1976 House Hunting

The Diaries of Russell James Sparrow 1908 to 1991

We had been discussing whether or not we should make a move away from the East coast finding Frinton a bit exposed in the winter, so decided to have a holiday somewhere which we thought would be a good place for another home. We settled on Hereford having spent 2 happy weekends there during the war when I was stationed at Madley and were smitten by a trip we made to Hay on the Wye. We stayed for a week in a guest house and had a jolly good look around but didn’t see anything that suited us.

In July Heather came over to England on her own and after a few days with Lynn and David they brought her over to see us. We took her out and about and then to stay with Mick and family for a few days before flying back to Canada on Aug.7th. Still no luck with house hunting but nevertheless decided to put our house on the market.

Gales and high tides were prevalent and lots of damage sustained. The much publicised Concorde went into service. In May Mick was successful in obtaining a teaching post at St. Joseph’s College, Ipswich. June came in with a heatwave and on the Sunday (27th) Frinton was filled to overflowing with cars. A drought followed and this included an invasion by

The Concorde

ladybirds, they were everywhere, all along the seawalls, houses, gardens, shops and all over you when you came out of the sea and tried to dry off on the beach. At the end of the month we went on another house hunting exhibition to Evesham, Upton-on Severn and Malvern where we stayed for the night. We decided to

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stay on for another night and then went on to Stow-on-the Wold, and then on to Winchcombe, Stoney Stratford and Bedford where we spent the night. Went on to Gt. Barford for the last night calling in at Cambridge, Sawston etc. stopping for supper at the White Hart, Yeldham and arriving back in Frinton at 9p.m. having covered 656 miles for nowt!

Mick started work at St. Joseph’s on Sept.7th staying with us during the week and going home to Brentwood at the weekends. We sold the house on 28th Sept. Now we were really up a gum tree with nowhere to go, so on 4th Oct., the day Mick and family moved to Felixstowe we were off again, this time back to the Cambridge area. The next morning we went back to St. Neots where we were told of a property just on the market in St. Ives so off we went and for the first time in all our journeys we saw what we both felt was what we had been looking for at no. 22, Oak Tree Close, made a bid, had lunch in St. Ives and went home highly delighted after another trip of 250 miles making a total of over 2000 miles.

1977 Moving to St Ives

Over to St. Ives to make final arrangements. The next fortnight was spent making the usual arrangements and on Sunday 16th January at the close of the evening service we were invited to stay behind in the choir vestry where the members presented us with refreshments and an ornament of a Cardinal bird, (foretelling the future when we would see these birds in their natural surroundings). We moved on 19th Jan. and the next few weeks were spent finding our way around and trying out various churches,and inevitably rearranging the garden, digging up part of the lawn for a vegetable

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patch. We were taken into membership of the Free Church on June 5th.

On June 15th Andrew came over on his own spending his time with us and the Keens. I met him at Huntingdon station and after a few days with us I took him to Felixstowe for a few days with Mick and family and he returned to us by train to Cambridge where I met him, a few more days with us and then back to the Keens on July 8th. Andrew returned home to Canada on July 14th.

96 In September it was our turn for a holiday and we went to spend time with the Welsh side of the family. Graham and Margaret, Ciss and Alec, Phyllis and Bernard and while there Colin and Marie called to visit Graham. We returned home on Sept. 10th and 2 days later had a ‘phone call to say that Ciss and Alec’s son (a tree surgeon) fell, and was killed. Viv and Willy brought Ettie to stay with us for a week and when we returned her we then stayed with Viv and Willy. We were becoming more involved in life in St. Ives when I joined the local Civic Society and Friends of the Museum. Mum joined the W.I.

1978

A thunderstorm on Jan. 3rd which caused severe damage in Newmarket and district. I became more active in Church work but when they asked for volunteers to help redecorate I went

St. Ives Free Church

The Diaries of Russell James Sparrow 1908 to 1991

along but said nothing about previous experience in the building trade! I leant a hand with cleaning, painting and what have you, but be sure your sins will find you out. Some of the members had been discussing the work and I suppose it was obvious from my approach that I was not a complete amateur. Enquiries had been made through someone who was in touch with the Taylors in Needham and all was revealed! Mum was appointed treasurer to the thriving Playgroup. Ipswich reached the final of the F.A. cup for the first time. We had a week in Eastbourne and the journey there was an anxious one for me as Ipswich were playing against Arsenal in the Cup Final at Wembley, and we had no radio in the car. Thank goodness my mind was put to rest as we travelled through Croydon. Fixed to some railings high up on the embankment was, what looked like a bed sheet bearing the message “Arsenal 0 Ipswich 1!”

Eunice and Clifford had two grandsons, to Caroline and Philip on June 18th, and to Judith and Barry on July 8th. Our Church choir belonged to the Royal School of Church Music and after various practices we had the great privilege of singing as part of a choir of 500 voices in King’s College Chapel, Cambridge. In October we experienced our first Church Weekend and went to Hengrave House, near Bury St. Edmunds. In the middle of the month Jean came over by herself having visited the Keens first and stayed with us for 2 weeks going back on the 28th Oct.. The wintry weather continued into early December and on the first of the month the river was frozen over in parts. We were away for Xmas in Felixstowe and on our way back called to see Ciss at Wade House only to hear that she had died very suddenly, Christopher and John were dealing with all arrangements.

