Following are the personal memories of Norman Cooper written over twenty years ago about his life in Sundon and St Mary's.

 Norman worshiped at St Mary's for most of his life.

MARY THE MOTHER OF OUR LORD

0 Lord Jesus Christ, who in thy home at Nazareth
didst love and honour thy blessed mother and wast
subject unto her. Grant that we may be ever mindful
of her grace and virtue and also may we follow the
example of her love and humility; to the glory of
thy name, who livest and reinest with the Father
and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.

AMEN

THE CHURCH OF ST MARY THE VIRGIN, SUNDON

A PERSONAL HISTORY

Unfortunately, I have to relate that in the early 1900's Sundon Church fell into a very dilapidated condition.

Perhaps you will find it possible to understand more fully if you consider for a few moments that Sundon Village consisted solely of around 150/200 inhabitants. A great number were Methodist and there was also a Baptist Community. Sundon Park as we know it today did not exist.

For sometime there had been a controversy regarding the Church and people were not happy with one or two Vicars who had come to the Parish. This can be seen from the list of vicars recorded in the Church, which I am sure you will find of great interest.

Generally during this period, people lived in conditions of great hardship. Most of the male population worked on the farms and pay in those days was very small. The farmers and landowners were the only people who could support the Church financially to any great extent and regrettably some of them left Sundon Church and went to Houghton Regis to worship. Due to their lack of support and interest, conditions at Sundon became progressively worse.

The Bishop of St Albans was most disturbed by events and brought the Rev. Cecil Trelawney Mundy to the living at Sundon with Streatley in 1908.

People were not contented with his method of worship which included the use of incense. The Rev. Mundy was an Anglo-Catholic and a very intellectual man. He stayed at Sundon for 31 years and is buried with his wife Louise in the Churchyard.

The roof of the Church leaked badly and under these conditions it became impossible to continue services at St Mary's.

It soon became the painful duty for the Rev. Mundy to request the Bishop to close the Church and give his authority for rooms at the Vicarage to be used for Divine Service.

Services were held at the Vicarage for many years and it is here that my recollections really begin.

It is approximately the year 1926, the room appears to be quite full with people, I cannot remember too well, I am just 5 years old. Later I remember the Rev. Mundy having one server, a Mr Gerald Hull, he left to join St Lukes at Leagrave, and in later years became their Secretary for the Parochial Council. It was at this time that I became a server with Ronald Goodenough. We had early morning Communion at 8am and sung Eucharist at 11am with incense and 5 hymns. The 11am service was always well attended by 40/50 people including children Sunday school was taken by the vicar at 3pm and Evensong was at 6pm which included 5 hymns with Psalm. The Litany was used during Lent. The Psalm and Litany was sung Plainsong. Many Christmas parties were held at the vicarage for the children and also a party during the summer, when we ran riot in the garden,

I can well remember the home-made coconut cake covered with jam and desiccated coconut and a half a cup of tea at a time, more if wanted. All the children received books and presents from the Christmas tree and grown ups had their own party.

My uncle walked from Leagrave with his two daughters every Sunday to worship and it is noteworthy that his third daughter became a Sister of Mercy through the aid of Rev. Mundy. On vacation Sister Dona always came to St Mary's to worship.

At Easter the Vicar and his wife stood in the main porch distributing hen’s eggs and chocolate eggs from a large wicker basket to all the congregation and at Christmas every child received sweets and handkerchiefs.

There was an outing every year to Bricket Wood and in later years we went to Wickstead Park, Kettering where we had a free ride on the train around the park. Religious calendars were taken around the Village and given to members of the congregation and also groceries to the aged and infirm.

It was not unusual for boys of my age to go along to St Mary's and climb through the broken doors and windows to do a little exploration. I found rubble on the floor, broken masonry and broken pews, the pipe organ in total ruin. Parts of the organ had been taken by Rev. Mundy to the vicarage for safe keeping, also candlesticks, pewter plates and vestments. These were used there and afterwards returned to St Mary's when it was restored.

