Operated by East Boldre Community Stores Limited.
Community Benefit Society, number 8481
Uncle Eddie's Graffiti
On 15th May 2023, as we removed the panelling in the chapel to address the damp behind it, we discovered Uncle Eddie's previously unknown graffiti artwork of his dog Auggie sporting sunglasses behind the pine panelling that we removed in order to address the damp. It gives a feel for his sense of fun and why he is still remembered fondly by so many people from when they were children.
Unfortunately, on exposure to air after years concealed behind the panelling within 24 hours Idris' artwork dried out and peeled off. We were so disappointed to find it as curls of paint on the floor the next morning. Luckily we had taken some photos before the artwork self-destructed.
Research found this to be a picture of “Auggie” the dog who had belonged to Idris Williams, known as “Uncle Eddie”. Idris painted the mural when he, Doug Read & his sons installed the panelling in 1981.
An Auggie is a Welsh breed of dog, a cross of an Australian Shepherd and a Pembrokeshire corgi.
Idris Williams
Born Idris Williams on 29th December 1909, he was a Welsh miner before marrying Edith Read in Brockenhurst in1938. He later became a deacon at the chapel and served as the chapel's Sunday School superintendent from 1946 until his death in 1984. He is shown right with his dog, Auggie, Edie and her sister May.
He was held in very high regard and as a memorial to him a piano was purchased for use in the church and was installed on 20th March 1984.
A Light in the Forest - A History of East Boldre's Baptist Church by Eric Smith
COMING SOON....