January 1989

We started the month of January mild and misty and some warm sunshine. Bulbs are growing, buds are forming and birds are pairing.  Not a good sign so early in the year.
January 6th
The loss of our postmistress, Mrs Helen Thrower. A local parishioner, she had served the Post Office since 1929 till the present date but was employed by the Post Office since the year she married in 1923.  She was a remarkable character since she still served behind the counter, lived on her own and drove her car and was 89, having been born July 10th 1899. She will be much missed having been a central character for so long. She still enjoyed a social life and liked a Guinness and to dine out.
A report appeared in the EDP stating that Mrs Helen Thrower who was born at Hall Common Farm, Ludham worked in Yarmouth when young at St Peters Road Post Office and Northgate Street.  In those days she used to send out a hundred telegrams a week when all the Scots men and women were there for the herring fishing.  Every Xmas she received a card from the Queen Mother’s Private Secretary, who always paid her a visit when in Ludham.  At the age of 18 she worked at Ludham Post Office for J A Dale.
The St Benets Players held their first meeting in 1989.  Mrs Sue Jarvis is to produce the spring play which is a hilarious comedy entitled ‘The Forddale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen Guilds Dramatic Society’s production of Macbeth’.  If anyone wants to know what really goes on behind the scenes of small dramatic society productions then this is a must. The play will be presented at Ludham Village Hall on Fri and Sat April 14th and 15th.  The players will also be involved with the parish play which Mrs Mary Hayes is to produce for St Catherine’s Church during Lent.  Many extras will be needed to make up this production so anyone who can act, make costumes or carry a spear will be welcome.  Get in touch with Mrs Hayes or the vicar if at all interested.
Members of the Operatic Society of Norfolk and Opera Players gave an enjoyable evening’s entertainment at the Ludham Wives Group.  The programme included solos and quartets by Allison McCully, Pam Warren, Peter Winter and Brian Tuffney, also superbly accompanied by pianist David Kett. Among the many items of their repertoire were some memorable old ballads and comic songs performed so beautifully by those talented singers.  During the interval an appetizing buffet supper was provided by members.  The president, Mrs Rosie Brown, gave a vote of special thanks.  Thanks also went to Mrs Barrie Marshall for organizing the evening.  David Kett will conduct the orchestra for ‘The Sound of Music’ when it opens at the Theatre Royal, Norwich on Feb 6th.  The singers appear in a new season of Gilbert and Sullivan at Wroxham in the spring.
Some 67 members of the Forget-Me-Not Club, accompanied by Mrs Sue O’Gorman, Mrs Abraham, helpers and friends, went by coach to Wroxham to Hotel Wroxham where they enjoyed a turkey lunch.  On behalf of the club Mrs Brigg presented Mrs O’Gorman with gift vouchers for all the work and support she put into the club.  The chef at the Wroxham Hotel was thanked by Mr and Mrs Clarke for the flowers and rose bushes given them on their Golden Wedding anniversary celebration.
January 18th
The W I met in the Church Room and the meeting was attended by 42 members.  The president, Mrs W Gould was in the chair.  The business meeting included the adoption of the Norfolk Association of the Disabled as the charity for the year.  Members were impressed by the fact that it did much work locally.  Members were treated to a talk by Mrs B Gowing, a member.  She illustrated her talk on a short history of Ludham with slides and stories of the Ludham she grew up in and had lived in since she was a child.
January 22nd
A united service for Christian worship was held at the Methodist Church.  The Rev Bond gave the welcome.  The Leader was the Rev S Yelland and the prayers of repentance said by Mr E Gotterson.  The four lessons were read by Mrs C Thrower.  Prayers of intercession were led by Mrs A Morgan.  The address was given by the Rev B Morgan and the benediction by Mr Yelland. The collection for Christian Unity was taken by Mr C Thrower and Mr Gotterson.  Mr C Thrower was organist. Tea and biscuits were served in the school room after the service.
January 25th
The January meeting of the Forget-Me-Not club was held in the Church Room when Mrs Angela Morgan presided. Mrs Beulah Gowing presented ‘Desert Island Disks’.  She spoke of her life in Ludham, with her choice of music provided by the vicar, the Rev B Morgan.  The trading stall manned by Mrs B Hall raised £6.70p for branch funds.  Mrs Morgan gave the vote of thanks. Tea hostesses were Mrs J O’Neil and Mrs B Holland.


February 1989

February 1st
A tea afternoon with various stalls was held in the Church Room and raised £181 for the Ladies Handicraft Guild funds.  The money is being used to buy new curtains for the vicar’s vestry in St Catherine’s Church and also wool and material for the guild members to make items for the new stall at the church fete on Saturday July 1st.  The tea afternoon was organized by Mrs S Hall and helpers.
February 9th
The Forget-Me-Not Club had its first meeting since the Xmas break on Thursday in the Church Room with Mrs Sue O’Gorman presiding.  Some 48 members enjoyed bingo and the tea was provided by Mrs Barnard, Mrs Dean, Mrs Longley and Mrs Turner.  Competitions were won by Mrs Anning, Mrs Carter and Mrs Clarke.
The Ludham Wives Group was held in the Methodist School Room with Mrs Brown presiding.  Mr Trevor Lesley gave a talk on ‘Unexplained Experiences’, a riveting account of things that have happened to him in recent years in the vicinity of Rackheath where, during the war, the U S Air force had a base from where they flew Liberator bombers.  These experiences included the radio in his car suddenly switching over to playing 1940’s type music and tapes suddenly agitating themselves from the cassette player.  The main story he told was of an equally sudden appearance in his car of an American airman in wartime uniform who talked to him about life on the base and then disappeared as suddenly as he had appeared.  Mr Lesley said he had been told that these happenings were probably the result of his own natural father having been an American airman stationed in the area, a fact which he had not known at the time as he had been adopted as a baby and had never lived in Norfolk until recent years. Mrs E McCambley gave the vote of thanks.
The site of Pike’s Nursery is now being developed into a small estate of ten homes.  It lays very low and is flooded and muddy despite the fact we have had a mild, dry winter with very few hard frosts and, in fact, the hedgehogs did not go into hibernation.
February 12th
The monthly family service was held at St Catherine’s Church conducted by the Rev B Morgan.  Mr J Savage was organist.  The processional cross was carried by Catherine Cordiner, the Mother’s Union banner by Mrs R Fulcher and the Sunday School banner by Susan Harriman with Nicola and Hugh Savage. The people taking part in the Passion Play spoke of the parts they were acting to give people an insight into what the play was about.  Coffee was served mid-service.
February 15th
The February WI was well attended and after business the members enjoyed a talk with much humour by Mrs Jean Boothway on life in a boarding house.  She later retired from Red Roofs and left Fritton to live in Poringland.  She also judged the competition on ‘Holidays’.  The winner won a silver salver which had belonged to the late Miss Vera Parsons, one time President.
The Mother’s Union meeting was well attended and conducted by Mrs Angela Morgan.  After the business members enjoyed a talk given by Mrs Vi Bensley on her work as a magistrate.  Mrs Morgan thanked Mrs Bensley.  Tea hostesses were Mrs J O’Neil and Mrs B Holland.  The trading stall manned by Mrs S Hall made £4.45 for branch funds.
The Ludham Wives Group meeting in the Methodist School Room was well attended.  It was the AGM.  After the reports of the secretary and treasurer, the outgoing chairman, Mrs Rosie Brown gave an account of her years in office which she said she had thoroughly enjoyed.  She has been a good, hardworking and popular president and many tributes were paid by members.  Members presented her with a pretty basket of dried flowers.  The president elect, Mrs Barrie Marshall was unable to be present but Mrs Janet Smith read a letter from her in which she appreciated her nomination and declared her intention of carrying on the good work.  Mrs E McCambly was elected the new vice president.  Mrs Carolyn Mobbs and Mrs Babs Slaughter confirmed their willingness to remain as secretary and treasurer respectively.  These two members are much appreciated for the generous efforts they put into their positions.  Mrs Dorothy Hornsby, plus four new members, Mrs Janet Gale, Mrs Doreen Lloyd, Mrs Rita Lumley and Mrs Pam Mumford form the rest of the committee whose office will be assigned later. Thanks were given to the retiring members of the committee for the wonderful work they have done during the year.
The Forget-Me-Not Club held its meeting in the Church Room with Mrs Sue O’Gorman presiding.  Some 44 members enjoyed bingo and the tea was provided by Mrs Truett, Mrs Hill, Mrs Denny and Mrs Hall, helped by Mrs Knox and Mrs M Turner.  Competition winners were Mrs Turner, Mrs Dunston and Mrs Moffet.  Members were told of a donation of £135 given to the club for funds by Mr M R Monks of the Dog House Inn, Ludham.  Thanks for it were expressed by all present.
The cremation took place at St Faiths of Mr William Sparkes of Redcott, Norwich Road, Ludham, aged 81.  He was born in Swanton Morley and moved to Catfield in 1941 and then to Ludham in 1945 where he was landlord of the King’s Arms for four years.  After that he worked for the Department of the Environment at RAF Coltishall and Neatishead till retiring in 1972.  He was a keen footballer and supporter, a fan of Norwich City and a loyal supporter of Ludham FC.  He was always accompanied by his pet boxer dog, Benjy and was seen regularly in the village.  He is survived by his widow and son Bryan and he was great grandfather to Matthew, Melody, Jodi, Jason, Daniel, Lee and Kelly. Family mourners included Mrs W Sparkes (widow), Mr Bryan Sparkes (son), and Mr and Mrs Noel Curtis, Mr and Mrs R Curtis, Mrs Joan Kelly, and Mr and Mrs Arthur Harris.  Friends attending were Mr and Mrs S Hall, Mr and Mrs D Warren, Mr and Mrs R Fulcher, Mr and Mrs A Gant and Mr and Mrs R Wilson.

