Vicars Logs

Carbrooke Vicars Logs 1922-1981

These logs are the Logs of the Carbrooke Vicars detailing the Parish events during their periods of office.

The logs end in 1981 when Carbrooke could no longer maintain its own Vicar and joined with Watton and Ovington to become a United  Benefice. The Vicarage was sold.

(Transcribed from the original typed copy, beginning of which copied from a hand written version, spelling/grammar mistakes left in generally).

A LOG BOOK OF CARBROOKE S.S PETER AND PAUL CHURCH
COMMENCED BY A.R GODFREY ABOUT FEB 1922.

An  attempt is first made to give an account of various matters of interest and importance.

The Church The Sunday services (Feb 1922) are Holy Communion 8.00, Mattins & Sermon 11.00, Childrens Service 3.00, Evensong 6.30.

A midday celebration is held on the 1st Sunday in the month. The attendance of children in the afternoon, averages  (?), The numbers on the register is(?), The vicar conducts the service combining instruction repetion and devotion. Mrs HE Murrell  keeps the register, issues stamps, and K.M Magazines and Church abroad. The first Sunday in the month is devoted to missionary study, and a collection is taken for S.P.G. The Sunday school is being affiliated with The Kings Messengers. Miss Ethel Wace acts as organist on Sunday afternoons.

The daily services are said and Holy Communion celebrated at 8.00 on Saints Days,

The Choir has been moved to the west of the screen, in order that they may be closer to the organ, and may more effectively lead the singing.This change was made when the choir was reformed after the war and ladies were asked to join. The vicar is organist and occasional recitals of instrumental and vocal music are given after Evensong on Sundays.

Collections at the Sunday services are usually for church expenses.Special collections have been fixed by the Parochial Church Council as follows: Our Quota to the Diocesan board of finance was first raised in part by envelopes, but the plan lapsed. At present the PCC makes an annual collection from hose to house and a list of contributors is posted in the church porch with a statement of the total amount collected.

There are at present missionary boxes in the parish, the contents are collected by the Vicar in June and December, Mrs Minns collects the contents of the boxes for the ‘Waifs and Strays society’. The Church Lands are let on a lease of eight years at the the same time as the Town Lands are let: the annual rental for the period beginning Michaelmas 1921 is £36.7.0 and is collected by the church wardens.

Some part of the money ought to be put aside every year and paid into the church restoration fund, and should not be used solely for fire and lights etc.

The Vicarage and Glebe

A Five year certificate was granted by the Diocesan Surveyer (Mr Lacey) on the completion of the delapidations in Dec 1920. Total cost and fees £113.8.

The church iron safe is kept at the vicarage & contains the ancient registers, terriers & the vicar is custodian of the tithe Map and award.The tithe R.C. is collected by Mr Fred Robinson of Watton. The three Glebe fields south of the vicarage are let to Mr. W Platford at a rent of £20 subject to a years notice from Michaelmas. The lead on the roof needs constant attention, the sun and frost causing cracks.

There is a large cess-pool on the north side of the house which should be emptied in 5 years or oftener, though there is an overflow drain pipe which runs into the drain alongside the west of the garden & thence into the brook. Other drains from the yard and stable & greenhouse, follow a similar direction. The cess-pool is emptied after removing the roadway to a depth of about 1.5 feet in order to uncover a circular stone slab situated about(?) ft due north of the W.C. waste pipe.

All hedges round the vicarage & the gardens & the 2 small meadows lying northwards belong to the vicar & he is resonsible for cleaning the southern half of the brook forming the northern boundary of the glebe.

The well supplying the pump inside the house is situated, as far as I can remember, in the middle of the yard west of the house back door.The yard pump may draw water from the same well, but there is some source of contamination & at times an offensive smell which renders the water unfit for drinking.

The vicar keeps his public accounts in a Day Book & a ledger & operates an account with Barclays Bank (Watton), called the Carbrooke Vicars Parochial Fund. The vicar is ex-officio Trustee of the Dewing Charity –The trust deed of which is in the iron safe. Other trustee apparently was appointed under his hand and seal. The only other trustee at present is Mr Denis Wright, Manor Farm, Bedingfield, Eye,Suffolk. A rent charge of £10 is paid annually on certain land at present owned by Mrs Minns, Carbrooke Mill. This is expended on coal at Christmas which is distributed amongst Old Age Pensioners, Widows, people in receipt of Poor Law Relief and others, the idea being to supplement the help given by the Trustees of the Fuel Allotment.

Maltwood and Masons dole consists of £2 worth of bread distributed properly on St Thomas’ Day; the Vicar is ex- officioTrustee and another trustee is appointed by Parish Council. The Church wardens pay £1 and Mr.L.J Wace £1 as owner of a farm on the fen.

