The Importance of Religion, in General, and Methodism, in Particular
There is little doubt that religion, in general, and Methodism, in particular, were important parts of our lives during this period. However, it seems that exactly who was involved in what and where changed over time. This is difficult to judge because mum’s diary entries peter out during this period, see Chapter 87. So, it is not clear if apparent changes were actual differences or simply the effect of relying solely on grandad’s recollections.
Young Wives
One example of this was mum’s involvement in the Young Wives group at Mile Cross Methodist Church. Activities at the Young Wives group varied.
Speakers at Young Wives
They often had a speaker, During this period there were a range of different speakers including Miss Walker, Miss Wilson-Price and others.
Mrs Joan Carter
Mrs Joan Carter spoke on the topic of “New Beginnings” at Young Wives in September 1961. I don’t know if this was the same Mrs Carter who spoke at the morning service for the Young Wives’ Anniversary in March 1966.
Sister J Hardingham
Sister Hardingham was a nursing sister in the Casualty Department of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. I recognise the name and there was a Janet Hardingham in mum’s address book when I first started managing this in 2017. However, her name is not in the latest version I had which probably means that I was notified that she had passed away. I found some details of her working as a staff nurse in casualty during the second world war including a photo. I also found an obituary with a photo which confirmed she had indeed passed away in July 2019. From that, I learned that she was a long-time member of Surrey Chapel and she worked as a practice nurse for Drs Brittain and Watkins and this may be where mum got to know her.
Rev Martin
Rev Martin ran an “Any Questions” session. I assume he was the same Rev H Martin who ran a similar session for the Young Wives in February 1962. There was also a Rev H J Martin who was Chairman of the District in 1961.
Mary Rew
I am not completely sure of her surname but I think this is correct. She is mentioned a few times in mum’s diary in 1965. She took on speaking engagements with Miss Walker and also stayed overnight with us on one occasion in May 1965.
Mrs Speed
Mrs Speed had previously spoken at Young Wives in November 1960 on the topic of “Bringing up Children in the Christian Home”.
Topics Covered by Speakers
Topics varied and included muscular dystrophy and “Any Questions”.
Films
There were also films sometimes including on muscular dystrophy and about Save the Children.
Trips Out
There were a variety of trips out.
Swimming
One of the trips out was for swimming and mum noted doing six strokes.
GPO Sorting Office
Another of the trips was to the GPO sorting office.
Red House Farm, Buxton
Red House Farm was an approved school from 1933 until 1 April 1973 when it became a controlled community home until this closed in 1981. It was put up for sale in 17 lots in 1983 and the agricultural land and staff houses were sold.
The school building was sold in mid-1984 to the Tvind School Co-operative of Denmark who set up a school for deprived and disturbed children and adolescents, the Small School at Red House. This school closed in 1998 with allegations of money being channeled to Tvind, who were described as a cult-like group, and of abuse.
The buildings no longer exist and the site became the Rowan House Hospital. This, in turn, became the Huntercombe Hospital, which catered for young people with psychiatric problems and which closed because of concerns over the quality of care. As of February 2020, the site was up for sale.
UG-KEY Plastics
UG-KEY Plastics opened in Sprowston in 1963. This was a factory in Sprowston and an aerial photograph of this shows the site. The company was founded in 1963 and is now known as UCP/Zeller Plastik.
Socials
There were also socials. In October 1966, mum referred to a Young Wives’ Halloween party. I was a bit surprised to find a reference to a Halloween party as I do not recall Halloween being celebrated when I was a child. I have always thought that mum was a bit anti-Halloween and assumed this was because of her Methodist background.
Anniversary and Conference
The Young Wives group celebrated their anniversary in March each year and, in 1965, mum referred to an evening conference on the 19th.
Mum’s Involvement in Young Wives
Mum was very involved in Young Wives at the start of this period, as she had been since we moved to Hellesdon, see Chapter 79. However, Young Wives is not mentioned after March 1967. Was that because mum stopped being involved or because grandad did not mention it explicitly? It appears that the group met on a Thursday evening every two weeks.
Mum had been elected onto the Young Wives Committee in 1962 as General Secretary. see Chapter 79. In April 1965, she attended a district Young Wives committee meeting which was held in the morning at Margaret Hicks’ house. On 6 May 1965, mum noted attending the Young Wives AGM. She noted that she had been on the committee for three years so had to be off it for a year at least. On 22 September 1965, mum attended a Young Wives conference at Chapelfield Road but she noted that not many attended. There was another conference on 15 June 1966, this time at Heartsease Lane.
Mile Cross Choir
Mum was involved in Mile Cross choir at least during 1965 and 1966 when she attended practices. Mum sometimes noted where the choir performed including in Coltishall, Dereham and Drayton. For details of Drayton Methodist Church, see Chapter 79.
Coltishall
I don’t know for definite that this performance in Coltishall was in the Methodist Church. There were at least two Methodist churches in Coltishall. There was a Wesleyan chapel which became the brethren Bethesda Gospel Hall. It originated in 1842 and is located at 10 Rectory Road. The other chapel is described as having been Wesleyan Reformed and then United Methodist but there is also a description of a Primitive Methodist chapel in Coltishall which appears to be in the same location. It opened in 1838 and closed in 1999.
Dereham
Again, I don’t know that this performance in Dereham was definitely in the Methodist Church. The current church was the original Wesleyan chapel that dates back to 1880. There is an excellent and very detailed description of the chapel’s history on their website. This notes that there had been a Primitive Methodist chapel in Commercial Road but this closed in 1932. There was a United Methodist Church in Norwich Road and this continued until 1982. The My Primitive Methodists website has more details of both these chapels.
Pieces the Choir Performed
Mum sometimes noted the pieces they performed including “Crucifixion”, an oratorio by John Stainer, “The Messiah’s Advent”, which I think could be referring to the first part of Handel’s Messiah and the cantata “Olivet to Calvary”, see Chapter 79. However, mum sat in the congregation for the performance of “Olivet to Calvary”.
Choir Trip to London
In October 1965, mum and Tricia went on a choir trip to London to see the “Sound of Music”. I don’t know if this was the live musical, which first appeared in London in 1961, or the film which came out in 1965, see Chapter 92.
House and Fellowship Meetings
During this period, mum attended a variety of house and fellowship meetings. These included circuit fellowship meetings in 1965 and 1966. Dad spoke at one of these in February 1966.
Over the same period, mum attended other fellowship meetings including at the manse. However, on 23 March 1966, she noted that there had not been many there. This was the last such meeting she noted attending.
During this same period, she sometimes attended house meetings and she noted that dad attended a house meeting in January 1967.
Grandma also attended house fellowship meetings. For example, in May 1967, she was the speaker at a house meeting in Norwich and she took “her recorder”, presumably a tape recorder. In April 1968, grandma and Eva went to house fellowship. In September 1969, grandma and Auntie Dolly went to David Johnson’s house fellowship. Grandma attended other house meetings in Norwich, for example in September 1967 and in April and June 1968. In March 1969, she attended a ladies’ house meeting in Thorpe.
Coffee Mornings/Evenings
During this period, mum sometimes attended coffee mornings. For example, on Wednesday 9 February 1966, mum went to a coffee morning at Mile Cross. Grandad recorded it as he came to ours on his bike babysitting. On 27 July 1967, mum went to a coffee evening at the Durants. In addition, in April 1967, grandma had a coffee morning and raised £8 15 0 for Drayton Methodist Church. In June 1967, grandma and Florrie Booth went to a coffee morning at Mrs Wilcox’s in Taverham. Two years later, in April 1969, grandma had a coffee morning and bring and buy sale for Ockenden venture, now Ockenden International. She raised £12 14 0. On 19 November 1969, there was a coffee morning at Drayton Methodist Church for Dr Barnardo’s, now Barnardo’s. They raised £12 10 0.
Luncheon Clubs
Mum sometimes attended a luncheon club, for example on Tuesday 26 January 1965. Grandad referred to it also as a Methodist do and noted that it was at Norwood Hall. He also referred to it as dinner and not luncheon! She went again on 23 February 1965 and 23 March 1965. It appears that it was a monthly event but mum only recorded it those three months. I don’t know if this means the luncheon club was only held for those three months or if it means mum only attended those three months or if mum attended at other times but did not record it.
Saturday Night Events at Mile Cross
There were various events on a Saturday night at Mile Cross.
Socials
These included socials, for example, on 13 February 1965.
“Church at Home”
I am not entirely sure what this was but it was held on 10 April 1965.
Harvest Supper
On Saturday 18 September 1965, for example, there was a buffet supper as part of Harvest Festival. The choir from Chapelfield Road gave a concert.
Autumn Fairs
On Saturday 27 November 1965, there was an Autumn Fair Christmas Bonanza at Mile Cross. Grandad noted that grandma went and he referred to it as Mile Cross bazaar.
Musical Concerts
On Tuesday 14 February 1967, there was a musical concert at Mile Cross Methodist Church. Grandma and Mrs Bell went.
Other Events
There were a number of other events associated with Mile Cross during this period.
