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Bucks Herald 12 June 1909

ASHENDON CHURCH RESTORATION. GARDEN FETE AT DORTON HOUSE. 

It has been felt the parishioners of Ashendon that their fine old Church of St. Mary's should not be allowed to fall further into decay, and that some means should devised whereby ix sum money could be raised with which to commence the work restoration. The Church is ancient building of stone, and a fine specimen the Early English and Perpendicular styles, consisting of chancel, nave with clerestory, and arcade arches connecting it with the south aisle, porch the south side, and a western tower, wherein are situated three bells, whilst there are two piscinae. The living a joint one with Dorton, where the Church has been beautifully restored by Sir H. Aubrey-Fletcher, Bart., M.P., and it the earnest desire the Vicar (the v. Thomas Appleton; that St. Mary's should be brought into proper state of repair. With this object the Church workers in the parish have been busy during the past month or so arranging for a sale of work, having obtained the sanction of Sir Henry and Lady Aubrey-Fletcher for the use of the grounds Dorton House for the purpose, and also for garden fete. It is estimated that about <£150 or <£200 should be in view before actually commencing the work. The Vicar has acted as chairman of the committee, with Mr. I. J. George (churchwarden) and a number of others as willing helpers, and on Thursday the tete was held in the grounds of Dorton House. Unfortunately, the weather was by no means favourable, sharp showers of rain falling during the afternoon. Notwithstanding this, however, large company assembled for the opening ceremony, which was performed by Lady Aubrey- Fletcher. The Vicar presided, and was supported Lady Aubrey-Fletcher. Sir Edmund and Lady Verney, Lady Egerton. Mrs. Appleton, Mr. Il Fletcher, Mrs. F. Higgins-Bernard, Mr. and Mrs. Coningsby Disraeli, Mrs. G. A. Sims, the Rev. J. and Mrs. Skinner. Mr. Johnston, the Rev. J Tyson. Mr. S Curtis, Mrs. Smith (Pollicott), Mr. and Mrs. G. Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. Lear Mrs. H. Turnham (Waddesdon), Mr. F G Boughton, Mr. R Boughton. Mr. H. Boughton, Mr Tomkins, Mrs. Roads (Ashendon), Mr T J George, Mrs. W H Faulkner, Mr & Mrs. J W Goss, Mr. and Mrs. John Curtis, Misses Adams (Westcott), and others. The Vicar said it was by the kindness of Sir Henry and Lady Fletcher that they had the pleasure of holding the sale of work in those grounds. The object was not originally an afternoon s entertainment, but to raise money— to raise money for the renovation and re-seating - kind of restoration—of the fine old Parish Church of Ashendon. There was a certain feeing that the work ought be carried ' the time had come when they should take the matter in hand. Since the idea had been thought of. it had gone increasing, and they nad had many satisfactory and pleasing expressions of it. The greatest them, however, was the privilege they had of holding it in those grounds, added to which was the very great pleasure in having Lady Aubrey- Fletcher with them to open that sale that afternoon. had the greatest pleasure in introducing Lady Aubrey-Fletcher to those who did not know her, and in asking her to open the sale of work. (Applause.) Lady Aubrey-Fletcher said she believed she was in Dorton. but when she looked round and saw all the flags and the life she could hardly credit it was old, quiet, and stately Dorton. In the old days before she did not think there had been so much life about the place. They all knew why she was there, and also why Sir Henry was unable to be with her. They all knew the trouble Mr. Appleton had taken to bring about the fete, and she had come down to help. (Applause ) In the days of her youth she was always told that extravagance was an unamiable vice; but she thought that day they would be forgiven if they were extravagant, because the cause was a good one. (Applause.) She had pleasure in declaring the sale of work and fete open, and wished it all the which it deserved. (Applause.) Mr. T. J. George thanked Lady Aubrey- Fletcher for the kind way which she had opened the bazaar. They were much obliged to her and Sir Henry for their kindness in granting them the use of the grounds, and hoped they would always carry out the precepts- of which she had set the example. (Applause.) Lady Aubrey-Fletcher briefly thanked Mr. George, and suggested that they should once proceed with the sale. The Vicar said he was sure they would all give an expression their thanks to Lady Aubrey-Fletcher, and they would also like her to convey their sympathy with Sir Henry, with the hope that he would soon be restored to good health again. (Applause.) The stallholders were soon busy disposing of their wares, there being stalls for useful and ornamental articles, dolls and pottery, and cakes and sweets.  In addition to Mrs. Appleton the following ladies gave valuable assistance: Mrs. George, Pollicott; Mrs. Boughton, Mrs. Curtis. and Mrs. Roads. Ashendon: Mrs. Smith, Lower Pollicott; and Mrs. Tompkins, Pollicott; whilst there were willing helpers, too numerous to mention. The stalls occupied a position on the north side of the fine old house, whilst bran dips and the pottery stall were ensconced amongst the trees. Concerts were held in Queen Elizabeth’s Room during the afternoon and whilst there was also a  performance of “The Fairy Ring” which was given the scholars attending the Ashendon Sunday School who had been carefully trained by Mrs. Roads. Teas and refreshments were also provided in a marquee, whilst selections were given by the Brill Brass Band. Towards the evening the weather cleared, and the company was largely augmented, dancing being enjoyed on the lawn in front of the house. There was also a cake competition, the prizes being awarded as follows:—First class- 1st Miss Mabel Boughton; 2nd Miss Emma Harper.  Second Class: 1st Mrs Tomkins, 2nd Miss Evelyn Turnham.  Third Class: 1st Miss Manscawen, 2nd  Miss Manel Boughton. The concerts were well patronised, and there every reason to believe that asubstantial sum will result from the effort.

