CHRIST CHURCH CHURCH HALL

Story from the past

By Mary Avenell

Where's the French Chalk?

I wonder how many of you remember the socials and New Year's Eve parties held in the church rooms in South Road?  No discos and flashing lights in those days.  Instead we danced the veleta and progressive barn dance to the music of the Brownings' Band.

The Browning family were very talented.  Mrs Browning played the piano whilst her sons played piano-accordion and drums.  Mr Browning was Master of Ceremonies.  The wooden church room floor was very rough and plenty of French chalk was needed before we could begin to dance.  We played team games and quizzes and it was a lovely family atmosphere with Mums, Dads and teenagers all joining in the fun.

Food was not so plentiful in those days so Mrs Petter's iced sponge cakes and her home-made ice cream topped with chocolate and served in paper cases were a great treat.

On New Year's Eve my uncle, Reg Foulsham (who was also a brilliant pianist) led us into a conga.  Round and round the hall we danced, then he led us behind the stage, down the stone stairs into the basement, past the boiler room, through the vestry and into Christ Church.  When seated, we celebrated a midnight service to welcome in the New year.