In 1948 the effects of World War 2 were still being felt in Timsbury and rationing continued well into the next decade. War memorial tablets were unveiled and dedicated at St. Mary’s Church by Rev. Rose. A short procession moved to the Lady Chapel where the unveiling was carried out by Mr. F. Hatherall whose son had been the first village casualty of the conflict. Mr. Strong laid a wreath on behalf of the Timsbury branch of the British Legion.
Timsbury W.E.A. Players continued to flourish and in 1948 staged 2 large productions in front of packed audiences at the Church Room. In April the group presented a 4 act play, “Jacob’s Ladder” by Norman Macowan. The play was produced by Harold Baird and performers included Gladys Smith as Althea Maxton, Cliff Dunster as Capt. Peter Blazeby, Roland Pickford as Mr. Dorrincourt and Bryan Adams who played a Cockney. In November Reg Harris from Clutton headed the cast in an adaptation of the 3 act comedy “Wishing Well”. Others taking part included former Timsbury Secondary Modern School teacher Douglas Davies, Margaret Pickford who played the housekeeper at the inn and her husband Roland who was Abner. For the Saturday evening performance extra seats had to be brought in.
Mary Lanfear was chosen as Miss Timsbury by the Midsomer Norton and District Carnival organisers at a dance at the YMCA Hall. The misses Moon and Simpson were runners-up and were each presented with a double seat at the Palladium cinema Midsomer Norton. I am not sure who the two runners-up were but I have been informed that the infamous Shilling Moon used to take part in the parades and on one occasion I hear he actually came first in the ballot! Music for the dance was provided by the Pensford Melody Makers.
At Tabor Church in 1948 the International Order of Good Templars East Somerset District instituted a new Juvenile Temple. The ceremony was conducted by Rev. J. Triggell, District Superintendent of Juvenile Work and juvenile appointments in Timsbury included Jean Coombes as Chief Templar, Josephine Kirby as chaplain, Margaret Fielding as marshall, Anne Peters as deputy marshall, Monica Purnell as guard and Geoff Parfitt as secretary.
Several people living at the aluminium prefabs at Greenvale were incensed by rumours in the village that some residents had to be turned out of their homes for non-payment of rent. Some children too had been subjected to ridicule and torment at school because of the rumours. It was proved that there was absolutely no truth in the allegations and Clutton Rural District Council stated publicly that not one of the council house tenants in the whole of Timsbury was in arrears with rent.
The Boys Remand Home which was situated at the time at Rennys just below the Cheshire Home (now known as Rosewell Manor) was the centre of attention at Bath City Council. Alderman Joseph Plowman questioned the high cost of sending boys there. The reasons given were the renewing of stocks of clothing and beds, a new boiler, the appointment of a qualified teacher and the fact that the number of boys there had decreased. In 1946-47 Bath had only sent three boys there at a total cost of £167.
The main trophy winners at Timsbury Horticultural Society’s annual show were Percy Edgell and Bob Atkins. Percy gained the highest number of points in the cottagers’ and amateurs’ section and received the cup presented to the society by Lady Mount Temple in 1945. Having won the cup on three occasions it now became his property. Bob Atkins, father-in-law of former Parish Clerk Eric Brimble, won the challenge rose bowl which had been presented by Major Cayzer for the best display of roses in the cottagers’ and amateurs’ section.
Villager Eric Chivers was selected as captain of the Somerset Youth football team against both Devon and Wiltshire. Eric who played most of his football at Peasedown also spent a season with Bath City. Another Peasedown footballer Bertie Allen, the late husband of Timsbury British Legion’s Joan, was in the news for a very different reason. A gunner and member of the 121st. Training Regt. R.A. team he was playing against the Royal Armoured Corps in the Army Cup Final at Aldershot when lightning struck the ground. It killed 2 players and injured the referee, another player and 4 spectators but Bertie was unharmed.
Finally Mrs. Eliza Murray, a widow of 93 married Clarence Mcgee, a 37 year old farmhand in front of 3000 spectators in New York. The occasion was declared a legal holiday in the neighbouring hamlet where Mrs. Mcgee had made her home. She was told that she would lose her pension but commented, “ I’d rather have a young strong man than a pension !”