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 Beccle