Post by JEM on Dec 11, 2007 23:44:37 GMT
SILVER THREADS. PART. 1 1962 - 1979
///////////////////////////////////////////////////
Read by 31 people previously before being moved to this new board.
History of Four Acres Community 1962-2005
############################
This is a words only edition of the official history of this community
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The original can be printed off and sent to you by post for £8 it contains 33 pages with 82 illustrations many coloured. It lists the residents who have lived at Four Acres, Outings, special birthdays and anniversaries and several poems by residents.
First published 1988. Rewritten and re published 2000 Updated 2005
IN THE BEGINNING GOD CREATED
###############################
FOUR ACRES COMMUNITY Sheltered Housing at Saffron Walden was built by Saffron Walden Borough Council in 1962 on a T shaped corner of land on a site at the back of Audley Road with South Road which was actually 3½ acres and for some years had been used by a Nursery which was located between East Street and Audley Road known in it’s later years as VERTS. It is now located as New Croft. They used the T shaped site for growing fruit trees and roses. The site’s earlier inhabitants included ants which years later still plague the ground floor flats each summer.
The impetus for this experiment which has since been followed and improved upon by other local authorities was the been to clear slum dwellings, an provided improved basic accommodation for elderly and infirm people.
It rose also out of the Christian heart and conscience of a number of Christian Borough Councillors of all parties to create a community where the elderly would be properly cared for and looked after. .Christian Ministers Eric Raynor, David Monkton, Horace Webb and Dennis Horwood were often at social events in the early years and from 1962 onwards for over 40 years there was a monthly worship service at the Common Room, for a long time a Prayer Meeting was held at Ethel Swan’s home at 28, and various Christians have served as Wardens or on social committees and that continues to be so although services ceased in 2005 when attendance had dropped to 2 or 3.-
The complex included a Warden’s house, a Common room with kitchen, toilets. storage rooms and a guest room, which in later years served as a Warden’s Office, 2 semi-detached houses, 4 bungalows, 9 blocks of 4 flats, some single bedroom and some double, 2 at ground floor, 2 at first floor, and on the South West corner of the site was built under the auspices of the Essex County Council, a home for Elderly People called Stanley Wilson Lodge, named after Sidney Stanley Wilson, Alderman, Mayor, Justice of the Peace and County Councillor, a life long Christian Socialist.
At the centre of the complex was laid out a spacious patio terrace with paved floor, flower beds, a fish pond with a fountain and a stork like stone statue, surrounded by a hedge, beyond which was a large lawn in which were planted various plain trees, flowering trees, and conifers, and a paved path crossed the site.
This garden was laid out at the expense of Saffron Walden & District Co-operative Society, to mark their Diamond Jubilee in 1962.
The credit for the building of this complex goes largely to the Borough Engineer and Surveyor Mr T W Cloughton, M. I. Mun. E.
Invitations were issued to residents and guests for an official opening on July 5th 1963, for which a large marquee was erected for refreshments along with use of Stanley Wilson Lodge and the Common Room and it was expected that our local Member of Parliament Richard Austen Butler would perform the task. In the event Parliamentary business made it impossible for him to attend, and the complex, home and garden was opened by the Rt. Hon. Bernard Brain, MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health, accompanied by Ald.
Joy Hawkins, at that time Mayor.
The first residents had occupied the flats on the South side, the first to be completed, from 1962 onwards. Amongst the very first to arrive were neighbours Mrs. C A Reed and Miss D Holttum. Mrs Reed died in 1987 and Miss Holttum died in 1994.
Twelve seats were presented by members and former members of the Council, some in the patio gardens, and others around the site, made from Burma Teak as was the name board. The seats were made by R W Osborne who charged only for the materials. The Countryside Association presented 8 dozen rose trees. The Rt. Hon R A Butler MP presented shrubs (which were rooted out in 1986 and replaced with more rose trees). “Men of the Trees” of Cambridge donated trees.
Mr John Jossaume donated the grass turf. The Rotary Club and Toc H made special donations. Saffron Walden Round Table presented a television set for the Common Room and paid the licence
Clayden Ltd presented the name board. Mrs H M Bruno of Hadstock presented a piano to the Common Room.
Also present at the official opening was Sir George Chaplin, Chairman of the Essex County Council.
