2.--The organ at St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, restored by Mr. Hedgeland,
at the cost of 430, was used for the first time at commemorative services
held at the church. The instrument was built by Renatus Harris, in 1707.
5.*--"Lord Suffield has been appointed Lieut.-Col. Commandant of the
Norfolk Militia Artillery, in place of the late Col. Astley."
11.--Intelligence was received from London that the banking firm of
Overend, Gurney, and Co. had been compelled, owing to the panic in the
money market, to suspend payment. The announcement created great anxiety
in Norwich, lest the firm of Messrs. Gurney and Co. were involved.
Public confidence was restored by a notice issued by the firm, who stated
that they were in no way liable, and were not affected by the affairs of
Messrs. Overend, Gurney, and Co. A meeting of the citizens was at once
convened at the Guildhall, under the presidency of the Mayor, and a
resolution passed "declaring publicly and unhesitatingly its unbounded
confidence in the house of Messrs. Gurneys and Birkbecks, and its
unabated reliance on its perfect financial security." (_See_ January
1st, 1869.)
23.--Mrs. Bulwer, wife of Capt. Bulwer, commanding the 15th (Dereham)
Company of Rifle Volunteers, opened a new rifle range at Billingford by
firing the first shot, in the presence of a large gathering of Volunteers
and civilians.
24.--The Queen's birthday was celebrated at Norwich by a parade in Chapel
Field of the 1st Norfolk Light Horse Volunteers and the Artillery and
Rifle Volunteers. The Mayoress (Mrs. Nichols) laid the foundation-stone
of the new Drill Hall, and after the ceremony luncheon was served at St.
Andrew's Hall.
--The Norfolk and Norwich Gymnastic Society held their first annual
sports on the Newmarket Road Cricket Ground. The programme included
gymnastic exercises, boxing, high jumping, flat and hurdle racing, &c.
31.--The new church at Thorpe St. Andrew was consecrated by the Bishop of
Norwich. The site on the north side of the old church was given by Mr.
William Birkbeck; the building was designed by Mr. Thomas Jeckyll, of
Norwich and London, and the contractor and subcontractors were Mr.
Cornish, of North Walsham; Mr. J. W. Lacey and Mr. Rust, of Norwich. The
estimated cost of the work was 4,000.