March 1989

March 3rd
A service was held on Friday at the Methodist Church for Women’s World of Prayer.  It was led by Mrs K Sloper.  Readers were Mrs K Sloper,  Mrs M Fulcher, Mrs B Searle,  Mrs F Bond, Mrs O Mason and Mrs P Morgan. The address was given by Mrs Angela Morgan with Prayer as the theme.  Mrs Hill sang a solo ‘Make me a channel of your peace’.  Mrs C Thrower was organist.  The collection was taken by Mrs M Syrett and Mrs R Holland.  After the service tea was served in the school room.
March 4th
On the Saturday a service was held at St Catherine’s Church for the interment of the ashes of Mr William Sparkes conducted by the vicar, the Rev B Morgan.  It was attended by members of the family and friends.
Ludham Guides and Brownies held a jumble sale in the Church Room which raised £120.13.  Competition winners were Mrs J Joy, Mrs Crowden, Mr Frank Carter, Laura Murray, Mr A Sheldrake, Gill Harriman, Doreen Turner, Mrs Barnsley and Mrs S Hall.  Thanks were given to all involved.
March 5th
There was a large congregation at St Catherine’s Church on Mothering Sunday.  The service was celebrated by the Rev B Morgan.  Mr J Savage was organist.  The processional cross was carried by Mrs S Hall, the Mother’s Union banner by Mrs Angela Morgan and the Sunday School banner by Naomi Turner with Richard Pride and Janice Turner as escorts.  Teachers at the Sunday School gave flowers to the children to distribute to their mothers and members of the congregation.  During the service there were two baptisms – Victoria Ruth King and Lee Andrew Munro.  The collection was taken by Mrs S O’Gorman, Mr A Sheldrake and Mr R Fulcher.
An Easter Fair was held in the Church Room on Saturday organized by the Ludham First School when £301 was raised for school funds.
The meeting of Ludham Wives Group was held in the Methodist schoolroom with Mrs Bernie Marshall presiding. A talk entitled  ‘My life as a blacksmith’ was given by Mr Eric Stephenson from Wroxham who is now retired. He gave a fascinating account of how, at the age of 14, he was with the Norwich Mercury paper but in 1928 he had to come home and reluctantly took over the blacksmith business from his father who had had a serious accident. Subsequently he found that his years in business were a great help to him as he developed a blacksmith’s career.  At this period there was a steep decline in the typical blacksmiths work in 1935.  He finished with boat work which had been one of the mainstays of the business.  His first commission in wrought iron was to make a multi candle holder for a Roman Catholic church.  Photos of this were put in women’s magazines and, as a result, a number of orders arrived.  As he was working on his own at the time he was unable to accept all of them.  In Norfolk there are many examples of his work to be seen – village signs and weather vanes among them and in the garden of Hoveton Hall the first gate he ever made.  It is a beautiful object in the form of a spider’s web with a spider in the centre of it.  As a woman once commented, as she admired the memorial gate at St Faiths, – ‘Mr Stephenson, you need no memorial yours are all around you’.  The evening ended with a cordial vote of thanks given by Mrs E McCambley.
March 20th and 21st
St Catherine’s Church was packed on Monday and Tuesday with an appreciative audience for the Passion Play, written by Miss Rosa Wake and directed by Mrs Mary Hayes.  This was the first time in living memory that a passion play had been performed in the fine old church and the atmosphere of the building enhanced the reverent mood of the play.  Lighting and sound effects added to the tense climax as the terror-struck citizens of Jerusalem huddled against the storm which accompanied the Crucifixion.  The author was present on the Tuesday night and was generous in her praise for the production by the parishioners of Ludham and Catfield, assisted by a few of the St Benet’s Players. However, most of the larger parts were taken by members of the church with no previous experience.  It is hoped that other religious plays may be performed in future.  Among the audience were four people from Florida, USA who were impressed and said they had never seen anything like it before.  The collections amounted to £157 for church funds.
March 19th
A family service was held on Palm Sunday at St Catherine’s Church and conducted by the Rev B Morgan.  Mr J Savage was organist.  The Sunday School banner was carried by Lucy Brown with the children of the Sunday School as escorts.  The Mother’s Union banner was carried by Mrs S Hall and the processional cross by Matthew Holland.  Members of the Sunday School performed a short play and during the service members of the choir and congregation went to the chancel steps and received a palm cross from the vicar.  Coffee and tea were served during the service.  People with birthdays and anniversaries received a card from the Sunday School teacher,  Mrs R Cordiner and Mrs L Savage.  The sidesmen were Mr R Fulcher and Mr P Horton.
March 24th – 26th
At St Catherine’s Church during Easter weekend all services were well attended and were conducted by the vicar, the Rev B Morgan.  Mr J Savage was organist.  On Good Friday there was a short united service on Stock’s Hill, followed by an hour’s service by the cross in church.  At morning service on Sunday Matthew Holland carried the processional cross and the choir sang an anthem.  The sidesmen were Mr A Cordiner and Mr J Wythes. Mrs Gowing presented the wine and wafers at the altar.  The church had been beautifully decorated with sprigs of flowers and arum lilies.
The Royal British Legion Women’s Section monthly meeting was held at the Methodist school room with Mrs E Carter presiding.  The assistant treasurer gave the treasurer’s report.  Members were then given a talk by Mr Phil Scott about his 41 years work with the BBC.  He was thanked by Mrs P Morgan.  The trading stall was manned by Mrs D Barnard and Mrs Dean and made £9.46 for branch funds.
A jumble sale held in the Church Room organized by Mrs E Carter and helpers for the Women’s Section, Royal British Legion, raised £162 for club funds.