1979

On Friday, 9th January we said our fond farewells to Ciss at Ipswich Crematorium. After the service Mum and I went to have lunch with John and Brenda before returning home. Doff had a spell in bed in the middle of the month but on 1st Feb. she had her first 97

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outing for 3 weeks to Bar Hill near Cambridge. The snow cleared and we had severe flooding especially in East Anglia followed by more frosts and snow, so heavy that on the 15th several places were cut off including Felixstowe. On the 17th all sporting events were cancelled. In March we visited Felixstowe to see Jayne in a dancing display (very good but a bit lengthy). More snow and floods later in the month.

In April Colin, Jean, Fiona, Andrew and Simon visited U.K. and came to stay with us on May 3rd returning to Canada May 12th. In June Heather and Sarah came over by themselves and we met them at Huntingdon Station. We all went to Felixstowe to see Mark in Oliver Twist and H.and S. went back to Felixstowe later to spend a few days with Mick and family. In October Mark went to Canada to stay with the Keens and Heather who was living with Sue and Garry came to visit us for a few days and then we took her back and visited Lynn and David, (the Whiteheads), 2 nights with Muriel, and then a weekend at Charlwood. The year was drawing to a close and it had been a busy one but there was more to come. I was delivering Meals on Wheels to some of the villages and also taking people to and from the Day Care Centre in the Church Hall. We had Xmas with Mick and family.

1980

Doff and I continued with our usual activities, the weather was seasonal. In May Jean and Colin and family, except Fiona moved from Toronto to Cardiff where Colin had a new appointment at Velindre Hospital. The longest spell of continuous sun since 1933 was recorded this month. The coldest ever day was recorded on 1st July. Our Minister had been a member of the Iona community and was keen that a party from St. Ives should go there. A party of 20 was made up including myself and members of our church as well as members from the Anglican Church and the Roman Catholic Church. On Aug. 8th Jean and Colin collected Doff to go and stay 98

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with them while I was away. Six of us travelled in a Ford Estate and after stopping for lunch arrived in Oban at 7.30 p.m. The next morning we went by ferry to Mull, then a ‘bus and finally a short ferry ride to Iona. We had a happy week together with a similar party from Bristol enjoying a programme of services in the Abbey, discussion groups, walking, swimming (it was mighty cold) a Ceilidh, a party with some young people in their hostel close by. We returned on the following Saturday arriving home at 10.15 p.m. and after a good night’s sleep I left by car to find my way to Cardiff to stay a few days and then to bring Doff home on the Wednesday, after an enjoyable break seeing the Keens’ new home and a bit of S.Wales.

We continued to be very busy raising funds and then preparing for the opening of the new Church Centre on Sept.27th. It was a lovely event and all went according to plan with representatives from all the denominations and organisations to be involved in the activities of the new centre. Uncle Percy died on 29th Sept. a few days before his 100th birthday, Doff and I went to the funeral which was conducted by my cousin, his son, Rev. Bernard Seaton (nee Sparrow) now a big-wig in the Seventh Day Adventists in America. On Nov. 13th we went to stay with Jean and family in readiness for our Golden Anniversary on the 15th and we had a wonderful time, Mick and Wendy and the children came by train, the whole family was there except Fiona and she ‘phoned from Canada. On 25th the Church put on a party for us. We went to Jean’s for Christmas and went to a Carol concert in Llandaff Cathedral

Golden Wedding 1980

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where long ago Grandad had been in charge of installing a new organ. A happy and memorable year for which we were extremely grateful.

1981

The first London Marathon was run on Sunday March 29th.

The rest of the year church activities continued as usual and also Meals on Wheels. In July Andrew and Heather visited for a few days. Clifford was very ill in October and was admitted to hospital. Christmas this year was spent in Felixstowe with Mick. On the whole a quiet year.

1982

Turned out to be an even quieter year but with some unwelcome news, too old to be insured to deliver Meals on wheels!

1983

Apart from visits to and from family the year was quiet. Jean went to Canada for Andrew’s 21st birthday. Christmas was spent in Felixstowe.

1984

More happening this year! In January the church organised a weekend at Hengrave, nr. Bury St Edmunds. In August developed cellulitis which meant an ambulance and a few days stay in hospital, put in Geriatric ward! In September flight to Toronto with

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St Ives 1985

The Diaries of Russell James Sparrow 1908 to 1991

Jane, Lynn and Sue. September 14th Fiona married Michael Browning, a great day with families and friends. Doff had stayed with her cousin Ruth in Chelmondiston. Flew back home on the 19th. Another visit to hospital and put straight to bed, discharged on Oct. 3rd. Travelled to Radyr (Cardiff) to spend Christmas with Jean and family.

1985

Jan. 1st. Mick with Mark and Jane arrived in Radyr for a few days. Jan. 3rd. returned home.

