Jan 4 1936
BOROUGH ACCOUNTS: Estimate of Population: 6,690 an increase of 146 on the last census. Cost of Roads: Class 1 Roads £1,737; Class 2 Roads £146
Jan 4 1936
REGAL CINEMA FILM: “For Ever England”, with Betty Balfour, John Mills & Barry Mackay.
Jan 4 1936
NEW YEAR: The Parish Church bells were rung at midnight. There was a dance at the Public Hall.
Jan 4 1936
DEATH of Mrs Joanna I Hipperson, of 87 Grove Road, widow of Mr GH Hipperson, builder and contractor
Jan 4 1936
WEDDING: Mr Frank H Reynolds, only son of Mr Harry M Reynolds, of 29 Frederick’s Road, and Miss Gladys M Knights, only daughter of Mr EC Knights, JP, of Leiston. Miss Knights has for the last seven years been Domestic Science teacher at Beccles Council School.
Jan 4 1936
HEMP: It is about 80 years since the last cloth from local hemp was woven in Bungay. This was on the premises in St Mary Street belonging to Mr John Henry Smith. Here half a dozen looms were in use. They were worked by hand and the last weaver was named Charles Chapman. Mrs Mann states that the principal cloth woven was huckaback, but there is still in existence some splendid sheeting made on these Bungay looms. She states that “as early as 1615, a material called “Bungay canvass” is mentioned in connection with the fitting out of a “Buss or Herring Fishery” ship, in which 96 yards of Bungay canvass at eighteen pence a yard is required for the main top sail, and 20 yards of the same for the mizzen or back sail.”
Jan 4 1936
UNEMPLOYMENT December 1935:
[Census 1931] men women total % of whole population
Lowestoft [44,049] 1748 309 2057 [4.6%]
Beccles [6,545] 116 18 134 [2.05%]
Bungay [3,100] 121 4 125 [4.03%]
Halesworth [2,160] 68 4 72 [3.33%]
Harleston [1,645] 94 9 103 [6.26%]
Southwold [2,753] 86 32 118 [4.28%]
Jan 4 1936
WEATHER: A fortnight before Christmas there were frosts of unusual severity with a little snow – the first of the Winter, on the 22nd. Freezing rain made getting about very difficult. On the morning of the 24th – the day following the severest frost of all – there was a snap in the cold weather. Everything was dripping. The afternoon of Christmas Day was more like a summer afternoon, but Boxing Day brought plenty of rain. Flooding has been less than in the past thanks to the dredging recently and new weirs have been provided between Beccles and Bungay.
Jan 11 1936
DEATH a few weeks ago of Mrs Ellen Garrett Johnson, of Stratford Cottage, which occurred at the age of 96.
Jan 11 1936
OLDEST INHABITANT OF BECCLES? : Mr Henry Woolner, of 16 Gosford Road, the home of his son, has recently celebrated his 93rd birthday. For 56 years he was employed by Messrs William Clowes, spending his later days there as an overseer. For 9 years he was a member of the Town Council, and on one occasion he was returned at the top of the poll. His wife died 17 years ago.
Jan 11 1936
MUSICAL SUCCESS: Miss Vera Freestone, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs C Freestone, late of the Crown & Anchor Inn passed in the senior section for singing in the London College of Music Exams.
Jan 11 1936
STAG HUNT meets at Roos Hall: There was a fair muster of riders, who moved off in the direction of Gillingham.
Jan 11 1936
ADVERTISEMENT: HIRE A CAR from Taylor’s of Saltgate, and drive yourself, Ford, Morris and Austin at 2½d a mile.
Jan 11 1936
DEATH of Mr Herbert A Burnham, aged 64, a retired employee of Messrs William Clowes. He retired two years ago, when he lost his wife.
Jan 11 1936
SHIPMEADOW HOUSE: The nigger minstrel troupe, 18 in number, which was formed by the British Legion a year ago, gave a concert. In addition to patients and staff, parishioners of Shipmeadow were also invited. Mr O Hills, the Master, extended thanks of the audience, and Mr JE Borthwick, the director of the minstrels responded.
Jan 11 1936
WEDDING: Mr PJ Hurren, of the Horse & Groom Inn, son of Mr & Mrs A Hurren of Halesworth, and Miss May Fiske, of Ellough Road. The honeymoon was spent at Clacton-on-Sea. One wedding present was from the Bon Marche, where the bride had been employed for several years.
Jan 11 1936
THE AMBULANCE CAR: In the last quarter of the year 41 patients wee carried by the car of the St John Ambulance Brigade, which travelled 940 miles in that period.
By joining the contributory scheme, self, wife and family under 16, living within a radius of 20 miles are entitled to free use of the car on the orders of a doctor. The cost is one shilling a year.
Jan 11 1936
LONDON ROAD WIDENING: The Telephone Exchange is now being built in London Road. The County Council wished to buy 150 sq yards of land from the Postmaster General for £50 to widen the road and form a crossing to the telephone exchange.
Jan 11 1936
WILLIAM CLOWES RETIREMENTS: Mr H Ling of the machine department retired after 53 years service. The Departmental Overseer, Mr JE Borthwick, presented him with a money gift from his colleagues.
Mr J Hill, of Gresham Road, retired after 61 years employment by the firm. Mr A Fairchild “father” of the Composing Chapel, presided, and spoke of Mr Hill’s long association with the firm, mentioning the fact that he was the first “father” of their Chapel, a position he held for eight years. Mr GE Brown, Composing Overseer also spoke.
Mr B Reynolds, of St George’s Road, was retiring and whose connection with the firm totalled 54 years in the Machine Department. Mr Ulph “father” of the Chapel presiding said, “Mr Reynolds had a lengthy period of service, and the younger men especially had cause to remember with gratitude the help and advice he had always been so ready to give.” Mr Borthwick, Departmental Overseer, said, He had been a very valued employee, and by his untiring devotion to the firm had set an example that might well be copied by all.” He described Mr Reynolds as a real “sticker”, who at all times was ready to tackle any job that came along.
Mr Tye, who had worked for the company for 40 years, would always be remembered for his work in connection with the Typographical Association in which he had been the local secretary for 17 years also taking a leading part in the formation of the branch.
Jan 11 1936
AIR RAID PRECAUTIONS: The First Step: Mr Ronald Colman, presiding at the Norfolk County Council meeting said a committee should be formed to consider the question by the County Council. He had attended a meeting in Cambridge. “We heard a statement on what might result from air raids, and it was not very pleasant.” He was accompanied at the meeting by the Chief Constable, the County Surveyor, the Medical Officer of Health and the Clerk.
Jan 18 1936
AMATEUR DRAMATICS: The comedy “For the Love of Mike”: There are many people who think it is the best show given yet. After all Beccles is not a very large town, and that such splendid productions can be produced year after year is remarkable.
Jan 18 1936
THE CHAMBER OF TRADE: Mr Allden Owles has been the honorary treasurer and Mr C Clark the honorary secretary since its inception.
Jan 18 1936
LABOUR PARTY: The AGM was arranged to take place on Wednesday, but owing to the small attendance it was postponed. Both the Chairman,, Mr William Mann, and the Hon secretary, Mrs Gould, were ill. Mr JH Skoulding presided.
Jan 18 1936
AMATEUR DRAMATIC BALL: The Fancy Dress Ball was held in the Public Hall, where their comedy “For the Love of Mike” is being produced. The company numbered 120, and to the strains of music supplied by Percy Cohen dancing was continued until the early hours of Saturday morning. The electric light effects were well carried out. Suppers were arranged in three sittings, the catering being done by Mr Walter Took, of New Market.
