Trunch 1978 Scrapbook

Compiled by Mrs. A Fotheringhame, Mrs. F. Robbins, Mrs. F. Mickelburgh and Miss V. Beaumont

This is a list of the main items

Village organisations in 1978

Women’s Institute Programme

Undated items - modernisation of Village Hall, sale of Trunch House, funerals of Mr. S. Temple and Mrs. Maud Buck.

January - start of a series of articles by Arthur Amies about the history of chapels in Trunch February - letter about Cissie Spurgeon, daughter of John Spurgeon, butcherApril - story of a village history pageantMay - weekend of music in churchJuly - village weekSeptember - Rev. Westney leavingOctober - funeral of Harry FullerNovember - funeral of Thomas FullerDecember - village cut off by snow drifts

Village Organisations in 1978Men’s group, Village Hall, Trunch and District Horticultural Society, Methodist Church, Parish Church, National Housewives Register, Mothers’ Union, Women’s Own, Parish Council, Vintage Club (over 60s), Women’s Institute, Royal British Legion, Playgroup, Emergency car service, Meals on wheels, Youth Club, Mother and child club, Trunch Rovers football team, Junior football club, Ladies bowl club, Trunch three bowls.

Women’s Institute Programme for 1978Talks: A holiday on a Thames barge, Interesting events in police duties, Wats and Crocs, Ideas of gifts and greetings, Voluntary Service Overseas, Pelargonium plants, National Trust, Epidiascope, Memories of Naval days and Incredible crystal.Competitions and exhibitions: pretty button, bulbs, old crockery, home made gift or card, home made oven glove, flower arrangement in a wine glass, animal from a potato, article from 2 ounces of wool, favourite piece of glass ware and Christmas table decoration.

Undated itemsTrying to get a grant of £6000 to modernise the Parish Hall. Kitchen and lavatory block. Mr. Bill King was Chaiman of the Parish Hall committee

Trunch property fetches £10, 500 the equivalent of £3750 per acre. At an auction at the Kings Arms Hotel in North Walsham. Nigel F Hedge sold Trunch House in

Chapel Road with about 2.8 acres of land with outline planning permission for housing development. W Bird and son (Contractors) Ltd of North Walsham were the buyers.

Funeral of Mr. S. Temple aged 72, born in Bradfield, moved to Trunch with his family as a small boy. He worked at Millers Farm for 3 generations of the Larke family.

Funeral of Mrs. Maud Buck aged 75, who had spent her whole life in Trunch.

JANUARY

Article by Arthur Amies about the ChapelsTrunch had 2 chapels prior to 1937 and these were both in Chapel Road. The Primitive Methodist is now Trunch Garage (until 2014). The Wesleyan Methodist, now pulled down, was situated opposite Gorrell Hill Farm. Both chapels at one time had quite a large following and this continued up to the late 20s (1920s) but like a number of churches and chapels the congregation dwindled. The Primitive Methodists had a large Sunday School. This was attended by both Wesleyan and Primitive children, as there was no school at the Wesleyan.

On special occasions i.e. Harvest festivals, the congregations joined together for the Sunday Services, and of course the week-night services when the custom was to sell the gifts for the trust funds for the chapel. These occasions were highlights in Methodist circles and sometimes the Anglican members joined in.

In 1928 it was decided to join together and call ourselves Methodists. This was prior to Methodist Union so I suppose Trunch was perhaps a forerunner of Union in this district.

This marriage of the two societies had problems; one of which was “Which chapel do we use?” After much discussion it was agreed to use the Old Primitive for the Sunday School and the Wesleyan for Sunday Services. These services were at 2.30-6.30 p.m.Usually the preacher took both services and of course was entertained by a member of the congregation to tea. Looking back over the years as a young member one remembers the amusing incidents and sermons by some of the characters that made up the panel of preachers.

Both the Wesleyans and Primitive Chapels were under the charge of ministers in the North Walsham Circuit, each had their own plans and local preachers, many of whom helped on both plans. It would be difficult to name all of them one can remember, some perhaps stand out more than others, but all of them had Christian qualities that impressed those they came into contact with. As now there were some who ridiculed those who gave their service to conduct Sunday worship. One of the Primitive preachers was a blacksmith by trade and as was usual in village blacksmiths shop men from the farms would gather in the forge on wet days. One young fellow was having a go at this particular preacher; he asked him if he could prove that the bible was true. His answer was “One could not understand it all but he knew of one statement that was true. One passage says “I ring of the nose bringeth forth blood” so put your snout

in these nippers and let me twist it - see if that don’t bleed”. He never had any more ridicule from that chap.