March 29th
An Easter Fayre was held in the Church Room organized by Mrs S Hall and helpers and £178.70 was raised towards redecorating the Church Room kitchen.


Cuttings and Inclusions Jan - Mar 1989

April 1989

April 3rd
A service for Lady Day, the Feast of Annunciation of the Blessed Mary, was held on Monday in St Catherine’s Church for members of the Mother’s Union.  The guests were members of Catfield MU.  It was conducted by the Rev B Morgan and Mrs B Gowing was organist.  Readings were by Mrs A Morgan and Mrs A Fulcher.  The MC banner was carried by Mrs S O’Gorman. Tea was served afterwards in the Church Room.  The bring-and-buy stall was manned by Mrs S Hall and raised £8.86 for branch funds.
The monthly meeting of the Royal British Legion, Women’s Section, was held in the Methodist Room with 17 members in attendance and Mrs E Carter presiding.  The meeting opened with the exhortation.  Apologies came from Mrs Cable, Mrs Marlow and Mrs McGuiness.  Two new members were welcomed to the branch.  Minutes of the March meeting were read and signed, proposed by Mrs Fulcher and recorded by Mrs Forster.  Mrs Carter thanked all members for their help and support at the jumble sale when £173 was raised.  Treasurer, Mrs Williams, gave the report on finances.  Mrs Timothy and Mrs P Morgan were delegates at the branch meeting and the group heard their report.  Mrs Freeman and Mrs Wright agreed to serve on the services committee.  Tea hostesses were Mrs O’Neil and Mrs Holland.  Members were told there was to be a wayside stall on May 4th and were asked for goods for it.  The speaker, Mrs Perry, gave a talk about various pilgrimages.  Mrs Simoney gave a vote of thanks and presented Mrs Perry with a plant.  The trading stall was manned by Mrs Barnard and Mrs Dean and raised £12.12.
April 13th
A delightful programme of sacred music was presented by the Lowestoft Ladies Gospel Fellowship at the Methodist Church to a large congregation.  A collection of £48.65 has been sent to the National Children’s Home.
April 14th
The funeral service for Mrs Rose Brightman, a member of High Street Methodist Church for about 20 years was held.  The service was conducted by Rev S Yelland and the address by Rev F Bond.  Many village organizations to which Mrs Brightman had belonged were represented in the large congregation.  Cremation followed at St Faiths.
April 18th
On the Tuesday evening a bingo session was held in the Church Room and raised £116 for the Ludham Bowls Club.  It was organized by Mr F Carter who thanked everyone concerned.
April 20th
The Forget-Me-Not Club celebrated its 22nd birthday with a party in the Church Room with Mrs S O’Gorman presiding. There were 54 members and four guests present. The entertainment was given by children of Ludham First School with singing items and recitations.  They were thanked by Mrs Sue O’Gorman. Members enjoyed a buffet tea provided by the helpers and the iced birthday cake, made by Mrs Jolly, was cut by Mrs Alexander.  Helpers received a pot plant in thanks for all their help during the year.  Various competitions were held.  Tea hostesses were Mrs W Trivett, Mrs Denny, Mrs Hill and Mrs S Hall with extra committee members helping.
April 29th
The forget-Me-Not Club Spring Sale was held in the Church Room and was organized by Mrs Sue O’Gorman and Mrs Alexander and helpers.  Competition winners were Mr Peter Day (sherry), Mrs Dean (chocolates), Mrs Mumford (biscuits), Mrs Joan Williams (glasses), Mr A Brook (mug), Mr Timoney (fruit), and Mrs D Crowden (towel set).  A tea set was won by Mrs Sue Lepoideren.  The sum of £3.30 was raised for club funds.
Bingo was held in the Church Room and raised £121 for the Ludham Girl Guides camp fund.  Many thanks to all who supported it.
At the Wives Group held in the Methodist schoolroom Mrs Barrie Marshall presided and demonstrations were given by the beautician, Miss Maxine Pearson, starting with a muscle toning machine which, if combined with a diet, is able to assist people to lose weight in specific areas of the body.  For example, used on a young model she was able to reduce the measurements around hips and thighs by a quarter of an inch.  The next demonstration was of a facial, said to be a very relaxing experience for a client when combined with a massage of the face and neck.  The host demonstrated on a member of the audience the waxing of legs to remove unwanted hair.  The wax was spread on strips of material, applied firmly to the leg and then ripped off again quite quickly. The verdict of the model was the sensation was not too bad and quite effective.  The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to Miss Pearson from Mrs Dora Crowden.
Forty seven Methodist members and friends of Martham circuit had a most enjoyable outing to Gainsborough and Epworth.  Lunch was taken at Gainsborough Old Hall, one of the best preserved medieval manor houses in the country.  The party journeyed on to Epworth where a conducted tour of Epworth Rectory, the birthplace of John Wesley, proved very interesting, together with a slide show of Epworth around the 18th century.  A visit was also made to the Methodist church.  Tea was served at Epworth Garden Centre.  The outing was organized by Rev Bond of Ludham.
The April meeting of the Mothers Union was held in the Church Room with Mrs A Morgan presiding. It opened with a hymn.  After the business members enjoyed a talk given by Mrs Lord on her life and work with the Mothers Union.  She was thanked by Mrs B Hall.  Tea hostesses were Mrs J O’Neil, Mrs B Holland and Mrs D Barnard.  The trading stall  made £4.84 for branch funds and was manned by Mrs S Hall.
The Rev B Morgan, accompanied by Ludham church wardens, Mr K Fitz-Hugh and Mrs S Hall and from Potter Heigham Mrs N Batts and Mr D Henry, attended the Archdeacon’s visitation service which was held at Blofeld Church.
A wayside stall was held on Thursday at Bakers Arms Green and raised £132 for Royal British Legion Women’s Section.
Edward Seago, the Norwich-born artist who lived at Ludham and whose life was riddled with self- doubt, is certainly going up in the estimation of others.  His fame will be spread soon by an hour long Anglia TV programme.  His oil painting of Hyde Park Corner made £37,400 in London last week, an auction record for a Seago painting.  The news was happily timed for Clive Dunn of Seventh House Films in Norwich because he had just completed a deal with Anglia to make the programme.  This fulfils an ambition that grew during his 11 years at Anglia as a film editor.  He left last year to establish himself as an independent director.   Now Clive, 39, will produce and direct the Seago programme, ‘Light over the sky’ which he will also co-write with Jean Goodman, the Norwich author who wrote a Seago biography. ‘His story is thrilling’ said Clive, ‘and I am delighted to have been contacted to do so by Anglia.  Somehow it wouldn’t have seemed right for another company to do it or by Anglia’.  Seago, who died in 1974, aged 64, was a charismatic figure, the friend of everybody., from members of the Royal Family to the most humble person in his village.  For his last years he had lived at the Dutch House, Ludham.  His friendship with the Royals went back to his painting of George V1 and the coronation of Elizabeth II.  Generally he would not touch his sitters but he made an exception for Prince Charles.  The son of a coal merchant, he suffered heart trouble but lived a full life.  As a lad he ran off to join a circus and later became a scene painter.  He was the son of a Norwich coal merchant.   He travelled widely and became a scene painter.  ‘Seago painted some of the finest landscapes this century but has never been fully recognized’ said Clive. ‘In his lifetime he had little regard from the art establishment.  He was full of self doubt into his sixties’. If anyone has a story to tell about the artist Clive would love to hear it. He can be contacted through the press officer of Anglia Television. The programme will be shot in East Anglia and Wiltshire, another favourite Seago area, during July and August for transmission in 1990. It is possible that actors may play Seago in middle age and certain that there will be an appearance of Joan Houston who spent a lot of time painting with him.  Clive also hopes an American, James Reid, will take part.  He is working on an appraisal and analysis of Seago’s work and might be able to say why the artist did not enjoy, in his lifetime, the recognition he deserved.


