and collections will be made in behalf of the Baptist chapel building fund. It is stated that arrangements have been made which will enable 10,000 persons to hear the preacher. Tea for 1,000 persons will be provided between the services.

1858 July 10th

Mr. Spurgeon’s Visit

On Friday, July 2nd, the Rev. C.H. Spurgeon paid his annual visit to this place, and preached two most eloquent and impressive sermons, in aid of the Baptist cause. Preparations were made to accomodate 10,000 persons to hear the rev. gentleman, and tea was provided for 1,200. Owing to the unsettled state of the weather, not more than 600 partook of tea, and the evening congregation did not exceed 6,000 persons. The collections amounted to no more than 18l. On the following day, the bountiful supply of provisions which had been left over, were taken off the hands of the committee by J. Mortlock, Esq., with which the children of the Infant School, numbering about 140, were plentifully regaled. It is impossible to speak in too high terms of this gentleman’s well known generosity to the poor, and his extreme liberality to the cause of God in this place. Correspondent.

1858 July 17th

Melbourn Births and Death s

Number of birhs and deaths registered in the quarter ending 30th June 1858:–

Births	Deaths
Males 29	Males 23
Females 41	Females 18
Total 70	Total 41

1858 September 11th

On Tuesday, September 7, services were held in the Baptist chapel, to recognise a youthful preacher, the Rev. E. Bailey, as pastor of the church and congregation in that place. The following ministers were present:- the Revs. G. Rogers, London; B. Davies, Greenwich; H. Wooster, Landbeach; Ayston, Waterbeach; Garner, Harston; Fordham, Claxton. The Rev. H. Wooster was called to the chair, and gave an earnest, affectionate, and most appropriate addresses. We cannot speak too highly of the addresses, they, upon the whole, being much more interesting and to the point than they generally are on these occasions. Tea was provided in the British school rooms, where about 200 persons partook of a very quiet and comfortable tea, more so we think than the monster tea meetings which have been held on some occasions at Melbourn in connection with this cause.

In the evening, the Rev. W. Robinson, Cambridge, opened the service. The Rev. G. Rogers, London, preached an excellent and elaborate sermon, from 2nd chap. Phillipians, 4th verse. The Rev. B. Davies closed the service with a most impressive prayer. We regret the gentleman did not preach in the evening, as was announced; from the address in the afternoon, style, language, and melodious voice, we expected a rare treat, although after the sermon we could not regret we stayed, for we enjoyed Mr. Rogers. We do not exactly approve of altering the ministers after the notices have been issued. We rejoice to hear that the Lord has and is still abundantly blessing the labours of this useful minister; he has baptized in six months 36 followers of our Saviour, and has about 45 seeking the Lord. Our earnest prayer is that the Baptist Church may long continue to have such a devoted minister of the Cross. And we also rejoice that his labours are not confined to his own church, but that other churches are now awakening from their slumber to a sense of their duty. We are informed he will preach on Monday next at Landbeach, and the following Monday at Waterbeach. From a Correspondent.

1859 March 12th

Wife Beating

At the petty sessions held here on the 7th instant, John Miller, labourer, Melbourn, was charged with having committed a brutal assault on Eliza Miller, his wife, on Saturday night last, by kicking her in the body. About midnight, their more peaceful neighbours were alarmed by hearing the defendant beating his wife, (who was screaming “murder,”) at the same time calling her some shocking names, and swearing he would put her on the fire and burn her. Prisoner, who made no defence, but said he was sorry for what he had done, was sent to prison for two months with hard labour, and at the expiration of that time to be bound over keep the peace for six months. We have heard of several cases of wife-beating in this place lately, and we hope Miller’s sentence will be a warning to men to leave off their brutal conduct towards those whom they have sworn to love and protect.