Jan 18 1936
WEDDING: Mr Ronald Roe, youngest son of Mr & Mrs W Roe, of Pound Road, and Miss Hilda Chapman of Worlingham.
Jan 18 1936
TERRITORIAL ARMY: Suffolk strength is 1,313, being 82.89 of the Territorial establishment of 1,584, which was 0.81% of the 195,477 male population of Suffolk.
Jan 18 1936
OLD INHABITANTS: Mrs Alice Hill, aged 95, lives with her niece, Miss McArthur at 14 Kilbrack. She has been a widow for many years. She was born on 29th of February. She was born in London and has lived in Beccles twelve years. She is blind and partly paralysed.
Mrs Harriet Barrett, aged 92, who lives with her son near Shelton Place, St George’s Road. She was born in Norwich, but came to Beccles aged 7. She remembers when Station Road was a field and recalls the cutting of the railway line.
Jan 18 1936
DEATH of EX-MAYORESS, Mrs Amelia Smith, of The Staithe 41 Northgate, who was Mayoress in the year 1929-30. She was born in Lille, France and settled in Beccles when she married her husband, Mr DC Smith in 1906. She rendered much service to the Red Cross during the war years. Sympathy is felt for Mr DC Smith. She was 53 years of age.
Jan 25 1936
DEATH OF KING GEORGE V: “Our beloved King George the Fifth is dead … In these sad times the thoughts of those who were in the borough in the summer of 1916, fly back to the journeying of King George V through our streets in that year …”
On the granite Gillingham War Memorial there is the inscription: “Erected on the spot on which King George V stood to review the troops of the Northern Army, July 26th, 1916.”
There are many who remember vividly the King’s local visit on that summer day. Coming from the south His Majesty passed through Beccles on the way to the Norfolk camp. When he had conducted his review there he drove back to Beccles and by way of Blyburgate and the Lowestoft Road went to Worlingham Park to inspect further soldiers.
The streets were packed with crowds of citizens – silent because it was their Majesty’s wish. German aeroplanes were about and so great care had to be taken that nothing was done in the way of advertising the King’s visit. By His Majesty’s request no bells were rung and there was no cheering. The striking silence was a moving feature of the visit, which occurred during the Mayoralty of Mr EJ Hindes, who is still a member of the Town Council.
Several yeas before, the late King, when Prince of Wales, had passed through Beccles. On that occasion he had come from Henham Hall and cheering crowds gave him a warm reception on his journey. He was a fairly frequent visitor to Henham Hall when Prince of Wales.
Jan 25 1936
PROCLAMATION of King Edward VIII By Dr Wood-Hill in the Market Place.
Jan 25 1936
DEATH of Mr Frederick Chenery Suggate, formerly of Beccles, which he left about 25 years ago, and latterly of Auckland, New Zealand. At one time he lived at The Gables, London Road.
Jan 25 1936
GIFTS TO HOSPITAL: by Mrs CS Hutton of the White Lion Hotel & Mrs Hastings of Gillingham Hall
Jan 25 1936
DEATH of Mrs Jennie Buckmaster, the sister of Mr Samuel White, the Beccles jeweller of the New Market, and wife of Mr Thomas Buckmaster, Mill House, Framlingham. She was the youngest daughter of the late Mr James White of Wickham Market. Prior to 1900 she was housekeeper to her brother, who conducted a jeweller’s business at Framlingham before he moved to Beccles.
Jan 25 1936
BUNGAY SLUM CLEARANCE: action already started.
1936 Beccles & Bungay Year Dec 30 DEAYH in February of Mrs Elizabeth Hopson, aged 83, widow of ex-Police Constable Hopson of the West Suffolk Police Force, there left the town the last of a family, which had been resident in it for 300 years.
Feb 15 1936
HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS: Recommendations made: That traffic signals are placed on the crossing of Station Road and Smallgate. The widening of the road at the new telephone exchange in the course of erection in London Road is agreed, in this narrow part of the town. Widening Barsham bridge on the Bungay Road.
Feb 15 1936
GIFT to the UNEMPLOYED of £2 by Beccles Amateur Dramatic Society acknowledged by the Mayor (Dr Henry Wood-Hill).
Feb 15 1936
CHAMBER OF TRADE: A Meeting was held at the Red Triangle Club, with the Chairman, Mr Frank A Clatworthy presiding. The secretary, Mr WS Clark said that during the last three years the principal matters dealt with were: Electricity charges, the rail v road transport controversy, publication of local guide books (published by Messrs Nobbs & Goate, a local firm of printers. Each year 1,000 were produced and circulated round the country), Council house painting, licences at weekly markets, car shopping, Christmas closing, Christmas advertising, Haddiscoe Cut – navigating restrictions, and advertising the borough.
Mr Charles Hutton proposed that the licensed Victuallers should be represented on the Council of the Chamber of Trade. They were the biggest ratepayers and biggest taxpayers in the town and had 25 establishments.
The Council was Appointed: Messrs C Hutton (licensed Victuallers), JB Ashford (auctioneers), H Copeman (butchers), FJ Meen (architects) DC Smith (malsters), AH Moyse (tailors), C Skevens (ironmongers), AE Self (dairymen), HV Barnford (jewellers), F Foster (outfitters), AW Rayner (chemists), GRP Gipson (grocers), CA Stannard (garage proprietors), Stanley Davis (furnishers), and HA Spashett (stationers).
Mr AE Self said that he had circularised eighty to ninety people about the meeting. He hoped they would again show some evidence of the enthusiasm they showed when the Chamber was formed in 1927. He hoped that all those present would do their bit to strengthen the Chamber.
Feb 15 1936
DEATH of Mr James Aldous, of Stafford House, Ballygate. He was born in Beccles in 1864, the second son of the late Mr William Aldous. For several years he was engaged in his father’s business of pottery manufacture and was an accomplished craftsman in this local industry.
In June 1887 he married Miss Evelyn Mann, about the period when many Empire builders left the Motherland, he too felt the call for development further a-field. Together they set out on what was in those days the long voyage to Australia. There he established a sheep farm and vineyards on the virgin soil of Wooroloo Brook, Western Australia. This took a great deal of self-sacrifice and forethought, which was amply justified when eight years later the enterprise was disposed of in a flourishing condition. Mr Aldous then returned to England to live with his parents.
In 1889 he took over the brickyard on the Worlingham Road. Improvements were carried out, including the introduction of an up-to-date kiln, and most of the houses built in Beccles at that time were of bricks that came from his yard.
He then took up farming, an occupation in which he had always been interested. He retired in 1925.
During the war he was an active member of the Special Constabulary. He became Vice-Chairman of Beccles Water and Gas Company.
In his younger days he was a prominent sportsman. He held the penny-farthing championship in Suffolk. He became a Freemason in the Apollo Lodge in 1911. He was Worshipful Master for two years in 1917 and 1918. He received the rank of Grand Sword Bearer in 1922.
Following his wife within a few months, Mr Aldous leaves two daughters.
The Funeral: The family mourners were Miss Stella Aldous and Miss Nell Aldous (daughters), Mr Ernest Aldous (brother), Mr Charles B Pearson (nephew).
Brothers of the Apollo Lodge: H Elsey, HT Clatworthy, RH Bailey, WS Clark, G Humphrey Durrant, FJ Meen, CA Norman, S White, A Darby, AW Rayner, C Skevens, HS Lawrance, RT Orford, AE Elvin, EJ Goate, CL Hamby, WAG Hardy, Sidney J Smith, WJ Artis, HW Burcham, HF Delf, LM Dennis, FK Garrod, PL Hipperson, AE Jordan, HA King, WG Oxnam, WD Robinson, and A Tedder.