May 1989

May 6th
The High Street Methodist Church celebrated its 122 anniversary.  Over 60 people attended a ‘Church in the Community’ evening on Saturday. Representatives of various organizations using the premises were invited to speak and demonstrate their activities.  Among them was Mother and Toddler Group, Flower Arranging, Music and Movement, both sections of Royal British Legion, Wives Group and Ludham Society.  A buffet supper was served. 
May 7th
A family service on Sunday morning was conducted by the Rev W Ream of Norwich.
May 14th
A sung eucharist service was held on Whit Sunday at St Catherine’s Church, conducted by the Rev B Morgan. The processional cross was carried by Matthew Holland, Mr J Savage was organist, Mr A Sheldrake was the server and the bread and wine were taken to the vicar by Mrs J Wythes .  Readings were given by Mrs Marshall. The linesmen were Mr A Cordiner and Mr J Wythes who also took the collection.
A talk with slides was given to the Wives Group by Mr Milbourn under the title ‘How they lived in the Good Olden Days’. He showed some very interesting slides, most of which he had collected by visiting folk museums in various parts of the country. The scenes depicted were of homes from primitive cottages without doors, windows or chimneys of the medieval ages, to the comfortable homes of the 20 century. The greatest changes have taken place during this century and some of the older members of the audience were highly amused as they were shown homes equipped with black iron kitchen ranges which had to be blackened, also enormous mangles which were used on washday to squeeze the water out of the washing.  A whole day, usually a Monday, was devoted to the chore.  Schools of the Victorian era were also shown where the children learnt the basic 3 ‘Rs’ and had to leave at 12 to help earn money to go towards keeping the family.  Mr Milbourn played a tape of an old lady, about 100 years old, talking of life in the ‘good old days’. She spoke with great humour and there was much that she remembered that she had enjoyed, particularly, life in a large family and the simple pleasures that went with it. The meeting ended with the president, Mrs Barrie Marshall, giving a vote of thanks.
The monthly branch meeting of the Royal British Legion Womens Section was held in the Methodist schoolroom with 16 members attending and Mrs Carter presiding. The meeting opened with the exhortation.  Apologies were received from Mrs Cable, Mrs Morgan, Mrs Fulcher, Mrs Holland, Mrs O’Neil and Mrs Norton.  Minutes of the April meeting were read by Mrs Wright in Mrs Morgan’s absence. The chairman thanked all the members for their support with the wayside stall. Tea hostesses were Mrs Freeman and Mrs Wright. Mrs Freeman volunteered to attend the group meeting and take part in the quiz. The chairman welcomed three young women from the Samaritans who gave a talk on their work. Mrs J McGuire gave a vote of thanks and gave them a donation for their funds.  The trading stall manned by Mrs D Barnard and Mrs Dean raised £12.12p.  The coffee evening held on Friday in the Methodist schoolroom made £33.47.
There were 38 members at the Forget-Me-Not Club. Names were taken for the outing on June 21st to Sandringham and then to Walsingham Black Lion for tea. Members with birthdays were Mr Alcock, Mrs Lepoideren and Bill McCleod.  Competition winners were Mrs Nellie Smith, Mrs Hankin and Mr Grovenall. Tea hostesses were Mrs A Sheldrake, Mrs Sayer, Mrs Turner and Mrs Knox. The trading stall was manned by Mrs Forster and Mrs Dean.
A united service for Christian Aid was held at St Catherine’s Church combined with family service. It was conducted by Rev B Morgan.  Mr John Savage was organist.  The processional cross was carried by Matthew Holland, the Mothers Union banner by Mrs D Barnard and the Sunday School banner by Samantha Roll.  A reading from the Old Testament was given by Mr F Gotterson and one from the New Testament by Mrs J Mitchell.  The Gospel was read by Mr C Thrower. The address was given by Rev F Bond, a retired Methodist minister, and the intercession by Mrs A Morgan, Mrs Nicholson and Mrs Cordiner.  People with birthdays and anniversaries received a card.  Sidesmen were Mr P Horton and Mr C England.  The collection was taken by Mr F Gotterson and Mr P Horton and is for Christian Aid.
Members of High Street Methodist Church served coffee at a coffee evening for Christian Aid at High Street Methodist schoolroom and members of St Catherine’s Church manned the Bring-and-Buy stall. The house to house collection for C A realized £265.20, the united church service collection was £53.05, there was a donation of £15, and  the coffee evening made £68.25, which made a total of £401.50 for Christian Aid.
The May meeting of the Mothers Union was held in the Church Room with Mrs D Nicholson presiding for Mrs Morgan. Members enjoyed a talk given by Mrs Moss of Stalham on her visit to Australia.  She was thanked by Mrs R Fulcher.  Tea hostesses were Mrs D Barnard and Mrs B Sayer. The trading stall was manned by Mrs S Hall.
May was a month of glorious sunshine and the East Coast was more fortunate as usual as other parts of England had violent and severe thunderstorms.

June 1989

June 1st
A wayside stall was held on Thursday on Bakers Arms Green and raised £61 for St Catherine’s Church vestry carpet fund. It was organized by Mrs S Hall with Mrs D Barnard, Mrs A Truett and Mrs P Lambert who supplied a welcome cup of tea.  Mr A Sheldrake kindly transported tables.
Some 41 members attended the fortnightly meeting of the Forget-Me-Not Club in the Church Room with Mrs Sue O’Gorman presiding.  Members enjoyed a game of bingo.  Tea hostesses were Mrs Barnard, Mrs Cable and Mrs Dean.  The stall was manned by Mrs Forster and Mrs Dean.  Competition winners were Mr Bob Forster and Mrs Cramb.  A kind donation of £57 from Ludham Football Club and Kings Arms football team was received.
June 7th
A meeting of the Ludham Handicraft Guild was held on Wednesday in the Church Room when Mrs S Hall presided. Members are busy making items for the new stall at the fete on July 1st at the Vicarage.  Tea was served by Mrs K Linsell and Mrs D Barnard.
June 9th
A Mothers Union   World of Prayer service was held at St Catherine’s Church and led by Mrs A Morgan, enrolling member.  A reading was given by Mr A Sheldrake.  The event was followed with coffee at the vicarage.
At a meeting in the Methodist schoolroom members were given a talk and practical demonstration by Mr Morley on the art of self defence for women, ably supported by his assistant.  Mr Morley showed clearly how easy it is to defend oneself with a little learning and practice.  Members were asked to attack and defend each other, which caused much amusement and enjoyment.  Mrs Barrie Marshall chaired the meeting which was well attended, despite the wet weather. Mrs E McCambley proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Morley for a pleasant evening.
The Methodist fete which was to have been held at the home of Mr and Mrs David Buck at ‘The White House’, Ludham had to be held in the Methodist schoolroom because of an unseasonable downpour, but still raised £205 for church funds.
The Forget-Me-Not meeting was held in the Church Room with Mrs Alexander presiding and 48 members in attendance.  Bingo and competitions were played and tea provided.  Three members celebrated birthdays – Mrs P Hubbard, Mrs S Lepoideren and Miss Margaret Keeler who was 80 that day. Each received a card and flowers.
The Rev B Morgan welcomed an audience of family and friends to St Catherine’s Sunday School annual entertainment. The first half was musical items and recitations by individual Sunday School members, the singing ‘Look up to the sky’ by younger members, and ‘Ave Maria’ by the whole choir, and the presentation of a modern Good Samaritan by the recently formed Drama on Sunday evening group. There was a short interval for refreshments.  In the second half all of the young people of the Sunday School presented a play about the way children have been treated by employees of the education system for the past 100 years, entitled ‘Who are you kidding?’ The Rev B Morgan thanked the children and the Sunday School leader, Mrs Ros Cordiner, and the audience.  The event raised £100 for Sunday School funds.


