The style of the minutes also changes; very detailed accounts gave way to short summaries
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In 1942/3/4 no Council was elected.
The Meeting in August 1945 saw the Rev Oddling Smee installed. The war was over.
Nationally there were hopes for a better future. The Butler Education Act offered Secondary
Education for all. The National Health Service and Welfare State was founded designed to
remove the ancient inequalities and grievances.
This spirit of optimism is reflected in the Minute books. Cleasby had
amalgamated with Manfield. The issues of holding communion in both churches on
Sunday were resolved. A choir was also formed. Discussion groups were set up and
active recruitment for the choir began. The format of services was considered and the
Parish Magazine was started.
However, in this brave new world some problems remained stubbornly the same.
Miss Whitaker raised the problem of pigeons nesting in the Tower because of a broken window. Again, the Boiler needed testing. At the next meeting Mr Boyd reported he had repaired the window and cleared the mess left b the pigeons. However, they were still a nuisance because they were roosting on the tower. The council decided that anyone who wished, could shoot them. At that time, shotgun cartridges were rationed.
Another concern was the Bishop of Ripon's Challenge to raise £275.000 from
small churches like Manfield. Over several years the parish raised £415.0.0. To put
this in perspective the Budget for 1946 was:
Organist £21.0.0
Organ Blower £1.0.0
Verger £13.0.0
Caretaker £6.0.0
Wine, candles etc £2.0.0
Coke £8.0.0
Electricity £2.10.0
Insurance £6.0.0.
Clock maintenance £0.15.0
Organ Maintenance £2.15.0
Church repairs £15.0.0
Churchyard £10.0.0.
Visitation archdeacons £0.10.0
Magazine £5.0.0.
Sundry £1.0.0
Quota £10.0.0
Total £106,0.0