The Henson Journals

[110]

3rd Sunday in Lent, March 23rd, 1919.

A white frost leading in a fine day, though cold. We left the Palace at 9.15 a.m., and motored to Knowbury, a parish in the Clee Hills. There was much snow in and about the Church. Here I confirmed 27 candidates. The Vicar, Rev: J. H. Parry, was appointed by the Crown in 1914. He gave me the impression of a futile, shiftless person, but he assured me that under his ministry the congregation had tripled. We had lunch at Bitterley Court with MrWheeler. The house dates from 1600 A.D., and is finely placed about 600 feet above the sea–level. Bitterley = Butterlea, i.e. fat pasture, the fertility of the soil being extraordinary. In the afternoon I confirmed about 90 candidates in Ludlow. The glorious parish church lends itself well to such a function. I was pleased to see that a considerable congregation came together to witness the Confirmation. After having tea at the Rectory, we motored back to Hereford, arriving in the Palace shortly after 7 p.m. The weather was fine all day so that we motored with the car open, & were able to enjoy the scenery. On our return journey a large white owl flew slowly across the road as we passed. Sheep with attendant lambs are difficult to negociate with a motor, when their shepherding is entrusted to small children.

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