Diss Family History Group

The Lophams Project

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North and South Lopham British Legion

The Lophams Royal British Legion group is mentioned in many articles, some of which are listed below.

There is a booklet containing all the information and the transcripts from the Diss Express.

Diss Express, 2 June 1933, page 5

THE LOPHAMS.
----------
BRITISH LEGION STANDARD TO BE DEDICATED.

At the monthly meeting of the Lopham and District branch of the British Legion, held on Friday last. Col. Birkbeck (chairman presiding), it was decided to hold the dedication of standard ceremony on June 11th. Full particulars are to be advertised later. It was reported that the branch, which comprises North and South Lopham, Fersfield and Blo Norton, is making excellent progress, with no less than 80%, of the ex-service men in Lopham having joined.

Diss Express, 10 November 1933, page 6

BRITISH LEGION
WHIST DRIVE.

Friday, a successful whist drive and dance was held by the Lopham and District Branch of the British Legion South Lopham Hall, by the kind invitation of Mr. Michael Birkbeck, chairman of the branch.

The function was well attended and a substantial amount was raised for the local Benevolent Fund. Mrs. Macmillan Scott, wife of the President distributed the prizes which were generously given for the occasion by Capt. Macmillan Scott (President), Messrs. J. Aldrich, Ltd. W. T. Gibson, G. Brame, H. Easto. Mrs. Markillie (King’s Head, Diss), Messrs. H. Bardwell, E. Double, J. Doe, R. Frost, R. Fisher, G. R. Reeve (Wymondham), and Mr. and Mrs. Ford and refreshments were freely supplied by the many supporters of the Legion. Great thanks are due not only to these, but also to the ladies and gentlemen who voluntary gave their services. which helped to make the evening such huge success.

The prizes during the evening were won by the following: Whist drive; Ladies 1. Mrs. Napthan; 2 Mrs. L. Woodrow; 3 Mrs. Marlow; 4 Miss Eastwood. Gentlemen- 1 Mr. R. Sparrow; 2 Mr. H. Reeder; 3 Mr. R. Crowe; 4 Mr. C. P. Keeble. Sealed number, Mrs. K. Cook; Guessing competition. Mrs. Markillie: Spot Dance. Mr. J. Oakley and partner: Ankle prize, 1 Miss Porter.

An extremely good selection of dance music was provided by Messrs. Grant and Baker, which was greatly appreciated by an enthusiastic crowd which kept the floor occupied until the early hours of Saturday morning.

Diss Express, 12 April 1935, page 6

NORTH LOPHAM.
----------
THE LATE MR. H. A. TAYLOR

The Rev. C. J. Eastwood (Rector) officiated the funeral of Mr. Herbert Augustus Taylor, well known resident of the village, which took place on Monday afternoon at the parish Church. Deceased, who was 68 years of age and a native of the village, died on Wednesday week after a brief Illness. An old soldier. Mr. Taylor had served in the Boer War and during the Great War served as Sgt. Instructor. Altogether he had been soldiering on and off for about 40 years. He took keen interest in all British Legion affairs and was on the committee of the Lophams branch.

Mr. Keeble officiated at the organ and the funeral procession was headed by members of the Lophams branch of the British Legion. The principal mourners were: Mr. and Mrs. C. Taylor, Beccles (brother and sister-in law); Mr. P. Bowell (brother); Mrs. G. Lovell, Wortwell (sister); Mr. and Mrs. E. Melton (brother-in-law and sister); Mr. F. Syzzling (brother-in-law); Mr. E. Bowell (uncle); Mr. W. Taylor and Mr. Gilbert (nephews); Miss E. Holden and Mrs. Gilbert (nieces), Mr. C. Holden and Mr. V. Gilbert (distant relatives). The widow was unable attend.

The coffin, which was draped with the Union Jack was borne by Messrs. W. Bailey, H. Reddings, F. Batley and J. Baker, members of the Lopham’s British Legion and the “Last Post” and “Reveille” were sounded by Bugler A. Plunkett of Kennlnghall.

