Feburary 1922

Seagoe Parish Magazine.

FEBRUARY, 1922.

THE RAVINE AT HAMEL.

We present our readers this month with a photograph of what must be for many among us the most sacred spot in France — the Ravine at Hamel—across which our heroes of the 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers made their glorious advance on 1st July, 1916, and where so many of our loved and honoured ones sleep their last sleep, some in known and some, alas! in unknown graves. The Photograph is taken from the point where "A" Company advanced. The Crosses seen in the foreground mark the graves of many of our men, and also of many of the Royal Naval Division who

fell in the fierce fighting of November, 1916 at the same spot. Major Atkinson's grave is on the extreme left of the photograph. On the extreme right can be seen a short section of the road from Albert, to Beaucourt, and the railway can be distinguished just beyond the roadway and parallel to it. Further to the right, and parallel with the road and rail, but not visible in the photograph, flows the river Ancre through marshy ground. The high ground beyond the graves was the German side of the Ravine where the enemy had their trenches and dug-outs. Some of our men succeeded in reaching almost the top of the high ground on the German side, but many fell wounded or killed before they had got so far. The Germans had Machine Guns concealed near where the roadway is seen on the right, and were thus able to make a flank attack on our men as they crossed the Ravine. The distance from where the photograph is taken to the Summit of the Ravine in the background

of the Picture is only a distance of about 300 yards. The fierceness of the successive battles fought here may be judged from the scarred and torn surface of the ground and from the branchless trunks of the few trees on the roadside to the right. The light colour of the ground where the graves are is due to the fine sulphur coloured sand, which is plentiful in the district, and has been spread over the surface of the graves. The Ravine extends to the left top, a considerable distance. "B" Company, under Major Atkinson, advanced over the ground seen on the left in the photograph. Lieut. Montgomery was with “A" Company, which advanced over the ground on the right. The distance across the Ravine and the formation of the ground correspond roughly with that lying between Seagoe Rectory and Seagoe Church.

The Bishop's Visit.

The Bishop arrived in Seagoe on Saturday evening,

January 21st, and during his visit stayed at the Rectory,

occupying the room known as the Bishop's Room or the

White Room, which his predecessor, Bishop Saurin, so

frequently occupied in bygone days 70 or 80 years ago

when his son, Archdeacon Saurin, was Rector of Seagoe.

The Bishop met the members of the Select Vestry in

Seagoe School and considered with them the affairs of the

Parish in general. He specially impressed on the Vestry

the importance of developing the Weekly Envelope system

so that the Minimum Stipend for Rector and Curate may

be reached, which is now the Law of the Church for

every Parish.

On Sunday morning the Bishop visited Seagoe Sunday

School and spoke a few words to the Superintendent,

Teachers and children, and also visited the Bible Classes

taught by the Rev. H. O. Draper and Mr. S. Rennix. At

Morning Prayer the Bishop preached on the text: "Behold

In the course of his sermon he re-

the Lamb of God." In the course of his sermon he

referred to the importance of the work in Seagoe Parish,

which was one of the largest and most populous Parishes

in the whole Church of Ireland. A large number of

Communicants were present at Holy Communion when

the Bishop celebrated. In the afternoon a visit was paid

to Edenderry Sunday School, the largest in the Parish.

The Bishop spoke and referred to the approaching

Confirmation in June, when he hoped to administer that

sacred Rite to many in the Parish. The Bishop spoke to all

the Teachers and congratulated them on their good work.

At Evening Prayer, the Bishop preached again. His subject

being "Seeking the Lost" his text was taken from the

Parable of the Lost Piece of Silver. Good congregations

were present at, both the Services. The Offerings

were on behalf of Foreign Missions. During his visit

the Bishop spoke to many of the Parishioners, and showed

much interest in the work of the Parish. It will be a help

and stimulus to our people to have had a visit from their

Bishop, and, we look forward with much hope and interest

to his visit for the Confirmation in June.

The Seagoe Scouts and Girl Guides with their officers

provided a Guard of Honour outside the Church for the

Bishop, who spoke to them, congratulating them on their

fine turn-out.

Important Meeting.

A meeting of the Vestrymen and Sustentation Fund

Collectors was held in Seagoe School on Thursday

Evening, 12th ult., at 7.30. Tea had been kindly provided

by some ladies of the Parish, and was much appreciated.

The Rector presided and after a brief speech invited Mr.

