Churchyard Grass Cutting

The churchwardens have recently tidied up hedges and fences in the churchyard extension by the Vicarage with their friends and families, and now the grass needs cutting.

Churchwarden Mary Langdown is looking for someone who has a scythe or strimmer, and who can give the churchyard a good cut two or three times a year. There is a small remuneration, and families tending the graves will appreciate the work. Contact Mary on 0118 934 xxxx for more information.

History of Hurst Schools

A former St.Nicholas head teacher Mr John Williams has written a fascinating history about Hurst's schools. It describes how the Hurst and Ruscombe National School was opened in 1818 in Tape Lane at a cost of £334 4s 1d. Two cottages were used. The Master and Mistress lived in one. The pupils attended lessons in the other.

By the 1840s it was overcrowded, with 80 to 90 boys on the ground floor and 70 or more girls on the upper floor. This "occasioned a crowd extremely injurious to good order and an atmosphere far from healthy for the children and teachers."

Copies of the book, costing £3.50 (or £4 including post and packing), are available from St.Nicholas School in School Road. Cheques should be payable to St.Nicholas School Fund. They would make excellent presents for former St.Nicholas pupils or anyone interested in the village's history.

Poppy Appeal

More than £4,000 was raised by the Royal British Legion - Hurst branch during the year long Poppy Appeal, reports George Claridge. This excellent total includes donations received from motorists and lorry drivers who stop at the Reading services on the M4.

The Legion's marching band and flags will be on parade at this year's Hurst Horse Show, and plans are well in hand for the traditional Dug Out supper to be held in the autumn. Anyone interested in joining the Royal British Legion can contact George on 0118 934 xxxx.