Beulah Diary 1984

April 1984

April started bright with cold winds. The flowers are slow to bloom this year. How Hill had a field of several varieties but the early sort in bloom so far.
The Wives Group on April 7th were interested in a talk on computers by Mr John Brown who also demonstrated the value of them in teaching children. Mrs P Lander gave the vote of thanks. Mrs C Mobbs presided at the meeting.
A Spring Sale was held in the Church Room on Saturday 7thApril. It was organised by Mrs S Hall and helpers Mrs Stevenson, Mrs Roots and Simon Sparrow. Some £247. 30p was raised for St Catherine’s Church bell restoration.
The fortnightly meeting of the Forget-Me-Not Club were enjoyed by members. Mrs Alexander presided. After games tea was swerved by WRVS helpers.
At the fortnightly whist drive held in the Church Room Mr A Sheldrake was MC and prize winners came from locally and surrounding villages as they usually do for the Drive.
The Royal British Legion Women’s section darts team won the Groups Dart Trophy at Martham Sports and Social club. The captain was Mrs V Wright.
During Easter a tragedy occurred, Ruby Edwards who buried her father in Ludham Churchyard on Dec 17th 1983 lost her mother who was staying in Hemsby through a heart attack at the age of 60 on April 20th which was Good Friday and on Easter Monday Ruby’s stepfather shot his two dogs and himself in a car outside Ruby’s bungalow at Whitegates Estate. The body was released for burial by the coroner and the double funeral took place at Ludham on Thursday 26th April. Only one grave separated Ruby’s father mother and stepfather.
Good Friday Service at the Methodist Church was taken by Rev Roy Coppack. Mrs C Thrower was organist. The service was followed by an act of witness at Stocks Hill joining with St Catherine’s Church. The Rev F Bond and the Rev G Nicholson took part. On Easter Day at 8am Holy Communion was taken by Mr Bond. Dr Roberts was organist. In the evening the Rev Tony Waite from Woking with his Spinnaker Cruise took the service. Mrs Thrower was the organist. After the service refreshments were served.
At the WI April meeting a member Mrs Anna Wilson gave an enthralling talk on embroidery from medieval times to present day, with samples which had the 28 members and 2 guests stunned with admiration. Mrs W Pyne opened the meeting with a poem on ‘Spring’. The president Mrs J Michel gave a list of dates to be remembered for the various fund-raising events in the village and presented birthday [posies which had been prepared by Mrs M Richie Some members would be collecting for the Red Cross from May 6-12th. The trading stall made £7.18p. For the last six weeks 16 members of the WI have met in the Methodist Schoolroom and under guidance of Mrs Gallagher of Potter Heigham have worked wonders with greenery and flowers arranging them in an assortment of containers constructed from everyday throw away articles. It has been an instructive and enjoyable time and members hope to repeat the lessons next Spring. Thanks, were given to Mrs Gallagher who gave her fee to the Church bell fund.
Easter Services were well attended at St Catherine’s Church during Easter weekend and were conducted by the Rev G Nicholson. Mr J Savage was the organist. At the morning service lessons were read by Mr A Sheldrake. The collection was taken by Mrs S Hall and Mr R Fulcher. The Church had been beautifully decorated by the women of the Church Flower Guild. The special feature was Arum Lilies which were given by parishioners.
An apology to Ludham villagers over the disappointing? loss? was made at the Annual Parish Meeting. The proceedings with a report on the year’s work from David Richie Chairman of the Parish Council. A major addition to the amenities of the village was the new green with a seat round the oak tree at the top of Horse Fen Road leading to Womack Staithe. A large contribution to this came from the proceeds of the 1983 Mini Marathon organised by Ludham Wives Group and it has already been agreed that the 1984 event fixed for Sunday 6th May will provide new equipment for the Children’s Playing Corner One of the greatest successes of the year was the second place in the Norfolk Best Kept Village Competition for 1983. A special effort during the next few months was called for to improve this p[lacing in 1984. Already an enthusiastic offer from village organisations had been received to take over the clearing and maintenance of sections of the village and individual householders were urged to keep an eye open for untidiness on the streets and roads. It was reported that the village hall had been completely decorated under the community scheme of the Manpower Commission. The cost of material (£614) having been covered by the Parish Council. Despite rising costs, the village rate precept had risen only slightly and was now only 0.9p in the pound. The advantage was partly due to the public amenities fund, reported on by Mr W H Sloper clerk to the council. The main item here was the net income in 1983 from mooring fees at Womack Staithe of £2,592 for maintenance of the staithe and other village amenities. The upkeep of the staithe is very expensive, £1,434 was spent in 1983 and it has been necessary to increase mooring fees for the first time in three years but they are still among the lowest in the area for the facilities provided. Mr Sloper said Womack Staithe in 1949 a derelict dump was now a major asset to the village and an amenity greatly valued by holidaymakers. Special thanks were offered to Mr J Sayer and Mr K Dyball, Mr J Clarke, Mr J Gravenall and Mr L Carter for the voluntary service they have contributed to the welfare and amenities of the village Mrs Bensley district councillor for the village and chairman of North Norfolk District Council gave a summary of the years activities and Mrs Y Boldy the council nominated governor of Ludham First School gave a report on the latter item. One of the years successes has been the village Judo Club reported on by Mr W Bubenzer. The club was making good progress with a slowly increasing membership and contact being made with the wider organisation of the sport. In the report from the Ludham Women’s Institute reference was made to the reasonable range of charitable work and support covered by the WI. And other village organisations. The report from the new village hall committee showed considerable progress. A financial deficit having been turned into a healthy credit. From a car boot sale on May 7th and the fete later in the summer it was hoped to provide some further improvements. Dr Gabriel announced that there will soon be a local appeal for funds for the Norfolk Boat Appeal, with the hope of making local youngsters to take part in cruises on the yacht ‘Spirit of Boadicea’. Mrs M B Hall gave an account of arrangements for the Flower Festival to be held in St Catherine’s in the summer. This will involve every organisation in the village and many individuals.

