I wrote in last month’s article that by the time this one came out, most of our readers, and many more of Marldon’s residents, would be aware of the passing of Frank Palk, on 18th May, at the grand age of 94. The many tributes and memories printed in the Parish Magazine and on the History Group’s Facebook page paint a comprehensive picture of a life well lived by a prime example of a disappearing breed.
I was very pleased to read the optimistic piece from the PCC at the beginning of last month’s Magazine, giving details of its fundraising efforts, including the resurrection of the “111” Club, a long established monthly Village Lottery which may not be familiar to our newer residents. During its long existence the Club has supported both the School and the Church by financing the Staff Room, library and other additional facilities for the School. Funds are always being raised for the development and ongoing maintenance of the Church (c. 1400). A contribution was also made to assist in the completion of the Village Hall.
All the information you need is in the May and June editions of this Magazine. Please contribute whatever you can.
Marldon’s Royal Coat of Arms
Right – sit up at the back now, here’s a quirky little bit of Marldon’s history.
Last year, HERE in fact, I wrote what I could find about Marldon’s Royal Coat of Arms. (If you would like a copy, please let me know via this website). The original article refers to the dirty and dusty condition of the Arms. The possibility of restoration was briefly discussed. A recent chance finding in the Parish Mag dated October 1915 throws some light on the subject :-
”The old Royal coat of Arms belonging to the Church is being restored by one of our sidesmen, Mr R.H. Bone. It has the date 1835 and also the names of the Church wardens at that time, Francis Coaker and George Browse. When finished, it will be hung in the Tower“.
We now know that the Arms were made in1835, but were not cleaned/restored until 1915 (assuming the cleaning by Mr Bone took place). Presumably during this time the Arms were hanging in the Tower, to where they were to be returned when the restoration was completed. It is not surprising that the Arms are not in the best of condition if they have been hung, hardly seen, for so many years.
TONY CHIDLOW – CHAIRMAN
Marldon Local History Group 