Records confirm that floodwater reached the Chapel in November 1986.

Mary's previous recollection of the incident as “some water near the chapel” appears to have understated the position.

The newspaper cutting was found inside a plastic document wallet marked FLOODS. The Council letter was stored separately under YELLOW, which may explain why the two have not previously been considered together.

Newspaper Report

Transcribed from a cutting attributed to the East Thameside Gazette, 21 November 1986. The original has been retained.

FLOODWATER REACHES CHAPEL AS RESIDENTS QUESTION DRAINAGE

Residents along Chapel Lane were left clearing mud and damaged belongings on Wednesday after rising water entered several properties and reached the Chapel of St Letus Salata.

Persistent rain, followed by a high tide, left parts of the lane impassable on Tuesday evening. Water collected across the adjoining fields before reaching the Chapel yard and entering through the side doorway.

Residents reported that the roadside ditch had been slow to clear for several weeks. One described it as “more of a long pond than a working ditch”.

At the Chapel, volunteers moved hymn books, cushions and refreshments supplies onto tables.

A woman assisting with the clear-up said the greatest difficulty had been deciding where to put things.

“Everyone kept saying higher up, but there is only so much higher up available.”

Water remained inside the building for several hours. A mark on the vestry wall was said to show its highest point, although there was some disagreement from local residents over whether this mark predated the flood.

An East Thameside Council spokesman said officers were aware of local concerns and would inspect the affected area when conditions permitted.

Asked whether drainage improvements would now be undertaken, the spokesman said it would be necessary first to establish whether the incident had been caused by drainage, river levels, tidal conditions or a combination of circumstances.

No injuries were reported and the chapel's biscuit tin was recovered from the boundary hedge on Wednesday morning.

Correspondence from East Thameside Council

Date: 4 December 1986
Reference: ET/DC/86/1147
To: The Secretary, Chapel of St Letus Salata
Subject: Recent Flooding at Chapel Lane

Dear Sir or Madam,

Thank you for your letter concerning the ingress of water at the Chapel on 18 November.

The Council regrets the inconvenience experienced by those using the premises during the recent flooding and appreciates the assistance given by local residents during the subsequent clear-up.

An officer has now visited Chapel Lane and inspected those parts of the drainage system which were visible and accessible at the time.

The following points are offered in response to the matters raised in your correspondence.

1. Situation of the Premises

The Chapel and adjoining land occupy a low-lying position within the area historically associated with the river flood plain.

2. Nature of the Recent Incident

The available information suggests that prolonged rainfall coincided with elevated water levels in the receiving watercourse.

Under such conditions, the rate at which local ditches and drains discharge may be reduced. Water may consequently accumulate on land which would ordinarily be dry.

The Council is not presently able to confirm the relative contribution of rainfall, tidal influence, ditch condition, ground saturation or any obstruction within privately maintained drainage channels.

The officer’s visit took place after the water had receded and should not be regarded as a complete reconstruction of the event.

3. Barrier Protection Schemes

Your letter asks why the flood barrier did not prevent water entering the Chapel.

The existence of a barrier protection scheme does not mean that all premises within the wider district are protected against every source of flooding. Barrier operation is intended to address specified water-level conditions within the area served by the scheme. It does not prevent rain from falling on land behind the barrier, nor does it ensure that all surface water can immediately leave that land.

The Council cannot undertake to operate a barrier solely in response to water appearing in an individual building regardless of it's importance to the local community.

Responsibility for the operation of the principal tidal defences rests with the relevant authority and is not exercised by the drainage officer assigned to Chapel Lane.

4. Proposed Improvements

The drainage and embankment improvements discussed at the public meeting earlier this year remain proposals.

Their inclusion on an illustrative plan does not constitute approval, allocation of funds or a commitment to commence works.

Any scheme would be subject to further survey, technical assessment, agreement with affected landowners, availability of funds and the necessary consents.

5. Maintenance Responsibilities

Responsibility for the maintenance of roadside drainage, field ditches, culverts, river channels and private drains may rest with different parties.

The fact that water passed through more than one of these features before reaching the Chapel does not, of itself, establish responsibility on the part of the Council.

We are making enquiries concerning the ditch adjoining the western boundary. Until ownership and maintenance obligations have been clarified, the Council cannot give an undertaking to clear or alter it.

6. Damage and Expenditure

The Council is unable to accept liability for the losses listed in your letter on the information presently available.

This includes the claimed cost of replacement cushions, cleaning materials, damaged printed matter and refreshments supplied to volunteers.

