The cover image of this year’s Reepham Life Calendar shows crowds and cars gathered to witness the church clock being reinstated in St Michael’s tower.
Flags are decorating the buildings and “God Save the King” can be seen on Hilton’s shopfront. White surplices of the choir show up at the base of the tower and a long ladder has been placed against the tower wall.
A newspaper cutting describes the day’s events and records many of the people present including Rev. Luscombe, Edward Gibbs, Messrs Faircloth, Beaver, Alford, Newstead, Temple-Owen and Turner, and Mesdames Luscombe, Watson, Owen, Laskey, Bircham and Symonds. Edward Gibbs Snr was chosen to make the dedication itself.
When was the photograph taken? On the reverse of the postcard is written: “At the unveiling of the restoration of the Church Clock to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of King George V in 1935.”
Then we have a newspaper cutting with 1935 written in biro at the top. This article names the occasion as commemorating the coronation of King George VI in May 1937 and goes on to describe the rest of the day’s events, a carnival parade, prizes awarded for fancy dress, a whist drive and a dance in the evening. Sports events had to be postponed due to a downpour.
After the service, adults had a buffet tea in the Methodist Hall and the children were treated to tea in the Town Hall and we are assured that, in spite of the weather, everyone “enjoyed themselves as far as they could”.
Janet Archer
The Reepham Archive is open to the public on the first Wednesday and Saturday of the month from 10 am – 12 noon (or by appointment), upstairs in the Bircham Centre, Market Place, Reepham.
Copies of the Reepham Life Calendar 2025 can still be purchased by mail order HERE.