All Souls Church, Birchfield, Stafford.

[David Baugh]

I've got you now, David. You used to come over to our house from time to time. You're right, my Dad was in Sweden for a lot of the time between about 1947 and 1952. Do you remember the horrible little old man in the choir at All Souls who kept prodding the kids while we were singing and hissing, "Look at yer books! Look at yer books!" He did it once too often to me one Sunday, and I turned round and let him have a mouthful. Mr Liney must have heard it, but never said a word to me!

My brother Mike now lives in Sheffield.

G

Hi Big Gee I do rember that man. mr Clarke we called. him nobby do you recall the Durrant brothers Harold and Fred a little older than me unfortunately Fred passed away I think we were paid 3 /9 pence a month in the choir the smallest member received an extra 3p.other people I recall were Betty & Pat Gahagan hope this is of interest. Please rember me to Mike .

 

[Big Gee]

Hi Big Gee I do rember that man. mr Clarke we called. him nobby do you recall the Durrant brothers Harold and Fred a little older than me unfortunately Fred passed away I think we were paid 3 /9 pence a month in the choir the smallest member received an extra 3p.other people I recall were Betty & Pat Gahagan hope this is of interest. Please rember me to Mike .

Hi David,

Mr Clarke, that was him! We called him plenty of names, not just Nobby! I remember Harold and Fred Durrant very well. Fred's daughter Liz married my friend Keith Jennings who lived on Aston Lane. I remember the name Gahagan, but can't put any faces to it. There was also Miss Minshull who ran the Sunday School, and Colin Lucas who ran the short-lived Youth Club when Rev Walmesley was vicar. Do you remember Mr and Mrs Nash and their son Michael - they lived a few doors away from the Vicarage in Normandy Road? And Graham and Sheila Gomm? One still-vivid memory I have is when Rev Charles Lee moved to Crowland Abbey, and a contingent of All Souls Choir, including me, went by coach to his investiture (if that's the correct term!). My wife and I visited Crowland a few years ago, and it seemed so small compared with how I remembered it. Oddly enough I don't remember being paid for being in the choir, but I suppose I must have been.

I don't see Mike very often these days, but I'll let him know by e-mail that you and I have had some contact.

Graham

 

[willey]

Big Gee - For your information, Graham and Sheila Gomm are still going strong - still not slowing down! Another name, that of Fred Durrant. I had the pleasure of playing cricket for All Souls under his captaincy. He was a great man! I remember his daughter Liz as a very small baby: she being fed by her mother, Margery that when I went to Fred's to help carry the club's cricket bag. No cars in those days! Incidently Michael Nash played one or two games for the cricket club. Memories!! Regards. willey

 

[Big Gee]

Hi Willey,

I saw Graham Gomm not long ago at The Duke, Duke Street in Suttton. He looked much the same as I remember him looking, years ago. Very nice person - I also insured my cars with him when I was self-employed. I assume he's retired now.

Willey and Di,

Do you remember almost opposite All Souls on Wenlock Road were two small shops, effectively in the front rooms of terraced houses? One was a general store run by a very jolly lady who would talk you to death if you let her, and next door was a kind of hardware shop run by an elderly widow, Mrs Kench. She was a nice old soul, given that us kids must have driven her potty calling in all the time for torch-bulbs and batteries for our various toys. It's debatable if she actually made a living out of her shop, but she seemed to be open all hours (to coin a phrase).

G

 

[willey]

Big Gee.
Graham Gomm is virtually retired now but still goes into the office about once a week. Your mention of the general store opposite the Church brought back a memory for me. On my way to cubs I would go into the shop and buy a penny Oxo cube which I would proceed to eat on my way from the shop to the scout hut. The thought of doing that makes me heave but back in those war years a growing lad was permanently hungry and with no sweets to buy, it was something to chew on. Ugh! Regards. willey

 

[Di.Poppitt]

Yes Graham I remember the 2 shops in Wenlock Road, there was a wall in front of each one. It was a meeting place for youngsters and I recall sitting on the wall.
A family called Mehan lived next door to the hardware shop. I didn't ever go into the shop but I did go into the grocers quite often, sent by Mom for something she had forgotten to buy in Witton Road.

 

[David Baugh]

Hi Willey,

I saw Graham Gomm not long ago at The Duke, Duke Street in Suttton. He looked much the same as I remember him looking, years ago. Very nice person - I also insured my cars with him when I was self-employed. I assume he's retired now.

Willey and Di,

Do you remember almost opposite All Souls on Wenlock Road were two small shops, effectively in the front rooms of terraced houses? One was a general store run by a very jolly lady who would talk you to death if you let her, and next door was a kind of hardware shop run by an elderly widow, Mrs Kench. She was a nice old soul, given that us kids must have driven her potty calling in all the time for torch-bulbs and batteries for our various toys. It's debatable if she actually made a living out of her shop, but she seemed to be open all hours (to coin a phrase).

