| Description | This small diary contains a brief daily summary of the weather, followed by a short description of the day's events. An entry appears for each day during the year before the resolution of the Second World War in 1945. And while a few war time hardships and experiences, and the odd major event are briefly noted, in the main the diary is the recording of the everyday, highlighting the continuance of a normal, seemingly rather bucolic existence in rural Warwickshire, while living through something extraordinary. It would appear, at first sight, to be a world away from the experiences of those living in the more urban areas of Britain, however, perhaps the diary is evidence of the 'business as usual' attitude of the era, or maybe it is a reflection of a less traumatic time; the huge bombardment of Britain, particularly its cities during 1940 and 1941, had lessened relatively in 1944.
Rev Hewins cycled and walked around his locality, visiting his parishioners. He records the services he undertook, and where, he travelled frequently to local towns, stopping at Woolworth's, Brown's and the Milk Bar to take refreshment. And he and his family raised money for funds by picking and selling flowers and fruit. The following gives a flavour of the content:
Wed 19 Jan, 'The Italians were engaged clearing length of brook adjoining the orchard' [A reference to Italian Prisoners of War? There was a PoW camp 2.5 miles east of Kineton].
Fri 28 Jan, 'Went at 11/30 by bus to Warwick, & called to see the Chief Constable re permit for Maps'
Fri 18 Feb, 'Dinky's party for the Land Girls took place in the School at 7, & was very enjoyable. A good tea was followed by games etc.'
Sun 14 May, 'Took Evensong at Oxhill at 6/30. There were special prayers in connection with Rogationtide, and its significance this year as "Farm Sunday" was recognised'.
Mon 15 May, 'At 7 pm there was a Meeting in the Chapel Schoolroom to discuss arrangements for "Salute the Soldier" Week. The Meeting was poorly attended.'
Sat 3 Jun, 'Went by R.s bus at 12/50 to Banbury. Town very full, for the opening of "Salute the Soldier" week. A good procession'.
Mon 5 Jun, 'News came through that Rome was occupied yesterday by the Forces of the United Nations'.
Wed 7 Jun, 'Yesterday, the 6th, the great Invasion in the West opened. This news, though so long awaited, came with striking suddenness after the occupation of Rome'.
Sun 11 Jun, describing Evensong in the form of a 'United Service' ...'Home Guard attended'.
Wed 14 Jun, The New Ration Books were issued in Oxhill, 9/30 to 12'.
[Rev Hewins and family then moved from Oxhill to Exhall nr Alcester...]
Sat 29 Jul, 'Cycled to Bidford in aftn' to get meat ration'.
Wed 23 Aug, 'We picked 7 half pots of "Warner King" apples' [a type of cooking apple], '& 1 half pot of blue plums ("Diamond Ring")'.
Sat 16 Sep, [presumably in preparation for Harvest Festival the following day] 'Mrs Iliffe brought an apple pie & some tarts. Miss Cubberley called in the evening, and brought some Tomatoes, a Marrow, & some Beetroot. Later, Mrs Brown called to see us. Church was thankfully decorated'.
Thur 12 Oct, 'The Concert by the Grantham Academy in the Village Hall, for the Soldiers' Comforts Fund, took place at 7/30. An excellent programme & good attendance'.
Fri 22 Dec, 'Attended at 7/30 a Ministry of Information Film Show in the Village Hall. Impressive pictures'.
Fri 29 Dec, 'Fires were troublesome on account of want of Coal'.
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