When first built there was no footpath alongside the roadway as it was thought that only delivery vans would use the road. The path was added later after residents complained that drivers of cars refused to make way for them. This explains why the roadway today is so narrow.
THE PEOPLE WHO MADE THE COMMUNITY
###########################################
The post of Warden was advertised, and offered at £200 a year, plus rent-rates-free accommodation, and extra payments for Night Duty to Mrs Ceinwen Duckhouse SRN, CM...who declined it. The post was readvertised and 13 applications were received but only one applicant turned up for the interview and proved to be unsuitable. Eventually in December 1963 Mrs Margurerite.H. Walker, (50) of London Road, was appointed, having served 6 years in Jamaica and India looking after Forces families and having taken courses in home nursing and first aid.
The first committee of residents formed included Mrs A M MacMeekan, Mrs Ethel D Swan, Miss A Banks, Miss F A Jones, and Mr W S Palmer. That committee organised the first of many outings, this was in the summer of 1964 to Finchingfield. Also in 1964 Mrs Walker, with her husband and family organised the first of what became for many years the Annual Christmas Party. Her daughter, a nurse in London, made all the decorations and came down especially to help.
This and most subsequent Christmas Parties were recorded in photographs along with outings and other events down the years by a continuous group of professional and amateur photographers including David Campbell, Gordon Ridgewell, Jim Taylor, Fred Cox, George Moore, Fred Woodley, Sydney Maddams, and John Maddams, and donated to the Four Acres Albums which by 2000AD numbered ten. These were first organised by Nora Cox and after her retirement by John Maddams.
Many groups have visited Four Acres to entertain the residents and one of the first, in 1965 were the Moderna Dancers organised by Mrs Joyce MacElroy of Audley Road, which was formed in 1964. They presented a programme of ballet dancing
Another first of many celebrations was the Diamond Wedding Anniversary of Emily and William Parrish , both 82, although at the time Emily was in hospital at Cambridge. Both were natives of Walden. William in 1965 was a part time Engineer’s porter and they had 3 daughters, 6 sons, 21 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.
THE BEGINNING OF SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
###################################
In 1965 Residents were entertained by a visit of the Women’s Institute Choir
accompanied by Mr John Dyer, with a duet on recorders by Miss Celia Pitstow and Miss Heather Dyer. Some 30 residents attended and the W.I, served them with refreshments.
The 1965 Christmas Party was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress, The Town Clerk-Mr H C Stacey, the Vicar- Eric Raynor, and his wife, Mrs Kitty Wilson, and 40 of the 58 residents. Entertainment included songs by a resident and by visiting guitarists.
During the Summer of 1965 team members of Saffron Walden Crusade held at the Town Hall visited the residents. Our records record little in 1966 apart from general pictures of the grounds, but the annual Christmas Party took place. In 1967 a troop of Morris Men came a dancing around the circle of the roadway.
UNDER THE WATCH OF NORA COX
################################
By 1967 a new face appears in the Albums, that of Mrs Nora Cox the second Warden who diligently served the residents until her retirement in 1983.
After her retirement she became a Resident in one of the flats and continued serving actively in the Darby and Joan Club, running Whist Drives, and caring for various residents, until her death.
Nora was assisted over the years by her husband, Fred, her son Robert, a series of Deputy Wardens, her committee and a band of willing helpers.
Amongst the men active on the site in those early years were Mr Jack Ling, Mr John Negus, Mr Albert Cornell, and the long irrepressible Mr Jim Taylor.
In 1968 the residents visited the new home of their first and now retired warden and also visited Felixstowe. Mr Gerald Walker of Moores Coaches took them on a tour of Clacton and Walton. Mr George Moore, for 30 years Town Hall keeper and Mace bearer , and an active member of Toc H became a resident. Members of Toc H visited Four Acres and organised a Social Evening in 1968. Guests of honour at the 1968 Christmas Party were the Mayor Brig. Wakeford and the Mayoress Mrs M Miller. The Christmas presents were concealed in an artificial Snowman In 1969, Jack and Mabel Ling went to the Common Room lounge thinking that they were going to a Bring and Buy stall, but it turned out to be a party to celebrate their Golden Wedding anniversary when Alderman David Miller presented them with a Coffee Table bought by their fellow residents.
