West Mersea Church Gazette page 6.
Church and City Notes

"Our religious and gracious Queen" - and these adjectives are no mere flattering terms expressive of opinions with regard to the Sovereign which we do not cherish, but titles, which each one of us who has learned to love her as the Mother of her people, knows full well have been nobly earned - expressed a wish that collections would be made throughout England and Wales on Sunday, January 7th, on behalf of the War Fund. To loyal subjects, the Queen's wish is a command which it is always a pleasure and privilege to obey. The collections were duly made, and the sum of £3 forwarded to the Lord Mayor. It does not look a large sum, but as everyone who was at Church had already contributed to the parish fund, it may be considered satisfactory.

A Working Party is being held on Wednesdays at the Institute, at 3. A number of Balaclava Caps have already been knitted, and will be forwarded to the Essex Regiment. Mrs. Pierrepont Edwards will be glad of more help, and all will be welcomed, whether Church people or not! We are unfortunately too dull to be able to beat the sectarian drum with a knitted cap!

The Adult Members of the Choir were entertained to supper at the Vicarage, on January 2nd, and a very pleasant evening was spent.

So great is the anxiety of those of us who have relations and friends at the front (and who has not ?) to obtain the latest news, that it was decided to open a Reading Room for Men at the Church Institute. This was done on January 15th, the London papers being met each morning at Langenhoe, by one of the members. So heartily has the matter been supported, that in the first week the membership has reached twenty-three. The first general meeting was held on January 23rd, when the following were elected to form the Committee:- The Vicar, Chairman; Messrs. H. Banks, A. Cock, T. French, S. Gentry, Arthur Hempstead, Jas. Pullen and Jno. Pullen. Mr. Jno. Hewes, Jun., was elected as Secretary and Treasurer. It was decided to confine membership to those over 18, and the subscription was fixed at 2d. per week. The following papers may be seen on the day of publication between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. - The Standard, Daily Telegraph, and Daily Mail; Essex County Standard, Church Times, Graphic, and Black and White Budget - these latter being respectively presented by Messrs. Benham & Co., Mrs Pierrepont Edwards and Mr F.W. Leith, Messrs. J.H. Smith and James Hempstead have kindly presented Spittoons, and Mr, J. Wilden has promised a box to receive donations for the War Fund.

It will be noticed that with Girls' Friendly Society, Working Parties and Men's Reading Room, all have been provided for with the solitary exception of the boys. To supply this deficiency in our parochial machinery, on alternate Wednesdays (first, third and fifth) there will be a Recreation Class for Boys, at the Institute, at 6.30.

During January, another donation of a guinea was received from Mr. Jas. Green, and from Anon, 7/6 for the Institute. "We are extremely grateful and before long hope to be able to show them and all other kind friends, something substantial for their money.

Date: February 1900