In the Lady Chapel I found two brass plaques on the wall where the small altar stands. These had been removed from the coffins of Lord and Lady Sundon, This was immense interest as far as I was concerned because my mother and sister had told me that at one time it was possible to go down steps in the Lady Chapel to the Vaults of Lord and Lady Sundon and see the coffins lying side by side covered with velvet cloth. Some years before my visit, the floor had collapsed and had had to be filled in. The Vault is now no longer visible but at least we know that a Lord and Lady really did live in Sundon, in a mansion and that the said Lady was a favourite of the Queen at that time, hence the name of the public house in Sundon Park opposite the SKF clock.

There was always a great deal of conversation regarding the possibility of restoring Sundon church, but being a young lad I was not overly concerned. Nevertheless it soon became apparent to me that movements were afoot in that direction. I had climbed the tower and touched the great bell we still toll today, and looked over the parapets to the surrounding countryside and imagined firing a bow from the battlements; it was great fun exploring the ancient building.

Eventually I was told that the massive sum of £7,000 had been donated and to this day I believe we derive a benefit from a gift given by Miss Lizzie Gates, a member of a farming family at Sundon This lady had moved to Luton but still had a great love for St Mary's.

Large quantities of building materials, ladders, planks and great blocks of stone began to arrive and were placed in the churchyard. The workmen were specialists in the restoration of ancient property. The large blocks of stone had to be cut and shaped to fit in with the old construction. A great deal of their work can be still be seen today. Much repair had to be done to the great beams in the roof which had not escaped the attention of the dreaded death watch beetle whose larvae bore into the old beams causing immense damage.

Great credit must be given to Archdeacon Parnel for his devotion in having 26 churches in Bedfordshire restored during his period of office. It is apparent that Sundon was not the only parish in difficulty with the repair of its Church and I feel that past historians should not have cast such a bad impression of the Rev. Mundy because it had become known as ''the time the Vicar had allowed the Church to go to ruin". As you will have already appreciated, the Church was already in a dilapidated state long before the Rev. Mundy came, and surely the responsibility should have been accepted more graciously than to shoulder the responsibility to one individual who happened to be the Priest in Charge.

During this spell I spent many hours in the churchyard, until recent years, I could say where many of the local people had been laid to rest. Even in those days everyone said that the churchyard was full, but today 1981, we still find room for more.

Before the reopening of St Mary's a great deal of hard work had to be done. The floors had to be swept and scrubbed, I must emphasise, with cold water and a bar of sunlight soap. The ladies including Mrs Mundy were all extremely active and for some considerable time one would find them on their knees scrubbing away. What a reward God gave them and us.

Almost 50 years on. a Church of Cathedral like quality, thanks to the love and care these ladies and the many who have followed in their footsteps gave and give now. Thank you Lord for the love and care that you alone have given, to enable the people of our Parish to give over so many years. Cleaning done, carpet at the Altar, laid matting down the main aisle, brass cleaned, and Altar linen sparkling white. Now the Church is ready for re-opening.

On the first Sunday morning, I walked across the fields to Church, the sun was shining, it was a gloriously warm day. When I arrived I stepped inside and saw the light of joy shining on every ones face as last minute preparations were being made. In those days there was little distraction in Church. How things have changed. There was no unnecessary talking, everyone even the children very respectful in God's house. The Bishop of St Albans, Dr Furse, assisted by Archdeacon Parnel, Rev Mundy and many other clergy, took part in the service. Not a chair or seat was vacant. The chancel itself was completely packed with Sunday school children. The chancel door was wide open to enable people who could not get inside to follow the service in the churchyard. Literally hundreds of people were present for this very special service of thanksgiving.

One particular hymn I remember so well was "Come holy ghost our souls inspire" and retracing my memory I do not think I have heard it sung with such inspiration and reverence. After the service the Bishop commented on the singing which was completely unaccompanied. We had practiced for this day for so long at the vicarage. The Rev. Mundy played the piano but was not exceptionally good, although an excellent singer, I must say he trained us very well.

From then on the services were the same as those that had been held in the Vicarage. The regular attendants at the sung Eucharist loved this service and it also suited the Vicar's friends who often stayed at the Vicarage for the weekend.

