I was 4 years old when my family took The Bell. In those times the mail horses were stabled there. The mail would arrive at 8.00 am and leave at 4.00 pm; route - Salle Patch, Reepham, Booton, Alderford Common then Norwich.

In 1914 at the start of The War, soldiers on horseback went through the Street all day. We had 20 billetted in the Club Room. The back garden was filled with Huts for washing, etc.

Bugle Calls; Reveille 6.00am; other calls during the day, Last Post and Lights Out at 10.30 pm. The girls at the school used to darn the socks for the soldiers.

Cawston was a busy place in those days the Military horses were tethered on The Homestead at Church Farm when there was a stampede some horses fell in the ditches and had to be destroyed.

Beer in those days was 2d a pint (l p todays money), tobacco was 3d an ounce, Whisky was 3/6d a bottle, and Woodbines Id for 5.

When I was 12 years old, I used to go with my father Thrashing, we would leave home at 5.45am as he had to get up steam. It was a ruling that you could leave school as there were no young men, as they were all in the army. Wages 3/6d a day 2lp todays money.

I remember Lady Ramsey's funeral when the cortege left Haveringland Hall for Cawston Station the coffin was carried on a farm wagon and all who followed walked. It was in the early 1920's.

We used to fill up with water on the Engines at your pump many times.

O.N. Thrower. (Buster).

From a letter sent to Denny Easton recently. Thanks Denny & Buster.

When I was playing bowls near Cromer, a man asked me if I ever knew a Mr Maud, The Chemist who once a week used to walk to Adlborough, (route Oulton, Itteringham, etc). On the way people would ask him for a remedy too their aches and pains. After staying for two days he would return by the same route with the prescriptions, collecting others on the way back the next week. He done this for years (mostly supplying Daisy Powder for headaches, embrocations, Beecham pills or Epsom Salts

In 1915 a Zeppelin dropped an incendiary bomb on a field at the rear of the Council Houses in Salle Road the iron shaft was taken by Mr Freddy Smith and a boy named Ted Gaskin and dumped in Thirtle's Moat (by the way this was never a moat, I think it was used for a Sheep Dip).

And a little extra history:-

On the 12th August 1912 Norfolk had a wet spell; when sheaves of corn floated about the fields, bridges were washed away; some I remember were Itteringham, Ingworth, Coltisha1l, Great Witchingham, Ringland and a small culvert at the bottom of Dawg Corner, Heydon.

O.N. Thrower. (Buster).

From the Parish Magazine December 1994

A very nice Rogation Day service was held in Salle Church for the neighbouring parishes."We were glad some of our choir could take part, and several of our people were present. The Scouts" and Wolf Cubs paraded, and turned out very well.

And God has indeed heard our prayers," and given us some welcome rain, and now a glorious spell of warm weather. How thankful we should be. Let our prayers he continuous, and let us see that we do more for God, that we may he more deserving of His blessings.

In connection with the National Mission of Repent­ance and Prayer, we are to have a visit from three members of the Pilgrimage of Prayer. These ladies hope to arrive on June 11th and spend "about four days here, visiting every house, and seeking to pray and bear their witness to Christ in every home. It is hoped that a hearty welcome will be given to these pilgrims, and that our people will give them lodgings and food.

Weather permitting, open-air meetings, will be held in different parts of the parish in the even­ings. There will be a celebration of Holy Communion each morning at 8. Papers will be sent to each house beforehand.

The Rector will be glad to hear from anyone in Eastgate, Sygate, and the town who will put up one pilgrim for the night. All this hospitality will be helping on the good work which they try to do for the Lord and the welfare of His people. Prayers are asked for God's blessing on this effort.

In this solemn time of war, it is sad to see how many people, Sunday by Sunday, neglect God's worship in church, and are doing harm to their own souls and also to others. They must remember that each Sunday badly spent can never be recover­ed. Each sin make the hold of the devil upon them more firm. No man can serve two masters. Reader, see to it that you are on God's side, and serve Him!

We are sorry to hear that Austin Russell, Harry Carman, and Ernest Neale and prisoners, George Wells missing, and that Wm. Riseborough has been wounded. Mrs Ramm has also heard that her eldest son is a prisoner. Horace Gray and Charles Neale have been home from hospital. We hope they will soon be quite fit again.      Related Link:- War Memorials - Roll of Honour

Miss Brash received 158 eggs for April, 54 coming from the school.

T.H. Marsh.

This article has been taken from the Sparham Deanery and District Magazine, June 1918 priced l.5d., belonging to Denny Easton, thank you Denny.

I hope you enjoy the happenings of 76 years ago as related by T. H. Marsh,(Rector) and I do hope that present day readers are not upset if any relative is mentioned above.

From the Parish Magazine September 1994

June Hopper.