AN INTERESTING "WEEK"

1916. March 15^th, Wednesday, I had an invitation from Mr Wood, Mus. Bac. of All Saints Church, Wellingborough to meet Sir Frederick Bridone, Organist of Westminster Abbey. I went by Bus to “Central Hall” where the distribution of “Prizes” took place. Sir Frederick made a speech, Miss Tinkler, Principal of Ladies Council Schools, and Mr Newman, Builder was Chairman, the lady presenting Certificates. I had a chat with Sir Frederick afterwards about Thomas Britton the small Coal man and friend of Handel’s. I found Britton’s Baptism mentioned in our Church Register and sent Copy to Sir Frederick which he said he was sure it was correct and that the late Mr Edwards, Editor of the “Musical Times” would have been delighted, he also said that Trinity College, London, was making great strides and that the other Colleges were jealous.

STANWICK CHURCH SPIRE AND WEATHERCOCK

On Friday March 17^th 1916 the Foreman, Mr Mills, of Messrs Thompsons firm of Peterborough, invited me to go and see the Weather vane fixed. I went over, a beautiful day, like Spring. Rev. Richards asked me to play at the Service which I did our Hymn 242, “We love the place, O God” and I extemporised two voluntaries. Mr Blacknell Junior fixed the weathercock at 4.50. Photographs were taken in Rectory Yard of the men, also from the top. Joseph Enos Smith.

Sunday September 17^th 1916. The Rev. E. Braley of Nottingham, late Curate at Rushden Parish Church, preached 3 times, in the afternoon a very large Congregation of Friendly Societies etc. filled the Church, the Choirboys had to stand in front of their choir seats to allow some of the men to sit, the Choir ladies 6 of them also had to stand throughout the Service. Large Congregation in Evening too. I think the afternoon was the largest Congregation  but one since I have been organist here, over 41 years. The largest was about 30 years ago at the end of a great Mission which Bishop Magee preached, people sat all along the front of the altar on the steps and around the organ. I had one beside me on the organ stool. J. E. Smith.