Sunday School Jumble Sales
For example, a Sunday School jumble sale was held on the afternoon of Saturday 20 March 1965.
Garden Parties
There were a variety of church-related garden parties during this period. For example, in July 1965, grandma attended a garden party at Miss Cooke’s. In July 1966, mum noted that there had been a garden party and that David Wheeler had come and stayed at the Taylors. Grandad noted that grandma and Linda Reeve went to this garden party which was at Mile Cross and which appears to have been linked to the chapel anniversary. In August 1968, grandma and Eva went to a garden party at Mrs Pointer’s. In June 1969, grandma went to a Mile Cross garden party. It was held at Rev Hayman’s.
Bring and Buy Sales
In July 1969, grandma went to a Bring and Buy sale for “spastics” at Drayton Methodist Church. It raised £10 1 6. In August 1969, grandma and Eva went to a sale at Drayton Methodist Church.
A Collection for Help the Aged
Such a collection was held on 8 March 1966.
A Boys’ Brigade Display
A display was held at night on 5 April 1965.
Musical Concerts
There was a concert by young people in January 1966 and mum noted that dad helped with it. In addition, in October 1969, there was a musical concert at Drayton Methodist Church. Grandma, Amy, Mrs Smith and Mrs Douglas went.
Home Missions Evening
In March 1966, there was a home missions meeting at which mum was in a “Top of the Form” panel with Mrs Richings against Keith and Miss Walker.
Top of the Form
Top of the Form was a school-based quiz show that ran on radio and television from 1948 to 1986. It was on television from 1962 to 1975.
Involved in Church Leadership
Leaders’ Meetings
Mum, dad and grandma were each involved in church leadership roles during this period. From 1965 to 1967, mum attended leaders’ meetings. She also attended class leaders’ meetings. I am not sure if these differ from the other leaders’ meetings mentioned or if they were the same thing.
Stewardship
In April and May 1966, mum noted that there were Trustees’/Leaders’ meeting about Christian Stewardship. I found this a bit confusing as stewards are people appointed in Methodist churches and circuits to play practical roles. But, I don’t think this is the type of stewardship being talked about here. This is essentially about using resources available to you for the church. This covers time, talents and finances but inevitably ends up focused mainly on money.
Steering Committee Meetings
In September 1966, mum referred to a stewardship meeting as a launching meeting. In October, she attended weekly steering committee meetings which I assume related to the stewardship campaign which she said started in earnest in November.
Synod
In May 1966, dad went to Synod in Ipswich. In the Methodist church, the Synod is a District-level policy-setting body. A District is made up of several circuits and, in this case, the district was East Anglia.
Steward
Dad was involved as a Steward in the church. In 1966, mum referred to this as S Steward. Could this be referring to a “society steward”, that is for the local church? In March 1966, and again in 1967, dad went to Stewards’ Conference weekends in Overstrand. For the second of these weekends, in 1967, he went there after he had been to see Dr Fraser about mum having ECT, see Chapter 88. It was also Mother’s Day.
Trustee
Dad was also a Trustee and it appears he attended annual meetings in March/April 1966 and 1967. In November 1969, grandma and Miss Cooke went to the annual Trustees’ meeting at Drayton Methodist Church.
Visitation Committee
I don’t know if being part of the visitation committee was part of dad’s role as Steward or Trustee or if this was an additional role he had. I also don’t know if the visitation committee was involved in the stewardship campaign that was on at the time or if they were focused on something else. But, whatever the situation, dad came home from a visitation committee meeting in January 1967 extremely upset saying he was resigning from the committee and his membership. I don’t know why but I know this caused mum a great deal of upset and anxiety, see Chapter 88.
Secretarial and Administrative Work
Mum also did some secretarial and administrative work for the church. I don’t know if this was paid or was on a voluntary basis.
Retrospect
In August 1966, she noted that “Retrospect” magazine came to be duplicated for the first time. I have recollections of this magazine and of helping mum collate the pages once they had been duplicated. I don’t know exactly what the magazine was, how often it was produced etc. and, somewhat surprisingly, I did not come across any copies among mum’s papers.
Delivering Parcels
Two days before Christmas in 1968, mum dropped Alan at grandma and grandad’s as he was not too well and mum was delivering parcels for Rev Michael Parker.
Annual Society Meetings
During this period, mum noted attending annual society meetings, see Chapter 54, in February 1965 and 1966. There was also a society meeting in January 1965 to “discuss conversations”. I assume this was an additional society meeting and was called to discuss the conversations that were actively taking place at that time about possible merger between the Anglican and Methodist churches., see also Chapter 79. Those conversations have not yet had any tangible results but they continue.
Drayton Methodist Church
During this period, grandma was an active member of Drayton Methodist Church, see also Chapter 79.
Services
Services were held there on a Sunday afternoon. There were also sometimes services on a Sunday morning but at the start of this period they were not every week. From October 1967, the church started holding services both in the morning and in the afternoon. On some occasions, there was a morning Sunday School.
Grandma Often Went to Services with Others
When grandma and grandad had visitors, they often attended services with grandma. Such visitors included Amy, Eva, Linda and Clarence Reeve, Auntie Dolly, Pearl Hodges, Florrie Booth, Auntie Bertha, Mrs Merry, Jim and Renie, and Arthur and Jessie Lofthouse. On 24 March 1968, Arthur Lofthouse took morning and afternoon services at Drayton Methodist Church. On one occasion, in September 1965, grandad noted that Amy played piano for the service and Auntie Dolly did the same on Boxing Day that year.
Grandad also noted that sometimes grandma went to services with Miss Cooke. On occasions, some of us went, including mum, Tricia, me and Alan.
Mum
For example, mum went with grandma to afternoon service on 14 May 1967.
Me
Although I have no clear memory of doing so, grandad noted that, on 8 May 1966, mum, grandma, Amy, Auntie Bertha and I went to afternoon service.
Alan
On 24 October 1965, grandma and grandad were looking after Alan and Liz. Grandma and Amy took Alan to afternoon service while grandad took Liz for a walk before handing her over to Betty. On 2 April 1967, Alan went with grandma to the afternoon service at Drayton Methodist Church while I stayed with grandad. The following year, on 11 August 1968, grandma and Amy took Alan to the afternoon service at Drayton Methodist Church. On 23 March 1969, grandma took Alan to the afternoon service at Drayton Methodist Church.
Caroline Douglas
Grandma also sometimes took Caroline Douglas, for example, on 8 January 1967 with Amy when Betty was in hospital, and also on 15 and 22 January that year
Evening and Special Services
There were also sometimes evening services at Drayton Methodist Church and there were also sometimes special services, for example on Good Friday and Christmas Day. Also, there were some weddings, see Chapter 89, and funerals, see Chapter 88.
Anniversaries
There were also anniversary services, for example, on 27 March and 3 April 1966. Grandad referred to these services as AS and I have assumed that stands for anniversary services. I have assumed these were chapel anniversaries as grandad noted the Sunday School anniversary taking place in June, e.g. in 1965, 1967 and 1969. In June 1968, grandad referred to “sermons” taking place and I presume he was referring to the Sunday School Anniversary as the timing coincided with when the Sunday School anniversary was held in other years. .
Harvest
Harvest Thanksgiving services were held in September each year.
Trial Service
On Thursday 2 March 1967, grandma, Eva and Miss Cooke went to a trial service at Drayton Methodist Church. I am not entirely sure what type of trial this was! Perhaps for a local preacher?
Carol Services
Grandma and others also gave carol services at the David Rice Hospital, see Chapter 88.
A Small Church
The church was relatively small although attendance varied. On 15 September 1968, grandad noted that there had only been six people and that included the preacher and the organist. Attendance was sometimes affected by poor weather. For example, in December 1969, grandad noted that there were only five people there, including the Minister, on account of the weather. In February 1969, grandad noted that grandma had to take the morning service as the preacher did not turn up because of bad weather.
Sunday School
At that time, there was a Sunday School at Drayton Methodist Church and grandma had some involvement although I don’t think she was as centrally involved as she had been in Kirkby. She did sometime take Sunday School, for example in August 1969, when the superintendent was on holiday.
Occasionally, she took some of us to Sunday School in Drayton although I do not recall this. For example, in July 1969, grandma took Liz and Caroline to Sunday School.
Sunday School Party
Each year, the Sunday School held a party in Drayton village hall in January or February and grandma often attended. In 1966 and 1968, these parties were in January and, in 1969, in February. In 1966, she took Tricia and Alan with her.
Sunday School Anniversary
It also seems that a Sunday School Anniversary was held in June. In February 1969, grandma went to Mr Bastin’s for a meeting about Sunday School.
Church People for Meals
Grandma also brought speakers and other people from church for meals. These included Rev Michael Parker, Miss Walker and others.
Miss Cooke
Grandma’s friend came for meals on several occasions.
Miss Cullin
Miss Cullin was the preacher at Drayton Methodist Church in July 1967 and February 1969 and, on both occasions, she came to grandma and grandad’s for tea.