The Lophams branch of the British Legion was represented by Messrs. P. Hinchley (chairman), M. Birkbeck, F. S. Clarke (hon. treasurer), R. Wallace (standard bearer). K. Bullmore, H. Crooke, W. Emms, F. Bowell, P. Potter, S. Bailey, M. McCarthy, J. Emms, S. Goodswen, H. Fortis, G. P. Holden, K. Taylor, J. Vincent, E. Hogg and R. Napthan.

Other present included Mrs. A. Plunkett and Mrs. Cox (Kennlnghall), Mrs. P. Brock, Mr. James Baker, Mr. Wightman, Mrs. F. Vincent, Mrs. J. Prentice, Mr. J. Shaw, Mr. Garrood (Eccles), Mrs. Bond, Mrs. E. Potter, Mrs. R. Potter, Mrs. W. Coleman, Miss A. Taylor, Mrs. Palmer, Mr. T. Emms, Mr. H. Ford, Mrs. E. Garnham.

There was large number of beautiful floral tributes including one from the Lopham's branch of the British Legion. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr P. Hinchley.

Diss Express, 6 December 1935, page 4

THE LOPHAMS
----------
MEMORIAL SERVICE

A Memorial Service for Admiral of the Fleet. Lord Jellicoe, vice-Patron of the British Legion was held North Lopham Church on Sunday evening. Prior to the service, the bells were rung half-muffled, whilst a good congregation assembled.

A large contingent of the Lopham and district branch of the British Legion attended with the draped standard.

The branch chaplain, the Rev. C. J. Eastwood. M.A.. conducted a very impressive service. After evensong the hymn “Eternal Father, strong to Save” was sung, followed by a very interesting address on the life and character of the late Lord Jellicoe.

The address was followed by the hymn “Abide with Me” and after the blessing the organist Mr. E. Stevens, played the “Dead March” in “Saul.”

Diss Express, 19 June 1836, page 4

THE LOPHAMS
----------
COMPETITION RESULT.

The results of a special competition the British Legion fete were as follows - 1 Mrs. Flatman (Bressingham), 2 Mrs. C. Self (Blo Norton) 3 Miss K. Shipley (Fersfield).

Diss Express, 22 January 1937, page 4

THE LOPHAMS
----------
WHIST DRIVE.

The Lophams district branch of the British Legion held a very successful whist drive in the Village Hall, North Lopham, in aid of Legion funds. Mr. T. Baker carried out the duties of M.C. and the prize winners were: Ladies - 1 Mrs. A. Kerry, 2 Mrs Pettifer, 3 R. Baker (playing as lady). Gentlemen – 1 W. Smith, 2 W. R. Baker, 3 J. Smith. Half time ladies - Mrs. Nunn, gentleman. V. Woodrow. The prizes were distributed by Mrs. R. Hoskins, of Fersfield. The refreshments were in the charge of Mrs. R. Crowe. Mrs. J. Vincent.

The chairman of the branch, Mr. T. Alexander, proposed a vote of thanks to supporters and the ladies who helped with refreshments and Mr. H. Fortis proposed thanks to the donors of prizes.

Diss Express, 12 March 1937, page 10

LOPHAM BRITISH LEGION
----------
A WHIST DRIVE & DANCE
will be held in
NORTH LOPHAM VILLAGE HALL,
on Friday. March 19th,
at 7.30 pm.
Admission 1/-.- Dance only, 6d.

Diss Express, 29 October 1937, page 4

SOUTH LOPHAM
----------
BRITISH LEGION

The annual meeting of the Lopham and district branch of the British Legion was held in the Rectory Hall on Wednesday week, when the President. Capt. T. McMillan Scott, supported by Mr. T. Alexander (chairman) and Mr. A. Kerry (secretary) presided over an attendance of about 30 members. The treasurer (Mr. R. Crowe) was unable owing to illness, to attend.

In his address, the President covered the main activities of the branch and the secretary in his report stated that the membership was now 61, with more in sight. Their receipts were £22 8 9 and expenditure £13 7 1 leaving a credit balance of £9 1 8.

The following officers were elected: Chairman. Mr. T. Alexander; secretary Mr. A. Kerry; Treasurer, Mr. S. Goddard; standard bearer Mr. R. Wallace.

