Dec. 25th.—There had been a Special Service at St. Nicholas’ Church on the occasion of the funeral of the Prince Consort, when the Vicar preached from the text, “And the King said unto his servants, know ye not that there is a Prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel.” Sam. iii., 38. At the close of the service the “Dead March” in Saul was played, and the Rifle Volunteers returned with muffled drums, the bells ringing at the same time.
The Artillery Corps fired minute guns from the South Battery for an hour, and from twelve to two the shops throughout the town were closed.
The Town Council met and voted an address of condolence to Her Majesty.
Dec. 28th.—A special service had also been held at the Synagogue, commencing with Psalms 13, 19, 15, and 85, and concluding with a prayer for the Queen and the Royal Family, after which, on the motion of Mr. Pyke, an address of condolence to the Queen and Royal Family was adopted.
The Rifle Corps had again on the invitation of Major Orde visited Hopton.
1862.
Jan. 4th.—Parcels containing Christmas fare “had fallen among thieves” on the Railway.
Jan. 8th.—Up to the 30th ult., 9,257 offers had been received and 8,229 Volunteers enrolled in the Royal Naval Reserve; of this number 24 held Masters’ Certificates, 116 Mates’ Certificates, and the force embraced 1,148 petty officers in the Merchant Service.
Jan. 15th.—Two pugilists named Foxall and Chambers, (who were occasionally employed as Beachmen), had engaged in a prize fight. “Ducky” Chambers was the winner.
Jan. 18th.—Major Orde, Captain Youell, and C. H. Chamberlin, Esq., had been entertaining the Rifle Volunteers at the Drill Hall with “Readings from Modern Authors.”