June 18th
There was a good attendance at St Catherine’s for the Family Service conducted by the Rev F Thomas of Salhouse.  Mr J Savage was organist.  The processional cross was carried by Catherine Cordiner, the Mothers Union banner by Mrs D Nicholson and the Sunday School banner by April Goodgame.  A reading was given by Mr A Sheldrake.  Four hymns were sung accompanied by Tracy Nicholson on the guitar.  During the service, coffee was served by the Sunday School teachers.  The address was given by the Rev F Thomas on the theme ‘Hands’.  The sidesmen were Mrs Sue O’Gorman and Mr A Sheldrake.
The Royal British Legion Womens Section celebrated its 27th birthday meeting in the Methodist  schoolroom with Mrs E Carter presiding.  Following the business members enjoyed a delightful buffet supper provided by members.  Secretary, Mrs A Morgan, made the birthday cake.  Committee members were tea hostesses.  County Chairman, Mrs M Arnold, congratulated the branch on the past 27 years and wished it continual success.  Mrs Arnold was presented with a basket of roses. Four of the eight founder members were present, including Mrs M Fulcher who told members of the inaugural meeting of the branch. President, Mrs H Burton had been unwell and was presented with a plant.  Members enjoyed a sing-song accompanied by Mrs Leyton at the piano. Trading stall by Mrs O’Neil made £6.83 for branch funds.
After a long dry spell all of May and early June, the weather gave way to a few thunderstorms in late June.  Rain was much needed, but, although the strawberry crop was abundant, it was 2 weeks earlier than usual which led to a shortage of pickers, as school children and students were not available, new rules regarding tax for businesses and D H S people proving they were not so eager to work.
The meeting of Ludham Wives Group was held at the home of Mrs Jean Bacon in Sutton and was the occasion for presenting a cheque for £200 to Mr Wilson who received it on behalf of Cambridge Children’s Hospice. He gave a very interesting talk about the funding of the hospice which is due to receive its first children in July and will be officially opened in August by the Princess of Wales.  The hospice will offer respite to children with chronic illness who are normally looked after at home.  The families and others involved in caring for the child will be invited to stay at the home at the same time.  They will not be expected to look after the child but may do so if they wish.  Most will stay about two weeks.  There will be 12 beds, some remaining empty for emergency use.  The hospice will be financed entirely by charitable giving and already £1 million has been donated and paid for the building and equipment.  An appeal will be made in the autumn for an endorsement fund to meet ongoing running costs.  It is hoped that people in the Eastern Region, which the hospice will service, will give generously to the appeal.
June 21st
Members of the Forget-Me-Not Club, with helpers and friends and Mrs Sue O’Gorman and Mrs Alexander, went to Sandringham for the annual summer outing. They enjoyed looking around the house, grounds, church and museum and then went to Walsingham where they enjoyed tea at the Black Lion Hotel. The outing was organized by Mrs Alexander and the meal by Mrs Sue O’Gorman.
Four members of the Royal British Legion Womens Section attended the group meeting at Repps Village Hall.  Mrs A Morgan was delegate.  Following the business the group quiz was held for which quiz master was Mr R Maples. Mrs T Freeman represented Ludham.


Cuttings and Inclusions Apr - June 1989

July 1989

July 1st
The annual church fete was held in the Church Room owing to the wet weather and not, as planned, in the Vicarage garden.  It was opened by the vicar, the Rev Bernard Morgan.  Competition winners were Mrs D Nicholson, Mr Freeman, Mrs L Savage, Mrs Whitton, Mrs Timoney, Mrs Freeman, Mrs Carter, Mrs J Clarke and Mrs Sue O’Gorman. The sum of £402.78 was raised for St Catherine’s Church funds.
A coffee evening was held in the Methodist School Room, organized by Mrs A Morgan, assistant secretary of the Women’s Institute and assisted by Mrs W Gould, president, and Mrs I Elphick, Mrs D Lloyd, Mrs K Sloper and Mrs J McGuire.  The sum of £118 was raised for the Royal National Institute of the Blind. Competition winners were Mrs C England, Mrs W Forster, Mrs M Fulcher and Mrs Scott.  Mrs Morgan thanked everyone for their help and support in making the evening a success.
At a coffee morning held at ‘The Dormers’, Norwich Road, the home of Mrs Mary Hayes, the sum of £87.71 was raised for village hall funds.
The Forget-Me-Not Club was attended by 52 members. Mrs Sue O’Gorman presided. Bingo was played.  Mrs S Hall took names for those able to go on the river trip on Tuesday, July 18th, coach leaving at 7.30pm.  There were 8 members with birthdays and Mrs Sue O’Gorman presented floral arrangements and cards to Mrs Gillett, Mrs Dot Brooks, Mr Needham, Mrs Truett and Mrs Camberly, with a special arrangement to Mrs Biggs and Mrs Arnup who were 80 years old.  Mr T Langley received a card and sweets, and a basket of flowers was given to Mrs Alexander from members as a ‘thank you’ for the lovely tea she paid for on the outing to Sandringham.  The stall for club funds made £6.42.
The Annual Service was held on Womack Staithe and conducted by the vicar, the Rev B Morgan, who also gave the address.  The lessons and prayers were led by Rev F Bond, retired Methodist Minister.  The music was provided by members of St Catherine’s Church choir.  The collection was taken by Mr A Cordiner, Mr J Gravenall and Mr F Carter.
July 5th
A special meeting was held at the vicarage of the Parochial Church Council.  The vicar opened the meeting with a prayer and then introduced the speaker, Mr John Doggett, the Diocesan Christian Fellowship Advisor who spoke of the work entailed with Christian Fellowship and also showed a video film of the work. Coffee was served by Mrs Angela Morgan.
There was a large attendance at St Catherine’s Church for the July Family Service which was conducted by the Rev B Morgan. Mr J Savage was the organist. The Cross was carried by Matthew Holland, the Mothers Union banner by Mrs J O’Neil and Sunday School banner by April Goodgame with Jenny Goodgame and Laura Cordiner as escorts. There were visitors from Germany and Australia and Yorkshire, also a choir from St Peter’s, Market Boswell who sang two sacred songs.  A reading was given by Mrs A Morgan. Members of the Sunday Evening Drama Group gave various illustrations of ‘Pride’ which was the theme.  During the service the christening took place of Shaun Michael John Brody.  Coffee was served during the interval.  The sidesmen were Mrs J O’Neil, Mrs B Holland and Mr R Fulcher.
Members, accompanied by the Rev B Morgan and Mrs A Morgan (enrolling member), attended the Mothers Union Deanery Festival at Stalham Church, conducted by Canon Gwyn Blyth.  The Mothers Union banner was carried by Mrs S Hall.  A reading was given by Mrs P Nearns and prayers given by Mrs R Washford.  Tea was served afterwards in the Church Room.
The Forget-Me-Not Club members, accompanied by Mrs Sue O’Gorman and Mrs L Alexander, enjoyed a garden party at the Dutch House by invitation of Mrs Jane Seymour, who also provided a lovely tea.  She was thanked by Mrs Sue O’Gorman who presented her with a shrub for her garden. Mrs Alexander presented Mrs O’Gorman with a cut glass bowl for her birthday from the members.  Other members received a card and flowers for July birthdays.
Ludham Wives held its final meeting before the summer recess with Mrs Barrie Marshall presiding.  She welcomed Mr Tony Land who gave a talk and demonstration of First Aid in the Home. Using a life-like model he showed how accidents could be coped with if there was knowledge and understanding of how to act in an emergency.  In the autumn Mr Land hopes to start a short course on this subject, in which members showed great interest. The meeting was well attended and Mrs Marshall thanked Mr Land for a very enjoyable evening.
July 14th
A garden meeting for the members of the W I was held in the home of Mrs D Lloyd in her delightful grounds.  Mrs W Gould presided.  A poem entitled ‘Summer’ was read by Mrs S Hall who also won the quiz. The trading stall was manned by Mrs T Roots and made just over £9 for W I funds.  A lovely tea was enjoyed provided and served by committee members.  Those with birthdays in July and August received a posy from the president.
July 18th
Members and friends of the Forget-Me-Not Club, accompanied by Mrs S O’Gorman, Mrs L Alexander and helpers went by coach to Wroxham where they enjoyed a river trip to Horning.  Afterward tea and refreshments were enjoyed at the Wherryman Gallery.
A wayside stall was held on Bakers Arms Green and raised £71 for Age Concern.  It was organized by Mrs Sue O’Gorman and helpers of the Forget-Me-Not Club.
July 23rd
A United Songs of Praise was held at High Street Methodist Church on Sunday evening. It was very well attended, including some visitors from Germany, and was conducted by the Rev Bond, a retired Methodist minister. Mrs Thrower was organist.  St Catherine’s Church choir conducted by Mr J Savage sang ‘All in the April evening’.  The hymns were chosen by the congregation.  A short address was given by Rev B Morgan.  Collection was taken by Mr E Gotterson and Mr P Fulcher, to be divided between the two churches.
A wayside stall was held on Bakers Arms Green and raised £117 for the Girl Guides camp fund.  It was organized by Mrs W Baker.
July 26th
A garden party was held in the vicarage garden by invitation of Mrs A Morgan for members and friends of the M U.  Games were organized by the vicar, the Rev B Morgan.  An amusing reading was given by Mrs O Mason, who also proposed the vote of thanks.  A trading stall manned by Mrs S Hall made £11 for branch funds.  Members and friends enjoyed a tea provided by Mrs Morgan.

