b'Still WatersA Bishop Wilton Tale of Tragedy, Bravery, Mystery and Faith.Keith McWilliamThe village fish pond holds a dark secret.O n that sunny Thursday 6th January 1842 it mustassisting her mother in the upkeep of the house and have appeared to the Reverend Joseph Shooterfamily. It is recorded, however, that ten years later in and his wife Elizabeth that at last life was about to1851 Anne Hill aged sixteen of Alne was engaged at change for the better. The death of their daughter,the Vicarage in the role of servant.the precious Betsy Matilda, three years earlier at theOn such a day with the late afternoon winter sun tender age of seven had devastated them both, butslowly setting in the west how could he have felt with a family of six healthy young sons and threeanything but content. For the change in the weather daughters to care for they had little choice but tohad thankfully begun melting the ice and snow that overcome their sorrow and move on. had gripped the countryside since Boxing-day. The Charlotte was the youngest of the brood beingpast Christmas celebrations in the church had been only one year old, followed closely by Edmund at two,well received by the members of his congregation who then Lavinia four and Charles at six. Richard Walterattended in most pleasing numbers. Then of course although only eight years old was extremely brightthere was the prospect of the new arrival, as his wife and already showing great academic promise. HisElizabeth was into her fourth month of pregnancy. He elder brothers, Henry Arthur twelve, George Fredrickprobably made a mental note to ensure that she took fourteen and James William sixteen had no doubtlife a little easier, for at the age of forty-five pregnancy inherited not only their Fathers intellect but also hiscould be extremely precarious.spirit of adventure - for although I have been unableHe perhaps also allowed himself to venture the to obtain proof positive, it is possible that prior tothought that they may receive the blessing of a baby his incumbency as parish priest of Bishop Wilton,girl, a sister and playmate for young Charlotte; in his Joseph had for a period lived and worked as an earlyview daughters seemed appreciably more affectionate missionary in Natal and Zululand, South Africa. Thethan sons and they were certainly far quieter.eldest of the offspring was Sarah Mary aged eighteenWhilst sitting in his study contemplating his good and she would most probably have remained at homefortune he decided next Sundays sermon would carry BULLETIN 5 69'