It was decided to hold the Armistice parade on Sunday morning November 7th.

Fall in at South Lopham War Memorial.

Diss Express, 12 November 1937, page 4

THE LOPHAMS
----------
REMEMBRANCE DAY.

An Armistice Day Remembrance service for the parishes of South and North Lopham was held at the North Lopham Parish Church on Sunday morning. Members of the local British Legion paraded at the South Lopham War memorial under their president (Capt. T. A. McMillan Scott) and headed by the Rickinghall Silver Band, marched to the Church. Here the service was conducted by the Rector, the Rev. C. J. Eastwood, the lesson being read by Mr. W. E. Yeates. At the close of the service at the North Lopham war memorial was performed similar ceremony to that which was carried out at the South Lopham memorial, namely. the laving of the wreath by their President. On both occasions the ceremony was opened by the sounding of the “Last Post” and concluded by the “Reveille.”

Diss Express, 26 November 1937, page 5

Poppy Day Results.
----------
THE LOPHAMS

The result of the Poppy Day collection for the Lopham and district branch of the British Legion was as follows: Bio’ Norton £3 5 4. Organiser, Mrs. Bradbury. Fersfleld. £3 11 5. organiser, Mrs McMlllan-Scott, individual collections, Mrs. Francis 19/10, Mrs. M Huggins 14/2, Miss J. Hensley £1 4 6, Miss M. Bowhill £1 10 10: making a total for the district of £17 8 9.

Diss Express, 4 November 1938, page 1

LOPHAM & DISTRICT
BRITISH LEGION.
----------
ARMISTICE SERVICE
will be held on
Sunday, 6th November 1938
Blo’ Norton Church, 10:30.
Afternoon Service
Fersfield Church 14:30
----------
Sunday 13th November 1938
South Lopham Church 11:00
Parade starts at North Lopham 10:30 for this service.
----------
Rickinghall Band
will be in attendance at all events.

Diss Express, 18 November 1938, page 7

The Lophams.

The Lopham and District branch British Legion held their annual church parade for the two parishes on Sunday, when a representative number of members attended. The parade assembled near to the North Lopham War Memorial, and officers attending included Capt. T. McMillan Scott (President), Mr. T. Alexander (chairman), Mr. W. Duncum (secretary), Mr. Wallis (standard bearer). A wreath was placed on the Memorial by the President. Prayers were said by the Rector the Rev. C. T. Eastwood. Headed by the Rickinghall Silver Band, in charge of Bandmaster Francis, the parade marched to South Lopham Parish Church, where the Rector preached a sermon and the Rev. R. W. Reavill (Methodist minister) read the lesson. Mrs. Keable, at the organ, accompanied the singing of appropriate hymns. The names of the fallen of the parishes were read by the Rector, and subsequently a wreath was placed on the South Lopham War Memorial.

Diss Express, 10 February 1939, page 8

Lopham & District Branch
BRITISH LEGION.
----------
A WHIST DRIVE
and DANCE
will be held in the
Village Hall, North Lopham
To-day. Friday, Feb. 10th.
at 7.30 p.m.
----------
GOOD PRIZES
----------
Arthur Rolfe’s Band.
----------
Admission 1/-. Dance only. 6d.

Diss Express, 5 May 1939, page 4

SOUTH LOPHAM
----------
BRITISH LEGION MEETING:

At the monthly meeting of the Lopham and District branch of the British Legion, held on Thursday, it was proposed by Mr. T. Alexander (chairman) seconded by Major Hamilton, that the annual drawing match in aid of branch funds should be held in June. The match would be held at Fersfield. on a field kindly loaned by Mr. S. Aves, near to the Crown Inn.

Mr. Alexander undertook to supply the horses, ploughs and other tackle.

Diss Express, 3 November 1939, page 1

BRITISH LEGION
(Lopham & District Branch).
----------
Remembrance Sunday
----------
NOVEMBER 5th.
SERVICE AT
BLO’ NORTON CHURCH
at 3 p.m. Parade from
Bio’ Norton Hall, accompanied by
RICKINGHALL SILVER BAND
Parade at Hall Entrance at 2.35.
----------
ALL ARE WELCOME.