The School was built by Mr R Dewing, the endowment was lost years ago on some legal point. The vicar is the sole Trustee. The building is insured against fire, the policy is in the iron safe together with policies on the vicarage etc.

Miscellaneous

The town coal is distributed by the trustees at Christmas, there are 2 ex-officio trustees, the Vicar and The Lord of the Manor. Other trustees are appointedby the parish council.

A bowling Club uses the Vicarage Tennis Lawn on 3 nights a week in the summer, by invitation of the Vicar.

A Mens Club is held on 3 nights a week during the winter in the Parish Room. The room is rented by the Vicar from Mr. Wace for 30/- a year & is used for meetings of various kinds as well. The chairs & tables & forms are in the custody of the Vicar and Churchwardens; also the cuboard and Library Books which stand in the Parish Room.The Mens Club is managed solely by its own committee and part of the expense of heating and lighting is met by the contributions of members. The deficit is paid by the Vicar from various subscriptions he collects.

The Ex Service Men received a grant of £(?) from the Army Canteen profits & this money is deposited in Barclays Bank (Watton), the trustees being Messrs. F Godfrey & W Platford. Other money is being collected & with this & the grantof £(?) a billiard table is to be bought & placed in the Parish Room. The library is kept by Miss Wace, who gives out the books to readers at a charge of 1/2d a volume & with this money raised, new books are bought.

1923

Strong efforts were made by a few members of the Mens Club to obtain the use of the Parish Room 6 nights a week for Billiards etc. The Vicar regretted that the room was not available; it is required weekly by the Scouts & frequently for Church Meetings.

March 13th Dr. Bryan, Attleborough paid his second visit and admitted 9 boys as ‘Tenderfoots’ in the Boy Scouts movement. Later two absent on the 13th through illness, were sworn in by the Vicar. The principal of scoutcraft was introduced into the church Sunday school in advent 1922. The boys being formed into 2 patrols, St John and St Pauls. A great improvement was at once noticeable in the attendance and attention.In order that the boys should benefit from being attached to the Baden Powell Scouts, they began to study for the Tenderfoot Test on Dec. 5th & met weekly on Tuesdays in the Parish Room. As already stated (2 Patrols) 11 boys have now passed & 2 patrols formed ‘Peewits’ & ’Owls’.

The boys parade in uniform on Sunday afternoon. The first full parade at morning service was on Easter Day April 1st 1923.

June 5th . A new iron frame overstrung piano by Bishop was bought by school managers for £45.

July 9th. The 2 Patrols of Boy Scouts had a Field Day on Thompson Common by the kind permission of Mr. W. Sharpe, College Farm, Thompson. In view of the camping out seasonthe following kit had been procured & part of it was used on the day in question.

2 Defiant Tents (£4.10.0), 12 Paint Pot Billies (8/-), 2 Army Dixies (8/-), 2 Axes (8/6), 12 Ground Sheets (£2.8.0), Total £8.2.6.

July 12th A Garden Fete was held at the Vicarage.The gross receipts were £60.12.6 Apportioned thus:- £24 to Churchwardens for the repairs of the Churchyard wall. £25.7.8 to pay off the debt on the school piano and £11.4.6 to the Secretary of the Hospital Contributary Fund to pay for the conveyance of patients to the Norwich Hospital when required.The expenses of the fete amounted to £7.1.4 & this amount is to be defrayed by Whist Drives in the Autumn:- meanwhile the debt is born by the Carbrooke Vicars Parochial Fund.

During a debate on the Sunday Eucharist, Mrs Newton presented a list of names of ‘Parishioners in favour of 11am. Communion Service at least once a month.’

Mrs B Sutton, Mrs Warman, Mrs Fincham, Miss H Office, Mrs Gunson & family, Mr J Office, Miss M Minns, Mr & Mrs W Murrell, Miss A Murrell, Mr & Mrs W Coleman, Mrs Wright, Mrs Harvey & family, Miss M Martin, Miss M Page, Mrs Josey, Miss Bennett, Mrs H E Murrell, Mrs G Page, Mrs Wyer (Step Cottage).

A few members of the council expressed their fear that a sung Eucharist with vestments would alienate the present congragation but they had no evidencein support of this, it was agreed by all the Council that a Choral Celebration should br arranged as early as possible.

Feb 12th 1924. A Surveyor representing the Ecclestiastical  Insurance Office came and inspected the Church & Vicarage. In the draft specification received 18th Feb.it was stated that suitable insurances against fire could be as follows:- Church Fabric £17,500, Fittings £5000, Architects fees (after a fire) £1650, Total £24,150, Vicarage & Outhouses £3800.

In an accompanying letter the Manager stated that if the insurance were effected with the E.I.O. the premium would be 1/6% and that a commission of 15% would be returnable.