Mrs Dane
Mrs Dane spoke at the Drayton ladies’ meeting in December 1965 and grandma brought her home for tea.
Rev Gilwhite
Grandma brought Rev Gilwhite for tea after the afternoon service on 16 May 1965. I found details of a Clifford Thomas Gilwhite who was born on 8 April 1905 and was ordained as a Wesleyan Minister in 1930. He died in Dorchester on 24 January 1978.
The Hayters
Mr and Mrs Hayter were members of Drayton Methodist Church who came to grandma’s for tea on 25 June 1965.
The Hodsons
Mr and Mrs Hodson were members of Drayton Methodist Church who lived close to grandma and grandad. Grandma and the Hodsons visited each other quite frequently between 1966 and 1969.
Rev Soy
Rev Soy was the preacher at the Harvest Thanksgiving at Drayton Methodist Church in September 1967. There were morning and afternoon services and he went for lunch (dinner) at grandma and grandad’s.
Bed and Breakfast
In November 1969, Rev Hayman called to see if grandma and grandad could provide bed and breakfast for a visitor to Mile Cross that day. They agreed and Rev Hayman brought him and he stayed one night. His name was Mr Nurcomb from Hove in Sussex.
Rev Hayman
Rev Hayman was the Minister at Mile Cross in the 1960s. Initially, I found two possibilities – Leslie Alan Douglas Hayman and Peter George Hayman. But, I think his name was actually Michael Hayman!
Mr Nurcomb
I think this may have been Peter Brian Nurcombe. With Colin Smith, in 1996, he wrote a history of Methodism in Hove.
We Sometimes Hosted Church People Too
While we also hosted people from church for meals, there are fewer details of this than in grandma’s case. This may be because this was actually the case or it may reflect that most information came from grandad’s diaries during this period. Examples included Mary Howard and Rev Warren.
Mary Howard
Mary Howard was a Methodist deaconess who stayed with us in April 1961, see Chapter 79.
Attending Services at Mile Cross
Grandma sometimes also attended services at Mile Cross including on occasions with us and also with friends and visitors, such as Amy, Eva, Miss Cooke, Linda Reeve, Arthur Lofthouse, Auntie Bertha, Miss Walker, Auntie Dolly and Irene Bell.
Lifts to Church
Sometimes, she got lifts there including with mum, Ron Douglas, Ken Bell and Simon Parkin when he was visiting. On one occasion, Tom Wilson took grandma, Amy and Eva and sat in his car waiting for them while they were at the service.
Special Services
Grandma sometimes attended special services, such as anniversary services in May 1967 and May 1968.
Midweek Events
Grandma also sometimes went to services and meetings at Mile Cross on other days than Sundays. For example, she attended a service on Monday 18 April 1966. I am not sure why.
Saturdays
On Saturday 11 May 1968, grandma and Eva attended a concert by the Drayton Silver Band, see Chapter 92, at Mile Cross Methodist Church.
Drayton Ladies’ Meeting
Grandma also attended the ladies’ meeting that she initiated in Drayton when she moved there in 1964, see Chapter 79.
Thursday Afternoons at Chapel
The Drayton Ladies’ Meeting was usually held on a Thursday afternoon at the chapel. Grandma also sometimes held meetings for ladies on other days of the week. For example, she had a British Women’s Temperance meeting at home on Monday 21 July 1969.
Anniversaries
Anniversaries of the ladies’ meeting starting were held each year in October. Amy attended all the anniversaries with grandma from 1966 to 1969.
Speakers
There was usually a speaker at these ladies’ meetings and these included Rev Michael Parker, Miss Walker and Rev Warren. Dad spoke there in February 1966.
Other Activities
Sometimes, there were other kinds of activities, including showing photos/slides, films, musical performances and bring and buy sales.
Photos/Slides
For example, in October 1969, mum showed photos of her trip to Iona.
Films
For example, in June 1969, a man from the “Deep Sea Fishermen” showed a film. I presume this was someone from the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen which is known as the Fishermen’s Mission. On 13 November 1969, a man from Barnardo’s was due to have given a film show but he did not turn up.
Musical Performances
On 2 January 1969, Tricia and her friend Rosemary played the recorder at the ladies’ meeting.
A Demonstration of Food Mixers
On 27 March 1969, a firm gave a demonstration on food mixers. The next day, grandma and grandad bought one of them. Grandad noted that it cost £14 14s.
Visitors Often Went to Ladies’ Meetings with Grandma
When grandma had visitors, they often attended these meetings with her. Such visitors included Amy, Eva, Linda Reeve, Minnie, Florrie Booth, Auntie Dolly, Auntie Bertha and Mrs Merry.
Grandma Also Sometimes Took Other People
Grandma also sometimes went with Mrs Collins and Caroline Douglas. On one occasion, grandma, Eva and Minnie took Caroline and her cousin Mark to the meeting. Grandma also sometimes took some of us although I do not recall these meetings. Apparently, grandma and Amy took Alan with them there in February 1967.
Ladies from Mile Cross Sometimes Attended These Meetings
Sometimes, ladies from Mile Cross attended the meetings.
Sometimes Meetings Were Held at Home
On occasions, grandma held the meetings at her house, particularly when the weather was cold, for example, in March 1965 and in January 1969. Other reasons for holding the meetings at her house included the electricity being off at chapel in March 1966, grandma having injured her leg in January 1969, repairs to the church in April and May 1969 and work laying sewers in the High Road in May 1969. In the case of church repairs in April and May 1969, meetings had to be held away from the church for four weeks while these repairs were carried out.
When Showing Slides
It also seemed that sometimes when they wanted to show photos/slides, the meetings were held at grandma’s house. This happened in December 1966 when grandma showed photos of Kirkby and in January 1969 when Mrs Cooper showed photographs of Africa and Mrs Noble showed photos of Wales and Cornwall.
Over the August Break
It seems that the ladies did not meet formally at the church in August each year. In 1969, grandad noted that there were no class meetings at Drayton Methodist Church during August. It seems that the ladies’ meetings were considered as one of the church’s class meetings. However, informal meetings were held in people’s homes during that month. People who hosted such meetings included grandma, Miss Cooke, Mrs Cooper, Mrs Noble and Mrs Pointer.
Meeting Up Outside Formal Meetings
There were also numerous occasions where one or more of the ladies met up outside formal meetings. For example, grandma had a few ladies round on a Monday afternoon in February 1967. In February 1968, grandad noted that grandma had a few ladies round in the afternoon “just for a chin wag and a cup of tea or coffee”. In May 1968, grandma had a few ladies round and Mrs Cooper told them about her trip to Africa and back.
Coffee Mornings
Sometimes, they held more organised coffee mornings, for example in September 1968 at Miss Cooke’s and then at Mrs Cooper’s and, in May 1969, at Mrs Cooper’s. In March 1969, grandad referred to grandma having a few ladies round for a cup of tea or coffee and, in April 1969, she had three ladies round for the afternoon. In January 1969, when grandma injured her leg and could not go to church, several visitors came after the afternoon service on the 26th. Grandma also carried out visits for the church, e.g. in December 1969.
Sometimes Meetings Were Cancelled
Occasionally, meetings were cancelled, for example in June 1965 when there was a funeral the same day and, in January 1968 and February 1969, because of snow. In February 1969, grandma hosted Miss Cooke and Mrs Kemp at home.
Attendance Levels
Attendance varied from five to 25. On 4 January 1968, there were only five there as most had colds or flu and, on 13 February 1969, there were only seven because of bad weather. On 4 December 1969, there were again only five there. Grandad concluded that this was a combination of cold weather and Christmas parties! On 21 November 1968, grandad noted that there were 25 at the ladies’ meeting which was the best since grandma had started it. This number was reached again on 9 October 1969.
Ladies’ Meetings at Mile Cross
Grandma also regularly attended the ladies’ meeting at Mile Cross which was held on a Wednesday afternoon.
She also sometimes took her visitors to these meetings. These included Amy, Eva, Auntie Dolly and Linda Reeve. She also went with other friends from Drayton including Mrs Collins and Miss Cooke.
On occasions, if she was looking after us, she took us with her. For example, on 22 September 1965, she took Alan and Liz to such a meeting. I do not recall attending these meetings with grandma.
Sometimes, she took Caroline Douglas. For example, on 29 September 1965, grandma and Linda Reeve took Caroline Douglas to this meeting when Betty had to go to the hospital. She also took Caroline on 24 May 1967.
The meetings presumably followed a similar format to those at Drayton but grandad noted fewer details. He did note that they had a film on the Holy Land in November 1967. In February 1969, grandma was the speaker at Mile Cross Ladies’ Meeting and, in November 1967, she took on the role of temporary vice-president.
Visitors from Trinity
On 25 May 1965, grandad noted that a party of ladies visited from Trinity Methodist Church in Kirkby. They arrived about noon and left at 6pm. We were there along with two ladies from Mile Cross and grandma, grandad, Tom and Amy. Grandad commented that there were 53 overall and that John (Smith) had come with them. He noted that there was a “bungalow full”.