Bucks Herald 18 September 1909

 

THE ASHENDON MYSTERY. BODY OF THE MISSING CHILD FOUND. The mystery which has surrounded the disappearance of the three-year-old boy, Thomas Ewers, of Ashendon, has now been solved, although the gloom spread over the village has only been deepened by the fact that the child has been found dead, within distance of 500 yards from the place where was missed. is also singular that it was just four weeks to the day, and within an hour or so the same time, that the child was found from the day it was missed. The discovery was made on Tuesday afternoon by farmer, whilst cutting a field of beans. The inquest was held at the Red Lion Inn, Ashendon, on Wednesday afternoon, before the Coroner for the Aylesbury Division, Mr. E. Wilkins, Mr. T. George being chosen foreman of the jury. The police were represented by Snpt. Banker and Inspector Swain, whilst P.C. Wright was the Coroner's officer. The following evidence was given:— Moses Ewers, farm labourer, of Ashendon, said August 17 be was at harvest work, employed by Mr. Curtis. He was working in a field at Buffland, and with him was his wife and seven children. They were all in the field. and his wife were engaged in cutting wheat, and while they were thus engaged the children were playing in the field, in the stubble and on the headland, consisting of grass track. The distance from witness to the headland was yards. Witness had his dinner in the field about 1.20, and at that time all the seven children were there. Their ages ranged from 11 years months After dinner he and bis wife resumed cutting. He made place for the younger children in the stubble and told them to stop there. That was between witness and the headland. His son Thomas was there. The elder children went out in grass field whilst witness and his wife were catting. He did not see his son Thomas after 3 o'clock, when he was just going towards the headland from the shocks of wheat. He was alone, and witness saw no one near him. addition to witness the following were at work:—Henry Eustace and his wife, William Mallet, Alfred Smith, and Richard Ewers. were all working close together. Witness missed deceased about i o'clock, when Robert, aged about six years, came and asked him if he had seen Tommy. Robert had been in the grass field. Witness went and searched about the field but could not find the missing child. He was searching for about three hours. Witness's wife and the other men also searched until it became dark. Witness searched the wheat, barley, and oats, which were all in one field. The search was continued for several days. When he last saw his son, the latter was walking towards the headland. At one end of the headland there a grass field, and there was no gate at the other end. He was at work the third field from the Westcott and Ashendon road, and the headland was on the road side of that field. On the opposite side that field was a field beans, and then a piece swedes running right down from the headland the bean field. There was footpath between the corn field and the field of beans. The child could have walked down the piece of swedes. On the south side of the field which he was at work was a gate leading down to the bean field from the headland. There was a lot of long grass on the path, and it would be possible for the child to have walked down it. The child was on the opposite side of the field to where was working. There was a gateway leading down to the beans. On the previous day witness went to the bean field with P.C. Wright, who pointed out to him the body of child. From the gateway leading to the bean field to the place where was found was about seven chains, and the body was about 20 yards from the hedge nearest the tram line. The path ran down the south side of the corn field and continued down the south side of the bean field. The beans were growing right up to the hedge. The body was in the centre of the width of the field. From the headland to the place where the body was found the distance was about yards. Ha was able identify the body as his child by the clothing. He had no doubt about it whatever. Daring his search he did not search the bean field, as he was of opinion that a child of that age could not get through such a field. There was a thick hedge between the wheat and bean fields, bat there were two gaps near to where the swedes were—about or 30 yards. He did not notice that any of the beans had been knocked down. After they saw the child about 3 o'clock, they thought they heard it cry, bat did not go to see, as they thought the children were playing. The child was strong child, and had no difficulty walking across the stubble of the wheat. The child had a doable rupture, bat did not wear a truss. The body which the jury had viewed was of his son. He was 2 years and 11 months old. By the Foreman.