Feb 15 1936
FASCIST CANDIDATES FOR NORFOLK: Blackshirt meeting in the Corn Hall, Diss. The arrangements were made by Mr Nigel Pelham, political organiser for south-west Norfolk, the usual Fascist procedure was followed. There was no chairman. A small table draped with the Union Jack stood on the platform and around it hung posters bearing the words, “ Get ready for Action,” “For King and Country,” “Moseley v Marchbank.” A number of stewards in Blackshirt uniforms stood at the rear of the hall and there was an attentive if somewhat small audience.
Feb 22 1936
ICE CREAM SUCCESS: Mr M Pitkin, of Northgate, won another diploma at the exhibition for ice cream at the Crystal Palace, London, in January. He was successful in getting a diploma last year.
Feb 22 1936
TENANT of Council House in Upper Grange Road: Mr Roy Tricker has been selected from nine applicants.
Feb 22 1936
BOY CYCLIST INJURED: The 13 year old son of Mr Gay Lawrance, of 35 Station Road, collided with a car driven by Mr GH Lawson, of Ringsfield Road. He was riding home from school down Upper Grange Road and the car was proceeding along Ashman’s Road. He was cut and bruised.
Feb 22 1936
BECCLES AMATEUR OPERATIC SOCFIETY DANCE was held in the Public Hall. Mr G Mann was the Master of Ceremonies, and music was provided by Donzell and his band. About 80 people took part.
Feb 22 1936
DEATH of Mrs Alice Burrows of 20 Ingate, aged 79. Her second husband was Mr Walter Burrows, who died two years ago.
Feb 22 1936
VOLUNTEER WANTED to take over the collection and distribution of clothing at the Beccles Welfare Committee’s Centre at the Old Police Station in Gaol Lane. Mrs Snazle, of Queen’s Road has been doing this for two years, but is resigning on health grounds. Fortunately there is not the number of unemployed now that existed two years ago.
Feb 22 1936
DEATH of Mrs Caroline Pells, aged 72, widow of Mr Arthur Pells, a well-known Beccles architect. The family mourners were Mr and Mrs Claude Pells (son and daughter-in-law), the housekeeper, Mr and Mrs L Nicolle (son-in-law and daughter), Mr and Mrs FJ Meen, Mr and Mrs NA Pells (Norwich), Mr and Mrs M Brooke (Lowestoft).
1936 Beccles & Bungay Mar Apr NEWSPAPERS MISSING
1936 Beccles & Bungay Year Dec 30 DEATH in February of Mr Henry Vellum, aged 62, bailiff on the Roos Hall Estate for the previous 15 years
1936 Beccles & Bungay Year Dec 30 ALDERMAN CG Trollope, the Deputy Mayor and a former Mayor, taken ill on 5 March.
1936 Beccles & Bungay Year Dec 30 DEATH in March of Mr Henry Woolner, then the oldest man in Beccles, aged 93.
1936 Beccles & Bungay Year Dec 30 DEATH in March of Mr Charles Stowe, aged 84, of the Duke of Marlborough, Weston, who was formerly at Beccles. He was the oldest member of the Beccles and District Licensee Victuallers Association.
1936 Beccles & Bungay Year Dec 30 RETIREMENT in March of Police Inspector AJ Gardner, in charge of the Beccles Police area since October 1933 retired to Woodbridge. He was succeeded by Inspector SJ Hopes, of Oulton Broad, who had been promoted from Sergeant.
1936 Beccles & Bungay Year Dec 30 FIRE BRIGADE ex-Supt Alfred Boast retired after 28 years service in the Brigade. He served under four Captains, retiring at the end of 1935. The Town Council gave him an illuminated address in April.
1936 Beccles & Bungay Year Dec 30 RETIRMENT in April of Mr RC Dunt, owing to ill health, from post of hon. librarian of the Beccles Centre of the East Suffolk County Library, which he had held since the branch was started 7 years ago. Some difficulty was experienced in getting a successor, but Mr WB King volunteered to fill the post.
1936 Beccles & Bungay Year Dec 30 DEATH in April of Miss Eliza Scott, aged 81, of Osterley Cottage [Grange Road], a keen worker for the Hospital.
1936 Beccles & Bungay Year Dec 30 DEATH in April of Mrs J Edwin Crisp, aged 92, of St Mary’s Cottage [Ballygate], a great Hospital worker, having served on the committee right up to her death.
1936 Beccles & Bungay Year Dec 30 DEATH in April of Mrs Amelia T Oldrin, aged 91, of Station Road, an ex-Wesleyan Methodist.
1936 Beccles & Bungay Year Dec 30 DEATH in April of Mr William Mann, who had stood unsuccessfully for the Town Council on two occasions in Labour’s interests. He was a former Chairman of the Beccles Labour Party and the local Unemployed Association.
1936 Beccles & Bungay Year Dec 30 DEATH in April of Mr John Patrich, aged 58, was one of the best-known yachtsmen on the Norfolk Broads.
1936 Beccles & Bungay Year Dec 30 NATIONAL CANINE DEFENCE LEAGUE’S medal was presented to Neil, a dog belonging to Frank Ling of Beccles, who recently jumped in the Waveney and pulled out a 15-year-old girl, who had fallen in.
1936 Beccles & Bungay Year Dec 30 FINDS in BARSHAM: When Barsham Bridge was being widened in April two old structures and an ancient coin were discovered.
May 16 1936
PROPERTY SALE: No 4 The Walk, – which extends through to Smallgate, - has been sold privately by Messrs Read, Owles and Ashford. This adjoins property recently developed as shops, and it is understood that it will also be so developed.
May 16 1936
UNEMPLOYMENT FIGURES 27th of April
Men Women Total
Lowestoft 2413 342 2755
Beccles 169 15 184
Bungay 160 10 170
Halesworth 105 4 109
Harleston 152 13 165
Southwold 65 59 124
1936 Beccles & Bungay May Jun NEWSPAPERS MISSING
1936 Beccles & Bungay Year Dec 30 DEATH of Mr Irah Robert Read, aged 82, who died in Norwich, was formerly a well-known Beccles cowkeeper and dairyman. He was buried at Worlingham.
1936 Beccles & Bungay Year Dec 30 DEATH on 4th of June, of Miss Emily Clarke, aged 86, last surviving daughter of the late Rev Sir Charles Clarke, Bart, of Worlingham Hall, who died in London.
1936 Beccles & Bungay Year Dec 30 SIR JOHN LEMAN SCHOOL Speech Day: Mr George Watson, the Headmaster announced his retirement on health grounds. He had been Headmaster since 1914.
Jun 20 1936
DEATH of Mr James Abner Barber, aged 74, of 31 Frederick’s Road. He served in the East Suffolk Police for 37 years, retiring in 1919 and came to live at Beccles. He was a Sergeant.
Jun 20 1936
VINEYARD at the Bath Hills, Bungay in rthe 13th century – “The Earl’s Vineyard”.
1936 Beccles & Bungay Year Dec 30 DEATH in June of Mr Arthur Jordan, aged 72, born and formerly a printer in Beccles [in Hungate]. He died at Truro.
Jul 4 1936
BIRTH of DAUGHTER to Dr and Mrs William McLaren, Oakley House, Blyburgate.