Other Church Activities
In addition to services and the ladies meetings, there were various other activities at Drayton Methodist Church including film shows. For example, on Sunday 28 February 1965, there was a film show at church. Graham and Paul Douglas went with grandma.
The church organised a range of fundraising activities including jumble sales, sales of work and Autumn Fairs held at the village hall. Jumble sales were commonplace in the 1960s and 1970s but virtually non-existent now. The jumble sale in November 1969 raised £34. Grandma helped with these as did some of her visitors including Amy and Florrie Booth. Grandma also bought items. For example, in May 1966, she bought a pram for £1.
Church Outings
Grandma also went on church outings, often organised by the ladies’ groups to which she belonged.
Clacton
In June 1965, she went with Mile Cross ladies to Clacton.
Sunshine Bread Factory
In July 1965, she visited the Sunshine bread factory also with ladies from Mile Cross church. This was based on Aylsham Road in Norwich and they had a fleet of delivery vans. They merged with Matthes Bakery in Gorleston. They produced 350,000 loaves per week in factories in Gorleston and Norwich. Finally, they were taken over by Spillers in 1974 who then closed the company, bakery and shops.
Matthes Bread Factory
Interestingly, the next year, in June, she, Linda Reeve and Amy went on a Drayton ladies’ outing to Gorleston to go through Matthes Bread factory.
Walton and Clacton
In June 1965, grandma and Florrie and Arthur Booth went on a bus trip from Drayton Methodist Church to Walton and Clacton.
East Dereham
In October 1965, grandma and Miss Cooke went on a ladies’ trip to East Dereham.
Mackintosh’s Factory
In March 1966, grandma went with Drayton ladies to Mackintosh’s toffee factory in Norwich. This was a very well-known chocolate factory on Chapelfield Road where Chapelfield mall is currently. The factory was opened in 1880 by Caley’s which was taken over by Mackintosh in 1932. They traded as Mackintosh Caley but, in 1969, Rowntrees and Mackintosh merged forming Rowntree Mackintosh. This, in turn, was taken over by Nestle and the factory closed in 1996. Chapelfield mall opened in 2005.
My Recollections
I think everyone of a certain age from Norwich will remember this factory and the all-pervasive smell of chocolate that there was in that part of the city.
Certainly I do. In my view, many, if not most, will have visited the factory. I did, perhaps as part of a school trip. I always remember it as Mackintosh and there was quite a lot of hostility when it merged with/was taken over by Rowntrees. Dad always pointed out that it had originally been Caleys until it was taken over by Mackintosh.
Wisbech
In March 1966, grandma and Miss Cooke went on a ladies trip to Wisbech. Dad took them to Norwich and Mr Taylor brought them home.
My Fair Lady at Theatre Royal
Also that month, grandma went with Mile Cross ladies to see “My Fair Lady” at Theatre Royal in Norwich. Grandad noted that the ticket cost grandma 14/6.
In 1959, Tricia bought mum the record “My Fair Lady” for mothering Sunday, see Chapter 64. The Theatre Royal is the main theatre in Norwich. The current building, renowned for its art deco style, was constructed in 1935. It struggled from the mid-50s and, at one point, there was an application to convert it to a bingo hall. This was rejected and, in 1967, the council purchased the theatre and established a trust to run it. Since the early 1970s, the theatre had enjoyed something of a renaissance.
Colmans
In September 1966, mum and grandma went to Colmans factory in Norwich on a ladies’ outing, see Chapter 79 for details of an earlier visit there with the ladies from Trinity Methodist Church in Kirkby.
Milk Marketing Board Factory
In April 1967, grandma went on a combined trip of the ladies from Mile Cross and Drayton to see the factory of the Milk Marketing Board. The Milk Marketing Board was a producer-run product marketing board that ran from 1933 to 1994. The factory was located in Harford where Tesco is now. It opened in 1937 and closed in 1990.
Gorleston
In May 1967, grandma went on an outing with Mile Cross ladies to Gorleston.
Cadbury’s in Birmingham
In June 1967, mum went with Drayton ladies to Cadbury’s in Birmingham. Grandma, Florrie and Arthur Booth went too. Grandma organised the trip and the cost was thirty shillings per person. I assume this was the Bournville factory that mum had visited in 1952, see Chapter 52, and the Trinity ladies visited in 1960.
Mundesley
The next month, in July 1967, grandma and Eva went on the Drayton Methodist Church Sunday School outing to Mundesley.
Sheringham and Weybourne
In December 1967, grandma went with a ladies’ party to Sheringham for dinner and then to a meeting at Weybourne Methodist Church. This is a small chapel which is accessed by a narrow path between cottages. The Sheringham Methodist Church website has quite a lot of information about the history of this chapel. Grandma made similar trips in both 1968 and 1969.
Betabake
In March 1968, the Drayton ladies went to Betabake in Norwich. I don’t know if the ladies’ groups were obsessed with bread and baking but this was another bakery that they visited. Betabake was established in 1963 as a subsidiary of Cranfield Brothers. A new bakery was opened in 1966 and this may be why the ladies wanted to visit it. In 1972, Cranfields was acquired by Associated British Foods and Betabake bakeries became part of Allied Bakeries.
Cromer and Sheringham
In May 1968, grandma and Eva went on a ladies’ outing to Cromer and Sheringham. In Sheringham, they visited the NCHO. They took Liz with them.
According to an article in the United Methodist newssheet, in 1915, NCHO in Sheringham had opened a special branch for the convalescent sons of service men. However, based on information on the Children’s Homes website, Westcroft, located at 15-17 Hooks Hill Road in Sheringham only opened in 1917. Initially, they catered mainly for the orphans of soldiers and sailors but this was broadened to include any orphan or destitute child. The home closed in 1974 and number 15 has been used as a holiday centre for disabled children and adults while number 17 housed a residential family assessment unit. As of 2013, the buildings were awaiting demolition.
ITV Studios
In May 1968, grandma and Eva went with others from Drayton Methodist Church to look round the ITV studios, probably Anglia House.
Shotesham
In June 1968, grandma organised a bus party to go to Shotesham in the afternoon for a bring-and-buy sale at the Methodist Church. It appears that this was a United Free Methodist Church constructed in 1879 and closed in 2003. It was converted to residential use. The date of construction and the words “Free Methodist Church” are still visible on the front wall.
In May 1969, grandma and Eva went on a ladies’ outing to a garden party at Shotesham. I don’t know for sure if this was linked to the Methodist Church or not but I suspect it was.
Nottingham, Newstead Abbey and Kirkby
The next month, in July 1968, grandma organised a bus trip to Nottingham, Newstead Abbey, see Chapter 31, and Kirkby.
Bury St Edmunds
In October 1968, grandma went with other ladies to Bury St Edmunds for a Methodist women’s missionary meeting. I don’t know exactly where this meeting was held but for the last two years of her life mum lived at The Martins care home in Bury and we used to take her to Trinity Methodist Church on a Sunday. The meeting may have been held there.
Coltishall
In November 1968, grandma went to Coltishall with others from Drayton Methodist Church on a bus organised by the Good Companions.
Good Companions
While there are many possible uses of the term Good Companions, it seems to be used in Methodist circles for friendship groups particularly focused on the over 60s.
Maternity Hospital
In May 1969, grandma and Mrs Smith went with other ladies to visit the maternity hospital, see Chapter 88.
Clacton
In July 1969, grandma, Florrie, Arthur, Mrs Smith and Mrs Collins went with a group of ladies from Mile Cross to Clacton.
Bedford
That same month, a week later, grandma organised a trip to Bedford. Jim and Renie met them there and came back with them.
Sheringham
In September 1969, grandma and Auntie Dolly went with a bus party of women to Sheringham.
Mile Cross Sunday School
During this period, we were involved in Sunday School at Mile Cross Methodist Church and, for at least some of the time, at Hellesdon Community Centre too. On 22 August 1965, grandma went to Hellesdon Sunday School. Dad picked her up and she walked home. On 10 April 1966, mum referred to “the children” going to Sunday School.
The Diaries Have Relatively Few Details
Relatively few details of our involvement are recorded but I suspect this reflects mum’s diaries petering out and increased reliance on grandad who had less direct interest in our day-to-day experiences of Sunday School than mum might have had.
Sometimes Grandma Was Involved in Our Sunday School Activities
Grandad mainly noted anything related to our Sunday School only when grandma was involved in it. This included when she attended regular activities, for example in April 1965, and Sunday School Anniversaries in 1965 and 1968.
On 9 May 1965, mum noted that it was Mile Cross Sunday School Anniversary. Grandad noted that grandma attended this in the afternoon. On 23 May 1965, grandad noted that grandma and Amy went to the Sunday School Anniversary at Hellesdon. On the afternoon of 23 June 1968, grandad noted that grandma went to Tricia’s “sermons” at Hellesdon, that is the Sunday School Anniversary.
Sunday School Trips to the Pantomime
In January 1968, when he was noting who had been to see the pantomime “Robin Hood”, grandad noted that I had been with a party from Sunday School.
