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The people I ever found hospitable and public spirited. When fencing was to be removed from the Cambridge Hall to the schools 30 carts were sent for the work. The labour in taking down the rails and stonework, and in setting up, was all done as "boon." When my glebe was to be ploughed or potatoes set, it was done "boon." When I entered my house I found in it a sack of corn, sack of flour, pork, eggs, butter, as a welcome to the minister. Mrs Ann Linaker was ever ready to give the caller some food and buttermilk. Mr. Barnaby Ball of Bonny Barn, entertained every wayfarer. Even in distant Ireland the fame of his "pie house" was known. Mr. Joseph Todd, who repaired St. Cuthbert's clock, was a talented horologist and bonesetter. Mr. John Ball, of Guinea Hall, was ever at neighbour's service to doctor cow or horse. Strong "character" prevailed, though sometimes it was whimsical. John Ryding brought out his barometer to see the weather for itself, because it lied. Also when I invited him to church he said he would come if I would preach from the text, "Every eye shall see him." He came, but it was in a wheelbarrow, for he was lame, and then I understood another application of my text. I asked James Blundell to take a Sunday class. He said he would, but it should be a class of his own gathering. He went out and trooped in again with ten followers, gathered off the road. His grandmother was the oldest inhabitant, for she attained to the age of 97, and was cheerful to the last. Another old lady, Mrs. Lowe, was bedridden, but her vitality was shown by a double row of teeth. She had not shed her first set. An old-time worthy was Harry Porter, of the smithy. During the Napoleon wars he, with two others, subscribed for a Preston newspaper (6d.), and on its arrival by the carrier all the villagers assembled to listen to the news read out by Harry, who was seated on the anvil. A more modest worthy was James Todd, who was an expert artificer, and endeared himself to all his many acquaintances. Waywarden William Ball was full of enterprise, and loved a "prank," but at an election at Churchtown he got beaten, for the Marshside fishermen voted in passing through a door, and then returned through a back door to repeat the process. Churchwarden Hugh Ball signalised his appointment by wearing two watches, but he also introduced the first piano in Banks, and started the clock fund with his £5 note. I recall acquaintances of sterling worth, and may mention Wardens William Rimmer, John Brade, Thos. Ball, Richard Brade, Guardian Hugh Ainscough, Yeoman John Brade, Overseer John Linaker, and Organist Henry Rimmer. The latter liked a prank, and his father, kindly John Rimmer, of Boundary Farm, put a pot on the fire for the carol singers to have refreshment, but young Harry substituted a stone for the meat, and what a surprise it was for the cold and hungry guests. There were good women farmers, too, in those days, as Mrs. Ellen Linaker, the poetess, and Mrs. Isabella Thomason, who never would ride on the railway. I recall houses with clean kitchens, bright log fires, and genial guests. I mention the quaint old Linaker farmhouse opposite the church, wherein no child was ever born and only two persons died. Thomas Isherwood, Esq., of Liverpool, delighted to gather friends there under its stout rafters to witness the mummers and the Pace eggers. I mention Bonny Barn and hospitable Mrs. Henry Ball. How cosy is the ingle nook, and how the light of the burning moss stocks flashes back from the polished ware. Four generations, including Mrs. Hosker, aged 95, sit around the hot hearth on a winter's night. This pie-house was the last to give 20 ounces to the pound in a pound of butter. I would also like to tell of the "boggarts," but I only have time to tell of "finds." In 1857 W. Abram (Random) and W. Baxter, excavating a drain at Hundred End, found Roman coins. Edward Thornton showed them to me, a Vespasian and a Trajan copper coin. Wm. Ryding, excavating for a barn, opposite the Vicarage, found a sepulchral urn, containing a little red earth and ash. The Fairy Well was at the back of the Farmers' Arm. Old beliefs change, but may old virtues ever prevail! Notes on Southport and District, By The Rev. W. T. Bulpit, 1908, pages 41 to 52 'Banks and its People' © http://www.ststepheninthebanks.org.uk
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