Illustration Christine Fuller
The following report was published in the Yarmouth Independent on Saturday 28th June 1930:
FINE PARISH EFFORT
For the Recreation Ground at Great Ellingham
The grounds at the Hall Farm, Great Ellingham, lent by Mr T.F. Palmer, provided a charming setting on Wednesday for a fete for a recreation ground. The event was organised by Mr R.R. Fordham (hon. secretary), who received valuable help from Mr H. J. Pollard (hon treasurer), and a large number of workers. Mr Fordham has during the past two years raised about £150 for the object, and grants have been made by the National and County Playing Fields Associations. The cost of the ground is about £260, and it is hoped the proceeds of Wednesday’s effort will bring in the required amount.
The Rev. R.M. Boys (Rector) presided at the opening ceremony, supported by Miss Nugent (West Harling), Miss Violet Wing, Lt.-Com. and Mrs H.K. Garmer (Attleborough), Rev. W.E. Moore, Mr R.R. Fordham (hon. secretary), and Mr A.J. Pollard (hon. treasurer). Miss Nugent declared the fete open. Rev. Moore proposed thanks to Miss Nugent, who whose a bouquet was presented by Miss Irene Rivett.
The Rockland and District Band, under Bandmaster E.J. Beales, played and provided music for the dancing in the evening, for which Mr E.A Chilvers was M.C.
There was a programme of sports, and a concert in the Barn the Rev. Boys presided and the following contributed: Miss Audrey Fordham, Mr G.E.T. Allard (Attleborough), Mr F. Goddard, Mrs E. Chilvers and Mr R.J. Goddard
SHOW PRIZE WINNERS
A show of flowers and vegetables was judged by Mr Copeman of Attleborough, who placed winners as follows:
Carrots – 1. Rix, 2. R. Fox. Spring cabbages – 1. Hudson, 2. G Saunders. Potatoes – 1. Mrs Leeder, 2. A.J. Pollard. Shallots – 1. W. Filby, 2. Mrs Leeder. Peas – 1. G.H. Beales, 2. G. Saunders. Gooseberries – 1. Mrs Leeder, 2. R. Clarke. Strawberries – 1. G.H. Beales, 2. Mrs Leeder. Lettuces – 1. A.J. Pollard, 2. Mrs Leeder. Eggs (white) – 1. Claxton. Eggs (brown) – 1. E. Beales, 2. Claxton. Turkeys eggs – 1. Beales, 2. C. Hinkins. Butter – 1. Mrs Lebbell. Pot plants – 1 and 2 Mrs Leeder. Collection wild flowers – 1. Mary Pollard, 2. Joy Lee, 3. Doris Rayner
A small vase of Egyptian pea blooms, grown by the Rev. W.E. Moore, were the subject of much controversy and admiration. They were grown from seeds found in an Egyptian Mummy case, 3000 to 4000 years old, and seeds may be had when ripe at 4 for a penny, the proceeds to go to the recreation ground fund. Surplus goods and the flower and vegetable exhibits were disposed of by auction by Mr G.W. Trollope, of Watton, who generously gave his services for the cause.
The stall-holders were: Refreshments, Mrs Leeder and Mrs R. Dixon. Sweets, Mrs Fordham and Mrs Jaggs; ice cream, Mrs King, Mrs Rix and Mrs Clover; work stall, Mrs W Filby and Mrs Nickells; minerals, Mrs A.W. Lincoln; pound stall, Mrs H. Saunders and Mrs W.R. Lebbell, coconut shies, Mr Hector Saunders; Aunt Sally, Mr Buckle; bowling for leg of mutton, Mr E. Chilvers, bowling for ox tongue, Mr E. Chilvers; darts Mr R. Dixon and Mr R. Neave,; quoits, Mr W. Filby and Mr H. Saunders, junior; bean bag, Mr G. Saunders and Mr A Grant; hoop-la, Miss O Dixon; candle lighting, Mrs Chilvers and Mr G. Mace; hidden treasure, Mr G. Beales and Mr P.L. Smith; bran tub, Mrs Hudson; number of cherries in cake, Miss F. Rivett; doll’s name, Miss L. Lebbell; peas in bottle, Miss Alma [?], guessing treasure’s weight, Mr W.R. Lebbell; frog race, Mr A.J. Pollard; skittles, Mr E. Beales
THE SPORTS
Winners of the juvenile sports events – Boys under 10 – 1. J. Collins, 2. A. Halls, 3. J. Fordham. Girls under 10 – 1. Joan Grant, 2. Elsie Leech, 3. A. Saunder. Boys 10 to 12- 1. J. Lebanon, 2. Roy Clarke, 3. W. Lebbell. Girls (10 to 12), 1. Joy Lee, 2. Ivy Studd, 3. Ethel Edwards. Boys (12 to 14) – 1. G. Beales, 2. S. Lincoln, 3. A. Grant. Girls (12 to 14), 1. V. Smith, 2. E. Grant, 3. M. Banham. Boys three-legged race – 1. S. Lincoln and R. Skitmore, 2. A. Grant and G. Beales
Illustration Christine Fuller
Source: 28 June 1930 Yarmouth Independent accessed via The British Newspaper Archive