St Stephen's Church

The same aspect of Church Green as the 1950's postcard but taken in January2011. Apart from the pedestrianisation of the old road from Birmingham (to the left) little has changed.

I  have many fond memories of these gardens too. As a choirboy at St Stephens from 1956 to 1959 (my voice broke then) I remember games of marbles and playing conkers (football was not allowed!) whilst waiting for the Choirmaster, Mr F Harvey Morris, to let us into the Choir Vestry. Life in the choir had its rigour, three practices a week and at least two services on Sunday. The choir motto is still very clear in my mind

‘ We sing not for the pleasure of Man but to the Glory of God.’

But we got paid – 7/6d a quarter and Mr Morris also banked 2/6d a quarter for each of us boys – the men of the choir were entirely voluntary. Weddings were also a nice little earner – we got 2/6d a time for those  - usually on a Saturday morning.

Click to enlarge