Notes from the Past - April 2020

Robert Piper delves into the archives of Southwater to bring up a selection of interesting anecdotes about village life throughout the ages.

The working mens club was established in April 1895, in part of the old school house, open between 6pm to 9pm on week days.

At the School AGM, it was reported that the vicar and the church warden reported that as the people of the parish were paying towards the Horsham School board at a rate of 1s 41/2d in the £, the church should consider that the School Board should take over the Church School. The Rural Dean said that the board school could not be expected to give such a very small village like Southwater such a large staff or library allowance. The vote was split and the decision was to delay it so the church could run the school for one more year.

In 1915, a working party had been set up to send garments to the Red Cross Society, to help the Belgian relief. The committee said that they had sent over 200 garments, they were still asking for more clothing for the Belgian refugees. In April, a concert would be given by the 2nd Service Battalion of The Royal Fusiliers at the Church, with all the proceeds to be given to the church choir fund. In April 1920 the education committee appointed to the church choir fund.

In April 1920, the education committee appointed Lady Stirling- Hamilton, Mr E Charman, Rev Woodham and Mrs Crawley as managers of Southwater School. The Cottage in Worthing Road was put up for sale on the 24th April but did not sell.

On the 5th April 1940, the Sussex Brick Company put on entertainment for the children, wives of their employees in the brickyard canteen. Gardener’s Garage, Worthing Road had an Austin 7 for sale at a cost of £16 (£902.42 RPI) in good running order.

In 1945, the PCC were given £28-3-0 (£1587.69 RPI) towards the churchyard fund, the PCC thanked all for their contributions. In April, the house called Greengarth in Worthing Road was put up for sale. It was built in 1937 by Mr H Kemp.