St Mary's Church, South Benfleet
A Gallery of Photos
Photo 1: A gathering of people outside the porch of St Mary's Church. 1. Vera Clark (Partridge). 2. Gillian Watts. 3. Mr Ernest Quilter. 4. Reverend L Rooney. 5. Mr Percy Cox. c.1960
Jackson's Photo Service
Photo 2: Tea with Reverend Rooney c.1960
Jackson's Photo Service
Photo 3: St Mary's Church Bell Ringers. 1. Judy Banks. 2. Norma ? 3. Mr A Green. 4. Rev. A G Banks. 6. ? 7. Alma Johnson. 8. Jackie Wood. 9. ? 10. Valda ? 11. Ron Johnson. 12. Leslie Wood. 13. Mrs Annette Carter. 14. June Carter. 15. Cyril Swains. 16. Margaret Tibbenham (now Swains), 17. Louis Tibbenham. 18. Mr G Tibbenham. 19. Mrs A Tibbenham. 20. Miss M Jewell
Jackson's Photo Service - date unknown
Photo 4: Cllr Ron Williams, Rev A G Banks & Mrs J Banks 1963 but what was this event for?
Terry Babbage, Church Warden, St Mary's Church
Photo 5: Cllr Ron Williams, Rev A G Banks & Mrs J Banks 1963. Event unknown.
Terry Babbage, Church Warden, St Mary's Church
Photo 6: An event in the garden of The Vicarage c.1960s but what?
Shiner & Holmes
Photo 7: Another celebration but where and who? date unknown
Shiner & Holmes
Photo 8: Party games? date unknown
Shiner & Holmes
Photo 9: Service at St Mary's Church. Mrs C Attfield in the foreground with twins, Charles and Henry. Undated
Terry Babbage, Church Warden, St Mary's Church
Photo 10: St Mary's Church Porch but who are the visitors? undated
Terry Babbage, Church Warden, St Mary's Church
Photo 11: Remembrance Sunday Service at St Mary's Church. 1) Mrs Annette Carter 2) June Carter (later Bettany) 3) Rev A G Banks 4) Joan Matson 5) Muriel Jewell 6) Cllr Ron Williams. c. late 1960s
Terry Babbage, Church Warden, St Mary's Church
Photo 12: Church Service. Undated
Jackson's Photo Service
Photo 13: Who are these people waiting to enter the church. c. late 1950s
Terry Babbage, Church Warden, St Mary's Church
Photo 14: Church Service. Undated
Terry Babbage, Church Warden, St Mary's Church
Photo 15: No information available
Terry Babbage, Church Warden, St Mary's Church
Photo 16: No information available
Terry Babbage, Church Warden, St Mary's Church
Photo 17: No information available
Terry Babbage, Church Warden, St Mary's Church
Photo 18: No information available
Terry Babbage, Church Warden, St Mary's Church
Photo 19: No information available
Terry Babbage, Church Warden, St Mary's Church
Number 20: Illustration of the East Window, Benfleet
Gerald E.R. Smith. inv.et del. (he or she drew this). 35 Circus Road, St John's Wood, London N.W.8.
Number 21: Newspaper Article dated May 1971
Terry Babbage, Church Warden, St Mary's Church
Photo 22: St Mary's Church
Unknown
Can you help us with more information?
Mr Terry Babbage, the church warden of St Mary’s Church, unearthed these photos which had been stored in the church for many years.
Some have a few details as to what the event was, the names of some of the people and the dates but many are mysteries.
Most appear to have been taken in the 1950s 60s and 70s, so not too long ago. Perhaps you are in one of the photos or know what the event was, if so please let us know via the add a comment section at the bottom of this page.
(Click on the photos to enlarge)
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In photo 9 next to Mrs C Attfield and her twins Charles and Henry is Jean who was her fostered daughter.
Photo 13 The lady in the centre is Mrs Cynthia Attfield with her twins Henry & Charles. I am one of the twins but which one it is impossible to tell.
There was a Garden Party every year in my childhood so the event in the garden was probably just that.
[Comment on Photo 3] The young girl who is Number 10 in the photograph is Valda Knowles who was a classmate of mine at South Benfleet Primary and Junior Schools between 1955 and 1961.
[Comment on Photo 2] Having regrouped my brain cells I have recalled Sidney Thompson’s wife’s name. She was known as “Bobbie”.
Has anyone got photos of the “players” in action?
Anyone who used to attend the shows probably would remember my Dad, Ron Johnson, as he always officiated as front of house, relieving you of your money.
[Comment on Photo 2] I can recall Sidney Thompson and his good lady wife whose name has slipped from my memory at the moment. They were both active members of the St Mary’s players who along with many others put on regular performances in the church halls (including the old one by the church and the newer one nearer cemetery corner, even after it burning down). My Mother and Father were both involved as was I myself in the latter days.
[Comment on Photo 3] I vaguely remember this group photo showing my dear Ma and Pa, Ron and Alma Johnson. Many other familiar faces tweeting the old grey cells.
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