Green, of Edenderry, to address the meeting. In a most

interesting and convincing way Mr. Green brought home

to all present the importance of developing to their utmost

the resources of the Parish so that the full continuity of

the Church's influence should be maintained. He referred

to the recent Legislation adopted by the General Synod

for securing the Minimum Stipend for the Clergy. He gave

several very telling illustrations of what had been done by

other Parishes in his experience not so favourably situated

as Seagoe, and then concluded by suggesting practical

methods by which on the system of Weekly Envelopes

the requisite amount could be raised. A discussion ensued

in which all present took part. Eventually a Secretary for

the Sustentation Fund Scheme was appointed in the

person of Mr. James Twinem, whose practical wisdom

and abounding energy have so often proved of advantage

to the Parish. Arrangements were also made for the

Canvassing of the Parish, so that the system of Weekly

Offerings might be much more widely extended. A very

hearty vote of thanks was at the close of the meeting

accorded to Mr. Green for his kindness in attending the

meeting, and for his practical advice so generously given;

also, to the ladies who had so kindly and efficiently

provided tea for those present. As a proof of the

interest taken in the meeting we may add that it

did not conclude until 11 p.m., and every one waited

to the close.

ENTERPRISE.

Mr. Charles Montgomery, of High Street, recently won

the Second Prize (£20) (in open Competition with the

United Kingdom) offered by “Khovah" Company for

Window-Dressing. Mrs. Palmer's Plum Puddings were

a striking feature in the window. A Photograph of

Mr Chas. Montgomery appeared recently in the "Daily

Mail." It was a snapshot taken at, the Grocers' Exhibition

in London by a representative of the "Daily Mail." In the

photograph Mr. Montgomery is shown busily engaged in

blending Teas. He did not know that he had been snapped

until he saw the photo in the “Daily Mail."

Four separate advertisements of the firm of Messrs.

T. J. Montgomery & Son appear in this number of SEAGOE

PARISH MAGAZINE. This constitutes a record, and is

a proof not only of the sagacity of the Firm in pushing

their goods but also of the value of our Columns as an

advertising medium.

Seagoe General Vestry.

In accordance with Statute a Meeting of Seagoe Select

Vestry will be held (D V.) on Tuesday, February 7th, in

Seagoe School, at 8 o'clock, to revise the List of the

Registered Vestrymen of the Parish. Those who desire to

have their names Registered as Members of the General

Vestry should attend.

Seagoe Select Vestry.

A Meeting of the Select Vestry was held on Tuesday,

January 24th, for the purpose of electing a new Treasurer

for the Parish. The vacancy has been caused by the

resignation of the Treasurership by Mr. James Sands, who

had held the office since the late Mr. Wolsey Atkinson

resigned some two years ago. We regret very much Mr.

Sands' resignation. He did good work and hard work

for the Parish, and had the merit of installing the Weekly

Envelope system, which we believe is destined to solve

many of our financial difficulties. Owing to stress of work

as Factory Manager he felt, compelled to resign. The

Vestry has unanimously appointed Mr. Hugh Stoops

as Mon. Treasurer in his place, and Mr. Stoops has

kindly consented to act. Mr. Stoops has spent all his life

in Seagoe Parish and has often given unstintedly of his

time and effort for the welfare of the Parish. We

have every confidence that under Mr. Stoops care the

good work begun by Mr. Sands will be continued and

developed.

The Envelope System.

The Parish has been mapped out into Districts of two

or more Townlands, and a Superintendent and Collectors

have been appointed for each District, who will supervise

the Collection of the Weekly Envelopes from Contributors.

A Social Meeting to launch the above scheme was held

in Seagoe School on Thursday, February 2nd. There

was a large attendance, and much interest was taken in

the proceedings. Mr. James Twinem has accepted the

post of Secretary to the Sustentation Fund.

Lent, 1922.

Lent begins this year on March 1st (Ash Wednesday).

On that day Services will be held in the Parish Church

as follows: —

11.30 a.m.—Morning Prayer, Litany and Commination

Service.

8 p.m. — Evening Prayer and Sermon.

During Lent there will be Special Preachers at the

Wednesday Evening Services, as under: -

March 1st—Ash Wednesday—Rev. J. W. T. Belton,

M.A., Lurgan. March 8th, the Rev. C. F. H. Carroll,

B.A., Waringstown; March 22nd—Rev. J. H. Mac Cleary,

M.A., Belfast. March 29^th - Rev. G. C. Johnston, M.A.,

Lurgan. April 5th—Rev. W. R. S Clarendon, M.A.,

Maralin.

Prize Distributions.

The following arrangements have been made for Sunday

School Prize Distributions:

HACKNAHAY-—Tuesday, February 14th, at 7p.m.

SEAGOE—Thursday, February 16th, at 7.30.

DRUMGOR—Tuesday. February 21st, at 7.30

CARNE—Thursday, February 23rd, at 7.30.

Concert.

