This is the third and final post in my Beesands series. I decided to group the photos of St Andrew's Church together because it will also then fit into my series of historic churches posts.
On the site of the present church, a reading room was built and paid for by the residents of the village of Beesands. At some time this reading room became a 'mission church'. Much later on the 12th August 1951 it was dedicated to St. Andrew by the Bishop of Exeter.
We are going to start and finish this post with a cup of tea, who doesn't like a cup of tea. In one of the earliest mentions I can find about this little church there is a Harvest festival taking place 130 years ago. It's an interesting article as it paints a picture of life back then.
Totnes Weekly Times - Saturday 13 October 1894
HARVEST FESTIVAL AT BEESANDS.
The Harvest Festival in connection with the Mission Church at Beesands, a village on the south side of Stokenham was held on Tuesday last. A public tea took place during the afternoon, of which a great number partook, the tables being presided over by Mrs. Honeywell, Mrs. Barnes, and several other ladies of the parish. Evening service commenced at 6.30, when there was a crowded congregation. The musical part was exceedingly well rendered, the anthem "He watered the hills" being a great treat, and reflected great credit, both on organist (Mr H. VV. Harradon), and choir.
An appropriate sermon was delivered by Rev. C. W. Frizel, M.A., from the words "A Sower went forth to Sow.” The Church was profusely decorated with corn, fruit and flowers, very cleverly done, this being the work of the ladies of the choir. The service was repeated with even better effect on Sunday evening, when there was again an overflowing congregation, many being unable to gain admission. This service was conducted by Mr. Septimus Creber, who discoursed very earnestly from the words “Give us this day our daily bread.” Those who really wish to enjoy a hearty Church of England service should pay a visit to the Church at Beesands. There crowded congregations assemble, and the services are conducted in a manner which would do credit to many a Parish Church.
A large and powerful choir has been organised, and under the training of Mr H. W. Harradon, organist, render the musical portion of the services in a very creditable manner. The services, moreover are generally conducted by layman (Mr Septimus Creber). It may be truly said that the services at Beesands are stirring, enjoyable, and soul inspiring. The success is all the more striking when it is considered that preacher, organist, and choir, all work the voluntary system. All the workers in connection with this house of prayer are endeavouring to place a new organ in the church (the old instrument being quite unworthy of the services and of the church). A sale of work will be held at Christmas with this object in view and preacher, organist, choir and congregation, with the sanction of the vicar are appealing to their friends everywhere to help them in this work. It is hoped that their appeal will meet with such a response that in a few months a new instrument may be placed in the church worthy of the services, and the efforts put forth in this place to win souls for the Kingdom.
It is clear that this small church was an important part of life in this tiny seafront village, where tragedy was never far away, during the dangerous activity of fishing.
Totnes Weekly Times - Saturday 23 November 1895
The body of Robert Crocker, whose boat capsized on Wednesday whilst out fishing in Start Bay, was recovered on Friday morning, his boat having been picked up the previous day. Crocker resided at Beesands and Torcross all his life, and was an able and industrious seaman and a staunch teetotaler.
Western Morning News - Tuesday 21 December 1937
LOST BEESANDS FISHERMAN
LEAVE TO PRESUME DEATH GRANTED. In the Probate Court yesterday, the President granted to Mrs. Prettejohn, of Start View, Beesands, leave to presume the death of her husband, Philip Frederick John Prettejohn, a fisherman.
It was stated that he went crab fishing with his brother on November 5, and neither had been heard of since. Mr. H. B. D. Grazebrook, for Mrs. Prettejohn, said the two men went out with the Beesands Fishing Fleet at 7 a.m. on November 5. They were seen at 12.45 the same day, hauling in their last crab pot three miles south-east of Start Point, but had never been seen since.
NO TRACE FOUND. The weather was extremely dangerous, and though considerable search was made no trace of the men could be found. The estate of Mr. Philip Prettejohn was valued at £1,800, and the widow was entitled to it in any event.
Brixham Western Guardian - Thursday 21 June 1906
INQUEST AT TORCROSS.
BEESANDS FISHERMAN'S FATE.