Baptisms were held at Sunday school and the children would sing baptismal hymns and also answer the questions from the catechism. The parents of the babies always appeared to be very impressed. We had to learn the commandments, the creed and the Lord's Prayer before confirmation. There was no music in Church but things were on the move in that direction. Much to everyone’s surprise, the Vicar brought his radiogram and after evensong we were invited to stay and listen to recorded hymns, anthems and other religious music.

Services were held in the evenings during Lent and often during Holy Week we had a visiting clergy whilst Rev. Mundy had gone to another Parish to give his course of Lenton services. On Saints days, Holy Communion was held at 8am during the week, very often with only five or six people. Most Sunday mornings after the early service we were invited to breakfast with Rev. Mundy and his wife. We had to collect communion vessels, water and wine from the vicarage every Sunday as there was no water laid on at the Church.

Water for graves in the churchyard was collected by people from the house at the bottom of Church Hill. In those days there was no electricity in Sundon and light was supplied from oil lamps on stands. Heating was provided by valor stoves and a large iron stove fuelled by coke. This was usually lit on Saturday evenings and kept going until Sunday night.

A year or so elapsed, the congregation ranged from 20 to 30 but on special days we had a full house, especially at Harvest festival, Christmas morning and Easter day. The Church was gaily decorated for these occasions and proceeds from the Harvest festival were distributed in the village and local hospital. Dr Fawcett, the local practitioner from Toddington came to Sung Eucharist very often. He enjoyed the traditional High church service,

The boys in the choir numbered about 8; all wore cassocks and surplices and provided quite a picturesque procession headed by the cross. The first Sunday school anniversary after the reopening was a great occasion and new hymns were sung by the young people. My first reading was Samuel 1 Chapter 3, and Victor Fox read the parable of the Sower.

To commemorate the fallen in World War One a service was held yearly at the war memorial early summer and to assist the village band, conducted by Mr Albert Simpkins, a large contingent of scouts and guides came from Luton and district. Rev Mundy took the service.

The general service of remembrance was always held in St Mary's and the names of all those of the war memorial read out and prayers said, after the service a wreath of laurel and poppies was always placed on the memorial by the vicar. Rev Mundy was an exceptionally good gardener and the layout he created is "still in evidence at the vicarage. Snowdrops and daffodils bloom there in abundance in the shrubbery and driveways. Many of the trees planted still exist and it is pleasing to know the long row of white lilac separating the garden from Aubers Farm, still blooms. We were often invited to the vicarage after evensong in the summer and it was a delight to see the results of his handiwork .I remember particularly one evening Rev and Mrs Mundy were on holiday in Llandudno, and a great friend of theirs, Rev Berry from Bury St Edmunds was in charge. He invited us to the Vicarage for a cup of tea and mother brought her eighth son into the world. He was only a few weeks old and mother wanted Rev Berry to baptise him. He asked what he was to be called and mother said "Henry the Eighth"  "Oh!" said Rev Berry I cannot possibly call him that." Needless to say it remained a joke in the family for years.

Mr Laird. the owner of Manor Farm next to the Church had a large flock of sheep and was also a famous pig farmer. On numerous occasions the young pigs released into the field got into the churchyard and created havoc, breaking many gravestones and globes which contained artificial flowers. There were many altercations between Mr Laird and the parishioners and church members, and in the end a wire fence was erected which prevented further occurrences.

Sadly Rev Mundy was not in good health at this time and on several occasions he almost collapsed whilst taking sung Eucharist. Soon after he became bedridden the young boys visited him every Sunday after service. These visits pleased him greatly. Although there appears to have been many differences during his office, we found him to be a great Christian influence in 'the parish and the young people loved him in his latter years. Always him and his wife were so very kind.

It was not long before assistance had to be sought for church services and Mr Peterson. a lay reader, came to us from Harpenden, as did other readers from the Parish Church of Luton. Mr Wagstaff, Mr Cooke, Mr Odell, all these people carried on wonderfully well. The Rev. Davison, Rural Dean came to us at 8am Holy Communion every Sunday. The ladies of the congregation kept things ticking over and held PCC meetings with Rev. Mundy. I very much doubt if the Church would have remained open but for their hard work.