Mr. T. H. Wilson, Organist of Seagoe, has arranged

a Grand Concert to be held (D.V.) in the Town Hall,

Portadown, on Tuesday, April 4th. A fine Programme

will be contributed by leading Artistes. Tickets are now

on Sale. Secure your Tickets early as already many of

the available places have been booked. The proceeds are

on behalf of providing a Piano for use in the Parish.

Bible Class Social.

A Social for the Seagoe Bible Classes is being arranged

for Tuesday, February 28th (Shrove Tuesday), in Seagoe

School, at. 7.30. The Social is for those whose names are

on the Rolls of the Bible Classes.

Parish Register for Jan., 1922.

Baptisms-

The following were Baptized in Seagoe Parish Church

on January 7th, 1922: —

Porter—Florence Gertrude, daughter of David and Annie

Elizabeth Porter, of Lower Seagoe.

Sponsors—Edith Watson, Maria Watson.

Rainey—Samuel, son of Samuel and Elizabeth Rainey, of

Edenderry.

Sponsors—Mary Elizabeth Forde, Elizabeth Rainey.

Burial.

Boyd—February 3rd, Rachel Boyd, of Edenderry, aged 68.

Interred in Drumcree Churchyard

ITEMS.

Seagoe Morning Sunday School has largely increased

in numbers.

***

The Bible Classes conducted each Sunday Morning in

Seagoe School have also increased in numbers. The Men

of the Parish are invited to join the Rev. A. O. Draper's

Class, and the Women and Girls will find a hearty

welcome in Mr. Rennix's Class. The subject for study this

year in both Classes is “The Book of Genesis."

***

We hope in the near future to publish in the Magazine

a Map of Northern France illustrating the movements

of the 9th Batt. R.I.F. during the War. It will form a

useful companion also to the Letters of Colonel Blacker,

which appear from month to month in our columns.

***

Dr. Dawson, son of the late Dean Dawson, has been

appointed Chief Medical Inspector under the Ministry of

Labour for Northern Ireland. He is coming to reside in

Belfast. We congratulate Dr. Dawson on his appointment

to this responsible post, and his many friends in Seagoe

Mill rejoice at his return to Ulster.

***

We hear that Eleven Battalions of British soldiers will

be stationed in Ulster. Wherever they go they will get

a hearty welcome from our people.

***

The Lurgan road is in a 'pitiful' condition. It is certainly

full of pits. Just where the Urban and Rural Districts

meet at Seagoe turns there have been three huge

holes for the past month sufficient to break the springs

and axles of any car, to say nothing of the ordinary push

bicycle. Who is responsible?

***

The Lady Inspector of Laundry work visited Seagoe

School last week and expressed herself well pleased with

the progress made by the girls in this important branch

of Domestic and School work.

***

Seagoe School, in common with all other National

Schools in Ulster, came under the control of the Northern

Parliament on Wednesday, February 1st.

Old Seagoe Notes.

SEAGOE 700 YEARS AGO. — The following references

to Seagoe are taken from the Calendar of the Register

of Archbishop Fleming —

2 November, 1406. — Collation by the Archbishop Guardian

of the Spirituality and Spiritual Jurisdiction of the of Diocese

of Dromore, Sede vacante (during the vacancy of the See),

of the Vicarage of Teachgowo [Seagoe] in that Diocese,

vacant by the death of Sir Patrick O-duberayn, to John

McEogayn, clerk. Dated at Agrium Dei.

2 November, 1406. — Mandate to Master Thomas

Omostead, Archdeacon of Dromore, to induct the same

to the Vicarage of Teachgowo [Seagoe].

WITH THE "NINTH" IN FRANCE.

By Lieut.-Co1. S. W. BLACKER, D.S.O.

(Continued from January Magazine.)

Saturday, March 25^th – [Hedauville] – Snow fell up to

about 5 p.m. yesterday and made trenches vile. Fine for

relief, luckily. To-day fine, but very cold, and no coal

so far. Leave stopped again. The French counter attacks

were very costly in life. Redmond's Shamrock has never

come. Nothing more about the move, but, if it comes off

we shan't go far.

The Gas Helmets Are Absolute Protection,

and we each have 2. Draft of 28 came from Base yesterday,

making us up to 991. Many of them (21) those who

had gone away sick. Some useful ones amongst them.

I dine with R.A. to-night. The relief didn't begin till

7.40 p.m., and was completed at 8.45, and we got away

at 9. Had some tea with Fergie and got here at 10.45.

Berry, Shill and I walked out together and, rode on here.

We've got the Div. cinema here to-night. I hope to see

King's Review of Ulster Div. Am promoting Hughes

Sergt. Sunday, March 26th. — A cold sleety morning has

turned finer and warmer. I had a bit of a cold, so stayed

in bed. It's nothing much, and I'm feeling much better.

Smith came over here this a.m. We move on Tuesday.

