Grandad – Ethel went to Norwich to a ladies’ meeting at Princess Street.
Mum – Got car licence in am. Drug squad came in aft to check up about the altered prescriptions. Went to choir at night. Copies of “The Sunday Service” arrived.
Notes
Grandma Went to a Ladies’ Meeting at Princes Street United Reformed Church
Ethel refers to my grandmother Ethel May Cecilia Parkin. She was part of a women’s group based at Drayton Methodist Church, see Chapter 124. Presumably as part of her involvement in that group, she quite often attended meetings at the United Reformed Church in Princes Street in Norwich. Grandad consistently called this Princess Street.
Princes Street United Reformed Church
Originally, this was a Congregational church. Built in the 19th century, it became a United Reformed Church in 1972. A decision was taken to close it in 2020 and it was for sale in April 2021 with the expectation that it would be converted for residential use. However, in September 2023, a proposal was submitted to convert it to a live music venue, see Chapter 90.
Car Licence
In the morning (a.m.), mum got the car licence. I am not sure if this came by post or she had to collect from somewhere. I think, at this stage, mum had a Simca, see Chapter 110, and presumably the licence refers to that. She had had a service and MOT for this two days earlier on the 29th.
Until 1968, local councils were responsible for vehicle registration. However, from that date, this became the responsibility of the Driver and Vehicle Registration Centre (DVLC). In 1990, this became the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA). Until 2013, the DVLA had a network of 39 local offices but, since that date, the service has been fully centralised. Physical car tax discs were abolished in 2014. It is now possible to check online if a vehicle is taxed and has an MOT.
A Visit From the Drug Squad!
Mum mentions this somewhat casually without explaining what had happened. as far as I can see, she did not record what the outcome was. I assume this related to Dr Downes and Dr Day’s general practice where she worked at the time, see Chapter 121.
Choir
Mum was part of a choir through her involvement in St Peter’s PArk Lane Methodist Church, see Chapter 124.
The Sunday Service
I confess I did not know what this referred to. However, I think this refers to a book explaining how services are conducted in Methodist churches. Such books had been in existence from the time of John Wesley. A revised book of offices was introduced in 1936 following Methodist Union in 1932. I think what mum was referring to was a revison of this which was produced in 1975. This itself was replaced by the Methodist Worship Book in 1999, see Chapter 124.
