Methodist Chapel, Over Road:
The Methodist Chapel still stands on near the junction of Over Road and the High Street. I assume that the building is owned by the garage on the corner and in the last few years has probably been use as a storage facility. The garage has now closed down and the Methodist Chapel stands silent and unused.
Photograph of the Methodist Chapel, Over Road. December 2005 – Hilary Stroude Collection.
Many local residents of Longtstanton would have used the Methodist chapel and I am sure there is soame very interesting history here. Mr Brean I believe was a Preacher at the Methodist chapel. Mr Brean lived in St. Michael’s on what was known as Post Office Lane (now called Mills Lane.) He had a small-holding and orchard and lived in Providence Cottage (now called Toad Hall). His land is where Toad Acre Park now stands. The photograph below shows children from the Methodist chapel on a Sunday School outing. We do have the names for these children and hopefully this information can be added to the website in due course.
Photograph of Methodist Sunday School Outing. Date unknown. John Fletcher Collection.
Catholic church, Rampton Road:
A Catholic church was eventually constructed on Rampton Road, Longstanton near the Officer’s Mess. At this stage I am not sure of the date it was built but I believe, from information received from Dr. Michael Goodchild, that Rev. John Goodchild (Rector and Vicar of Longstanton 1936 -1944) was concerned that the spiritual welfare of Catholic personnel on the base was adequately catered for. I have filmed a number of interview with Michael and I am sure that this is mentioned.
Once built the Catholic church was used by local villagers as well as personnel from the base. The building it self was of a “temporary” nature – what we would probably call a pre-fab. Nothing remains of the church now except the concrete footing which can still be seen just before you get to Rampton Drift.
Below is a photograph kindly supplied by George Rainsford showing Martin and Bill Rainsford dressed up ready for their Confirmation at the Catholic church. The photograph was taken just outside the building.