By this time the country was living through a very difficult period and war was imminent. On September 3rd Mr Paterson was preaching and suddenly I remember a loud knock on the door we now use. Someone had come to tell us that war had been declared. Mr Sid Hull went to Mr Paterson to break the news, and I remember well, we were all on our knees very soon in prayer. It was a very sad moment, and when we came out of Church we heard the wail of an air raid siren for the first time.

Soon after Rev. Mundy moved to Pulloxhill, to a bungalow which he and his wife had purchased. Very little had been seen or heard of them, but I was fortunate to receive news, because my sister was their housekeeper and had moved in with them. The gardening mania still continued. A short time passed and the Rev Cecil Trelawney Mundy departed this life. Mrs Mundy continued to live at Pulloxhill. Such was their passing, a wonderful couple who brought much joy to many people at Sundon; there is no doubt that apart from the great improvement in the fabric little has changed since those days.

The Rev. Wilfred Chariton was inducted in 1939. Another high Anglican from Madagascar... During the war congregations increased throughout the country and the same was to be said at Sundon. The Rev. John Hancock came as curate at Streatley, but stayed with Rev. Chariton at the Vicarage. Mr Hancock was greatly loved by the young people at Sundon and Streatley. I remember it said that one day he was riding along the road when he saw a group of guides who had found a dead sparrow. John got off his bike and said a prayer over the dead bird’s grave, such was John's humility. For hours he played a harmonium in the Vicarage much to the annoyance of Rev. Chariton.

A large number of children with their London school teachers were evacuated to Sundon and Sundon Park which had begun its development 1932-35. On Sunday mornings it was usual to see large numbers of people marching along the road towards the Church, many of these youngsters had hardly been outside London and it was a new experience for them to live in the countryside. They were extremely well behaved and to this day we often remark about this.

Through the influences of Mr Charles Billington, my uncle, a harmonium arrived for music in the Church and this was used by Miss Phyllis Simmonds, one of the London teachers, she was the music teacher, very soon a large choir was formed. I remember well the performance of Handel's "Messiah" and the "Crucifixion" during Holy Week. Some of the men came from Luton Parish Church to join us. Aubrey Brown was tenor and Mr Bateman base, Phyllis herself soprano. Aubrey did his best to teach me to sing tenor but unfortunately I never did take to reading music. Nevertheless, Phyllis taught me enough to sing the eighty-fourth psalm 'How lovely are thy dwellings. 0 Lord of Host", solo at that

Mr Barber. a carpenter from Crawley Road Luton had his own business and produced an immaculately carved piece of wood, which was placed on the back of the altar, this carving has been replaced very recently and is worthy of your attention. The carving was a grapevine and leaves. 6 brass candle holders stood on this and a brass crucifix as a centrepiece. A large oil painting of the Madonna with Child was given by Rev Chariton and, placed in the window above the Altar. This picture was sold recently, but I think that anything donated should be carefully looked after.

Another organ arrived soon, again through Mr Billington, and this was given to Streatley when the pipe organ arrived. Miss Margaret Brown took over the music at Sundon and she brought a grand piano. The Crucifix above the pulpit was donated by a group of confirmation candidates and remains in the exact position it was originally placed.

To commemorate members of St Mary’s who have passed away, it became the tradition for anyone with relatives or friends they desire to remember, to purchase an Arum lily, and these flowers have adorned our Church for many years at Eastertide. It became necessary during the war 1939 - for the windows to be fitted with black curtains, the curtains were made by the ladies and the metal fittings fixed by male members of the congregation.

Bombs dropped in the vicinity of the Church, it was thought possible that a plane followed a car with lights coming down Church Hill, because a string of bombs were released and a crater still remains in the wood behind the Church. Some of these bombs did not explode and the bomb disposal was called in. After Sunday service, we expected windows to be shattered, but fortunately no damage was done. For this operation the main road was closed.

