Church Tributes

From Bernard Cowley

“I was born in Sprowston in 1930 which makes me 96 – still going strong.

 

My family lived in Glenburn Avenue. My mother was was widowed and I had two sisters both, sadly, deceased.

 

We were, of course, church-goers and attended both churches. I was a choir boy for many years. I’m in that little picture which shows Rev. Aubrey Aitken at the back – he was Bishop of Lynn, sadly dying quite young. Aubrey had a really beautiful baritone voice and as a preacher was quite remarkable. My first vicar was Rev.Sydney Metcalf who was a retired headmaster and a very competent organist. I spent a lot of time pumping the organ which was at the bottom of the church on the right-hand side.

 

My main purpose in contacting you is that I have a small story to tell.

 

At the beginning of World War Two St. Cuthberts had to be fitted with blackouts at the windows. These were made by Mr. Elphinstone who was the local school caretaker and were made of wood and cardboard. My dear elder sister Patricia was an extremely talented painter and artist. Although we were not RC she was at Notre Dame school in Norwich were her skills were legendary! The Vicar asked Pat if should could design each window in a stained glass pattern – which of course she did – Pat was 16 at the time. It took her quite a long time, mostly at weekends, but eventually they all got done. And they really did look stunning.

 

Pat died in her sleep in January and we were best friends all our lives”