August 1989

August 9th
A wayside stall was held on Bakers Arms Green and raised £50.45p for Ludham Society funds.
August 14th
Ludham Post Office was transferred to A T Throwers shop but the post box is still on the old site.
August was a wonderful sunny month after a warm May and hot June.  The East Coast has been favoured.
The church organ is now back in use after having had a major overhaul, the majority being paid for by an anonymous donor.
August 19th
A jumble sale was held in the Church Room and was organized by Mrs S Hall and helpers and made £200 for St Catherine’s Church vestry fund.


August 20th
At the Family Service at St Catherine’s Church the vicar dedicated 12 new kneelers, making a total of 82.  He also dedicated a wooden holder In the form of a cross to hold the processional cross in the chancel.  It was made by Mr J Wright.  People with birthdays received cards.
The annual gift day for St Catherine’s Church raised £286.  Next event will be the sponsored cycle ride.

September 1989

September 2nd
The annual Forget-Me-Not Club flower and handicrafts show was held in the Church Room and was well attended with many visitors.  There was a new section for men in cookery and flower arrangement. The Cookery Cup was won by Mr W Truett and the Flower Cup by Mr H Clarke. Handicraft Cup was won by Mrs Forster with Mrs V Hall second, who received a silver bell.  Women’s Cookery Cup won by Mrs F Dean and Vegetable Cup by Mrs Lepoideren.  Flower arrangement was won by Mrs V Hall and the longest bean, Mrs H Clarke.  Mrs Ritchie presented the cups. Competition winners were Mrs I Elphick, a picture postcard painted by H Clarke, fruit for Mrs Turner, wine Mrs P Temple, a plant for Mrs E Langley, plant and holder Mrs F Dean and a bottle of fruit for Mrs P Truett.  The event raised £155 for club funds.
September 3rd
The Royal British Legion Group 14 Norfolk County commemoration service was held at St Catherine’s Church and was conducted by the Rev B Morgan. Branches present with standard banners were:- Acle, Catfield, Horning, Ludham, Neatishead and District.  Ludham 1st Guides and Brownies were in attendance with standard banners.  The processional cross was carried by Matthew Holland followed by the church choir and members of Group 14.  Mr T Roots read the names of the fallen of each district 1939 – 45, while Mr A Nicholls tolled the bell. Mr R Fulcher, president of Ludham Branch, laid a wreath at the altar on behalf of the group. The Last Post was sounded by a bugler of the British Legion.  The exhortation was recited by Mr J Grommell, president of No 14 group.  After this the Reveille was sounded by the bugler.  The Rev Morgan received the Standards at the altar assisted by Mr Sheldrake.  The Old Testament was read by Mr J Curtis, chairman, South Walsham branch.  The New Testament was read by Mr F Carter, secretary of Ludham branch. ‘Look up to the sky’ was sung by the Guides and Brownies.  An inspiring address was given by the vicar, the Rev B Morgan.  Sidesmen were Mr P Horton, Mr R Fulcher, Mr P Scott and Mr K Mumford.  The Royal British Legion accompanied the singing.  Refreshments were served afterwards in the Church Room by Mrs P Roots, Mrs D Lloyd, Mrs B Holland and Mrs J O’Neil.  Mr S C Gont, vice chairman No 14, was parade master.
September 9th
 On Saturday the vicar, the Rev B Morgan, Mrs Angela Morgan, Mrs M Helsdon and Mr and Mrs Williams went on the sponsored cycle ride visiting over 20 churches.  Mrs Sue Gordon was the organizer for Ludham and the total raised was £295 – Mrs Helsdon £142.59, vicar and wife £110 and Dinah and Nigel Williams £42.50.
Wives Group met first time since summer in the Methodist schoolroom with Mrs Barrie Marshall presiding.  An interesting talk on sailing barges was given by Mrs Catherine Smith who had had a connection with boats all her life.  She had a particular love for the Thames barges and illustrated her talk with beautiful drawings.  A vote of thanks was given by Mrs Janet Smith.
Family services were conducted by the Rev B Morgan.  Laura Cordiner played the organ for a hymn and the Sunday School banner was carried by April Goodgame and the Mothers Union banner by Mrs D Barnard.  The vicar spoke of the Urban Fund and candles were distributed for £1, and that and the collection amounted to £38.50.  Sidesmen were Alex Cordiner and Jack Wythes.
Owing to unsettled weather the garden party which should have been held in Mr and Mrs D Hayes garden had to be held in the Church Room. There were various stalls and, after expenses, £186.40 was raised for St Catherine church fund.
September 15th
There was a large attendance at St Catherine’s Church for the funeral of Mr Patrick Alan Sparrow of Crown House, Ludham. The service was conducted by Rev B Morgan and organist was Mrs B Gowing. Pat was born in Ludham but moved away a year later.  He moved back to Horning in his teens and lived there till he married in 1972 at St Catherine’s Church.  He worked for East Anglian Water Company for over 20 years which was represented at the funeral. Immediate mourners were Mrs Ann Sparrow (wife), Mrs Kathleen Brown and Mr Arthur Betts, Mr and Mrs Adrian Sparrow, Mr Andrew Sparrow, Mr Simon Sparrow, Mr and Mrs Roy Stewart, Mr and Mrs Ian North, Mrs Stella Woolard, Mrs Sheila Carnie, Mr and Mrs Brian Brown, Mrs Bridget Brown, Mr Graham Richie, and Mr and Mrs Peter Jones.  The interment was in St Catherine’s Churchyard and there were 46 wreaths.
The September meeting of the Women’s Institute was held in the Church Room with Mrs W Gould presiding.  After the business, members enjoyed a talk with colour slides on the history of Hickling Broad given by Mr A Linse, who was thanked by Mrs A Morgan.  The trading stall was manned by Mrs D Gabriel.
Members of the Forget-Me-Not Club, accompanied by Mrs Sue O’Gorman and Mrs Alexander, went by coach on Monday to Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens and then to Filby for tea. At the fortnightly meeting on Thursday 47 members attended. Bingo and games were played and competitions. Birthday flowers were presented to Mrs Denny and Mrs M Chaplin who thanked Mrs S O’Gorman for welcoming her to the club. Tea was provided and served, and the trading stall manned, by Mrs Forster and Mrs Dean.
During the last week of August Ludham was much honoured by being the Bran Tub choice on Radio Norfolk.  The facts ranged from 1900 onwards. On the Friday broadcast was former Parish Council chairman, Mr Cyril Thrower, and present council, Mrs Vi Bensley and Mr William Stonor and Betty Pettit.
The September meeting of the Mothers Union was held in the Church Room.  A talk was given by Rev B Morgan on christenings, and he was thanked by Mrs Morgan.  The stall, manned by Mrs S O’Gorman, made £5 for branch funds.
Ludham Wives Group with Mrs B Marshall presiding, enjoyed a talk with musical interludes by Mr Graham Tulney, member of Cooks Organs. He brought a technic organ and digital piano and played several well known pieces with different effects.
Harvest Festival services at St Catherine’s, beginning Friday night and two services on Sunday, were well attended. An excerpt from ‘the Messiah’ was sung, ‘He shall find his flock’ was sung by Mrs Barrie Marshall and Mrs Ros Cordiner. The Friday night service was combined and attended by Rev Bond, Rev Yelland and Rev Morgan and the address was given by Rev R Crewes of Great Yarmouth.
At the Parish Council meeting it was stated that the housing survey has been completed and forms returned, but only 198 were returned.  Matters discussed included a 40 mph speed limit at the dyke on Norwich Road, also the proposed toilets at Ludham Bridge and the extension to the footpath on Norwich Road, and the question whether to have openings from the path for access for those living opposite.  It was agreed that advice from the road safety officer should be sought. Later during the evening it was said that walking on the road with very young children and not being able to get on the path was dangerous.  Miss Betty Pettit is now appointed onto the board of governors at Stalham Middle School.
A committee meeting of the Mothers Union was held in the vicarage with Mrs A Morgan presiding when arrangements were made for the family service in November which members are to organize and take part in.
The Ludham Wives Group meeting was held with Mrs Barrie Marshall presiding. Enjoyable slides were shown by Mrs Leighton of women’s fashions from 1905 to 1947..  The slides were from the Victoria and Albert Museum and the clothes may be seen there, ranging from an undecorated, simple muslin dress to elaborate dresses with many yards of beads and ribbon.  The ‘New Look’ was featured – and remembered. The vote of thanks was given by Mrs E McCambley.