During 1969 a coach party visited Wells Cathedral
For 1970 we have a picture of some residents clad for the Tramps Supper and the picture directly below was taken during that year too and sometimes as senior Anglican Clergymen
For many years a popular annual event was the Easter Bonnets parade party on Easter Saturday with the men attired as well as the ladies with a wide variety of fanciful creations the best of which received prizes.
Our albums record many such groups some of which got into the local newspapers Jim Taylor, Fred Cox and George Moore could often be mistaken for Jin, Freda, and Georgina attired in ‘ drag ‘ as beautifully attired ladies
On one occasion Jim appeared in a night-shirt and night-cap, carrying a po.
The Common Room was well used mid-week for cards, and alternating weeks for bingo or whist.
GREEN FINGERS AND NATURAL HABITAT
#####################################
Some residents participated in Best Kept Garden Competitions. One or two newcomers set the trend for flower boxes on balconies and now it is rare not to have balconies aflame with colour most of the year from tubs, pots, bowls, and hanging baskets. At least two tenants have successively grown tomatoes on their balconies
Similarly downstairs from one originator tenants
have extended bedding strips or set up pots or tubs while some have added bulbs to the community flower beds.
A variety of wild life has visited the site pheasants, ducks, hedgehogs, frogs, doves, magpies, pigeons, a growing colony of grey squirrels, and a not so wild wide assortment of cats. Throughout the year a wide range of small birds come and go. Thrushes, starlings, blackbirds, sparrows, wrens, blue tits, great tits, yellowhammers, green finch, bullfinch, robins. Quite an assortment of butterflies have been seen here, plus ladybirds, spiders, ants, bees, wasps, and a wider range of insects. Many of their ancestors were here before humans took over the site.
Public and private gardens provide a feast of colour from Spring through to Autumn.
LINKS WITH LOCAL SCHOOLS
##########################
The closeness of R A Butler Infants and Junior Schools, and links of a couple of residents with Katherine Semar Infant’s School brought regular visits from children bearing gifts of harvest produce, or to perform Nativity plays or to sing carols, together with invitations and opportunities to visit school fetes, plays, concerts, sports events and galas. It has always been a joy to see children and parents back and forth twice a day during term time to the two schools. Although at times the congestion of cars bringing and collecting children has caused difficulties..
INTO THE 1970’s
##############
In 1971 residents enjoyed an outing to Hunstanton and Mari Miller the Mayoress cut the beautiful Christmas Cake. The old TV set from the Common Room was sold for £5.
The Silver Wedding anniversary of Jim & Mabel Taylor was celebrated, 32 residents visited the Wembley Ice Show, there was a mini-bus outing to Birdbrooke and the Ickleton Women’s Institute Concert Party entertained
In 1972 several residents took part in a Four Acres entry into the Carnival Procession and there were outings to Clacton and Weymouth.
The Golden wedding of Mr & Mrs Gunter was celebrated and Miss Bowtle’s 90th Birthday, and residents paid a visit to the local Scout Gang Show, and received a visit from the Ickleton Handbell. Ringers. During 1972 the Borough Council had gas fired central heating installed to all the households from two main power boilers.
In April 1973 Dorothy & Horace Braybrooke’s Golden Wedding was celebrated and an outing to Hunstanton took place. From the Common Room Fund was purchased 42 Alex Alarms and batteries to operate them.
In 1974 a visit was made by some to Gretna Green, but we don’t think they all went for marriage. Mr Sydney Maddams died in March. He had been a mechanic, lorry driver & tool maker for many years at Acrow Engineers Ltd. He used to make excellent wooden toys.
Later in the year a dual Golden Wedding Anniversary party was held for Tom & Lily Hillman and Stan and Elsie Mallyon In 1975 some residents visited Virginia Water and an enjoyable Fish & Chip Supper was held.
