BECCLES NEWSPAPERS 1939
1939 Beccles & Bungay 7 Jan THIS ISSUE IS MISSING
1939 Beccles & Bungay 14 Jan FLOODING: As a result of the recent heavy snow and rain there has been extensive flooding in the Waveney valley west of Beccles. On Wednesday it was noticed that the water had come well up towards Puddingmoor.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 14 Jan BECCLES INFANT CENTRE has been open for several years. Every Tuesday the Centre is open at the YMCA Hut at which Dr L Gibson is Medical Officer, Sister Cock & Nurses Eastcott and Williams attend to give help and advice. In the year an average of about 40 children were taken weekly by their parents. There were the names of about 170 names of children on the register during the year aged two months to five. [PHOTO page 3]
1939 Beccles & Bungay 14 Jan THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICE APPEAL on behalf of Austrian and Czech refugees will be launched in Beccles by Mrs PC Loftus [wife of the MP], at Blyburgate Hall, entrance 1s.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 14 Jan 22 BLIND PEOPLE living in Beccles and district were entertained at the YMCA Hut. They were conveyed there by 10 motor cars and given a Christmas Dinner.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 14 Jan CHILDREN ENTERTAINED: Children of employees of the Caxton Press by the Caxton Athletic and Social Club. The company numbered 123. Special prizes were given by Mr EA Thompson (managing director of the works).
1939 Beccles & Bungay 14 Jan BECCLES AMATEUR DRAMATIC SOCIETY is giving as its 16th Annual production, Ben Travers’ three act farce “Rookery Nook” [PHOTOS page 3 ]
1939 Beccles & Bungay 14 Jan AREA SCHOOL: Mr GF Williams to be Headmaster. He was born and educated in London followed by Culham College, Oxford. He was assistant master at Stowmarket Senior School in 1910, since which he has held various headships and has been Headmaster of Reydon Area School since its opening in 1932. The Reydon School has been long regarded as a model for area elementary centres and leading educationalists from all over the world have paid visits to it in order to see how it is carried on.
During the Great War Mr Williams served in Egypt and Palestine. [He did not come to the school]
The post of Caretaker had 85 applicants, and the Committee recommended that provided a suitable Beccles person was found among the applicants, he be appointed. Mr AJ Cole, of Castle Hill was appointed. [PHOTO 28 Jan page 3 (some of the text also)]
The fine buildings on Castle Hill are rapidly nearing completion. It is expected that the building will be opened on April 17th, the start of the summer term. There will be accommodation for about 480 scholars drawn from Beccles and a dozen surrounding parishes. Provided by the East Suffolk County Council, the school will be the largest and most up-to-date within their borders.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 14 Jan DEATH of Mr Sydney John Owles of Boundary House, Yarmouth Road, Lowestoft. He was 61 and retired two years ago. For 13 years he was manager of the Commercial Road Bank in Lowestoft. Previously he was manager of Barclays Bank at Beccles. Mr & Mrs Allden Owles were some of the chief mourners at the funeral. [Allden Owles was his brother]
1939 Beccles & Bungay 21 Jan THIS ISSUE IS MISSING
1939 Beccles & Bungay 28 Jan ST JOHN’S AMBULANCE BRIGADE Beccles Branch established 13 years ago. Superintendent WC Watts: “Because of the increased duties it has to perform the division can do with many more members, who can be trained in order that they may be of assistance to the civil population in times of national emergency.” The President is Mr CL Hamby.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 28 Jan EVACUATION of CHILDREN: In connection with the Government’s scheme for the evacuation of children from the big cities in the event of national emergency, local authorities in reception areas up and down the country have been asked to find out what housing accommodation will be available. Between now and February 28th these surveys have to be completed and the details analysed. The Borough Accountant has been given general direction of this in Beccles. So far between 40 and 50 public-spirited citizens have offered their services as visitors, and during the next few days they will be making their calls from house to house. The borough has been divided into 16 districts of about 100 houses each
1939 Beccles & Bungay 28 Jan HOSPITAL FETE is to take place at Roos Hall on Saturday, 17th of June.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 28 Jan OPERATIC SOCIETY SOCIAL was held in Blyburgate Hall on Tuesday. They are due to produce the musical “Springtime” a few weeks hence. The Society has been in particular need of further male singers and some were enrolled. Songs were contributed by Mrs PL Hipperson, Messrs H Elsey & J Davis.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 28 Jan Mr PC LOFTUS, MP speaking at Lowestoft: “Why were people troubled by the international situation today? Because they saw in Germany and Italy, and especially in Germany, an increasing concentration of preparations for war, even thogh that concentration might involve the lowering of the standard of the life of the people. They had heard the new law of conscription of young women under 25 to serve the State for one year. It was said they would work on farms in order to release as many men as possible for more important work, and that work he believed was munition preparation. In many other ways they had seen evidence of a concentration on all the national energies in piling up great arms.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 28 Jan EVACUATION: MAYOR’S LETTER: I am aware that some arrangements were made last September [for evacuation] as a matter of urgency. These had perforce to be improvised and sometimes gave rise to points of criticism. But I am sure we will be able to improve on these.
The Government has asked each local authority in the country to find out what housing accommodation would be available in case of emergency, and what homes would be suitable for those children who would be given the means of leaving the great cities. It is particularly important to know in which houses homes could be provided for children, where they could be lodged, boarded and cared for. Payment would be paid by the Government at the rate of 10s 6d a week where one child is taken, and 8s 6d for each child where more than one is taken.
School children would be moved school by school, accompanied by their teachers, and arrangements would be made for children to attend schools in the districts to which they wre taken.
A representative of the local authority will call upon you some time during the next few weeks to find out how far you will be able to assist in this matter.
I give you my assurance that the information supplied by you will not be used for any other purpoe than that which I have described, and that it will not involve you in any work or responsibility unless and until an emergency arises. I feel that I can rely on the people of Beccles to offer all the help they possibly can in this important branch of civil defence.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 28 Jan Charles Wells, butcher, [34] Smallgate, Beccles claimed £29 from Charles Freeman, sen, retired farmer Ravensmere for meat supplied since 1932. Insufficient evidence to suport claimant.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 28 Jan TRAFFIC SIGNALS IGNORED by Frederick Mills of Pakefield. Just avoided collision with car driven by Major Robert Peebles of Worlingham. Mrs Peebles took the number of the car. Fined 10/s-
1939 Beccles & Bungay 28 Jan DEATH OF Mrs Maria Sayer (nee Hembling) of Barsham High Common aged 91 [born 1858]. She was born at Shadingfield and had to work from childhood days. (interview in paper of 24 Sept 1938) Her father and her husband were both horsemen. Her father moved to his own parish of Ilketshall St Andrew. The men earned only 11s a week for a week of seven days. Mrs Sayer could not read or write, her parents being so poor that they could only afford to pay for her to attend school at Ringsfield for one week of her life.
When she was old enough, Mrs Sayer went into service and among her duties was the milking of cows. At 18 she was married at Henstead Church to the late John James Sayer, of that parish and they made their home at St Andrew’s. There were eleven children and they were the first to go to the new school at St Andrews. About 1889 the family moved to Barsham and Mrs Sayer had lived for the past 45 years in the house in which she died. Her husband was employed at Barsham Hall and one of her sons and a grandson have continued the long period of service there.
Mrs Sayer is survived by five children and several grandchildren. When health permitted she was a regular worshipper at Barsham Church. The old lady could recall hearing as a child that her uncle was killed in the Crimean War. During the Great War she lost three grandsons.
Mrs Sayer was buried at Barsham on Thursday afternoon. Canon CW Baron-Suckling, Rector of the parish, officiating.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 28 Jan CINEMA INFLUENCE: Lecture at Bawdeswell by Denys Thompson: He questioned whether it was a good influence. People went to the pictures expecting entertainment, and they were therefore very prone to absorb suitably disguised propaganda. The appeal of a film was mainly to the eye, despite the introduction of sound, and this was a far more direct and universal approach than speech or writing. In Great Britain alone audiences numbered twenty million a week. The ownership of the films was concentrated in a few hands. They had to bear in mind the grip Hollywood had on Britain’s cinemas, and extensive propaganda was “put across” for American ways of living, and their standard of values. Women had, in particular, been much affected in this direction, and i had been estimated that 90% of the cosmetic trade was created by films.
People went to the cinema to escape the drudgery of everyday life. There was a danger in the synthetic cheerfulness of the cinema, for it kept the mind of the publi from serious affairs, and tidied them over heir restlessness and dissatisfaction with conditions of life.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 28 Jan Mrs F Spinks, aged 95 of Marsham, born in 1844, in the house not a quarter of a mile from Church Farm, where she has now lived for 79 years. She attended school until ten years of age, when she went out to domestic service with Mr DW Elvi, who lived at Marsham Mill, which was then in working order.
When 16 [1860] Mrs Spink was married at Marsham Church. She had 8 children, 6 of whom are still living and has 12 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Her husband, who died 24 years ago carried on a baker business. She was for 40 years clerk at Marsham Church, and Mrs Marsham has been a staunch church woman.
Mrs Spink can remember the advent of trains, cars, electricity and the telephone. She does not believe in the pictures, or tinned food or tea. “A good piece of Gorgonzola and bread is the best.”
1939 Beccles & Bungay 4 Feb WAVENEY VALLEY FLOODS - The worst since the Great Flood of 1912, as the result of the torrential rain which fell during Wednesday and Thursday last week. Unable to cope with the huge quantity of water, the River Waveney overflowed its banks, and a vast stretch of low lying countryside was transformed into an inland sea. For a time both Harleston and Bungay were isolated by the flood waters. At Beccles the flooding reached its peak at high tide just before 5 o’clock on Friday afternoon. Many houses were entered by the rushing water, and Gillingham Dam, carrying the main road to Norwich was covered to a depth of between three or four feet. Two high wagons were used to bring the mails from Diss over the Dam.
There was no flooding in the streets of Beccles on Thursday night. During the night, however, the water swept down from the Bungay district and flooding started in the morning. Subsequently the water rose steadily, in spite of the falling tide. In several plaes the flood poured over the river wall on to the Corporation Marshes, which took on the appearance of a vast lake.
Big tree trunks were washed down from Darby’s timber yard near the bridge and floated all over the place. Their office was flooded to a depth of 3 feet, and the house of Mr ARM Darby was badly affected. It was impossible to reach the petrol and coal depots, nearby, except by boat.
There was much water in Bridge Street and Fen lane. All the houses were flooded to a depth of some inches. Furniture was piled up, and as much as possible taken to the bedrooms. In Puddingmoor there was 4 ft of water leading to the Corporation Bathing Place.
In the course of Friday night the floods spread from Beccles towards Worlingham, North Cov and Barnby, and covered an extensive area.
A mother and her eight children, whose ages ranged from 17 to 3 years were rescued on Saturday morning at North Cove. The water started to enter the house at about eight the previous evening. When the father tried to get home about that time he was unable to do so and informed the police. Inspector SJ Hopes and PC HDC Martin of Worlingham, made for the scene at once but were unable to establish communication with Mrs Button and her family 300 yards away. The water between the would-be rescuers and the occupants was several feet deep, and heavy rain was falling.
Throughout the night the police officers kept watch. They could see a light burning in a bedroom and the family appeared to be all right. At daybreak the family waved sheets from the windows, and the officers hastened to get the river police to rescue the nine by boat.
Just after the police had left to arrange for this, Mr WJ Lacey, general foreman for the East Norfolk Rivers Catchment Board came along by motor boat from his depot at Haddiscoe on a tour of inspection of the river walls. When he and his men reached North Cove, they saw the Button family leaning out of the windows and shouting for help.
One by one they were taken into the motor boat, and conveyed to Beccles Quay, whence they were sent to Newgate, where accommodation was found. Later in the morning the chickens belonging to the family were rescued.
By Saturday morning the water had cleared from that part of Beccles Quay near Fen Lane corner, and the occupants of houses were able to pump and bale it out of their rooms.
On Sunday morning motor bus communication between Beccles and Gillingham was re-established, but there were still eighteen inches of water on the Dam at the deepest point.
Throughout the day hundreds of Beccles people went to the north end of the town to see the effect of the floods. At mid-day there was only a little water left in Fen Lane, Bridge Street being quite clear.
[photo PAGE 19]
1939 Beccles & Bungay 4 Feb The Mayor speaking at the British Legion Dinner at the King’s Head referred to our extensive disarmament a few years ago: “We ignored the possibility of a counter-attack which I remember in the text-book we were always told to be on our guard against after a victory. We cannot lay the blame on any one Government but rather on the will of the people after the War who, having been worn out with the rigours and hardships of war, were content to sit down and believe that a mighty nation had been beaten to the ground never to rise again. Now the position that we find ourselves face to face with that same nation, probably stronger than ever in numbers, in discipline and in equipment, thirsting for revenge while probably shamming that they require peace.
We believe also with those who think that the future of democracy must depend upon the armed strength of Great Britain as it has always done in the past
I would impress upon you the necessity of instilling into the young people of the present day the spirit which imbued you in the days of the War. In the last twenty years there has been little encouragement or inducement for the youth of the nation to take up arms or have any interest in arms.” The youth should be encouraged to see the seriousness of the position and to take up some form of military service in preparation for wars and which might never come if they were prepared. From the time of the war up to this day I have been convinced that there is nothing for the present age but compulsory service, not for aggression but for defence and not only that, but for the good of the physique and the general discipline of the nation.”
1939 Beccles & Bungay 4 Feb WEDDING: Mr Clifford Barber and Miss lily Archer [PHOTO page 3]
1939 Beccles & Bungay 11 Feb STACK FIRE: While attending Beccles Baptist Church on Sunday evening Mr AE Self was called out and told that a two-ton straw stack, his property, at Ellough Road Farm, Beccles, was on fire. The fire Brigade was called and until its arrival Mr Self, Inspector Hopes, PC Deal, and volunteers threw buckets of water on the flames and succeeded in stopping them from reaching three neighbouring stacks. The burning stack had to be pulled to pieces by the firemen before they could leave.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 11 Feb CHARLES BORRETT, was recently elected to the Hampstead Borough Council, is also prospective Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for the Whitechapel Division. He is 29. His family was well known in East Suffolk 30 or 40 years ago. His grandfather, Alfred Borrett, was proprietor of the White Lion Hotel at Beccles for a number of years, and had also hotel and livery business in Lowestoft. he was a member of theYeomanry and a Guardian of the Poor during the 1890s. He died at Lowestoft in 1921. The next generation moved to London.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 11 Feb EVACUATION SCHEME: Wainford District Council discussed the scheme. Canon Baron-Suckling asked whether Shipmeadow Institution could be used to house 200 persons. It was said that the survey undertaken in connection with the crisis last September was only a haphazard arrangement. Various arguments were presented against the scheme including by Rev GLManson: “Some of the children proposed to be evacuated might be impregnated with germs.” The Clerk (Mr SW Rix) “I am afraid it is no good judging the merits of the scheme. It has got to be put into force.”
Each Councillor agreed to assume responsibility for carrying out the survey in his or her parish.
The Chairman, Mr CS Skinner said “I think the Government will find when they get their returns, that there is not sufficient accommodation in the country districts to take these people.
HOUSING: Ovens costing £8 each to be installed in the Council’s housing in Ringsfield. Consents for loans approved for the erection of working-class housing in the parishes of Ilketshall St Andrew, South Elmham, St James, Homersfield, St Cross and All saints
1939 Beccles & Bungay 18 Feb YOUNGEST POSTWOMAN in the country, 18 year-old Miss Harriet Parry of Weston [PHOTO page 8]
1939 Beccles & Bungay 18 Feb DEATH of Mr AE Himbury, aged 72. He had a fine flowing beard and white-whiskered face. At one time a compositor on the “Western Gazette”, Yeovil, he moved to Beccles to the Caxton Press. Several years ago he set up in business as a printr. His first premises were inNewgate, but he moved to the old Drill Hall premises in Old Market. He became widely known in the borough and surrounding villages on account of “Urban and Rural Light Lines”. This was mainly confined to advertising, produced weekly, but Mr Himbury himself helping with the distribution.
He was a loyal Methodist. At one time he attended the Station Road ex-Wesleyan Church, where he carried on a young man’s Bible Class. Later he worshipped at the Smallgate Church. His brother isSir William Henry Himbury, a prominent figure in the cotton world, who has been managing director of the British Cotton Growing Association.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 18 Feb NEW SUBSCRIBERS to the TELEPHONE: Beccles 2124, DC Smith, the Staite, Beccles. [There were 8 new subscribers in Southwold]
1939 Beccles & Bungay 25 Feb USED CAR VALUES: 1937 Standard 9 de Luxe Saloon £92-10s
1939 Beccles & Bungay 25 Feb COUNCIL: TREE in OLD MARKET: Decided that a tree should be placed in Old Market of a suitable variety, selected by an expert. The suggestion by the Council that the old trees in Peddar’s Lane should be taken down and new ones placed there was opposed by the County Surveyor, who was not in favour of plating new trees.
LICENCES: Mr F Newman granted slaughter house licence for the year. Mr TR Kent of Heveningham applied for licence to use and occupy premises at North House, Ravensmere, belonging to Charles freeman, sen as a slaughter house. Agreed if animals were purchased in Beccles markets, Haleswirth and Saxmundham.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 25 Feb HAULAGE FIRM FINED: Messrs Robinson’s Transport (Beccles) had 28 vehicles and 28 drivers to look after, some of whom had not kept proper records. The firm was fined £5 5s.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 25 Feb St BENET’S SHOOL PLAYS: Juniors: Tony Peck, Eric Macdonald, Jean Sporle, J Pipe, J Snowden, J Ellwood, R Ulph, D Peck, S Page, I Forder, P Littleboy, D Cook, L West, J Fitt, A Cook, C Excell, P Wiggett, R Canon, P Ellwod, R Hazell, S Swain.
Seniors: played Dick Whittington: Jimmy Rouse, Muriel Stannard, Paul Day, Bernard Coook, Keith Ellwood, Mary lockwood, Hugh Andrews, Harold Davies, Robin Clapham and Michael Snowden. E Foyster, S Peck, R Soanes, K Snowden, M Adams, M West, I Hazel, R Pointen, C Rushmer, P Ellwood, J Stannard, M Dix, J Mayston, T Lockwood.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 25 Feb ENQUIRY on WAINFORD RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL: The Council accused by the County Council of not fulfilling its obligations as far as housing was concerned.
In the District there were 1,688 houses. The temporary sanitary Inspector had visited all of them except 120 of the mansion type. They had served 838 notices for improvement. Of the 251 demolition orders suggested by the County Council 129 had been confirmed by the District.
The County Council contended that of the 251 houses only 18 had been dealt with satisfactorily. They had been demolished or repaired to make them fit for habitation. One was burned down. That meant that only 7% had been dealt with over a two year period.
The District Council’s solicitor quoted the Minister as saying “We do not want you to demolish any houses where you can save them. This was the intention of the District Council.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 25 Feb PARTY of “NON-AYRAN” REFUGEES from Vienna arrive in Norwich [Photograph]
1939 BEastern Daily Prs 1 Mar CHURCH: BECCLES NATIONAL SCHOOL CLOSING: The Rector, Rev HL Birch, explained that after 31 March all children over 11 would go to the new Area School. Both existing schools [the Boys & the Girls Schools] would lose 50% of their scholars, while each would still have all the overhead expenses attached to separate schools. Had they insisted on keeping them there would have been insistence upon an expenditure which would probably have run into four figures. So the Managers decided to close them.
ENDOWMENT FUND to be set up for the benefit of future incumbents, because under the provisions of the last Tithe Act there would be a considerable reduction in the value of Beccles living.
RESTORATION: The dedication of the organ a year ago put a seal on another section of the work. They considered the heating system, given the attention it normally received, was not in general inadequate for its purpose. They hoped the main roof of the church would continue sound for years yet. Mr Munro Cautley, the Diocesan Surveyor, had reported that the tower was very sound, without a crack anywhere. The flaking of the stone facing did not affect the main structure. He was of the opinion that the top portion should be re-leaded and Mr FJ Meen had promised to prepare a specification of the work required.