Cuttings and Inclusions July - Sept 1989

October 1989

October 15th
Family Service was held at St Catherine’s Church conducted by Rev B Morgan.  Mr J Savage was organist. The Mothers Union banner was carried by Mrs D Nicholson, Sunday School banner by Jenny Goodgame and Cheryl Willoughby.  A reading was given by Catherine Cordiner and intersessions by Tracy Nicholson.  A short mime was performed by Sunday Evening Drama Group entitled ‘Light of the World’ and narrated by Mrs R Cordiner.  Sunday School members sang ‘Rejoice in the Lord Always’.  During the service the vicar baptized Joanne Marie Rix.  Afterwards coffee was served.  The collection was taken by Mrs B Gowing, Mr Fulcher and April Goodgame.
A jumble sale was held in the Church Room organized by Mrs Alexander, Mrs O’Gorman and helpers and raised £210 for the Forget-Me-Not Club.
A Recognition Service was held on Friday evening at High St Methodist Church. A large congregation attended to welcome Mrs Brenda Searle as a fully accredited local preacher of the Methodist Church. The service was conducted by the Rev S Yelland, the circuit minister, and the address was given by Rev Roy Coppock, a previous minister in the circuit. Other ministers and local preachers took part in the service.
Ludham Wives Group enjoyed a talk and demonstration on paper sculpture which was given by Mrs Lyson.  It involved cutting and folding paper into various shapes rolled onto knitting needles and made into flowers.  Crackers and Christmas decorations were also demonstrated using coloured ribbons.  Mrs Barrie Marshall, the president, gave a vote of thanks.
A jumble sale held in the Church Room raised £106 for the Ludham Wives Group.  It was organized by Mrs Barrie Marshall and friends.
A United Remembrance Day Service was held at St Catherine’s Church and was well attended.  It was conducted by the Rev B Morgan assisted by the Rev F Bond.  The sermon was given by Rev C Nunnerly.  Organist was Mr J Savage and the choir was in attendance with Matthew Holland carrying the processional cross. A two minute silence was observed. Lessons were read by Mr F Carter, branch secretary.  Standard bearers were Mr C England, Mens section Royal British Legion, Miss L Carter carried the Union Flag. Miss E Carver (Guides) and Miss R Duffield (Brownies). Wreaths were laid after the service at the Memorial by Mr K Mumford, Mens Section RBL, Mrs E Corber, Womens Section, Mr R Fulcher (Scouts) and Miss R Corrall (Guides).  Mr T Roots read the names of the fallen in two wars.  Mr J Gravenell recited the exhortation. Last post and Reveille were sounded by Mr Frank Neville, a bugler from Horstead.  The collection taken by Mrs S O’Gorman, Mr Gotterson, Mr P Horton and Mr A Sheldrake amounted to £97.62 for RBL funds.
The Ludham Wives Group meeting was held in the Methodist School Room with Mrs  McCambley in the chair. A talk with colour slides was given by Mr Lindsell on ‘Safari in Zimbabwe’ during a holiday.  He saw many wild animals – lions, rhinos, a leopard, giraffe and elephants, and also a variety of birds. He also visited the Victoria Falls.  A vote of thanks was given by Mrs W Gould.
The Parish Council met in the Church Room. Mr G Wise was elected to the council to fill a vacancy. The chairman and clerk reported on their recent meeting with the highways committee and detailed the work already in progress to improve the roads. It was agreed that more passing places are needed on the 1062 to Potter Heigham. A meeting was arranged for Nov 29th to discuss the playing corner, equipment and safety.
Grave concern was again expressed by the Council about the important drainage dyke in the Norwich Road, next to the new properties being built.  It was stressed that the future buyers next to the dyke should be made aware fully aware of their responsibility and this should be made clear in the deeds. The chairman reported on the compulsory purchase order of land next to Ludham Bridge.  The need for urgent repair and maintenance to the village sign was discussed and it was decided to seek tenders. Both sign and notice board have suffered from the weather during the long summer we experienced.