1976 included Summer outings to Totham & Maldon, a weekend in Wales, and instead of the traditional Christmas Tree, we had a old rugged branch with a partridge in it, referring to the “partridge in a pear tree” from the carol “
The 12 Days of Christmas”. Guests included Mayor Stephen Neville and Rev Denis Horwood, Baptist Minister. Residents donated £20 to Arthritis & Rheumatism Council for Research and £120 to the Society for Mucopolysaccharide Diseases’
THE QUEEN’S SILVER JUBILEE
###########################
In 1977 Four Acres joined in the National Celebrations of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee
This was marked by the planting by George Moore, Nora Cox, Rev Dennis Horwood and Mr R F Scaife ,for the District Council, of 2 rhododendron bushes in tubs outside the Common Room in front of an assemblage of residents. The bushes subsequently died in the severe frosts of the winter of 1985 and
were replaced by small conifers .by Bob Smith. Celebrations were continued by residents of Four Acres and Stanley Wilson Lodge being seated on chairs on the grass verge by South Road pavement to watch the passing of the Carnival Procession gaily waving their German national flags as the shop had run out of Union Jacks. Four Acres was well decorated for the occasion and tea was provided in the Common Room after the procession. This year there had been an outing to the Bulb Fields l at Spalding Lincs.
THE SEVENTIES DRAW TO A CLOSE.
##################################
In 1978 a day coach tour of London was enjoyed, with a picnic tea inside the coach parked on the Victoria Embankment by the Thames.
On June 24th the first wedding at Four Acres
took place when Ken Spall married Eileen
Nickolson , Sadly Four Acres’ great friend, George Moore, died on July 27th. In August the deputy warden, Doreen Culver from Thaxted Road retired and a presentation was made to her. She continued serving for years more in the Darby & Joan Club.
Later in the year a Halloween Supper was held & £39 was donated to the Addenbrooks Kidney Patients Association. Some friends visited Hatherley House to celebrate with Minnie Rushforth her 100th birthday while at Four Acres . Mrs Ruby Emery’s 90th birthday was celebrated.
In 1979 residents toured Constable Country visiting Flatford Mill and in October one of our old original residents, Dorothy Holttum presented us with a copy of the hymn she had composed entitled “ON THE WAY” which was framed & placed, on the Common Room mantle piece..
On October 18th 1979 the funeral took place of Mr Fred Cox who had lost both his legs, and at the service the hymn “The Old Rugged Cross” was sung. He had sung it himself not long before he died. In his memory the residents contributed a special chair in the Common Room which bears a plate inscribed “Presented by the Residents of Four Acres in memory of Frederick Cox October 1979”
///////////////////////////////////////////////////
Read by 31 people previously before being moved to this new board.
History of Four Acres Community 1962-2005
############################
This is a words only edition of the official history of this community
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The original can be printed off and sent to you by post for £8 it contains 33 pages with 82 illustrations many coloured. It lists the residents who have lived at Four Acres, Outings, special birthdays and anniversaries and several poems by residents.
First published 1988. Rewritten and re published 2000 Updated 2005
IN THE BEGINNING GOD CREATED
###############################
FOUR ACRES COMMUNITY Sheltered Housing at Saffron Walden was built by Saffron Walden Borough Council in 1962 on a T shaped corner of land on a site at the back of Audley Road with South Road which was actually 3½ acres and for some years had been used by a Nursery which was located between East Street and Audley Road known in it’s later years as VERTS. It is now located as New Croft. They used the T shaped site for growing fruit trees and roses. The site’s earlier inhabitants included ants which years later still plague the ground floor flats each summer.
The impetus for this experiment which has since been followed and improved upon by other local authorities was the been to clear slum dwellings, an provided improved basic accommodation for elderly and infirm people.
It rose also out of the Christian heart and conscience of a number of Christian Borough Councillors of all parties to create a community where the elderly would be properly cared for and looked after. .Christian Ministers Eric Raynor, David Monkton, Horace Webb and Dennis Horwood were often at social events in the early years and from 1962 onwards for over 40 years there was a monthly worship service at the Common Room, for a long time a Prayer Meeting was held at Ethel Swan’s home at 28, and various Christians have served as Wardens or on social committees and that continues to be so although services ceased in 2005 when attendance had dropped to 2 or 3.-
The complex included a Warden’s house, a Common room with kitchen, toilets. storage rooms and a guest room, which in later years served as a Warden’s Office, 2 semi-detached houses, 4 bungalows, 9 blocks of 4 flats, some single bedroom and some double, 2 at ground floor, 2 at first floor, and on the South West corner of the site was built under the auspices of the Essex County Council, a home for Elderly People called Stanley Wilson Lodge, named after Sidney Stanley Wilson, Alderman, Mayor, Justice of the Peace and County Councillor, a life long Christian Socialist.