1859 April 2nd

Parish Meeting

On Thursday evening, the 24th of March, a parish meeting was held at the Rose inn, the Rev. F.G. Jenyns, vicar, in the chair, for the purpose of choosing overseers and surveyors for the ensuing year, when the following officers were elected: Mr. Peter Spark and Mr. William French, guardians; Mr. Wortham Hitch and Mr. Peter Campkin, overseers; Mr. Mynch Titchmarsh and Mr. Thomas Wood, surveyors; Mr. Joseph Oliver, constable; and Mr. Peter Campkin, rate collector.

1859 April 9th

Begging Extraordinary

On the morning of Sunday week, a bill of large dimensions was exhibited at a conspicuous place in this village, to the following effect:– “Notice – Whereas sundry persons of the sect Amphibia have forfeited all claim to sanity and respectability by becoming amateur beggars of the most importunate class, they are hereby cautioned that they are infringing the Act passed for the suppression of vagrancy, and are warned that all persons found begging, on any pretence, in Melbourn, or parishes adjoining, will at once be removed to Fulbourn asylum. By order.” We do not see much personality in the above elaborate announcement; but one of our worthies, who (we suppose) believed himself to belong to the sect there in mentioned, pulled it down, and there would have been no more notice taken of it, and many of the inhabitants would never have known that there had been such a thing in existance, had it not been for the ostentatious manner in which the offended party acted. The next we hear of it is at a prayer-meeting the following evening in the Baptist chapel, where the minister read it for the benefit of his flock, and afterwards exhibited it for their inspection, with what motive we cannot solve, unless to make it publicly known. Correspondent.

1859 April 16th

Thunder Storm

On Monday afternoon last, a thunderstorm, accompanied with a heavy fall of hail, broke over Melbourn. The lightning was vivid, and there were several heavy claps of thunder. In a few minutes the ground was covered with hail, in some places to the depth of two inches. We have not heard of any damage being done by it, otherwise than the blossoms and leaves being cut off the fruit trees; and the young peas in the fields are said to be cut a good deal to some extent. It appears to have been heaviest over Whaddon, Meldreth, Melbourn and Foulmire.

1859 April 30th

Church Missions

On the afternoon of Sunday last, a sermon was preached in the parish church, in aid of the Church Missionary Society, by the Rev. J.B. Whiting, one of the society’s secretaries. The preacher took his text from Acts. vi. 12 “Neither is there salvation in any other, for these is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.” He impressed upon the minds of his hearers the duty required of every professing Christian to do something towards sending missionaries to preach glad tidings to all heathen nations. The collection at the door amounted to £4. In the evening there was a special full choir service in the church. The choir took their parts in praise-worthy manner; and great praise is due to Mr. F. Carver, for the exertions he has used for the last few months in getting the choir to the state of proficiency, which we noticed on Sunday evening. Our beautiful church was filled to over-flowing with a most respectable congregation.

The Rev. F.G. Jenyns, our worthy vicar, preached a most excellent and impressive sermon, from Psalm cxiii. 1. “Praise ye the Lord; O ye servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord.” At the close of the service, a collection was made in behalf of defraying the expenses of the choir, which amounted to £4. On Monday evening last, a Church Missionary meeting was held in the infant school room. The Rev. F.G. Jenyns took the chair; and after making a few introductory observations on the object of the meeting, introduced the Rev. J. B. Whiting, the deputation from the Parent Society, who gave a most interesting and instructive account of the working of the missions in our Indian territories. Professor Selwyn also spoke in behalf of the missions. The collections at the door amounted to upwards of £2.

Church Society. On the evening of Good Friday, the members, friends and supporters of the above society took tea together in the British school-room, after which the Choral Society gave a performance of sacred music, which was well attended and went off exceedingly well. The audience enjoyed a happy evening, and at the close all joined in the National anthem. A vote of thanks to the Choral Society was proposed by Mr. P. Campkin, seconded by Mr. J.E. Miller, and unanimously carried by a show of hands. Mr. William French (a member) replied, and the meeting separated.