November 1989

November 18th
The annual Christmas sale was held in the Church Room and organized by members of the Parochial Church Council.  It was well attended with attractive stalls.  Competition winners were C Langley, B Gowing,  D Clarke, D Bernard, B Holland, Mrs Taylor, Mr J Sayer, A Cordiner, F Carter and P Day.  Katie Amos won the doll name giving. The sum of £430 was raised for St Catherine’s Church funds.
19th November
The monthly Family Service was held at St Catherines and conducted by Rev B Morgan with Mr J Savage organist. The theme of the service was the Mothers Union with members taking part with Mrs A Morgan leading members illustrating five objects of the M U by voice and mime.  Some of the choir played instruments.  The sidesmen were Mrs B Gowing and Mr R Fulcher who also took the collection, assisted by Rebecca Savage.
A coffee morning held at the home of Mrs K Sloper has raised £70.04 for a Methodist project.
The November meeting of the W I was held with Mrs A Morgan presiding.  Prayer was followed by a talk and slides by Mrs Hart on the places where she had lived.  She was thanked by Mrs Morgan who also thanked Mr A O’Gorman for operating the projector.
The Ludham Wives met on the Thursday evening with Mrs Barrie Marshall presiding.  Mrs Anne Tusting spoke on Christmas in Norway where she was brought up from childhood.  The Eve was celebrated with a big joint being cooked with a variety of veg and sauces followed by a sweet. Father Christmas would appear. After a family service at church the children would ski. On New Years’ Day there would be dancing round the tree followed by fireworks. A vote of thanks was given by Mrs E McCambley.
November 25th
The Forget-Me-Not annual Christmas sale was held in the Church Room and raised £343 for club funds. Competition winners were Naomi Turner, Sophie Pride, Luke George, the Rev B Morgan, Mrs P Beaumont and Mrs S O’Gorman. Father Christmas was in attendance with lucky dips.
There were 56 members at the Forget-Me-Not meeting with Mrs Sue O’Gorman presiding.  Each member received a glass of sherry from the former president as it was her 80th birthday. The iced cake was made by Mrs M Tolby.  Members then enjoyed a game of bingo.  There were five members with birthdays who received flowers or sweets.  Competitions were followed by tea and refreshments.
A coffee evening was held at High Street Methodist Church and raised £131 for the National Childrens Home.
Members of the Mothers Union accompanied by the vicar, the Rev B Morgan, and Mrs A Morgan, enrolling member, attended the M U Deanery Council meeting at Happisburgh.  Before the meeting members enjoyed lunch in the Church Room which was followed by colour slides.
Each year the Ludham Guides hold a coffee morning with a bring-and-buy stall in aid of charity.  This year the chosen charity was the British Diabetic Association.  The amount raised was £119.19.  Thanks were given to all who helped to make the evening a success.

December 1989

In December the weather was mild.  An epidemic of influenza swept the country, a more severe type than usual, and many deaths in cities were reported. People are flocking to Out-Patients with the flu virus. There was a plea from Norwich Hospital for people not to do that as no injection would have an effect.  It also spread the virus among the staff.


December 5th
The closing of Cooks Stores after many years of trading was a real bar-raising occasion.  The owners, Julian and Carole Ewin, had turned it into a mini supermarket when they first arrived 18 months ago but the shop had no customers and some were in debt which led to unpleasantness and they gave the shop a bad name.  This led to higher prices to the remaining few customers.  The loss of Wednesday afternoon and Sunday morning trading to Mace Market, which has a better selection at more reasonable prices, was responsible for its eventual closure. By Dec 5th and 6th the remaining stock was sold off at half price, bringing in customers never seen before.  Fixtures and fittings were removed on Friday 8th December.
The annual Christmas party for the Forget-Me-Nots was held in the Church Room with Mrs S O’Gorman presiding.  After sherry for members the children of Ludham First School entertained with songs and jokes, assisted by Miss Gilbertson.  Each child received sweets and refreshments.  There were many competitions. A buffet tea was provided and served by the committee and the president cut the iced Christmas cake. Members with birthdays received sweets and a card.
The funeral service for Mrs Edith Howden (Johnson) of School Road, Ludham took place at St Catherine’s Church, conducted by the Rev B Morgan and Mrs B Gowing as organist.  Immediate mourners were Mr and Mrs Len Jackson, Mrs M White, Mr N White and Mr C Wright.  Mrs Sue O’Gorman and Mr P Day represented the Forget-Me-Not Club.  Friends included Messers C Morcher, D Nicholson, A Morgan, B Hall, and  Mr and Mrs G Wills. Mr A Sheldrake was sidesman.
The Christingle Service was held. Birthday and anniversary cakes were given and presents and cards exchanged.
Twenty eight members of the W I went to Potter Heigham for their annual Christmas lunch.  Mrs Gwen Crocker, the newly elected president, welcomed members and said Grace which was written by Mrs O Mason.
December 20th
The Women’s Institute Christmas party was held in the Church Room.  Membership numbers were depleted on account of the ‘Flu’ taking its toll.  However, those who were there enjoyed the decorated room, and the newly appointed president, Mrs Gwen Crocker, opened the meeting with a glass of sherry followed by a quiz for two teams – that is, each side of the room.  Carols followed, played by Mrs B Goring at the piano.  Readings and poems were enjoyed and a super tea, followed by a free raffle and an exchange of cards and small gifts among members.  A presentation of a silver salver was made to Mrs B Gowing for the year’s highest marks in competitions.
December 24th
On Christmas Eve a service of nine lessons and carols was held at St Catherine’s Church where the vicar, the Rev B Morgan, welcomed a large congregation.  Matthew Holland carried the processional cross.  The organist was Mr J Savage who also conducted the singing. The candle-lit service opened with Rebecca Savage singing the first verse of ‘Once in Royal David’s city’. The Bidding and Lords Prayer were said by Rev B Morgan.  The lessons were read by  Mr F Carter, Mrs A Morgan, Mrs B Hall, Mr A Cordiner, Mrs J Seymour, Mr D Ritchie, Mrs L Savage, Mr J Savage and the vicar who also gave the blessing. Carols were sung by the choir.  The sidesmen were Mr R Fulcher and Mr J Wythes.  At the end of the service the bells were rung.  The church was beautifully decorated by members of the Flower Guild.

The total of fund raising, with the exception of whist drives, which are unrevealed,  for 1989 was £12,594.11p.


1990
January 9th
Margaret Sarah Keeler passed peacefully away in the Old Vicarage Nursing Home where she had been for 16 months.  Margaret came to Ludham from Martham during infancy.  Her father died when she was eight and she and her widowed mother lived in a cottage in School Road, ‘Spring Bank’.  Margaret attended the local council school, Sunday School and St Catherine’s Church.  She became a Sunday School teacher, sang in the choir and was, for a time, church organist.  She was a member of the Parochial Church Council, Founder member of the Womens Institute, member of the Forget-Me-Nots, Art Class and WEA.
She worked away from home but returned to care for her mother and, on her death, Margaret went to Canada to assist a relative.  She remained there 25 years and found various employment, and travelled across Canada and also visited Austria and Italy and various other countries.  She was interested in travel, art and literature and was fond of swimming, dancing and driving.  She made many friends who kept in touch.  When Margaret returned to Ludham she made frequent visits back to Canada and also visited Australia and New Zealand.  She was a friendly person with many talents, an excellent cook  and a collector of anything of interest.

Note: We do not know why Beulah stopped writing a diary at this point, but this is where the books end. She did add a few press cuttings later and these are below.


Cuttings and Inclusions Oct - Dec 1989 and random extras