Diss Express, 10 November 1939, page 4

SOUTH LOPHAM
----------
BRITISH LEGION PARADE:

More than fifty members of the Lopham and District branch British Legion attended a parade at Bio' Norton Church on Sunday afternoon. The parade was in charge of Mr. Thomas Alexander, supported by Mr. W. Duncum (secretary) Major T. Hamilton M.C. (vice-chairman) and Mr. W. L. Bell.

The parade formed up at the Bio' Norton Hall and headed by the Rickinghall Silver Band, under Bandmaster E. Francis, marched to the Parish Church, where it was met at the gate the Rector.

The Rev. Christopher Bean (Rector) conducted the service and the various hymns sung included the “Supreme Sacrifice.” His sermon was based on the work of the Legion and he emphasised the fact that the Legion must be kept going for the benefit of the men engaged in the present war.

After the service the parade marched back to the Hall, where Mr. W. Duncum thanked Mrs. Bell for defraying the expense of the band. The parade was then dismissed.

Diss Express, 17 November 1939, page 7

The Lophams.
----------

Remembrance Day services were conducted by the Rev. C. J. Eastwood at the South Lopham Church on Sunday morning and at the North Lopham Church in the afternoon. Both services were of a very simple nature and the Roll of Honour was read at each church.

Mrs. Keeble was at the organ in the morning and Mrs. Stevens in the evening.

Diss Express, 14 June 1940, page 8

NORTH LOPHAM
----------
----- A ------
DRAWING MATCH
organised by Lopham and District
British Legion, will be held on
SATURDAY, JUNE 15th. 1.30 p.m.
on a Field kindly lent by Mr. Bilham Woods.
----------
PRIZES FROM £1 DOWNWARDS.
Winners eligible for “Norwich Mercury” Cup
Competition.
ENTRANCE FEE 1/6, including Sticking.
----------
BOWLING for GOOD PRIZES.
Prizes will be distributed at the “Bull Inn,”
North Lopham. on the same evening.

Diss Express, 1 November 1940, page 4

THE LOPHAMS
BRITISH LEGION

The annual general meeting of the Lopham and District Branch of the British Legion was held on Friday in the Eastwood Hall. South Lopham, under the Presidency of Captain T. MacMillan Scott.

Mr. W. Duncum (hon. treasurer) produced the balance sheet this showing a balance in hand of £28 in the Branch Fund and £6 in the Benevolent Fund.

The following officers were elected: Vice- President Mr. M. Birkbeck; Chairman. Mr. T Alexander; Vice-Chairman. Mr. W. Baker; Hon. Secretary. Mr. W. Duncum; Hon. Treasurer. Mr. T. Williams; Hon. Chaplain, Rev, J. T. Poole: Committee: Messrs. W. Gcoch,J. Baker, H. Baker, J. Vincent, R. Noble. R. Hoskins. V. Bowing, W. Davey and J. Plumb; Standard Bearer. B. Wallis.

A series of Dart matches is being held during the autumn to provide Christmas presents for the men from the district who are serving in H.M. Forces.

It was decided that the presents should take the form of 5/ - per man in the P.O. Savings Bank.

Arrangements were made for the observance of Armistice Sunday, on November 10th. There will be parade at South Lopham at 10.30 a m., march to North Lopham Church for service at 11.15 a.m.; wreaths will be laid on the Memorials in North and South Lopham. In the afternoon there will a service in Fersfield Church. On Sunday. 17th November, there will be a Parade service in Bio Norton Church at p.m. The Rickinghall band has been engaged for these service.

In co-operation with the Women’s Institute. a cinema show is being arranged to take place in the Eastwood Hall, when various aspects of the national war effort will be shown. Admission will be free. The date has not yet been arranged, but will be announced later.

Diss Express, 14 November 1941, page 4

THE LOPHAMS
----------
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY.

The Lophams and District branch of the British Legion observed Remembrance Day Sunday. In company with the Home Guard wreath was placed on the North Lopham War Memorial after which they proceeded to the South Lopham Memorial where the Legion’s wreath was laid by Mr. Alexander.

