Interview with John & Eileen Bicknell

This interview is a part of a series to commemorate 175 years of St. Mark’s Anglican Church.

When did you start attending St. Mark’s? What was church life like for you then?

John: In 1949. St. Mark’s was the church that we “Barnado Boys” – stationed at Mowbray Park Farm Training School – attended at times, upon migrating from England after the Second World War.

Eileen: I came to St Mark’s Parish at the end of 1956. I was confirmed at St. Marks in 1964, but in about ‘65/’66, I started attending a big youth group that the Parish had on a Saturday evening. Forty to fifty teenagers and above were in this big group. So I met John there but I wasn’t dating. I was there with three of my brothers.

John: Before Eileen and I married, I was co-opted into driving Picton High School students to the youth group held in the rectory, on what is now Remembrance Drive; the Reverend Barry “JB” Schofield presiding. I was about 25 years old then, perhaps younger. Many of those students became Christians. Some became very long lasting friends. [JB is pictured alongside John & Eileen in the accompanying photo.]

Eileen, what can you remember about your marriage proposal from John?

I was nursing, and it was 4 years (of training) in those days, and we were dating. We’d been dating for 8 or 12 months or so… John asked if I was going to do midwifery. And he’d already told me that he wanted 12 children! I thought, no, I don’t want to do midwifery if I’m going to have 12 children. So I said I’d be interested in doing psychiatry nursing. John said, “How long does that take?”, and I said, “Two years.” So he said no, we’ll get married instead. Later on he did give a romantic proposal, at Manly Beach.

Your wedding ceremony was held at St. Mark’s. What can you share with us about that special day?

Eileen: It was a lovely day. I think we had a 5pm evening wedding, on March 13th, 1971. We’re not superstitious so that didn’t worry us. Everything went along nicely. The church then didn’t look much different than it does now. The font for baptism was at the other end of the church when you first came into the double doors. There was no technology centre for screens on the wall. Everything was in books in those days; all the service, all the songs. Lots of our family and friends came. John didn’t have that many family but there were locals from Lakesland, where he lived.

John: I had no idea what I was doing. (Laughs). No, it was a fantastic wedding. All I was concerned with was making sure I said yes!

Following your marriage you remained a part of the congregation at St Mark’s for years.

John: Our 4 children were all christened in St. Mark’s. I held many positions over the years, including as the Treasurer for about thirty years. I’ve attended marriages, funerals, and many a working bee – especially after floods swept through the building.

Thanks, John & Eileen!

Interviewed by Rachel Winn

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