The heavy plastic curtains over the porch to the former Methodist Chapel concealed a big surprise! More pictures in “rest of this entry”.
The mulled wine is carefully mixed….
….and through the windows of the old chapel…..
….there are signs of mince pies being loaded on to plates!
Click here to listen to Father Christmas playing carols.
A few memories of the former Methodist Chapel, already published on this website, are repeated here:
The Chapel can be seen in this photograph from about 1910, when a small cottage stood in front of it. This was demolished not long afterwards and the Chapel entrance gate and brick pillars were installed. In the 1950s the Chapel had a considerable congregation, enjoying regular Sunday services taken by visiting Ministers. The then Methodists were clearly keen gardeners and at Harvest Festival the Chapel was filled with fine vegetables of all kinds. On the Monday following the service of thanksgiving, the Chapel was crowded with villagers for the auction of the produce. “Who’ll start me at tuppence for this fine marrow…..threepence……sixpence……a shilling”. This often became very competitive, causing great enjoyment and a useful increase in Chapel funds.
Parish Councillors in the 1970s, discussing the planning application to convert the Chapel to a house. From left to right: Harry Reynolds (who lived nearby in the property now named “Harry’s Cottage”), Tom Stallabrass and Emma Cave (then Sulgrave Church organist).
Colin Wootton
Well done again Colin. It was a different Advent Window.
Celia & John Stimpson
Always wondered if the gent standing outside the cottage in front of the Chapel was a relation. When I was very young the cottage was occupied by my Paternal Grand Mother’s sister, a Wade. Frederick Wade, my Great Uncle who is named on the War Memorial also lived there but I have never seen any family pictures.