The child was actually Maurice Bell. He was the only child of Bertie and Bessie Bell who for many years lived in the cement cottage which is now known as Bell Cottage. After Bessie lost her sight they went into a home in Felixstowe, and this cottage was acquired and modernised by Anne Hart (nee Stollery) and named Bell cottage in the Bells’ memory.
Bertie rented a piece land at the back of the cottage from the brewery (Tolly Cobbold) and used it for producing vegetables and soft fruit for his small market garden business. He had a white Ford van and he and Bessie used to tour round Bucklesham, Foxhall, Kirton, Falkenham,Newbourne and Waldringfield, Waldringfield days being Tuesdays and Fridays. They loved children and losing Maurice was their greatest sadness. Each visit they would give our children an apple each, which Bessie would polish on her apron. Birthdays and Christmases would bring tiny presents nestled in our basket of goods. One tiny dolly was for ever after called Bell. Bertie could make anything grow, and loved to be asked for gardening advice. He was a true advocate for eating things in season.
Bertie’s other great talent lay in playing the organ, which he did so beautifullyat Hemley and Waldringfield churches for, I think, about thirty years _ might stand to be corrected on the number – could be more!
