Issue 126 – December 2016
DON’T MISS – THIS MONTH
DECK THE HALLS
By Stephen Guy, West Derby Society
FAMILIES gathered around open fires to escape the biting cold which clothed town and country with ice and thick snow. Christmas and New Year feature the shortest, darkest days but today most of us are protected by modern conveniences such as central heating and electric lights. Our ancestors were much worse off in many respects. A century ago most homes were lit by gas. Electricity did not come to West Derby until 1927. Hundreds of years ago most people worked on the land where seasons dictated their lives. By December it was often a battle just to survive. There were celebrations around the shortest day in pagan times. The Church modified some of these traditions when the people were converted. Parish churches were at the centre of communities and religious festivals such as Christmas were very important to most people. The celebration of Christmas is almost universally celebrated or commemorated today, even by some members of other religions. It can be a time when families and friends meet or contact each other to catch up on the year’s news.
Christmas is a double treat for Jorgie – page 5
WIN, WIN, WIN Two family tickets to see Aladdin to be won
Others see it as a time to party and have n Join the West Derby Society at its next fun, which has nearly always been a feature of meeting 7.30pm on December 21 at Lowlands, 13 Haymans Green, Liverpool L12 7JG. the festive season. – see inside It’s hard to believe now but there was a period when the celebration of Christmas was frowned upon – and by deeply-religious people. This was during the time the country was a republic under Oliver Cromwell (1599 – 1658). He and other Puritans did not approve From start-ups looking for support and assistance in developing their of religious rituals or people having fun. Dancing and theatres were among other business, to established businesses looking for expert planning and advice, banned pursuits. Coburn McKenna are the ideal partner. People celebrated Christmas in secret, no doubt with some dancing behind closed doors. Our services include: The modern Christmas owes a good deal to the Victorians, in particular Prince Albert, • Accounts preparation German-born husband of Queen Victoria. • Tax compliance and planning Large houses and their country estates were • Bookkeeping and VAT compliance also important focal-points in communities at • Payroll services • Auto-enrolment Christmas. • HMRC investigations They employed many people and the • Personal Tax • Corporation Tax and much more occupants were often generous at Christmas with gifts to local good causes. If you are interested in a fresh start, why not contact Clair Coburn or Mark Roby Hall (pictured), built in 1761 by mayor of Liverpool John Williamson, stood in McKenna on 0151 489 1010 or 07968 371 878 today to arrange a free, no what is now Bowring Park. obligation meeting to see how we can help. We can imagine the happy Christmases celebrated within its walls and grounds. Email: clair@coburnmckenna.co.uk Doubtless they sang the 1881 carol “Deck Website: www.coburnmckenna.co.uk the halls with boughs of holly … ‘tis the season to be jolly.”