Hitherto the insurance has been with Norwich Union in the case of the Church viz Church Fabric £1400, Fittings£1600. Premiums £2.5.6. East Window £300. Premium 4/6d.

And with E.IO. in the case of the Vicarage £700, outhouses £100, at a premium of 13/-d.

*A note was added at the request of the Parochial Church Council (Jan 4th 1925). The Bookcase & contents and all the furniture & fittings in the parish Room (excepting only the Billiard Table & accessories belong to the Church wardens.

*These notes were written by Rev A.R. Godfey in 1925. The above reference to the ‘Parish Room’ recalls an unpleasant incident when I arrived in November 1927.The room was in a sad condition and all the equipment in ruins!

G. B. Chambers 1955

January 1925 -November 1927

Rev. Charles Stuart Douglas Vicar, but no notes made by him.

A few comments taken from the Parochial Church Council ‘Minute Book’

Mrs Marsh was appointed organist Jan 5th 1925 Salary £12 per annum

The Library was transferred to the school with Miss Platford being responsible for handing out the books, for half and hour after school on one day of the week, but closing during school holidays.

A roll of the names of the men of this parish who served in the ‘Great War’ was inscribed by Mr T.H.Page, framed and hung in the Church.

The Diocesan Quota continued to cause concern and finances in general a main topic at PCC meetings.

Various money raising efforts were arranged to meet the sundry expenses which arose at varying intervals.

October 1927 – July 1955

I feel that the ‘notes’ made by my predecessor, The Rev. A.R. Godfrey, are now history and reflect a state and condition in Carbrooke dating back 30 years ago, so I Will proceed to give an up to date account of both Church and Vicarage.

The services at the church since the parish of Ovington is now held in plurality with Carbrooke have undergone certain changes. Evensong formerly said at 3.00pm at Carbrooke, is now held at Ovington at 6.30pm. I found a Sunday School at Ovington which had been started by the Church Army Captain – I felt that it was essential to keep this effort alive so I always attend at 2.30 to instruct a small group of children. For quite twenty five years the services at Carbrooke have been Holy Communion at 8.00, Parish Eucharist at 10.30 with instructionsfor children and adults, Matins and sermon at 11.30.

At the time of writing congregations vary somewhat with the weather, the numbers being from 30 to 60 & above. There are always communicants at the Parish Mass.

The Kyrie, Sanctus, Benidictus, Agnus Dei are sung to simple plainchant unacompanied.The people sing, there has been no official choir in Carbrooke for thirty years or more. The Gloria and Credo are said. Here I must emphasise that the time factor when young children are present is an important matter. The English Hymnal is used & the Cowley Carols at Christmas & Easter.

In regard to ceremonial Observance we have always endeavoured to interest as many children as possible, both boys and girls in the dramatic and colourful side of worship. However it is not an easy matter to preserve and in any sense perpetuate this feeling of interest at a time and in an age which is completely indifferent to any kind of moral or spiritual obligation. I do not want to labour this point but it is very necessaryto refer to it because I cannot state in words how far this interest may be permanent, sometimes I think the influence as far as the church is concerned is very slight.

On the great Festivals we have a procession preceded by a shortened version of the Asperges, with a station at the font, and the collect before the chancel screen. Incense is used on these occasions and on Palm Sunday there is the Blessing of thePalms and on the Sunday after Candlemas the Blessing and the procession of candles. The Sacristy is adequately equipped with cassocks,rochets, Vestments etc. For further details in regard to equipment I must refer to the recent Terrier and especially to a copy of the Inventory I recently sent to the then Rural Dean, the Rev, J.L. Davies at present Vicar of Sedgeford Kings Lynn.

The School has now controlled status. I am very glad to state that during the twenty years of my incumbancy our relations with the Head Teachers and the school have been of the happiest character. Church teaching has been given conscientiously for over a century but with all these pains and much controversy what is the result? With all due responsibility I can only reply – I do not know! I think I ought to write a word about the fabric of the Church.

In 1951 there was considerable alarm about theft of church lead and the Bishop advised the sale of the lead if there was any real danger from burglary. Danger was very real here and I was warned that suspicious characters had been seen in close proximity to the North Aisle. I consulted my friend Derek Waters the contractor who disposed of the lead at the highest market value, with the result we were able to roof the church with a special cover by Briggs of Norwich and Dundee, a twenty years guarantee accompanied this contract.

The Church was vacuum cleaned & distempered throughout, all suspicious cracks filled in & where necessary stanchioned, the Tower repaired in a number of places, in fact the whole building was renovated.

As I write, after four years, we have now only one trouble, the roofing is sound but for some unknown reason the walls at the base of the clerestory windows at the South Aisle let in the rain. It seems to be only a minor defect but so far has defied the skill of every bricklayer! The said tradesmen are on the South Aisle roof at this moment (15.6.55) May they be successful.

