The enthusiasm for the Volunteer movement following an invasion scare in 1859 saw the creation of many rifle, artillery and engineer volunteer units, which comprised part-time soldiers eager to supplement the regular British Army in times of need.
A general meeting was called in Reepham in June 1859 with the intention of raising subscriptions towards the expenses of a volunteer rifle corps for the Eynsford area, and local gentry were called upon to support their local troops.
Prominent Reepham residents were listed with their contributions: Rev. Edward Holley, Robert Leamon of Whitwell Hall and the brewers Bircham & Sons all donated £10, the equivalent of £1,000 in today’s money.
Pictured above in the Reepham Life 2023 Calendar for April, Harry Hawes is a familiar figure with his recollections of life in the town in the late 19th century.
Excerpts from his memoires – Harry Hawes’ Walk – can be found on the Reepham Archive website.
The drummer is John Flatman (born Arthur John Flatman) who, when he enlisted in the regular army in March 1894, gave his address as Beck Cottage, Reepham.
Military records show Arthur as completing 18 years’ service – in India for eight years and also in South Africa for a further two years – before being discharged in 1912.
A ball, organised by the Reepham Volunteers, was held on 4 January 1894 in Hackford and Whitwell old school room (the present town hall).
The ball commenced at 8.30 pm and “dancing was kept up with unabated vigour” until five the next morning. A quadrille band provided the music and 27 quadrilles were danced.
More than a hundred people attended even though the weather was severe, and Dr Charles Perry, father of Dr Edward Verdon Perry, sent his carriage to take home many of the women, presumably exhausted.
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. For more information about opening times and current services, contact the Archive by email.