BELLS: Church Fabric Fund showed that £65 was spent on rehanging the bells and £20 15s on painting the bell structure.
ELECTIONS: Mr AE Bunn as Rector’s Warden & Mr W Fowler elected People’s Warden. Mr JS Palmer & Mr BW Goodin representatives to the Ruri-decanal Conference. Sidesmen: RR Hancock, JM Murray, BW Goodin.
Church Council: Mr A Alderton, Mr AE Boar, Miss V Caey, Mrs LE Clarke, Mrs LM Clatworthy, Miss C Darby, Mr F Denson, Mr RC Dunt, Miss G Fuller, Mr BS George, Mr E Gibbs, Mr RJ Goate, Mr RR Hancock, Mrs E Hartley, Mrs VM Hulbert, Paymaster Rear Admiral CS Johnson, Mrs EE Lee, Mr FJ Meen, Mrs S Moore, Mr Allden Owles, Mrs OW Owles, Mrs I Pagan, Miss M Robinson, Miss GM Thain, Mr FC Turrell, Miss F Watson, Mr HG Watson, Mr S White, Mr J Woodward, Mr E Youell.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 11 Mar CANON FG MILLAR who was Rector of Beccles from 1910 to 1929 has recently retired from St Margaret’s Ipswich, and was given a presentation by the congregation for his devoted service as Vicar during the past ten years. He is continuing as Rural Dean of Ipswich. He was rural dean of Beccles from 1914 until 1929.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 11 Mar CHURCHYARD FUND: The rector, rev Harold Birch is to give a lecture on his visit to the Near Eastlast year in aid of the Churchyard Fund. Nearly all the 60 slides to be shown were made from photographs taken by the Rector. The charge for admission is 1/s-.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 11 Mar DEATH of Mrs George A Taylor. Her husband had been stationmaster at Snaresbrook, Essex since 1937. Previously for 13 years he was a clerk in the booking office at Beccles. They lived first at Beccles and then at Worlingham. Mrs Taylor was born at Aldeby, but worked at Beccles Statio during the War.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 11 Mar SPELLING BEE held in aid of the preliminary expenses of the Hospital Fete and Carnival to be held at Roos Hall resulted in a profit of £17 6s 1d.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 11 Mar EVACUATION RETURNS: From the survey carried out in Beccles no fewer than 3,708 people from crowded cities and towns can be accommodated in Beccles in the event of war.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 11 Mar DEATH of Mrs CATHERINE SNELL of Malaya, Ballygate, aged 88. She was born in Beccles and lived there throughout her life. A daughter of William Alecock, one of a large family.. She had 12 children, of whom two sons and five daughter are living. Mrs Snell has been a widow since February 1911. Her husband [died aged 59], Robert West Snell was Borough Accountant and Secretary of Beccles Hospital. Since her childhood days she has been associated with the Congregational Church. At one time she was a member of the choir and a Sunday School teacher.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 11 Mar PIKE COMPEITION of the Beccles Angling Club, for the Bell Cup, was won by Mr C Cattermole of Beccles with a 16lb 2oz pike [PHOTO page 6]
1939 Beccles & Bungay 11 Mar CHURCH TOWER is practically 30 ft square above the plinth and is but little less at the belfry stage. Enormous buttresses strengthen the corners. At each of th four corners there is a newel staircase. This is an unusual feature as in most cases only one was provided. Roch Abbey stone [Sir Arthur Blomfield said it was Caen stone] was used for the facing of the walls. While three of the sides of the steeple are similar in design, the ground stage on the western side is enriched with a most attractive feature. This is an elaborately moulded doorway, above which are three ornamental niches divided with panels of simple tracery work. The whole bears a distinct resemblance to the treatment of the wonderful south porch of the church. There can be seen over this doorway the arms of the Garneys, Redes, Bowes and others, who were the principal contributors to the cost of erecting the “Beccles Steepul”. The ground stage is about 30 ft in height, the second 26 ft, and the third and fourth both 21 ft. The second is the ringing chamber while the third possesses four oblong windows entirely filled with tracery which has never been glazed. There are ten bells.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 11 Mar WAINFORD EVACUEE SURVEY: Mr Rix said that he completed and despatched the returns. The number of habitable rooms was 8,195, and the additional persons that could be accommodated totalled 2,888. There were offers to take 1,393 unaccompanied children, 170 teachers and 510 others, giving a total of 2,073 people. In September the reduced number of refugees proposed to be sent to the distrct was 2,000.
HOUSING: Plans for Council Housing had been approved at Homersfield 2, South Elmham St James 4, Ilketshall St Andrew 8, South Elmham St Cross 4, South Emham All Saints 4
PRESENT: Mr CS Skinner (Chairman), Rev EG Clowes (vice Chairman), Canon CW Baron-Suckling, Canon FP Thurlow, HH Watts, A Aldrich, Capt CN Seamans, BW Blower, Major RE Peebles, Messrs PR Foster, WE Rogers, A Bradnum, AS Dwinform, Rev FN Keane, Mrs JEF Philpot, H Pickwoad, WT Hibberd, J Woolnough, H Broom, RWK Campbell and IS Bond.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 18 Mar NEW VERGER: Mr C Boggis has been appointed verger of Beccles Parish Church in succession to Mr H Palmer. He takes up his duties on Sunday.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 18 Mar DEATH of Miss Ivy Joyce Boddy, aged 24. She was Senior girl champion at the Sir John Leman School in 1929 and 1930. She was the only daughter of Mrs Boddy, who was Schoolmistress in turn at Ringsfield and Raveningham before going to Campsea Ashe a few years ago.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 18 Mar HENSTEAD RECTOR: Rev William Foley-Whaling is a bachelor, like his predecessor Rev PF Holland (who had lived inAfrica). He served in the Great War from the first day onwards. He was with 5th Essex and then the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry on Gallipoli. After being demobilised as Captain he resumed his studies for Holy Orders. For 7 years he ministered in Bunbury, Western Australia, the returned to England. Then he went to South America. For a year he was Headmaster of St James’ College at Magalles in Chile. He was appointed Archdeacon of Stanley in the Falkland Islands.. Then he went to British West Indies, taking charge of St George’s Cathedral, and has now moved to Henstead.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 18 Mar WAINFORD DISTRICT COUNCIL given one year’s grace to improve. The reprt from the enquiry stated that 1.) The standard of housing conditions which the RDC are endeavouring to establish as regards existing housing is much too low. 2.) The inspection of working class housing was neglected for some years. 3) Persistent effort is required over a considerable period is needed to make up the leeway. 4.) a much higher standard of sanitary standards required. 5.) speedier action needed on houses not fit for human habitation. 6.) More new houses need to be built.
The Chairman heard that the young Sanitary Inspector had just left and they were advertising for one at £150 pa. They would not get a satisfactory person at that price.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 25 Mar BECCLES PAGES MISSING
1939 Beccles & Bungay 25 Mar Dowager Lady Suffield to the WI Meeting in Norwich: “If such a terrible event as war should come on us we can do no better work than carry on in our villages helping those who may be sent to us from big towns, looking after children, perhaps arranging communal kitchens, having our little socials and working parties, and trying to keep up the spirits and morale of all.” It was very likely that many of their young women would be asked to help again in the women’s land army.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 1 Apr BECCLES AREA SCHOOL will be the last word in up-to-date equipment and facilities, and the boys and girls who are to receive their education in such delightful surroundings must count themselves privileged. In Mr GS Odam, at resent at Grundisburgh School near Woodbridge, the school is lucky to have a fine Headmaster and many will learn with pleasure that among his staff will be a number of teachers from the Beccles Council and National Schools.
As an outcome of the provision of this school, the National Schools in Ravensmere are being closed. They will shut their doors to scholars as from today, the last of the month.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 1 Apr WILL of CHARLED EDWARD DUNN of Alburgh, London Road [Undertaker, son of GA Dunn, builder] who died on 4 November left estate of gross value of £4566, with net personalty £702.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 1 Apr BECCLES POLICEMAN Harold Deal, who has been a Constable at Beccles since December 1935 is resigning in order to take up a business appointment at Lowestoft.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 1 Apr FUNERAL of ART MASTER: Mr Harold C Speed, aged 52, who had been Art Master at the Sir John Leman School for the past 19 years and at Bungay Grammar School for the last 5 years.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 1 Apr 1896: 2nd NORFOLK VOLUNTEERS attached to Yarmouth Headquarters. [PHOTO - page 6] from left, standing: Cpl J Crickmore, Pte C Robinson, F Crickmore, G Martin (died); Sitting: J Riches, R Dennington, C Brady. Five of them have the Long Service medal. Messrs Robinson, Dennington and Riches were present at Queen Victoria’s review of 70,000 Volunteers in Windsor Great Park in 1881. With the exception of Mr G Martin all are living in Beccles. Their ages vary between 73 and 78 years.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 1 Apr TRANSMITTING STATION: A well-known amateur, Mr HA Spashett, Beccles (G3RK) [Photo page 6]
1939 Beccles & Bungay 8 Apr STAINER’S “CRUCIFIXION” to be performed in St Michael’s Beccles on Good Friday evening by the Choir and other helpers. The soloists are Mr W Goodin (bass) [Manager, Lloyds Bank] & Mr Cyril Wallis (tenor)
1939 Beccles & Bungay 8 Apr HEADMASTER of the National School, Ravensmere, Mr FB Watkis, received presentations on Friday when the school was closed. He had been Headmaster for 15 years. He is to take chage of the junior section of the Peddar’s Lane Council School.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 8 Apr CRICKET: Mr FP Glover, a master at the sir john Leman School has been appointed captain of Lowestoft Cricket Club’s first eleven for the season.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 8 Apr NEW POLICE CONSTABLE: Pc Alan E Merrison has been appointed to Beccles in succession to Pc Deal.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 8 Apr CHURCH VESTRY: The cost of the repairs to the South Porch Vestry amounted to £62 - 15s- 11d, which was paid for by two anonymous donors.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 8 Apr DEATH of Miss Anna M Damant, formerly of Beccles She was a member of th Baptist Church. She belonged to an old Helmingham family.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 8 Apr WAINFORD RDC: Housing: Demolition notices to be served of houses at North Cove, Brampton (3), Spexhall (2), Mettingham and Ilketshall St John. But those adjourned until next meeting : Barsham, Spexhall (2) and Worlingham (2). A list of houses in which repairs were required and cases on notices not being complied with in parishes of: Blyford, Westhall, Brampton, Sotterley, Mettingham, Ilketshall St John, and Shadingfield
SALARY INCREASE for the CLERK, Mr FS Rix.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 8 Apr St JOHN’S MAN who went to School in a Church Porch. Mr John Davy, aged 84, was born in a house on Ilketshall St Andrew’s largest Common. His schooling lasted only a fortnight. The teachers were a son and daughter of rev Wallace Metcalf, who was Vicar of St Andrew’s from 1859 to 1886. there were about a dozen pupils and they sat on either side of the porch. Eighty odd years ago, of course, the village had no school. When very young Mr Davy started work. Long before he was ten years of age he was “keeping” sheep and scaring crows. He used to “keep” sheep for a farmer who lived not far from St John’s Church and for this he was paid 1s a week. Sundays were normal working days and no extra money was paid. He used to take the sheep along the Bungay-Halesworth Turnpike so that they could feed on the vegetation. In those days there was a Tollgate on the turnpike, the keeper’s house being situated opposite St John’s Church. Mr Davy: “I believe that was the only gate between Bungay and Halesworth. It was kept by a man called Artis. People with cattle, horses and cars etc paid about three pence to pass through it. For those on foot no charge was made. They did not have to go through the gate, but made use of the steps at its side. There were about four steps to go up. He believes the gate was removed between 60 and 70 years ago. It was originally a Roman Highway.
His mother got him a job as a handyman at St John’s Rectory to Rev Webster. He carried on these duties until the Rector left the parish. Mr Davy then went away on farm service. He spent a year at Herringfleet and afterwards worked at Fritton. He was then 13 to 14 years old. Next he did similar duties at South Elmham All Saints. Anxious to make headway, he went to sea on a Lowestoft fishing boat and altogether did about 17 voyages, each roughly of 10 weeks. The fish were followed round the coast, some of the voyages being to Ireland. After leaving the sea, aged 20, he worked on the land at St John’s and St Andrew’s. During the Great war he had his own farm. Nowadays he spends his time pottering in the garden attached to his cottage.
He said that in his opinion the land today is not farmed anything like it used to be. He regarded Mr French of St John’s, as a great farmer, and said he used to employ old men at keeping clean the ditches round the field and doing a lot of odd work that was all necessary to good agriculture.
Mr Davy’s father was named Robert, and lived to the age of 86. He was a gamekeeper, first at Ditchingham Hall and then atst John’s Hall. He spent the later part of his life in the house which his son has occupied for a great many years.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 8 Apr FARMHOUSE at BRAMPTON being moved to Saffron Walden. [2 PHOTOS page 6] Workers enjying their mid-day meal in the 400-year-old farmhouse, Tinsall Wood Farmhouse at Brampton, which they are pulling down to re-erect at Saffron Walden. It is full of oak beams, which are in excellent condition.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 15 Apr DEATH of Mr Arthur Pendrill Charles, MC, late of the Royal Engineers, aged 40, of Mill House, London Road, Beccles. He was the son of Col & Mrs Pendrill Charles of 144 Harley street, London and Bournemouth.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 15 Apr CARS IN COLLISION at the Walk end of Saltgate. Birt Harris, of Alderton Post Office, near Woodbridge, who was accompanied by three passengers, was driving from Rooks Lane into Saltgate. The other car was driven by Edwin H Wilford, of Thorpe, up Saltgate towards the centre of the town, with two passengers. In trying to avoid a collision, Wilford pulled to his right, damaging the churchyard wall and railings. He was able to drive his ca to a garage, but the other had to be towed away.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 15 Apr FOOTBALL: Suffolk Junior Club won the Suffolk Junior Cup on Saturday, beating the Ipswich Old Grammarians by 5-0 in the final at Leiston. A Beccles team has not won the trophy in 43 years.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 15 Apr RAILWAY MAN RETIRES: Mr Henry J Moore of 70 Grove Road retired after nearly 40 years service. He married on his birthday, 11 April 1899 Miss Gertrude E Norman, sister of the late Police Inspector, CA Norman of Beccles. [PHOTO page 4]
Coming of an old Southwold family, Mr Moore joined the GER Co as a goods porter at Beccles station on 12 June, 1899. In 1906 he was appointed yardman. The duies were to help load and unload and sheet grain, which was handled in rather large quantities, to load and unload cattle and to assist in checking varios tradesmen’s goods in and out of the yard. At that time there was also a good deal of crane work for timber and machinery.
On 28th June 1915, Mr Moore joined the Forces as a craneman in the Royal Engineers and served in France from July 1915 until November 1917, when he was invalided hok#me with a serious leg injury. In the latter part of 1918 he was made a Corporal. After nearly a year in Hospital he was transferred to Richborough, the train ferry port near Sandwich, where he supervised rail traffic for the Forces.
MrMoore was demobilised in January 1919, and resumed duties with the GER. For a period he relieved at Lowestoft South Side as goods foreman. He returned to Beccles early in 1920 as checker and continued there up to his retirement. The duties involved the charge of the goods yard at Beccles and the supervision of all traffic connected. He served under five Station-masters: Messrs A Blanden, Nibloe, F Clarke, F Bloom and VE Turner, the present official.
He has six sons and three daughters. Two of the sons are Police officers, the eldest being a Sergeant in the King’s Lynn Borough Force and one a Constable In the east suffolk Force, stationed at Rushmere St andrew, near Ipswich. The remainder are in various occupations in and around Beccles, one being Mr BL Moore, attendant at the Corporation Bathing Place and a member of the Beccles Fire Brigade.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 15 Apr EASTER WEATHER was the best for several years and local people made the most of it.During the holiday period thee were about 1,000 bookings from Becles railway station. About 110 travelled to Norwich on Easter Monday for the football match. Many people came by train to Beccles during the weekend.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 22 Apr BLACK-OUT test was held between 11.50 pm and 2 am on Sunday for trying out Air Raid Personnel. Col RW Brooks, the ARP organiser and chief air raid warden, together with umpires watched “incidents” being dealt with. There were well over 300 persons wiling to tackle dangerous situations.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 22 Apr COUNCIL: EVACUATION & BILLETING: The Chair was taken by the Deputy Mayor, Dr Wood-Hill as the Mayor, Mr Allden Owles was on holiday abroad. The Accountant, Mr WS Clark, reported on a recent conference at Ipswich. Beccles was one of the nine detraining stations in the county, and would receive 2,000 persons on the fourth day of the evacuation. The number of billets available in the district served from the Beccles rail-head was 7,300. The approximate proportion of the 2,000 who would remain in Beccles would be 800. The remaining 1,200 would be distributed to Lothingland rural district and Bungay urban district by means of buses. Offers of accommodation in Beccles itself totalled 3,000. “In the event of an emergency, I think the matter will be dealt with ably,” he added.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 22 Apr CHILD’S TRAGIC DEATH: On Monday Diana Brumfritt, the three year old daughter of Mr Eric W Brumfritt, licensee and proprietor of the King’s Head Hotel, Beccles, accompanied her nursemaid, Beryl June FitzGibbons, aged 14, of Church Street, Wrentham to 28, Ellough Road, Beccles, the home of Mrs Ethel Lambert, who does laundry work for Mr Brumfritt. When Mrs Lambert went to get change for the gas meter from a neighbour, Diana ran after her, apparently slipped, and sat in a bucket of hot water, which was cooling on the scullery floor. The child’s clothes were removed, and the scalds treated with olive oil, after which she was taken home. Her father rushed her to hospital in his car, and she was detained.
Mr Brumritt said Diana had never had a day’s illness and all her faculties were good. She was crying when her nursemaid brought her into the hotel.
Mrs Lambert told the Coroner that when the maid and Diana arrived they all went up the garden for about a quarter of an hour. Before doing so she had taken a bucket of boiling water from the copper, and placed it on the scullery floor. After they had come in witness went outside to call a neighbour, and then heard Diana scream. Running in she saw the maid holding her, and trying to remove her clothes. Diana’s clothes were wet from the waist to the knees, and witness applied olive oil. After wrapping clean linen on the child, she put her in a blanket, and they took her home.
The nursemaid said that when Mrs Lambert went out Diana made a sudden rush for the door, and then seemed to slip and fall into the bucket which was standing just in front of the range.
Pc Melville Paine said the floor of the scullery was covered with cocoanut matting. n the centre of the room was a seam with another piece f matting which might possibly have caused the child to catch her foot and slip. The matting was in good condition.
Dr Clermont Grantham-Hill said that when he saw the child in hospital at 1 pm on Monday she was suffering from second degree scalds from waist to the knees. Her condition remained fairly satisfactory until 5 am, and death took place soon after noon on Tuesday.
The coroner said “I am quite satisfied that the scalds were purely accidental. I do not attach blame to any of the persons concerned.”
Diana was the only child of Mr & Mrs Brumfritt.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 22 Apr BECCLES OPERATIC PRODUCTION of “Springtime”, a musical comedy. [PHOTOS page 9] The company was formed in 1931. The leading lady, Madge Johnson is barely seventeen, despite her comparative stage inexperience, she carries off the part of Merlin with a great measure of success. She possesses a pleasant voice which will gain in strength as she gets older. Other parts played by Cyril B Rushmer, Horace and Joan Elsey, Frank Rackham, Charles Cobb, Doris M Barkway, Edward Youell, Lilian M Spall, Elsie Robinson & Alfred H Ling. The conductor and producer was Waldemar Schapiro.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 22 Apr SUFFOLK YEOMANRY (now the 412th Field Battery) - an anti tank unit, had a field day on Westleton Common. They used a small anti-tank gun at the ready [PHOTO page 13]
1939 Beccles & Bungay 22 Apr FOOD SUPPLIES IN WAR: At a meeting of the NFU at Norwich, [various speakers]: “I believe we are not very far from war, and yet the whole of agriculture is just muddling along in the way it has always done. It was a tragedy that the land of this country should be so neglected in time of emergency as it has been since the emergency of twenty years ago. Everybody seems to think that somebody else is doing what is necessary, and nothing is being done by anybody. If the Government would encourage them, farmers could now plant a considerably increased acreage of potatoes, the crop from which would be of great value if war came, or could be used as cattle food if it did not. As the position is at present, if I plant an extra acre of potatoes I would be fined £3.”
