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Parish Church of St James St. James's Road, Hampton Hill, TW12 1DQ (Parish Office 020 8941 6003) |
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| THE
HISTORY OF ST. JAMES'S CHURCH |
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1960 - 1969: Our Book is Launched - 1965 April
Bowls of Spring flowers by the porch struck the right note at once, and inside there was a cheerful bustle. Smells of coffee came from the kitchen where Mrs. Gostling and her helpers were at work, tables with gay cloths and flowers were ready to welcome book-buyers with free refreshments, and, in the selling room, there were piles of our book, on which we gazed with delight and pride. Gathered there, at 10 a.m., were our distinguished visitors, the Deputy-Mayor, Councillor D. G. Harris, Mr. T. V. Roberts, the Borough Librarian, Mr. Wendon Webb, the well-known local photographer and Mr. March, Chairman of the Hampton branch of the Twickenham Local History Society. The Vicar and Mrs. Orton, Editor of the book and Chairman of the Hampton Hill History Society, flanked by the Committee, were there to welcome the guests. The Vicar opened the proceedings with a short speech on behalf of the Parochial Church Council of St. James, the publishers of the book. He warmly welcomed the Deputy Mayor, and said that many had had doubts as to whether such an ambitious project could ever reach fulfilment. The enthusiasm, inspiration and hope of the Editor, Mrs. Orton, had achieved the seemingly impossible. Mrs. Orton then added her welcome to the distinguished guests. She paid tribute to the influence of the late Mr. Garside who, by his lectures and books, had awakened an interest in local history. One of his greatest friends, Mr. March. had been a tower of strength to our very amateur researchers, and to him, and to Mr. Wendon Webb, were due the book’s pictures which they had created from old, and often not very good, photographs. Mr. Roberts had provided facilities for copying maps, had made possible the reproduction of the Ordinance Survey map and had given much help in his capacity as Borough Librarian. Mrs. Orton ended by asking Councillor Harris to present copies of the book, elegantly inscribed by Mr. Wigginton, to these three stalwart helpers. This done, the Deputy-Mayor bought the first copy of (we hope) the first edition. Waiting “in the wings” was Colonel J. Ford with another inscribed copy, signed by all the members of the Society, for Mrs. Orton: and Mrs. Brooks presented a bouquet of Spring flowers. Visibly surprised and moved Mrs. Orton made a short speech of thanks. The launching ceremony was over. Eager buyers were seen approaching, and selling soon became brisk. Despite heavy showers which continued throughout the day nearly three hundred copies were sold and, by the next day, fewer than half the number printed (750) remained. We know from many comments that “The Birth and Growth of Hampton Hill” is being read with great interest and enjoyment, and that the pictures are giving great pleasure. “It’s just as it was, it has brought the village to life,” said one delighted elderly reader. Its making has fostered the growing community spirit of Hampton Hill, and the satisfaction that “something accomplished, something done” can bring. The greatest credit must go to those who conceived, fostered and contrived the achievement of this success, to whom all members of the Hampton Hill History Society, and all readers of this book, will wish to pay tribute. Source: H.M.D., The Spire Magazine - 1965 April |
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Associated pages on this website: The Birth and Growth of Hampton Hill |