The Guide movement at Church was started by Mrs Cornwall who resided in a cottage near the Vicarage. Some of those early members are still members of our present congregation. At Christmas the Church organised a nativity play, and many people still remember the performance. Whist drives were held in rooms at the Vicarage. At Rogation tide, we processed round the village, Rev Chariton blessed the crops. Gradually our congregation became depleted as a result of the evacuees returning home. We were sorry to see them go. Rev Chariton left to go to Liddlington near Bedford. During these last few events I was on military service, but had much news from the congregation.

Rev John Gibson became our vicar during the war. His brother was Guy Gibson VC of air force fame. I understand that Rev Gibson now resides in Bournemouth. Rev Gibson had a young family and was extremely interested in the young people of the parish. It was during Rev Gibson's stay that 'he Mothers Union was formed. I can remember seeing the ladies walking up to the Church with their prams. In 1947 on my return from the army, we formed a Youth Club and had many pleasant evenings in the hut which stood in the paddock next to the Vicarage.

Mr Charles Titmus and Aubrey Brown were Churchwardens and again the PCC arranged many activities in the hut - Christmas fayres, jumble sales, whist drives etc. The paths in the churchyard were cut and concreted. A privet hedge was planted and the walls inside the Church were cleaned each year before Easter. Many general repairs were completed and water was laid on in the churchyard. My father joined with others in cutting the grass with scythes and sickles. On one occasion the grass had been cut and laid to dry. Father set fire to the dried grass which left black ash all over the churchyard, much to the annoyance of Rev Gibson. It was a great way to get rid of the grass but hardly the place to have a blazing fire. Father was severely reprimanded by Rev Gibson, but said 'Wait till it rains and the churchyard will look better than ever". It did.

Whilst Rev Gibson was at Sundon, the servers joined the 'Guild of Servants of the Sanctuary'. Regretfully John left Sundon on the Bishop's wishes to go to Sawbridgeworth, sometime afterwards I am pleased to say he was asked to preach for us one Harvest Festival. John was a very kind man, and he and his wife will always be remembered.

There was great activity when Rev Kenneth Riddle came to St Mary's from St Mary's Parish Church, Luton, and a number of people came with him and worshiped at our Church for many years. Much work was done but unfortunately he was taken ill, and whilst at Sundon did not have very good health. One thing can be said, and that was that he filled the church to overflowing on many occasions. One way and another he seemed to have a way of getting the best out of everyone. and I am sure those who worked with him derived much pleasure. Very soon he left us and moved to Kings Lynn, so much happened in such a short time, and we are grateful for the many blessings he brought to Sundon.

The Rev Jack Spread came to Sundon and stayed many years. Rev Alan Bliss also arrived at Streatley and for his support we are most grateful, During this period the church throughout the country was experimenting with alternative services, many people found it difficult to except the change from the book of common prayer.

Due to vandalism, the church had to be kept closed during the daytime. This I think was very sad, because many people often enjoy the peace and quietness which St Mary’s gives.

On one occasion young people set fire to kneelers and hymn books, and but for a passer by, much damage could have been caused, Items have been stolen from the Church, including lead from the roof.

Mrs Spread formed a 'Young Wives 'group to replace Mothers Union. and these people have assisted greatly with expenses. Mrs Spread was also a regular visitor to the geriatric wards at St Mary’s Hospital, Luton. Rev Spread was Chaplin to Luton and Dunstable Hospital and visited SKF UK on numerous occasions, our servers met often with other child members.

Mr Dickinson, managing director of SKF, retired as churchwarden due to heavy commitments. It was a sad occasion but nice to relate that Mr and Mrs Dickinson still worship in our church. Miss Peggy Everitt retired as secretary to the PCC, after very many years of service, Mr Ling retired from his duties as caretaker to the church hall.

The envelope scheme for weekly offering was a success and over the years has helped tremendously with finance. People were very active looking after the churchyard and also distributing the church magazine for our Parish. The magazine ‘Proclamation', has since been superseded by another magazine for our Parish, but keeping up-to-date, this has now become a joint magazine between ourselves and Marsh Farm, called 'Go Between'. The Cement Works at Sundon closed. I believe Rev Spread was instrumental in procuring new jobs for those made redundant.

