Memories of 1953


Memories of 1953 from Ann, Wife of the Rector,


Revd Geoffrey Griffith


Coming to Waddington in 1953 was a joy, Geoffrey’s first parish after a curacy in Hull.  Imagine coming to a village like Waddington with a half-built church, all planning regulations taken care of, just the fun of seeing the roof put of and furnishing inside.


Geoffrey’s predecessor, Paul Watkins, had done a marvellous planning job.

The joy of getting a lovely piece of blue carpet from the queens coronation in Westminster Abbey – no East window but two brackets on which have been lovely floriferous arrangements by countless experts over the years.  The cork floor was lovingly polished every week by Fred Pinchbeck and shone with a warm glow. 

A robin built her nest in the ‘Altar’ wall of the then Lady Chapel.

 

The day of the dedication seems to have passed from my mind – a blur of happiness – but the Church, the Body of Christ in this (then) small village grew in numbers and outreach.  A series of healing prayers was instigated and praying for mission with CMS: a good strong choir sang lustily (their cassocks made by the sewing ladies).

Does anyone remember the Hungarian refugees? The church was able to buy and furnish a house near the station for a couple who lived there several years. The churchyard full of broken gravestones, was dug by Geoffrey and anyone staying at the rectory that weekend) to make it the greensward it is today…I could go on and on.


I send my love and best wishes for this festival day.

Ann Griffith

Parish Church Committee (1954)

Rector’s Warden – Mr Gunning

People’s Warden – Mr Gibson

Hon. Treas – Mr Clarke

Hon. Sec Mr Coates


The total cost for building the new Church was £27,581 and 13 shillings. The annual Diocesan ‘tribute’ was then £106. Because of the special circumstances in 1954 it was reduced to £95.