G

Hi yes I rember these two shops well Mrs Kench she sold pea shooters toy cannons etc she was a nice lady the grocers next door was run by a Mrs Scrivener she had a daughter called Audrey who played piano. I used to dog errands for her Mrs Scrivener passed on quite early masons pop was 5p old money custard cream biscuits were popular great little shop memories come flooding back great days .

 

[Hornsey]

I lived in Woodall Road which was the next road along The Broadway to Wenlock Road. My memories of All Souls are the dances that were held in the Church Hall every Tuesday afternoon / evening. The first was for us youngsters, all early teenagers, the second dance was for the adults, and amongst them was my mom and many of my friends mothers. I also recall mom saying that All Souls was a 'High Church' and that incense was used, which she considered was unnecessary.

My Gran lived in Wenlock Rd opposite the shop- we used to go to church in Great Barr and I remember poking my head in All Souls one Sunday morning, during a service -it was high church. I also remember it being a very small congregation compared with Great Barr which always seemed full. This would have been late 1970s. I was learning to play the organ and I remember the organist kindly showing the instrument to me. I remember the 'funeral parking bay' being added (still there, I saw when I took a recent trip down Wenlock Rd after a Villa game)

 

[mikemusical]

Hi Willey,

I saw Graham Gomm not long ago at The Duke, Duke Street in Suttton. He looked much the same as I remember him looking, years ago. Very nice person - I also insured my cars with him when I was self-employed. I assume he's retired now.

Willey and Di,

Do you remember almost opposite All Souls on Wenlock Road were two small shops, effectively in the front rooms of terraced houses? One was a general store run by a very jolly lady who would talk you to death if you let her, and next door was a kind of hardware shop run by an elderly widow, Mrs Kench. She was a nice old soul, given that us kids must have driven her potty calling in all the time for torch-bulbs and batteries for our various toys. It's debatable if she actually made a living out of her shop, but she seemed to be open all hours (to coin a phrase).

G

I'm Mike Sullivan. I was the organist at All Souls from 1967 to 1971 Rev E Foster was vicar. I still insure my car with Gomm insurance, they moved from Aston lane to Coles lane in Sutton Coldfield many years ago.
Here are a few names I remember from that time (I was 14 at the time so over 50 years ago) - Mr and Mrs Male, Mr and Mrs Sutton, Mr and Mrs Nash, Mrs Durrant and Lizbeth (who now lives in Cornwall). There was a Mrs Jephcott and her daughter Linda (who was in the choir) - they lived opposite the church. Mrs Durrant's brother in Law was a server (I can't remember his Christian name - always Mr or Mrs in those days). Three of the vicar's children were in the choir Andrew who I met a few years back, Josephine and William.
Happy days

 

[Hornsey]

This is probably the Rev Edward Foster who retired to Streetly and took occasional services around the area. A Peter Smith was also organist at All Souls- possibly before you- he gave me my first organ lesson in Great Barr. My Gran, Gertude Clark, (as above, probably Mrs Clark to everyone) lived opposite the shop in Wenlock Rd next door to a Mrs Wyndes and Mrs Clutterbuck. She was not a church goer

 

[Big Gee]

Hello Mike,

I can just about remember you! I think you played the organ for my wedding at All Souls in July 1971. Rev Ernest (not Edward) Foster officiated, but my elder brother Rev Michael Bryant did the business.

I remember most of the people named by you and Hornsey. My wife and I were friendly with Linda nee Jephcott and her husband ( whose name I can't remember). Sadly, Linda died quite young, leaving I believe two daughters. Mrs Clutterbuck I think I also remember - she had a son who was friendly with my brother.

G

 

[mikemusical]

This is probably the Rev Edward Foster who retired to Streetly and took occasional services around the area. A Peter Smith was also organist at All Souls- possibly before you- he gave me my first organ lesson in Great Barr. My Gran, Gertude Clark, (as above, probably Mrs Clark to everyone) lived opposite the shop in Wenlock Rd next door to a Mrs Wyndes and Mrs Clutterbuck. She was not a church goer

Hi there, the vicar in my time was Ernest Foster but he used his middle name, his first being William. He moved in 1980 to parishes near Stafford. I think he died in the early 90s. You're right I was organist after Peter Smith, I remember that I was 14 so it must have been 1967. many thanks for the info' - Mike

 

[mikemusical]

Hello Mike,

I can just about remember you! I think you played the organ for my wedding at All Souls in July 1971. Rev Ernest (not Edward) Foster officiated, but my elder brother Rev Michael Bryant did the business.

I remember most of the people named by you and Hornsey. My wife and I were friendly with Linda nee Jephcott and her husband ( whose name I can't remember). Sadly, Linda died quite young, leaving I believe two daughters. Mrs Clutterbuck I think I also remember - she had a son who was friendly with my brother.

G

Many thanks for the information. Linda's husband was Ray and they moved to Dyas Rd near Beeches Estate. I did know that Linda was no longer with us, I think it happened in about 1989 because I heard that Fr Foster attended the service at St Mattew's Perry Beeches very sad circumstances. Best wishes - Mike

 

[Big Gee]

Thanks for the response, Mike. My wife and I did once visit Linda and Ray and their girls at Dyas Rd, but we lost contact and then heard the very sad news about Linda. Whether her mother was still alive and still living in Wenlock Road I can't remember. Linda was full of fun, I do remember that.

