There were a number of real old characters in Cawston when I was a boy, and some kind benefactors too. Among these was Marshall Howard, who with his son Norman was always ready to give support to local good causes. Mr Chaffey, Headmaster of the village school, did a lot of good work; he spent a good deal of time at the Institute (now the Village Hall). They had a bowling green and a tennis court down there in those days.

One of the best ways of meeting local personalities was to go along and stand on the Market Hill  of an evening. It would not be long before Hough Carman would come trundling along up Chapel. Street on his way to the King's Head or the Bell for his nightly beverage. If it was a Cawston Band Practice night little Reggie Carman would be off to the Bell too and also Big Reggie, who was one of the Band's early members. From time to time they would play on the Market Hill, and sometimes Band Contests were held; they Here always s popular with Cawston people.

Another one who usually put in an appearance was old Billy Keeler, pushing his wheelbarrow full of night-soil (as he politely called it) up to the allotment. He would stop for a mardle and light his pipe, making sure that anyone around had the full benefit of the smell. from his barrow.

We had our fare share of skilled tradesmen and some good shops. George Chapman was one who did some fine work; he made the trade vehicles used by Isaac Dent's roundsmen. Jimmy Bush, with a shop in Norwich Road, was noted for his pork sausages and pork cheeses, and further along at Maggie Cross's you could buy a big fish and chip supper for a few pence. As for pubs, He had seven in those days; they provided refreshment and were social centres as well.

Every year there were Sunday School anniversaries. and outings to Yarmouth for the Sunday School children; that was probably the only chance they had for a look at the seaside. There was always something going on in Cawston. and I think it was those old characters, and others like them, that made the village what it was - a good place to live in.

Alfred Easton

The above account was written from notes given to me by Mrs. Easton just before Alfred's sad death on May 1st 1987. They were written after a "mardle" he had with me a few weeks ago, and reveal the great pride he had in his village.

I hope others will be encouraged to put their memories on paper, for such reminiscences are always interesting.

Anyway Alfred has set the ball rolling, and we are grateful to his family for giving permission for the publication of his writing.

John Kett

Taken from the Parish Magazine June 1987