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Wesley Centre Memories > Betty Jackson

“When I was a little girl I was the very first Sunday school queen at the Chapel and I remember being so proud. My mum bought me a new dress and because I was one of seven children and we didn’t have a lot of money that was a really big deal. She must have really saved so I could look special for my big day. I had my photograph taken by a professional photographer and I’ve still got it to this day. I don’t remember what the crown was made of but it felt as heavy as lead.

The Sunday school teacher Mrs Ingham took me to a special service at Talbot Lane Methodist Church in Rotherham that all the Sunday school queens in the area attended. We all had to do a little turn and I sang “Just a song at twilight”.

I’ve got a picture of me in the nativity play in 1947 with one of my brothers and two of my nieces. I’d really wanted to be Mary but I didn’t get the part but I’m easily spotted on the photo because I’m the only one with my arms up in the air!

The Chapel used to be like a home from home for our family. I think it used to be a relief for our mum to send us children off to the Sunday morning service so she could get the dinner done. We all went off in our Sunday best with a penny in our hands for the collection bowl or sometimes just a ha’penny if times were hard.

We had really good times at the Junior Guild and we were never out on the streets. The older ones always used to look after us youngsters. You weren’t ever frightened to be out alone in the dark like you would be these days but it was still nice to have somebody walking your way home.

I’ve got a bible that’s inscribed with “To Betty Hawksworth for good attendance and merit, 1948”. I shouldn’t think many children get such a thing these days. I’ve also got a Lord Wartons bible I was given for remembering the scriptures and they did used to make us remember great long passages.

At Whitsuntide there was always a walk on the Monday and I’ve got a picture of me walking along holding one of the ribbons attached to the banner. After the walk we’d go to Manor fields and hold sporting events.

We used to go on trips out too, to places like Hope Valley and Castleton and go rambling.

I was married in the Chapel in 1957 and two of my sisters were also married there. It was so foggy on my wedding day we almost looked like silhouettes. My two children were also christened there.

It was a shame that the Chapel had to close but I’m looking forward to seeing the new building and hopefully meeting some old friends.”

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Maltby Community Development Trust, The Wesley Centre, Blyth Road, Maltby, Rotherham, S66 8JD
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