A service was afterwards held in St. Andrew’s Church, the Rev. J. T. Poole officiating.

The collection which was in aid of Earl Haig’s Fund totalled £l/18/1.

Diss Express, 14 November 1941, page 4

THE LOPHAMS
----------
BRITISH LEGION

At the annual meeting of the Lopham's branch British Legion, the chairman, Mr. T. A. Alexander, made an appeal for continued support of the British Legion’s benevolent work. Mr. W. Duncum, hon. secretary and treasurer, said the general account showed a balance of £8/4/6. The accounts of the Benevolent Fund showed a credit balance of £13/8/4. The secretary said that three cases bad been helped during the past year.

Both accounts were adopted.

Before the election of officers, the chairman (T. Alexander) spoke the need co-operation and hoped that all who were on the committee would remain on.

Officers elected were: President, Capt. T. A. McMillan-Scott; Vice-president, Mr. J. C. C. Nisbet; Chairman, Mr T. Alexander; Vice-chairman, Mr. W. Baker; Secretary and treasurer, Mr. W. Duncum.

Prior to the business the chairman referred with deep regret to the death of Mr. R. Wallace, who had been the Standard Bearer since the formation of the branch and during that time he had performed his duties with great efficiency.

Diss Express, 6 November 1942, page 4

THE LOPHAMS
----------
BRITISH LEGION

Members of the Lopham and District Branch of the Legion will parade at the White Horse Inn, South Lopham. on Sunday at 2.15 p.m. A wreath will be placed at the Memorial after which they will parade, to St. Nicholas Church, North Lopham, for the service, to be followed by the placing of a wreath on the North Lopham memorial.

Diss Express, 6 November 1942, page 8

LOPHAM AND DISTRICT BRANCH
BRITISH LEGION
----------
THE ANNUAL MEETING
will be held at the
White Horse, South Lopham
ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20th, 7.30 p.m.
----------
Major T. McMILLAN SCOTT (President)
will preside.
All Members are especially requested to
attend.

Diss Express,25 June 1943, page 8

LOPHAM AND DISTRICT
BRITISH LEGION

QUARTERLY MEETING will be held the WHITE HORSE INN, SOUTH LOPHAM, on FRIDAY, 25th JUNE. 1943. at 8 p.m.

Diss Express, 14 December 1945, page 4

THE LOPHAM
----------
BRITISH LEGION

The British Legion of North and South Lopham, Fersfield and Bio Norton held a general meeting at the White Horse South with Mr. T. Alexander in the chair.

The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: President, Col. D. V. Willoughby. C.B.E., D. .0.; Chairman. Mr. W. Duncum; Vice- chairman. Mr. Anderson; hon. secretary and treasurer. Mr. S. Goddard; standard bearer. Mr. H. Baker; hon. secretary Benevolent Committee. Major Hamilton; general committee, North Lopham, Messrs. W. Gooch and W. Baker, South Lopham, Mr. S. Garnham, Fersfield Messrs. R. Hoskins, T. Alexander, J. V. Bowen, Bio Norton, Messrs. Woodhouse and Plumb.

The meeting decided to hold meetings once month in future.

The chairman welcomed Col. Willoughby. a newcomer to the branch, who, after acknowledging the honour done to him by their electing him as president, summarised the views of the meeting. These were that, now the war was over, Legion activities should be increased; secondly, that young ex-service men on their return home on demobilisation should be contacted personally with the strong hope that they would in the Legion and soon take over the management from the older members of the 1914-18 war.

Diss Express, 4 October 1946. Page 4

LOPHAM, NORTH
----------
DRAWING MATCH

A drawing match was held at North Lopham on Saturday by the Lophams and District Branch British Legion. The land used was at Park Farm. North Lopham. lent by Mr. James Alston, who, with Messrs. J. D. Alston and L. West, supplied the implements and horses. The judges of the competition were: Messrs. G. Orford and D. Gooderham.

The results were as follows: Horse ploughing, J. Holden 1 7-16 in.. E. Rose 1¾ in., C. Huggins and W. Baker 1 7-8 in. (tie), R. Worby and E. Potter 2¼ in. (tie).