April / May 1984
The May weather is cool, bleak and North East winds. April was much warmer and plants and animal life advanced in their growth and habits however we now have cold days and night frosts. Some small ducklings down the dyke have been unable to survive.
Several properties are for sale. North Cottage at £48,000 also Garden Cottage Malthouse Lane at £40,000. Both these are original properties, the latter one being two dwellings of four rooms to each. The field of Latchmore consists of an estate of houses and bungalows, mainly oil or electric heating and few with chimneys are nearly all occupied in fact some have already been sold for the second time.
United Service was held in St Catherine’s Church and was conducted by the Rev G Nicholson assisted by the Rev F C Bond retired Methodist minister. The organist was Mr J Savage and the lessons were read by Mr K Fitzhugh. The collection was taken by Mr A Sheldrake and Mrs Fitzhugh.
A jumble sale was held on April 28th organised by the Wives Group and raised about £75. A gift will be given to Little Plumstead Hospital. Mrs Carolyn Mobbs thanked everyone for their help and support at the jumble sale.
The monthly meeting of the Mother’s Union was held with Mrs R Fulcher presiding in the absence of the vicar who was on holiday. Mrs Fulcher read an account of MU activities which was sent previously in WI? Scrap book. Mrs S Hall gave a talk on her work as G.F.S. member and helper and also gave as account of three visits to the Royal Albert Hall on various occasions, also her visit to Buckingham Palace Garden Party which was commemorating the Institutes Golden Jubilee. The trading stall made £3 for Branch funds. A jumble sale was held in the evening of 26th April organised by Mrs Hall and helpers. Competition winners were Mrs J Dyble, Mrs M Worthington, Mrs Stapleton and Mrs Slaughter The sum of £80.28p was raised for the restoration of the church bell fund.
The usual whist drive held fortnightly with Mr A Sheldrake as MC for Church Room funds had a prize winner amounting to eleven people.
At a short April meeting of the Parish Council preparations and arrangements were made for the Best Kept Village Competition. It was pointed out that the appearance of the village hall, a prominent sight for visitors entering the village from Norwich direction- was not particularly attractive. The council agreed that the forecourt should be regraded and some tree planting and landscaping should be carried out as soon as possible. Tree planting in the piece of woodland adjoining Womack Staithe will now be postponed until the Autumn. During a discussion on the County Surveyors report on minor bus service changes in the area there was a complaint about a private coach service which members thought was subsidised through the village to ASDA supermarket and return. This was considered to be a potential threat to local traders. The report of the Association of Local Councils invited local shopkeepers to meet in Dereham for a discussion of some problems of retailing in the rural situation. One suggestion made ion the discussion was that retailers should consider more the needs of the one-in -few householdings consisting of a single person and supply some products in smaller packages. The Council decided to renew its lapsed subscription to the Norfolk Playing Fields Association.
The Ludham Society was given permission to hold a stall on Baker’s Green on the 18th August

A jumble sale was held in the Church Room and raised £93. 07p for the Ludham Guides and Brownies. Prize winners were A Sparrow, Mrs Foster, J Buck, C Firman and L Hudson.

The Forget-Me-Not Club meeting held on Thursday with Mrs C Day presiding. After games tea was served by WRVS helpers.

The vicar The Rev G Nicholson and the churchwardens Mr K Fitzhugh and Mrs S Hall attended the visitation of the Archdeacon of Norwich, the Ven Michael Handly at Ormesby St Margaret Church.

A bingo drive was held in the Church Room on May 1st organised by Mrs D Bloomfield and the sum of £120. 15p was raised for the RSPCA Drayton home for animals.

The Forget-Me-Not Club held its 17th birthday in the Church Room and was combined with the Annual Business meeting. A special birthday tea was provided by the helpers and a beautiful cake was made by Mrs M Jolly. The helpers were thanked by Mrs Alexander and Mrs Day and each was presented with a flowering pot plant. The meeting ended with a singsong with a kind visitor at the piano.

To celebrate the 117th anniversary of the High Street Methodist Church a family gathering was held on Friday beginning with a buffet supper prepared by Mrs Fox, Mrs Buck, and Mrs Cook. This was followed by an entertainment by Miss Caroline Cook of Thurne and Mrs David Poole. On Sunday morning the service which included Holy Communion was taken by the Rev F Bond and Dr Roberts was organist. The afternoons service was conducted by the Circuit Minister the Rev Roy Coppack. The theme being – Time, Talent and Treasure. Many members of the Sunday School read passages from the bible. Mr C Thrower and Dr Roberts spoke about talents. A solo was given by Miss B Searle and stories from the bible were read by Mrs Roberts and Mrs Lytton. Mrs C Thrower was organist. The tea which followed was prepared by her daughters. The services were very well attended.

At the fortnightly meeting of the Ludham Wives Group which was held in the Methodist Schoolroom with Mrs C Mobbs presiding. Mr E Bacon gave an illustrated talk on Papworth Hospital and Ludham and was thanked by Mrs J Smith.

On Sunday morning May 6th the Ludham Mini Marathon was greatly supported with enthusiastic runners and walkers assembled together in The Street for the fun run despite chilly weather. Next came the fancy-dress competition including a three headed giant, a large overweight baby dressed in an extra outsize nappy, complete with dummy and a Mrs Mopp to tidy up. First to arrive back was Paul Dunner? (25mins 01sec), First woman was Peggy Andrews (34mins 38secs) First boy Anthony Lavender (29mins58secs) First girl Hayley Forton? (34mins40secs) First boy under 11 Philip Pasha (35mins50.5secs) First girl under 11 Lisa Taylor (42mins05secs) Fancy dress Men’s, Mr L Carter Women’s Julie Dunning and Carol Cutting. Mrs S Hall presented the trophies and was given a bouquet by Lisa Dawn Howard. The event was organised by Mrs S Gregory and the Ludham Wives group and raised over £500. A piece of equipment will be bought for the Children’s Playing Field and the balance sent to the Big C Appeal.

A Bingo session held in the Church Room was organised by Mrs J Bacon. The sum of £65 was raised for the doctors surgery to go towards oxygen equipment.

Coffee evening held at ‘Windrush’ Malthouse Lane by invitation of Dr and Mrs Roberts on May 9th when £79.70p was raised for Christian Aid.

The monthly branch meeting of the Women’s section Royal British Legion was held on Wednesday in the Methodist Schoolroom with Mrs T Billington presiding. Members of the men’s section were invited to hear Mrs V Bunsley? talk on the work of the North Norfolk District Council. She was thanked by Mrs V Wright. Tea hostesses were Mrs W Forster and Mrs M Worthington. The competition winner was R Fulcher. The trading stall raised £71.03p for branch funds.

The Christian Aid total amounted to £302.62p and was raised for it by a coffee evening at Dr and Mrs E Roberts £79.70p. The Austerity lunch held in the Church Room £12. The Sunday service offerings were combined to the Methodist High Street £38.72p and house to house collection £171.05p which total of all sums is an increase of £66.76p over 1983

The Royal British Legion Service for group 14 was held on Sunday evening at St Catherine’s Church. Sixteen standards were presented. The service was led by the vicar of St Catherine’s the Rev G Nicholson, who is branch chaplain. Prayers were led by the Rev F Bond. The lessons were read by group chairman Mr A Hindley and Ludham Branch chairman Mr T Roots. Collections were for the Earl Haig Fund. The address was given by the Chaplain the Rev A Boar. Following the service refreshments were served in the Church Room by members of the Ludham Women’s section of the Royal British Legion.