There was quite a detailed article about this in “The Stage” on 4 January 1968 and I found details on the Find My Past website. According to this, this was the first pantomime that had been put on at the theatre since it came under City Council control. The role of dame was shared between Ken Platt and Sandy Lane while Don Rennie played Robin Hood. Leonie Collins played Maid Marion and Ted Dwyer, producer and part author, played the role of Sheriff of Nottingham. Others involved included the Cornells, the Ramoni Brothers, magician Brian Eames, Julie Austin, Megan Hopes, the Nelson Firth Corps de Ballet and the Anglia Academy Juveniles.
Christmas Party
Mum also sometimes noted special Sunday School events, such as the Christmas party in December 1966.
Church Services
We also sometimes attended church services. For example, in April 1966, mum referred to dad, Tricia and me going to church. On Christmas Day 1966, mum noted that P & R went to service. This might have meant me and Tricia or Tricia and dad (Roy). I think the former is more likely because of the order of the P and the R. In March 1969, mum, dad, and I were involved in a practice at Mile Cross Methodist Church and, in May 1969, there was a children’s concert at Mile Cross. Grandma, Eva and Mrs Collins came for this. I am not sure if the practice and the concert were linked. If they were, I would have expected more practices but perhaps there were and grandad just did not record them.
Scripture Exams
We were also involved in Scripture examinations during this period, as mum had been in the 1940s and 50s, see Chapter 38, although there is very little mention of this in the diaries. In March 1966, mum noted that Tricia did a Scripture examination. She would have still been seven years old. In March 1968, grandad noted that grandma helped with the Scripture examinations in Drayton.
Although the diaries do not record this, I certainly took Scripture examinations during this period as mum kept some of my certificates. I do recall taking these examinations and remember hating them! I stopped taking them and attending church in the early 1970s.
Girls’ Brigade
Tricia was also involved in Girls’ Brigade during this period, although again few details are recorded in the diaries. In September 1967, Grandad did note that Tricia went to a Girls’ Brigade parade at Park Lane Methodist Church. It seems that we were at grandma and grandad’s for Sunday afternoon as usual but Tricia did not stay for tea as she was picked up early to go to this parade.
Boys’ Brigade
My recollections are that, of the four of us, Alan had the most involvement in these brigades, Boys’ Brigade in his case. But, this would mostly have been later than this, i.e. in the 1970s.
Scouts and Guides
As far as I recall, I was never involved in Boys’ Brigade preferring to be involved in the Scouts instead. In the early 70s, I wanted nothing to do with church or Christianity and the Christian basis of the Boys’ Brigade put me off.
Clearly, Tricia had some involvement in Girls’ Brigade but I think she was also active in the Guides too. I don’t recall Liz being in the Girls’ Brigade but she may have been. I don’t really know if mum was ever involved in the Girls’ Brigade. Earlier diaries refer to the Boys’ Brigade, see Chapter 38, and the Girl’s (Life) Brigade, see particularly Chapter 79.
JMA
Another thing we were involved in at the time was collecting for JMA. This apparently now stands for Junior Mission for All. However, it originally stood for Juvenile and then Junior Missionary Association, which is the name I recall. It was also sometimes referred to as Junior Missionary Society or JMS. Essentially, the purpose remains the same of fundraising for what are now called the Methodist Church’s World Mission Fund and Mission in Britain Fund.
Collecting Boxes
I remember having a collecting box. There were various styles of collecting boxes used for JMA at different times. The one shaped as a church seems to be like the ones I recall.
At the end of the year, we received a stamp or certificate showing the amount we had collected and, if it was more than £5, we received a bar-like medal.
Certificates and Medals
Among mum’s papers, I found my certificate for the period from 1961 to 1968. This means that I was collecting for JMA from when I was one year old! It is interesting to note that dad signed my certificate as Secretary. I also found three sets of medals. I assume that the ones for 1936 to 1950 are mum’s and that the ones from 1963 to 1972 are mine. The third set from 1966 to 1979 might have been Liz’s or Alan’s. In addition, among mum’s papers, I found a letter, card and medal relating to long-service for JMA, that is having collected more than £5 for ten years.
JMA Rallies
There were also circuit-level JMA activities and, in March 1965, both mum and grandma went into Norwich for a JMA Circuit Rally. Grandad referred to it as ILB but I don’t know what this stood for. In March 1966, Tricia and Alan went to such a rally. I did not go as I had gone to Kevin Frost’s party.
Special Services
There were also sometimes special services at Mile Cross Methodist Church.
Men’s Services
For example, a men’s service was held in the morning of 21 February 1965.
JMA Services
For example, JMA services were held in the afternoons of 21 February 1965 and 13 March 1966.
Home Missions Services
For example, there was a Home Missions service in February 1966. There was also a Home Missions film service in March 1965. On 22 June 1967, mum went to a Home Missions meeting at Mile Cross. The speaker was Norwyn Denny from Notting Hill. She may have also heard him speak in 1965 as she referred to going to Chapelfield Road to hear a Minister from Notting Hill speak. She did not name him on that occasion.
Overseas Missions Services
On 15 October 1966, mum noted that there was an overseas missions weekend and that Rev W Mann ex-Nigeria was the speaker. She referred to the 16th as overseas mission Sunday.
Harvest Festival
For example there was a Harvest Festival in September 1966. On the 24th, mum referred to the Minister’s Birthday Party. I am not sure what she meant but perhaps it was the Minister’s birthday that day. On the 25th, mum noted that Lord Hilton had been the speaker.
Chapel Anniversary
The chapel anniversary took place in July and, in 1966, David Wheeler was the speaker. Mum noted going back to the Taylors after the service, which was where David Wheeler was staying.
Service Taken by Bungay YC
In March 1966, mum referred to Bungay YC taking the service. I assume YC stands for youth club.
Valedictory and Leaving Services
In September 1965, there was a valedictory service for Neville and Yvonne Platten. I assume he had been the Minister at Mile Cross. I have found some details of him when he worked in Wolverhampton in the 1970s and he established an interfaith group. In August 1968, there was a leaving service for Rev Warren. Mr Bastin gave grandma a lift in his car.
Welcoming Services
In September 1968, grandma went with Miss Garrod and Miss Cooke to a service at Mile Cross to welcome the new Minister. I am not entirely sure who this was.
Services at Hellesdon Community Centre
There were also sometimes services at Hellesdon Community Centre, for example on 2 July 1967.
Christmas Services
There were also sometimes special services for Christmas at Mile Cross and elsewhere. For example, mum referred to attending a carol service at school in December 1965. I assume this is referring to the school in Kinsale Avenue.
New Year Services
Similarly, there were also sometimes special activities and services at New Year. For example, on New Year’s Eve 1965, mum went to a Beetle Drive, see Chapter 69, and Watchnight Service. On New Year’s Eve 1966, mum went to a supper, social and watchnight service. Grandad noted that dad went too and that grandma babysat for us.
In keeping with Methodist tradition and practice, see Chapter 54, there were covenant services early in the New Year. For example, in January 1966, mum attended a covenant service at Calvert Street Methodist Church.
Particular Preachers
Mum sometimes noted who the preacher was at chapel.
Rev Malcolm Carter
Rev Malcolm Carter was preacher for the day in July 1966. He was a Methodist Minister in Norwich in the 1970s and features fairly prominently in mum’s diaries of that period along with his wife Christine. I have had some recent communications with him. He wrote a number of books including “Confessions” and “More Confessions of a Methodist Minister”. I had been trying to get copies without success and that search led me to him. He provided me with copies of two of his books and I managed to find copies of two others elsewhere.
I had been in contact with him previously as he was on mum’s mailing list with his wife Sheila, who presumably was his second wife. I am not sure that he recalled meeting mum in 1966. He told me that he met her when he moved to Norwich in 1971. I vaguely recall his son Christopher. He played the guitar and I was trying to learn, unsuccessfully, so mum put us in touch. I think she also hoped he would be a positive influence on me! That was probably no more successful than learning the guitar!
Arthur Lofthouse
In April 1967, Arthur Lofthouse preached at Mile Cross in the morning and at Drayton in the afternoon.
Rev J Buxton
Rev J Buxton came for the day in July 1967 for the overseas missions anniversary.
Liz’s Christening
On 10 October 1965, Liz was christened at Mile Cross Methodist Church. Somewhat surprisingly, mum did not mention it but, by then, her diary entries were very sporadic. Grandad did mention it although I am pretty sure he did not attend. I don’t know if anything can be read into that or not. I think he did attend Tricia’s christening in August 1958 as he said “we all” went. However, I am less clear as to whether grandad did or did not attend my christening in October 1960 or Alan’s in August 1962. While both diaries mention both events, neither are clear on grandad’s attendance at either christening. In the case of Liz’s christening, I am confident grandad did not go. He noted that grandma and Linda Reeve went and that Clarence Reeve took them by car.
Other Methodist Churches
Not least because of the Methodist circuit system, grandma especially, but also mum and dad, went to various events at other Methodist churches and chapels across the circuit and wider district. Reasons for this included for fellowship meetings. circuit meetings, to discuss the planned merger of the Methodist and Anglican churches and for a variety of other events.
