He looks Church personified when officiating, but is quite a jolly person really, especially since he retired. More relaxed, enjoying life, his wife told me. More time, and certainly they would pay visits to the Orms when somebody mentioned the case to them. Neglected for too long, it is true. In fact they paid them a visit immediately and another one soon after. “So that’s what it is…And he doesn’t know. How awful,” the Churchwarden’s wife said, “my husband went again. Mr Orms was down.” Then the pleasing news that “he cheered him up”. “And how is your daughter getting on with her little job?” My daughter had started working for Miss Felix. The Churchwarden cuts the grass for Miss Felix and knowing that she was looking for somebody told her he knew of a suitable young girl.

I was surprized to hear the little story when I had a chat with him recently. I didn’t know he was quite so friendly, he never showed it. Recommending my daughter, with me having left choir, church and all…However, he said my children were friendly and polite, one of them even waving to him – so he said to Miss Felix she might like to try that girl. He was very pleased to hear the deal had come off. You want to give these youngsters a chance, don’t you. Another friend of mine, a lady-friend this time, had also recommended my daughter to Miss Felix. My daughter owed her good luck to this lady in fact. It turned out Miss Felix couldn’t remember the Churchwarden having said anything about her. It doesn’t matter. It’s the good intention that counts.

Aunt Maisie isn’t very keen on the Churchwarden. He used to collect the rent. “What a rude person,” she complained, “no manners. Keeping his hat on all the time he was in my house.” She didn’t care twopence for him.

Mr Orms who is back from hospital remarked that the Churchwarden does too much talking. “He makes me quite sick and tired,” he said, and Mrs Orms added: “Staying too long, too, keeping us from having our meal on time.” She did give him that he was well-intentioned…