In regard to any alterationsI may have made to the furniture in the Church, I feel certain that the resulting effect has justified my actions. Beginning with the introduction of the Chritmas Nativity Scene or ‘Crib’. in 1928 and restoration of the Lady Altar in 1930. I freely admit the alterations have been considerable.

One matter I must definitely emphasise, it is dangerous to the safety of the tower to ring the changes on the bells. When a new steel frame is inserted, twenty feet lower down than the present frame and a team of bell ringers found who will consistently ring the bells and attend the ‘Worship’ to which they call attendance, the situation will be very different. I do not wish to charge the ringers with entire neglect, three times in the course of twenty- seven years have I attempted to collect a team but unfortunately external circumstances have been all against us.

I may add that the organ has been thoroughly cleaned and repaired twice during the past twenty seven years. It is a clear toned instrument, seventy to eighty years old and was considered to be in satisfactory condition and musically attractive by Dr Dykes- Brown when he examined it some years ago.

The piano is a first rate instrument and skilfully played by our organist and pianist Miss Nora Wace.

The Vicarage during the last 27 years has been modernised. The electric current has been installed and with it, an electric pump and the telephone. The cooking has been done on an electric range and the water heated by an Ideal stove and boiler. There is an airing cupboard and the hot pipes, keep the coldest corner of the house reasonably warm. In severe frosty weather care should be taken to see that the pipes leading to the attic cistern are emptied at bedtime.

If the water in the house requires to be cut off there are two taps or unions in the attic under a piece of felt which control the whole water system. There is a card describing the working of all the electric contacts and fuses by the meter upstairs on the landing.The well water has been tested and is satisfactory, The Rural District Councils water supply is close at hand & could be connected. The drainage system is ‘Primitive’ but effectual, there is a manhole wich leads into the cess-pool outside the kitchen window on the North side. I’ve Noticed an unpleasant smell sometimes when there is a very strong gale from the S.E. the wind seems to blow down the stench pipe and prevent the stench from clearing away.There is another man-hole in the yard, by the long ladder, which leads the effluent into the ditch & from thence the stream, it is most important to see that this length of ditch is periodically cleaned out.

The former ‘drawing room’ we always use as a place for parochial meetings. In more recent years we have been able to let off certain rooms to R.A.F. Officers and their families which is helpful to both parties in this arrangement.

Parish Organisations

There is a branch of the Mothers Union and the Guild of Health whose meetings are held at regular intervals. Both these organisations are active and important because they represent locally the work of much larger bodies and have exercised influence in the Parish.Both sections of the British Legion, Men & Women are represented. I have been Chairman of the Mens Group.

The Mothers Union meet every month on a Thursday.- Armistice Sunday is the day when the Legion attend Church. I use a special form of service on this occasion which my predecessor A.R. Godfrey inaugurated. I append this particular service.

ORDER OF SERVICE- ARMISTICE SUNDAY

358 (Tune 477)

READING 2 MACCABEES 12-42

529 (535)

2nd READING St JAMES 1V

BIDDING

PRAYERS

563 – (Collection for EARL HAIGHS FUND)

ADDRESS

CONGREGATION WITH STANDARDS PROCEED TO WAR MEMORIAL WHERE WREATHS ARE LAID, THEN

HYMN 450

NAMES ARE READ

Ps.130 FOLLOWED BY THE

TWO COLLECTS (in 1928 P.B) and

FINAL GRACE

The Garden, Glebe and Church Lands and Parish Land

The Vicarage garden is a difficult problem which cannot be kept in a state of cultivation for love or money! At the time of writing these notes I have made over the kitchen garden to Tom Hood who has skilfully cropped it; of course this means that he receives the fruits thereof but a bargain fair to both sides may well be struck in regard to the purchase price of the products. I fail to see any other solution to this problem other than allowing it to become a complete wilderness. The Sexton Ivan Jennings has been an indispensable help with the rent of the garden but here I fear the work has been to him a labour of love more than profit.

George Clarke farms the Glebe at a rental of £22.10.0 annually. The Church owns land which brings in £35.17.2 for the upkeep of the services and fabric of the Church.

The Incumbent is always Chairman of the Fuel Charity which dispenses every year before Christmas, money for fuel to old age pensioners and disabled persons.

OVINGTON

It is very difficult writing about Ovington. In this village indifference is supreme. There is no communicant standard of Churchmanship. After five years ministry I really do not yet know where to begin. I celebrate there at 9.00 am on the four great Festivals but no more! Even so thers is not more than two or three present.

Mr Sculfer – Grape Farm Carbrooke is Church Warden and another indispensible person.

After much striving and many village temperamental difficulties I have succeeded with the very necessary not to say generouse help of the Ministry of Education, in securing the old Church School building as the village hall.

Finally I would like to add a final note to the brief description of the Services & Crermonial of the Church.