At the centre of the complex was laid out a spacious patio terrace with paved floor, flower beds, a fish pond with a fountain and a stork like stone statue, surrounded by a hedge, beyond which was a large lawn in which were planted various plain trees, flowering trees, and conifers, and a paved path crossed the site.
This garden was laid out at the expense of Saffron Walden & District Co-operative Society, to mark their Diamond Jubilee in 1962.
The credit for the building of this complex goes largely to the Borough Engineer and Surveyor Mr T W Cloughton, M. I. Mun. E.
Invitations were issued to residents and guests for an official opening on July 5th 1963, for which a large marquee was erected for refreshments along with use of Stanley Wilson Lodge and the Common Room and it was expected that our local Member of Parliament Richard Austen Butler would perform the task. In the event Parliamentary business made it impossible for him to attend, and the complex, home and garden was opened by the Rt. Hon. Bernard Brain, MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health, accompanied by Ald.
Joy Hawkins, at that time Mayor.
The first residents had occupied the flats on the South side, the first to be completed, from 1962 onwards. Amongst the very first to arrive were neighbours Mrs. C A Reed and Miss D Holttum. Mrs Reed died in 1987 and Miss Holttum died in 1994.
Twelve seats were presented by members and former members of the Council, some in the patio gardens, and others around the site, made from Burma Teak as was the name board. The seats were made by R W Osborne who charged only for the materials. The Countryside Association presented 8 dozen rose trees. The Rt. Hon R A Butler MP presented shrubs (which were rooted out in 1986 and replaced with more rose trees). “Men of the Trees” of Cambridge donated trees.
Mr John Jossaume donated the grass turf. The Rotary Club and Toc H made special donations. Saffron Walden Round Table presented a television set for the Common Room and paid the licence
Clayden Ltd presented the name board. Mrs H M Bruno of Hadstock presented a piano to the Common Room.
Also present at the official opening was Sir George Chaplin, Chairman of the Essex County Council.
When first built there was no footpath alongside the roadway as it was thought that only delivery vans would use the road. The path was added later after residents complained that drivers of cars refused to make way for them. This explains why the roadway today is so narrow.
THE PEOPLE WHO MADE THE COMMUNITY
###########################################
The post of Warden was advertised, and offered at £200 a year, plus rent-rates-free accommodation, and extra payments for Night Duty to Mrs Ceinwen Duckhouse SRN, CM...who declined it. The post was readvertised and 13 applications were received but only one applicant turned up for the interview and proved to be unsuitable. Eventually in December 1963 Mrs Margurerite.H. Walker, (50) of London Road, was appointed, having served 6 years in Jamaica and India looking after Forces families and having taken courses in home nursing and first aid.
The first committee of residents formed included Mrs A M MacMeekan, Mrs Ethel D Swan, Miss A Banks, Miss F A Jones, and Mr W S Palmer. That committee organised the first of many outings, this was in the summer of 1964 to Finchingfield. Also in 1964 Mrs Walker, with her husband and family organised the first of what became for many years the Annual Christmas Party. Her daughter, a nurse in London, made all the decorations and came down especially to help.
This and most subsequent Christmas Parties were recorded in photographs along with outings and other events down the years by a continuous group of professional and amateur photographers including David Campbell, Gordon Ridgewell, Jim Taylor, Fred Cox, George Moore, Fred Woodley, Sydney Maddams, and John Maddams, and donated to the Four Acres Albums which by 2000AD numbered ten. These were first organised by Nora Cox and after her retirement by John Maddams.
Many groups have visited Four Acres to entertain the residents and one of the first, in 1965 were the Moderna Dancers organised by Mrs Joyce MacElroy of Audley Road, which was formed in 1964. They presented a programme of ballet dancing
Another first of many celebrations was the Diamond Wedding Anniversary of Emily and William Parrish , both 82, although at the time Emily was in hospital at Cambridge. Both were natives of Walden. William in 1965 was a part time Engineer’s porter and they had 3 daughters, 6 sons, 21 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.
