For those who knew the Burrows family it was sad to receive the news on Friday that Jim had died.
He had not been well for some time and was in residential care. It was a sad loss to Pakenham when
Sal died some years ago. Their contribution to the village over the past 40 years has been
considerable. Sal ran the Church Sunday School when it was at Mulberry House, the then Vicarage.
Jim was busy working at RAF Honington in the meteorology department. When we were organising a Fete
we always rang Jim to ask if it was going to rain!
By that time Jim had got himself involved in
Pakenham Bowls Club. The Church Mission Hut was purchased from Rosemary and Malcolm Wright's garden
to be the Club House. Jim with many others helped to create a magnificent Bowls Green next to the
Allotments on the Playing Field. Sadly this had to close.
I first became involved with Jim when I re-joined the Village Hall & Playing Fields Association in
2005. By then our new Pavilion had been built and was being tenderly cared for by Jim. He did not
like Meetings, but he was always available to oversee the Buildings. In that time the Pavilion has
become a multi- purpose Social Club, Meeting Room and Changing Room. We owe a debt to Jim that it
has always been in a state of good repair since it was built in the 90s. Many was the time that Jim
and I, mainly assisting, carried out small tasks in the Village Hall.
He enjoyed the half-yearly
Quiz nights with the Wrights. We could seldom beat them! Sal served on the Parish Council and
helped Joan Mangnall at the Blackbourne Centre.
They were both regular attendants at Church. Sal was the Tower Captain and oversaw the re-hanging
of the bells; and also donating an additional bell. Jim would always help us with the Churchyard
Working Parties. Jonathan played the electric piano for our Services for some years. We must not
forget Sarah who played in the Pakenham Panto, opposite me, as a Princess! Thus we have experienced
a most talented family. So Jim, Rest in Peace and Thanks from us All.
Christopher Spicer
PV&CN - April 2021