5. The Glorious New Year Words and Music by Paul Clark
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Nellie Abbey née Smith was born in New Bradwell in 1895. A leading member of ‘The Stantonbury Girls Club’ in New Bradwell, she organised local Fetes and Concerts. Nellie died in Wolverton in 1982 but her story inspired Living Archive’s community documentary musical play with songs based on her memories, Nellie staged in 1983[1].
Based on Nellie Smith’s diaries 1913-1919, the show charts her irrepressible activities on the Home Front - in local carnivals and pastimes and at work in the Sewing Room at Wolverton Works. This is despite the sombre backdrop of the Great War which cast a shadow over her diary, as illustrated in her entries for 1915-16: Jan 1 1915 Fri: I made no good resolutions this year, I cannot keep them. I hope this time next year this dreadful war will be over. Who knows where we may all be… Jan 1 1916 Sat: Harry and I stand this first night of New Year under the old tree of BH Hill, and wonder where we shall be next year at this time. Sometimes the news of the war was very troubling: Sept 14 1916 Thurs: Heard that Gil’s mate has gone to France, poor little Ted, I expect Gil will be next, it is nothing but crewelty (sic) Sept 24 1916 Sun: There has been a dreadful air raid in the night, and lots of damage done, but we have two more Zeps down, one burnt and others surrendered… Nov 22 1916 Wed: Heard that poor old Bobby is wounded. Mother awfully upset. But through it all, Nellie maintained her zest for fun and entertainment: Jan 16 1915 Sat: At last the day has come round again, to go over to Mrs Knapps and entertain the Blind, a treat we all (The Girls Club) looked forward to… Enjoyed the Blind Belgian playing on piano, also the Belgian lady singing. The concert went off extra, arrived home about 7 having had a jolly good time… Jan 5 1916 Wed: Went to Club had a jolly good laugh. Jan 12 1916 Wed: Went to Club and had our usual merry evening. April 15 1916 Sat: At night gave Concert in Club Concert Hall for Soldiers and Sailors. Crowded hall. The concert was extra, everything went off A1, every-one delighted. The 1906 Guide to the Wolverton Works had said that amongst the 4,500 employees working on its 80 acres, 60 of them were in the Sewing Room a section of the Trimming Shop. For Paul Clark’s song, it would seem that all of them were in the Girls Club in 1916 celebrating the New Year: Oct 10 1916 Tues: Had first practice for Concert, new members there making about 60. Their fund-raising concerts continued with the Old Year coming to a close – Dec 6 Thurs: Our second performance went off even better than last night, those girls were so excited. Felt so happy, that we had the Hall full again, hope we get a good haul in for our brave Soldiers and Sailors… - whilst Nellie sustained her habitual optimism: Dec 31 Sun: The last of the old year, let us hope this next year will bring us all peace and happiness with my dear brothers’ safe return. Good- bye Old Year Good-bye. [1] A digital download of the original performance is on this webpage. |
Nellie Smith
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