We got to M— 3 Coys and 1 Coy about a mile this side

• no place for transport or stores. 2 Battalions will be

in M—, which will be a fearful squash, the other Battalion

being one of 109th, resting from the line, 107th goes

back to P— to construct a railway. After a fortnight

we all change round — we to the line, 109th back, and

107 in support. That's the present idea, but doubtless

will be changed again many times. I daresay it will be

all right, we always fall on our feet. Had a pleasant

dinner with Gunners. We got the Div. cinema show over

for the men. 2 performances 5.30 and 7.30 p.m., and

again Monday. We had the King's Review. Very good

The white pony looked very well. The Battalion was in

excellent line. The show lasted l ¼ hours. I have a comfy

bed. The sun is coming out, so I trust this is winter's last

effort. This goes in R.A. bag. Monday, March 27 ^th —

Plans again changed for the better. 2 Coys, C. and D.,

stay here. 2 Coys go to M— to-morrow. Fergie's transport

come here. Rain in night, drizzling snow. Thanks for

parcel of gifts. You've done splendidly. Padre is

sending your list and letter of thanks to each of the local

newspapers, which he thinks will be appreciated,

showing they have been received

Very Peaceful Here,

haven't heard a gun since we came in. Great rest!

Cinema again to-night for the men. Am trying to get

men bathed. 2 Coys of the incoming Div. stay here

tonight, on their way into the line, but where I cannot

think, as the place is packed, Tuesday, March 28^th —

'A' and 'B' Coy just gone. I sent by post today the roll

of men, with addresses, etc. H.Q. mess will be full again

of 11th E. Yorks and 2 Coys here last night. All

sorts of rumours about of contemplated moves and pushes,

today for the first time for many weeks. We had 8 Officers

none of which I pay much heed to, but a big forward

movement is meant, I believe. Big business moving

Fergie's stores, he leaves nothing behind; even the bricks

for the fireplace to heat the water for the baths he has

brought. As I have often said, it's very tickling to one's

vanity to hear the nice things that are said of one, but,

realise more and more how much I have left undone, and

how much I ought to do; it is so imperative to be always

up and doing. Wednesday, March 29^th — Had a Battalion

Parade, Band, etc., and march past in a.m., and

going to M— now to see A and B. Very cold wind today

and threatening snow. Have been inspecting the town,

or village, to-day with a large suite, consisting of

Pratt, Cather, Fergie, Berry and C—, who is Town

Commandant. Owing to many troops just, staying the

night and passing on, many of the billets are filthy, and

much cleaning up has to be done outside our own area;

roads cleaned up and repaired, etc. We are 8 in H.Q.

mess now, quite a cheery party. Went over to see A.

and B. to-day at M—. They're fairly comfortably fixed

up in cellars and are on working parties every night.

Saw Gen. about leave. He was in favour of my going at

once. Got caught, in a bad snow storm on our way back

and the ground is again covered with snow; very

disappointing. A letter from Queen Alexandra's Sec' y.

Streatfield, saying the

Queen Was Sending Some Comforts

to the Battalion, and she wished the acknowledgment of

them sent direct to her. Thursday, March 30 ^th - Such a

snow storm yesterday, and hard frost to follow, but

lovely sunny warm day today; snow gone. Bosche 'plane

came over this morning about 9 a.m. Left us alone, but

dropped bombs on 3 villages near. Friday, March 31^st —

Have fixed up leave all right, and leave here mid-day

Sunday, with Smith and Griffith. Might catch Irish mail

Sunday. Must leave London Wednesday, April 12. Leave

begins April 3, Monday. Hope to pick up Bill.

Wednesday, April 12^th - Longish crossing, but got to

Boulogne in good time —7.40. Shall catch train to A - about

midnight, and dine at small restaurant. Thursday

April 13^th — Here we are in the same place as I left them.

We reached A— about 5.45 a.m., and found a car waiting

us, so after coffee and rolls came on here, arriving

about 7.30 a.m. All flourishing here. 1shell did all the

damage, killed 1 man and wounded 10, of whom 2 have

since died, and 1 is not expected to live. It was the 29th

in the line. Some of them going on leave this a.m., were

turned back at the rail head at 5a.m. with news that

Havre boats were off, owing, I think, to submarines.

Wretched luck. Showers this morning, turned into blustery

but showery p.m. Cold wind, very like last few days

Queen Alexandra's Comforts Have Come

—about 10 things for each Coy., and about 5 articles

for each Coy Officer — cigarettes in box, with picture of

H.M., muffler, cigar lighter, spoon, knife and fork,

games, etc —all useful things. There was not a bed to

be had in B— last, night. Fancy, the people who went

by the 7 a.m. train found no boat running and had to

put in the day at Folkestone and come over by our boat.

Russell been made G.S.O. for London District.

(To be continued.)