Services
Services that grandma attended at other Methodist churches included a service of hymns at Chapelfield Road in May 1967. In 1967 and 1968, grandma attended the Harvest Festival in Taverham. In 1967, Linda Reeve went with her and, in 1968, Amy did.
Days of Prayer
In February 1967, grandma and Amy went to the Chapelfield Road Methodist Church Day of Prayer. Grandad and Tom waited for them in the car.
Musical Performances
Am example of such performances includes the Messiah on Good Friday in 1966. In October 1967, grandma and Miss Cooke went to Chapelfield Road for a sale and concert. Gipsy Smith’s granddaughter was in the concert. In March 1969, grandma and some ladies went in Mr Bastin’s car to a musical show at Taverham Methodist Church.
Garden Parties
In August 1966, grandma, Amy, Auntie Dolly and Eva went to a garden party at Little Melton. However, I have not found any record of a Methodist church in Little Melton so presumably it was elsewhere.
Coffee Mornings/Evenings
In November 1967, grandma went to a coffee morning in Norwich. In August 1968, grandma and Eva went to a coffee morning in Wymondham. They took a lady from Taverham with them. In July 1969, Tom, Amy, grandma and Mrs Smith all went to a coffee evening in Costessey.
Suppers
In September 1969, mum took grandma, two other ladies and Tricia to a supper at Taverham Methodist Church hall. Given the time of year, might this have been a Harvest Supper?
Bring-and-Buy Sales
On 27 July 1967, mum, grandma and Eva went to a bring-and-buy sale at Caistor St Edmunds near Poringland. I don’t know if this event was at or related to a church. As far as I know there is no Methodist church or chapel in Caistor St Edmunds. There were other kinds of sales. For example, in October 1967, grandma and Miss Cooke went to Chapelfield Road for a sale and concert.
Jumble Sales
Grandma helped at jumble sales in Taverham in April 1968 and 1969. In 1968, Eva went with her and, in 1969, Amy did.
Women’s Meetings
These included specific events such as Women’s World Day of Prayer. Mum specifically attended circuit Young Wives’ meetings and services.
Missionary Meetings
Some of the meetings were referred to as WF or WW meetings. Initially, I did not know what these were referring to. It seems that WW was referring to Women’s Work which was a movement of women supporting training and care for women missionaries, and raising awareness and money for work overseas. It merged with Women’s Fellowship (WF) in 1987 to form the Women’s Network for the Methodist Church.
In September 1966, mum referred to there being an Overseas Mission Flower Festival at Chapelfield Road. Grandad noted that grandma went there and that Drayton had a display. On the 30th, we children went with mum and grandma to the show at Chapelfield Road. On 1 October, grandma was at Chapelfield Road and Tom and Amy went there. In April 1969, grandma read the lesson at a Women’s Work meeting at Chapelfield Road.
JMA Rallies
In April 1967, grandma went to a JMS show at Chapelfield Road. In April 1969, grandma and Mrs Smith went to Chapelfield Road for a JMA rally.
Home Missions Meetings
Examples of such meetings included in Shotesham in February, in Drayton, Hethersett, Framingham (Earl?) and Thurlton in March and Bawburgh and Chapelfield Road in April 1967.
Also, in February 1967, mum noted that dad went to Richmond home missions. I don’t know if this was referring to Richmond in London or somewhere else.
In March 1967, mum noted that dad went to Ipswich but it was not completely clear if that was in a home missions context.
District Meetings
In October 1967, grandma went with a party of ladies to a district meeting in Ipswich.
Synods
On 15 September 1965, mum noted that dad went to Synod in Wymondham. In fact the note said “Roy goes to Synod at Wymondham” which implies that mum was also using the diary as an appointments calendar. I have assumed the Synod was held at the Methodist Church.
On 10 and 11 May 1967, grandma went to Chapelfield Road to help with meals at the district Synod. In September 1969, Miss Walker called for grandma to take her to Synod at Upwell.
Multiple Categories
Some meetings fell into multiple of these categories. For example, the meeting mum and grandma attended in King’s Lynn in March 1965 was a district meeting related to women’s support for missions.
Chapels and Churches Visited
Mum and grandma visited a wide range of different Methodist churches and chapels.
Attleborough
In March 1965, mum went to Attleborough with Miss Walker and Mary Rew. When I first started researching the diaries, there was a Methodist Church in Attleborough with a listing on the district website and its own website and Facebook page. However, none of those are accessible. It looks as if the church has closed and the building put up for sale. According to the former church website, the building on London Street had been used since 1913. It was designed by Augustus Scott and was a Primitive Methodist chapel. The Primitive Methodists had, prior to that, met in a building on Chapel Road that went on to be used by the Salvation Army. There was also a Wesleyan Chapel but this was demolished in the late 1950s.
Bawburgh
Grandma and Auntie Bertha attended a Methodist meeting in Bawburgh in May 1966. A Wesleyan chapel was established here in Church Street in 1849. On Google, there is a building there labelled Methodist Chapel but the date on the building is 1866. There also appears to have been a United Free Methodist Church in Bawburgh but this appears to have closed in 1965. I also came across a publication by W A Green that was called special centenary celebrations and covered the period 1866 to 1966. This would tie in with the date on the building. I am not completely convinced that there were two Methodist chapels in Bawburgh. There may only have been one, the United Free Methodist one, and that may have been misidentified as Wesleyan.
Calvert Street
For details of this church, see Chapter 79.
Central Hall Yarmouth
For details of this church, see Chapter 52.
Chapelfield Road
For details of Chapelfield Road Church, see Chapter 79. There were a lot of different meetings here, presumably because this was the lead church within the circuit. In October 1965, grandma and Amy went to a meeting here at which the President of Conference, Rev Walker Lee, spoke.
In February 1966, mum, grandma and Miss Cooke went to Chapelfield Road to hear Pauline Webb, the Vice-President of the Methodist Conference. There were WF and WW meetings morning and afternoon.
Costessey
There is a Methodist Church in Costessey and the building was erected in 1963 and opened in 1964. There is a detailed history of Methodism in Costessey on the My Primitive Methodists website.
Framingham Earl
Grandad noted that grandma and Eva went to a missionary effort in Framingham in September 1965 and I have assumed he was referring to the Methodist Church in Framingham Earl. Apparently, the extension was built by Eddie Cogman a local builder and Methodist.
Framlingham
On 6 April 1967, grandma went with Miss Walker to a coffee morning at Framlingham. While grandad’s diary clearly says Framlingham, is it likely that they would have gone 35 miles for a coffee morning? Could he have meant Framingham (Earl)? There is a Methodist Church in Framlingham that is currently combined with the United Reformed Church. There is an excellent account of the history of the church on its website. The current church building was the old People’s Hall which the Free Methodists had purchased in 1885. In November 1967, grandma went with Miss Garrod to a meeting at Framlingham Methodist Church.
Heartsease Lane
For details of this church, see Chapter 79.
Hethersett
In later life, mum lived in Hethersett and was a member of Hethersett Methodist Church. In March 1967, she went on home missions there. The building is based on a chapel constructed in 1922 which was extended in a major way in the early 1980s.
Ipswich
There are a number of Methodist Churches in Ipswich including in Alan Road, Bramford Road, Chantry, Landseer Road and Museum Street. I am not sure which, if any, of these dad visited when he went to Ipswich in 1967. Grandma also attended a district meeting in Ipswich in 1967 and I don’t know if this was held at one of these churches or elsewhere.
King’s Lynn
In March 1965, grandma and mum went to a district meeting in King’s Lynn. Mum referred to this as the WW Spring Council. They did not say explicitly that the meeting was held in a church but I guess it was. As might be expected, there are a number of Methodist churches in King’s Lynn.
Highgate is a small church close to the town centre. It was originally a Primitive Methodist chapel. North Lynn Methodist Church is located on the North Lynn estate. The church in London Road was also a Primitive Methodist chapel. According to the district website, it dates from 1854 but the My Primitive Methodists website dates it to 1859. My guess is that this is the most likely location for their meeting but I am not sure.
Apparently, there was a Wesleyan chapel on Tower Street but it was demolished in around 1965. There was another Wesleyan chapel in Pilot Street. Apparently, this closed in 1932. But, it may have been the North End Primitive Methodist Chapel in John Kennedy Road which closed in 1932 when it was amalgamated with Pilot Street chapel. This building is still standing and now houses the business Colin Dawson Windows and Doors. There was also a Wesleyan chapel in West Lynn that opened in 1845 and closed in 2012.
Lowestoft
In March 1965, mum went to Lowestoft with Miss Walker. See Chapter 79 for details of Methodist churches in Lowestoft.
Martham
In March 1965, mum went to Martham with Miss Walker and Mary Rew. The Methodist Church in Martham dates from 1880. It was originally a Primitive Methodist chapel.
Park Lane
For details of this church, see Chapter 79.
Rosebery Road
For details of this church, see Chapter 79.