When I arrived here in November 1927 I found that my immediate predecessor The Rev. C.S. Douglas had reserved the Blessed Sacrament in an alcove which led to the old Rood stairway. I continued this practice although I did not at all appreciate this method. However I realised all too soon that there was very little sense of reverence or mystery even among the people who attended the church fairly regularly; so I felt it best to continue this practice & look for more enlightened days. Whether that time has arrived I know not but when we were making alterations and renovations in 1951 I took the bold step & placed an aumbry tabernacle on the North corner of St John Altar. This aumbry has two shelves or divisions, the Blessed Sacrament is in a ciborium which stands on the upper shelf & the Holy Oils, blessed or consecrated by the Bishop of Thetford rests on the bottom shelf.

November 1955 – November 1959

Notes by the Rev. W.C Tolchard.

Carbrooke and Ovington Services

The normal programme for Sunday is Parish Communion at Carbrooke at 9.30, followed by Mattins at 10.45. Catechism at Carbrooke at 2.15 and ditto at Ovington at 3.15. Evensong at Ovington at 6.30. On the 4th Sunday in the month Mattins has been cancelled at Carbrooke as I go to Ovington for Holy Communion at 11.00. On the 2nd Sunday I also go th Ovington for Holy Communion at 8.00.This arrangement has worked reasonably well as Ovington has electric light, while Carbrooke is without (but see below for remarks on new scheme). There are no weekday services at either Church.

Carbrooke. When I first came here I understood that there were a few people who wished for Mattins so I continued it in the hope that it would gradually cease to be required as more people came to the Parish Communion. This has not happened and at present congregations are about equal, though some who come to Mattins come to the Parish Communion on the 4th Sunday. This means of course, a division of the Christian Body which is most unsatisfactory.

I discontinued Reservation of the Blessed Sacrament very early on, discovering that no attention was paid to it and most people were unaware that it was there.

For some time now the Mass has been with Hymns as the only music. There is no ceremonial. Three lads are servers and act as such on a weekly rota.

An attempt was made to have an extra Mass at 8.30am. once a month for those who said 9.30 was an awkward time. This attempt met with no response.

A few children are taught in the Catechism. Their numbers are small and erratic. I was unsuccessful in obtaining a Pianist to play hymns for them. Accordingly I have to do this myself – a most unsatisfactory arrangement.

The only ‘organisation’ for which the church is responsible is a branch of the Mothers Union. – 19 names are on the Register. There is no Enrolling member & so I have regarded it as monthly meeting of some Church people for further instruction. It is possible to get M.U. Speakers to address the meetings.

It has been impossible to obtain more than one Churchwarden. Mr Morse now holds the office. There are 12 elected members of the P.C.C. which has met 4 or 5 times yearly. At the last A.P.C.M. no secretary was appointed and I agree to act for the time being.

The Organ.  Ovington has a small reed organ pedal-blown in a fair condition. The organ at Carbrooke is in a reasonable condition (2 manual). Our former Tuner recommended that the time was coming when it should be cleaned. Nothing has been done for lack of funds. (Some papers relating to this are in the envelope marked ‘organ’).

The Fabric of Carbrooke Church is in fair order. It has not yet been inspected under the recent ‘Inspection of Churches Measure’ but Mr. B.M. Fielden, Architect is aware of its condition. He was called in when a crack appeared in the N.E. wall of the Chancel. His report is in the envelope marked ‘ Soakaway’. This report refers also to other cracks mostly minor. The leakage of rain water into the South Aisle still continues slightly. In July 1959 the tower was struck by lightning. Mr Fielden has the matter in hand with Ecclesiastical Insurance Co. and M/S Woods & Son of Norwich. At the time of writing some of the damage has been repaired & further work is being done to cracks on the E. face of the tower. We have been informed that the assessor of the Insurance Co. will require a contribution towards the cost of the latter work as the crack cannot be wholly attributed to lightning.

A scheme for the introduction of Heating & Lighting into the Church by means of Radiant Heat is in process of being worked out by Mr Fielden on the instruction of the P.C.C. Mr. Page has knowledge of the details (see Minutes of P.C.C .July & September 1959).

The ‘Dewing Charity’ of £10 per annum referred to in the notes by Rev. Godfrey is collected by the Vicar in April of each year.  have this Autumn disbursed the amount so collected in April 1959.

Vicarage. The smell referred to by my predecessor was horrible and lasted for some days when I first came, It has not been noticed for the past three years after the cellar was thoroughly cleaned and ventilators at ground level put in.

Delapidations Repairs.  Are due in 1961. Rain leaks slightly through the roof and drips on to the main stairway. Mr Fielden has been notified of this.

