The Henson Journals

[147]

Tuesday, October 30th, 1928.

Bristol

I motored to Darlington, and took train for Bristol where I arrived about 5 p.m., & was met by the car, & driven to the Palace. The 'mass meeting of Churchmen' in the Coulston Hall was an impressive gathering of more than 2000 men – women were excluded. Colonel Oldham and I were the chosen speakers. He spoke first, and was dreadfully confused & dreary. Moreover, he went on at such length that he had to be 'pulled down' by the Bishop. I spoke for half an hour, and was well listened to, but I did not speak well. The truth is that I am too much worried to be able to anything well. This annual meeting is organized by the C.E.M.S. and costs about £80. Is it worth the money?

Canon Sewell, the diocesan missioner, told me that his brother had married Maggie Marsden, that she was now a widow, & living in Switzerland. What a stream of reminiscence her name sets in flow! The Lady Hypalia, as I fondly called her, kept house for her uncle Marsden, Vicar of Chigwell, & I often saw her.

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