1939 Beccles & Bungay 29 Apr WOMEN’S VOLUNTARY SERVICE: Public Meeting for women to advise them about civil defence work. The services with which it deals particularly are air-raid precautions, nursing and first-aid, and evacuation. The organisation is likely to play an important part with the evacuation scheme by assisting with billeting, communal feeding and the care of children, as well as catering for their reception, transport, etc. Mrs ME St J Barne, of Sotterley Hall is to be district organiser.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 6 May PROGRESS of TELEVISION: There is no doubt of the success of television as operated in this country, and it is generally conceded that at present England leads the world in this matter. Unfortunately its advantages are restricted to one favoured area, but there is a strong movement in favour of extending the benefits to the provinces, a portion of the wireless licence revenue being set aside for that purpose by the Government Mr Willmott of Norwich, who is a member of the Television Development Committee has been experimenting with television for the past eighteen months. He claims to have had a reasonable amount of success, which Alexandra Palace sets out to serve. “The conclusion I have come to, is that either increased power from London is required, or a provincial station to serve the Eastern Counties as an alternative. “Britain leads the whole world in television, but this enviable position has cost some millions of pounds. It would be a tragedy were this advantage lost, not forgetting the added employment due to the creation of a bigger market, and by that method, a lower cost of production. Once the Americans get going, they will lose no time in overhauling us.”
1939 Chronicle of 20C 6 May PEACE TIME CONSCRIPTION to be introduced by the Government for men aged 20 for military service. The Labour Members voted against. A compulsory national register of youths under 21 is being compiled and conscripts will face six months of intensive training before being transferred to the Territorials or special reserve.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 22 Apr BANKRUPTCY: Bertie Payne, aged 56, a builder, formerly of 24 Station Road, Beccles had gross liabilities of £1369, of which £1240 was expected to rank for dividend, net assets £252 and deficiency of £988.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 13 May AIR-RAID SIREN TESTED. The Chief Constable of Suffolk visited Beccles Police Station to test the ir-raid warning system which was recently installed. It was heard distinctly in all parts of the borough. Air-raids will be indicated by a wailing sound and the “all clear” by a continuous note. Both will be of two minutes duration.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 13 May PROPERTY DEMOLISHED: Good progress is being made by Mr AW Denny of Blyburgate, with the demolition of considerable property in Saltgate and the Walk, which was purchased by the East Suffolk County Council for road widening purposes. Work has been in progress for about a fortnight and it is expected irt will be finished in another fortnight. In a bedroom of one of the buildings was a beautifully moulded ceiling, considered by some people to be the finest old one in the town. Efforts to remove it intact were unsuccessful. The ceiling had the Tudor rose a the crossing of the beams, the pattern also including fleur-de-lis.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 13 May ARCHDEACON’S ADDDRESS to Clergy (Ven TO Wonnacott): In wartime the Clergy had been classified in this way: Those under 28 would not be able to apply for chaplancies; those between 28 and 38 would qualify to serve as chaplains in the Services; those between 38 and 55 would be capable of rendering some form of national service. Nothing had been defined for those over 55, which was a pity, because he was sure there was a great deal of service which “old crocks” like himself could render to the country.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 13 May RECRUITING SUCCESS: Beccles has made an excellent response to the recruiting drive/ As the result of a visit to the Old Market on Friday evening the five young men required to bring the 218th (Suffolk Yeomanry) Anti-Tank Battery, RA (TA) were enrolled.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 13 May UNEMPLOYMENT FIGURES
Men Women Total
Lowestoft 2163 319 2482
Beccles 226 23 249
Bungay 152 8 160
Halesworth 133 5 138
Harleston 116 17 133
Southwold 134 31 165
1939 Beccles & Bungay 20 May COUNTY GOLF: The Title holder, Mr Walter D Robinson, of Roos Hall, did not compete in the championship meeting of the Norfolk County Golf Union at Hunstanton. He belongs to the Yarmouth and Caister Club, has been champion three times in the last four years and five times in all.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 20 May DEMOLITION of SALTGATE PROERTY & THE WALK: Work being carried out by the County Council [PHOTO page 6] Eleven men are seen working in the photograph
1939 Beccles & Bungay 20 May LABOUR RALLY at Blyburgate Hall: Miss Mann, a member of Lowestoft Town Council: “We do deplore that the Government considers it necessary to bring in conscription. We feel as a Labour Party that the voluntary service was quite sufficient to keep the peace.” She declared that the only war it wanted to make was on unemployment, poverty and the social conditions they saw around them.”
Mr Norman Tillett of Norwich [he had recently stood for the Norfolk East constituency, but had been defeated by the Liberal by a majority of 9,000 votes] said that conscription in this country was not only inefficient and undemocratic, but also unnecessary. It seems to me that our part in any future war would perfectly well be satisfied and be met by the Air Force, Navy and munitions manufacture, for none of which is conscription needed.” Any alliance without the Soviet Union was absurd. Hitler could not possibly fight a war on two fronts ad he knew it. Mr Tillett said that the facts were plain enough that if war broke out tomorrow and lasted for some little time we should starve. Air raid precautions were just a complete farce.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 20 May LETTER : Mr FB Watkis: Mr Watkis will leave Beccles to take up his new appointment at Snape, on 1 June 1939. May I, as father of a family taught at the National School, express my deep appreciation of his services there?
My experience of him is that he has been devoted to his scholars, studying them to the minutest degree, giving them his best and putting his complete self into the task of their all round training. His staging of the operas “May Day in Wellady”, “The Bohemian Girl” and “Maritana”, will be remembered by many, particularly the first, the proceeds of which were devoted to charity. He will be missed by very many.
Always ready to give good advice, always ready at hand in showing sympathy and giving direction to many of us who have made calls upon his time.
I am sure I am not alone in my appreciation of all this and wish to thank him through the medium of your paper. Beccles children will be much the poorer for his departure and I am sure all will join me in expressing the greatest and best wishes for his future. A Grateful Father.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 20 May NATIONAL DEFENCE: The British Legion has been asked by the War Office to help in raising 25,000 ex-Service officers and men for home service in the National defence Companies of the Territorial Army Reserve.
The age for officers is from 45 to 55 and for other ranks from 45 to 51. A Meeting will be held in the YMCA Hut. All ex-Service officers and men, whether members of the Legion or not, are invited to attend.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 20 May CORPORAION BATHING PLACE was opened on Monday for the season.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 20 May MUSICAL SUCCESS: Mrs M Hipperson of Station Road achieved success in the Suffolk Music Festival at Bury St Edmunds last weekend. She won the class for Folk Songs with 90 marks. She was second out of ten competitors in the song recital class with 140 marks. In the advanced mezzo-soprano class she secured 80 marks.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 20 May COUNCIL: EAST AGLIAN ELECTRIC SUPPLY Co given contract to supply electricity to the town for 7 years at £773 pa., this would include improved installation and an extension of lighting hours, improved main lighting, additional lamps in residential roads and increased wattage of lamps in certain areas. but it includes a clause safeguarding the Council in the event of war, and the partial or complete cessation of street lighting. The present annual cost is £829.
HOME OFFICE LETTER: National Defence in all its branches must be given priority over all other matters and ensure that all responsible officers were instructed accordingly. When engaging staff they should regard the claims of defence services on younger men.
TOWN CLERK is authorised to take on extra clerical staff in readiness for any national emergency.
SANDBAGGING of key places in event of war: Police Station, Waterworks and Water tower.
SHIPMEADOW House was to be used as a store for the Council. The stores at present in the Lecture Hall would be removed there. The Council records were to be stored in the cellars of Homeleigh, Blyburgate. This had the advantage of being next door to the offices of the Town Clerk and records could be taken across very quickly. There was also a fireproof save on the ground floor.
FRANK FOSTER of Exchange Square to supply uniforms and equipment for the auxiliary fire service. The necessary measurements were being taken.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 20 May BECCLES FOOTBALLERS CELEBRATED the winning of the Suffolk Junior Cup by a dinner at the King’s Head Hotel. It was last won in 1896 and some members of that team were present
1939 Beccles & Bungay 28 May MAYOR of BECCLES tours the Schools on Empire Day. [PHOTO page 4]
1939 Beccles & Bungay 3 Jun YACHT RACING Lt-Col RF Lush and Miss B Forward were among those taking part in the yacht racing at Oulton Broad. Dr C Gratham-Hill competed in the Whitsun programme of Norwich Frostbite Sailing Club.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 3 Jun ENGAGEMENT is announced between John Raymond Lister, only son of Mr and Mrs RV Marriner, of Shann Manor, Keighley and Pamela Constance, elder daughter of the late Capt Sydney Littleton Webber, 1st DCLI, and Mrs John E Coney, of Ngong House, [2 Waveney Road], Beccles
1939 Beccles & Bungay 3 Jun BRITISH EMPIRE CANCER CAMPAIGN collection raised £41 3s
1939 Beccles & Bungay 3 Jun CHORAL SOCIETY: During the last season the Choir gave a performance of “Tom Jones”, and Handel’s Messiah is to be rendered in the first half of next season. Mr RH Firth is the conductor. There is still a need for male voices, particularly tenors.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 3 Jun PRESENTATION to Mr JJ Craik, Head Postmaster of Beccles from October 1935 until January last on behalf of the Beccles Postal District. The presentation was made at the King’s Head by Mr AJ Clarke, overseer and second in command of two water colours by the late HC Speed, art master at the Sir John Leman School, depicting the River Waveney at Geldeston Lock and at Beccles Bridge.
Mr Craik is now Postmaster at Lewes.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 3 Jun DEATH of Frederick Robert Sutton, aged 69 of Narden, Wembley avenue. He was born in Nelson, Lancs and came to Beccles in 1926, and was in business as a fruiterer in [No 15a] Blyburgate and florist until he retired in April 1935.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 3 Jun SIR JOHN LEMAN SCHOOL Speech Day. The Headmaster, Mr Richard R Hancock, spoke of the death of Mr HC Speed, after an illness of long standing, causing much suffering that was gallantly endured. It had deprived them of a colleague of unfailing courtesy and consideration.
He welcomed to the staff Mrs Sellors as physical training instructor for the girls and Mr RE White, ATD
who had assumed the art teaching.
“The advantages of a spell in the Sixth Form are for those waiting for a post no less than for those preparing for a definite examination, and not simply from a purely material point of view. There are other less tangible but even more vitally important aspects. We consider rightly that one of the gravest moral and spiritual dangers in the contemporary world lies in the regimentation of thought, and the deliberate crushing of independence and individuality which are to be seen in so many countries. systems thus inspired by ideals differing so widely from our own lay their foundations in the schools, and if we are to preserve our heritage of intellectual freedom of the right of the individual to remain master of his own destiny, if the community that is to receive service based on full knowledge and free and willing choice, instead of blind and forced obedience, we too must begin in the schools.”
Miss MG Duff, Principal of Norwich Training College [for teachers] distributed the prizes: “If we are going to get through the next few years, it seems to me that the only hope for our civilization is independent, clear, honest thinking by people of your generation. Otherwise we are bound to go under. If you have a real independent thinking mind which cannot be bullied and brow-beaten by propaganda, a light-heartedness, and a real delight in simple things, you will have some pretty good equipment to start you off whether you choose teaching or any other career in which to serve your day and generation.”
[3 PHOTO of SPORTS page 6]
1939 Beccles & Bungay 3 Jun WHITSUN HOLIDAY: The outstanding attraction in the afternoon of Bank Holiday Monday was the Bungay Steeplechase, revived after a lapse of a year. The large crowd was well up to average and some people thought that the number of cars parked on Outney Common was somewhat in excess of previous years. One visitor at the race meeting arrived by aeroplane. A special train to Bungay for the races carried about 150 Beccles passengers. [PHOTO page 13]
The River Waveney was popular on Monday and many folk went into the country for a long walk, its beauty being finer than for some years at this season. Picnicking was in favour in sheltered spots.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 3 Jun DEATH of Mr Arthur Ernest Hall, of 51 Denmark Road, aged 55. He joined the Postal Service as a boy messenger at Beccles on 5 December, 1897, and in 1901 was appointed a postman on the Toft Monks delivery from Beccles Head Office. In 1920 he became a town postman and also travelled on the bag tender between Beccles and Ipswich station and back. This ended with the introduction of the East Anglian travelling post office in March 1929, when he became a driver on the Wrentham route on the inauguration of the van service at Beccles and also continued as a town postman.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 3 Jun ELETRICAL APPLIANCES: An Exhibition by the East Anglian Electricity Supply Co Ltd was held in the Public Hall for three days. It included coopers, water heaters, dish-washers, coppers, washers with ringer attachment, fires, lamp with shades, kettles, irons, sweepers, refrigerators, radios and shaving appliances. “Miss DM Tilbrook carried out a demonstration of outstanding interest and included the cooking off a meal for four or five people, consisting of beef, apple pie, cabbage, potatoes and fish. She placed the food in a cold oven, turned on the current until the required temperature was reached, and then left it while a film was being shown. Afterwards the food was taken out cooked.”
A cooker with thermostatic control was demonstrated by Miss Martin, and she also baked bread. A third demonstrator cooked pastries with a stream-lined cooker with a three-heat control.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 3 Jun WAVENEY SCOUTS’ CAMP held in a meadow at Raveningham by kind permission of Nicholas H Bacon. About 170 boys were under canvas in charge being District Commissioner WJ Artis (Sotterley), and Assistant District Commissioner, HG Boyce (Beccles), who was camp Commandant. Cat ME St John Barne (Sotterley Hall) the President ad Lt-Col RF Lush, the chairman, paid a visit on Sunday and Monday. Raveningham Hall gardens were visited.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 3 Jun CARNIVAL QUEEN: Miss Constance Bishop of Ellough Road, Beccles was chosen by ballot as Beccles first Carnival Queen. She will officiate at the Carnival on 17 June in aid of the funds of Beccles Hospital.
She was born at Lowestoft, but has lived in Beccles for the last eight years, being employed as cashier by the Co-op. She is very keen on dancing and swimming. [PHOTO page 6]
On 17 June she will arrive by at Beccles railway station at 12.30 pm and will be escorted to theTown Hall, where she will receive a civic welcome from the Mayor, headed by the Dagenham Girl Pipers, she will lead the arnival procession through the town to Roos Hall, where she will present the prizes an hour after declaring the grounds open.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 3 Jun WEDDING: Mr Stanley Long, a member of the Beccles Fire Brigade, and Miss Kathleen Ajdred of Gillingham. [PHOTO page 6]
1939 Beccles & Bungay 3 Jun PUBLIC NOTICE: Office of Maitre Jouatel, Avone, Rue Marechal-Foch, Domfront: Judgment by Default: A Judgment which has been registered has been given by default by the Civil Tribunal of Domfront, on 30th March, 1939.
Between Miss Marie-Therese Gaubert, property owner, of La Ferte-Mace, Fauborg d’Argentan and
Mr Herbert Stewart Lauriston Scott of Forest Lodge, Farnborough, Hampshire, subsequently of Roos Hall, Beccles, and at present of no known address. Defendant by default, through failure to appoint an Avoue.
The said judgment was served on Mr Scott by leaving it at the office of the Procurator.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 3 Jun CALL UP: This Saturday marks the first stage in enforcing that sweeping change in the British system, conscription in peace time. With certain exceptions, all men who on this day have reached the age of twenty, but not reached the age of 21 will be required to register at a Ministry of Labour employment exchange or branch employment office. It was inevitable that conscription should be attacked for varying reasons, ranging from religious convictions to a search for political capital. The nation generally no doubt, supports the decision while regretting the causes which make it necessary.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 10 Jun HISTORICAL SOCIETY: Resignation of the Chairman, Lt Col BG Baker, DSO, and Mr W Fowler, Secretary, both having held these posts since the formation of the Society in 1927. Mr AR Hardy was elected Chairman and Mr RC Dunt, Secretary. Assistant Secretary: Mr L Hipperson; Treasurer, Mr AAE Smith; Committee: Miss Tracy [Tower House, New Market ?], Mrs Martin [Waveney Lodge, Northgate], Rev HL Birch (Rector of Beccles); Messrs HG Boyce, CR Manning [smallholder, Orchard Farm, London Road] , W Fowler [Claremont, Fair Close], RR Hancock [Headmaster, Leman School] and GH Lawson [Editor ? Beccles & Bungay].
The membership is 100. Summer excursions and winter lectures were well supported, the change from the evening to the afternoon for lectures being popular.
The members were entertained to tea by Col and Mrs Baker.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 10 Jun CURATE ORDAINED: Rev Charles D Hulbert, who has been Curate of Beccles for the past year, was ordained priest.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 10 Jun WEDDING: Mr Patrick CW Monahan, second son of Rev & Mrs TF Monahan, of Broome Rectory, Worcs, and Miss Barbara I Darby, only daughter of the late Ernest Darby & Mrs Darby, Sunnyside House, Station Road. The bridegroom is a Worcestershire county Rugby player.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 10 Jun BECCLES AREA SCHOOL: SUUFFOLK SCHOOL SPORTS [PHOTOS page 6]
1939 Beccles & Bungay 10 Jun BECCLES BOY DROWNED: Peter James Goffin, son of Mr & Mrs George Goffin of the Pickerel Inn, Puddingmoor, aged 7 years 11 months drowned. His father said that Peter had been brought up by the river and could row a boat when he was four, He had also driven his father’s motor boat up the river. On Saturday Peter had asked him if he could take the rowing boat for a trip with his friend Derek Barnard. An hour later, he was informed that Peter had fallen out of the boat and had drowned. He added that Peter could not swim, but was intending to take lessons this week.
Derek Barnard, of 3a Cliff Cottages, aged 12, said that using an oar each, he and Goffin rowed about three quarters of a mile up the river to Gillingham “Beach”. I was rowing and Peter was standing up in the bottom of the boat paddling with his oar and attempting to steer with the rudder at the same time when he pitched over the side and fell with his oar into the water. He was unable to reach him before he went down.
The Coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death, but said that “anybody in a boat, particularly young boys, should learn to swim at as early an age as possible.”
1939 Beccles & Bungay 17 Jun DERELICT FARMS in SUFFOLK: In the county’s 412 parishes there are 15,832 acres of derelict land; 22,800 acres of rough grazing capable of being brought back into cultivation; 105,344 acres requiring drainage, and 1,232 sets of farm buildings in need of repair, these being but the very worst cases.
The Minister of Agriculture, Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith visited the area on Saturday. He was welcomed by Mr CP Loftus, MP, Mr GA Mobbs (Chairman of Beccles & District NFU) and Mr WJ Artis (Beccles Branch Secretary).
Visiting a farm south of Bungay where he chatted to the owner, who left his threshing activities. He said that all his life he had been a hard worker on the land, but he was stated today to be worse off than a farm labourer. Try as much as he can, he is unable to make a living and he cannot sell his farm. To put the 300 acre farm into full cultivation and do up the buildings thoroughly would cost as much as the property is worth.