Do you remember Mr Liney, the organist and choir-master when the Revs Lee and Walmsley were at All Souls? I got roped into the choir by Mr Liney, who was a very patient gent with his charges.

G

 

[mikemusical]

Thanks for the response, Mike. My wife and I did once visit Linda and Ray and their girls at Dyas Rd, but we lost contact and then heard the very sad news about Linda. Whether her mother was still alive and still living in Wenlock Road I can't remember. Linda was full of fun, I do remember that.

Do you remember Mr Liney, the organist and choir-master when the Revs Lee and Walmsley were at All Souls? I got roped into the choir by Mr Liney, who was a very patient gent with his charges.

G

Good morning G, I didn't know All Souls until I went to play there. My music teacher was friend of the vicar who needed a replacement for Peter Smith as he was moving out of the area, this is why I didn't know any previous organists or vicars. I have a feeling that Lizbeth's Mum Mrs Durrant was Mrs Nash's sister. Mr (Brian) and Mrs Nash moved to Wooten Wawen (sp?) near Stratford while I was still at All Souls. Cheers - Mike

 

[Big Gee]

Hello Mike. I never knew that Rev Foster used his middle name - to me and most others he was 'Mr Foster'. Nice bloke, too. I remember Mrs Foster was something of a live wire, organising all manner of activities (at least, I think it was her...). Liz Durrant married Keith Jennings, a friend of mine from The Harriers pub on The Broadway. I knew Michael Nash for a time. He and his parents lived in Normandy Road, not far from the Vicarage. They always seemed rather posh to me!

Out of interest, in the mid-1950's the-then incumbent Rev C Lee took up a position at Crowland Abbey, and the All Souls choir members were bussed there to join in the service. We were not quite in the same league as the Abbey choir, but gave it a good go!

G

 

[Bill Koyote]

Hello Mike. I never knew that Rev Foster used his middle name - to me and most others he was 'Mr Foster'. Nice bloke, too. I remember Mrs Foster was something of a live wire, organising all manner of activities (at least, I think it was her...). Liz Durrant married Keith Jennings, a friend of mine from The Harriers pub on The Broadway. I knew Michael Nash for a time. He and his parents lived in Normandy Road, not far from the Vicarage. They always seemed rather posh to me!

Out of interest, in the mid-1950's the-then incumbent Rev C Lee took up a position at Crowland Abbey, and the All Souls choir members were bussed there to join in the service. We were not quite in the same league as the Abbey choir, but gave it a good go!

G

Hi. Just come across this thread by accident, googling stuff which led me to All Souls Church. My name is William Foster, being the youngest of five children whose father was the reverend William Ernest Foster, the vicar at All Souls whom you mention. I also knew Ray and Linda from the 70s and would almost certainly have sung in the choir at the wedding you mention in 1971 - for which the going rate was two and six - or half a crown! For your information, Liz and Keith are still together and live in Cornwall. You must know a few more names from that era?! If Mike was the organist during my dad’s time I must have known you too. It’s a small world!

 

[Bill Koyote]

I'm Mike Sullivan. I was the organist at All Souls from 1967 to 1971 Rev E Foster was vicar. I still insure my car with Gomm insurance, they moved from Aston lane to Coles lane in Sutton Coldfield many years ago.
Here are a few names I remember from that time (I was 14 at the time so over 50 years ago) - Mr and Mrs Male, Mr and Mrs Sutton, Mr and Mrs Nash, Mrs Durrant and Lizbeth (who now lives in Cornwall). There was a Mrs Jephcott and her daughter Linda (who was in the choir) - they lived opposite the church. Mrs Durrant's brother in Law was a server (I can't remember his Christian name - always Mr or Mrs in those days). Three of the vicar's children were in the choir Andrew who I met a few years back, Josephine and William.
Happy days

Hi Mike

Come across this thread by accident. I’m William - the youngest of the Foster family, though not so young now! Blimey, a bit odd to be reading all these memories but fascinating!

 

[mikemusical]

Hi Mike

Come across this thread by accident. I’m William - the youngest of the Foster family, though not so young now! Blimey, a bit odd to be reading all these memories but fascinating!

Hi Mike

Come across this thread by accident. I’m William - the youngest of the Foster family, though not so young now! Blimey, a bit odd to be reading all these memories but fascinating!

Hi William,

How nice to hear from you. I left All Souls at the end of 1971 so my playing years there were over 50 years ago. I met Andrew a couple of times in Jessops a few years back but due to customers didn't have much time to talk but he did tell me that Jo lives in America.
I'm now 67 and married to Elspeth and have lived near Bromsgrove for the last 36 years. We have a daughter Kay and 2 grand children (one of each).
If you do Facebook you can find me as Mike Sullivan or Michael Sullivan Keyboard Player. Message me if you get chance.

Best wishes - Mike

 

[Richard Dye]

This is a pretty amazing thread.........SO many connections!