Any claim should identify the property damaged, its ownership, approximate age and condition immediately before the incident. Photographs and receipts should be retained where available.

7. Future Precautions

Those responsible for the premises should review arrangements for storing items susceptible to water damage and consider appropriate measures for periods of heavy rainfall or flood warning.

Any provision of sandbags by the Council would be subject to availability and competing demands at the time.

Please do not construct an embankment, obstruct a ditch or divert water towards adjoining land without first obtaining advice and any necessary consent.

This letter is provided for information. It does not constitute a guarantee against future flooding, certification of the adequacy of existing defences or acceptance of liability for the recent incident.

Yours faithfully,

R. P. Ellison
Assistant Director
Drainage and Civil Contingencies
East Thameside Council

Copy to: County Waterways Office; District Engineer; Estates Section.

Notes

The following notes appear in pencil on the reverse of the letter from the council. The author has not been identified.

• Council inspected after water had gone.
• Water Authority to be asked about Council ditch.
• Council to be asked who owns ditch before Water Authority can answer.
• Barrier on map is proposed only.
• Keep receipts for cushions etc.
• Find out who authorised purchase of cushions.

A later addition reads:

“Claim still being considered.”

No final settlement letter has yet been located.

Present-Day Update

The Chapel now has a [Flood Defence Plan](), setting out its current arrangements for preparing for and responding to flooding.

Members should consult that document for the current procedure.
The newspaper report and Council correspondence reproduced above are retained as historical records.

For clarity, the existence of a Chapel Flood Defence Plan does not mean that the barrier scheme discussed in 1986 was subsequently built.

I have not yet found anything confirming that it was.

Geoff Thomas
Caretaker

The following account has been compiled from available family-history sources, including civil registration indexes, census returns, electoral rolls and parish material.

George Banks was born in this Parish during the spring of 1868. The civil birth index records a George Henry Banks, registered in the second quarter of 1868, and this is believed to be the same man, though the middle name is used inconsistently in later records. His parents were Thomas Banks, a carpenter, and Eliza Banks, formerly Prowse, who appear together on the 1871 census at a small cottage nearby. George was 3 years old at this time.

By the time of the 1881 census, George was living with his widowed mother and two younger sisters. His occupation is given as “errand boy”, though a later family recollection describes him as being “connected with chapel work from a young age”. In 1891, he appears as a lodger at 61, High Street, occupation “clerk / mission assistant”. This is the first record suggesting his move toward public/community duties.

A marriage record from the General Register Office index shows a George Banks marrying Martha Ellen Squire in the third quarter of 1894. The couple are found in the 1901 census living in modest accommodation with one daughter, Edith, aged 4. George’s occupation is recorded as “lay preacher”, though the enumerator appears to have first written “teacher” and then corrected it. This has caused some confusion in several online family trees.

By 1902, George Banks is known to have been heavily involved in the establishment of the Chapel of St Letus Salata. No formal appointment record has yet been found, but his name appears in connection with early meetings and his private scrapbook contains a record of the subscription lists.

He is usually referred to as Mr George Banks, occasionally G. H. Banks, and once, rather grandly, as “Father Banks”, though there is no surviving evidence of formal ordination so this could have been written by his daughter.

The 1911 census gives George’s occupation as “speaker and registrar of accounts”. Martha is listed as assisting with “meetings and linen,” a phrase that deserves further investigation.

A death registration for a George H. Banks appears in 1937, aged 69. No probate entry of significance has been found. His legacy appears instead in chapel records, where he is remembered as a practical organiser, a regular speaker, and a man whose handwriting became noticeably firmer whenever money was involved.

St Letus Salata was a woman of unusual resolve, remembered for a life shaped by service, learning, and moral courage. Though later generations would honour her as a saint, the first accounts of her life describe not a holy figure, but a practical and determined woman who rose to greatness by meeting the needs of those around her.

She is believed to have been born into modest circumstances, in a community marked by poverty, illness, and political instability. From an early age, Letus showed an uncommon seriousness of purpose. She was educated first in the household and later under the guidance of religious teachers, where she learned scripture, medicine, household management, and the care of the sick. These skills, ordinary in appearance, became the foundation of her public life.

Letus came to prominence during a period of famine and disease. While many with means withdrew from the afflicted, she organized relief for the hungry, opened storerooms, arranged shelter for children, and personally tended those suffering from fever. Contemporary tradition records that she refused to distinguish between the respectable poor and the disgraced, insisting that suffering itself was sufficient claim upon Christian mercy.