The May meeting of the Women’s Institute was held on Wednesday 16th in the Church Room with Mrs J Mitchel presiding. She welcomed 31 members and 3 visitors. Business matters included the fact that £29.13p was raised at the coffee morning held in April and the Red Cross house to house collection amounted to £110.95p. Members were reminded that the charity jumble sale would be held on Friday June 1st at 7pm in the Church Room. Mrs Pat Bond V.C.O. explained and debated the four London AGM resolutions. The London delegate Mrs J Clarke will take Ludham’s decisions on the resolutions to the AGM at the Royal Albert Hall. Mr Mitchell thanked Mrs Bond. The trading stall made £4
A coffee morning was held on Tuesday 15th May at the Dutch House by invitation of Mrs J Seymour. Competition winners were Mrs K Fitzhugh and Miss J Clarke. Some £87.40p was raised towards St Catherine’s Church Flower Festival expenses.

The fortnightly meeting of the Ludham Wives Group was held on Thursday May 17th at the Methodist Schoolroom with Mrs C Mobbs presiding. The speaker was Mrs Jefferies who on behalf of Little Plumstead Hospital spoke about the hospital and patients. A cheque for £75 was presented to Mrs Jefferies by Mrs K Lailey. This was proceeds of a jumble sale organised by the Wives Group. Mrs B Lechy thanked the speaker.

The fortnightly meeting of the Forget-Me-Not Club was held om Thursday at the Church Room with Mrs C Day presiding. Members stood in silence in memory of Mr C Moore, a member, who died last week. Tea was served by the WRVS helpers.

Members of the MU joined members of the Wroxham deanery to attend Mothers Union Rally at St Nicholas Church in Great Yarmouth. On Friday members of the Mothers Union attended Eucharist in Norwich Cathedral and afterwards went to St Andrews Hall to hear Mrs Hazel Treadgold, central president of the movement. Flowers of blue, white and gold provided by Ludham MU branch were arranged by Mrs K Grapes in St Catherine’s Church for the Mothers Union week.

On May 23rd a Coffee Morning was held at Ludham Hall by invitation of Mr & Mrs David Ritchie. Competition winners were Mrs Day, Mrs Gabriel, Mrs Pyne, Miss Keeler and Mr D Dawson. Some £100 including gifts was raised for the St Catherine’s Church bell fund.

At the Hall the following night a meeting of the Ludham Ancient Welfare Trust was held with Mr D Richie chairman, Mr Leslie Green Treasurer, Mr Arthur Bird and Mrs Beulah Gowing were present. The vicar the Rev George Nicholson and Mrs V Bensley JP were absent. The lettings of land were discussed which will arise in the autumn, the three-year leases being reached during Michaelmas.

On May 25th a meeting took place at the Village Hall to discuss arrangements for the forthcoming fete on June 23rd (and not July 23rd as the vicar has said in the Parish Newsletter) Representations from various clubs and societies were present and ideas flowed and programme and bills? were the subject of interest. There are to be sideshows, stalls, fancy dress, decorated bikes, pony rides, competitions, refreshments etc. All thats needed is a fine day. The Squadron Leader, a lady from Coltishall RAF Station will open the event.

May/June 1984

On Friday June 1st a jumble sale raised £60 odd for charity. It was organised by members of the WI (Being a Friday when the bingo bus collected the majority of the regulars, customers seemed thin on the ground. No provision was made for the disposal of residue so several bags of good jumble was dumped at the nearest tip, including one members/helpers’ new shoes which were a misfit!)

St Catherine’s Church held members of various societies on June 4th to discuss and plan the outline of the Flower Festival to be held in July. Mrs S Hall was in charge and explained where members would be. This was the second meeting.

Parish Council at their May meeting were disturbed by another rejection of their request for a speed limit for the roads through the village. It was reported that the shop sign on the corner of Yarmouth Road corner had been damaged several times by high vehicles which were turning sharply. There was a suggestion that the pavement on the corner should be raised so as to deter traffic from sharp turns. The matter was referred to the District Surveyor.
An anonymous letter from a visitor was read to the parish council complaining bitterly about annoyance caused by youths churning noisily around Womack Staithe on cycles and motor cycles and becoming abusive when reprimanded. A councillor also reported serious wilful damage to a boat on the Parish moorings. As the visitor’s letter was anonymous without signature, address or boat the council could not receive it formally and was not prepared to take any direct action in that matter. It was decided however to ask the police to take a more careful look at nuisance and vandalism in and around the staithe.
It was reported that the Ludham Wives Group was prepared to spend some £300 from the proceeds of the Mini Marathon on Playing Field equipment. It was also suggested that some simple equipment such as goal posts for the village hall field. It was felt that some expenditure there would provide a play and sports outlet for older children and teenagers of the village. Details will be arranged between the Ludham Wives and the Playing Field Committee.
The council was asked for help with the tombola at the village summer fete. It was agreed to contribute a £100 for prizes and to recommend support for the disco on June 9th when the carnival queen will be chosen.
Mention was made of the fact that shallow water tended to limit moorings on the excellent new quay-heading at How Hill Staithe. This will be reported to Anglian Water Board.
The 1st Ludham Girl Guides were given permission to set up a stall on Bakers Arms Green on June 13th.
After a short discussion on the work of the Citizens Advice Bureau it was decided to make a contribution of £10 from the public amenities fund to the Yarmouth bureau.

