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Arborfield
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Unionists in Arborfield The news dominating the Press before the Great War was the continuing unrest in Ireland. This had been a major issue since the late 1800's when Gladstone advocated Home Rule. By 1914, John Simonds of Newlands was listed as a supporter of the Unionist cause. In 1916, the uprising in Dublin marked the start of independence and the eventual establishment of an Irish Free State, but in 1919 the Unionist cause was getting stronger than ever in England, as these articles reveal. From June 7th 1919: ARBORFIELD WOMEN’S UNIONIST ASSOCIATION FORMED On Wednesday afternoon a meeting was held at ‘Newlands’ by the courtesy and kindness of Mr. John Simonds, for the purpose of considering the question of forming a branch of the South Berks Women’s Unionist Association for the Arborfield district.
Mr. Simonds briefly introduced Mr. E. J. Forster, the hon. secretary of the Association, who gave an address dealing with the aims, objects and work of the Association, after which it was unanimously resolved that a branch be formed for Arborfield and Newland. Mrs. Churcher, of Arborfield Grange, was elected chairman, Miss Constance Simonds and Miss Bushell joint hon. secretaries and treasurers, and the following were elected as the first committee: Mrs. Bentley, Miss K. Edwards, Miss A. Garrett, Mrs. Kearsley, Mrs. Lyford, Mrs. Rogers and Miss Simonds. It was resolved to invite Mrs. Mount, the president of the Association, to attend a public meeting, to be held at Arborfield on July 1st. Hearty thanks were accorded to Mr. and the Misses Simonds for their hospitality and keen interest. [The Unionist meeting took place at Arborfield School on Tuesday evening, 1st July, by which time there were 68 members and associates. Both Rectors were present.]
The Mercury' carried a report of another Unionist meeting at Arborfield in its October 18th issue.
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