The Minister visited a farm at Ilketshall St Andrew. Some years ago the house was burned down, and the present owner, William Bell, aged 28, devotes as much time as he can towards rebuilding it. He sleeps in the barn. He keeps about 500 pullets and a few pigs on his 137 acre farm, on which the tithe charge is £35 a year, and which he hopes to restock some time in the future. “It looks like a village behind the front line in France during the War” said the Minister.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 17 Jun WEDDING: Mr Charles Hickman and Miss Doris Barnes of Beccles [PHOTO page 6]
1939 Beccles & Bungay 24 Jun BECCLES TOWN SIGN ARRIVES: The announcement was made by Dr Henry Wood-hill, who when Mayor conceived of the idea of the sign, and gave a prize for the best design. Mr HA Miller of Norwich was the winner, the adjudication of the entries being carried out last summer by Sir Arnesby Brown, RA of Haddiscoe. “All we are waiting for now is to put it up in the place in which you decided.” He added that at present it was in his garage, and he hoped members of the Council would take an opportunity of viewing it there. “I think you will agree with me that it is a very beautiful piece of work, and it will bring a certain amount of fame to the town.” It shows Queen Elizabeth handing over the Charter to the first Portreeve.
THE MAYOR said he had sent Mr CG Napier Trollope a greetings telegram to celebrate his 80th birthday. He had been Mayor of the town 1930 to 1933, but he was suddenly taken ill in 1936 and had to resign from all public duties. He moved to London shortly after this.
PLANNING: Scheme by East Suffolk County Council considered. 1.) The suggestion of a by-pass be deferred for further information and alternative suggestions. 2.) The land at Castle Lane, Worlingham Road, Ellough Road, Sandy Lane and Kemp’s Lane be zoned for 12 houses per acre. 5.) It was suggested that a 50 acre site, different to that in the plan should be used for housing.
The Council was prepared to purchase the site in Hungate Lane where Nos 8 and 10 were recently demolished for road improvement.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 24 Jun BIG EFFORT TO AID HOSPITAL: Beccles Carnival Procession and Fete an Outstanding Success.
Ideal weather on Saturday favoured the long-anticipated Carnival and Fete on behalf of Beccles and District War Memorial Hospital, which is in urgent need of extra funds.
In every respect the event was an outstanding success. All the citizens who could gave their patronage, and there was a vast influx of surrounding villages and towns. The carnival spirit reigned supreme.
The carnival procession was remarkable for the number and excellence of the entries. It provided a delightful scene as it passed through the gaily decorated town to Roos Hall, which made a charming setting for the fete. In its grounds was an endless variety of attractions, and it was just on midnight when the festivities there were brought to a close.
Beccles and district residents have always been very loyal in their support of the hospital, which was opened in 1924, and is claimed to be second to none in any town of similar size in the country. It has been taken as a model for several of the towns in England. When the first carnival and fete on its behalf was held in 1927 the net sum realised amounted to £552 13s. l0d. In spite of inclement weather, the then Mayor (Mr. D. C. Smith) was able to hand over a cheque for £756 1s. 5d., being the net proceeds of the next effort, in July, 1930. The profit on the carnival and fete amounted to £652 5a. 8d., and a further £103 15s. 9d. was realised by an evening fete. The last special effort for the hospital was a Jubilee Fair in the grounds of Kirby Cane Hall in 1935, when £175 was forthcoming for the funds, All Hallows’ Country Hospital at Ditchingham receiving a like amount.
Saturdays effort was decided upon at a public meeting in the Y.M.C.A. Hut in January at which the Mayor said the time had come when it was felt necessary to increase the funds of the hospital in order to meet expenses. For unavoidable reasons the expenses recently had increased considerably and so had the liabilities. That was in spite of very careful supervision by the committee. Last year, he said, the general expenses increased by nearly £200 and the general income showed a drop of about £60.
Ever since the important decision enthusiastic support has been given and every organisation in the borough has arranged something to raise money towards meeting the preliminary expenses of the fete The result was that before the great day arrived between £150 and £200 had been forthcoming.
No stone was left unturned in a united endeavour to make the carnival and fete the most successful ever held on behalf of the hospital. The event was under the chairmanship of the Mayor (Mr Allden Owles), who is president and hon. treasurer of the hospital, the vice-chairman being Dr Henry Wood-Hill Deputy Mayor, and senior member of the honorary medical staff. Mr. B. S. George and Mr. B, W. Goodin admirably carried out the duties of joint honorary secretaries, and there were enthusiastic workers in charge of each section, they in turn having many equally eager helpers.
The general committee consisted of the Mayoress (Mrs. Allden Owles), Mesdames B. C. Barrett, M. Bateman, A. E. Bunn, F. Clarke, G. Clarke, F. A. Clatworthy, W. A. G. Hardy, W. D. Robinson and W. Ward, Miss Lee Barber, Messrs. L. S. D. AIlgar, P. Atkin, A. J. Barber, W E. B. Bateman, G. E. Brown, EW. Brumfitt, A. E. Bunn, W. S. Clark, F. A. Clatworthy, F. N. T. Cross, A.R. M. Darby, A. C. Dunt, C. W. Durrant, FP Edwards, F Foster, W Fowler, CL Hamby, SR Johnson, DJ Martin, AE Pye, WD Robinson, G Sampson, DC Smith, LR Tilney and W Ward.
THE “QUEEN” WELCOMED
On Saturday morning, Miss Constance Butcher, who had been elected by public ballot as Carnival Queen, paid a welcome visit to the Hospital, where she was received by the Mayor and the Matron (Miss Annand). She chatted with the patients, giving to each adult an autographed photograph of herself and to the children boxes of chocolates. One of the children presented her with a bouquet. The previous evening the Carnival Committee had presented her with a framed portrait of herself in her robes in colour.
Soon after midday the queen arrived at Beccles Railway Station and was escorted up Station Road and Market Street to the town Hall by the Dagenham Girl Pipers. On a platform outside the Town Hall the Mayor and Corporation were assembled to receive her. With the Mayor was the Mayoress, who was making her first public appearance after her recent serious illness; the Deputy Mayor (Dr Henry Wood-Hill), Alderman E. J. Hindes, D. C. Smith and A. W. Salter, Councillors W. H. Simmons, J. H. Skoulding, H. A. Taylor and Paymaster Rear-Admiral C. S. Johnson; Mr. W. Clark (Sergeant-at-Mace), Mr. C. L.. Hamby Borough Surveyor) and Mr. W. S. Clark Borough Accountant).
There was hearty cheering when the queen was helped down from her lofty throne In the chariot. With her were five ladles-in-waiting and two footmen, a coachman having charge of the white horse. In the absence from the Borough of the Town Clerk (Mr. W. Bryan Forward), the Deputy Mayor led the queen the Mayor, who read an address of cordial welcome. A framed illuminated copy was subsequently presented to her by the Mayor. The address bore the signatures of the Mayor, his deputy and the Town Clerk. Three hearty cheers, a kiss by the Mayor, and then the queen read her reply, in which she asked the people of Beccles and district to put aside their cares and enter light-heartedly into all the festivities of the day so that the hospital might benefit the greatest possible extent.
CARNIVAL AWARDS
Organised by Mr. George E. Brown, with Mr. Maurice Neech as hon. secretary and who had the assistance of a committee consisting of Miss Q. Atmore, Miss F. Goffin, Messrs. R. Aldous, H. Thwaites, Roe, R. Faulkner, G. Sampson, C. Barnard and R. Jackson, the Carnival itself was undoubtedly the finest effort its kind ever staged in Beccles. Not only were entries in all probability a record numerically, but the standard throughout was exceptionally high and presented a most difficult task for the judges. All the competitors displayed much ingenuity in their entries and it us obvious that the preparation had entailed a great deal of careful thought and hard work.
The four sections for vehicles formed up in roads on the Grange. After judging had been completed they proceeded from Ashman’s Road to the Old Market via London Road, Peddars Lane, Ingate Street, Grove Road. Gosford Road. Gresharn Road, Denmark Road, Pound Road, Fen Lane and Northgate. The route was lined with hundreds of spectators. A large crowd watched the judging in the Old Market of the four sections for pedestrians.
Judges and their awards were Trade motors (judges, Mr. W. G. Jude, Mr. H. J. Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. Buckley, Oulton Broad; marshal, Mr. R Faulkner), limited companies— 1, Beceles Working Men’s Co-operative Association; 2, Bon Marche, Ltd; private traders — l, G. W. Bond, 2. Gunn & Hill. Highly commended, W. Bartram.
Tableaux (judges as for trade motors; marshal Mr. R. Jackson)—1 Miss Robinson, 2. Mr R. Meadows; highly commended, Beccles and District War Memorial Hospital.
Decorated private cars judges. the Town Reve of Bungay and Mrs. L. B. Cane, and Mrs E. E. Messenger, deputy Town Reeve; marshal, Mr. R. Aldous)— l. Mr. H. Last, 2. Mr. P Button. 3 Mr. E. Hales.
Decorated motor-cycles and cycles (judges as the previous section; marshal, Mr. H. Thwaite)—l John Ellis, 2 Miss E. Adams, 3 W. Adams. Highly commended, E. J Byles.
Decorated wheelbarrows, handcarts, trucks and perambulators—l Mr. Brock and party, 2 Mrs Spaulding.
Children’s fancy dress, under 14 (judges, Mrs. B.St. J. Barne of Sotterley Hall, Mrs. B. Blower, of North Cove Hall, and Mrs. S. L. Barrett; marshal, Miss F. Goffin)—1 Miss Mabel Turrell. 2. Miss Jean Wright, 3. Master B. Wilson 4. Master Emil Sherrard, 5 Master Raymond Wright. So impressed were they by the other efforts that the judges themselves gave consolation prizes to Ralph Wiggett, Verna Shipley, Betty Bond, Winifred Gladwell, Shirley Knight, Jean Shepherd, Alistair Robinson, Paddy Faulke, Diana Mayhill, Barbara Brown, Lily West, Sylvia West, John Moore and Maureen Youngman.
Boys and girls’ fancy dress, 14-16 years (judges as for the previous section; marshal. Mr A. Piper)—l Miss Barbara Jones, 2 Vera Harvey, 3 Miss Audrey Cutting.
Ladies’ and gents’ fancy dress (judges, the Deputy Mayoress and friends; marshal, Mr FA Bridges) 1 Miss V Fields and Miss Pointen, 2 Miss M Self, 3 Miss A Pigney.
A considerable crowd gathered for the distribution by the Queen of the prizes awarded in the Carnival.
In a lovely setting of trees the grounds of Roos Hall, a picturesque Elizabethan mansion, made an ideal venue for the fete. They had been placed at the disposal of the organisers by Mr and Mrs Walter D Robinson, who were tireles workers on behalf of the cause. Preparations at the ground were in progress from the middle of the week, and everything was ready when the great day arrived. During the preceding evening the many enthusiasts had to carry out their work in steady rain, but they made light of those conditions.
Attended by some thousands of people, the fete was admirably arranged. There were numerous stalls, amusements and entertainments, and a host of helpers were kept constantly engaged in meeting the needs of those who were anxious to support the cause. From early afternoon until shortly before midnight, activity was in progress.
ORGANISERS AND HELPERS
Organisers of the various sections of the fete were:—.Entertainments, Mr. W. B, Buller Bateman; amusements, Mr. F. P. Edwards; teas, Mrs. Frank Clarke; transport, Mr. W. Ward and Mr. P. Atkin; stalls, Mrs. W. B. Buller Bateman, Mr. L. S. D. AIlgar had charge of the ground. Mr. C. Wilfred Durrant was responsible for the distribution of programmes and Mr. J. N. T. Cross for tickets. They were supported to the fullest degrees by their many helpers.
The attractively arranged and well-laden stalls were supervised as follows:—.Baskets, Mrs. Bacon; cakes, Miss Lee Barber, Mrs. Pagan and Miss Smith; Co-operative stall, Beocles Co-operative Women’s Guild; fishpond, Mrs. A. T.Bent; flowers and fruit, Mrs. S. Corner, Mrs W. C. McLaren and Mrs. F. H. Levelle; handicraft, Mr. Hipperson; ices, Mrs. D. A. Shields. Mrs. Darby, Mrs. C. Skevens and Mrs. A R Emerson; mineral waters and cigarettes, M King, Miss Barkway, Miss Lewis, Miss Finch, Miss Ling and Miss Andrews; needlework, M Moyes; Norfolk produce, Miss Hemmant; pound and provision, Mrs. S. Smith, Mrs. B. W Goodin, Mrs. Martin, Mrs. R. R. Hancock, Mrs Self and Miss Martin; Suffolk produce, Mrs. Shenfield; sweets, Mrs. W. Ward; towels, etc., Mrs. Oscar Owles and Mrs. Phillips; white elephant, Mrs. E. Hartley and Mrs. F, C. Poyser. Several additional helpers assisted at the stalls.
In a large marquee teas were served under the direction of Mrs. Prank Clarke. The stream of patrons was very heavy for a long time, but so admirably had the arrangements been made that their needs were met with great promptness. Great credit was due to Mrs. Clarke and her many helpers for the excellent manner in which their task was carried out. Mrs. W. A. O. Hardy and Mrs. J. Woodward were kept busily engaged in the buffet marquee. On the lawn of the hall, luxury teas were provided by Mrs. Walter Robinson.
VARIED ATTRACTIONS
Throughout the afternoon and evening there was excellent patronage for the numerous amusements, in the conduct of which Mr. F. P. Edwards had the support of numerous helpers. There were attractions of all kinds and until a late hour much activity was to be seen in this department of the fete.
There was a continuous round of entertainment, and so varied was the programme that there was plenty for people of every taste. Mr. W. B. Huller Bateman and his assistants put in any amount of hard work to ensure the great success of this section. Special attractions in the enclosure were provided by the Dagenham Girl Pipers and by Aniree Dawn and her trained Alsatians. Both gave three performances. The Pipers were responsible for exhibitions of Highland dancing and figure marching. Aniree Dawn and her dogs gave thrilling and spectacular demonstrations like those which have delighted crowds all over the country.
Members of Beecles branch of the Doric Health Movement provided a capital display. Players belonging to Beccles and Beccles Caxton Football Clubs took part in a match in sacks in the large, enclosure. On the lawn of the hall Miss Daphne Glenny delighted with her dancing displays.
There was plenty to attract people to the concert tent. Those well-known and highly popular local entertainers, ‘Dott and Jott” (Messrs. J. H. Esling and Will Judge) delighted with their living marionettes. Performances of conjuring and ventriloquism were given by Professors Francis and Edward, of Peasenhall. Another attraction was character reading, carried out by Donna Pepita in the garden of the Hall. Mr PW Greengrass arranged the final concert, for which Mr J Cutter’s orchestra played.
At dusk the grounds were illuminated with fairy lights and assumed an all the more attractive appearance. The day’s main attractions ended with a dance on a spring floor by the large marquee, music being provided by Jack Kirby and his Bad and Bob Aldos and his Orchestra. For upwards of four hours the dance was in progress, and it attracted a remarkable number of patrons.
Late trains and motor buses enabled visitors to get to their homes after spending the evening at the fete. During the afternoon special buses ran from the New Market to the fete ground.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 24 Jun GAWDY HALL, REDENHALL is being demolished. For many years the home of John Bancroft Holmes, Chairman of the Norfolk County Council. The estate was of 2,500 acres. The original mansion was built shortly before 1568. In 1878 the house was restored and faced in red brick, with diaper work pattern done in dark header bricks. Queen Elizabeth paid a visit to the mansion in 1578. Until recently there were kept in the house relics of Archbishop Sancroft, an ancestor of Mr Holmes.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 24 Jun ARP DEMONSTRATION: An “Attack” from the air provided a thrilling feature during a demonstration of ARP and field engineering at the voluntary camp at Mettingham of the Royal Engineer unit of Cambridge University OTC. The venue was the meadow of Valley House, the residence of Lt-Col & Mrs D Portway. Col Portway is the CO of the unit and seniortutor at St Catherine’s College, Cambridge. The camp had been attended by about 100 members.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 1 Jul PAPER MISSING
1939 Beccles & Bungay 8 Jul PAPER MISSING
1939 Beccles & Bungay 15 Jul OLD MARKET: As the young Tree now planted will as it grows up it should serve as a fitting finish to this piece of old Beccles, noteworthy for its red brick Georgian houses
1939 Beccles & Bungay 15 Jul THE HEADMASTER of the SIR JOHN LEMAN SCHOOL, Mr Richard R Hancock is leaving to become Headmaster of the Boys’ Northern Secondary School, Portsmouth, which has three times the number of pupils.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 22 Jul POPULATON: A further fall in the population is revealed in a report. The estimated population of Beccles in 1932 was 6,773, but in summer 1938 it was said to be 6,408. The number of inhabited houses was 2,107.
HOUSING: Under the Housing Act 1924, 64 new houses have been built by the Council. In these 366 people were re-housed. Under the Housing Act 1930, at the end of 1938, 60 properties were considered fit for demolition, 9 of them being subject to demolition orders suspended during the lifetime of the tenant or owner. Two closing orders were made and in 23 cases the owner gave an undertaking to recondition the house. Up to the date of the Report 54 demolition orders had been carried out, two closing orders obeyed and 23 houses reconditioned. Six clearance orders comprising 27 houses with 87 persons were the subject of an inquiry in 1936. At the end of last year 25 were demolished and two repaired. As to re-housing, 46 houses were completed in 1936 and 26 erected in 1937. Four houses were bought and reconditioned.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 22 Jul TOWN SIGN now in position. “A delightful piece of work.”
1939 Beccles & Bungay 22 Jul COUNCIL: The Town Clerk, Mr Bryan Forward, was presented with a silver salver to commemorate his 25 years service to Beccles Town Council. He became Town Clerk shortly before the First World War. [PHOTO page 6]
NORTHGATE SURVEY
When the report came before the Council the Deputy Mayor, Dr Henry Wood-Hill, moved an amendment to the Committee’s recommendations that provision be made in the draft planning scheme for the laying down of a building line on the west side of Northgate. It was that the matter be referred back for further consideration. Members of the Council, he said, had had circulated to them that evening a memorandum from the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. He thought that if the document had been in their hands at the time the Committee made their recommendations they might have come to a different conclusion. “I think that it is most important that the Council should have an opportunity of really reading and studying the report of this Society”
The report that Dr Wood-Hill referred was dated July 15th. “The intention of the survey” it stated, “was to make a report for the committee of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings on the architectural and amenity values of the street as a whole and of individual buildings. As the matter is so involved with traffic problems and economic considerations opportunity was taken of the help of a traffic engineer with considerable experience of traffic conditions to go into practical alternatives.”
Concerning the general architectural survey of the street the report stated:
“The proposed widening affects rather over a quarter of a mile of a street, and about 30 houses would have to be demolished. There is no question of slum clearance, and many of the houses are attractive, good class, residential property. The street follows a narrow and somewhat curving course parallel with the river, from the relatively high land at Old Market, down a steady gently slope till it turns sharp left over a narrow modern bridge over the River Waveney into Norfolk. On the right is slightly higher ground, and on the left, from the backa of houses facing the street or from the garden walls, a steep slope averaging about 20 feet in height falls away to the river edge.
“The most prominent buildings on the right are mainly large private residences with garden spaces in between and they date from the William and Mary period through the Georgian period, and evidently record a century of considerable prosperity in the town’s history. As a series of dignified frontages showing the development of Georgian architecture they are as good as anything found in the Eastern Counties. General widening on this side is not contemplated though it seems probable that some late Georgian houses at the corner of the Old Market, and Nos, 62 and 84, towards the bottom of the hill on the east side, might be required to straighten out the proposed line. On the left (west side) are about 24 houses built on the edge of the escarpment, with garden spaces between, many with attractive gardens running down to the river. They are of various date from the Jacobean to the Victorian periods, and the whole frontage has a definite amenity value, some of the buildings being also of archaeological and historical interest.
“Considering the street as a whole, one feels that none of the houses—even some that may be of little Intrinsic value—can be spared, as each one, fits Into Its place in an attractive street vista, and tells something of the story of the town. The street, in fact, forms a pleasant exit—perhaps more noticed by visitors than residents—which carries on, and emphasises the character ol an extraordinarily Interesting old English town, at present largely unspoilt.”
