Childhood Recollections of Services at St. Bartholomews

Childhood Recollections of Services at St. Bartholomews

As a little girl almost five decades ago, I was often present at Evensong in Oakridge Church sitting in a seat close to the organist who was Mr. Hunt.

Those were the days when there seemed to be a longer service (sermon probably) and the Book Of Common Prayer was strictly adhered to. After the General Sentences, Confession and Absolution prayers, interspersed with two long psalms and sometimes an extra short one, we came to the Hymns later. I was not too keen on Psalms then but enjoyed the more easily sung Hymns. However, with the then oil lamps and not much heating we ploughed on with our worship and everyone believed.

Quite a large number of people came especially at Festivals, there were occasions when more folks came from other countries such as France Lynch and Chalford. Countries or Country and work I believe was used by elder kin when they said they were visiting other members of their family who emigrated to local villages! "I'm going over to other country".

What impressed me were the choir members who with the organist were usually trained by Mr. Bruton.

I can remember as thought it was yesterday — the choir boys, if my memory doesn't play tricks, from the altar end- Robert Tuck, Gerald Gardiner, the two Fry brothers from Bournes Green, Oswald and Philip Gardiner, William Morgan, David Hunt and Gordon Smith. Behind them were Mr. Austin, Dacre and Fred Gardiner and dear Mr. Fred Halliday who was also Verger and Bell Ringer. The Choir girls were Mr. Verena, Misses Mercy, Eira and Thalia, and Queenie Gardiner, Nellie Restall and had be beautiful voice, Avril Gardiner and Esme Hunt — what gorgeous first names seldom heard of now. Must not forget, to mention the sons of the late Gilbert Hunt who in turn faithfully "pumped" the organ for Mr. Hunt.

It was interesting to note the name Gardiner was predominate. They were or seemed the family of the day or appeared to me a formidable but happy crowd who represented Oakridge in many activities. They always conveyed an aura of loyal union one with another, not that there were not other united and devoted families and folks with many attributes in the village who contributed to its continuity.

I digress, returning to the Church it was perplexing sometimes when one lady used to "Drag" her singing so many beats behind everyone else but she was a friendly and kindly soul and took her part in rejoicing.

I can remember the Hornby family in the first row on the pulpit side, the Court family in the next row, the Elliott family from Tunley and sometimes we would see Mr. Holman from "Sherra" Tunley.

Anyway those seemed to be the uncomplicated days. Everyone appeared friendly and hopefully contented in spite of the drawbacks of that period of time. I had a mile long walk of flat road then a climb up a steep hill, or maybe if it was dry one could use the fields in two directions which brought one close upon "St Bartholomews".

I remember enroute sometimes seeing the pool old horse, who was used to deliver milk to Chalford. Life was difficult as regards money, but this dear horse used to collapse in the shafts sometimes, or so it appeared to me. I do hope its owners eventually realised how ill or weak it was from starvation or other reasons. I never did found out but the memory of this remains vividly in my mind even now.

There was a very important looking gentleman (everyone in their station in those days) who at Church used to read one of the lessons. His face was a picture of sternness and distance who after reading used to slam the Bible shut so loudly that this resounded around the building.

Maybe this "Bygone" may not be to everyone's taste but it is no intended to be unkind so I apologise if I have offended. "God keep us safe this night, Secure from all our fears, May Angels guard while we sleep 'Till morning light appears' How lovely. Remember when we sang this?

By the way, in the days when Anthems were more in fashion and used in Oakridge Church, some of the following I remember for reference and may be of interest to the many music lovers living in the Parish now: Come Holy Ghost our Souls Inspire (T. Attwood) Whitsun. I Waited for the Lord. Ye Shall Dwell in the Land (J. Stainer) Harvest. Father of Mercies, God of Love (J. West) Harvest O Lord How Manifold are Thy Works (J Barnby) Harvest. I if ye love me, keep My Commandments (W. D. Monk.) The Sun shall be no more the light of day (Woodward).

Anon.

The Pat Carrick Collection