Jul 11 1936
CHORAL SOCIETY is in need of more members. There are 50 members at present compared to 56 last year.. Chairman Mr AE Goodin; Conductor Mr W Storeton-West; Secretary Mr PJ Blake.
Jul 11 1936
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH: The new Minister is to be Rev WH Lawson, superintendent of Swaffham Methodist Circuit.
Jul 11 1936
NEW AREA SCHOOL is to be built in Castle Lane, rather than the alternative site in London Road.
Jul 11 1936
OPEN AIR SERVICE run by St Michael’s was held at the bottom of Frederik’s Road, and was attended by nearly 100 people. It was conducted by the Curate, Rev WH Miller.
Jul 11 1936
FIRM’S OUTING: 55 employees of John Crisp & Son left at 8.30 am for Ipswich, Aldeburgh and Yarmouth.
Jul 11 1936
HOUSING ENQUIRY: Beccles Town Council submitted five clearance orders for the demolition of properties, which they considered to be unfit for habitation, they were dangerous and injurious to the inhabitants of the area and should be demolished. They fell short of the building by-laws at present in force in the borough, and were below the general standard of the working-class accommodation in the town. A public enquiry was held by one of the Ministry of Health Inspectors, Mr SD Igglesden, ARIBA.
SHAWS YARD, Nos 1 to 12, Ravensmere: Disrepair and sanitary defects, which included dampness, lack of natural light, and no through ventilation. The site was overcrowded, the density being 72 houses to the acre, and their arrangement was bad. None of the houses could be made fit for habitation at a reasonable cost.
On behalf of Mrs Youngman, the owner of the property, Mr GE Flaxman, her son-in-law, and one of the trustees of the late Mr Youngman [Mr WW Youngman, a butcher, had purchased the 12 houses in 1916 for £300], submitted that there was no natural light in the houses and he outlined a scheme of improvements which would make the properties suitable for old couples or single people.
PUDDINGMOOR, Nos 14 and 16, Mr WH Bloomfield, on behalf of Mrs Bloomfield, the owner, spoke of a proposal to convert the two houses into one. The Sanitary Inspector said he was prepared to accept the owner’s scheme providing a guarantee was given to remedy the existing dampness ansd a proper pantry was provided. A plan and specifications of the work would be necessary.
PUDDINGMOOR, Nos 24 and 26 were also owned by Mrs Bloomfield. They were unsuitable because of disrepair and sanitary defects.
The owner proposed to demolish No 24 and make improvements to 26.
The Sanitary Inspector would accept the scheme subject to the dampness being eradicated, a proper pantry provided, and the gable end of No 26 being a nine inch wall.
PEDDAR’S LANE, NEEVE’S YARD, Nos 1,3,4 and 5. The owner was not represented.
RED HOUSE YARD, NEWMARKET, Nos 1 and 2. The owner was not represented.
The Inspector inspected all the properties, and a report will be sent to the Town Council.
Jul 18 1936
PROPERTY SALE By Read, Owles and Ashford on Monday 13th of July:
St MARY’S COTTAGE, BALLYGATE: Residence, occupying a sheltered position of exceptional charm with wide south aspect, Garage, Store Shed, Glasshouse, and a perfectly kept and very delightful garden extending considerably over half an acre, a lawn suitable for tennis and a a screened off productive, well stocked fruit and vegetable garden - with vacant possession.
Also the Household Furniture, including luxuriously fitted Invalid Chair, 20 inch mangle, and revolving summer-house.
Bidding commenced at £500 and rose slowly by £25 bids to £900, at which price the property was withdrawn. [The owner was Mrs Hartley]
Jul 18 1936
REGATTA WEEK CONCESSIONS: Mr AL Campbell, licensee of the King’s Head Hotel granted licence on 11th of August for alcohol to be served until 1 am on the occasion of a dance organised by the Regatta Committee.
Jul 18 1936
CHOIR FESTIVAL: 250 Choristers representing 14 Parish Church Choirs in the diocese of St Edmundsbury took part in a service in St Michael’s Church on Saturday evening.
Jul 18 1936
DEATH of Mrs Jemima Youngs, aged 67, of 28 Denmark Road.
Jul 25 1936
PROPERTY SALE: St Mary’s Cottage, Ballygate has now been sold by private treaty.
Jul 25 1936
BABY OPENS SALE OF WORK: Mayor’s Grandchild at Mission Church Effort: Those who on Wednesday afternoon attended the opening ceremony of the annual garden sale of work in aid of the funds of the Ravensmere Mission Church, found a surprise in store for them. The performance of the principal part was entrusted by the Mayor and Mayoress of Beccles (Dr and Mrs Henry Wood-Hill) to their eight-month-old granddaughter, bonny Johanna Philps, who responded in excellent fashion.
The Mayor and Mayoress put the beautiful gardens of Staithe House at the disposal of the organisers. This kindness was much appreciated and there was a large gathering, the members of which found delight in the beauties of the setting. Once again the effort was conducted under the supervision of Mrs Womack Brooks, widow of a former respected churchwarden of Beccles, and who had carried out similar duties on behalf of the Mission every year since 1910. Arrangements were excellently made, and numerous stalls and sideshows were in the charge of members of the Mission.
Delightful weather prevailed at the opening ceremony, at which the principal group consisted of the Rev WH Miller (Curate of Beccles), the Mayor and Mayoress and their granddaughter, their eldest daughter, Miss P Wood-Hill, Mrs Womack Brooks, Miss White and Mr AE Bunn (Rector’s Warden).
Expressing the great honour that it gave the Mayoress and himself to be their hosts, Dr Wood-Hill said it seemed very appropriate that the effort should be held in their gardens as they were such near neighbours of the Ravensmere Mission Church. “With your permission,” he added, “We have decided that our granddaughter shall open the sale.”
After the Mayoress had held up the child, who had been taken from her pram, and performed the ceremony, the Mayor hoped that all would open their purses.
A beautiful grey stone vase of larkspur was presented by Miss White to the Mayoress.
Jul 25 1936
TOWN COUNCIL:
1.) The insect pest, which had been attacking willows on the Fen has been destroyed, so had their webs.
2.) The COUNTY SHOW would be held at Beccles in 1937 following an invitation being given by the Council. The last time it was held here was in 1921.
3.) LAUNDRY PREMISES in Gosford Road: The laundry wished to take a lease for a further 21 years subject to their building a brick built boiler house with properly constructed tanks on top.
4.) ADVERTISEMENT BOARDS recently erected in Lowestoft Road and London Road are probably illegal.
5.) AREA SCHOOL to be built in Castle Hill for 470 children.
6.) MATERNITY and CHILD WELFARE CENTRE continued to progress satisfactorily. There were 21 children under one year attending, and 71 between one and five. Eight expectant mothers went to the Centre 44 times.
7.) HOUSING: Under the Housing Act 1924, 64 houses had been erected, rehousing 366 persons. At the end of 1934, 41 properties were considered fit for demolition. 9 properties were subject to demolition orders during the life of the tenant or owner. 2 closing orders were made and in 26 cases the owners gave an undertaking to recondition the houses. At the end of 1935 one house, subject of a closing order was closed. 12 houses had been reconditioned, at 5 the work was in progress, at 5 reconditioning was delayed owing to displaced persons waiting for accommodation.
At the end of the year there were in course of erection at Castle Hill 24 houses capable of providing accommodation for 118 persons. They consisted of 6 two-bedroomed houses, 16 three-bedroomed houses and 4 four-bedroomed houses.
Jul 25 1936
SPEEDING: Mr Arthur Birchnell, insurance inspector, of Waveney Road was fined 40s for speeding in Lowestoft. He said he had just had a tooth extracted and did not see the sign.