THE BUILDINGS
Dealing with individual buildings, it said — “Though several of the houses have been disguised to some extent by plaster work or re-fronting, the general form, the roof slopes and certain features, indicate their age and history. The most important buildings to preserve are those showing Dutch gables, reminding one of the close trading and cultural connections of East Suffolk and East Norfolk with the low countries during the latter half of the 17th century. The Cambridge Inn with Nos. 25 and 27 adjacent, and the house on the right side of the Staithe opening, are cases in point and apart from this historical interest are houses of archaeological value. The curved Dutch gables, which differ slightly in form in different towns and districts of East Anglia, are not found over a large area, and in places where they are characteristic should be carefully preserved. Nos. 5 and 7, to the street front are modest Jacobean frontages, in scale and in keeping with the street. At the rear the piled up roof angles of these and some of the other buildings make an interesting sky-line as seen by the visitor arriving by the river or the road from the north, who is generally much struck by the outline of the town on its rising hill and by the steep gardens running down to the river. The white house “Shanrahan,” is older than it looks at first sight and has good late 17th century panelling inside. Nos. 29 and 31 (the old Lord Nelson) have the good steep-pitched roof characteristic of the Jacobean period, and the block, Nos. 37 to 41, to the left of the Staithe opening, though disguised by modern plaster, are Tudor or Jacobean in structure. All the buildings seem to be in good or easily repairable condition.”
Concerning the effects of proposed widening, the report observed: “From the point of view of practical expediency, and ignoring entirely artistic considerations, it seems extremely doubtful whether the widening of Northgate is economically justifiable or would provide the final solution of the problem of traffic congestion. Between the Old Market and the level crossing, the west side of Northgate runs along the escarpment above the river and widening would necessitate a retaining wall about 15 feet high for a considerable distance, also filling up and consolidating the space between the existing road and the retaining wall.. In addition the property which would have to be acquired and demolished is of considerable market value while the remainder of the sites would be of no value for rebuilding. When. all this had been done it would only serve to accentuate the ‘bottle-neck effect of. the bridge over the River Waveney, which is only 2O feet with clear carriage way of about 15 feet.’
Alternative schemes were next put forward. “Taking a long view, it appears quite evident that if traffic goes on increasing the ultimate solution can be but one thing — a by-pass carrying arterial traffic round the edge of, instead of through, the town and it is known that this is in general the policy favoured by the Ministry of Transport. As regards the immediate easing of traffic congestion in Northgate, it appears that a very simple, economical and effective solution would be the adoption of gyratory flow or one-way streets, the lay-out of the town being very suitable for this. Traffic leaving the town would proceed as at present. Traffic coming in over the bridge, Instead of taking the first sharp right turn, would carry straight through into Ravensmere, and bearing right proceed by the parallel route, either turning right into the parking place at Old Market, or carrying straight through Newgate to the middle of the town.
“A temporary trial could very well be made without any structural alterations at all, the only cost being for the provision of temporary direction signs and the lighting of these at night, though there would be some slight inconvenience due to the siting of the level crossing which forms the necessary by-pass to the low bridge in Ravensmere. For an extended or permanent scheme it would be necessary to alter the siting by about 150 yards to a position either alongside or in place of the low bridge. The crossing, in its present position does not serve any considerable traffic and such as there is would not be inconvenienced by the new alignment. It is suggested that the cost of these works, including possible widening at the Bridge end of Ravensmere. and provision of footpath where necessary, would not exceed £4000 or £5000 as compared with what is understood to be the official estimate of £30,000 for the widening of Northgate.”
As to general conclusions the report ended:
‘It would appear that the widening of Northgate would not provide a satisfactory solution to the traffic problem,’ and after altering the entire character of this end of the town, and destroying buildings of value, it would still be necessary eventually to consider some further theme involving additional expenditure. On the other hand, a scheme of one-way streets at the entry of the town would still form a useful part of the traffic arrangements even if a by-pass was ultimately found necessary, and any expenditure on this would therefore not be wanted. In conclusion, we would emphasise that the attraction of Beccles for visitors, whom it is desired to encourage, lies almost entirely in the unspoilt nature of this charming town.”
COUNCIL’S “LACK OF FORESIGHT”
The amendment was seconded by Alderman C. Smith.
Stating that he had changed his mind since the last meeting of the committee and was now favour of one-way traffic, Mr. H. V. Branford announced that he would support the Deputy Mayor’s motion.
In view of the report from the Society, said Mr H. A. Taylor, it was undoubtedly the wisest thing to postpone consideration of the matter. “I should be interested to know who it was invited the Society to make a report to us,” he added.
The Mayor thought the latter was a matter in which they might deal in committee.
Mr. Taylor—It may be In the nature of a compliment that someone is interested enough take this step.
Mr. A. E. Pye thought they should be given an explanation as to the origin of the report, which came after two or three years’ consideration by the Council of the Northgate problem. Much of the report he was prepared to challenge. “I see no reason for not carrying the recommendation of the committee,” he remarked.
The problem of Northgate, Mr. Pye continued, had been caused because of the Council’s lack of foresight in not having a building line earlier. The main difficulty had been the building recent years.. Plans for properties had passed by the Council because they conformed to building by-laws. Had the Council had a prescribed building line ten years ago properties could not have been erected in front of it. Now the newest buildings were the ones abutting nearest to the road. Having a building line would not affect anything in the SPAB report and would not prevent anything for the improvement and development of the street. He saw nothing in the Deputy Mayor’s motion to postpone the matter.
Mr Taylor felt that perhaps the omission of the words “West Side” might be an improvement to the recommendation of the committee. Generally the west side was perhaps the best for opening up. He had an impression that the Planning Committee visualised widening varying from side to side,
“It can’t done.” If a building line was laid down 10 or 15 feet behind where it was now on the west side building would be made almost impossible because in the upper part of Northgate the ground dropped away’ like a cliff. Paymaster Rear-Admiral C. S. Johnson thought that if the Council adopted the amendment it would mean blocking the town planning scheme for three months because they did not meet again before September. In any case, it would be a County Council decision because Northgate was a county road. He took it that the Ministry of Transport would have the final say and that would depend on the traffic.. If the amendment did go through he would like it to do so without delaying the planning scheme.
Alderman E. J. Hindes regarded the amendment as· “somewhat of a red herring.” He thought it most important that the Council should cause the laying down of a prescribed building line. He was of opinion that there was a lack of knowledge among the members of the Council as to what the imposition of a prescribed building line would mean. “I shall certainly support the recommendation brought forward from the committee,” he added.
The amendment was easily defeated.
WELCOMED SOCIETY’S “INTERFERENCE”
Alderman Smith then moved an amendment that the Council delete the Public Health and Roads Committee’s recommendation that consideration of the question of providing a by-pass road be deferred for further examination,
Seconding, the Deputy Mayor said a member had remarked that he (the councillor in question) did not approve of some of the statements in the S.P.A.B. report. What opportunity, asked Dr. Wood-Hill, had there been for considering that document? Members of the Council had only just had it put into their hands.
Dr. Wood-Hill said the Society gave its whole mind to matters such as this. - If the Council delayed the matter now and raised it at another time they would have an opportunity of considering the Society’s report. The question had been raised as to who brought in the Society. He must say he did not. know that the body in question would take a hand in the matter. He had learned that it was prepared to take a hand in the matter and he must say that he welcomed its interference.” If other societies for the preservation of anything did take an interest in the matter he would welcome it and thought the Council should do so too. “It is not a matter for regret, but for congratulation that they consider we are worthy of their interference or, advice.”
The Deputy Mayor thought that when members of the Council had read the Society’s document they would be very much struck by the care displayed and by the information it contained. If he had had any hand in asking the Society to take active measures in the matter he would certainly feel he had done a very worthy action. He hoped it would be recognised for ever that by the step proposed to be taken he, as a resident of Northgate, would benefit. The Council would· clear for him a site which he would be prepared himself to pay to clear. His feeling was that in the interests of the town the Council were taking an unwise step, and he hoped they would give themselves an opportunity of thinking once again on this matter.
The Town Clerk thought that members of the Council might be under a misconception as to the true position. The by-pass road in fact had no relation to the fixing of a building line in Northgate. What was meant by fixing a building line was that if and when any owner of property took down his house or building then he had to set it back in accordance with the building line fixed by the Council. There was nothing to prevent them having a by-pass as .well.
“LATE IN THE DAY”
“I hope we shall stick to our recommendation,” said Mr. Pye. “We are only asking for more particulars with regard to the by-pass.” Personally, he thought it would be “a white elephant” and a big expense, but there was no reason why the county officials should not supply them with more information. With the Deputy Mayor he. would welcome any advice from any authoritative body, but it did seem late in the day that more than ten years after the Act was passed, when they had discussed the Northgate matter for three or four years, and when they got somewhere, they should have the S.P.A.B. document passed round. What was the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings? Was it a local or district body?
Alderman Smith—A national.
Mr. Pye thought it was extremely good of this national body to take an interest in the matter, but he repeated that it was rather late in the day and thought the Society should have given a report earlier. He saw nothing much in the report and no difficulty in passing the recommendation of the Committee.
“Isn’t this rather a storm in a tea cup?” asked Dr. Warner. “They were doing a lot of talking he added, and he thought that whichever way they voted it would come to the same thing.”
Alderman Hindes intimated that he would support the recommendation of the Committee as he thought the county officials would be submitting a different scheme in due course.
The amendment was lost.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 29 Jul THE CARNIVAL and FETE have so far raised £694
1939 Beccles & Bungay 5 Aug WILL of Mr John Allnutt of Mill Bank [London Road] Beccles, retired surgeon, who died on 7 May left
£15,372.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 5 Aug WEDDING: Mr Maurice James Neech, eldest son of Mr S Neech and the late Mrs Neech of Blyburgate and Miss Emily Holl, youngest daughter of the late Mr and Mrs George T Holl, Chaltergate House, Old Buckenham. The bride’s father was a forme schoolmaster at Old Buckenham.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 5 Aug MR ALEXANDER ELLIOTT DEAD: A Great Friend to Beccles Hospital
In Beccles Hospital, for which he had done so much, the death occurred on Sunday evening, at the age of 75, of Mr. Alexander Elliott, senior director of Messrs. Elliott & Garrood, Ltd., marine and general engineers, of Ingate Iron Works, Beccles. Mr. Elliott passed away about two hours after he had fallen accidentally from a landing window at the residence of his son, Mr. Maurice E. Elliott4 of Hope Villa, Fair Close, Beccles, with whom he had lived for the past three years.
Accompanied by Supt. W. C. Watts and Lady Ambulance Officer Miss D, Hamby, Mr Elliott was rushed to Hospital. after the accident by the Beccles ambulance, driven by Transport Officer H. Elliott. At the time of the accident Mr. Maurice Elliott and his family were on a visit to Walberswick.
Eldest son of the late Mr. William Elliott, Mr. Alexander Elliott was one of the staunchest supporters of the scheme for the provision of a well-equipped up-to-date hospital as a memorial of the Great War, which was decided upon unanimously at a public meeting of the inhabitants of Beccles and the surrounding parishes in January 1919. He gave every encouragement to the scheme and was the donor of the land on which the hospital was erected in 1923-4. The firm to which he belonged contributed £1000 towards the cost of the building.
NUMEROUS OTHER GIFTS
Mr. Elliott made numerous other financial gifts to the hospital and many will recall that when the question of the successful provision of the building was in jeopardy he was an unfailing supporter of the project. His keen interest in the hospital was maintained right up to his death.
Mr. Elliott also gave the land on which the War Memorial cross was erected, the unveiling ceremony taking place in October, 1921.
Mr. Elliott was senior director of Messrs. Elliott & Garrood, Ltd., but owing to the state of his health he had not taken an active part in the business for some years. The business was founded by his father and the late Mr. William Garrood.
For a great many years Mr. Alex. Elliott had been a vice-president of the Men’s Social Institute, Fair Close, which was provided by his father. Its first president. A considerable time ago he served for a period of three years on Beccles Town Council.
A widower, Mr. Elliott had been in failing health for some years.
THE INQUEST
An Inquest at Beccles Police Station on Monday was conducted by Mr. L. H. Vulliamy, Coroner for the Northern District of East Suffolk.
Mr. Maurice Ernest Elliott, a director of Messrs. Elliott & Garrood, Ltd., said his father went to live with him following a nervous break-down, and he had been treated by a doctor at intervals for his general health. “I never heard him threaten to take his own life,” added witness. “In fact he seemed as if he wanted to extend life rather than shorten it. He had not seemed depressed of late.”
Answering Dr. Henry Wood-Hill. Mr. Elliott said It was conceivable that, as Sunday was a hot day, his father thought he might open the window, and in so doing, fell out. There was polished linoleum on the landing floor.
Dr. Wood-Hill—And If the window was stiff he would have to use some effort because he was not a vigorous man?—That is so.
Mr. Walter D. Robinson, of Beccles (who appeared for the relatives)—He had no financial worries. In fact his financial position had improved considerably during the last year or two, hadn’t it?—Yes, it had, Kathleen Tipple, companion help to Mrs. M. E. Elliott, who was in the house alone with Mr. Elliott at the time of the accident, said she heard a thud and thought he had fallen downstairs. She could not find him, but on going into his bedroom a second time and opening the window, she saw him lying on the ground below. After detailing how she rendered what assistance she could and summoned help, witness said, “When I first came to work for Mrs. Elliott two years ago, Mr. Elliott was suffering from nervous trouble, but of late he had improved, and I have never had any cause to think he would take his life, He has on two occasions had fits of faintness, especially In hot weather.” She could not remember whether the landing window was left open on Sunday or not.
P.-c. M. A. Paine said the height of the landing window from the ground was l2ft. l0ins.
In reply to Dr. Wood-Hill, he said the window opened and closed very easily.
Dr. Wood-Hill stated that he had attended Mr Elliott off and on for some years. His health had improved of late and witness had not seen him since Easter. The cause of death was pressure on the brain caused by haemorrhage following a fracture of the skull.
The Coroner - He was not a man whom you would have expected would take his life? - I should never have anticipated that he would take his life.
The doctor suggested that it was possible that Mr. Elliott, if he opened the landing Window, braced himself up for the effort, thinking it would be difficult, and that the window went up easily, causing him to over-balance. He added, “I don’t think any parent has received such attention from his relatives as Mr. Elliott has, sometimes under very trying circumstances”
The Coroner said it was one of those cases where it was very difficult to form any certain conclusion as to the circumstances of the death. He had no hesitation in accepting the medical evidence as to the actual cause of death, and he felt there was so little evidence to justify him finding that Mr. Elliott might have deliberately taken his life. The balance of evidence lay so much more on the side of his having accidentally fallen out of the window that it made it possible for him reasonably to return a verdict of “Accidental Death.”
The loss sustained by the town through the death of Mr. Elliott was mentioned when the sympathy of those present was extended to the relatives.
THE FUNERAL
There was a large and representative congregation at the funeral at Beccles on Thursday. To enable the staff and employees to attend, the Ingate Iron Works were closed and 75 of them were present to pay their last respects.
The internment in the Borough Cemetery was preceded by a service in St. Michael’s Parish Church. The rector (the Rev. H. L. Birch) officiated. At the organ Mr. S. E Grice played before the service “O rest In The Lord” (Mendelssohn), “I know that my Redeemer liveth” (Handel), and “Blest are the departed” (Spohr), and at the close, Handel’s Largo.”
The family mourners were Mr. and Mrs. Manrice B. Elliott, Mr. and Mrs. W. E Downing, Mr. P. Elliott, Miss J. Elliott, Mr. W. Elliott Downing, Mrs. C. A. Jackson and Miss K. Tipple.
Messrs. Elliott and Garrood, Ltd., were represented by Messrs. W. G, Garrood, F. F. Garrood.H B. Garrood, Harry Garrood, F. K. Garrood, C. H. Garrood (directors), member. of the staff and employees attending being Messrs. .J. M. Murray, LSD Allgar, R. Taylor, C. W. Westrup, A. Alger, A. Welham,, T. J. Howes, J. Weavers,. A. Simons, E George, J. Bower, H. E. Briggs, J. Payne, J. Martin, H. Spurgeon, J. Nicholson, W. Roe, C. Briggs, E Snazle, D. W. Baldwin, E. Burgess, S. Penman. A. Waters, J. Wickins. J. Adams, W. H. Riseborough, G. Bryant, W. H Simmons, W. Howard, F. Harrold, L. Aldred, A. E Moll, F. Riches, A. E. Simper, E. F. Wilmot, R Baldry, R. Peck, J. Peck C. Cornish, W. J, White, F. Baldwin, L. R. Peck, F. Spaulding, G. Brown, H. Parnell, J. Eagle, B. G. Long, C. W. Kerridge, E. M. Youell, J. Culley, G. Hill, H. Lewis, W. J. Tricker, A. Devereux, G. Riseborough, H. Youell, P. Linder, D. J. Martin, R Payne, W. Calver, S. Carter. R. Gill, R. T. Smith, G. Oxborough. A. G. Piper, V. Sayer, B.Forder, R. Woolner, A, Leighton. H. Hitchcox, R. Woolfson, J. Ellwood, G. Barrett, J. H. Kerridge and G. Freestope.
Former employees present were Mr. J. Reynolds and Mr. G. Took (Theberton).
PUBLIC TRIBUTE
Beccles Hospital was represented by the Mayor (Mr. Allden Owles), Its president and hon. treasurer: Mr. J. P. Larkman (hon. secretary), and Mr. A. E. Bunn. (secretary). Lt-Col. B. G. Baker, D.S.O. (president). Lt.-Col. H. F. Lush (a life vice-president), Mr. F. J. Meen (chairman), Col. H. W. Brooks.. T.D., (vice-chairman), Mr. M. A. Carter (secretary) and Mr. G. Mobbs (standard bearer), attended on behalf of Beccles Legion, of. which Mr. Elliott was president in its early years, afterwards being appointed a life vice-president. Mr, J.C. Woodward (secretary) and Mr. W. Ward (a director) represented the Working Men’s Conservative Club, of which Mr. Elliott was treasurer for many years, and Mr. H. H. Rye the Men’s Social Institute. Its secretary, Mr. F. Bloom represented Beccles Congregational Church, to which Mr Elliott gave a large site in St. Mary’s Road, upon which the Manse was erected and of which the remainder is used by the members as a tennis court and bowling green.
Also in the congregation were: Mr. C. L. Hamby (president, representing the Beccles Division of the St. John Ambulance Brigade), Mr. W. S. Clarke, Mr. J, Brindy, Mr. A. W. Salter, Mr. R. C. Dunt, Mr. W. D. Robinson, Mr. R Goate, Mr. H. W, Burcham, Mr. D A Shields, Mr. C. H. Osborne (Messrs. Harvey, Wilson, and Osborne, Lowestoft), Mr. G. E. R. Parker (a representative of Messrs. Elliott and Garrod), Mr. W. S. Green (Walter Green and Sons. Ltd., Castle Flour Mills, Beccles), Mr. G. Humphrey Durrant, Mr. A. H. Poll, Mr. A. R. Payne, Mr. D. C. Smith, Mr. J. H. Skoulding, Mr. W. W. Wigg (W. E. Wigg and Sons, Ltd., Barnby), Mr, A. E. Jordan. Mr. W. A. Brand, Mr. P. Hipperson, Mr. H. A. Taylor, Mr. W. H. Poll, Mr, G. H, Kirby, Mr. G. Kirby, Mr.G. Cook, Mr. G. Foster, Mrs. J. H. Kerridge, Mr. D. Moody, (Grundisburgh), Mr. G. M. Riches, Miss Simmons, Mr. and Mrs. A. Harbord, Miss Downing, Mrs. W. Ward, Mr. H. Leeder, Mr. J.C. Rae, Mr. J, C. Read, Mrs. A. G, Blackmore, Mrs. A. Smith, Mrs. L. S. D. Allgar, Miss Allgar, Mr G Carr, Mrs. A. Devereux, Mrs G, Taylor, Mrs. C. A. Norman, Mrs. J. Martin, Mrs. A. Gentry, Mr. F. Moody, and Mr. F. F. Moody (Weston), Mr. F. E Balls, and Mr. G. F. Robinson. Among the numerous beautiful floral tributes were those from the directors; staff, and employees of Messrs. Elliott and Garrood, Ltd.; Beccles and District branch of the British Legion; Beccles and District Conservative Association, Commlttee and members of Beccles Working Men’s Conservative Club; Committee and members of Beccls Men’s Social Institute; Beccles Town Regatta Committee (of which Mr. Elliott was a vice-president); and Beccles Congregational Church.Tennis’ and Bowls Clubs; six previous employees, now at Carrow Works; Harvey. Wilson, and Osborne (Lowestoft).