Shotesham
Some details of meetings attended in Shotesham have been given earlier in this chapter. Grandma also attended overseas mission events there in July 1965.
Southwold
On 22 June 1966, mum went to Southwold with Miss Walker, Mrs Foster and Mrs Taylor. There is a Methodist Church in Southwold. This was a Wesleyan chapel and was founded in 1835.
Taverham
For details of this church, see Chapter 79.
Thurlton
Dad went to Thurlton for home missions in March 1967. There was a Wesleyan chapel in Thurlton. It was founded in 1856 but closed before 1990. It appears to have been on Slip Road in Lower Thurlton but I cannot find any building that looks like a chapel on that road currently. There may also have been a United Methodist chapel in Thurlton from 1866 to 1978. However, it is also possible that the different descriptions are of the same chapel.
Upwell
In March 1965, mum went to Upwell with Miss Walker and Mary Rew. Upwell Methodist Church is described as a community church which was built in 1956. It is on Town Street and is quite close to the old Wesleyan chapel that has been converted to housing. There was also a Primitive Methodist chapel on New Road, opposite the Five Bells Inn. It is in residential use but there is a plaque on the wall which identifies that it was the former Primitive Methodist chapel, that it was built in 1836 and was renovated in 2006.
Wymondham
Dad went to Synod in Wymondham in September 1965. I have assumed the Synod was held at the Methodist Church. The church was built in 1872 and is a Grade II listed building. It was originally a Primitive Methodist chapel.
Quarterly Circuit Meetings
There appear to have been a series of regular quarterly circuit meetings and these were held in various churches and chapels including Chapelfield Road, Drayton, Mile Cross, Rosebery Road, Shotesham and Thurlton. Mum, dad and grandma sometimes attended these. In March 1966, mum noted that dad went to a quarterly meeting. However, on the same day, grandad noted that mum and grandma went to a quarterly meeting at Chapelfield Road.
Closure of Calvert Street
In June 1966, mum attended a service related to the closing of Calvert Street Chapel.
New Chapel at Sheringham
In 1968, various family members went to see the new Methodist Church in Sheringham. In August 1968, grandma, grandad, Tom, Amy and Alan went to see it while they were visiting Sheringham. The next month, in September, mum took grandma and Auntie Dolly to see the church and they came back on the bus via Cromer.
Until 1966, Sheringham had two Methodist chapels, on Station Road and Beeston Road respectively. The former was a Primitive Methodist Chapel and the latter was United Methodist. Work on the new chapel on Cromer Road started in 1967 with the foundation stone being laid in September of that year. The new church, St Andrew’s opened in June 1968.
Joint Services
Sometimes, mum noted that there were joint services involving Mile Cross Methodist Church and other churches, including St Catherine’s, see Chapter 79. Mum noted a joint service at St Catherine’s in January 1965 and at Mile Cross in January 1966.
Grandma also noted similar joint services between Drayton Methodist Church and other churches, including Drayton Parish Church. This church is known as St Margaret’s.
Joint services were particularly held for special events, such as Harvest Thanksgiving and Christmas. There were joint services in Drayton in July 1965, in September 1965 (for harvest), on Christmas Day 1965, in January 1966, on Christmas Day 1966, in January 1968 and in October 1968 (again for harvest).
Involvement with Other Churches Beyond Methodism
Grandma especially was involved in activities with other churches beyond the Methodist Church. Such activities included weddings, services and other activities.
Confirmations
In March 1968, grandma went to Drayton Parish Church for Paul Douglas’ confirmation by the Bishop of Thetford, who at that time, was Eric Cordingly.
Ladies’ Days of Prayer
Such activities included one at St Peter Mancroft in February 1966.
Temperance Meetings
These included one in April 1969 at Gunton Baptist in Lowestoft. In October 1969, grandma organised a bus to King’s Lynn for a British Women’s Temperance meeting.
Flower Festivals
This included one, in September 1965, at Norwich Cathedral.
Bible Society Meetings
For example, there was one. in March 1966, which grandad referred to as B&FBS (British and Foreign Bible Society), see Chapter 79.
Billy Graham Relays
For example, there were such relays at the Corn Exchange in June 1966 and at a cinema on Prince of Wales Road in June 1967.
Musical Performances
For example, on Good Friday in 1965, grandma and Auntie Dolly went to Drayton Church of England to hear Stainer’s Crucifixion.
Films
In March 1967, grandma, Auntie Dolly, Renie, Jim, Tricia and I went to the Gaumont Cinema to see “The Bible”. I presume it was the film “The Bible: In the Beginning”.
Visits Just to See the Church
An example of such a visit was to Taverham church with Clarence and Linda Reeve in April 1965. In September 1967, grandma, grandad, Linda and Clarence made a trip to Hunstanton. Grandad noted that they tried to see “San church” but could not get inside. I presume this is referring to the church in Sandringham?
Churches Beyond Methodism
The diaries mention activities in various churches beyond Methodist ones.
Drayton Parish Church
When Ken Hodges was visiting grandma and grandad, in April and August 1965, he attended Drayton Parish Church in the morning and evening.
Gunton Baptist Church
Grandad described this as Gunton Road Baptist Church.
Princes Street Congregational Church
Grandma attended quite a number of meetings at this church which grandad sometimes referred to as on Princess Street. This was built in the 19th century and, in 1972, became a United Reformed Church. 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.
Norwich Cathedral
See Chapter 79. On 15 December 1969, mum, dad and grandma went to Norwich Cathedral. Tricia and other girls from Norwich High School were singing there. On Christmas Eve 1969, mum, grandma and Auntie Dolly went to the midnight service at the Cathedral.
The Salvation Army in Mile Cross
For details, see here.
The Salvation Army Hall in Norwich
This probably refers to the Citadel in St Giles Street in Norwich.
St Mary Magdalene’s Sandringham
This refers to the Anglican church close to Sandringham House attended by members of the royal family.
St Mary’s Hellesdon
For details of this, see Chapter 89.
St Peter Mancroft
This is an Anglican church in the centre of Norwich.
Surrey Chapel
This is a free evangelical church in Norwich.
Taverham Parish Church
This is St Edmund’s Church.
Religious Events at Venues Other Than Churches.
Grandma also sometimes attended religious events at venues other than churches.
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity at the Hewett School
For example, in January 1966, she and Miss Walker went to activities for a Week of Prayer for Christian Unity at the Hewett School, the secondary school I later attended.
Billy Graham Relay at the Corn Exchange
In June 1966, mum noted going to a Billy Graham relay at Corn Exchange. I found this potentially odd as the Corn Exchange in Exchange Street was built in 1861 and, according to Wikipedia, was demolished in 1964. However, it seems the corn exchange was transferred to the new livestock market at Harford and there were recollections on the Norwich Remembers Facebook group of big screens being erected there and used for such relays.
Billy Graham Relay at a Cinema
In June 1967, mum went to a similar relay at a cinema on Prince of Wales Road. This was again a relay of a rally in London. The cinema on Prince of Wales Road opened as the Regent in 1923, It was renamed ABC in 1961. It was divided into three cinemas in 1973. It was taken over by Cannon Cinemas in 1986. All cinemas closed in the early 2000s and the Mercy Nightclub opened in 2003. This itself closed in 2018 and there were plans to convert the site to flats.
“The Bible” at the Gaumont Cinema
In March 1967, a group of us saw the film “The Bible” at the Gaumont Cinema, see Chapter 92.
A Film on Billy Graham’s Mission Work at Stuart Hall
.In November 1968, grandma went with David Johnson and others to the Stuart Hall, see Chapter 92, in Norwich to see a film on Billy Graham’s mission work.
“The Messiah” at St Andrew’s Hall
In March 1969, mum and grandma went to St Andrew’s Hall, see Chapter 79 for a performance of “The Messiah”.
Discussions of an Anglican/Methodist Merger
There were a lot of meetings during this period to discuss a possible merger between the Anglican and Methodist churches, see also Chapter 79. In January 1969, grandma went with Miss Garrod to Chapelfield Road for a meeting about union with the Church of England. Grandad noted that there had been a national week of meetings on this topic. Also in January, grandma went to a meeting at Mr Bastin’s on the same topic. In February 1969, grandma went to another uniting church meeting at Chapelfield Road Methodist Church.
A Spiritualist Meeting
I found an interesting note that, in May 1969, mum and dad attended a spiritualist meeting. This is of interest to me because dad eventually became a regular attender of the spiritualist church in Norwich while I always thought mum was hostile towards spiritualism. I don’t know if there was any specific reason why mum and dad went at this time. I had thought it might have related to a specific bereavement but dad’s father, for example, did not die until the following year. Perhaps it just reflected dad’s interest in spiritualism.
Belvoir Street
Towards the end of this period, mum was increasingly attending Belvoir Street Wesley Reformed Church.
The Chapel
The location of this chapel is now residential, Charles Wesley court. There was a chapel there from 1869 until 1988 when the site was redeveloped.