On the 11th Clifford was admitted to Addenbrooks Hospital where he stayed for a week.

Family and friends visit throughout the year including a visit from Fiona and Michael and Andrew in June. Another trip to Radyr for Christmas, Dec. 24th - Jan.3rd.

1986

In January Cyril Whitehead died.

Jean and Colin went to Canada for two weeks in April.

In May Mick visited with Sue and Lisa, her daughter.

Sept. 21st Heather returned to Canada.

1986

More happening this year as the decision to move is made. House in St. Ives put on the market and after much house hunting a bungalow was found in Mildenhall and the move was made on July 10th, six days after Doff’s 80th birthday.

Ettie (Ethel) Doff’s sister died on Sept. 24th aged 87 years.

In December Jean and Colin flew to Toronto to spend Christmas with the family there.

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1988

Travelled to Radyr with Mick, Jane and Mark for Heather’s marriage to Derek.

Very sadly on June 14th Eunice ‘phoned to say that Clifford had died suddenly.

Jean and Colin arrived for Clifford’s funeral on 23rd at Creeting church.

In July visits to hospital for chest Xray etc.

Mick cycled from Lands End to John O’Groats in July. Jean and Colin arrive for holiday. Colin drove us to visit Cotton, Buxton, Wyverstone and Onehouse, home of earlier generations.

In August Sue’s father died suddenly.

September 21st 80 years old.

In November Connie Race, childhood friend of Doff’s, died.

1989

Surprise!. Jack Bloom “phoned. He was Best man at wedding of Russell and Dorothy and no contact for many years.

Doff unwell in February, a lot of pain, ? shingles. Jean phoned from Toronto to spread the good news of Christopher’s birth on the 26th March. Returned home on May 1st.

In Sept. able to go to church with Doff, first time since Jan. for various reasons.

Oct.13th, to Newmarket hospital for biopsy of small growth on head

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Fiona and Christopher coming over for a visit, Jean brought them here to spend a night with us., 30th.

More trouble with leg.

Christmas in Felixstowe.

1990

Jan. 18th, appointment at Addenbrookes, Doff regular visits to Bury hospital.

Feb 3rd. Visit to Radyr with Mick, Mark and Jane in Mick’s car.

Feb. 4th Sarah and Neil marry in church in Radyr.

Diamond Wedding 1990

March 11th to Addenbrooks for op. home 13th,removal of growth and skin graft from thigh, back for removal of dressings on 23rd.

Family and friends visit regularly through the months.

In September Jean and Colin go to Canada for two weeks.

November 17th Family gathering in Mildenhall (at home) for Diamond wedding anniversary.

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1991, Winding Down

Jan. 26th, Jean and Colin visit for weekend, Sarah and Neil for quick visit.

Feb, 4th. Colin rang to say that his mother (Lynn) was in hospital following a stroke and was very ill.

Feb.25th Jean left for Canada (just in time) as Heather went into labour more or less as soon as J. arrived. Jamie was born on 26th. Stomach pain all day. 27th. G.P. called, ? bowel problems in bed until after tea. 28th -March 5th. Feeling under the weather for a good week, visited G.P.

March 7th Doff rang Colin and on the 8th G.P. called, Xray next Wednesday.

March 9th Colin left to go to Canada to meet Jamie and to come back with Jean.

March 13th, Newmarket Hospital, stomach Xray 12.30-4.15. What a day! Not the sort of day out that I would recommend!

March 14th, after a shaky start a day with some good food at last.

March 15th, made an effort to go shopping and arrived home whacked, back to square one.

March 16th, in bed until 4 p.m. and feeling very disappointed, again not much food, getting very skeletal.

March 22nd, colonoscopy which shows a small growth which means an operation, home at 4.30. Doff rang Mick, Sarah rang. On the 28th Mick arrived to help with shopping and to cut lawns. Jean back home from Canada not knowing that I had been taken ill, Doff didn’t want to tell her while she was away with Heather,

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April 2nd, admitted to Newmarket Hospital and on the 3rd I was treated to all sorts of attention from various departments, Jean visited 3.15 - 5p.m. April 4th , ‘puffer’ treatment, physiotherapy, chest Xrays.

April 5th Dr Faiz had contacted Colin to discuss the situation, Mick visited the next two days

April 9th Operation day

April 13th still on water and fruit juice, Jean arrived from Cardiff and she and Mick visited.

April 19th HOME Jean collected me at 11a.m., good to be home, garden looks a picture.

April 20th Colin arrived for a visit having taken Simon back to Birmingham Uni.

April 22nd, Colin left and Val, Mrs Brown, home help, came to introduce herself, to come daily except for weekends. Friends and family visits throughout.

June 27th, Lynn had died, funeral July 3rd.

July 11th, Violet Whitehead died.

July 13th, Simon’s graduation.

July 31st. Went for a ride in Jean’s car, chance for a chat, now on Steroids.

August Andrew over from Canada to visit, flew into Stanstead.

August 19th, feeling very groggy so stayed in bed all day, nurse called.

August 22nd, Jean, Colin, Fiona and Christopher arrived for Jayne’s wedding on 24th.

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