There was no electricity so the chapels were lit by oil lamps, invariably there were two lamps on the pulpit and one either side. In the Primitive Chapel one night a certain preacher was demonstrating a certain point with his arms and he knocked one of the lamps off the pulpit.

One of the outstanding things in chapel lie was the Christian Endeavour services on Wednesday nights. ; this I am certain was the training ground for many of the members becoming local preachers. Every member of the C.C. had to take part either singing a solo, a recitation or a reading, take the chair and in turn give a paper on certain subjects that were in the year book. This I am sure gave some of us confidence to stand in front of an audience and talk. One of two names of the ministers in charge come to mind; Rev. H. Bennet, Rev. E. Marshall, Rev. H. Biggs, Rev. Raine Sunter, and Rev. C.C. Cowburn. The minister who became in charge of both places of worship was Rev. Thomas Featherstone.

The Reverend Thomas Featherstone came to the North Walsham circuit in August 1934 as superintendent minister. Having found Trunch Methodists already joining together in worship, he suggested that the trustees of both chapels amalgamate to make things more simple to manage. At a special meeting of the trustees on May 3rd 1935 a new trust was formed to cover both chapels. The Rev. Featherstone was keen to try to build a new chapel and dispose of the two buildings. A small committee was formed on June 18th. 1936 to try to find a suitable site - also to get some idea of the cost.

The committee met on June 29th. and looked at 3 possible sites - one on North Walsham Road and two in Chapel Road. Any would have been suitable but no definite arrangement could be made, as the owners could not commit themselves and the sub-committee was not mandated to enter into a contract.

On July 8th. 1936 the trustees met to discuss the position and it was at this meeting that the trustees agreed to purchase a site and build a new chapel and schoolroom. This led to further inquiries to be made re: a site. An offer of a site on the North Walsham road of one-third of an acre for £30 was considered the best and so on July 29th 1936 the trustees unanimously agreed to go ahead with no money in the trust fund but a determination to build. An architect was engaged and plans drawn up and after a great deal of thought by the trustees and The General Chapel committee in Manchester, permission to build was given.

It was then that the real work started to raise the money - all the members were keen to help with various means of raising the money - sales, fetes, concerts, etc. In May 1937 a start was made on the building and on Dec. 1st. 1937 the chapel was opened ready for worship - not quite free of debt but the final payment was made in April 1938.

This was indeed a wonderful achievement and today there stands a building worth of the village and of those who so willingly gave their time and money.

The previous short articles have given you some information on the reason why we call it Chapel Road and I suppose it will be called so for some years to come. Trunch has always had people who were prepared to work for many things in the village and the Methodists still play their part.

Forty years have gone by since the new chapel was built and what a change in the village. Who would have thought in 1937 that we would have the clergy of the Church of England regularly taking services at the chapel on Sunday evenings but Trunch has always been progressive - who dare forecast the next 40 years. The blend of Anglicans, Methodists and Catholics can point the way to a firmer belief in Christian principles and a fellowship founded like that can only bring good.

To all who have come to live here there is a welcome and plenty to do, either at the Parish Church or at the Chapel and all other organisations. Join in and live a full life.

FEBRUARYLetter to the Rev Michael Westney in Trunch Rectory from John. S. Ellis

Dear Mr. Westney,On the 28th. February, when you conducted the funeral service in Trunch Church my cousin Cissie Spurgeon, who appropriately was being laid to rest in her native village, you spoke of the many changes that have taken place in the village during the 82 years of her life. You recalled the long association of certain families with Trunch and your remarks have prompted me to recall the family butcher’s shop and slaughter house started by her father John Spurgeon around 100 years ago. As a boy I spent happy holidays in Trunch and remember my uncle and cousin Ralph killing bullocks, sheep etc by the old pole-axe method and the modern humane killer: my word how the pigs would squeal. Then I would enjoy riding in their pony cart distributing meat to many surrounding villages as well as to local families.

My dear mother ws born in Trunch in 1879 - almost a century ago - and was the youngest daughter in the large family brought up in the village by Josiah and Harriett Fuller who were born I believe at Trunch in the years 1839 and 1838 respectively. After marrying my father in Trunch church in 1904, my parents lived in Southwark, London, where my father had a Corn-chandlers business. My mother often spoke of her happy childhood days, when she sang in the choir, played the organ and had many friends with other old Trunch families such as the Spurgeons, May, Flaxman, Rev Kimm and others whom I have not remembered.

I was most impressed with the well-kept condition of your lovely old church and the surrounding resting place of those families who have lived in Trunch for over 100 years and more. I also admired your interesting and well designed Jubilee Village Sign; but have rather sadly missed seeing the old village pond, now filled in and grassed - I would have preferred to see it as it was, but kept clean and tidy by local voluntary effort.

