History
Margaret Harker 1880 - 1935
When Margaret Harker saw the need for a community hall she and her husband offered to provide the village with one. Previously social events had been held in the Reading Room (now our library) and 'The Granary' on Church Road (long since removed) where large numbers gathered. At one New Year’s party in the Granary 250 were catered for, while 60 children were entertained in the Reading Room.
The Harkers chose the architect Edward Thomas Boardman who had previously drawn
plans for the work at their home, Blofield Hall. When the new parish hall was opened in 1923 it was said that “All those who have seen the Hall are surprised at the high quality and completeness of its equipment. But, parishioners of Blofield are not really surprised for they know by experience the thoroughness of the generous donors Major and Mrs Harker. We have no doubt that such a splendid Parish Hall will not only add to our enjoyment, but be an educational force by reason of its brightness and orderliness.”
Initially the building was referred to as the parish hall only taking her name after her untimely death aged 55 years.
Soon the new hall was being used to show films. In the grounds fêtes were held and the
cricket club had one of the cricketing Edrich family as Hon Sec.
The Parish party for the New Year accommodated 320. (Tickets cost 1/3 each).
Many groups and societies used the hall. A Dramatic Society, Women’s Institute, Girl
Guides and Girls’ Friendly Society were soon holding regular meetings, The annual church
meeting found that 50 attended instead of a handful in the church on a wintry evening!
Margaret Harker's Work For Others
Aware of the needs of villagers she set up a district nursing association, opened one of the
first child welfare clinics and brought local children into a junior branch of Red Cross life.
She worked tirelessly for the Red Cross, supported the work of the St John Ambulance
Association and oversaw dressing stations for Scots fisher girls at Yarmouth. In the first
world war she was sought out to run a war hospital in Brundall House.
These important aspects of her work are depicted in panels of stained glass
windows in Blofield church.
The History section of this website has been written by Local Historian Mrs Barbara Pilch with grateful thanks. A book about the life of Margaret Harker called: Windows on a Life: The Story of Margaret Harker by Barbara Pilch is available for sale in St Andrews & St Peters Church, Blofield if you are interested in reading more.