Tractor ploughing; S. Walton 1 in., E. Potter 1¾ in.. C. Huggins 1 5-8 in., W. Stebbings 2 ins., F. Hinchley 2½in,. R. Worby 2¾ ins. The Legion Prize was won by E. Potter.

Diss Express, 6 December 1946, page 4

THE LOPHAMS
----------
BRITISH LEGION

The Lophams and District Branch of the British Legion held their general meeting on Thursday week at The White Horse, South Lopham.

Mr. T. Alexander was in the chair and the meeting was opened by Col. D. V. Willoughby. A large gathering of members were present and the hon. secretary, Mr. W. Duncum, disclosed that the accounts showed a balance in hand approximately £40. The new officers elected were ; President, Col. D. V. Willoughby; vice-president, Mr. J. D. Alston; chairman, Mr. I. Alexander; vice-chairman. Mr. F. G. S. Anderson; secretary, Mr. W. Duncum; and standard bearer Mr. K. Baker.

Diss Express, 24 January 1947, page 8

LOPHAM AND DISTRICT
BRITISH LEGION
A MEETING
will be held at The
Swan Inn, Garholdisham
On THURSDAY, 6th FEBRUARY,
At 7.30 pm. Sharp.
All Ex-Service Personnel welcomed.

Diss Express, 14 November 1947, page 6

THE LOPHAMS.

Prior to the service at St. Nicholas Parish Church, a parade was held at the War Memorial, were Mr. C. Worby unveiled on the memorial the inscription to the five men of the parish who fell in the recent war. The dedication was conducted by the Rev. J. T. Poole (Rector). The parade comprised members of the Lophams branch British Legion and other organisations.

Diss Express, 13 February 1948, page 8

LOPHAM AND DISTRICT
BRANCH BRITISH LEGION
A GENERAL MEETING
will be held at the
Bull Inn, North Lopham,
On Thursday, 19th Feb.,
at 7.30 pm.

Diss Express, 14 October 1949, page 4:

LOPHAM & DISTRICT BRANCH
BRITISH LEGION,
The Annual
MEETING
will held in
The Bull Inn N. Lopham
THURSDAY. OCTOBER 20th, at 7:3O pm.
All Members and ex-Servicemen invited.

Diss Express, 17 March 1950, page 8:

LOPHAM & DISTRICT BRANCH
BRITISH LEGION
A General Meeting
will be held at the
Bull inn, North Lopham
ON TUESDAY. MARCH 21st
at 7.30 pm sharp.
Will all members and potential members
endeavour to attend.

Diss Express, 24 November 1950, page 7:

FERSFIELD

The Lopham and district branch of the British Legion was represented at Fersfield Church on Sunday afternoon, when the Rev. F. S. Lewis conducted a service before a ceremony at the War Memorial, where Mr. L. Bowen placed the Legion wreath.

Diss Express, 24 November 1950, page 7:

LOPHAMS

The observance of Remembrance Day began with a service at South Lopham conducted by the Rev. G. A. H. Cooksley. The Lopham and district British Legion was represented and the chairman, Mr. T. Alexander, placed a wreath. A service followed at St. Nicholas’ Church, and the Legion branch afterwards marched from the Church to the North Lopham War Memorial for the wreath-laying ceremony. All services were conducted Mr. Cooksley. At the evening service, Wing-Comdr. Woffindin, of R.A.F., Watton, played the organ and accompanied the choir of young people. The collection of £4 11s 0d is for St. Dunstan’s. After the service the choir was entertained by the Church Council at the Rectory.

Diss Express, 12 January 1951, page 4

South Lopham

CHILDREN’S PARTY. - South Lopham party for the under-fives was held at Eastwood Hall on Wednesday week. On arrival each child was given paper-hat and balloon, after which they enjoyed a huge tea. Games were played, supervised by members of the South Lopham Women’s Hour. Rev. G. A. Cooksley gave each child present from the Christmas tree. The children went home with oranges, apples and a bag sweets. On Saturday over sixty children filled Eastwood Hall and sat down to tea with paper-hats on their heads. Games were interrupted twice, for the distribution of ice-cream and later on for refreshments. Later during the evening some of the parents arrived to share in the children’s pleasures. Father Christmas did not fail to make his appearance at the party and gave each child a present, 2s 6d, an orange and an apple. Music was provided by Mr. Plumpton&rsquo''s radiogram. Thanks were accorded to the Eastwood Hall committee and to members of the South Lopham’s Woman’s Hour whose efforts made these parties possible by raising over £30 during the Autumn months.

