May 2008

NEWS

George Bumstead RIP

I am sure that many Southwold people will have been as saddened as I was to learn of the recent death of George Bumstead. He could be aptly, and rightly, described as ‘Mr Southwold’.

His influence could be seen in so many aspects of Southwold life, but you would have to look very closely because George worked in a quiet, unassuming way to achieve what he believed to be right for the town and its residents and visitors.

For the Southwold Museum and Historical Society, there is a particular debt. He was not only a stalwart supporter of the Society, but, for many years, Curator at the Museum. Always in attendance, always available, always involved. It is because of the foundations he laid that the Society has been able to undertake the recently completed programme of modernisation and renewal.

His commitment, enthusiasm, engagement and rapport with visitors, particularly children, were the stuff of legend. His knowledge of Southwold, its history and its people was unrivalled.

We shall be lucky to see his like again.

Long may his memory live.
David de Kretser (President of the Society)

Barbara Brockbank – An appreciation
Barbara came to Southwold, to Pier Avenue, about ten years ago. She must have arrived in the winter. She knocked on the next door (ours) and found no one at home. She tried again – no one. It dawned on her that it was probably a ‘second home’. When we arrived, we explained that we were there about a quarter of the time and we let it to mature couples in between. Our visitors’ book tells the story after that.

In the first place: ‘Your neighbour Barbara is very kind and an example of positive living to us all’. Indeed she was and she proceeded to invite all our visitors in for tea or coffee:

‘A warm welcome from Barbara, within minutes of arriving here – makes us feel so welcome, so we would hope for a seventh visit in the future!’

‘Afternoon tea with Barbara – delightful.’

Not just tea: ‘Invited round to Barbara’s – what a lovely, friendly and informative lady, who served us tea and lovely biscuits (oat and honey) from Nutters.’

Barbara’s sister, Rachel, who still lives in Southwold, was often mentioned too: ‘Wednesday afternoon was tea with Barbara and Rachel, to catch up on all that had happened since out last visit.’

Barbara was a mine of information:

‘Lots of helpful tips from neighbour Barbara, an incredible lady – cannot believe she is 88.’

‘Barbara is a most helpful and knowledgeable neighbour to have on holiday!’

She often seemed to go out of her way to find something in common with her visitors. This could be of a general nature: ‘We had much in common.’ Or it could be quite specific: ‘We had a cup of tea with Barbara. She really is an engaging lady, with more energy than most. We found we had a common interest when we mentioned our home town was Worcester. She had worked at the Royal Infirmary when I was a patient. What a small world!’

And again: ‘We had so much to talk about during coffee with Barbara. She lived in our village as a girl. Have promised to take photos of her old house, which is round the comer from us. What a small world!’

Barbara had had an interesting career in the health and education service before she married, and she had travelled a great deal: ‘She should write a book about her travels’.

Last year, she went to California to stay with her daughter, Jill, and family, as she did every two years: ‘Tea with Barbara and then saw her off to the US.’

Barbara was an extremely good photographer and kept a running record of the improvements to the coast: ‘Most impressed at the keen interest Barbara has shown in the project, along with her excellent set of photographs.’ (It was the card from Van Oord that she received in the nursing home that she was particularly proud of.)

The last mention of her was last November: ‘Barbara has been very friendly and helpful and, as we told her, we will definitely be coming again.’

Sadly, she won’t be there any more. She died, peacefully, on 28th March this year. Our visitors from now on will share the regret of a visitor who came when she was in the US: ‘So much has been said about Barbara in the visitors’ book that we were sorry to have missed her.’

We, and our visitors, will miss Barbara enormously. She was irreplaceable. She had the most positive attitude to life and, whereas her friendship was greatly appreciated, I think she also enjoyed the friendship she received. She leaves her sister, Rachel, and a family she was so proud of: her son, Robert, and family in Woodbridge, and her daughter, Jill, and family in California.

Jennie Randall

Do you remember Thorington Hall?
If so, you may be able to help Channel 4 prepare a new programme.

Channel 4 are making a brand new eight part property restoration series called Restoration Man and are looking for people in the Suffolk area for their help!

Restoration Man predominantly follows people who are restoring and breathing new life into unusual buildings by restoring and converting them into residential dwellings. The series features a range of buildings from an Ice House, to a Martello Tower and a Scottish Castle. The series will focus on the architectural and historic interest of the buildings and their significance to the surrounding community. Each build is followed by architect George Clarke who will offer his support and assistance where required.

For one of the episodes Channel 4 are looking at the restoration of Thorington Gate Lodge, part of the former Thorington Estate in Suffolk. As you may know, Thorington Hall, a fine Georgian House, was pulled down in the 1950s but its gate lodge, a mini replica of Thorington Hall still survives. Channel 4 are looking for people who remember Thorington Hall being pulled down and also anyone who has a connection with Thorington Hall and Thorington Gatelodge to come forward. They are also looking for pictures or moving footage of Thorington Hall/Gatelodge which people may have in their personal archives.

If you have any information that might help the Producers please call Melissa on 0207 434 6911 or email melissamayne@tigeraspect.co.uk

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