THE BEGINNING OF SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
###################################
In 1965 Residents were entertained by a visit of the Women’s Institute Choir
accompanied by Mr John Dyer, with a duet on recorders by Miss Celia Pitstow and Miss Heather Dyer. Some 30 residents attended and the W.I, served them with refreshments.
The 1965 Christmas Party was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress, The Town Clerk-Mr H C Stacey, the Vicar- Eric Raynor, and his wife, Mrs Kitty Wilson, and 40 of the 58 residents. Entertainment included songs by a resident and by visiting guitarists.
During the Summer of 1965 team members of Saffron Walden Crusade held at the Town Hall visited the residents. Our records record little in 1966 apart from general pictures of the grounds, but the annual Christmas Party took place. In 1967 a troop of Morris Men came a dancing around the circle of the roadway.
UNDER THE WATCH OF NORA COX
################################
By 1967 a new face appears in the Albums, that of Mrs Nora Cox the second Warden who diligently served the residents until her retirement in 1983.
After her retirement she became a Resident in one of the flats and continued serving actively in the Darby and Joan Club, running Whist Drives, and caring for various residents, until her death.
Nora was assisted over the years by her husband, Fred, her son Robert, a series of Deputy Wardens, her committee and a band of willing helpers.
Amongst the men active on the site in those early years were Mr Jack Ling, Mr John Negus, Mr Albert Cornell, and the long irrepressible Mr Jim Taylor.
In 1968 the residents visited the new home of their first and now retired warden and also visited Felixstowe. Mr Gerald Walker of Moores Coaches took them on a tour of Clacton and Walton. Mr George Moore, for 30 years Town Hall keeper and Mace bearer , and an active member of Toc H became a resident. Members of Toc H visited Four Acres and organised a Social Evening in 1968. Guests of honour at the 1968 Christmas Party were the Mayor Brig. Wakeford and the Mayoress Mrs M Miller. The Christmas presents were concealed in an artificial Snowman In 1969, Jack and Mabel Ling went to the Common Room lounge thinking that they were going to a Bring and Buy stall, but it turned out to be a party to celebrate their Golden Wedding anniversary when Alderman David Miller presented them with a Coffee Table bought by their fellow residents.
During 1969 a coach party visited Wells Cathedral
For 1970 we have a picture of some residents clad for the Tramps Supper and the picture directly below was taken during that year too and sometimes as senior Anglican Clergymen
For many years a popular annual event was the Easter Bonnets parade party on Easter Saturday with the men attired as well as the ladies with a wide variety of fanciful creations the best of which received prizes.
Our albums record many such groups some of which got into the local newspapers Jim Taylor, Fred Cox and George Moore could often be mistaken for Jin, Freda, and Georgina attired in ‘ drag ‘ as beautifully attired ladies
On one occasion Jim appeared in a night-shirt and night-cap, carrying a po.
The Common Room was well used mid-week for cards, and alternating weeks for bingo or whist.
GREEN FINGERS AND NATURAL HABITAT
#####################################
Some residents participated in Best Kept Garden Competitions. One or two newcomers set the trend for flower boxes on balconies and now it is rare not to have balconies aflame with colour most of the year from tubs, pots, bowls, and hanging baskets. At least two tenants have successively grown tomatoes on their balconies
Similarly downstairs from one originator tenants
have extended bedding strips or set up pots or tubs while some have added bulbs to the community flower beds.
A variety of wild life has visited the site pheasants, ducks, hedgehogs, frogs, doves, magpies, pigeons, a growing colony of grey squirrels, and a not so wild wide assortment of cats. Throughout the year a wide range of small birds come and go. Thrushes, starlings, blackbirds, sparrows, wrens, blue tits, great tits, yellowhammers, green finch, bullfinch, robins. Quite an assortment of butterflies have been seen here, plus ladybirds, spiders, ants, bees, wasps, and a wider range of insects. Many of their ancestors were here before humans took over the site.
Public and private gardens provide a feast of colour from Spring through to Autumn.
LINKS WITH LOCAL SCHOOLS
##########################
The closeness of R A Butler Infants and Junior Schools, and links of a couple of residents with Katherine Semar Infant’s School brought regular visits from children bearing gifts of harvest produce, or to perform Nativity plays or to sing carols, together with invitations and opportunities to visit school fetes, plays, concerts, sports events and galas. It has always been a joy to see children and parents back and forth twice a day during term time to the two schools. Although at times the congestion of cars bringing and collecting children has caused difficulties..
