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St Matthews Church Oxhey Hertfordshire

Centenary Celebrations 1980

Dancing

Dancing outside the north door
Watford Women's Morris?

As part of St Matthew’s celebration of its 100th year as Oxhey’s Parish Church, we held a picnic in Victorian dress, similar to that worn when the church was consecrated. Here are some photographs taken at the time. If you can identify anyone or give any more details about the activities, email the webmaster at webmaster@stmatthewsoxhey.org.uk:

lolipop stall

The sweet stall
With Sally Best in the background, half turned away.

Victorian stamps display

Victorian stamps
Next to the display are Roger Tabor and his mother, Flora.

children under the cedar

Children in the shade of the cedar
The group includes Matthew Gerry (chimney sweep at left of picture, next to soldier), Sarah Best (kneeling at left of group, now mother of 4), Lizzie Gerry (white lacy mob cap, next to Sarah, now mother of 1 ), David Best (Wee Willie Winkie in nightshirt, next to lizzie, now father of 3), Sarah Fairlie next along. Libby Angier is holding her baby daughter, Rebecca (now mother of 2)

vicar and wife

The Royal Couple
The couple is not the then vicar, Peter Palmer and his wife Nonita, but Queen Victoria and her consort, who graced the party with their presence!

children with pram

Children with a pram
The large pram is Sally Best’s with Sarah Best next to it.

two gentlemen

Two Victorian gentlemen
The tall undertaker is John Gerry, talking to Peter Collins, who was from St. Peter’s, North Watford and just visiting.

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Last updated 07/08/2006 15:30 Author: Colin Richards