Here are some selections from the Parish magazines of 1939.The Rector was Canon Postlethwaite and it was he who edited the magazine.

Jan: "Everyone of us has been through a period of very great anxiety owing to the International Crisis and most of us thank God that we have been delivered from the horrors of war."

"During the past 12 months, there has been a great change in the aspect of our Parish...the Builder seems to have taken possession of us. Over 100 flats have been built on the Old University Playing Field on Otley Road and more especially in Church Lane have large building operations been taking place.

Scouts: In the Rector's 30 years of Scouting, he had never had a scout in a troop eligible to wear the "Bushman's Thong" - David Ward is eligible - Congratulations. The thong is a leather strip worn on the right shoulder by a first class scout..

April Book presented to Church by Eccup parishioners in memory of Mrs HT Eddison (Stairfoot House - name remembered in street names in grounds).

July: Scouts: Adel retained the Lady Duncan Flag - won 1st Aid & Pioneering competitions and the Relay Race. Got a silver cup for cooking.

Oct: "world darkened by the horror of war - began in Sept" The Rector finds comfort in nature's beauty: "Most of you have lovely gardens stocked with hollyhocks, gladioli, dahlia, phlox, asters, stocks, tobacco plants & nasturtiums" and later "the Harvest has been extraordinarily good". In contrast: "Church windows darkened. Gateposts whitened. Church bus discontinued - petrol rationing. 11.00 am service introduced and Mothers Union meeting moved to 2.15 (to travel home before dark). Cubs & girl guides discontinued. The numbers in the choir, scouts & guides decimated - either engaged in war work or evacuated...very few left. Cookridge Convalescent Home is now a maternity hospital. School at Eccup a first aid post - not sure when Adel school will re-open. The Parish are making articles of comfort for men on service. WI are making garments for the Infirmary - desperately short of bed jackets and night shirts.

Nov: Numbers attending services are up. The Mothers Union start a knitting group -home comforts for the troops, the WI are knitting socks for soldiers, camouflage netting is being made in the Golf House Annex and magazines and cards are being sent to the men. The school has two Air Raid shelters. A list of those serving appears.

Ann Lightman