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The April 6^th 1918 issue ran the following story:

BISHOP AND RATIONING

The Bishop of Oxford says: - "May I give notice that I propose to eat my portion of meat, etc., at home, so that when I visit parishes I shall neither want nor be permitted to eat meat or any other rationed food? I only say this that my kind hosts may not try to provide me with any such food".

The Bishop of Oxford's visit to Arborfield

(Monday 4th March - Tuesday 5th March 1918)

Mrs. Hargreaves of Arborfield Hall, died in February 1918 aged 84, and her funeral was reported in great detail on 2nd March. The article on Mrs. Hargreaves' death stated: 'Incidentally, it might be mentioned that the deceased lady was looking forward to entertaining the Bishop of Oxford on the occasion of the confirmation next week'.

The following week's issue duly reported 'The Bishop's Visit' as follows:

The Bishop of Oxford held a confirmation at the Parish Church on Monday afternoon. The candidates numbered 56, of whom 27 were males and 29 females. They came from Arborfield, 29 (including seven soldiers from the Remount Depôt);
Barkham, 7;
Shinfield, 15;
Swallowfield and Farley Hill, 5.

The preface was read by the Rector. Two addresses to the candidates were given by the Bishop. The other clergy present were the Rev. P. H. Ditchfield, the Rev. H. Ll. Rice, and the Rev. C. E. Shackleton (acting as bishop’s chaplain).

In the evening his lordship visited the recreation hut for soldiers at the Remount Depôt, which was erected two years ago by the Diocesan Branch of the Church of England Temperance Society. In the absence of the Commandant, Lieut.-Col. Badcock, who was away from Arborfield on important business, the Adjutant, Captain Tilling, received the Bishop. His lordship gave an informal address to the men in the hut. In thanking the Bishop for his visit, Capt. Tilling spoke of the value of the hut and the gratitude of the officers and men to the Diocesan Society of the C.E.T.S. for its good work in providing and carrying on such an institution. The Rector of Arborfield, who was responsible for the management of the hut, also thanked the Bishop.

There was a celebration of the Holy Communion on Tuesday morning at the Parish Church. The Bishop celebrated and there were a considerable number of communicants.

[As related above, the Bishop of Oxford was due to stay at Arborfield Hall during his visit as a guest of Mrs. Hargreaves. Sadly, she died before the event.]

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