Jul 25 1936
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH: Rev WH Lawson, Superintendent Minister of the Swaffam Methodist Circuit, preached. Several years ago he conducted the services at Smallgate ex-Methodist Church in Smallgate. He is the father of the “Norfolk News” and “Norwich Mercury” Company’s Beccles district representative.
1936 Beccles & Bungay Year Dec 30 DEATH on 30 June, Miss Julia Pells, aged 83, daughter of a former Mayor and sister of a former Mayor of Beccles. She died at her home, 4 The Walk. She was a great Baptist worker.
Aug 1 1936
DEPUTY MAYOR: Alderman CG Napier Trollope has resigned as Mayor’s auditor and as Treasurer of the Hospital om account of illness. His post as auditor has been taken by Mr DC Smith, and the Treasureship of the Hospital by Mr Allden Owles.
Aug 1 1936
TRAFFIC LIGHTS: The Ministry of Transport has refused permission for traffic lights to be placed on the Market Street, Smallgate and Station Road junction. “The Ministry of Transport in London can hardly be expected to appreciate the danger of the crossing to the extent that those of us who live in the town do.”
Aug 1 1936
INGATE ROAD’S NAME to be changed to Grove Road
Aug 1 1936
SCHOLARSHIPS: Pupils of Mr FB Watkis at Beccles National School, Harry Freeman, Gerald Austin, Robert Keeley and Joan West have gained scholarships to the Sir John Leman School.
Aug 1 1936
DEATH of Mr Dick Stimpson, aged 28, a former Beccles Town Football Club player, at his home in Fair Close Road. He was employed at a Norwich engineering firm.
Aug 1 1936
ANTI-GAS TRAINING for Norfolk Constabulary. They now have a Home Office Van which contains a portable gas chamber. [PHOTOS page 19]
Aug 1 1936
ANTI-AIRCRAFT RANGE: The range at Weybourne [near Sheringham] was necessary “at a critical time.” The large increase of air forces in other countries necessitated a very great increase of our own air defences. The Cabinet had decided that our air defences should be increased to a number which was not dreamed of five or six years ago. Thirteen yeas ago one aircraft camp was sufficient.
Only one brigade would be in camp at a time and two guns used. There were only 16 weeks in a year for training.
Concern was expressed by 140 fishermen, especially crab and lobster fishermen, who would be put out of work as a result of the by-laws required for the range. Mr Johnson, a Sheringham fisherman said that he was about two and a half miles from the camp, and saw the aeroplane-towed target coming over between the camp and his boat. The guns began firing at the target, and pieces of shrapnel fell in the sea about 30 yards from the boat. “I ducked,” said Mr Johnson.
Aug 8 1936
NEWSPAPER MISSING
Aug 15 1936
ROAD WIDENING on the Bungay Road. This is a five-year programme, which was commenced last year. The road at Barsham bridge is particularly hazardous, although Mr Walter D Robinson has given some land beside it so that it can be widened. There is no hope that the road can be finished before the County Show in 1937.
Aug 15 1936
WATER SUPPLY in some surrounding villages is poor, especially after the droughts of 1933 and 1934. At Rumburgh a well was sunk 400 ft, but was found to be too salty for domestic use and was closed by the Ministry of Health. Another well was sunk and suitable water was obtained, but the East Suffolk Council has not yet given a grant to cover some of the cost.
Aug 15 1936
POST OFFICE OUTING. 48 members and friends travelled to Clacton for the day.
Aug 15 1936
PLANNING the COUNTRYSIDE: Dr B Wood-White, the County Medical Officer of Health in his yearly report observes that the next year or two will witness a considerable demolition of ancient cottages under the 1930 Housing Act. This is necessary owing to the dilapidated condition of the properties and their inadequacies as proper dwellings. The destruction may be more general than expected. “The face of the Suffolk countryside may experience a change which may be something of a shock to lovers of rural beauty; what are now externally picturesque cottages will be replaced by unattractive little box-like houses. In spite of the Town and Country Planning Act, Suffolk, like the rest of England, is losing charm rapidly in neighbourhoods adjacent to towns where builders are still allowed to defile the country by ugly erections created to realise profit, buildings which will present future generations with their own slum problem. It behoves the County Council to continue as they are doing at present to assist every owner of an old and picturesque homestead who is willing to make it habitable and preserve it for the delectation of this and future generations.”
Aug 15 1936
BECCLES REGATTA: The sailing on Monday, run by the Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club was flat on account of the weather. The evening swimming races were held in fine conditions wih a few hundred spectators watching. On Tuesday rain fell persistently and the regatta could scarcely have been held in more depressing conditions. [PHOTOS page 5]
Aug 22 1936
CHURCH RESTORATION. Another stage of the work on St Michael’s Church has commenced. Work on the North Aisle will cost £500 to strip the old lead from the rafters, recasting and executing all essential repairs to the woodwork. All the work has been carried through under the direction of Mr H Munro Cautley the Diocesan Surveyor. The remaining work for restoration will be the organ and finally, the Tower.
Aug 22 1936
BIRTH of a daughter to Harry Roy, the well-known dance band leader, who was educated at the old Beccles College in Ballygate, the site of which is now the Regal Cinema.
Aug 22 1936
BRING and BUY TEA for the Congregational Church was arranged by the Misses Hamby at “Carmel”, Ashman’s Road.
Aug 22 1936
DEATH of FREDERICK PEACHEY, aged 85, of 20 London Road. He was born in Colchester in December 1850 and was educated at the Old Blue Coat School. He started his business career in Colchester, but early in 1873 came to Beccles as a printer’s reader in the employ of William Moore. At the request of his old firm he returned to Colchester as reader and assistant reporter before the end of the year. Bookwork appealed to him more strongly than newspaper reporting, and in July 1877 he returned to the Caxton Press, under William Clowes, who had taken over. There he remained until his retirement on 14 March 1931, 54 years later. His earlier studies of science, a fair knowledge of Latin and Greek, and some acquaintance of Hebrew, proved of great use.
During his long service many educational, religious, biographical, and scientific works passed under his eye, for several of which he received the personal thanks of authors and publishers. These include “The Reader’s Handbook” by Dr C Brewer, which brought him warm thanks, special mention in the preface, and presentation copies of the first and second editions.
During the times of the indisposition of the late Mr Mark Buck, and indeed until the East Suffolk Gazette, which was published by his firm, ceased to exist, Mr Peachey took a part in supplying items of local news for its pages.
Educational work was one of his keenest interests. On behalf of the East Suffolk County Council he taught science classes, and for 14 years acted as their local organiser for higher education.
Early in the Great War Mr Peachey was one of the first to join the VTC, taking his share of drill, rifle practice, night bridge guarding, etc, and he remained in the battalion untl it was disbanded. He also served as secretary of the local war-time Gardening Association.
He was an enthusiastic member of the Co-operative movement. He was present at the meeting held in October 1879, when the Beccles Co-op was started. From the first he had been a member of the association’s Education Committee, and editor of the “Wheatsheaf.”
He became a Sunday School teacher, and sidesman at the Parish Church and lay reader.
He was generally regarded as the greatest authority on the history of Beccles and in 1929 produced an admirable book on the history of st Michael’s. In 1920 he compiled a booklet of the Beccles men who served in the Great War, and with Mr E Johnson Hindes had amassed several volumes relating to Beccles in the Great War.
He was married twice, his second wife surviving him. By his first marriage he had five children, of whom three are living. One son lost his life during the war, and a daughter also died during those years. Mr Anthony Peachey, of Homefield Avenue is the only child of the second marriage.