The Electric Cooker was bought in 1955 and is the property of the Benefice. A year ago a new electric pump was put in – a Rotor type- not so noisy as the previous piston pump. The work was done by Page Hunton Ltd. And papers relating to it are in an envelope. When I came the water, after four months interregnum was brackish and brown. After some weeks as the well was used its brackish taste disappeared and its colour cleared. I also put an Immersion heater in the hot water tank. This is a bit expensive to run but it saves lighting the kitchen boiler in summer. Water is Hard! A new hot water tank was necessary soon after I came, and a year ago, another had to be fitted.

As to the Garden we have done what we reasonably could to maintain it in some order. The large kitchen garden I handed over entirely to Ivan Jennings three years ago, asking no rent. He has worked splendidly in it and has supplied potatoes to the Vicarage. He takes the rest for himself of course and my successor might think fit to continue this arrangement.

Ovington. The times of services have already been given. At the 8.00am Mass once a month rarely more than 2 have been present, and 6 -9 at the 11.00am monthly Mass. A ‘good’ congregation at Evensong would be about 14. The same remarks as on Childrens Catechism apply here.

The church has been inspected under the recent measure. The architect was a Mr Tuthill whose report is in the hands of the Churchwardens. When any structural work is possible it might be wise to ask Mr Fielden to act. The arch of the tower has recently been shored up with timber. An appeal has been made for £850 for the Church Restoration Fund. Some whist drives have produced some money and a Garden Fete in 1959 made a profit of just over £80. At the time of writing these notes there is in hand about £120.

The Church is heated by a stove under a grating in the Nave. When weather conditions are favourable the church gets reasonably warm,but when it is damp and the atmosphere heavy, the Church is filled with smoke and fumes.Many attempts have been made to deal with this difficulty but unsuccessfully. As funds become available, probably the best thing to do could be to abandon the stove and get a few oil heaters.

Churchwardens are Mr Sculfer and Mr Lambert. The P.C.C. has 6 members and has met infrequently.

W.C. Tolchard

November 10th 1959

The Rural Dean has this day checked the goods and ornamentsof the Church and found them Correct

November 13th 1959 WCT

November 28th 1959. Two large Prayer Books, one printed in 1783 and the other in1788, recently repaired by Garnhome of Norwich at the charge of Mr.W.A.Crawford have this day been placed in the Parvise.   WCT

February 1961 – June 1965

The Rev. C.W. Trendell Vicar but no notes made by him.

A few details taken from the Minute Book of the P.C.C.

During the interegnum the Fund raising Church Bazaar was held, and with the handsome donation of £500 from Mr W.A.Crawford, the Electric Heating and Lighting scheme previously mentioned by the Rev. Tolchard was implemented.

This installation was dedicated on April 30th 1961.

Mrs Trendell organised a team of ladies to re-cover several kneelers and she also made a new frontal for the High Altar.

Congregations remain small but steady. The Vicar, being resident was able to visit every house in the Parish.

The Quinquennial inspection of the church was made in Feb. 1962. The recommended work being split into three phases commencing with work to the Chancel.

Miss Wace and Miss Roberts presented two pedestals to the Church in memory of the late Mrs Aileen Chambers.

A flower festival arranged by Mrs Morse, by the Mid- Norfolk proved an outstanding success. The annual Church Bazaar proved to be a great financial asset.

March 1966 – August 1978

Notes by the Rev.T.H Callender

The Rev.T.H Callender, formerly Rector of Whitchurch, (Edgeware) was Inducted and Instituted as Vicar by Rt. Bishop of Lynn in March 1966, and as Rector of Ovington in May of the same year.

Sunday Services are as follows. 1st Sunday H.C. 8.00, Mattins 10.45. All other Sundays 9.30 Sung Eucharist. At Ovington 11.00 on 2nd and 4th Sundays. Evensong at 6.30pm on 1st and 3rd.

In 1968 the 10.45 Service on the first Sunday was changed into a Family Service at 10.30 with children and parents attending. Later this became Family Communion. The average attendance is between 20 and 50.

A Sunday School has been taken by Miss Wace and Miss Roberts after Morning Service, but they felt unable to continue this. So a Saturday School was started. The children meet in Church at 10.00 followed by games at the Vicarage. This has proved very successful with an average attendance of 15-30. They all come to Church on the first Sunday and many mothers come as well, several of whom have been confirmed as a result. Indeed there have been more adult confirmation candidates than children.

In 1969 the Bishop of Lynn asked me to take on Merton and Thompson as Priest in Charge and then in 1970 when the Rev. Paul Alton was appointed Vicar of Caston, the Breckles Group was formed, consisting of  the eight parishes of Carbrooke, Ovington, Scoulton, Woodrising, Caston, Griston, Merton and Thompson. In 1971 Carbrooke, Ovington, Scoulton and Woodrising was made into a United Benefice, with Caston, Griston, Merton and Thompson becoming a United Benefice.