M. S. Hacker on Tuesday held an inquest at the Torcross Hotel, on Charles Stone, a Beesands fisherman drowned off the Start Point an May 24th last, while fishing with his brother Thomas. His body was recovered on Monday in Ivy Cove, Lannacombe Beach, Chivelstone. Thomas Stone, father, said deceased, 31 years of age, on May 24th left in the Ibex with his brother. Both were skilled sailors. A sudden squall swamped the boat, and , it immediately sank. Thomas Stone, brother of deceased, said when the boat went down deceased had hold of the sail. The last time he saw deceased he was swimming away. He (witness) got hold of a paddle, which kept him up, and in a few minutes boats picked him up. Deceased had sunk in the meantime. William Lynn, Hallsands, fisherman, who was on the fishing ground close to the place where the accident happened, gave evidence, and John Codd, East Prawle, fisherman, deposed to finding the body. The jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally drowned."
Totnes Weekly Times - Saturday 05 January 1895
BAZAAR AND CONCERT AT STOKENHAM
A very successful bazaar was held in the Schools, Stokenham, on Boxing Day, in aid of a new organ for the Mission Church at Beesands, a village on the south side of the parish. Only three months have elapsed since Messrs. Harradan and Creber (organist and lay preacher) appealed to their friends to help them in this work, but during that time such sympathy has been aroused that articles have been sent in in great variety. Gifts of money have also been received, including a substantial donation from Mr F. B. Mildmay, M.P.
The bazaar was formally opened by Rev. C. W. Finzel, M.A , Vicar. Not only did the well-filled stalls give cheerful appearance to the room, but the walls etc., were so covered with evergreens and flags that the appearance of the interior of the school was completely changed, the arduous work of decorating being done by Mr M. W. Harradan. A brisk business was maintained at the stalls throughout the afternoon.
A couple of striking novelties were introduced, namely, "Large families and small dwellings,’’ and a waxwork show. The waxworks were a local "get up,” and proved a great attraction, Mr A. F. Holdsworth and Mr Attie Boldsworth being showmen, and well they performed their duties. The representation of "Large families with small dwellings" was the work of Mr H. W. Harradan, and this was also well patronized.
A concert was also held during the evening, when there was a very crowded house.
The Rev. C. W. Finzel, in opening the concert, said that at Beesands a very bright and hearty service took place Sunday by Sunday. Those who wished to prove it for themselves should accompany Messrs, Harradan and Creber to Beesands on a stormy night, and the enjoyable service they would experience would be an ample compensation for the walk they had taken in the dark and stormy weather.
Songs were given by Mrs Staddon, Miss Harradan, Messrs. W. T. Moore, H. W. Harradan, G. Watts, J. W. Rhymes, and J, Pedrick. There was a thoroughly appreciative audience, and several of the performers received a hearty encore.
A sufficient sum has been raised to place a really good instrument in the Church, which is very gratifying to all the band of workers, and especially to H. W. Harradan (organist), who has worked so energetically in the cause.
Totnes Weekly Times - Saturday 08 January 1887
A sum about £200 (£13,200 today) has been left to the vicar and the archdeacon of Totnes for the enlargement and furnishing of the fishermen’s mission chapel at Beesands.
Western Morning News - Friday 06 August 1937
FAMOUS ACTOR
Stokenham Church Fete Appeal
Mr. Cyril Maude, the famous actor, stood in the shade of a large tree at Stokenham vicarage and told stories to a large assembly of holiday-makers when he opened the annual church fete yesterday. He pleaded for support for the Beesands Mission, saying that the knowledge of the love of God must be comforting to men living in that exposed village on a stormy night. Mr. C. L. G. Moore presided at the opening, and he and Mr. Maude were thanked by the vicar (Rev. J. A. Davys).
Cyril Maude was a hugely successful actor of his day working in London as well as for periods in the USA, Canada and Australia. In 1905, Maude succeeded Sir Henry Irving as the President of the Actors' Orphanage Fund. During his tenure, he established the first orphanage for actors' children at Croydon, inaugurated innovative fundraising schemes and events, attracted royal patronage, and secured committee members from among leading actors of the day. He served until 1914.
Western Morning News - Friday 11 August 1939
M.P. OPENS FETE AT STOKENHAM
Aid For Mission
BUSINESS AS USUAL DESPITE RAIN
A garden fete in aid of Beesands Mission was held in the grounds of Stokenham Vicarage yesterday, and although heavy rain fell during the afternoon, so keen were the workers and parishioners that at the end of the day it was evident that the effort would prove successful. It will, however, be continued today, when it is hoped that the weather will permit the use of the many competitions prepared, which could not be moved indoors.