Aug 22 1936
BOWLS LEAGUE: Beccles Institute B team won the Beccles and District Bowls League [PHOTO page 5]
Aug 22 1936
CHILDREN’S FIHING MATCH [PHOTO page 5]
Aug 29 1936
FREDERICK PEACHEY kept alive religious activity in Shadingfield during the latter part of the 19th century. He conducted services in the farmhouse room of Miss Sadd. Then Mr Woods decided to build and furnish what was known as Shadingfield Abbey, now called the Church Room, beside the Beccles to Brampton Road. [PHOTO page 4]
Aug 29 1936
COLLISION at the junction of Upper Grange Road, where Mr Alan Stimpson, of Windhock, Upper Grange Road, an employee of the Chaucer Press at Bungay, was crossing Ashman’s Road while Mr Edward Corner, a farmer of Elmside, Ringsfield Road, was driving towards London Road. Mr Stimpson’s car was overturned, but there were no injuries.
1936 Beccles & Bungay Year Dec 30 BECCLES COLLEGE: In September the famous Beccles College closed its doors for the last time. Mr Ernest Harvey, the Principal, accepted a Crown appointment as Inspector of Secondary Schools in the Island of Cyprus.
Sep 5 1936
REGAL CINEMA [PHOTO page 6]
1936 Beccles & Bungay Year Dec 30 REGAL CINEMA: On 31 August a fire broke out in the Regal cinema, when the sun shining through the frosted glass window set alight a film being tried out in the winding gear room. Damage was confined to this room.
Sep 5 1936
SUFFOLK TERRITORIALS: Lt-Col Garrett, Chairman of the Territorial Association for Suffolk said that 400 more recruits are needed to bring the units up to full strength. “I ask all suitable young men to seriously consider the question of joining the Territorial Army as soon as possible.”
Sep 5 1936
RECRUITS NEEDED for ANTI-AIRCRAFT BATTERY: At present there are only 21 local men in the 409th Anti Aircraft Battery (TA) out of a population of 7,000. The total strength of the Battery – the only one of its kind in East Anglia – is 99 out of an establishment of 227.
Col the Earl of Stradbroke said at a dinner that he was brought up in the old doctrine – that the best way to prevent war was to prepare for it. That was not a popular thing nowadays.”
“All over the world are these enormous armies, and we never know when we shall be forced into war. We want to get people interested to prepare ourselves in case of emergency.”
Mr Loftus, MP, said that he had been in Parliament for two and a half years and had been concerned and indeed startled, by the steady deterioration of the European situation. Peace today was so much in the balance that the least thing might turn the scales in Europe. He felt that “If war came it would come when nobody knew it, when nobody expected it, and that whatever country was attacked by another country it would be attacked by overwhelming sudden shattering force from the air. That was where an anti-aircraft battery on the spot and ready could be such enormous service in defending the lives not only of the soldiers, but of the civilian, the women and children.”
Col Brooks said he felt that they had got to get the men interested. What was more important was to show the battery more. In pre [First World War] days they had a parade round the town every month and when they mobilised about 380 men went from Beccles. A local officer was, in his opinion absolutely essential and also he thought a resident permanent staff instructor.
Sep 5 1936
HIS WIFE SAID SO. William Peck, of Ingate Road, was fined 5s at Yarmouth Police Court for failing to conform to a traffic sign. It was stated that the defendant drove a motorcycle to the right of the roundabout near the Queen’s Hotel.
Defendant said that he was going along Regent Road, and when he came to the roundabout his wife said she wanted to go to the right, so naturally he turned to the right.
The Magistrate’s Clerk: “Didn’t you see the roundabout near the bridge at Yarmouth?” – “Yes.”
“Did you go to the right of it?” – “No.”
“Which way did your wife want to go?” “I went to the left, but it was more by luck than judgement.” (Laughter)
Sep 5 1936
ILLNESS keeps the average worker away from his job 28 days in a year. Fifteen years ago the figure was 16.5 days. It is suggested that people “fuss more” now and don’t eat the right food.
Sep 12 1936
PROPERTY PURCHASE: East Suffolk Highways Committee:
1.) An offer by Mr G Mann to sell to the County Council for £1,400 property at the junction of the Beccles-Lowestoft Road with Blyburgate and Peddar’s Lane was not accepted.
2.) An offer by Mr TJ Self to sell for £350 two cottages at the junction of the Beccles-
Lowestoft Road with Ellough Road. Beccles Town Council would be prepared to contribute.
3.) An offer by Mr CC Betts to sell Nos 8,10, 12, and 14 Saltgate for £400 was reported.
BecclesTown Council should be approached to see if they will contribute.
4.) An offer to sell No 57 Northgate for £100 was reported. The County Surveyor was instructed to approach the owners of two cottages adjoining which it was considered desirable to acquire.
Sep 12 1936
DEATH of Mr Harry Pearce, only son of the late Mr Thomas Pearce of Beccles, aged 62.
Sep 12 1936
LICENCE transferred of the Caxton Arms from Mrs Mary Rowe to John Forder.
Sep 12 1936
EVENING CLASSES at Beccles Further Education Committee Evening Institute with classes in shorthand, cookery, keep fit (women) and (men), woodwork, English and some Arithmetic.
Sep 12 1936
COLLISION at the Newgate, Station Road crossroads between Mr Frank P Glover, a master at the Sir John Leman School, residing at Gargrave, Ringsfield Road, who was travelling down Station Road, and Mr Lyes, of Eltham London, who was travelling along Newgate towards Blyburgate. There were no injuries.
Sep 12 1936
JOURNALIST MARRIED: Mr Percy Atkin of Ely and Miss Mary Bolton of Palmer’s Green. Mr Aitken is a Beccles journalist, having worked in the district since December, when he came here in succession to Mr WJ Leathley. They will live at 87 Ingate [Grove] Road. They are honeymooning at Cromer.
Sep 12 1936
NEW DIRECTORY: Kelly’s Directory of Lowestoft, Beccles and neighbourhood for 1936 has just been published. It is the 24th edition of the work. The local advertisement representative of the Beccles and Bungay Journal is Mr Claud S Darby, not as stated.
Sep 12 1936
DEATH of Mr Colin Bond, aged 21, younger son of Mr and Mrs Edward Bond, of 54 Blyburgate. He was educated at Sir John Leman School.
Sep 12 1936
AIR RAID PRECAUTIONS discussed at St Faith’s and Aylsham RDC. An assurance was given that the Council should have a chance of discussing the expenditure on air raid precautions that might be incurred so that money was not going to be spent on fantastic schemes which gave really no protection whatsoever.. The Air Raids Committee of the Council had not so far met
Sep 12 1936
WILD WEATHER: In this district we were fortunate to escape last weekend without any of the loss of life and gale damage which was reported from various other parts of the contry. Certainly we did not escape the fury of the winds, but no appreciable damage was reported
Sep 12 1936
HARVEST SCENE, North Walsham [PHOTO page 19]
Sep 19 1936
SCHOLARSHIP: Jessie Sporle, a pupil of Mr FB Watkis at the National School has been offered a deferred scholarship at the Sir John Leman Shool.
Sep 19 1936
SUCCESS: Mr Leslie F Easter, of Pound Road, an assistant master at the Beccles National School, has obtained the BSc (Economics) at London University.
