MEMORIES OF LAMBETH

By EDWIN H. GOODFELLOW

The Lambeth Flower Show, which was held in the Archbishop's grounds for many years, was one of the very pleasant days that the people of Lambeth looked forward to. Here our late Head Master, Mr. Dixon, Mr. Geo. Masters, Mr. W. Roberts, Mr. J. Parkins, and other Lambethans, with the assistance of Canon Pelham and the clergy, worked hard to make these days enjoyable. What a splendid collection of flowers and plants were gathered there, for which excellent prizes were given. It was very pleasant to see the young children, boys, girls, and their elders, taking their plants or flowers to the grounds. Many an Old Boy secured a prize there, and one I remember well was Thomas Hanscomb, who used to secure prizes for table decorations - the knowledge being very useful to him in later years. It was truly a happy day lost when, under adverse circumstances, the Flower Show could not be, held.

Members if the Committee, With Mr. J. E. Wood, Head Master

Standing left to right : Fred Shaw, Joe STammers, Walter Bavin, William Ruel, Albert Townsend,
Authur Richardson, Jack Hart, Edmund Philips and William Cattermole

Sitting from left to right : Fred Bavin, William Rowling, Edward Wells (assist. Hon. Sec.),
Mr J. E. Wood (Head Master), Edwin Goodfellow (Hon. Sec.), Charles Hall, and CHarles Chapman

I remember many years ago, when a boy, watching two ladies visiting the poor in the turnings off Lambeth Road, near the Church. It was a sight I shall never forget. To see the faces of these poor people light up with pleasure and gladness when they found who their visitors were, and with what heartfelt gratitude they spoke of the kindness they had received, for these ladies would unostentatiously go into their houses and chat to them, and helped to make their lives happier in many ways. Some time after one of these ladies lived near her tenants, in Paradise Street, who were poor, and again by her kindness helped to make the children and their parents happy and comfortable. The Misses Tait were those ladies-one is now Mrs. Randall Davidson, and the other lives with Mrs. Benson as an adopted daughter. Lambethans may well be proud of the kindness

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Many Old Boys, perhaps, remember the Infant School when it was held at the old Vestry Hall, Lambeth Road. I have one recollection only, seeing Miss Weller spinning silk from a cocoon. Who remembers Miss Weller? One of the most pleasant ladies, I am sure you would say. We were very fortunate in Lambeth with our School mistresses and Head Masters. I was one of the children who bad to sing when the late Archbishop Tait laid the foundation stone of the new Infant School. They were enjoyable infant clays with Miss Weller and Miss Skinner. Once, six boys (including myself) of the Boys' School, were marched by J. Brearey (who was rather an eccentric boy) to apologise to Miss Weller for jumping over the wall of the School. I remember her speaking to us in a very land way, and which, no doubt, kept us six from ever worrying her again. Through her kindness, one afternoon, I was allowed through the School, and so saw the big fire at Ogleby's candle works, which backed on to our house in Lambeth Road.

In mentioning the old Vestry Hall, I do not think I should pass the old Band of Hope, which was very strong at that time, without referring to those enthusiastic Old Boys, the Brothers Bedloe and Mr. Burridge, and also Miss Cooper, and the Misses Patey. They were a hardworking band, and not forgetting Miss Shelton, a very old and respected Church worker.

And now, touching on the memories dear to many of us, the tramp of the boys' feet as they march up the steps to the top room, or when the curtains went up and quietness reigned. Then singing the old favourite hymn:- 

“Now the day is over,
Night is drawing nigh,
Shadows of the evening
Steal across the sky."

And the Head Master standing at the door to take our parting salute. Then, finally, the memory of the marching from the School, with the Masters, to the dear old Church, St. Mary's, adjoining the,, ancient palace of the Archbishops of Canterbury, one of the very few Gothic buildings remaining in London. The white stone's of the Lollard's Tower still gleam above the grey walls, and the quaint bell-turret throws its strange outline against the sky." Here many of us were christened or attended there, and one, the dear old Head Master-who hardly ever missed the Sunday service, was bore there to have one of the most striking funeral services ever held in the Church. Near the window of the Old Pedlar and his Dog, let into the walls, are two terra cotta tablets, beautifully designed by Geo. Tinworth, one to the loving memory of the Schoolmistress, Miss Weller, and the other to the late John Hernaman, the Head Master of our School, an illustration of which will be found in the book.

The Oldest Group of Boys, with T. E. Heller, Esq., and Mr Hinsley

Group of Boys, with J. Hernaman, Esq.