Diss Express, 23 March 1951, page 8

MR. H. FORTIS
(NORTH LOPHAM)

The funeral took place at North Lopham on Wednesday week of Mr. Harry Fortls, who died at the age of 79. Born at Bressingham. he worked on the land for several years before joining the army. He served in the Boer War and as a drill instructor in the 1914-18 war. While in India Mr. Fortis won the coveted first prize for rifle shooting. He was a long service member of the British Legion and was a very active member. Recently he started to write his biography, but because of illness was unable to complete the last fifteen years.

The Rector (the Rev. G. A. H. Cooksley) conducted the service, and Mrs. L. West was at the organ.

The immediate mourners were: Mr. S. Fortis (Old Buckenham), Mrs. J. Hayes (Caterham). Mr. and Mrs. F. Baker, Mr. H. K. Fortis, Mr. and Mrs. H. Fortis, jun., Mrs. K. Ellis (Rushford), Mr. J. Fortis, Mr. and Mrs. R. Fortis, Mrs. P. Cook, Miss V. Musk, Mr. A. Musk, Mrs. J. Flatman, Miss C. Fortis, Mr. C. Baker.

Others present included Mr. H. Pascoe, Mr. W. Gooch, Mr. A. Crook (representing the Lophams and District branch British legion), Mr. C. Frost, Mrs. J. Goddard, Mr. and Mrs. R. Baker, Mrs. Uapthen, Mrs. G. Denby,. Mrs. R. Briggs, Miss I. Clarke, Mrs. T. Stevens, Mr. C. Solly, Mr. P. Womack, Mr. J. Langsdon. Mr. E. Womack, and Mr. W. Bussey.

Diss Express, 23 November 1951, page 6

THE LOPHAMS

On Sunday week short services were held at the War Memorials of North and South Lopham when Mr. Alexander (Fersfleld), the chairman of The Lophams and District British Legion, laid the British Legion wreaths, and the hymn “O God our help in ages past” was sung. The parade service was held at North Lopham Church and collections of £2 13s 2d went to the Earl Haig Fund.

In the evening at a service held in South Lopham Church the choir of St. George’s Church, R.A.F., Watton, accompanied by Wing Commander J. Woffindln, O.B.E., at the organ, led the singing. There was large congregation and lessons were read by Lt. E. B. C. Wall and Lt.-Cdr. P. Winter, R.N., D.S.C. The collections, amounting to £4 13s 2d, were for St. Dunstan’s.

The Rector, the Rev. G. A. H. Cooksley, officiated at all the services.

The visitors from Watton with their Commandant, Air Commodore J. Jones, C.B.E., and Mrs. Jones, were guests after the service at Eastwood Hall by members of the Parochial Church Council.

Diss Express, 7 December 1951, page 4

The Lophams
----------

BRITISH LEGION . A.G.M.. - “No less than 400 cases of benevolence are assisted by the British Legion every week,” said the Group Chairman, speaking at the annual general meeting of The Lophams and district branch of the British Legion, held on Thursday week at the Bull in North Lopham. He continued his most inspiring talk by complimenting the branch on Its financial position. He was thanked by Mr. H. Pascoe, the secretary of the branch.

Mr. T. Alexander, the chairman, who presided, appealed to those who had served in the 1939-45 war to share in the organisation of the branch and to always bear in mind the Legion’s motto, “Service not self.”

Mr. Crook, the retiring treasurer, in his report, said that the branch had a balance in hand of £20 9s 1d in branch funds and £8 9s 4d in the benevolent fund. He also thanked the Rev. G. A. H. Cooksley, the branch chaplain, for work during the year and for ably conducting the remembrance services.