INTO THE 1970’s
##############
In 1971 residents enjoyed an outing to Hunstanton and Mari Miller the Mayoress cut the beautiful Christmas Cake. The old TV set from the Common Room was sold for £5.
The Silver Wedding anniversary of Jim & Mabel Taylor was celebrated, 32 residents visited the Wembley Ice Show, there was a mini-bus outing to Birdbrooke and the Ickleton Women’s Institute Concert Party entertained
In 1972 several residents took part in a Four Acres entry into the Carnival Procession and there were outings to Clacton and Weymouth.
The Golden wedding of Mr & Mrs Gunter was celebrated and Miss Bowtle’s 90th Birthday, and residents paid a visit to the local Scout Gang Show, and received a visit from the Ickleton Handbell. Ringers. During 1972 the Borough Council had gas fired central heating installed to all the households from two main power boilers.
In April 1973 Dorothy & Horace Braybrooke’s Golden Wedding was celebrated and an outing to Hunstanton took place. From the Common Room Fund was purchased 42 Alex Alarms and batteries to operate them.
In 1974 a visit was made by some to Gretna Green, but we don’t think they all went for marriage. Mr Sydney Maddams died in March. He had been a mechanic, lorry driver & tool maker for many years at Acrow Engineers Ltd. He used to make excellent wooden toys.
Later in the year a dual Golden Wedding Anniversary party was held for Tom & Lily Hillman and Stan and Elsie Mallyon In 1975 some residents visited Virginia Water and an enjoyable Fish & Chip Supper was held.
1976 included Summer outings to Totham & Maldon, a weekend in Wales, and instead of the traditional Christmas Tree, we had a old rugged branch with a partridge in it, referring to the “partridge in a pear tree” from the carol “
The 12 Days of Christmas”. Guests included Mayor Stephen Neville and Rev Denis Horwood, Baptist Minister. Residents donated £20 to Arthritis & Rheumatism Council for Research and £120 to the Society for Mucopolysaccharide Diseases’
THE QUEEN’S SILVER JUBILEE
###########################
In 1977 Four Acres joined in the National Celebrations of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee
This was marked by the planting by George Moore, Nora Cox, Rev Dennis Horwood and Mr R F Scaife ,for the District Council, of 2 rhododendron bushes in tubs outside the Common Room in front of an assemblage of residents. The bushes subsequently died in the severe frosts of the winter of 1985 and
were replaced by small conifers .by Bob Smith. Celebrations were continued by residents of Four Acres and Stanley Wilson Lodge being seated on chairs on the grass verge by South Road pavement to watch the passing of the Carnival Procession gaily waving their German national flags as the shop had run out of Union Jacks. Four Acres was well decorated for the occasion and tea was provided in the Common Room after the procession. This year there had been an outing to the Bulb Fields l at Spalding Lincs.
THE SEVENTIES DRAW TO A CLOSE.
##################################
In 1978 a day coach tour of London was enjoyed, with a picnic tea inside the coach parked on the Victoria Embankment by the Thames.
On June 24th the first wedding at Four Acres
took place when Ken Spall married Eileen
Nickolson , Sadly Four Acres’ great friend, George Moore, died on July 27th. In August the deputy warden, Doreen Culver from Thaxted Road retired and a presentation was made to her. She continued serving for years more in the Darby & Joan Club.
Later in the year a Halloween Supper was held & £39 was donated to the Addenbrooks Kidney Patients Association. Some friends visited Hatherley House to celebrate with Minnie Rushforth her 100th birthday while at Four Acres . Mrs Ruby Emery’s 90th birthday was celebrated.
In 1979 residents toured Constable Country visiting Flatford Mill and in October one of our old original residents, Dorothy Holttum presented us with a copy of the hymn she had composed entitled “ON THE WAY” which was framed & placed, on the Common Room mantle piece..
On October 18th 1979 the funeral took place of Mr Fred Cox who had lost both his legs, and at the service the hymn “The Old Rugged Cross” was sung. He had sung it himself not long before he died. In his memory the residents contributed a special chair in the Common Room which bears a plate inscribed “Presented by the Residents of Four Acres in memory of Frederick Cox October 1979”