The entire funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. F.-H. Reynolds, of Newgate, Beccles.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 5 Aug DEATH of ANNA SADD, of Beaumont Villa, London Road, Beccles, aged 81. Her sister Miss Eugeneia Sadd, who is still alive, wrote about Henstead sixty years ago. Situated 5 or 6 miles from the nearest town, it had no shops, buses, motors or bicycles. In the church, which was roofed with thatch, were high family pews, in which, when unobserved by their elders, the children busied themselves by cutting little figures in the wood. below the pews were benches, the men sitting on one side of the church and the women on the other. The village schoolmaster led the singing with the aid of a uning fork. his school was of course a Church institution maintained by voluntary contributions. The pulpit in the church had a sounding board above it, a reading desk below, and underneath that a pew for the Clerk.
In 1872 the familyreceived a visit from Mr Alfred Woods, a good worker in London in connection with the YMCA and “Gray’s Yard Ragged School Union”. In the schoolroom he addressed a crowded gathering. When he paid another visit in the following year the schoolroom was not large enough to hold all who arrived and so the service was held in the playground. An outcome was the enlargement of the schoolroom.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 5 Aug SUTTON HOO: In East Suffolk a most interesting archaeological discovery was made a few days ago during excavations at Sutton Hoo near Woodbridge. It is expected to prov one of the most important made in Great Britain, and even in Europe, for many years. I refer to the finding of a ship burial believed to be that of an Anglo-Saxon tribal leader or king, of about 600 AD.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 5 Aug GOLD MINE VENTURE: Herbert Stewart Laurenston Scott, company director of Ashman’s Hall, near Beccles at the Bankruptcy Court at Yarmouth. He disclosed liabilities of £2,576 and a deficiency of £2,438. He was 53 and was now living at the RAF Club in Piccadilly, London. He had lately been offered employment under the War Office at between £400 and £500 pa. His net assets were £138.
He passed through Sandhurst and subsequently took service. After the war he received a pension od about £300. He sold a property in 1928 for £6,700, but most of this went to his bankers to meet charges.
Up to 1933 he had no occupation and no income except his pension, part of which he commuted in 1931. He believed he got £3,000 and the pension was reduced to £150, which he was still receiving. The £3,000 was spent on living expenses and trying to get some occupation. He was then living beyond his income.
He became a director of a syndicate engaged in gold mining in Nigeria. He put no cash into the syndicate and was given some shares. He went to West africa to work for the syndicate. He was advanced £400 by another company, of which he hadrepaid £10. He received £50 a year as director’s fees.
He joined next a fuel company in London, but had received no remuneration from this concern. He helped to improve the affairs of thefuel company, but there was a question of gettinga certain process taken up. He was no longer a director.
ALLUVIAL GOLD: With regard to the West African gold venture, there was undoubtedly gold alluvial there, but it did not always pan out according to the first washings. As they went deeper the gold seemed to peter out. The gold was extracted by hand labour and no machinery had been employed. InJanuary 1938 he had to raise a loan of £200, which was repaid in ten monthly instalments of £30, and when the moneylender could not get repayment he instituted these proceedings.
Recently he had been very ill and grealy worried so that he could not remember figures of his transactions.
The Official Receiver said it was difficult for him to investigate his affairs with a minimum of information.
Everybody suffered by the Stock Exchange crash in 1929, said the debtor, and he lost money on shares he had deposited with his bankers. These shares he received by inheritance when his widowed mother died in 1923.
His wife took Ashman’s Hall as tenant in 1937, and she had an option to purchase the property for £2, 150, which eventually she exercised. There was a claim against his estate for £262 forelectrical installation in February 1937, but he explained that he signed the contract. The Registrar said it was not his property.
Debtor said it was difficult to discriminate when husband ad wife are living together. His wife had been well off and she had a separate estate, but things did not go well with her either when slumps came.
The Registrar pointed out that debtor’s wife got the benefit of the work done, which increased the value of the freehold, and now a claim caim in against debtor. Debtor explained that negotiations were in progress for the sale of the hall but had not yet matured.
HELPED by FRIENDS and RELATIVES
Debtor said he became aware of his financial position about ayear ago. He had previously been helped by friends and relatives.
Debtor added that his income was reduced to £200, made up of £50 director’s fees and £150 pension. He had sold a reversion for about £800 in march 1938, which was part of something to come to him under hs mother’s will. Part was used to pay a moneylender, part in living, and part to tradesmen. He handed the money to his wife, who was now living in a hotel in London.
The Registrar: What surprises me is that you should be able to live at the RAF Club and your wife at an hotel.
The Official Receiver said his information was that the reversion fetched £2,200.
Debtor sad he had to take out a single premium policy for £800 to provide security against the tenant for life, his brother, who was single, marrying, and something had also to be paid to him under the settlement.
The Official Receiver said that with regard to the composition proposal debtor had made, he had received two sums of £300 from friends of his, and some claims had also been withdrawn. The liabilities would be brought down to £2,400 and a composition of 5s in the £ would exhaust the £600 in his hands.
The Registrar said this would leave nothing for costs, expenses and fees.
The Official Receiver said that the fees would be £70, and it would be necessary for another £200 to be found to cover the preferential claims and fees. Unless someone could find this £200, the composition would fall to the ground.
Debtor said he understood the position, but things were not easy, “as I have been shot at from every direction, and been ill on top of it. I will give every assistance I can.”
It will be assisting yourself. If you can induce two of your friends, Capt Lang and Lord Middleton to withdraw the whole of their claims, that would meet the case.
The Registrar then adjourned the examination to 4th September.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 12 Aug BANKRUPTCY: John Wilson & Son of 4 The Walk, Beccles, house furnishers and John William Wilson of the same address, being the only general partner in the firm, first and final dividend of 2s 10¾d per £.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 12 Aug HEAVY STORMS in WAVENEY VALLEY on Saturday. The corn was in jeopardy. Mr WJ Artis, the Secretary of the local NFU; “The oats which has been cut will soon deteriorate and start growing again.
They can’t stand wet like other things can, They are simply spoilt.”
1939 Beccles & Bungay 12 Aug A LUCKY DAY: Mr Honeywood, of London Road, Beccles, who is employed as a cashier by Messrs Read, Owles and Ashford, the auctioneers, won £20 for identifying and correctly challenging “Lobby Lud” at Yarmouth on Bank Holiday. Mr and Mrs Honeywood and their daughter, Mary, went to Yarmouth for the day. They spent the morning on the beach near the tower and Mr Honeywood decided to participatefor a few minutes in the search as they made their way to lunch. His keen observation and correct challenge promptly brought him success. The money was presented at the Marina in the afternoon. In addition to the £10 allotted for Yarmouth there was a cheque which was unclimed at Southend on Saurday and so Mr Honeywood had double fortune.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 12 Aug DEATH of Mr Robert Keely of 12 Denmark Road, Beccles, aged 62. Born at Saham Toney, Mr Keely had lived in Beccles for 40 years. He was employed by Mr J Branford of Blyburgate as a saddler and harness maker until March 1938, when he set up in business on his own account in Smallgate. He leaves a widow, three sons and a daughter.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 12 Aug CONSERVATVE CLUB STEWARD: Mr & Mrs Tricker have resigned as Steward and Stewardess of the Conservative Club after 14 years. He was thanked by the President, Mr Walter D Robinson and presented with a double wardrobe. Their successors will be Mr and Mrs EW Boggis.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 12 Aug SIR JOHN LEMAN SCHOOL HEADMATER: Mr Gordon Humphreys has been appointed to succeed Mr Richard R Hancock as Headmaster. Hewas educated at Monoux Grammar School, London and King’s College, London, being a University Scholar in English Language and Literature. He is an MA and an Associate of King’s College. He holds a diploma in pedagogy.
For the past three years he has been Headmaster of Callington County School, Cornwall, his previous experience having been gained at Harvey Grammar School, Folkestone, Chiswick County School and Hornsey County School, London. He has published “The Active English Course”, a course in grammar and composition, English in the Civil Service preparation series and a number of school stories.
In 1935 he married Miss Joan Muditt, daughter of Mr W Draper Muditt of Woodford Green, Essex, a director of Mac Fisheries and Lever Brothers, Ltd.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 12 Aug AIR RAID PRECAUTIONS Exercise in Beccles and Bungay. In the Beccles section about 60 air raid wardens and 40 special constables took part in the black-out activity early to-day. The ARP under Col RW Brooks and the Specials under Capt BW Blower, of North Cove Hall.
The wardens were given sealed envelopes, which they were asked to open at a certain time.. This was to give them practice in sending messages to the report centre - Beccles Police Station - and to exercise the staff there. The specials assisted the police in seeing that lights were extinguished or invisible
1939 Beccles & Bungay 12 Aug DEATH of Mr Walter Leggo WHITE of Geldeston Hall, aged 64, who had lived there for about 11 years. He was born of a Cornish farming family, studied atLondon University and the school of Mines, Cambourne, Cornwall. He left for Johannesburg in 1901 and became one of the leading consultant mining engineers, remaining there until he retired in 1921.
After some years at Overstrand, he moved to Broome Place and then Geldeston.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 12 Aug WAINFORD DISTRICT COUNCIL: Housing: planning to build 22 houses at: Holton (8 for £2,987), Stoven, (6 for £2295) Ilketshall St Margaret (4 for £1460), Westhall (4 for £1568)
Also 16 houses on sites at: South Elmham St James (6), Rumbrugh (6), Shipmeadow (4).
Demolition orders to served on two houses at Blyford, two at Homersfield and South Elmham
1939 Beccles & Bungay 12 Aug FOR SALE: Crowfoot Gardens, Semi-detached house; apply Beccles Central Estates, Smallgate.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 19 Aug AREA SCHOOL: Mr PL Ashford of Aldeby, the first woman Manager of the School. She was welcomed by Mr AE Jordan, Chairman
1939 Beccles & Bungay 19 Aug WEDDING Edward Cleaver, (who is on the mining engineering staff of Manchester Collieries and is a rugby and hockey player) second son of Mr & Mrs H Cleaver of the Grange, Caldecott, Nuneaton, and Miss Phyllis Grace Boar, (educated at Sir John Leman School and Norwich Training College, and has been on the staff of St Augustine’s Senior School, Norwich for 8 years, specialising in geography and music) daughter of Mr & Mrs WJF Boar, of Lyndhurst, Kilbrack, Beccles. [PHOTO page 5]
1939 Beccles & Bungay 19 Aug WEDDING: Frederick Barrett, (who has been employed at the Caxton Presss and a well-known local dance bad player and entertainer) son of Mrs Barrett of Wharfdale Road, King’s Cross, London & Miss Stella Robinson, daughter of Mr & Mrs GF Robinson of Fair View, London Road. The bride’s father has been a member of Beccles Town Council for a considerable period.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 19 Aug BECCLES REGATTA: Delightful weather favoured Beccles Regatta which was held with much success on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and there was plenty of bright entertainment from Monday morning until the early hours of Thursday, when the Town Regatta dance at the Public Hall came to an end. [PHOTOS page 4 and 5]
The Town Regatta Committee were responsible for the sailing programmes on Monday and Wednesday, Beccles Amateur Sailing Club being in charge on Tuesday. Competitors on all three days would have welcomed more wind. The customary aquatic sports on Wednesday afternoon were well patronised by the public and entries s showed an increase over last year.
On the first stage of their annual trip to Beccles for the regatta, most of the Oulton Broad fleet raced up the river on Saturday afternoon. Usually the races end at Aldeby, but on this occasion there was only the lightest of breezes and so the officials stopped the boats just short of Seven Mile Carr, where the wind was threatening to peter right out. Afterwards several of the boats carried on to Beccles, encountering many calms which gave them rather a tedious trip, the last two boats to arrive taking five hours to cover the ten miles.
The races were held under the flag of the Waveney Sailing Club, with Mr. R. H. Stevenson (vice-commodore) as officer of the day. Mr. R. S. Stranack (rear-commodore) and Miss Stranack started the fleets at Oulton, while Mr. E M Corbett and Major H. J. Betts went up the river to take the times.
Most of the sailing was windward work until the turn at the Beccles river was reached, and there was no little fun en route, especially at the entrance to Oulton Dyke, where the 30ft. class caught up with the Norfolk dinghies. One or two boats grounded in the reeds, but got off again after a while. Teal had an easy win in the Broads One-design class, beating Widgeon by 1½ min. but Dolphin was given a close race by Shandy in the dinghies, taking first gun by only l4sec. Meadowsweet and Arrowhead, the scratch boats, both saved their times in the handicap event, but the third prize went to Peewit, sailed by Mr. Pat Lockett, which beat the third boat on corrected time, despite having been aground for awhile on the way up.
Results:—
Broads One-designs—Start 1.40.
1 Teal (E. M. Corbett)
2 Widgeon (Captain B. W. Blower)
3 Bittern (Miss M. D. Radcliffe)
Harlequin (Mrs. C. A. Brooks) ....
Coot (Col R. F. Lush)
Curlew (R. M. Dowson)
Norfolk Dinghies.—Start 2.
1 Dolphin (R. H. Stevenson)
2 Shandy (T. Jackson)
3 Sobraon (Capt. Throckmorton)
Zin-Zin (Captain B W. Blower)
Jerry Pip (Dr C. Grantham Hill)
Beagle (J. A. Robertson)
Whimbrel (Miss Throckmorton)
Jimba (Miss B. Forward)
30ft. Handicap.—Start 2.10.
1 Meadowsweet (S. W. Mobbs)
2 Arrowhead, (C. W. Marshall)
Vanessa (J. M. Habgood)
3 Peewit (Geo. Lockett)
Mallard (Alan R. Colman)
AT BURGH ST. PETER
As a prelude to the Beccles regatta, Beccles Amateur Sailing Club and Norwich Frostbite Sailing Club, supported by the Oulton Gulls and other craft from Oulton Broad, provided a successful programme at Burgh St. Peter on Sunday. In delightful weather, big fleets turned out for each event. Twenty-four boats took part in the All-corners’ race which was also the most popular event for the spectators. A large crowd followed with interest the start and manoeuvring of the jumble of boats of all sizes in the narrow river. Despite the congestion, there were no mishaps of any consequence, and all thoroughly enjoyed a sporting programme.
Oulton Gulls. Start 11.30, three rounds.
1 Wild-duck (Misses Mobbs)
2 Kittiwake (L. Pryce and M. Hailey)
3 Martlet (J. E. Tuttle and H. Sanders)
Seamew (C. E. Goodey and M.Warnes)
REGATTA’S START
The opening day’s racing had the active support of the Norwich Frostbite Sailing Club and the two Oulton clubs while several large yachts were round from the Bure and quite a number of competitors who had a few days before were racing on Wroxham Broad.
The day’s total reached 60 starters, which was quite satisfactory. For the fine weather Beccles had to pay the penalty of almost a windless start, and the first race was shortened to one round. Then conditions steadily improved and full courses were given.
The people of Beccles are very loyal to their Regatta and many townspeople flocked down to the river. In the afternoon the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr and Mrs Allden Owles) paid an official visit to the starting box, in which for a number of years Mr Owles has officiated as treasurer. A year ago the committee had the Caroline Hamilton ex-lifeboat for their headquarters, but this time the committee boat was an old Scotch drifter, Heron, which is said to hail from the Shetlands and now converted into a houseboat.
Dr. F. S. Smith was officer of the day, supported by Capt. F. G. Poyser (time-keeper), Mr. D. C. Smith in his traditional office as yeoman of signals, Mr. H. Tilney, starter, with Mr. H. T. Clatworthy. Mr. E. M. Corbett, Mr. J. F. Maynard, F. J. Meen, and Capt. H. Throckmorton (members of the Sailing Committee), Mr. B. S. George (hon. treasurer), and F. A. Clatworthy (hon.. secretary).
Details:—
30 ft. Handicap Class.—Start at 10.30. One round.
1 Ragged Robin (Dr. Paul Mallinson)
2 Meadowsweet (SW Mobbs)
3 Brimstone (G. L. Fitt)
Tern (Dr. G. W. B. James)
Vanessa (Major T. A. Tooth)
Shearwater (Capt. M. Barne) T. Jackson.
Coot (Lieut.-Col. R. F. Lush).
Arrowhead (O. W. Marshall)
Curlew (R. M. Dowson).
Ragged Robin was sailed by Waterman W.
Ames and Tern by A. H. James.
Handicap for Dinghies (14 ft. and under).— Start at 11.45. Two rounds.
1 Crisis (Cyril Goulborn)
2 Elver (Miss Eileen Smith)
3 Mayfly (Miss Joan May)
Tankard (J. Clabburn)
Rum Punch (G. J. Levine)
Bunty (R. M. Dowson)
Zin-Zin (B. Blower)
Bittern (A. H. James)
*Jerry Pip (Dr. O. Grantham Hill)
Sobraon (R. A. F. Throckmorton)
Jimba (Miss B. Forward)
Bantling (J. R. Owles)
Silver Spray (Miss Rix)
*Disqualified on protest
Whimbrel (Miss B. Throckmorton) went aground. Caprice (Capt. Wyndham) retired).
Centreboard Handicap Class—Star at two o’clock. Two rounds.
1 Pimpernel (F Millichamp)
2 Mist (H. J. W. Sanderson)
3 Broadway (G. J. Levine)
Wild Duck (R. A. Sanderson)
Flight (Stewart Laws)
Oulton Gull One-design Class.—Start at 2.5 Two rounds. First boat timed in at 3 hr. 0 mm.7 sec. :—
Wild-duck (John Mobbs)
Seensew (C. E. Goodey) .
Martlet (J. E. Tuttle)
Greta (S. C. King)
Norfolk 14 ft. One-design Dinghy Team Race. -Start at 3.15. Three rounds. First boat timed in at 4 hr. 17 mm. 7 sec.
Shandy (T. Jackson) R.N. & S
Tankard (J. Clabburn) N.F.B
Jerry Pip (Dr. C. Grantham Hill)
Elver (Miss Eileen Smith) B.A.S.C.
Windy (H. T. Percival) N.F.B
Rum Punch (C. J. Levine) N.F.B
Bittern (A. H. James) W.S.C
Sobraon (R. A. F. Throckmorton)
1939 Beccles & Bungay 19 Aug SWIMMING CLUB GALA: CHAMPIONSHIP WON FOR 15th TIME
Having again made itself responsible for the first of the evening programmes in connection with the regatta. Beccles Town Swimming Club provided a capital gala in the River Waveney on Monday.
Perfect weather prevailed and there was an encouraging attendance on the Corporation Quay, the river wall and the Norfolk bank. Several others watched from boats on the river, among them being the Mayor (Mr. Allden Owles), who is president of the Town Regatta, and the Mayoress.
During the evening collections were made on behalf of the regatta funds. As darkness came the coloured lights provided on the Quay were switched on and added to the attractiveness of the scene.
For the 15th time the 200 yards men’s championship of Beccles was won by J. H. Long. There were eight competitors and the Winner, who swam one of his finest races, finished with a 30 yards’ margin over R. Ling, his nearest rival. Long thus retained the Ward Challenge Cup which, with the prizes, was the gift of Mr. W. Ward,. of Beccles. Miss Margaret Copeman is the new holder of the Hogsnorton Challenge Cup for the 100 yards ladies’ championship of Beccles. Winner of the trophy in the first two years of its existence, Mrs. Lilian Ward did not defend her title. This time, Miss Copeman, who was third last year, was a comfortable winner from Miss Y. Shepherd. There was a keen struggle for third place, Miss Olive E. Barber being successful.