On my return to London after my brief visit to meet my cousins and their children I recalled how my mother used to sat that after leaving St. Botolph’s Church, Trunch on her marriage the first first church she say in London was St Botoph’s church Bishopgate Street, quite close to Liverpool Street station. I brought back with me your

March Trunch Mardle and congratulate the editors on its interesting content and evidence that Trunch is very much alive and successfully meeting the needs of modern times. I cannot recall my mother using the word “mardle” although she never lost her Norfolk dialect. Maybe you will accept these random thoughts of a Londoner for inclusion in your next issue. I wish every success to “Trunch - the story of a village on 8th. April an Trunch week in July.

John S Ellis

APRILApril 8th. “Trunch – the story of a village” Parish Church 8 p.m. A story in twelve scenes showing life in the village from A.D. 1400 to the present day, told in mime, music and the spoken word. Played by the people of Trunch and aided by song from the Millwood Singers.

Programme1. St Botolph 674 Plain song2. Saturday Mart. 1350 Sumer is Icumen In 3. The Bromholm Monks 1378 Plainsong4. At the Olde Crowne Inn 1400 Dance Tune anon c 1300

Basse dance c 1450Greensleeves attributed to Henry V111

5. Instillation of John Gogyle’s 1502 Anthem William Byrd6. Despoilment 1552 Fire! Fire! Sonata No. 1 J.B.

Loeillet7. Puritan School 1649 Bell Round8. Nelson and Horatia 1822 Yarmouth Fair9. Pre-harvest Picnic 1900 Irish Jig Cherish the ladies10. World War 1 1914 Pack up your troubles11. Agricultural Strike 192312. Living memories Last post

Newspaper reports1. Pageant traces tale of a villageOver 250 people crowded into Trunch Church on Saturday when a cast of 540 put on a pageant entitled “The story of a village”

The story began in the year 674 with St. Botoph, the patron saint. It went on to the 14th. Century with the cast acting and miming “The Saturday Mart” and other scenes included “The Old Crown Inn” which was burnt down in 1941. “The instillation of John Gogyle’s rood screen” which took place in the 16th. Century and “The Despoilment”.

Among the cast were the rural dean Rev. Garth Norman, the Rev. Michael Westney and Mr. John Grover, area social services officer. Mr. Charles Cornish was the narrator. Mr. Arthur Amis gave a humorous account of village life from 1912. The producer was Mrs. Janet Trott, who was presented with a bouquet by Ann Westney.

Songs were performed by the Millwood singers and musical selections were by Marjorie Woods (accordion), Chris Webb (violin), Jenny Griston (recorder), Bob Bishop (tambour), Janet Trott and John Clark (flute). The very effective lighting was in the hands of Robert Forster.

Mr. Westney thanked all who had helped to make the pageant a success, including the ladies who mad ethe costumes and those who loaned equipment.

Photos of children & market scene

2. Second newspaper report: The Story of a village - TrunchTrunch Parish Church was packed - about 50 people had to stand - on Saturday evening when a cast of 40 put on a pageant entitled “The story of a village”. Starting in the year 674 with St Botoph, the patron saint, the setting moved on to the 14th.

Century with the cast miming and acting the Saturday mart and the Bromholme monks who walked from Bacton Abbey to Trunch church. Then a repeat of first report but a photo of the Crown Inn scene

MAYMay 27th – 29th. “Weekend of Music” Parish Church

JULYJuly 15 - 23rd. Trunch Village Week

Report in MardleAll our fears about the weather disappeared on the first day and the Flower Show and Fete took place without a drop of rain falling. A very good display in the show tent, plenty of varied side shows and Malcolm Larke’s growing display of tractors , provided something for all. A very happy and successful day rounded off with the Sports Evening when Trunch regained the Shield from the Caravan Club. The caravaners were so keen to ensure that the 1979 rally once again coincided with the opening of Village Week that next year’s date has already been fixed - 21st. July. Meanwhile the Shield remains in the care of the Crown.

Photo of the fete

The United Service in the Parish Church, where our singing was led by the Choir of Christ Church, Eaton, attracted a large number of people from Trunch and beyond. We were very glad to have the Rev. R. Tansey, the Methodist minister, sharing in the service and we must congratulate the flower arrangers on a really splendid display.

Monday evening’s presentation - “The Mundesley Pier Show” - was another splendid two hours of entertainment by a group from Mundesley, many of whom were well known to us from pantomimes. Norfolk humour, singing, dancing (including a can-can straight from the heart of Paris). Rewarded those who crowded into our Village Hall and members of our Women’s Section of the Royal British Legion provided the refreshments in the interval.