The Wesleyan Reform Union
The Wesleyan Reform Union is still in existence and is described as an independent Methodist connexion. It was established in 1859 by a group of reformers who had been expelled from the Wesleyan Methodist church and who did not join the United Methodist Free Churches. The main difference between the Wesleyan Reform Union and the Methodist church was that churches in the Wesleyan Reform Union were self-governing.
Mum Attended from June 1968
The first mention of mum attending was in June 1968 when grandad noted that grandma went there with mum in the evening, although he referred to it as Bethel Street. Grandma went there again with mum in both August and September in 1968 and on various occasions in 1969. Amy and Auntie Dolly also went with them on separate occasions.
On 26 September 1968, grandad noted that Tom took grandma and Amy to Belvoir Street where mum “was made a member (or something like that)”. Other people who went to Belvoir Street on occasions with mum included Miss Walker, Mrs Smith and Mrs Noble. Auntie Dolly went with mum on a number of occasions.
My Recollections
I have some recollections of mum going to services and activities at Belvoir Street but, as far as I recall, we did not go there as a family. I don’t think we ever “belonged” there in the same way as we did at Mile Cross or later at Park Lane.
Other Family Members Had Some Involvement
Some of us did have some involvement there. For example, Tricia played the recorder there with other girls in February 1969 and, in May 1969, dad went to an evening service.
It Was Mum Who Was Mainly Involved
But, it was mum who was mainly involved there. On 17 May 1969, she attended a healing service there and, the following day, while dad and the four of us went to grandma and grandad’s for tea, mum stayed at Belvoir Street for her tea.
I Don’t Really Understand This
I confess that I don’t fully understand mum’s involvement in Belvoir Street church. It may be that it indicates a dissatisfaction with Mile Cross Methodist Church which could be implied from elsewhere in the diaries, see Chapter 79. But, if that were the case, I don’t really understand why we did not move to Belvoir Street as a family. Perhaps it was part of the growing distance between mum and dad with mum building a circle of friends and church contacts separate from those she had with dad. Perhaps mum was seeking a different spiritual experience and understanding from what she could find in mainstream Methodism. I don’t know if any of this was linked to her mental health struggles at the time, see Chapter 88.
Gwen Hart
During this period, one of mum’s friends mentioned by grandad was Gwen Hart. She was an artist and grandad noted that she had done a very good pencil sketch of mum. In August 1968, grandad noted that Gwen had an exhibition at the Assembly Rooms, see Chapter 83. Grandma went to this exhibition with Edna Bust. I don’t know if Gwen was involved with the Belvoir Street church but, in June 1969, grandad noted that mum and Gwen went on holiday to Iona. I have vague recollections of Gwen and think I do recall her exhibition at the Assembly Rooms. At that time, I would have been eight.
Iona
Grandad noted mum and Gwen’s trip to Iona very briefly. He recorded that this was from 13 to 22 June 1969 and that they went by train. There are no entries about this in mum’s diary which she was not actively keeping at the time. However, I do have a folder of items related to the Iona trip which seem to be related to a presentation mum made of this trip on 29 June 1969 at Drayton Methodist Church.
Presentations of Her Trip
Mum may well have made other presentations but this is the one grandad recorded. He noted that she used Rev Michael Parker’s projector. Mum was friendly with him. She delivered Christmas parcels for him and she, grandma and Liz dropped him at a conference when they were visiting St Leonards.
Part of Iona’s Summer Programme
It is clear from these materials that this was not just a holiday but was part of a summer programme organised by the Iona Community. From the dates, it seems that they went to the first of eleven weeks of the summer programme which was for women only and which was led by Ian Reid, the community’s leader at the time. The daily programme involved devotional and educational sessions mornings and evenings with free time in the afternoons. The booklets and pamphlets mum kept included information about Iona and the community and materials about Divine Healing.
Typed and Handwritten Notes
Among mum’s papers were also a mixture of handwritten and typed notes which relate to this trip and seem to be notes for a talk and also detailed notes on photographs which were not included in the folder.
Photograph Of Oban
In one of mum’s photo albums was a photograph of Oban which mum thought was taken in 1969, presumably en route to or from Iona.
Painting of Iona
Also among mum’s possessions was a painting of Iona by Robin Harrison who mum and dad knew at this time. He is not mentioned in the diaries of this period but is noted in the diaries for the 1970s. I had always assumed that he and mum had gone to Iona together because of this painting but this seems unlikely given that the week mum and Gwen went for was for women only. Perhaps he went at another time or he may have done the painting from a photograph.
Grandad’s Interaction with Other Churches
Grandad’s experience of interacting with other churches was more limited. In June 1965, he and Cyril went on the playing field to watch a cricket match between Drayton and the Anglicans. Grandad noted that the Anglicans won by five wickets. I presume when grandad referred to “Drayton“, he was referring to the Methodist Church although he could have meant the village more broadly.
Interest in Religious Matters
In fact, grandad did not really attend church services during this period. However, he remained interested in religious matters. For example, in November 1969, he noted watching the cenotaph service on television from London and, on Christmas Eve 1969, he watched the service from St Martin-in-the-Fields in London on ITV.
Practical Jobs for the Church
Also, grandad sometimes did practical jobs for the church.
A Sink Unit
For example, between November 1965 and January 1966, he replaced the sink unit at Drayton Methodist Church.
in November 1965, he went to Drayton Methodist Church to measure the space for the sink unit. On the 30th, he went to Dixons to order wood. It was delivered that afternoon and he started making the sink unit. He finished this by 12 December 1965 and he and grandma took it there on a slab trolley. Grandad fitted it in and noted that they were pleased with it. On 16 December 1965, Rev Warren called to thank grandad for making the sink unit. On 4 January 1966, grandad started painting the sink unit and grandma finished this by the 31st.
A Slide
In February 1966, grandad noted that Rev and Mrs Warren called round to ask grandad to make a glider for their playgroup. It certainly looks like glider but I think he was referring to a slide. He finished this by the 26th and dad and Rev Warren called for it. The net cost was £4 17 5. However, on 16 March 1966, grandad noted that Rev Warren came for the slide. Was that the same one or perhaps another one?
Other Practical Jobs
Other practical jobs grandad did for the church during that period included:
- Taking down some small partitions. In October 1966. He brought. the wood home as he said it was no good to leave
- Fastening down the carpet
- Making a climbing frame in May 1967. The cost of this was £2 2 2 and Mr Warren paid grandad £2 2 6
- Fixing a fence
- Inspecting and then fixing a drain pipe
- Strengthening a table that he had made for Mile Cross playgroup
- Shaving a piece off the bottom of a door to make it easier to close
- Putting up drain pipes
- Making a soakaway
- Repairing a lock
- Putting a new plug on an electric fire
- Delivering a book to Miss Cooke by bike
- Repairing a table top
- Making a wooden cover for the sink grate
- Fitting a tap on the tea urn which grandad and Tom got from Dixon’s for 3/11
- Repairing the Yale pattern lock
- Replacing the element in the boiler. He got this in Costessey from a Burco maintenance man for 5/6
Buying Things for Church
Grandad also sometimes bought things for church including a new brush and spade. He noted that the brush was 4/6 and the spade 1/6.
Donations
Sometimes, he made donations to the church. For example, in October 1966, grandad made a cupboard for Miss Garrod. The raw materials cost 5/6 and she gave him 10/-. Grandad kept 7/6 and donated 2/6 to the church.
Acquiring Things No Longer Needed by the Church
Grandma and grandad acquired various things that were no longer needed by the church, including:
- in November 1966, a seat which they put in the garden as it had woodworm. Ron Douglas also had one of these seats and, in May 1967, grandad went round to repair it. In July 1967, grandad collected two more seats from Drayton Methodist Church. One was for them and one for Mr Pointer. They paid 7/6 each. Apparently, the chapel was replacing these with chairs. In August 1968, grandma and grandad gave Mr Hodson one of these garden seats
- in 1968, some wood. He chopped this up in July and gave some to Irene Bell and some to Auntie Bertha
- in 1968 some wire
- in 1968 three pieces of cupboards. The afternoon he got them, he knocked them to pieces. It appears that this and other timber came from the chapel’s old coal house
- in 1969, an electric clock that had been donated for a jumble sale And that grandma and grandad were buying for 2/6
- in 1968 three to four hundredweight of sand
Carpet from Parish’s
Grandad also noted that, in November 1966, men from Parish’s. see Chapter 76, came to fix the carpet at Drayton Methodist Church.
Grandma Did Practical Jobs for the Church
Grandma also did practical jobs for the church, for example, with other women, scrubbing and dusting the church in March 1967 after the floor had been sanded. In April 1968, she and Irene Bell went to Drayton Methodist Church to put some stuff on the floor to brighten it up and to preserve it. She also went for cleaning following repairs in May 1969.
Lending Money
Grandad also noted that, in July 1966, he received a cheque for £50 from Trinity Methodist Church. This was repaying a loan grandma and grandad had made to the church free of interest in November 1962. Two days after receiving this repayment, he sent Trinity a £5 gift.
On 27 October 1966, grandma and grandad loaned Mile Cross Methodist Church £5 interest free for one year.