Four competitors figured in the men’s diving from the 9 ft. board in connection with the Swimming Club championship. Showing graceful style, Hector H. Hadingham was an easy winner. After this event Miss I. Buckenham and Miss M. Long gave demonstrations of diving which were heartily applauded.
An exciting race was the 50 yards. back-stroke club championship for ladies, Miss M. Copeman being a fine winner from her five rivals.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 26 Aug AUXILIARY FIRE SERVICE: Captained by Mr AE Aldous, who joined up 14 months ago, it consists of 35 men, two of whom are officers. Orders have been received recently for the membership to be raised to 70, so more men are urgently needed. They will undergo 60 hours training to obtain their efficiency badges.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 26 Aug BECCLES BOWLS LEAGUE: Beccles Conservative A Team: LSD Allgar, W Allgar, WA Dowsing 22; AJ Barber, JH Esling, EA Torbell, 14; G Mobbs, EWS Utting, PA Copeman 15; CW Betts, L Bartholomew, E Wright 19; Total 70.
Institute A Team: J Sampson, E Orford, G Brown, 15; PW Hurren (Captain), FA Bridges, J Moore 18, A Searle, P Algar, C Sampson, 16; T Bunney, P Dyer, R Kedge, 19; Total 68
Winners Conservative A Team
1939 Beccles & Bungay 26 Aug BOWLS [PHOTO page 5] Beccles Caxton men and Beccles lady playes who met in friendly rivalry last Saturday.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 26 Aug ARMAMENTS: Captain MJ Hunter, prospective Conservative candidate speaking at Diss: “At the present time the firs call on the resources of the nation was the enormous and continuing bill of defence. Whereas normal defence expenditure a few years back had been in the region of 100 millions, the cost this year would be nearly 500 millions, and nobody could yet see the end of the effort that might be before us.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 2 Sep THE ARMY & RAF RESERVISTS are called up, The Royal Navy is mobilised.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 2 Sep THE CRISIS: The crisis has been the one topic of conversation all the week in Beccles and elsewhere.
The issue of peace or war has hung in the balance for several days, yet throughout the anxiety Beccles, in common with the rest of the country, let it be said, has remained remarkably calm, and townspeople as a whole, have shown a quiet restraint, typical of our race. There has not been the slightest sign of panic. It would not be true to say that the people have become resigned to the inevitability of war, because while there is peace everyone should try to remain hopeful ....
1939 Beccles & Bungay 2 Sep EVACUEES: Since last Thursday, the Town Council offices in Blyburgate have been a centre of intense activity, final arrangements being made for the reception of evacuees. Between 200 and 300 reception officers, billeting officers, billeting assistants, guides, canteen workers and welfare workers have since been enrolled and allotted their particular jobs at the distribution centres in the event of war.
Allowances to be made to householders in respect of evacuees are: 10s 6d per week for one child, or 8s 6d for each child where more than one is taken. These payments will be payable each week at the Post Office on production of a certificate issued by the chief billeting officer.
It should be clearly understood that the billeting of evacuees is no longer optional on the part of householders, but has been made compulsory by the Emergency Powers Regulations.
The Borough Surveyor (Mr CL Hamby) his staff & the Corporation employees have also been busy all the week. All the hydrants and nearly all the kerbing, have been painted white, so that they are easily discernible in the event of a black-out, and white lines have been painted in the centre of the roads to aid motorists. A start has been made on sand-bagging of the Police Station in London Road, the War Memorial Hospital and the first-aid posts.
Gas detector boards have been made and are ready to be put up at the air raid wardens’ posts, and the new advance direction signs which will be illuminated by oil lamps, are ready to be put up at all the main road junctions.
Messrs Clowes are adopting measures for protection of the Caxton Works, and at the Railway Station there has been sand-bagging of part of the premises near the main entrance which is to be used for ARP purposes.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 2 Sep THUNDERSTORM: The 400 year old Duke of Marlborough Inn, Weston was struck by lightning, and the main chimney stack crashed into a bedroom. Two occupants of the bed were unhurt, though the bed was covered with debris. PHOTOGRAPH of BUILDING
1939 Beccles & Bungay 2 Sep PHOTOGRAPHS of sand-bagging, ARP trenches
1939 Beccles & Bungay 2 Sep EMERGENCY ORDERS: 1. Written permit required to have a camera in certain areas, or make photographs, sketches or plans. 2 Premises may be instantly ordered for use for protection of the public. 3 Control of pigeons brought into or sent out of the kingdom. 4 An order may be given on the cultivation, management or use of land
1939 3 September, 1939 at 11.15am Chamberlain announces Declaration of War [Se Britain a War page 18]
1939 Beccles & Bungay 9 Sep GREAT EXODUS to our Countryside: Over 50,000 children of school age, and some mothers with babies and young children under five have arrived since Friday in Norfolk. Most of the children who came to Norfolk and Suffolk from London. Many were taken to Lowestoft by sea in pleasure boats. Crippled and blind people and expectant mothers, have been transported by buses, requisitioned for the purpose to the safest parts of the surrounding country. Altogether 3,000,000 people have been moved about in the country. It was a unique and gigantic co-operative effort by the Government, local authorities, transport systems, school teachers, many hundreds of voluntary helpers, and, of course, the sympathetic public itself.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 9 Sep BLACK-OUT TIMES: Sat 9th. Sept: 7.30; Tues 12th. Sep: 7.24; Thurs 14th: 7.19
1939 Beccles & Bungay 9 Sep BECCLES EVACUEES: Several buses arrived on Tuesday bringing evacuees who are to reside in the borough, numbering about 1,400, consisting of schoolchildren, and their teachers, and mothers and their infants. They were received at the Public Hall, the Congregational School Hall and the YMCA Hut, which served as distribution centres. Each was made comfortable at the long tables and supplied with a half pit of milk and a bun. The provision of this refreshment had been carried out by the Beccles branch of the Women’s Voluntary Services for Civil Defence.
Excellent arrangements had been made by Mr WS Clark, the Borough Accountant, who was recently appointed the Chief Billeting Officer for the Borough, and the reception Committee. He had many hard working helpers and in all its aspects the reception of the evacuees went off splendidly. An admirable lead was given by he Mayor & Mayoress (Mr & Mrs Allden Owles).
When the evacuees had been refreshed at the distribution centres they were taken to their billets. In many instances the householders were at the gate waiting to receive them. It was obvious that in the great majority of cases citizens of Beccles had gone out of the way to give a hearty reception to those who will share their home during the period of the war.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 9 Sep PHOTOGRAPHS of EVACUATION & digging air raid shelters, (not Beccles)
In a few hours on Tuesday afternoon [the Evacuees] were accommodated in all parts of the town, and by now they should have settled down comfortably in these new homes. They have been given a hearty welcome by citizens who have also been quick to appreciate their own good fortune in being in an area that is considered to be safer.
Many of the citizens have played a prominent part in putting the reception and billeting scheme into effect. A great deal of organization was entailed and so carefully and thoroughly were the preliminary preparations carried out that the scheme was put into operation with remarkable speed sand smoothness.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 9 Sep LIGHTS on VEHICLES: It is essential that every vehicle on the roads after sunset shall have its lights dimmed in strict accordance with regulations.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 16 Sep WAR TIME CHANGES: Naturally the churches in the Borough have been affected by black-out. The provision of sufficient dark blinds to prevent light from showing from such a large building as our Parish Church would be an almost impossible matter, especially from the point of view of expense. Evening services will start at 3 o’clock instead of 6.30.
One of the things which has brought the emergency realistically before us is the introduction this week of the restricted train service
1939 Beccles & Bungay 16 Sep PHOTOGRAPHS: “Surface” Air Raid Shelter construction; Painting the Kerbs; Evacuees in classroom; Gas mask drill.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 23 Sep HORSE SALE by Read, Owles & Ashford: upwards of 300 animals offered: On Monday 25 cart mares with foals at foot, and 33 cart foals, plus 16 ponies and hackneys; On Tuesday 75 cart mares & geldings and 85 cart fillies and colts.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 23 Sep EVACUEE MOTHERS to use Ravensmere Mission Hall as a social club every day from 2.30 till 5pm for three pence a week. A cup of tea & a biscuit will cost one penny.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 23 Sep EMERGENCY COMMITTEE of the Council set up consisting of the Mayor (Allden Owles), the Deputy Mayor (Dr Henry Wood-Hill, Aldermen DC Smith & EJ Hindes, Mr AE Pye, GF Robinson & Paymaster Rear-Admiral CS Johnson.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 23 Sep PETROL RATIONING comes into operation tomorrow, with the increased Road Fund licences in January will see a decease in the use of cars and greater importance given to the horse.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 23 Sep CHORAL SOCIETY, which since its revival has done so much to promote good music, will be having weekly practices in the Station Road Methodist schoolroom of the Messiah. A number of evacuees have joined. Mr RH Frith is honorary Conductor.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 23 Sep PHOTOGRAPHS: Grassland under plough; Sandbags reinforce buildings; Inside a Shelter.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 30 Sep COUNTY LIBRARY open from 2.30 pm to 4pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 30 Sep HISTORICAL SOCIETY: Invitations to join being circulated amongst evacuee teachers who have come to the Borough. RC Dunt & Lt Col Granville Baker to take Chair at meeting. Society founded in 1927, now having 100 members. During the summer excursions have taken place, while in the winter there are lectures
1939 Beccles & Bungay 30 Sep NATIONAL REGISTER being taken tonight. Every person sleeping in the house tonight must be recorded on the schedule, and soldiers on leave must be entered. Personal occupations must be exact: eg. Employees at the Caxton Press must record the actual technical definition of their work. On Saturday morning enumerators will collect the schedules and issue Identity Cards.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 30 Sep DIFFICULTIES OF EVACUATION in north-east Suffolk: Plans were carefully laid, but at the last moment considerable numbers arrived by boat at Lowestoft and Felixstowe. There was no transport available to move them into the country and no free space to accommodate them. At Lowestoft evacuees had to be accommodated under all sorts of conditions - in schools, cinemas, hotels and public rooms for from two to four nights.
As regards trains, for the first day & a half, they contained school parties only, but then to the dismay of the receiving officers, a train of women and children arrived instead of school children, with the result that billets were occupied by the mothers instead of school children. A large number of expectant mothers also arrived by train, not only alone, but in many cases with three, four or even five children under five years of age. However all these difficulties were eventually overcome thanks to the hard work of the officials.
A report to the Committee showed that of 227 elementary schools, 15 remained unopen.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 1 Oct 250,000 CONSCRIPTS are called up
1939 Beccles & Bungay 7 Oct HEADMASTER’S DEPARTURE: Mr Richard R Hancock, who has been Headmaster of the Sir John Leman School since April 1937 left to take up a similar appointment at the Boys’ Southern Secondary School, Portsmouth. A Cornishman, Mr Hancock came to Beccles from the Boys’ Secondary School Portsmouth, where he had been senior history master since 1932.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 7 Oct EVACUEES’ LETTERS: “I appreciate the people of Beccles for the way they welcomed us into their homes, and the way they are kindly treating us while we are away from home.”
These young evacuees are fortunate in being able to attend such a fine up-to-date school as that at Castle Hill.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 7 Oct NEW INTEREST IN ALLOTMENTS as householders wish to increase the food supply.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 7 Oct MORE MEN CALLED UP: Another quarter million join the colours. Men aged 20 and 21 are affected. The average period of training will not be less than four months.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 7 Oct HIRE of HOLMLEIGH HOUSE (a large unoccupied house) in Blyburgate [No 21] as sick bay for evacuees. Room for 16 children with adult staff of 6. It was opened a few days ago. In charge are Mr & Mrs Laming. Mr Laming is one of the assistant masters of the County School for Boys, Gravesend, which has been evacuated to Beccles, while his wife is fully qualified in domestic science. She was formerly a school matron.
The furnishing has been undertaken by the Women’s Voluntary Service under the direction of Mrs BW Blower & Mrs Wood-Hill. Much had work has been done by Miss J Smith, Mrs I Pagan & Miss K Tracy.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 7 Oct CIVIC SERVICE at St Michael’s Church on the Day of National Prayer. The building, which has a capacity of 1,400 was filled. Taking part in the procession were the Beccles Auxiliary Fire Service under Capt E Aldous., the St John’s Ambulance Brigade, the Co-Op Association, the Red Cross, Boy Scouts & Girl Guides.
The Rector (Rev Harold Birch: “Today the world is confronted with a monstrous power of evil. The Nazi creed is that the only right is might and the only god that the Nazis recognise is brute force.”
1939 Beccles & Bungay 2 Oct BRITISH LAND 158,000 MEN in FRANCE.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 14 Oct SCHOOL LEAVING AGE: Parliament had approved the raising of the school leaving age from 14 to 15 to come into force this year. Because of the present wartime problems the Education Emergency Bill suspended that provision.
In Suffolk however the age had been raised to the age of 15 some years ago and it was hoped that this would remain in force.
In all evacuation areas and most neutral areas some schools were still closed. In reception areas some schools were working double shift or some other expedient, there was great difficulty in providing some sort of education between the ages of 11 and 15.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 14 Oct RATION BOOKS: The Food Executive Officer (Mr WS Clark) reported that that the Ministry of Food regulations required all retailers to have licences. These could be obtained from the local Food Office at the Town Council Offices in Blyburgate [Kilbrack].
Ration Books of various types had been received sufficient to cover the normal population of the Borough, but additional ration books would be needed for the evacuees. The issue of ration books was being undertaken from the national registration returns by a staff of voluntary helpers and a start had been made on the work of writing the books. The retail butchers were forming a butchers’ committee, as required by regulations.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 14 Oct An aboriginal race of hillmen in central India who offered to send bows and arrows to help Britain against Hitler were dismayed to learn that such weapons were no longer up-to-date.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 14 Oct PLOUGHING UP GRASSLAND is necessary to bring more land into production. “Dig for Victory” was the slogan used by the Minister of Agriculture in a recent broadcast.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 14 Oct CHILDREN’S HOSTEL at Homleigh House in Blyburgate [No 21?]: further things are still needed: children’s clothes, boots and shoes, games, toys and books, fruit and vegetables.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 14 Oct BROKE INTO CO-OP: Albert Hutchinson, 38, loco fireman & Thomas Foster, 71, labourer pleaded guilty to breaking into Bungay branch of Co-Op & stealing 9s 9d & a pair of Wellington boots. Mr HER Boileau prosecuted.
Foster was born at Beccles and had no schooling. At the age of 17 he took to the road doing occasional farm work. He joined the army in 1914 and was discharged in January 1919 with a good character after serving overseas. He again started tramping the country. In December 1894, for his first offence he was sent to penal servitude for five years and in 1902 to a further period of three years penal servitude for receiving. Since his release from prison from his last sentence in March of this year he had been doing casual agricultural work in Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Each prisoner was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment with hard labour.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 21 Oct MAYOR for SECOND YEAR: Mr Allden Owles re-elected Mayor. A Bungay man, Mr Owles has served on the Beccles Council for nearly four years. His father was a former Town Reeve of Bungay and a prominent local businessman. Mr Allden Owles has worked for Barclays Bank for more than forty years. Since January 1927 he has been Manager of the Beccles branch.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 21 Oct EMERGENCY COMMITTEE CRITICISED: The Town Clerk, Bryan Forward said the Council had delegated most of their powers to the Emergency Committee. “The Council have no powers to vary what the Committee has done.”
HOLMLEIGH has been requisitioned by the Council with the approval of the Minister of Health.
MORE EVACUEES from Dagenham seek accommodation in Beccles. Difficult to find. Billets had been found for the 110 pupils at the County School for Boys, Gravesend, who were due to arrive in the town this weekend.
ROAD WIDENING SCHEMES by the County Council had left unsightly sites where properties have been demolished, especially in Saltgate, and complete the roadwork.
ALLOTMENTS to be provided in Common Lane
1939 Beccles & Bungay 21 Oct DEATH of Mrs W Green, the widow of Walter green, proprietor of Castle Flour Mills, Beccles. He had died ten years ago.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 21 Oct HISTORICAL SOCIETY VISIT to St Michael’s Church, guided by the Rector, Mr W Fowler (People’s Warden, & formerly Hon Sec of the Society), Mr George Boyce. Covers for Fonts became compulsory [from 1236] to prevent people stealing Holy Water [which they used in charms and magical rituals]
1939 Beccles & Bungay 21 Oct PHOTOGRAPH: Evacuees at Beccles Area School in the Dining hall
1939 Beccles & Bungay 28 Oct DEATH of Mrs FLORENCE SELF of 14 Frederick’s Road. She was active in the Parish Church & the Hospital Needlework Guild. Prior to her marriage she was a teacher at Worlingham School. She was the widow of Mr TJ Self.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 28 Oct WASTE PAPER COLLECTION by Boy Scouts 8 Waveney Valley troops
1939 Beccles & Bungay 28 Oct AIR RAID WARNINGS to be given only when bombing is likely. Frequent interruptions of industrial activity etc at present will be cut.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 28 Oct FARM WORKERS to get 2/-s a week more. Minimum raised to 36s 6d a week in Norfolk.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 28 Oct BUS SERVICES IN WAR TIME: The established winter schedules are generally being maintained, but some limiting is enforced by petrol rationing.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 4 Nov ALLOTMENTS: At present there are 400 in Beccles and additional plots are being made available in Common Lane. Allotment Holders Association required. Enthusiastic Beccles organiser required.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 4 Nov SMUGGLING in the 18 century
1939 Beccles & Bungay 4 Nov NO ELECTIONS in WAR TIME: 3 Councillors due to retire will remain in office: ET Goldsmith, Dr Howard Warner, JH Skoulding.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 4 Nov BECCLES & BUNGAY JOURNAL: Because British paper mills cannot get normal supplies, no “Sale or Return” terms to newsagents are allowed. Make sure you order your copy.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 11Nov MAYOR of BECCLES re-elected. No Banquet this year - instead a lunch at the King’s Head, catering in the hands of Eric W Brumfitt. 60 people to lunch including wives and representatives of the Forces. Light music was played by Mr H Speed (piano) & Mr B Woolfson (violin). The Mayor said that the Suffolk Regiment Association was asking the ladies of the town to knit socks and comforts for the troops.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 11Nov BRITISH LEGION: FJ Meen (Chairman) chaired the meeting supported by Lt-Col Granville Baker (President) & Lt-Col RF Lush. Many subscriptions unpaid. Poppy Day the most successful ever.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 11Nov HISTORICAL SOCIETY tour round the Town: Roos Hall: Lt-Col Granville Baker said that “he thought it quite conceivable that a manor house occupied the site at a very early date.... It was only the north wing of what was meant to be a typical Elizabethan manor of E-shape. The late FWD Robinson had told him that foundations of a large house had been discovered during excavations at the Hall.”
“In the New Market a visit was paid to an upstairs room of a shop in order to see a fine Elizabethan ceiling. Her Majesty’s arms, dated 1589 were noted over the fireplace”.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 18 Nov HISTORY: In Town & Village: In Blyburgate is the Thatched House, now a shop and residence ...
1939 Beccles & Bungay 18 Nov MORE EVACUEES: 118 unaccompanied children expected soon. The Chief Billeting Officer hopes to find voluntary billets for the children.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 18 Nov SUMMER TIME first introduced in 1916, but for the first time extended this year until this Sunday.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 25 Nov EXTRA EVACUEES no longer coming - after arrangements had been made for their reception and housing.
CENTRAL PLACE for EVACUEE Visits: The YMCA offered the use of their hut once a month for parents and evacuee children to meet. Lunch would be provided at 1pm costing 1s 6d a head; Teas at 4.30pm at 9d each. Evacuating authorities should let the YMCA numbers to expect in advance.
CHEAP DAY RETURNS were to be offered once a month by the railway companies to allow parents to visit their children.
STREET LIGHTING had been stopped at the beginning of the War, saving the Council £64 a month.
OLD NATIONAL SCHOOL [in Ravensmere?] buildings to be taken over as an auxiliary Fire Station. There were to be 6 members of the whole-time Fire Brigade & 12 members of the Auxiliary Fire Brigade, with a total of 35 trained men in reserve.
