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Bentham Road

Sunday School outing 1921

By Dennis Parrett

My Mother attended Bentham Road Sunday School and I attach her decision card dated 18 January 1920; she was born 6 January 1906. I also attach a photograph of the group that went on a Sunday School outing in 1921. My Mother is fourth from the right in front.

I know nothing more about this Sunday School so can anybody throw any light on it or name any of the people in the photograph? Bentham Road is off Elm Grove, opposite the school. My Mother lived with her parents in Bonchurch Road although her Father died in the May of 1921. I was baptised at St Wilfred's Church in Elm Grove but there does not seem to be any connection with that Church. I would be grateful for any information.

In the 1950s schools used to go on outings to Hassocks to a wooded area and paddling pool known as Mr Box's. Perhaps that is where the Sunday school outing went to if Mr Box's existed in 1921. More detail about outings to Mr Box are in the section relating to Queens Park Infants' School. Does anyone know anything more about Mr Box at Hassocks?

Decision card

From the private collection of Dennis Parrett

Sunday school outing

From the private collection of Dennis Parrett

This page was added on 18/01/2009.

Comments about this page

The Elm Grove School centenary booklet (1993) states 'Elm Grove Infants School first opened its doors in June 1893 when over 300 children were transferred from the old infants school in Bentham Road.' I assume that this was the building that became the Bentham Road Congregational Mission Sunday School. I was sent to this Sunday School in the 1930s when I believe that one of the Elders was Mr Homeyard who ran the seed and corn shop. I well remember the donkey stoves in the big hall which gave out great clouds of smoke. On my first attendance I told the story of The Good Samaritan and was rewarded with a square of chocolate and a halfpenny with strict instructions not to eat the chocolate or spend the halfpenny on Sunday.

By Rita Denman (22/02/2009)

With regards to Bentham Road Mission Hall, I can't say much about the early days. But my family lived next door to the Mission from 1940 to the early 70s. The recollection of Mr Homeyard is correct - he was there for many years. The Mission held normal church services and there was a Sunday School which I attended. It also was the home of the 21st Brighton Boys Brigade, which was run by Mr Barnard. My brothers and myself were all members of the Boys Brigade and the Lifeboys before that. They also had the Girls Guildry and a young peoples' fellowship. I have many happy memories of my days living next to the Mission Hall. Incidentally there is a picture of it on the web, just put the name on Google.

By Glenn (14/09/2009)