In October 1890, a large fundraising event was held in Aldington to help clear the remaining debt from the restoration of Badsey Church. The event took the form of a “sale of work” — a kind of bazaar with stalls, exhibitions, entertainments, and music. The following contemporary newspaper report from The Evesham Standard gives a vivid picture of village life and the efforts made to support the church:
On Monday a sale of work in aid of the Badsey Church Restoration Fund was opened in the building at the back of the Manor House, Aldington.
Badsey Church was re-opened on October 15th, 1885, after having undergone complete restoration, and having been enlarged by the addition of a new south aisle and vestry. The total cost exceeded £2,100, and the deficiency on the day of re-opening amounted to £549.
This sum was reduced to a deficit of about £105 by the collections at the opening services, which realized £110 10s 3d; the bazaar at Badsey in May 1857, £135 18s 7d; a sale of work in Malvern in February 1888 £16 18s; additional subscriptions from Christ Church, Oxford £20; three sales of clothing at Aldington to hop-pickers and villagers £18 6s 5d; collections in church and donations £126 1s 7d; entertainments at Badsey and Evesham £16 15s 2d.
The result of the present sale of work, which was opened on Monday and closed on Wednesday, will probably either wipe the debt off altogether or leave a very small amount owing. On Monday the takings were £22. 6s., on Tuesday £17. 4s. 4d., and on Wednesday £15. 16s. 10d.
In addition, donations were received on Monday and Tuesday from Mr. T. Adkins, J.P. (Stratford-on-Avon), £1. 1s.; Mr. T. S. Shekell, £1; Mrs. Ingram (Littleton), 10s.; Mr. Urwick (Malvern), 10s.; Mr. W. J. Gepp, 10s.; and Mr. T. J. Slatter, 10s. 6d.
The barn at the back of Mr. Savory’s house was, thanks in a great measure to the efforts of Messrs. Thomas and Nathan Gould, of Bretforton, made a very suitable place for such an exhibition. A stage had been erected, and the rough walls were prettily decorated with flags and evergreens.
The materials for the alterations in the building were lent by Mr. Savory, Mr. W. H. Ashwin, and Mr. Sladden. The decorations were carried out by Miss Robinson, Mrs. Sladden, Miss Jordain, Mrs. Savory, Miss Gertrude Savory, and Mr. Arthur Savory.
Entering the lofty room by a devious passage partitioned off for the occasion, Mrs. Sladden’s and Mr. Savory’s useful stall was immediately on the left. The chief feature was a large quantity of warm winter clothing worked by the villagers. There were also fancywork, fans, fire screens, baskets, and many useful articles underneath the large red, white, and blue flags which decorated the wall.
Turning the corner to the left was Miss Savory’s and Miss Tolley’s art stall, which attracted considerable attention. Liberty’s things were predominant, and here and there were some beautiful photographs of famous engravings, Dutch tiles mounted in oak, and nick-nacks of all descriptions.
At the end of the room was the old curiosity shop, which was worthy of its name. Here were old clothes, ornaments, useful articles—anything from a silk hat to a candlestick. Miss Ashwin was the presiding genii here. A large number of goods for this stall were sent by the Misses Horsman.
Curtained off at the corner was a working figures exhibition, where Miss Marion Ashwin acted as show-woman. The figures were entitled “Missed him again,” representing a man making fruitless attempts to destroy a lively mouse, and “Wedded bliss” as experienced by a gentleman with a very red nose and a blue coat, who toddles home in the early hours of the morning to receive a warm welcome from his irate wife, who appears at a window. The figures were lent by Mr. T. W. Swinburne, of Comdean, Winchcombe.
The fancy stall was a very handsome exhibition, presided over by Miss A. Savory and Miss Jourdain. Here was some very fine embroidery on cambric, the work of an old lady over 72 years of age; handsome cushions, beautiful handkerchief sashes, worked slippers, and all sorts of fancy articles.
Miss Robinson presided at the sweet shop, where toys, pipes, dolls, sweets (chiefly from the Worcestershire Preserving Company), grapes, and various articles could be purchased.
The bazaar was organized by the Rev. C. G. and Mrs. Gepp, Mr. and Mrs. Savory, Mr. and Mrs. Sladden, and received the hearty co-operation of the villagers, who sent large quantities of useful work, which were readily sold. Many friends were present from Worcester, Malvern, and Stratford, who brought contributions for the stalls and made large purchases.
The work of buying and selling was agreeably varied by the musical performances. On Monday a pianoforte solo was played by Miss Anna Savory, two songs were sung by Miss Florence Savory, a violin solo was given by Miss Margaret Savory, and a vocal duet by Mrs. Arthur Savory and Miss Anna Savory.
On Tuesday a pianoforte solo was played by Miss Ashwin, and songs were given by Miss Rhoda Watson (Royal Naval School, Twickenham) and Miss Morgan.
On Wednesday Mr. Walter Booth, of Warwick, was engaged to give two performances of his magical and mimetic conjuring and thought-reading entertainment.
This successful event shows the lively community spirit of Badsey, Aldington and the surrounding villages, and the determination of local people to support Badsey Church in the late 19th century.
David Ella, September 2025