1859 June 11th

South Cambridgeshire Union on Home Missionary Society

The above society’s annual meeting took place in the Congregational Chapel, Melbourn, on the evening of Thursday, the 2nd of June. Samuel Morley, Esq., of London, occupied the chair; and after singing and prayer, briefly opened the business of the meeting, when the Rev. Robert Davey read the report, and the treasurer, Samuel Clear, Esq., laid before the meeting the financial statement, which showed that there was a small sum in hand this year. The following gentlemen then addressed the meeting:– the Revs. Thomas Booker, E.T. Egg, Joseph Perkins, John Harrison, Henry Martin (of Royston), and John Medway, and Samuel Clear, Esq. The meeting was well attended, and the speakers were interesting and were listened to with marked attention. A vote of thanks to the Chairman for presiding was carried, and duly acknowledged, which concluded the proceedings. A collection was made, which amounted to upwards of £7.

Concert

We find that Melbourn church choir, who acquitted themselves remarkably well at the Ely choral festival, intend to give a concert of sacred and secular music, in the British school-room, next Friday evening.

1859 June 25th

Concert

The church choir of this place, which we have lately had occasion to notice, as forming a part of the general meeting at Ely, in May last, gave on Friday evening, the 17th instant, a vocal concert, supported by their own efforts, aided only by a lady and a gentleman, relatives of their conductor, who had offered to assist in accompanying them on their own respective instruments, the violin, harmonium and pianoforte. With these exceptions, the whole of the performers consisted of inhabitants of the village, principally young people, though we noticed among the tenors, a veteran, who appeared by no means, the least interested and zealous of their number. The attempt, under all circumstances, thus to interest and please a numerous audience, might, perhaps, have been considered a bold one, but it was fully warranted by its complete success, and will, we should hope, result in giving on impulse to the study and practise of th divine art in Melbourn and its neighbourhood. The selection, which evinced considerable taste and skill, contained 27 pieces of great variety of character and style, but each really good in its way. The first part was sacred, and comprised anthems by Child, Favrant, Croft, and others, two choruses from the Dettingen Te Deum, and some motetts by modern composers.

The second part was devoted to secular music, and consisted of madrigals, glees, part songs, including some of the finest specimins of those schools of composition. The performance throughout was admirable; the various pieces being sung with spirit and expression; the interaction remarkably good, and the time excellent. We noticed a slight degree of unsteadyness in a bar or two of the opening movement of Croft’s anthem, “Cry aloud;” a little uncertainty in the introduction in the minor of a motett, by Zingarilli; and the time of Steven’s glee “Ye Spotted Snakes,” was taken a shade too fast: with these exceptions, we have nothing but commendation to bestow upon a performance, which would have been, probably, thought too long, byt for the well-chosen variety of the selection, and the spirit and correctness of the performance. There is no royal road to music, and such a result can only be attributed to diligent practise by the choir, and a persevering attention on the part of their conductor, Mr. F.J. Carver.

Fire

On Saturday afternoon last a cottage at Melbourn Heath, occupied by John Fisher, labourer, was discovered to be on fire, and was soon burned to the ground; also a barn which adjoined and a quantity of straw which formed a sheep-yard. It appears that Mrs. Fisher heated the oven, and set in the bread, when she noticed that the thatch on the top of the oven on fire. She attempted to extinguish it, but her efforts were in vain. Several men who were at work in the fields were soon on the spot, but there being no water near, all they could do was to remove the poor mans good, and that they succeeded in doing except the bedsteads, which were burned. The fire there was no doubrt was caused through heating the oven. The barn and cottage were the property of R. Hitch, Esq., and insured in the Sun Fire Office. The barn was in the occupation of Mr. Robert Barker, farmer, and the straw belonging to Mr. Barker, who is also insured in the Sun office. Fisher’s goods were not insured, and we are glad to learn most of them were saved.