On Tuesday 9th June the Parish Council held their meeting and discussed the problem of making known to visitors the facilities available in the village when they visit the staithe at Womack. A letter from a parishioner pointed out the absence of any advertising and complained about the provision of mooring facilities on the staithe which is the property of the village between local residents and visitors. In reply it was stated that on the whole it had worked very well, the locals paying tolls and rents annually and visitors nightly although it involved a waiting list for parishioners. Nevertheless, it was felt that the village might advertise itself a little more.
There was considerable discussion on the drainage rate levied by the internal boards on properties in the gravitation levels within eight feet of the higher flood level. It was pointed out that around 70 properties in Ludham paid this rate and some members felt strongly that this should either be a national charge or that it should be compounded into the general district rate.
At an earlier meeting the question had been raised of the ownership of the old village pond on the Yarmouth Road. Long ago filled up and now part of a development site. A search by Mrs Beulah Gowing of the Ludham enclosure of 1802 and the Tythe Map of 1842 showed no written evidence of ownership and no indication whatever that the pond was ever the property of the village. No further action will be taken.
The clerk reported that the new publication ‘Seven Walks in Ludham was showing great promise and that at least 100 copies had been sold in the village. Thanks, were expressed to the Broads Authority for their help in the splendid publication.
There were more complaints about disturbance caused by youths with motor cycles at Womack Staithe and in other parts of the village. A letter from the divisional inspector of police promised vigilance in this matter.
It was felt that the time had come to bring the village directory up to date, this is provided for new residents. The clerk was asked to produce a new draft.
The Brownie Pack is anxious to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Movement by planting a rose tree in the village. Permission for this was given, with the suggestion of a climbing rose on a wall at Baker’s Arms Green

Members and friends of the Women’s Institute went for their annual Summer outing on Tuesday June 12th, leaving by coach and calling at Pulham Market for coffee, then going onto Lavenham, where a picnic lunch was eaten before looking round the church and town. In the afternoon they went to Cavendish where they met Lady Sue Ryder in the chapel. She spoke of her work during the war. This was followed by tea. The putting was organised by Mrs G Croucher.

Members of the Royal British Legion Women’s section celebrated its 22nd birthday with a cake made by a founder member, Mrs Hilda Burton. Refreshments were provided by Mrs M Turner. Miss Luck, group 9 representative, gave a talk on her service days with the A.T.S. A vote of thanks was given by Mrs D Barnard, Tea hostesses were Mrs W Forster and Mrs M Worthington. The trading stall raised £5.48p for branch funds.

Members of the Ludham Wives Group and visitors were at the home of Mrs R Brown where everyone sat in the garden and enjoyed an American Supper. Among the guests were Mrs Marlene Stevens and Mrs Ann Burley representatives of the Big C Appeal. A cheque for £200 was presented to Mrs Stevens by Mrs Sheila Gregory who said this was the money raised from the Ludham Fun Run. Mrs Stevens expressed her thanks to everyone who had taken part in raising the money for the Big C Appeal. A Bring and Buy Stall raised £5. The president Mrs C Mobbs thanked Mrs Brown for the use of her garden for a most enjoyable evening.

The Methodist Church in the High Street celebrated the Sunday School Anniversary with a family service in the morning taken by Mr Andrew Mill of Freethorpe. Friends from Freethorpe sang items, the children of the Sunday school also sang and read. Dr E Roberts was the organist. Coffee was served at the end of the service. The afternoon service was conducted by the Circuit Minister, the Rev N.R. Coppack. Again, the children performed sketches, sang and read. Mrs C Thrower was at the organ and Dr Roberts played the piano for the children. Both services were well attended and tea was enjoyed.

On June 20th the Women’s Institute held an open evening in the Church Room when Mrs J Mitchell presided and welcomed 23 members and eight visitors who had braved the bad weather to hear Mr Crowe of the Norfolk Horticultural and Agricultural College talk on Norfolk farming past, present and future which gave an understanding and insight on what goes on around us. Mrs J Mitchell proposed a vote of thanks.

The Village Hall Fete took place on June 23rd. Nice weather prevailed until 4.30pm when it started to rain but most events over by then. It was a successful attempt and all the Clubs and Societies contributed with stalls and sideshows, handicraft, rides for children, art display and refreshments, even a flower stall. When all expenses are settled the total will be announced. (£711) Seven hundred and eleven pounds. A dance was held in the evening.
The Fete on June 23rd was opened by Group Captain Joan Hopkins of Neatishead, the only female in charge of a station.

On Saturday 30th June a Wayside Stall was held on Baker’s Arms Green and raised £53.05p for the Girl Guides. On the same day in the afternoon there was a jumble sale in the Church Room and it raised £160 for St Catherine’s Church choir funds towards their robes purchased at Christmas.

July 1984
The next day July 1st the gardens of the Dutch House were open to the public and several stalls were offering plants and cakes. There was also pony rides. It was open by permission of Mrs J Seymour and raised £264.12p for St Catherine’s Church.

All sponsor money has now been collected for the mini Marathon fun run at a total of £592 has been raised. A cheque for £200 has been presented to the Big C Appeal and the balance will be used to provide a piece of equipment for Ludham Children’s Playfield. Mrs S Gregory and Ludham Wives Group, who organised the event thanked everyone for their help and support in making the event a great success. Next years event will be on May 5th.

The Annual Womack Service was held on Sunday July 8th. Introductory prayers were given by the vicar, the Rev G Nicholson. The lesson was read by Mrs L Savage. Prayers for others were said by the Rev Fred Bond. The address was given by the Rev Basil O’Farrall vicar of Ranworth and Bishop Chaplain to the Broads. The music was provided by the Stalham Youth Band, who also played after the service.
The monthly meeting of the Ladies Handicraft Guild was held in the Church Room on Wednesday with Mrs S Hall presiding. Final arrangements were made for the Flower Festival at St Catherine’s Church this weekend of July 13th -15th.

A Coffee Morning was held at Little Maltings last Tuesday by invitation of Mrs I Farrington. Some £100 was raised for the Royal National Institute for the Blind. This was July 3rd.

The monthly meeting of the Royal British Legion was held last Wednesday evening. Mrs T Billington presiding. Mrs D Barnard was the delegate at the group meeting held at Potter Heigham and gave her report. Members enjoyed tasty samples following a cookery demonstration given by Mrs Mandy Barber. A vote of thanks was given by Mrs D Wright. The trading stall raised £7 01p for branch funds.
July weather was cool and unsettled. North winds kept us cool and low cloud prevented sunshine. Drizzle prevailed and the rest of England baked in the 80 degrees. Weeds grew to alarming proportions and wild hedge flowers abounded. Council’s once again short of money to cut roadside verges so we in turn enjoy the spectacle of foliage and daises and poppies.

The Flower Festival held during the weekend of July 13th,14th,15th in St Catherine’s Church was very well attended. Members from all the organisations in the village took part depicting the wedding day and anniversaries through the years with the children’s corner showing the confirmation and first communion and the christenings scene at the font. All made colourful displays. Sunday started with a service conducted by the vicar the Rev G Nicholson. The festival family service was joined by Captain Paul Knight and the Church xxxx Broads Team. Mr John Savage was organist. The evening service opened with a procession of Ludham Church choir and the boys’ choir from xxxxford Lodge boys’ school, led by Mr A Sheldrake carrying the silver processional cross on loan by All Saints Church in Horstead and singing the hymn ‘Lead Us Heavenly Father’ which was the theme of the festival. The boys’ choir sang Magnificat, Nunc Dimittis and the anthem ‘Peace Perfect Peace’. The address was by the Archdeacon of Norfolk, the Ven Peter Dawson. Mr G Nicholson conducted the service and re dedicated and blessed the bells, one of which had been repaired, and the bells were then rung. After expenses were deducted the amount of £577.35p was raised for St Catherine’s Church bell restoration fund. The collection was taken by Mrs S Hall and Mr K Fitzhugh, church wardens. The festival was organised by Mrs S Hall churchwarden. During the festival there was continuous organ music and teas and stalls were available at the Church Room. Mrs A Sheldrake was responsible for the tea rota.