These fetes have been held for 19 years, organized by the vicar, Rev. J. A. Davys, primarily in order to raise £100 annually towards the salary of a lay reader at Beesands. The Mission provides the only place of worship at Beesands, and Mr F.A.Hedges, who is in charge there has done great work extending over 30 years. By means of the annual fete and by other efforts the parish has been enabled to build him a house worth £900 and to clear it of debt.
SUPPORT PREMIER.
Unfortunately it was raining heavily during the opening ceremony, which was performed by Maj. Ralph Rayner, M.P. for the Totnes Division, who was accompanied by his mother. They were welcomed by Dr. W. H. Simonds, who presided.
Maj. Rayner said the public ought to support the Prime Minister, who was the captain on the bridge steering the ship of State through dangerous seas. He deprecated attacks on the Premier as being bad for the nation, and thought everybody should give him their absolute loyalty and support in the great work he had undertaken. The opener was thanked on the motion of Mrs. Beer, seconded by the churchwarden and hon. treasurer. Mr. W T. Moore.
It was a great pity that the fete could not be held on the terraced lawns of the vicarage, but the doors of the house were thrown wide, stalls were hastily improvised in the various rooms, and it was soon a case of " Business as usual." The event concluded with a dance at Stokenham Village Hall.
The blizzard and great storm of the 9th and 10th of March 1891 was extremely severe. A 36 hour blinding snowstorm, drifts of up to 26 feet deep, and roads blocked for over a fortnight, with coaches stuck etc. During the storm five ships were wrecked in Start Bay, and in all 53 lives were lost that night. The largest of these craft was the steamship Marana of Liverpool which ran onto the Blackstone rocks. Another vessel that was wrecked was the Barrow schooner Lunesdale. She ran ashore opposite Beesands Village. Coastguard and fishermen went up to their armpits in water and threw a line to the captain (William Jones), who had taken refuge in the rigging, and succeeded in saving him, the rest of the crew, four in number, having been lost. The bell of the Lunesdale salvaged from the wreck was hung for many years in the church cupola until it deteriorated. Today a different bell with the name Janus hangs in its place in the church. I cannot find any reference to this ship's bell or any connection with Beesands or why it is here. If you do know then please let me know.
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette - Friday 01 October 1948
BEESANDS MEMORIAL.
On Sunday, in the little church of the fishing village of Beesands a war memorial font and wall tablet, erected to the memory of those villagers who gave their lives during the last war, either in the Forces or from enemy action, were unveiled by Capt. J. Holdsworth, Totnes.
Torbay Express and South Devon Echo - Saturday 02 June 1984
Mrs Freda Steer the wife of a crab fisherman at Beesands near Slapton who remained in the village throughout the war remembers life carried on much as usual even after the evacuation of most of the South Hams:
In the lead-up to the American occupation of South Devon the area had been largely untouched by the war apart from the occasional tragedy of a British bomber ditching offshore or the occasional German plane off-loading bombs in the surf. What really brought home the horror of war to Mrs Steer and her neighbours many of whom still live in the same houses today was a tip-and-run raid which killed four adults and three children including a baby aged 14 months and his mother - who were buried together in one coffin.
In March 1942, the Luftwaffe formed two dedicated units whose task was to carry out a bombing campaign against shipping and coastal military and industrial installations on the southern coast of England. By fitting bombs to Messerschmitt 109 single-seat fighters, these fighter-bombers, or in German Jagdbomber nearly always shortened to Jabo, began attacking targets as far east as Kent and as far west as the Lizard in Cornwall. Known to the British as ‘tip and run’ attacks, they continued until the 6th of June 1943.
Forty five years later there was a follow up to this tragedy.
Torbay Express and South Devon Echo - Saturday 16 May 1987
WHEN gunner Dick Leaker was billeted to the South Devon village of Beesands in 1942 he fell in love with the place and vowed he would return when the war was over. Since being demobbed Mr Leeker who lives in Bath has come back to the clifftop village every year and has now presented local people with a sturdy wooden seat as a thank you for all the good times he has had there.
An army sergeant with a wartime anti-aircraft battery, 66-year-old Mr Leaker spent seven months at Beesands after a bomb fell there, protecting the village against further raids. The seat bearing the inscription "In gratitude to Beesands and all its people for all the happiness enjoyed here" was presented to villagers over a glass of champagne at the Cricket Inn. Landlord Cyril Courtney said it was a "lovely gesture from a lovely man"
Bringing things right up to date and the church still raises funds today by serving traditional afternoon teas during the summer months.
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