Chelmondiston, Suffolk

Buying a new drum for the Whitethorn Morris Band in Chelmondiston

I have been the band leader for the Whitethorn Band for more than twenty years and in 2002 we decided we needed a new drum. By chance we discovered Barry Askew in Chelmondiston who used his woodworking skills to hand make perfect drums suitable for morris musicians.

We commisioned a new drum and one fine Autumn day in 2002 I drove several of our band for a day's outing to Suffolk where we met Barry Askew and tried his drums. Having seen his workshop and completed our purchase we then had a splendid meal and dirnks in a river side pub at nearby Pin Mill.  It was a lovely outing in a beautiful part of the country and our drum continues to give the Whitethorn Band excellent service. Thank you Barry Askew and thank you Chelmondiston for lovely memories!

Suffolk Villages Photographic Memories

The Red Lion changed its name to The Venture (a ship) in 1997. The 1880s red brick house beyond with veranda under the gable was part of the Berners’ estate at Woolverton Hall. Set back out of view is the Methodist chapel of 1879. The Post Office and Stores (centre) run by C J Brook closed in 2002. On the left, the rounded brick building is now part of Hollingsworth’s butcher’s shop. A sign at Inglenook shows it to have been a café; beyond is The Foresters’ Arms.

Ipswich Photographic Memories

It is three years after the First World War, and a packet of ten Wills cigarettes can be bought in this tobacconists for 3d (three old pence). The newspapers are full of the news of the impending strike by the miners. Prime Minister Lloyd George had strikes by the miners, railwaymen and many others broken by troops and the use of emergency powers.

Ipswich Photographic Memories

On the corner of Silent Street and St Nicholas’ Street we see this impressive group of Tudor buildings with a carved corner post. Cardinal Wolsey is reputed to have been born here.