On July 18th the WI took to the water for their mid-summer outing. Members and friends sailed from Potter Heigham to Horsey Mere, Tea prepared and served by committee members was taken afloat and enjoyed by everyone. A most interesting trip with commentary by Mr G Franklyn. The president thanked those members who used their cars to ferry people. The WI held a produce stall on Womack Staithe on Thursday afternoon of July 26th and raised£41 for Women’s Institute branch funds.
The many private boat owners at Womack Broad are to form an association for the protection and welfare of the boats. Their craft now occupies three quarters of the quay and a side dyke. Rents are fairly high to cover the possible rental loss of holiday craft.
A British Legion jumble organised by the ladies’ branch and held in the church Room raised £80 for the Women’s section funds. It was organised by Mrs T Billington and members. Competition winners were Mrs Beaumont, Mrs Morton and Mrs Sayer.

August/ September 1984

The weather during the month of August was hot and sunny for Norfolk with early morning mist and for once the Bank Holiday was pleasant and brought many holidaymakers to the coast. Coal miners have been on strike for weeks and no solution, they want dockers to join them. Also, a farm labourer unrest and call for higher pay. They get over £100 a week I understand.
September brought a change with cold gusty North winds and squalls of rain; by the 4th it was really cold in contrast to the latter part of August.

A Coffee Evening was held at Little Maltings by the courtesy of Mrs J Farrington. A pleasant time was spent by WI members and friends and £44.50p was raised for the WI funds. Competition were won by Mrs A Timoney(?), a visitor, Mrs B Gowing and Mrs J Mitchell.

A way side stall was held on the Kings Arms car park and raised £48.10p for the Royal British Legion Women’s section branch funds.

We had a spell of fine hot weather and the farmers really got to grips with their harvest of grain and peas. Machinery going at all times till dark, then we had rain again by the 14th and everywhere was sodden.
The vicar was pleased to announce the re-formation of the Sunday School under the direction of Mrs Rosalind Cordiner and will begin on 23rd September after a preliminary meeting at the Family Service on the 16th September.

After a rainy start the Forget-Me-Not members enjoyed a visit to the Dutch House and gardens. Tea was served which had been prepared by the hostess Mrs J Seymour.

Members of the Ludham Mother’s Union accompanied by the vicar the Rev G Nicholson attended the annual Mother’s Union Deanery Festivals held in Stalham Church. Mrs J McGuire carried the Ludham banner. The Rev G Blyth welcomed everyone and conducted the service and the address was given by the Rev Hugh Blackburne (?)

The AGM of the Mothers and Toddlers Group was held in the Methodist Schoolroom and a new committee was elected. Officers: Chairman Mrs J Crawshaw, Secretary Mrs C Mobbs, Treasurer Mrs J Stevens. The meetings are held every Wednesday in the Methodist Schoolroom and all mothers with babies and children under school age are welcome.

Members of the Royal British Legion and Women’s Section enjoyed the annual outing which was to Felixstowe this year. The monthly branch meetings of the Women’s Section was held in the Methodist Schoolroom with Mrs T Billington presiding. Members enjoyed a talk given by Mrs Roots Group four representative. A vote of thanks was given by Mrs J McGuire. Tea hostesses were Mrs S O’Gorman and Mrs V Wright. The reading stall raised £9.74p for branch funds.

Ludham Wives Group. The first meeting of the Autumn was held on Thursday September 13th in the Methodist Schoolroom when Mrs C Mobbs welcomed members and visitors. Members were reminder of the jumble sale to be held on Saturday September 22nd and asked for jumble. Anyone with items should contact any committee member or leave it at the Church Room on the morning of the sale. Mrs Sheila Gregory offered to be the patient for Mrs Diane Stagg who gave a demonstration and a talk on massage and relaxation. Thanks, were given by Kathy Lailey

Good progress has been made in the preparation of the Village Directory the clerk to the Ludham Parish Council reported at the last meeting. It was decided to produce about 600 copies to provide one for each household in the village with a reserve for new comers. It was announced that the North Norfolk District Council has made arrangements for the over 60’s in the district to be able to obtain rail cards at a cost of £6.60p as against the normal £12.
Permission has been given for the council to provide a more suitable direction board at the junction of Womack Water with the River Thurne. This will indicate the direction to Womack Staithe, Ludham Village and shops but no commercial advertising will be permitted.
In a letter to the council a resident pointed out the confusion in house numbers in the High Street. The East side has even numbers and presents no problems. On the west side there are two sets of numbers 1-4 High Street followed by 1-5 West Terrace so that for example 3 High Street and 3 West Terrace are only a few yards apart in the road. It was agreed to refer the problem to the district council for action.
With the approval of the council the Ludham Wives Group will now go ahead with the provision of new and up to date equipment on the Children’s Playing Corner on Catfield Road.
A complaint from landowners alongside the Ludham Potter Heigham road regarding dumping of considerable rubbish in the passing places was referred to the highways department with a request for ‘no parking and no dumping’ notices to be erected.
A letter received from a visitor to Womack Staithe complained about young people with bicycles and noisy vehicles disturbing the peace. The council can take no direct action although the police are on the lookout for vandalism.

The mothers of the Toddler and Playgroup children organised a jumble sale in the Church Room on Saturday September 22nd and raised £111 for their funds.

The members of the Boating Association will hold their first social gathering on Sunday October 14th A treasure hunt and BBQ will be held. Starting at Womack Staithe at 9.30 am with a trophy awarded to the winning crew. Please book with Reg Lander (St Benet’s 441) as soon as possible before that date. Tickets £1 per person. New members always welcome.

The meeting of the Ludham Wives Group held at the Methodist Schoolroom on 27th September with Carolyn Mobbs presiding. The speaker was Captain Dawson from the Salvation Army. He was thanked by Janet Smith. The next meeting will be on October 11th and will be an open evening.