Sep 19 1936
ESTATE of Miss Julia Pells, of the Walk, aged 83, who died on 30 July last, daughter of Nathaniel Pells, builder and architect, who was Mayor of Beccles from 1877-1879, left estate of the gross value of £4,132, with net personalty of £3,093
Sep 19 1936
SAILING: Mr FJ Meen winner of Coronation Cup for the 7th time. [PHOTO page 5]
Sep 19 1936
ESTATE of Mr JA Bezant, JP, of the Valley House, Mettingham, formerly managing director of a big trading concern in Russia, who was stated to have lost a fortune in the Russian Revolution has left £124,000. He died in June aged 79.
Sep 26 1936
Readers will recall that early this year the Journal reported the death in New Zealand of Mr Heather.
Sep 26 1936
Dr Henry Wood-Hill has seen his way clear to take on the Mayoralty for a second year. Busy as he has been this year, the coming one will be even more important. Not only will there be celebration in May to mark the Coronation of King Edward VIII, but in the following month the Suffolk Agricultural Association’s Show will be staged at Beccles. In his medical profession Dr Wood-Hill is constantly engaged; in fact, one who knows him well last week had no hesitation in describing him as “the busiest man in the whole district.” He has resided in the town 34 years. He is now senior partner in the firm of Wood-Hill, Grantham-Hill and McLaren. He is one of the honorary medical officers of the Hospital (and as Mayor, its President) and surgeon of the Beccles Division of the St John’s Ambulance Brigade. [PHOTO page 6]
Sep 26 1936
LOCAL BOY: A 16 year-old Beccles boy, John Bailey, son of Mr and Mrs CB Bailey, of 9 Lady’s Meadow, is one of six who have been selected to play the Last Post at the Armistice Day service at the Cenotaph, Whitehall. Formerly in the Salvation Army band, he lived in Beccles until January, when he joined the Royal Air Force.
Sep 26 1936
DEATH of Miss Bessie Chaston, aged 69, second daughter of the late Albert and Mary Chaston of 28 London Road. He was one of the staunchest supporters of field sports and a splendid rider to hounds. Up to an advanced age he was field master of the Henham Harriers and lived to be 90. He died in 1929, three years after his wife, who was 91.
Sep 26 1936
DEATH of Mr FW Larke, of 36 Newgate. He started work with Messrs Wm Clowes at the age of 13 and completed 52 year’s service with them, being engaged there right up to the time of his death.
Sep 26 1936
PROPERTY SALES: by Read Owles and Ashford;
LOT 1: No 18 Ingate, a freehold semi-detached cottage with garden, let at 313 pa was sold to Mrs E Farman for £220.
Sale by Messrs George Durrant & Sons by the Exors of Miss Julia Pells:
LOT 1: No 5 The Walk, a freehold property comprising brick and tile residence, garden, outbuildings and access to Smallgate at the rear. It was withdrawn at £875.
Sep 26 1936
RECRUITING WEEK for the 409th (Suffolk) Anti-Aircraft Battery, RA (TA). 65 members of the Battery were on parade from Beccles, Lowestoft and Southwold.
The men marched to the Parish Church outside which they formed a guard of honour, who in turn were escorted from the Town Hall by members of the Fire Brigade, under Capt Long. The Mayor was accompanied by the Corporation. Reserved accommodation was provided in the church. [PHOTO page 6]
Sep 26 1936
TOWN COUNCIL
ALDERMAN CG NAPIER TROLLOPE relinquishing the position of Deputy Mayor on account of ill health.
ALDERMAN H COPEMAN appointed Deputy Mayor.
STREET IMPROVEMENTS: Grove Road Nos 4,6,8, 10 and 12 have been condemned by the Council under the Housing Act, 1930. Were the Council prepared to purchase the cottages for road improvement? Negotiations will be opened.
Offer by the owner of the shop and premises on the corner of Peddar’s Lane and Blyburgate to sell to the County Council for £1,400 for road improvements. Would Beccles Council pay half? The Council replied that they considered it necessary to pull down the buildings, but since both roads were classified it was the responsibility of the County Council.
AIR RAID PRECAUTIONS DISTRICT COMMITTEE was to be allowed use of the Public Hall free of charge for lectures on air raid precautions.
The Council was asked to submit names of two or three officials whom they desired to attend the couse of training at the Civilian Anti-Gas School at Eastward Park, Falfield, Gloucs.
PLANNING: Application by Mr B Payne for 20 bungalows along London Road. The Council opposed this development. It would create undesirable ribbon development of 10 pairs of bungalows along the road and there were no public services present.
Garage and store in Worlingham Road applied for by Mr WA Dowsing. This was approved subject to the building being in keeping with the general appearance of the existing buildings – the roof hipped and tiles used instead of corrugated asbestos sheets.
HOUSING: The 22 remaining houses at Castle Hill were practically complete. A provisional allocation be submitted.
FIRES ATTENDED: King’s Farm, Elough; Clarke’s bakery, Blyburgate; Regal Cinema.
Oct 5 1936
on NEWSPAPERS MISSING: All October until 31 of October
Oct 31 1936
GIFT TO CHURCH: A legacy of £100 was left by Miss Julia Pells to the Baptist Church, who was most concerned with its welfare, andwas a member for a great many years.
Oct 31 1936
HOUSING NOTICE OF CLEARANCE: Demolition of:
Ravensmere, Shaw’s Yard, Nos 1,2,3.4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11 and 12
Rook’s Lane, Nos 6 and 8
Peddar’s Lane, Neave’s Yard, Nos 1,2,3,4,5
New Market, Red House Yard, Nos 1 and 2
Oct 31 1936
WEDDING: Mr Herbert Morse of Eaton and Miss Hazel Freeman, third daughter of Mr Charles Freeman of North House, Ravensmere.
Oct 31 1936
DEATH of Mr Thomas Goffin, of 21 Ellough Road, aged 47. He joined the staff of the Co-Op 10 years ago soon after the opening of the butchery department in which he worked.
1936 Beccles & Bungay Year Dec 30 DEATH of Mr WH Pitchers, aged 65, of Geldeston, who in the [First World War] used his drifter as a patrol vessel.
Oct 31 1936
TOWN ELECTION: 5 Candidates for 4 places on the Council: (* retiring councillor)
*GOLDSMITH, Ernest Thomas, 58 Fair Close, Clerk
He has served on the Council for 4½ years.A keen churchman, secretary of the Parish Church Restoration Committee and the Church Finance Committee. Vice Chairman of the Conservative Association and Vice President of the British Legion. He has lived in Beccles since 1908.
HUTTON, Charles S, The White Lion Hotel, hotel proprietor and licensed victualler.
He has lived in Beccles for some years and has considerable experience in municipal affairs when living in St Pancras, London. He is Vice-Chairman of the Ratepayers Association, and is a member of the Chamber of Trade.
*SALTER, Alfred W, 9 Kilbrack, retired printer’s reader
He has been a member of the Town Council for 15 years. A Beccles man, born in 1857, he was a member of the old Wangford Board of Guardians, a keen manager of the Council Schools and for nearly 50 years has been a member of the Rational Association. He is a former president of the Men’s Social Institute.
SKOULDING, James H, Glenavon, Kemp’s Lane, retired railway signalman
He retired from the railway in 1934 after nearly 49 years service. At the time he was a signalman at the swing bridge. A native of Hadiscoe, he was 16 when he started at the swing bridge as a lamp boy and assistant bridgeman. He has done a great deal for Beccles Labour party.