MEDICAL OFFICER of HEALTH through the war to be Dr L Gibson of Oulton Broad.
SALTGATE RENOVATION work to be continued by the County Council when manpower was available.
ALLOTMENTS: 31 applications for new allotments had been received. The Common Lane site would provide 22 allotments of 10 rods each. Mr P Atkin was prepared to aid in the formation of an Allotment Holders’ Association.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 25 Nov MARRIED: Miss Mary Forward, daughter of Bryan Forward married to Gerald Ludovici of Finchley. A keen yachtswoman Miss Forward belongs to the Royal Norfolk &Suffolk Yacht Club & the Beccles Amateur Sailing Club. They are moving to Karachi, India.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 25 Nov MEMORIAL to Sidney J Owles in Bungay. A member of a family which has lived in Bungay for two centuries, Mr Owles was an auctioneer.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 2 Dec NEW LABOUR CANDIDATE: Rev Dr AD Belton, a Congregational Minister selected. He is a BD of London University & Ursinus, USA. Born in 1883, educated at Wilson’s Grammar School, Camberwell. He was Minister at Banbury, Westcliffe-on-Sea & Tottenham Court Road as well as a member of Socialist Christian League. “He felt they should strain every nerve to pull the war up as quickly as possible.... I do not believe for a moment that we can secure the objectives of this war by means of war.
A genuine disarmament to the fullest degree conceivable was what modern civilisation needed, realising that violence was the last and most horrible form of tyranny in the world.”
1939 Beccles & Bungay 2 Dec 80 EVACUATED CHILDREN at St Benet’s School given canteen meal at lunchtime every week day. The Mayor & Mr Loftus, MP visited them, & Mr Loftus told them: “You have come to Suffolk and Suffolk is quite the nicest county in all England, so you are very lucky. You have come to the ancient town of Beccles and Beccles is one of the nicest towns in the nicest County in all England. He was glad to see them all so happy and cheerful.”
1939 Beccles & Bungay 2 Dec SMUGGLERS OFF THE SUFFOLK COAST: lecture by FC Lambert of Halesworth to Historical Society at YMCA Hut. Many stories were related to him by grandparents, great-uncles & aunts, sailors, fishermen, wherrymen & old inhabitants. He passed round: 1. A sword seized about 1812 by John Key when he knocked a Government rider off his horse near the Mulberry Inn at Weston. 2. The handle of a dagger discovered in a smugglers’ vault at Wenhaston. 3. the remains of a shawl left in a hayrick at Westleton about 1812 as a little reward for the ladies of a farm as a little reward for the use of the farmers’ horses, while the farmer received a keg of Cognac.
Contraband was hidden in many hides, including the Blythburgh Walks - vaults with stout timber lids. They were covered with turf & heather, sheep then being driven over them, and the marks made by their feet naturally suggested that the ground had not been opened there.
When a boat carrying the cargo approached the coast the contraband was put overboard and anchored, a buoy marking the spot. Exact bearings were taken, so that it could b located. Boats went off the shore as if for a night’s fishing and hauled up the kegs of spirit. A signal showed those on shore that they were arriving and the spirit was conveyed to its destination.
In Town &Village: Each tub held 4 gallons of Cognac, costing £2 contraband or £7+ legal. The men on the ships engaged in this illegal trading were paid £25 for carrying out such a risky voyage.
LETTER: “My father, Samuel Candler [buried 3 Sept 1910 aged 79, in 1870 see 758 London Road] was of Swine’s Green. His mother’s grandmother brought his mother up from a girl, and being a widow there was no suspicion on her. She lived in the old house as you go from Cucumber Hall to the low meadows that lead to Ellough. The old house faced the meadows. The old lady’s name was Nan Langley, and she lived to 100 and was buried in Weston Churchyard. She used to take stuff for the notorious John Key, when he had a load. He used to drive up, smack his whip on the window and the old lady knew what it meant. He would then unload the stuff. I have heard my grandmother say she has seen the liquor drop through the ceiling from a leaky cask. She was always well supplies with snuff, tobacco and liquor, and always carried some in her pockets. My grandfather some years afterwards, discovered a vault in the meadows on the left of the old footbridge that crosses the stream. He saw the track of a cart on the grass one frosty morning and was curious to know where it led. He found that during the night they had cleared out the vault. It was a favourite haunt of smugglers through those old trackways, starting from Rigbone Hill, and by the old Green Lane on to the Ellough Road. Then from the Marlborough Lane at Weston you could follow old footpaths and trackways, and come out at the top of the hill by Barnby Foundry, half way to Lowestoft.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 2 Dec A BARAGE BALLOON adrift from its mooring with its cable swinging beneath it was responsible for a serious mysterious incidents over the weekend. Windows were broken, telephone wires damaged, slates dislodged, branches torn off trees, and a wireless pole removed.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 9 Dec WAR SAVINGS: The Mayor, Allden Owles: “This is undoubtedly one of the most important things with which we have to deal under the present circumstances” at meeting of National Savings Campaign held at the YMCA. “Good attendance in the black-out.”
1939 Beccles & Bungay 9 Dec FOUR Gravesend people INJURED in car crash returning from seeing their evacuated children. Crashed into the Willingham “Fox” while overtaking another car. The two women were more injured than their husbands and were taken to Beccles Hospital by Dr Wood-Hill
1939 Beccles & Bungay 9 Dec SOUTHWOLD TESTING OF SIRENS: Air raid sirens should occasionally be tested. The Chief Constable of East Suffolk decided that the testing should take place on the first Wednesday of every month at 11am. It would start with a steady note the “All Clear” for 30 seconds followed immediately by 25 seconds of the warbling “Warning” signal, and concluding with a steady note (raiders passed) for one minute.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 9 Dec STREET IMPROVEMENT: East Suffolk Council arranged that the shop on the corner of Saltgate and Old Market should be pulled down. Saltgate had been widened except for this one property. EJ Hindes said Beccles Town Council was keen to get the improvement carried out. Major Humphery said it was a very narrow street with a tremendous amount of traffic. The obstruction was very great, particularly in the black-out.
WAVENEY extension scheme for the alleviation of flooding, reconstruction of two bridges at Ellingham.
WHITE LINES to be put on roads in the north part of County.
LETTER from Transport & General Workers’ Union asking for substantial increase in wages for County Council workmen. Suggestion that wages should be immediately raised to £2 not accepted.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 9 Dec CAPTAIN FC POYSER Lecture: Throughout the Great war Captain Poyser was at sea. The ships in which he served had any serious engagements - but life was far from comfortable. He was serving on a merchant ship 150 miles off the Irish coast when it was torpedoed by a German submarine. When the ship was hit early on a January morning he was in bed and, on rushing out, found that much of it was under water.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 9 Dec PACIFIST MEETING at BUNGAY. 50 people attended. There were interruptions: all the lights were turned out & there was loud heckling. The meeting was adjourned to a private house.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 9 Dec LIST to be PREPARED of all Beccles people in HM FORCES at home or abroad and those enrolled in any way in Civil Defence Services. Forms obtainable from Miss J Smith, 2 Smallgate.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 9 Dec St JOHN’S AMBULANCE BRIGADE inspected by Lt-Col B Granville Baker, DSO who heartily congratulated the Division.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 9 Dec MAYOR sets up Beccles War Emergency Fund for 1 Comforts & cigarettes for Beccles serving in forces. 2 The needs of the families of these men, now or in days to come. 3. An entertainment for children at Christmas - as well as the many young evacuees who have been living in Beccles since the outbreak of hostilities.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 9 Dec WAINFORD COUNCIL’S NEW HOME leased offices above Barclay’s Bank overlooking New Market & Ballygate. The Sanitary Inspector, the Food Control department, the War Agricultural Committee also housed here. FJ Meen, who for many years has acted as architect to the Council, designed the structural alterations carried out.
The Council has met in the Council Chamber in Beccles Town Hall since it left the Shipmeadow Institution in January 1938. The building was closed by Suffolk County Council who moved the patients elsewhere. At the Institution the Council had met since its formation in 1934, and its predecessor the Wangford Rural District Council had also been there since it was established in 1894.
Chairman CS Skinner; Vice-Chairman Rev EG Clowes, Council: Canon CW Baron-Suckling; Rev GL Manson; Major RE Peebles; Capt BW Blower; Mrs JEF Seamans, H Pickwood; HH Watts; RWK Campbell; J Woolnough; A Bradnum; AJ Aldrich; IS Bond; AS Thurlow; JG Baker; CN Philpot.
Mrs Seamans inquired as to the position concerning evacuee children returning to their homes for Christmas.
The Clerk (SW Rix): There is no promise that they will be allowed to come back again.
Mrs Seamans: Must I withdraw the householders’ billeting papers?
The Clerk: Yes treat it as gone home.
CN Philpot: Have we authority to billet them again if they come back?
The Clerk: No. I think it depends on the time they spend at home.
THE LUNCHEON: After the Meeting a luncheon was held at the King’s Head. The chief guest was the Mayor, who until this summer resided in that part of Barclays Bank (of which he is manager) now occupied by the Council.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 9 Dec ADVERTISEMENT: Esling’s, Blyburgate: Sample Books of Private Greeting Xmas Cards 1939
1939 Beccles & Bungay 9 Dec ADVERTISEMENT: Gunn & Hill for Best Value in Household Goods, Exchange Square.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 9 Dec ADVERTISEMENT: HE Sayer, Ltd, Useful Xmas Presents; Boots & Shoes Slippers; Exchange Square
1939 Beccles & Bungay 9 Dec ADVERTISEMENT: Morlings, Ltd, The House of Music, 18 New Market.: Make your set a Radiogram as a Xmas Surprise for the family. Think what pleasure the family will get from hearing records electrically reproduced through your radio set.
For 39s 6d you can literally turn your receiver into a two-piece radiogram and enjoy the recorded performances of the world’s greatest artists in addition to the radio programmes. Come in and ask for a demonstration today. “His Master’s Voice” Record Player. Available on Hire Purchase.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 9 Dec ADVERTISEMENT: WJ Seppings: Xmas 1939; We shall be pleased to Receive Orders Now for our Choice Turkeys. Phone 1882
1939 Beccles & Bungay 9 Dec ADVERTISEMENT: Spashett’s, Smallgate, Beccles. Buy your Toys from an old established Toy Shop - Toys all the Year Round - Meccano & Hornby Trains; Children’s Books; Annuals; Crackers; Christmas Cards & Calendars. Phone 2178
1939 Beccles & Bungay 9 Dec ADVERTISEMENT: Pearce’s Stores, Beccles; Agents for Adnam’s Fine Southwold Ales & Stouts, Wines & Spirits; Finest Quality Grocery & Provisions
1939 Beccles & Bungay 9 Dec ADVERTISEMENT: GH Hipperson & Sons; Builders’ Contractor; Monumental Masons & Decorators. Estimates Given.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 9 Dec ADVERTISEMENT: HG Algar; Algar for Radio; Latest Olympia Models in Stock. Demonstration without obligation. Radio Specialist. 15b Blyburgate.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 9 Dec ADVERTISEMENT: Beccles Choral Society; “Handel's Messiah” Help the Red Cross. Regal Cinema (by kind permission of HG Lawrance, Esq.) Sunday, Dec 17th, 1939, 7pm; Programmes 6d & 1s.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 9 Dec ADVERTISEMENT: FH Reynolds (National Association of Funeral Directors) (late CE Dunn)
Building Undertaking Motr Hearse for Hire. Crematoria. Estimates given. Phone 2210;
Day & Night Service. Private Address_ “Reydun”, Worlingham Road, Beccles
1939 Beccles & Bungay 9 Dec ADVERTISEMENT: Bon Marche, Beccles Ltd. 1lb Boxes “Red Rose” Assorted Chocolates 1s 3d.
1lb Tins Ceylon Tea 2s 6d. See our Xmas List for special offers. The Walk; Phone 3144
1939 Beccles & Bungay 9 Dec ADVERTISEMENT: Branford & Son; Watchmakers & Jewellers; For Useful & Acceptable Gifts
Hungate, Beccles.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 9 Dec ADVERTISEMENT: E Delf, New Market: Now Open: Toy & Fancy Bazaar; Shop early & have a good Selection to choose from.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 9 Dec ADVERTISEMENT: Claud S Darby: Picture Framing; Good Selection of Mouldings in Stock. Photographer; Smallgate, Beccles
1939 Beccles & Bungay 16 Dec CAPTAIN FC POYSER, a second lecture. When the Great War was declared he was 3rd mate in a merchant ship lying loaded at Liverpool in readiness for proceeding to Calcutta. There was no wireless and once the Suez Canal had been passed no news at all was received. When the pilot from Calcutta was picked up the authorities thought that the ship had been sunk, because the German raider Emden had been operating in the area.
After emptying her cargo the ship was requisitioned as a troopship. Indian soldiers bound for Suez were put on board, but unfortunately the engines broke down, and the ship had to go into dry dock for repair. when this had been done, a new lot of troops were put on board and she was escorted to Suez by a French cruiser.
The ship returned to England, and Captain Poyser changed ships & went to & fro to North America, the homeward cargo including ammunition, hay and oats. He then left Liverpool on a Friday for Calcutta with a coolie crew. [unskilled Eastern crew]. On Saturday night he was on watch from eight till midnight, after which he went to bed, to be awakened three hours later by the sound of the glass funnel jumping off the lamp in his cabin. I looked out and all the coolies were dashing along shouting “Allah”. He noticed the ship was down by the head considerably. It was January, very cold, and they were a hundred miles from land, it was pitch dark. Practically all the boats had gone, but he jumped into a boat which had been damaged by the torpedo, which sank after 20 minutes. He swam around for a long time, then came across one of the ship’s boats and was pulled in. They were later rescued by a ship bound for Lisbon. The two officers were transferred to another vessel homeward bound. The coolies refused to go and not long after their departure towards Calcutta in another boat they met with further misfortunes and nearly all lost their lives.
When Captain Poyser and his colleagues got to Falmouth they were told that, as they had no papers they must be treated as aliens! They were locked in a shed, but through the good offices of a chaplain were soon released and accommodated in hotels. Next day they returned to Liverpool. His next ship was similar to the torpedoed ship he had been in, but was fitted with a gun and was bound for New Orleans, where a very valuable cargo was loaded and escorted by an American destroyer. When it was off south-west coast of Ireland Captain Poyser said, “I saw the periscope of a submarine. Then there was a commotion. A torpedo came for where I was standing. I expected an explosion, but nothing happened. I rushed to the other side of the ship and there was the torpedo streaking away.” Captain Poyser found afterwards this was because the submarine was so close to the ship. The torpedo was in the process of finding its own level and it passed right under the vessel.
In January 1918 the ship in which he was serving had just completed the discharge of cargo at Tilbury Docks, when a message was received from the Admiralty that the ship must sail on the next tide. They left on a Friday, being bound for Plymouth. “we were off St Catherine’s Point about 3am , I was fast asleep in my clothes when there was a great bang. I rushed out on deck and then on to the bridge. The Captain said a torpedo had hit her aft, but the engines were still going. About twenty minutes later another torpedo hit her.” With the men he had to look after Cat Poyser left in one of the boats and eventually was able to get them on to a trawler Then he went to get another lot of men and these too, were taken to the trawler. When he returned for a third party he found they had already been rescued by a Norwegian ship.
The torpedoed ship was not far from the Needles and as it was floating, efforts were made by various boats to tow her towards a place pf safety, but unfortunately the weather turned bad. The outcome was that the vessel hit the sands and being a dead weigh, the torpedoed rear portion broke away. The remainder went right into the middle of the sands, settling down on an even keel. Captain Poyser, and those of his colleagues still on board, were rescued by a Lowestoft drifter, which landed them at Yarmouth in the Isle of Wight.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 16 Dec DEATH of BISHOP H ALLEN GRAY. When he first went to Canada, more than 50 years ago, it was to work as a rancher at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in 1886. He lived among the disappearing race of Red Indians who then were not always the friendly people that they are today. He went to the University of Manitoba, and was ordained priest in 1896. In 1913 he was consecrated Bishop of Edmonton. His Diocese was a vast one, and he had to make very long journeys in order to attend services. After 18 years he returned to England, for 14 months from 1931-32 he was Rector of Hedenham, near Bungay. When he resigned the living he moved to Cliff House, Ballygate, Beccles and often assisted with the services at St Michael’s, and did valuable work on behalf of foreign missions. He was also interested in the YMCA Triangle Club of which he was a member of the committee and vice-president.
In 1935 he moved to Harleston, where he took a large house called Calcrofts. Subsequently he moved to Norwich and Bungay. He was married and had one daughter.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 23 Dec EMERGENCY COMMITTEE of the Council abolished so that all members of the Council become the Emergency Committee
1939 Beccles & Bungay 23 Dec CHORAL SOCIETY “MESSIAH”; performed at the Regal on account of black-out problems at St Michael’s. Mr HS Lawrance gave permission for it to be performed in the Regal Cinema. Mr RH Frith conducted. There were newcomers to the choir which consisted of 30 voices, among them a number of evacuees. There was an excellent orchestra of a dozen players.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 23 Dec BECCLES FOOD CONTROL COMMITTEE: The Food Executive Officer (Mr WS Clark) would investigate any profiteering reported to him. The returns received by him in respect of bacon & ham, butter & sugar (nearly 11,000 of each) showed that the shopping population exceeded the resident population by nearly 50%, or in other words, many people in surrounding parishes shopped in Beccles.
The increase in prices of pork was illustrated by WJ Seppings, chairman of the local butchers’ committee, who said that pork had increased from 9s to 14s per stone, dead weight.
Mr Clark said the maximum price of potatoes in Suffolk was 5s more than in Norfolk.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 23 Dec RETIREMENT of Miss CP Deeley from the Sir John Leman School, where she has taught Chemistry and Science. A BSc of Birmingham University, Miss Deeley came to Beccles in 1906 and was at the old pupil teachers’ centre in the Lecture Hall, Fair Close, until its absorption in the Sir John Leman School eight yeas later. She will make her home in Birmingham.
THE NEW HEADMASTER of Sir John Leman School, Mr GS Humphreys of Callington,, Cornwall takes up his appointment on 1 January, Since Mr RR Hancock left 3months ago, Mr FP Glover has been acting Head Master.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 23 Dec HISTORICAL SOCIETY: Lecture: The History of the Suffolk Life-Boat [page 10.]
1939 Beccles & Bungay 30 Dec POLICE COURT: John Smith, (29) sent to prison for 3 months for breaking 3 plate glass windows in the New Market at 3.45pm. A large number of people were shopping at the time. Two Police officers heard the smashing of glass
1939 Beccles & Bungay 30 Dec BISHOP ALAN GRAY When he first went to Canada in the late 19th century one of his first jobs was to take off his shoes & stockings, roll up his trousers and tread out some mud. He got enjoyment out of this and then followed the fun of throwing mud at the walls of houses in order to make it settle between the boards. Thus a definite contribution was made towards keeping the cold from penetrating within. I have heard Bishop Gray describe how buildings were shifted bodily on rollers. One such structure happened to get stranded outside the house for a weekend! He himself had helped to move a church four miles across a lake on which the ice was three feet in thickness.
1939 Beccles & Bungay 30 Dec DEATH of Mr CS Ward aged 56. He was licensee of the Royal Oak for 10 years.
He joined the Royal Navy in 1902 and became a chief petty officer as a mechanic. He was serving in HMS Cornwallis when she was torpedoed and sunk off Malta on 9 January 1917.
[HMS Cornwallis was a pre-Dreadnought Duncan-class battleship of the Royal Navy. During World War I she took part in the Dardanelles Campaign. She was sunk in January 1917, after being hit by three torpedoes from German U-Boat U-32, commanded by Kurt Hartwig, off Malta, with the loss of fifteen lives (photograph below)]
He was decorated by the King of Italy for services rendered at Messina at the time of the earthquake in 1908.
He was one of three brothers, all naval life pensioners.
HMS Cornwallis