Cuttings and Inclusions March to October (diary continues below)

October 1984
The end of September and the beginning of October brought in cooler air stream and blustery winds, rain and thunderstorms which were severe in places and brought down trees and cut electricity off. The summer warmth left us quite suddenly and does not look like returning. Several properties are being painted up however. The Crown House from Maroon to white and brown paint and the post office white with blue paint and buff lower walls.
On Wednesday October 3rd about 40 children and 3 teachers enjoyed a walk in the centre of the village and had history facts given by me. Ending up in church where they were allowed to look at the first register of 1583.
The Forget-Me-Nots, the club for the elderly held a jumble sale on October 6th in the Church Room and raised £141 for their funds. It was organised by the WRVS helpers.
Harvest Festival Services were held at St Catherine’s Church during the weekend of 4th-7th October and were conducted by the vicar the Rev G Nicholson. Services began on Friday evening and the preacher was the Rev F Bond, retired Methodist Minister, Mr J Savage was the organist and the collection was taken by Mrs S Hall and Mr R Fulcher. Mr A Sheldrake read the lesson. At morning Sunday Service Miss V Parsons was the organist and the children of the Sunday School and choir took part and then presented their harvest gifts to the vicar at the high altar. The collection was taken by Mr C England and Mr R Fulcher. The lesson Was read by Mr K Fitzhugh. All the harvest gifts were taken by the vicar to Sydney House in Stalham. Coffee was served after the service. The church had been beautifully decorated by the women of the Flower Guild.
The House to House Collection for the national Children’s Home raised the sum of £110
The annual meeting of the Royal British Legion Women’s section was held on Wednesday in the Methodist Schoolroom with Mrs T Billington presiding. Officers and committee were elected as follows: President Mrs A Gower, Chairman Mrs T Billington, Vice chairman Mrs C Day, Treasurer Mrs V Wright, Secretary Mrs J McGuire, Committee Mrs M Fulcher, Mrs M Worthington, Mrs W Forster, Mrs S O’Gorman and Mrs R Morton.
The Mother’s Union started the Autumn session with a service in St Catherine’s Church conducted by the vicar the Rev G Nicholson. Mrs Sue O’Gorman and Mrs Valerie Wright were admitted to full membership of the Mother’s Union and welcomed by Branch members. This was followed by a short business meeting in the Church Room and refreshments were served. Mrs N Smith was in charge of the stall which made just over £3 for Branch funds.
The Ludham Mother’s Union welcomed members from the Waxham Deanery to a quiet afternoon in St Catherine’s Church. The Rev M Payne from Happisburgh gave the theme for the afternoon which was ‘Witness and Worship and Work’. He then gave Holy Communion to all present. Tea and biscuits were provided by the Ludham branch in the church Room and served by Mrs Jean McGuire.
A jumble sale was held in the Church on Saturday October 13th and raised £100 for the Guides and Brownies, Competition winners were Mrs Sheldrake, Mrs Buck, Mrs Fox, Mrs Robertson and Mrs S O’Gorman.
October has cooled considerably and the coal strike is still on with no thought of agreement. Coal is coming in from various countries including USA. Naturally the long journey makes it more expensive.
A jumble sale held in the Church Room on October 20th was organised by Mrs S Hall and helpers. Competitions were won by Mrs W Forster and Mrs C Thaine and £162.28p was raised for the Church Room funds.
On October 25th the monthly WI meeting was held in the Church Room when Mrs J Michell president welcomed 27 members and three visitors who were given a talk with slide illustrations by Mr Slocombe on the work of the RNLI. He was thanked by Mrs O Mason. Mr Slocombe brought many small items sold on behalf of the RNLI and over £55 was raised for a very good cause. The trading stall made£6.32p for branch funds. Birthday flowers presented by Mrs J Mitchell were given by Mrs W Pyne
The Treasure Trail and BBQ was very well supported. The winning crew was Len and Gay Carter and Graham and Janet Smith on Exegesis. The Chairman’s trophy was presented by Mrs P Lander. The group held a competition to decide on a suitable name and the winning entry by Roy Lander was ‘Womack Herons’ A suitable flag will be on sale to members in the near future. Further events to be arranged include a social evening and a coach trip to Earls Court Boat Show on January 12th.
Mrs Janet Clarke held a flower arranging class in church on October 25th attended by St Catherine’s Church Flower Guild members.
Major works on Womack Staithe were approved by Ludham Parish Council at its October meeting. The whole of the piling and the quay heading will be renewed and straightened at the cost of about £3,500. The work will be carried out by Mr C Amis of Potter Heigham and shall be completed by the early spring.
There was further discussion on the incidence of drainage rates with reports on sums neighbouring areas whose rates have been taken over by the General Rate System, It was eventually agreed to write to the member of Parliament for North Norfolk aiming to make the incidence of drainage rate more equitable.
The new Ludham Directory has now been compiled and completed and was presented to the meeting. Volunteers, mainly members of the Council will deliver a copy of the Directory to each and every household.
It was reported that the drainage dyke at Willow Way has not been cleaned as promised and the matter will be raised again with the district council.
When the matter of the renewal of footpath signs came up it was reported that in the course of a community project Kim and Kevin Stagg of Lovers Lane had surveyed and reported on all the public footpaths and bridleways signs in the village and had done some minor maintenance work in the process. It was agreed to send a letter of thanks to the boys.
Several appeals of financial aid were received by the Council. The Trustees of the Ludham Museum (1939-45) were in need of £400 to complete the purchase of a hut to house its collection. There was considerable sympathy for the project but the council was not entirely satisfied with the position over planning permission for the building nor with the question whether the museum project could become self -supporting. When these matters had been settles the council decided it would look again at the possibility of a loan or grant.
It was agreed to send £10 to North Walsham Citizens Advice Bureau and £15 to the Imperial Cancer Fund.
It was reported that during the previous night, one of the public seats at Womack Staithe had been removed from its base and had ended up a quarter of a mile away on the top of the bus shelter in Yarmouth Road. There were further complaints about the disruptive and sometimes abusive behaviour of a group of young cyclists and motor cyclists in the village. This will again be reported to the police.

The October meeting of the Mothers Union was held in the Church Room and was conducted by the Rev G Nicholson. Members enjoyed a talk by Mrs Jo Cook of All Saints Centre in Norwich about her visit to Australia. A vote of thanks was given by Mrs M Fulcher. Tea hostesses were Mrs B Sayer and Mrs V Wright. The trading stall raised £3.05p.

A jumble sale held in the Church Room was organised by the members of the Women’s section of the Royal British Legion for the Poppy Appeal Fund. The sum of £108 was raised. Competition winners were Mrs V Wright, Mrs C Day, Mrs Sewell and Mrs Gamble.