*WARNER, Dr Howard F, Northgate, doctor
He was elected to the Council 3 years ago at his first attempt. He has lived in and practised in Beccles for 6 years. Before that he was in New Zealand, and for a couple of years he was travelling at sea as a doctor. He is a surgeon to the Beccles Hospital and has done much to help the St John’s Ambulance Brigade. He is a sidesman at the Parish Church. [PHOTOS page 5]
Oct 31 1936
NEW STATIONMASTER: Mr VS Turner, stationmaster at Diss has been appointed to Beccles. He was previously stationmaster at Dunmow and Takely.
Oct 31 1936
FUNERAL of Mr AJ Balls, aged 67, of 7 Hungate, a well-known spotsman and local tradesman.
Oct 31 1936
DEATH of Mr John Hilling, aged 87, formerly of Beccles. He carried on business for nearly 50 years as a coach-builder and wheelwright. About 8 years ago he went to live with his brother at Wissett.
Oct 31 1936
NORWICH POLICE ANTI-GAS SQUAD [PHOTOS page 8]
1936 Historic Date Nov 2 FIRST PUBLIC TELEVISION Broadcast in the world from Alexandra Palace
Nov 7 1936
on NEWSPAPERS MISSING until 28th of November
1936 Beccles & Bungay Year Dec 30 ELECTED to TOWN COUNCIL: Mr AW Salter*, Dr HF Warner*, Mr ET Goldsmith*, and Mr JH Skoulding (Labour). The unsuccessful candidate was Mr CS Hutton.
1936 Beccles & Bungay Year Dec 30 ALDERMAN COPEMAN on account of his health had to give up the job of Deputy Mayor. Mr DC Smith chosen in his place.
1936 Historic Date Nov 11 JARROW HUNGER MARCH reaches London. Prime Minister Baldwin refuses to meet marchers
Nov 28 1936
TOWN COUNCIL:
DANGERS of NORTHGATE: The Town Council passed a resolution deploring the fact that the County Council has excluded “the very necessary improvement of traffic conditions” in Northgate by diverting through traffic, from their five year road plan. When vehicles of any size wish to pass they cannot do so at one point without making use of the path.
STREET IMPROVEMENTS: The owner of 4,6,8,10 and 12 Grove Road has agreed to sell these properties for £50 for road improvements.
Hungate Lane Nos 11,13 and 15, had been ordered to be demolished. The owners, were prepared to allow the Council to pull them down, retain the material, take sufficient of the site for road improvement, and to pay the Council £10 as long as a rough boarded fence was built on the new line of the property.
Puddingmoor Nos 14 and 16 owned by Mrs Bloomfield were to be made into a single house. Agreed
Puddingmoor Nos 24 and 26 owned by Mrs Bloomfield were to be made into a single house. Agreed
Approval for a bungalow on Lowestoft Road for Mr WJ Foster and a pair of semi-detached cottages on Grove Road for Mr W Chilvers.
HOUSING: The Council to build 10 two-bedroom bungalows, eight three-bedroom bungalows and eight four-bedroom bungalows on the Castle Hill Estate.
CORONATION CELEBRATIONS: The Council would make decisions as a body on the preparations to be made.
Nov 28 1936
RETIRING STATIONMASTER, Mr Frederick Bloom, who had been stationmaster at Beccles for the previous seven and a half years retired. He had served the old GER and LNER Companies for over 45 years. He was given an electric standard lamp and a pipe.
Nov 28 1936
NO MORE WAR MOVEMENT held at Beccles: Speaker from Birmingham: “I ask you, so far as the governments of the world are concerned, can you tell me one thing that is being done that gives the slightest hope that war for which we are all preparing can be avoided? Today the outlook for peace is infinitely worse than it was in July 1914. I say quite frankly that there is nothing in this world which is worth a war.” They imposed a treaty of vengeance on Germany, and Europe was reaping the fruits of it today. The Germany of today was the direct descendant of the Treaty of Versailles, for which this country and France were directly responsible.
Nov 28 1936
MARRIED 60 YEARS: Mr and Mrs William Moyse, of 41 Ingate celebrated their diamond wedding. Mr Moyse is 82 and Mrs Moyse 83. They have lived in Beccles for 50 years. Mr Moyse worked for Mr F Knights, a local farmer, and then for Messrs John Crisp & Sons at their farm in London Road, until he retired 10 years ago. [PHOTO page 5]
Nov 28 1936
DEATH of Mr William Jewson, aged 70, of Alexandra Road, a retired railway signalman.
1936 Beccles & Bungay Year Dec 30 RETIREMENT of Miss AM Tracy, of Tower House, New Market, after 20 years service as secretary since the formation of the Beccles Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Families’ Association. She had collected over £12,000. She was succeeded by Mrs JM Murray.
Dec 5 1936
NEWSPAPER MISSING
Dec 10 1936
KING EDWARD VIII ABDICATES.
Dec 12 1936
AIR RAID PRECAUTIONS: Wainford District Council appointed Major Peebles of Worlingham to attend the civilian anti-gas training school next summer. On return he is expected to train other people. If he went to all 33 villages and gave the 6 lectures necessary, that would require 198 talks – and if he gave 4 a week that would take him nearly a year.
Dec 12 1936
DEATH AT SEA: Through the Beccles Police, who received a telephone message from his employers, Messrs T Hambling, of St Andrew’s Dock Hull, Mrs Robert Whall of 21 Webly Avenue, has been informed that her husband, a fisherman, was killed by a heavy sea off the Norwegian coast. His body was taken to the port of Varberg in that country. In addition to the widow, Mr Whall leaves two young children.
Dec 26 1936
PRESENTS for poor children of Jarrow were given by the children of Beccles Parish Church Sunday School and were taken to a special service on Sunday afternoon and were placed round a decorated Christmas tree. [PHOTO page 5]
Dec 26 1936
CHRISTMAS SHOW: “Plunder” by Ben Travers, a three-act farce, is being produced by Beccles Amateur Dramatic Society as their 14th annual production.
Dec 26 1936
TOWN COUNCIL:
ROBES FOR ALDERMEN: This was discussed at length. Finally it was decided by a vote of 6 to 5 that Aldermen should not be robed.
OVERCROWDING SURVEY: There were 18 premises which were overcrowded. It was decided that each owner and occupier should be served with a notice to abate the nuisance within 28 days. The Council would need to provide 18 new dwellings in addition to the 26 houses shortly to be erected in connection with slum clearance.
SALTGATE HOUSES: The County Council was considering purchasing Nos 8,10,12 and 14 Saltgate for street improvements. The Town Council agreed to pay 25% of the cost, after deducting the Government grant or £30, whichever was the lower.
CROWFOOT GARDENS: The Council agreed to take over the road if it was made up to the required standard.
PLANNING: It was agreed that Beccles Model Laundry could construct a receiving office at the Gosford Road end of their premises.
HOUSING COMMITTEE: The state of the very untidy garden in Ellough Road was discussed by the Council. The tenant was referred to the conditions of tenancy giving him notice to conform.
A LOYAL ADDRESS was sent to King George VI on his accession. The Mayor, Dr Henry Wood-Hill said in reference to what he called “The Changing of the Guard”:
“We have passed through days in which we have seen, and we have heard, and we know not what to think. This we feel; some chord in our being has been struck with a deep note of tragedy. A beloved Prince has passed from amongst us; a most human and kingly of kings has passed in a night. But it is well gentlemen, that our Prime Minister, the Master Mariner, responsible for the safety of the Ship of State, coming and going in oft-troubled seas – I say that it is well that he may set a course founded on some sign in the sky fixed and constant.
A King has gone, God be with him; a King has come, God bless him, keep him and guide him. God save the King.” [PHOTOS of the King & Queen – page 11]