A group Communion Service was started on the last Sunday of the month and a programme of group activities successfully carried through under the leadership of the group council.

An Aumbry was placed in the Church for the Reserved Sacrament. This was paid for by public subscription in memory of George Chambers and his wife Aileen. It was dedicated at a special service, when many of the relatives and friends of the Chambers family were present.

A small electric lamp is now fixed to the Sanctuary Lamp.

The Church fabric has been kept in good repair. Stonework on the East end of the South Aisle was repaired and the Pinnacles and Belfrey Louvres in the Tower repaired. Both Aisle roofs have been repaired and re-leaded with the help of a large grant from the Historic Buildings Committee, and work will soon be starting on the tower which is in a weakened state, also with the help of a grant from the same Committee.

At Ovington the Belfry floor has been renewed, and at Scoulton a new Pantile roof has been placed on the East end. Plans are in hand for re-thatching the remainder of the roof. Woodrising Church will soon have a new lead roof, thanks to the fabric fund built up over the years and a Grant from the Historic Buildings Committee.

With regard to the organisations, the Mothers Union continues to meet monthly, with Mrs Callender as Enrolling Member, and later as Presiding Member for the Deanery.

The Guild of Health continues to meet regularly and members are very faithful in their attendance. In addition to the Saturday School, there is an under 5 Play Group meeting 2 mornings a week, run by a committee of mothers. Guides and Brownies have been started under the leadership of Mrs David Saunders and a good companion Club for the over 60’s.

In the Vicarage, oil central heating was installed by the Diocese with the help of a grant from the Church Commissioners.

Woodrising Rectory was sold and is now in private ownership.

The patronage of the United Benefice is now vested in the Society for the Preservation of the Faith, The Electors of Cambridge University and Lord Verilum each taking it in turn.

The Church heating in Carbrooke has been improved by the use of paraffin background heaters worked on a time switch, which circulate warm air through the Church before the overhead Radiant Heaters are switched on. There is also a ‘Super Ser’ gas heater.

With regard to Scoulton, the paraffin heaters have been scrapped, and Mobile Calor Gas Heaters used, with the addition of a ‘Super Ser’ Gas heater.

Flower Festivals have been held in Carbrooke and Ovington, 2 at Scoulton and 2 at Woodrising.

An exhibition was staged in the Church , illustrating the history of the Order of St. John.

September 1st 1978

On Saturday August 26th, a Social Evening was held in the Village Hall at which a presentation was made to Rev. Tom Callender and to Mrs Callender to mark the Vicars retirement.

On August 28th the Vicar moved to Morley Syt Boltoph leaving Mr J.H. Page in charge of Church affairs, as Vice Chairman of the Parochial Church Council, and the Rev. Paul Dorman was to be Vicar in charge of the eight parishes.

Repairs to the roofs of the North and South aisles had already been commenced at an estimated cost of £14,000 plus. This sum eventually escalated to over £16,000. At that time around £1000 had been raised by various contributions.With a promised grant of 75% of the total cost promised by the Department of the Environment a somewhat formidable task confronted us.

A Church Bazaar arranged for Nov. 25th proved to be a great success, offers of help coming from all sides, and £265 profit being made. Various other money raising functions were arranged and with various grants made by sundry Charitable Institutions, coupled withan interest free loan from the Diocesan Board of Finance (To be repaid over a period of two years), full payment was made to the contractors and the Architect by June 1979.

During this period a full programme of services was maintained with the assistance of certain retired clergy and lay readers. Paul Dorman however appeared to lack concern for the parish of Carbrooke. The Rev.Cainck visited us in February with a view to accepting the Benefice and living in a bungalow in Ovington. (Carbrooke Vicarage having been on offer for sale and eventually sold.) However he turned down the offer on the grounds that the bungalow was too small. Perhaps the thought of eventually having the responsibility of eight parishes thrust upon him did not encourage his acceptance.

By this time the Rev. Peter Jefford of Watton was taking a great interest in the affairs of Carbrooke and giving increasing support and making arrangements for visiting priests and lay readers to assist with services.

At this time a Sunday School, under the title of ‘Sunday Club’ was started by Mrs Irene Smith, with the assistance of Capt. Ken Gaskell of the Church Army. It was also decided to introduce a Family Service on the second Sunday of the month with the children taking full a part in the service.

On July 29th a Patronal Festival service combined with a service of thanksgiving, for repairs having been completed, was held at Evensong. A large congreation attended with the centre of the Church and several side aisles being filled.

It was becoming apparent that we were not to have a resident priest, so a referendum of the members of Carbrooke Electoral Roll was taken and by a majority of 2-1 they elected to make a request to be linked with Watton under the Pastoral care of Rev. Peter Jefford.This request was put forward at a meeting of the Churchwardens of the eight parishes of the Breckles Group of parishes with the Bishop of Thetford, The Rural Dean, Rev. Dorman, and the Rev. Edgell from Hingham in attendance.(Peter Jefford being away on a course).