Mrs C Mobbs welcomed members and visitors to the meeting of the Ludham Wives Group on Thursday evening in the Methodist Schoolroom and she was pleased to inform them that £25 was raised for their funds from a clothes party held at the previous meeting. Mrs Maxine Pearson, a beautician gave a demonstration and talk on beauty care, muscle toning and leg waxing. She was thanked by Mrs Kathy Laily.

The fortnightly meeting of the Forget-Me-Not Club was held in the Church Room with Mrs C Day presiding. After games tea was served by the WRVS helpers.
A toy sale was held in the Methodist Schoolroom and raised £25 which was spent on play items for the Toddler Group. A jumble sale was held in the Church Room and raised £70 for the Toddler Group funds.

A Saturday jumble sale held in the Church Room was organised by Mrs J Kerr and Mrs Harrison and some £85 was raised for the St John Ambulance funds.

November 1984

November 11th – United Remembrance Service was held on Sunday morning at the High Street Methodist Church and was attended by members of the Royal British Legion and Women’s section. The service was conducted by the Rev F Bond and the address was given by the Rev G Nicholson. Mr R Fulcher read the lesson. The organist was Mrs C Thrower. The Standards were carried by Mrs V Wright and Mr C England. The Poppy Wreaths were laid on the War Memorial by Mr and Mrs T Billington. The last post was sounded by Mr F Neville of Horstead. The church collection for the Earl Haig Fund was £73.60p

Members of Ludham Wives Group and visitors were welcomed to the meeting on Thursday November 8th in the Methodist Schoolroom by Mrs C Mobbs and PC James Windley? gave a talk on his experiences as a village policeman, telling of amusing incidents which occurred during his everyday routine duties. Kathy Lailey.

There was a good attendance on Sunday 18th November at St Catherine’s Church for the monthly family service conducted by the Rev G Nicholson. The organist was Mr J Savage. Anthony Seymour gave a scripture reading and the children of the Sunday school took part in the service. The collection was taken by Mr R Fulcher.

A family service was held at the High Street Methodist Church. The morning service was conducted by the Rev F Bank with the Sunday school taking part. Members of the congregation read the lessons and the organist was Dr E Roberts. Coffee was served at the close of the service.
The evening service was taken by the Rev Richard Jones, chairman of the district. Mrs C Thrower was the organist. The collection at morning service was foe Ethiopian Funds.

The overall total raised for the Poppy Appeal was £404 from the village.

The St Benet’s Players will be performing ‘Red Riding Hood’ on Friday November 30th and December 7th (7.45) Saturday December 1st and 8th (7pm). The pantomime is in the village hall.

The fortnightly meeting of the Forget-Me-Not Club was held on Thursday in the Church Room with Mrs Alexander presiding.

The monthly meeting of the Women’s Section of the Royal British Legion was held on Wednesday in the Church Room with Mrs T Billington presiding. The speaker was Mr Gooch accompanied by his Guide dog Delsa and was thanked by Mrs D Barnard. Tea hostesses were Mrs W Forster and Mrs M Fulcher. The trading stall raised £8.07p for branch funds.

On 21st November a bungalow ‘MyWay’ Catfield Road Ludham was gutted by fire. It was ignited by straw and petrol by the owner who then drove to Stalham to admit it, crashing his car into the Police station wall. No one was hurt in the blaze as wife was a Banner carrier in a Norwich Parade of the Women’s Section of the Royal British Legion. No charges are to be made although it was arson but against his own property. No insurance claims can be made. A Public Fund will be set up and various clubs and societies which Valerie Wright belonged to will contribute a percentage at money raising events. The fire and all its consequences have shocked the parishioners and rumours abounded.
A second hand toy jumble sale organised by Mrs Jean Boothway at Red Roof Farm Ludham Road Potter Heigham raised £62 for Riding for the disabled Rollesby Group.

The fortnightly meeting of the Ludham Wives Group was held at the Methodist Schoolroom with Mrs C Mobbs presiding and was very well attended. Members enjoyed a talk by Nurse Pettitt on her work as district nurse in Ludham. She was thanked by Mrs Carter.

The Christmas Fayre of the Forget-Me-Not Club was held on November 24th in the Church Room and was organised by Mrs Alexander, Mrs C Day and WRVS helpers. The result of the patchwork bedspread competition was £35.40p. The bedspread was won by Mrs Kidman and was made and given by Mrs Yeomans a member of the club until recently, when she left the village to live nearer her son. The result of the Christmas Fayre was £222 for club funds.

Thirty-five and two visitors attended the WI November AGM on Wednesday in the Church Room with Mrs J Mitchell presiding. After members heard the annual report given by the Treasurer Mrs K Sloper and Secretary Mrs C Day Mrs J Mitchell was unanimously re-elected president for 1985. Mr E Bacon gave a film show which included scenes from the last two WI outings and a film on Papworth Hospital and surroundings and scenes on Ludham village. Mrs Cocker proposed a vote of thanks. Birthday posies were prepared by Mrs S Roberts and presented to members by Mrs J Mitchell. The trading stall made £4.93p for branch funds.

Ludham Parish Council had a long discussion on the problems of young people in the village at the November meeting. From time to time complaints are received by the council about groups of teenagers often with motorcycles congregating in the bus shelter or other places in the village centre. There was also some mention of some dangerous stunt car driving in the Street but it was agreed that this was almost certainly not an activity of local youths. A representative of the police attended the meeting and explained the situation. So long as the young people were sitting in a bus shelter on a public seat or in a shop doorway and causing no nuisance, they were committing no offence, he said. If however members of the public or council had experience of personal abuse they should report it immediately to the police and be prepared to follow up the case. Prosecution could follow and have a salutary effect. The police constable reported that several of the youths attended a meeting of the Wives Group at which he was speaking and they were extremely well behaved and asked sensible questions. Their main complaint was lack of evening activities to occupy their time. The Council were also told that Ludham was comparatively fortunate, the position in some nearby villages was much more serious with violence and vandalism.
The events for the summer of 1985 were mentioned. The council approved the idea of a village fete to be held on the green at Womack Staithe subject to satisfactory parking arrangements. On July 17th XXXX Men, Morris Dancers will be dancing at Womack Staithe. In the public amenities committee record figures for mooring at Womack Staithe were reported. The number of boats using the moorings declined slightly from 3206 to 3090 but owing to the increased fee the gross takings for the season (including the collection box) rose from £1449 to £1715 (less £247 for collection and £201 VAT)

December 1984

A Christmas tea afternoon was held on Wednesday 5th December and organised by Mrs S Hall. A box of crackers was won by Mrs r Westgate and the Christmas Cake by Mrs S Hall who gave it back again to be sold. It was bought by Mrs M Turner. The sum of £76.06p was raised for the Mother’s Union branch funds.