A crowd of adults and children collected around the Village sign on Tuesday evening for the sponsored walk on the footpaths. Arthur Amis led us on our way, topping now and again to tell us when we were in foreign lands like Southrepps. Eventually we arrived back at the Village Hall for welcome cups of tea and then set off to collect the money!

Gorrell Hill Farm was open on Wednesday when the ladies from the Chapel mounted a fete and tea and the bowling green was available. It was a dull afternoon but people still turned up and supported the event. The Village Hall was again full in the evening for the concert of the St. Andrews Singers. Their varied programme included extracts from “Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat” musical items by young people, old time songs and community singing.

The Vintage Club mounted “Teas and Bingo” on Thursday - we knew it was special because of the tablecloths! A very pleasant afternoon together for those who came along, some obviously putting in a claim to join the club several years in the future. That was all for that day - to give us a breather - and for the grass at the Rectory to be cut for Friday.

Would it rain all day on Friday? - it started off wet but soon cleared and our luck held. More people than ever joined in Peter’s car rally and the same applied to the barbecue. Lights were by Toc H (Mundesley) and Malcolm Larke. John Kempson provided excellent background music and Molly ran the bar in the garage. The final stragglers were ejected after 11 p.m. Thanks to all who helped and all who came for making this such a successful evening.

And so to Saturday - our first Mini-market together with the mile of pennies - proved well worth doing and we were also able to make use of the occasion to present the Hicks’ Cup and Mr. Geary’s prizes to the youngsters who had persuaded innocent grown-ups to sponsor them for Tuesday’s walk. The dance rounded off the day. Its the first your correspondent has been to where babies came with the rest of the family but none were trodden on and the band so arranged the music that all ages could find something to dance to.

Finally, on the second Sunday, a united service in the Methodist Chapel with the Rev. Jack Burton as the preacher. A splendid occasion with a very good sermon to make us think and singing to raise the roof. A fine ending to a fine week. Provisionally takings exceeded £1000. Full details will be given later. (The final result was £1071)

Other information about the week from newspaper cuttings

At the flower show there was an exhibition stall of roses by E.B. Le Grice of North Walsham.

During the bank holiday weekend there as an exhibition of “Bygones with Flowers” at the Parish Church. Women members of the church excelled themselves with some superb flower arrangements. There were 173 bygones exhibited many from the Victorian era. Among some of the oldest tems was a full-size crocheted bedspread over 100 years old and some fascinating hand-stitched clothes, an indenture of cottages (which have since been demolished) were dated as far back as 1771. A well-laden stall in the porch sold produce for 3 days. Proceeds were for the church restoration fund.

SEPTEMBERThe Rev. Michael Westney left the parish after 7 years to move to a new post in Reading. He and his wife were given a large leaving party and many gifts. In the accounts it says that Rev. Westney had been a joint editor of the Mardle (together with Mrs. Jessie Deacon and Mr. Reg Scaplehorne) since its formation 56 months previously - (so in 1974 I think.)

OCTOBERMr. Harry Fuller of 11 Chapel Road died suddenly at the age of 71. He started his working life as a butcher at Spurgeons. When they closed down he joined the Post Office. Then in 27 years he made many friends and was greatly respected by the people on his rounds. He got up at 4.30 each morning to cycle to Mundesley in time for the first delivery. He served in the Home Guard during the war and was a keen gardener and bird watcher, belonging to the RSPB. A bachelor, he retired in 1972.

NOVEMBERThe funeral service of Mr. Thomas Fuller took place in the Parish Church. Mr. Fuller was born in Trunch 72 years ago and from an early age worked for the late Mr. A. May at White House Farm. Then for several years he worked at the old North Norfolk Brewery, Trunch - now not existing. He served in the Royal Artillery for the duration of the war, then worked in London for 22 years, returning to his old home at 3 Chapel Road, on his retirement 7 years ago.

DECEMBERDecember 31st. Blizzard and heavy snowfall hits North Norfolk. The village of Trunch completely cut off from surrounding villages by deep drifts of snow. Mr. John Freston was unable to get to Parish Church to take 11.15 service. His car was stuck in a drift a few miles away. A retired clergyman now living in Pyghtle Close was called upon and he quickly arrived to conduct service, which was attended by about 14 people who had braved the elements. Children made merry in the fallen snow and householders were busy clearing their paths.

N.B. There are a lot of undated newspaper cuttings about society meetings, funeral reports, church services and sports matches. Many of these have unfortunately come loose from the scrap book. Contact me if you would like to see them.