The memorial plaque from the Cement Works was placed on the exterior of the Church. Our Chalice dated 1628 has been kept in safe keeping at SKF for many years and is usually bought out at Christmas time. During Rev Spread's office, Roy Beal, a server at Sundon, was ordained and is now a priest in London.

The Scouts, Cubs, Guides and Brownies were re-formed and have their own meeting hut in Ashwell Avenue, next to the Church Hall. We are specially pleased to welcome them to church parade on the first Sunday in every month, along with their leaders. Unfortunately the Church walls have been cleaned and washed 'with a mixture that seems to give rise to mildew, but that could be caused by insufficient heat.

To mark the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, a new lectern was given. New vestments and Alter accessories have been donated. One set was given to Streatley as it was no longer being used at Sundon. A silver plate was given by the Morgan family of Leagrave; a new bookcase was purchased with donation left in the will of Mr Cox of Sundon Park. Mr Cox was sadly missed. Mrs Andrews donated the stained glass window above the Alter in memory of her friend Muriel Read in 1964 which was designed by Mr John Price ARCA, a teacher at Lealand School, Sundon Park, and the Vestry was also rebuilt. The Organ was also given by Mrs Andrews in memory of her husband, a farmer from Chalton Cross. The statue of the Virgin Mary was acquired by the donations of many ladies of St Mary's and the statue of St Luke was presented by Aubrey Brown in 1960 at St. Lukes-tide.

At Christmas we have a splendid additional decoration of the nativity figurines, which has given much joy to many children and adults alike over many years. May I offer my thanks to the donor.

The Lady Chapel, for many years used to accommodate the Choir, but at the suggestion of Mr Dickinson, it was refurnished and now accommodates a small Alter with candle holders and a cross with Altar accessories, all given by various members of the Church at that time.

We are indeed fortunate to have three excellent organists in Joan Clarke, Ken Eales and Roy Hudson.

In recent times there has been much discussion regarding the Chancel Screen. It is of the 15th Century in origin and I fear its removal would greatly impair the appearance of the sanctuary of the Chancel. Christmas fayres are held regularly at the SKF social hall.

After the departure of the Rev Spread, the Vicarage was sold and a temporary Vicarage purchased in Kendal Close. The Rev Roger Wood, Curate of Sundon with Streatley was induced as Vicar of Streatley and the parishes are now completely separate. Rev Wood assisted by the Rev John Watson from Harpenden and a lay reader, were kept very busy in the Parish of Sundon for a long period of time.

The Churchwardens Gorden Bennett, Alan Finch and the secretary of the Parochial Church Council Andrew Campbell were most active during the interim keeping the Parish together and were assisted by various people too numerous to name individually. During 1979/80 the congregation raised £6000 towards restoration funds. but there is much more work to be done and much more finance required.

It was a long, long wait before the Rev Adrian Slade arrived and accepted the Living. He was inducted by the Bishop of Bedford, the Right Reverend Alec Graham on 22nd October 1980. The service was very inspiring, a large number attending from Adrian's previous parish. Many changes have occurred, especially the introduction of the Alternative Service Book, a supplement to the Book of Common Prayer. There is a great tendency for the Laity to assist more in the services and other duties. Family Communion is celebrated once again in the Church Hall. It is important to note that the Sunday school take part in this service.

Restoration work so urgently needed on the buttresses has been completed and we look forward to other work being commenced.

A new Vicarage has been built in Sundon Park, at 1 Selina Close, and new notice boards have been erected at the church hall and also at the Church.

A weekly leaflet is produced and gives all the information for the services and other notices. I am able to report also that the Mother's Union has been reformed. A new Choir is in its infant stage.

To assist with the preservation of the fabric of our beautiful Church the Friends of St Mary's Church, Sundon' has been formed, a very important innovation which requires the help of everyone concerned in the Parish.

These are my recollections.

"Throw me not away. For I bring to your tomorrow's Sweet perfume of yesterday"

Norman Cooper