1859 July 16th

The Feast

Our village fest took place on Thursday week, and was kept up till Saturday night. There was the usual quantity of stalls and spice cakes, toys, &c., and a large quantity of shooting galleries and swinging boats. There were also five or six shows (which made it look like a large fair), the owners of which appeared to try who could make the most noise, inviting the juveniles to walk up and see the wonders of the world, acting monkeys and dogs, a pig with two heads, a sheep with six legs, and a legion of other wonderful things, for the charge of only one penny. There was one called a juvenile circus, where a tom-fool was on the stage, making ugly faces, and requesting those who stopped to listen to listen to him, to recollect that it was the only juvenile cirucs in the known world. There were two photographic establishments, which we believe did a good deal of business. We are happy to add, that we did not notice any drunkenness or quarrelling amongst our own tonwnspeople; peace and good-will appeared to be the order of the day, during the time the feat lasted.

1859 July 23rd

School Treat

On Thursday the 14th inst., the children belonging to the congregational Sunday school had their annual treat of plum pudding and beef. At one o’clock, the children, numbering upwards of 300, marched in procession to a large barn at Sheen Farm, (kindly lent by Mr. William Flitten,) where they were met and welcomed by their friends, who had made the most hospitable preparations to receive them. The weather was most favourable, and ample justice having been done to the good things provided, the children played at several innocent games for two or three hours. At five o’clock a public tea was provided in the same barn by the friends and supporters of the school, at 1s. each, when about 400 sat down to tea, after which addresses were delivered by the Rev. John Medway (who presided in the absence of the Rev. A.C. Wright,) and several other ministers from the neighbourhood; after spending a happy evening all retired highly pleased.

Odd Fellows’ Anniversary

The members of the loyal Pride of Melbourn Lodge of the Manchester Unity of Odd Fellows celebrated their fourth anniversary on Friday, the 15th inst. At two o’clock the members emerged from the Hoops inn, and proceeded by a brass band from Cambridge, went in procession through the village, every officer dressed in his peculiar costume, and carrying with them all the paraphernalia of the order; they then returned to the Hoops, where a public dinner of a first-rate character was provided by host Hill, in a booth erected for the occasion, when about 50 sat down. The Grand Master of the district (Bro. J. Fleet,) occupied the chair, and Bro. J. Camp was vice-chairman. After dinner the usual toasts were drunk, and at seven o’clock ther was another procession around the village, accompanied by the band, when our usual quiet village appeared all alive. The party again returned to the booth, where a pleasing evening was enjoyed, intermingled with toasts, songs, and the enlivening strains of the Cambridge band. The company dispersed soon after eleven o’clock, everything having passed off in a very agreeable manner.

1859 July 30th

Sunday School Treat

On Thursday, the 21st instant, the children who belong to the Church Sunday School, were entertained to dinner and tea, by the hospitality of the Vicar, the Rev. F.G. Jenyns, Mrs. Jenyns, and other ladies and gentlemen connected with the church, on the Vicarage lawn, where they thoroughly enjoyed themselves during the afternoon and evening; and went home well pleased with the days proceedings.

Sudden Death

On Friday morning, the 22nd instant, Abraham West, who was in his 86th year, was in an allotment at the back of the village, cleaning turnips, when he dropped down dead. Mr. Gray, surgeon, was immediately on the spot, but life was extinct. We understand the deceased had previously been suffering from disease of the heart, which, there is no doubt, was the cause of death.

1859 August 6th

Bible Society

On Sunday evening last, a sermon was preached at Melbourn Church, on behalf of the British and Foreign Bible Society. The prayers were read by the Vicar, the Rev. F.G. Jenyns, and the lessons by the Rev. Professor Selwyn, after which the Rev. T.R. Birks, rector of Kelshall, preached a most able and eloquent sermon from Romans 3rd, 1st and 2nd, verses. In advocating the claims of the British and Foreign Bible Society he stated that during the 55 years of its existance, the Society had been the means of circulating about thirty-five million copies of the Holy Scriptures in nearly 150 different languages. The large church was completely filled with a very attentive congregation, comprising in addition to the ordinary congregation, many of the usual attendants at the Dissenting chapels. The collection amounted to £10. 9s. 6d.