—He did not notice any weeds round his feet. Mr. Frederick a farmer, residing Ashendon. said on the previous day was catting beans in a field the west of the wheat field sailed Ba(Hands, with a reaping machine. About 5.15 p.m. he happened to look in the beans he passed by. and noticing something white, got off the machine and found was the body child. The spot was about the centre of the length of the field and about yards from west hedge. machine did not touch the body, but passed it within a foot. The beans had been knocked down about a yard away from the body, and there was a little track to where he found the body. The child was lying on his right side with his head towards the west hedge. He was wearing a pinafore and coloured dress, and these were not disarranged. was fully clothed with the exception of cap. The face was very much decomposed, and could doc recognise the features. sent information to the police. Witness noticed slight track through the brans to the place where the body was from a gap in the wheat field. The beans were thin that spot. Witness knew Moses Ewers and his wife well, and to the best of his belief they were always fond of their children. By Snpt. Banker.—He did not know that people had been shooting the field. I>r. J. P. Graham, of Brill, said had made, so far could, a post mortem examination of the body, which was in ten last stages of decomposition. There was nothing left except the bones, although there was little flesh on one arm and leg. The internal organs were all decomposed and had not been removed. He could form opinion to the cause death, and was quite impossible to say whether there was any use of violence or poison. The skull did not show any signs violence. The remains were those of a child, although could not say what sex it was. Judging from the size of the remains, they were those of child three years old. There were four back teeth left and the front teeth must have fallen out in decomposition, or they might have been decayed some children had bad teeth. From the result of bis examination he could form no opinion as to the cause of death. Mrs. Ellen Eustace, wife of Thomas Henry Eustace, said on August 17 she was work with her husband cutting wheat in a field called Buffland. They were all at work within a few yards of each other. There were seven of Moses Ewers' children there, and they all sat down to dinner together, at quarter past one o'clock. The four eldest boys went to the headland to play whilst the two young ones and Tommy stopped at the shock. Witness saw the latter walking the headland about three o'clock. The wheat adjoining the headland was not ripe, and they left it. Witness saw the boy the headland. The father and mother continued their work. She saw Robert go to his mother, who asked witness if she had seen Tommy lately. They began to search directly; within hour of the time she had seen him going to the headland. She resided next door to the Ewers', who always appeared fond of their children. They had not to her knowledge had any quarrel that day. The father, recalled, said the child's full name was Arthur Thomas Hayward. They were on good terms with their neighbours and had not had any quarrel with any lately. So far aa he knew there was no one likely to injure him by injuring his child. P.C. Wright, stationed at Ashendon, said on August 17 he received information that the child was missing from the corn field at Ashendon. He at once took steps have the field searched, and the adjoining fields, including the bean field, were also searched, without any result until the previous day. August 17 the beans were in full leaf, and the weeds were thick in places and thin in other parts. He had only been in the bean field twice, a short way on the side, and he came to the conclusion that the child could not get in it. had, however, been searched by other people, to his knowledge. The beans were sown from north to south. places, however, they were thin it was impossible to say which way they were sown. The gamekeepers with their dogs had searched the field, and the shooters had been round the field. The previous day went to the bean field and saw the body lying there. was just exposed, and was not covered in any way. There were some long weeds, called gelling weeds, entwined round the boy's feet. The Coroner remarked that that would 3how that the child had walked about the field. Witness continuing, said there were no weeds the wheat field, but a lot in the bean field. The Coroner, in summing up, said it was a very distressing case to place before the jury. Except for the finding of the body of the deceased, he was afraid it did not throw very much light upon the