The Blandford Express May 27 1871
Spetisbury
The members and friends of the Temperance Society in this village held their annual demonstration and tea meeting on Tuesday last, the 23rd inst. At the appointed hour (1 o’clock) a goodly number of adult members and the Band of Hope met in the village, and, headed by the Stickland (bona fide) Temperance brass band, marched in procession, with the usual paraphernalia of flags, banners, garlands and mottoes, to the residence of Mr.Keynes, where they were well received, the whole company being refreshed with as much good milk as they required, and the society’s funds strengthened by a handsome donation of 7s.6d. Mr. Gillingham’s farm residence was then made for, where also sympathy for the cause was proved by the gift of 5s. An invitation to visit the convent was next complied with, the inmates of that place enjoying the sight from the windows. The priest, Rev.J.Sabbé, addressed the visitors in kindly terms, and testified his approval of the cause by the gift of 10s. The procession then passed through the lower part of the village (under flags and mottoes across the street), and visited the residence of Mr. Mackerell, where they received £1 (that gentleman’s subscription). Returning to the Independent Chapel the procession broke up, and the Band of Hope (110 in number) led off into a field close by, and did good service to a bountiful supply of cake &c. At five o’clock a public tea was partaken of by about 100 persons in the Independent Chapel, after which all repaired to the beautiful green field kindly lent for the occasion by Mr. Mackerell, and soon busily engaged in different kinds of amusements. During the evening addresses were also given by the Rev.C.K.Paul, and Messrs. A.Bartlett, H.Hodges, D.Ballam, and W.Wheeler, and we cannot but hope good will be the result. It was indeed a joyful day throughout. A most cordial vote of thanks to Mr.Mackerell for the use of his field brought the proceedings to a close. The band played well all day, finishing off with a “quick march” through the village on their return homewards.