1859 September 24th

Zion Chapel

We understand that the Rev. C.H. Spurgeon will re-open this place of worship by preaching two sermons in it on Tuesday, the 27th inst; the services to commence at two and six. Tea is to be provided for an “unlimited” number of persons, and collections are to be made after each service, which are to be aplied to the fund for the enlargement of the chapel. It seems that Mr. Spurgeon makes the opening and re-opening of chapels a prominent feature in his profession: it will be remembered that this is not hte first time that he has visited this county for a similar purpose; on other occasions he has generally appled the proceeds of one of the sermons, at least, towards the furtherance of building his own tabernacle, but this time the total proceeds are to go to the benefit of the chapel in which he preaches.

1859 October 22nd

Royal College of Surgeons

On Thursday last, Mr. Edmond Metcalfe, surgeon, late of this parish, was, at a meeting of the Council of the Royal College of Surgeons, London, admitted a Fellow.

Inquest

An inquest was held in the parish of Melbourn on Wednesday the 19th instant, on view of the body of William Willmott, the circumstances of whose death were as follows:– It appears that the deceased had been living at Harston, and had lately hired a house and premises i Melbourn, and at about half-past twelve on that day, two carts laden with furniture, &c., arrived at the house he had hired. The deceased was in charge of one of the carts, which was the hinder one.

After the carts had arrived at the house, a person of the name of Woodcock, who was examined at the inquest, stated that she saw the deceased take the headstall off the head of the horse he was in charge of, with the intention (as she believes) of feeding him, as she saw deceased with the nosebag; as soon as the headstall was taken off, the horse attempted to bolt, and the deceased hung on to his nose; when the horse instantluy turned round, and ran the deceased up against a wall on the opposite side.

The deceased fell down, and the near wheel of the cart (which was then laden with furniture), went over his body. He managed to raise himself up, but dropped down again. He was taken into the house, and Mr. Gray, the surgeon, was immediately sent for, but he died about twenty minutes after the accident. There appears to be no blame attaching to anyone; the horse being alone frightened by the headstall having been taken off. A verdict was returned in accordance with the evidence.

1859 November 5th

Propagation of the Gospel

On Sunday afternoon, the 30th ultmo, a sermon was preached in the Parish Church, for the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in foreign parts, by the Rev. H. Bailey, warden of St. Augustine’s College, Canterbury. The Rev. gentleman took his text from the epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews, chapter xi, verse 13th. “They were all strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” A collection wa made at the door, which amounted to £4 5s. 5d.

The Church

A window of stained glass, in memory of the late John Hitch, Esq., has been placed in the west side of the parish Church, near the family vault. On the left hand is the representation of Christ curing an impotent man. “Arise, and take up thy bed and walk.” (St. Mark, chapter 2nd, verse 9th.) On the centre frame is represented Christ’s resurrection declared by two angels to the women that came to the sepulchre:– “He is not here, but is risen” (St. Luke, chapter 24th, verse 6th.) The design on the right is taken from St. John, chapter 11th, verse 25th, where Jesus is represented requiring Martha to believe that he is the resurrection:– “I am the resurrection and the life,” &c. It is altogether a very handsome piece of workmanship, and has added beauty to our ancient Church.

1859 December 24th

Accident

On the same day as the accident recorded under the Cambridge head (Friday last week), Mr. Ellis Negus, horsedealer, Melbourn, was returning from Royston in his gig, and when near the toll-gate his horse shied at some object on the side of the road, and made a spring in a oblique direction. The sudden jerk sent Mr. Negus over the side of the gig, and for a time he had rather an uncomfortable position between the side of the gig and the wheel (the wheel revolving at the time), and when he came to the ground, the wheel passed over him. We understand he was confined to his room for several days through the injuries he received. Mr. John Disbrey was riding with Mr. N. at the time of the accident, and he was thrown forward on the splash-board, which was broken, but he managed to regain his position without going to the ground.