The representatives of Ovington expressed their wish to be considered for inclusion with Watton and Carbrooke and after lengthy discussion the Bishop of Thetford agreed to put this suggestion forward for consideration. This meeting was held in August and in October we were officially notified that Carbrooke and Ovington would be placed in the pastoral care of Peter Jefford.

During this period, on September 1st. tradgedy struck and John Ellis who had served as Churchwarden for a number of years died of a coronary. Clifford Hall agreed to combine his office of treasurer with that of Warden.

Work was by now proceeding, at a steady pace, on repairs to the Church tower.

Harvest Festival was held at Evensong on Oct. 9th. And proved to be a much more popular time. The centre of theChurch being filled to capacity and several in the South aisle.

The Bazaar has been established an annual event being a social get together as well as a money raising effort. £295 being raised for the renovation fund.

The Rev. Christopher Birdwood, a retired priest living at Necton undertook to officiate at Holy Communion on the first Sunday of each month and soon became endeared to us all.

On January 13th 1980 Peter Jefford was ‘Licenced’ by the Bishop of Lynn, the Church was filled nearly to capacity.

This month we introduced a new arrangement of services. First Sunday, Holy Communion, Second, Family Service, Third, Evensong, and Fourth, Holy Communion with a joint Evensong for the three parishes moving round to each in turn.

Work on the tower was completed in May and a combined service of Thanksgiving, Patronal Festival and a Flower Festival was arranged June 29th. (The cost of the repairs to the tower had been met.)This was a great occasion with the Bishop of Thetford giving the address.The Church was filled to capacity over 300 being present.

On August 24th. The three parishes were invited to lead a ‘ Songs of Praise’ service in Norwich Cathedral when the Watton choir sung anthems and members from each parish named their favorite Hymns and spoke for a few minutes as to why these were their favorites.

On September 3rd tradgedy struck again with the death of a very dear friend, Chris Birdwood. He had been in Addenbrookes hospital at Cambridge for several weeks, having had a leg amputated.

Harvest Festival was held on October 5th with the Rev. Hugh Edgell of Hingham presiding. The centre of the Church was completely full but it was felt that as Watton and Ovington were holding their services on the same evening the attendance suffered.

Several good friends serviced the Church bells and cleared much rubbish from the bell chamber. On November 6th. under the supervision of Professor Jaques Heyman of Cambridge, a team of bellringers rang the bells to ascertain the stability of the tower after its renovation.The occilation of the tower was recorded and it was pronounced safe to ring the bells on future occasions. This was the first ringing for over thirty years.

On Sunday November 30th a special ‘Advent Service’ was held for the three parishes and the church bells were rung again for around half an hour. This bought joy to the hearts of many and was followed by the service ‘ From Darkness to Light’, arranged by John Phoenix. The Watton choir once again supported us under the conducting of John and members of the three parishes gave readings appropriate for this special service. About 130 people attended. A Carol Service for the three parished was held on Dec. 30th. with children of the Sunday School performing a Nativity Play. Watton choir were again in attendance and readers from each parish read a series of nine lessons. Over 150 attended this service which was preceded by the ringing of the bells.

1981

On January 25th. we joined with Carbrooke Methodists in their Church for a ’Covenant Service’. The service was conducted by the Rev.Wills assisted by Rev. Peter Jefford.

At the 10.00 service on Sunday April 26th, the new Altar Gates given by Mrs Vera Ellis in memory of John Ellis who died in 1979, were dedicated by Peter Jefford.

During April the Mothers Union was re-established and regular meetings arranged for the first Wednesday in each month. On the first Sunday in August, the new A.S.B. was taken for regular use for Holy Communion Services. During the latter part of this month the organ was dismantled for a complete restoration by Mr David Goss of Brandon. Repairs were completed by October at a cost of just under £1500.

Last May, Thursday 21st the Royal School of Church Music chose our church to hold an evening course on the new A.S.B. music to the Sanderstead Setting, choir members and church members from the locality attended and the Rev. John Andrews Vicar of Mundford acted as celebrant whilst Michael Fleming  RSCM staff tutor conducted.

On September 30th the Church Commissioners notified us that the Bishop of Norwich had forwarded a scheme for the dissolution of the Benefice of Carbrooke, Ovington, Woodrising and Scoulton, and the creation of a new Benefice of Carbrooke and Ovington created. It was further proposed that the Benefice of Watton should be united with the new Benefice of Carbrooke and Ovington, this arrangement was confirmed by an Order in Council on November 24th by Her Majesty and published in the London Gazette on December 1st 1981. The Official notification is attached in this Log Book.


Contact

Page last Updated 09.10.20