West Lulworth Church

A Memory of West Lulworth.

I was a member of the choir. In the 1930's and throughout the war years the church would be packed for the morning service every Sunday.
As a child I used to look forward to the Magic Lantern shows put on by the vicar Mr Sharpe.  These occurred after Evensong.  The Catholics of the village came in after the sevice and were welcome to see the presentation.  Mr Sharpe had been a missionary at some time in his life and must have been a keen photographer.  Everyone must have enjoyed his presentations as there was always a good crowd in attendance.
Mrs Ironmonger played the organ and we choir boys took turns pumping the organ.
Some years ago when visiting from Canada I noticed that the vestry had been
vandalised and that the beautiful window over the alter had been smashed.
I believe that it has been repaired.
During the war years the army attended Sunday morning services and the military band played during the singing of the hymns. The great thing about being in the choir was the fact that we were paid every quarter.  As I remember it was 3 shillings and sixpence.
On Remembrance Day the service was conducted at the War Memorial. Most of the villagers attended and the Catholic Priest was there with the Vicar.     Something happened with the small steeple.  It was never replaced.
My father's sister Dorothy Whitlock with her husband Charles are also buried in the churchyard.
Many of the notable people of my youth are also buried there but I noticed that
their graves were somewhat neglected.
I am reminded of the poem " And Kings and Queens must tumble down and in the dust be equal made, with the poor crooked scythe and spade."