matter aa to the cause the death of the child. The evidence was that the child, with its brothers and sisters, had come to its father and mother, who were at work cutting wheat in the field which had been described them as the third field from the Ashendon road. The children were playing about whilst the father and mother were carrying out their duties. After dinner on August 17 they had heard from the father and Mrs. Eustace that four of the boys went to play on the grass headland, at the east side of the field in which they were at work. They had also heard that the father made some kind of comfortable place for the baby and the younger child. Nothing further seemed to have been noticed of them until three o'clock, when the father and Mrs. Eustace noticed the little boy going the wheat field to the grass headland. There was statement by the father that he heard a child cry sometime between three and four o'clock, but did not take much notice of it, apparently because he knew the other children were playing in the grass field. might have been that the little child had lost himself and was crying, or it might have been the children playing. He did not know that they could blame the father for not having troubled any further about the matter. Then one of the little boys came and enquired if they had seen Tommy, and from that time until the previous day at 5.30 nothing had been heard of this poor child. He supposed the jury knew the position of the field and that adjoining, and that on the west side was a strip of grass where the children had been playing and towards which the little boy was making when last seen. Mr. Boughton said that discovered some kind light tracks down to the place where the body was. seemed very curious that a child three years old should have managed to get right through wheat field, or might have gone down the swedes. It was possible for him to have walked down and got through the bean field, and it was possible that a train might have been going by at the time, Snpt. Bunker—Tea, there was. Continuing, the Coroner said was just possible then that the child was attracted by the train, and then absolutely lost itself. Then, of course, they had heard that searches had been made from 4 o'clock, and that thorough search had been continued by the police and neighbours. Also, that gamekeepers with dogs had searched. The child when found was dressed, and there appeared to be no disarrangement of its clothing. The body was in the last stages of decomposition, and it was quite impossible for the doctor to form any opinion as to the death of deceased. The point really for the jury was whether they thought the child wandered away from his father and mother and got lost iu this field, and so died from exhaustion. There wa3 nothing to show the cause of death of the child. Then there was the alternative; whether it was taken away by someone and killed and the body placed there. They were without any evidence either one way or the other; they had look at the matter from probabilities. The parents appeared to be fond their children, and the father was not on bad terms with anyone. they were satisfied that the child aid wander away and died from exhaustion, then took it that their verdict would that it came by its death misadventure. Or they might find that the child was found dead and that there not sufficient to show how came by his death. After a short consultation, the Foreman said the jury were unanimously agreed that the child mat its death by misadventure. The Coroner said he was sure ha was only expressing the views of the jury in tendering their sympathy the father and mother of the child.

Bucks Herald 16 May 1952

Feast Day in May revived at Ashendon 

ASHENDON FEAST has been revived. None of the present Ashendon residents can remember how the custom started, but some (he older inhabitants recall that a feast was held in the village on the first Tuesday in Mav each year. The entire village was granted holiday on these occasions and a fair and dinner commemorated the event, but in in latter years the custom has lapsed. This year, however, the committee responsible for the conversion of the village school into a village hall decided that the Feast should be revived and held in the hall. Thus the merrymaking spirit of earlier days was recaptured last week and the village was the scene of great festivity. A free tea party for the children was followed by games and then an exhibition of conjuring by Merlini, from Aylesbury, As the village residents assembled in greater numbers dancing commenced and proved to be so popular that the committee was persuaded to arrange more dancing for Whit Monday. The revival of the Feast seems likely to the fore-runner of another to be held next year.