Officers elected were: President, Mr. R. C. Frost; chairman, Mr. T. Alexander; hon. secretary and treasurer, Mr. H. Pascoe; vice-chairman, Mr. Gibbons; hon. Chaplain, Rev. G. A. H. Cooksley; committee, Messrs. J. Bowhill, G. Beales, L. Bowing, E. Carver, A. Crook and F. Kitchen; standard bearer, Mr. H. Baker.

After the meeting It was unanimously decided to continue the branch, and Mr. T. Alexander, Mr. J. Bowhlll and Mr. A. Crook volunteered to campaign in an attempt to increase the branch membership.

Diss Express, 25 January 1952, page 8:

The Lophams.
----------

BRITISH LEGION. - The Lophams and district branch, met on Thursday week at the Bull Inn. North Lopham.

Mr. T. Alexander presided. He welcomed the visitors, Major Orange, the new Group representative; Mr. Willingham (Feltwell); Mr. Large (Thetford), Mr. Gooch (Thetford) and Mr. Stubbs (Norwich).

Mr. Stubbs addressed the meeting and told them about an episode in his life to illustrate the wonderful work by St. Dunstan's. In 1944 he was blinded overseas. After he had recuperated physically, he was taken in hand by St. Dunstan's, who taught him Braile, how use a typewriter and how to tell the time by means of special watch.

He was then given the opportunity of choosing one out of fifty jobs and he chose shopkeeping.

He has now a shop on the new estate in Norwich and is able to earn his living and supplement his pension. The welfare visitor comes occasionally to see that everything is alright. The main source of income to St. Dunstan's was from the British Legion.

Mr. Stubbs said that he was now quite as happy without his sight as he had been with it.

He was applauded and warmly thanked by the chairman.

Major Orange spoke on Group work and there was an encouraging report from three members, who attempted to increase the membership.

The decision that future branch meetings should be held on the third Thursday in the month at the Bull Inn, was approved.

Diss Express, 20 November 1953, page 7

THE LOPHAMS

The South Lopham service of Remembrance was held in the morning after a parade by members of the British Legion. After the service at the Church the Rector, the British Legion contingent and the congregation processed to the War Memorial where the names of the fallen were read and the Legion wreath placed at the foot of the Memorial.

The North Lopham service was held later In the day at North Lopham Church, when once more a large contingent of the local British Legion attended. The services at both Churches were conducted by the Rev. K Liley and the sermon at both services given the Rev. F. W. Bracecamp (Norwich). The organist was Mrs. A. Huggins.

As a result of the Poppy Day collections and the collections at both services about £29 went towards the Earl Haig Fund.

Diss Express, 1 December 1989, page 23

The Lophams

POPPIES: The Poppy Appeal in The Lophams, Fersfield and Blo Norton raised a total of £487, which was Just below last year's total.

The organiser was Mr Ian Murdoch and the details were as follows: Fersfield: Post Office £6; Mrs J Sumpter £42.83; Church Council £10. Total £58.83. Blo Norton: Mrs Fincham £21.17; Mrs J Smith £22.92; Church Council £14.30; Parish Council £10. Total £68.39.

North Lopham: Mrs R Cook £16.09; Mrs J Vere £31.34; Mrs H Potter £44.45; Mrs J. Tate £2.5.44; Post Office £20.73; Church Council £10; Parish Council £10. Total £158.05.

South Lopham: Mrs B Bullock £21.56; Post Office £7.14; Mrs M Reeder £23.94; Mr I Murdoch £41.05; Mrs J Mutimer £17.50; White Horse £10.95; Church Council £10; Parish Council £10. Total £202.14.

The Remembrance Day service held at South Lopham was conducted by Rev David Hunter and the local Royal British Legion branch was well represented.

Diss Express, 10 December 1993, page 12

Lophams

POPPY APPEAL. Mr J. Bowhill, the Poppy Appeal Organiser for South and North Lopham, Blo Norton and Fersfield, is pleased to announce that this year's collections came to £554.63.

The British Legion is grateful to all who supported it once again, and to those involved in collecting donations in what was a particularly cold week this year. The grand total was made up as follows: South Lopham. £210.66; North Lopham, £195.52; Blo’ Norton £81.48 and Fersfield, £66.97.

Notes:

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