Members and visitors were welcomed by Mrs C Mobbs to the fortnightly meeting of the Ludham Wives Group on Thursday in the Methodist Schoolroom. Members were told that a gift from the branch funds had been sent to Mrs Valerie Wright. Everyone then enjoyed a musical evening given by the Broadland Bells, who played a collection of Christmas music and carols with everyone joining in singing and trying their hand at bell ringing. Hot Mince pies, tea and coffee were served by the committee. Mrs Pauline Lander thanked the Broadland Bells for a most entertaining evening. There will be a Christmas break and the next meeting will be on January 10th (8pm)

A coffee morning was held in the Church Room organised by Mrs V Parsons. Some £135 was raised for St Catherine’s Church funds.

A Bingo Drive was held in the Church Rooms and it was organised by Mrs D Bloomfield. The sum of £100 was raised for the RCPCA’s Drayton branch.

The monthly meeting of the Mother’s Union was held in the Church Room and was conducted by Mrs R Fulcher, enrolling members. The speaker was the Rev F Bond and he and his wife gave a recorded commentary to some beautiful slides of the Wesley brothers. A vote of thanks was given by Mrs C Hall. Tea was swerved by Mrs J McGuire and Mrs D Barnard. The trading stall made £2.04p

A bingo session was held in the Church Room organised by Mr J Gravenell. The sum of £54.32p was raised for the Royal British Legion funds.

Each year the Ludham Girl Guides hold a coffee/bring and buy evening in aid of charity. This year the charity was the Daily Mirror ‘Ethiopian Appeal’. The event raised £116.10p. This was considered by everyone to be a good effort by the Guides whose age group range from 10 – 14. Thank were voiced to all who helped to make the evening such a success.

Following a complaint by a resident at the December meeting of the Parish Council there was considerable concern at the continued use of the name ‘St Catherine’s Park’ for the housing development near the village centre. The name ‘Latchmore Park’ for this estate had long been decided by the district council and approved by the post office but a large advertisement sign erected by the developers still showed ‘St Catherine’s Park’. The complaint arose because an emergency ambulance called to Latchmore Park drove passed the signs and had to be re directed by a local resident.
In response to a request from the Norfolk Committee for International Youth Year (1985) offers were received to organise local people in carrying out some local amenity projects – for example laying a concrete surround to the oak tree seat on Womack Corner.
There was a request for help in housing of display of the Ludham Museum (1939/45) collection. The council agreed to provide an interest free loan of £200, repayable over a period of two years, to be guaranteed by Trustees of the museum.
A planning application from the How Hill Trust for extensions to the buildings was met with approval. Following the piece of formal business there was a discussion on the alleged lack of information available on present activities and future plans of How Hill. It was agreed to invite the warden of How Hill to attend a meeting of the Parish council soon for the discussion on the subject.

The annual Christmas Party of the Forget-Me- Not Club was held in the Church Room on December 13th when members enjoyed a tea provided and served by the WRVS helpers. The Stalham brass band entertained and musical items and readings were given by Mrs Gowing, Miss Keeler, Mrs Hill, Mrs Farrington and Mrs Mason. They also sang a song for the Forget – Me- Not Club written by Mrs Gowing. Father Xmas handed gifts to the members.

A Christmas Whist Drive was held in the Church Room and was organised by Mrs M Le Grice for village hall funds. Mr A Sheldrake was MC. There were twelve prize winners and three competition winners.

The monthly meeting of the Women’s Section of the Royal British Legion was held in the Church Room with Mrs Billington presiding. Following the business members enjoyed a Christmas Tea. Mr E Bacon played music and carols with members joining in the singing. A vote of thanks was given by Mrs M Fulcher. The trading stall made £6. 07p for branch funds.
Ludham was the hostess branch at the Group meeting of the Royal British Legion held in the Church Room on Tuesday evening. Following business Mr D Poale entertained members while refreshments were served. A vote of thanks was given by the Martham branch.

There was a large congregation at St Catherine’s Church for a carol service on Dec ember 16th. It was conducted by the vicar the Rev G Nicholson. He gave a warm welcome to everyone and thanked those taking part and all who had worked hard preparing for the service and Nativity Play. At the opening of the service the choir sang unaccompanied ‘God so loved the World’ conducted by Mr John Savage, organist and choirmaster of St Catherine’s Church. Miss Karen Turner then sang the first verse of ‘Once in Royal Dairid’s City’ then the choir proceeded up the aisle led by Rachal Savage. Readings were given by Mr K Fitzhugh, Mr P Horton, Mrs L Savage, Mr D A Norton and Mr A Sheldrake. A Nativity play was presented by the children of St Catherine’s Sunday School under the leadership of Mrs D Nicholson and Mrs R Cordiner. The mosaic was provided by Mrs Cordiner and Mr Nicholson. Carols were sung by the congregation and choir. The collection was taken by Mrs B Gowing and Mrs S Hall. At the close of the service Mr A Sheldrake thanked Mr J Savage, the organist, for the wonderful achievement with training the choir to such a high standard.

Gift Day for the national Children’s Home was marked at the High Street Methodist Church by a special service taken by Mrs Boarman of Caister. During the service Mr Harry Pascoe area representative of National Children’s Home received gifts from the packed congregation. Mrs C Thrower was at the organ. Coffee was served in the schoolroom after the service.

Christmas Lunch was enjoyed at the ‘Cringles’ by 37 members of the WI. The menu was very good and judging by the hum of conversation it was a very successful and friendly get-together. On Wednesday December 19th the committee served tea and mince pies to 27 members. Sitting at tables in candlelight members all caught up on news and looked forward to 1985 WI Golden Jubilee year. Mail was distributed from WI post box. After Mrs Sloper had given an amusing reading from letters from Boy John, she won the competition. Birthday flowers were given by Mrs Biggs which were blooms from her garden, bringing an air of spring as Mrs Mitchell the president presented them. The good wishes for Xmas and the New Year were extended to members by the committee and president.

All services over Christmas were well attended at St Catherine’s Church and were conducted by the vicar the Rev G Nicholson. There were 140 people on Christmas Eve at the Midnight Communion with full choir and Mr J Savage at the organ. The lessons were read by Mr A Sheldrake and the collection taken by Mr K Fitzhugh, Mrs S Hall and Mr P Norton. The church has been decorated by the women of the Flower Guild of St Catherine’s Church

Cuttings and inclusions at the end of the 1984 Diary.