Her greatness lay not only in compassion, but in administration. She established houses of refuge, trained women in nursing and food distribution, and persuaded landowners to release grain during scarcity. Her work brought her into conflict with local authorities, especially when she defended debtors and widows whose property had been seized unlawfully. Several accounts describe her appearing before magistrates and church officials with a composure that made her difficult to dismiss.

In later life, Letus withdrew from public conflict but not from service. She founded a small religious household dedicated to prayer, healing, and the education of girls. The community became known for discipline rather than wealth, and for a rule that required every act of devotion to be matched by some act of practical mercy. Letus taught that holiness was not proved by withdrawal from the world, but by remaining faithful within its burdens.

After her death, devotion to Letus spread first among the poor, nurses, widows, and households that had benefited from her protection. Reports of answered prayers were collected by local clergy, particularly healings, reconciliations, and deliverance from hunger. Her tomb became a place of quiet pilgrimage.

Her canonisation came only after many years of local veneration. By then, her reputation had settled into something stronger than legend. She was remembered as a woman who had turned charity into an institution, courage into protection, and faith into daily labor. Although she would never become one the popular Saints, never her sainthood recognised that greatness can begin in service, and that a life spent preserving others may itself become a lasting sanctuary.

1. Purpose

This schedule records examples of continued Chapel use during the period after ordinary worship arrangements lapsed and before the Council’s attempted recovery of possession was resolved.

It is not a complete diary. It is a practical schedule prepared from available notes, recollections, attendance sheets, refreshment records, keyholder comments, and items found on the noticeboard.

Where exact times were not recorded, the entry should be read as approximate.

2. Schedule

3. Notes On Evidence

The evidence is mixed in quality because no single person was instructed to keep a complete record during the early part of the period.

Some notes were made on loose paper, backs of envelopes, refreshment lists, old service sheets, and a folded electricity bill. These have been retained where possible.

The absence of a record should not be taken as absence of use. It should be taken as evidence that the people using the Chapel were more concerned with keeping it open than designing a filing system.

4. Activities Demonstrated

The schedule demonstrates:

• Continued access by keyholders.
• Building checks.
• Cleaning.
• Maintenance attention.
• Informal meetings.
• Refreshment provision.
• Sunday gatherings.
• Seasonal use.
• Record keeping, even if imperfect.
• Continuity of local attachment.
• Resumption of ordinary Chapel business before Council correspondence.

5. Committee Comment

The Committee considers this schedule evidence that the Chapel was not abandoned.

1. Purpose

This record summarises the outcome of the Council’s attempt to recover possession of the Chapel of St Letus Salata following questions raised about occupation, access, authority, and continuing use.

It is retained with the Chapel records because the matter may be misunderstood if discussed from memory only.

2. Background

On 6 June 1997, the Council wrote to the occupiers and/or persons present at the former Chapel of St Letus Salata.

The Council expressed concern that the Chapel had ceased to operate as a place of worship, that no recognised body had been identified as responsible for ordinary occupation, and that local users appeared to have resumed access without formal instruction.

Chapel users responded by providing a statement of long-term occupation dated 2 July 1997, together with supporting information concerning:

• Continued attendance.
• Keyholding.
• Cleaning.
• Building checks.
• Refreshments.
• Seasonal events.
• Informal meetings.
• Maintenance activity.
• The congregation not having been formally disbanded.

3. Council Position

The Council did not accept all points advanced by Chapel users.

In particular, the Council did not accept that every person with a key was necessarily authorised to enter the premises.

However, the Council stated that whilst the building had not been wholly abandoned, local users had continued to enter, maintain, and use the premises over a prolonged period.

4. Outcome

The Council did not proceed successfully with recovery of possession.

The Chapel users therefore remained in occupation.

This outcome should not be described as the Council “giving us the Chapel”, “backing down completely”, “losing everything”, or “being beaten by Jean’s admin folder”, even if some members feel this captures the spirit of events.

The practical position is that Chapel users may continue ordinary community use of the premises, subject to the building being used responsibly and the Chapel continuing to demonstrate public value.

5. Conditions And Expectations

The following expectations were noted:

• Chapel use should remain community-focused.
• The building should not be used for private gain.
• Public access should be managed safely.
• Records of meetings, services, events, and attendance should be kept where practical.
• Maintenance concerns should be recorded.
• The Council should be informed of significant safety matters.
• The Chapel should continue to show that it is a community asset.

6. Committee Note

The Committee considers the outcome satisfactory.

Members are reminded that remaining in occupation depends on behaving as though the Chapel is a serious community building.

Records and minutes should therefore be kept properly. These are not merely paperwork and may be needed at a later date.

7. Record Status

This record is a Chapel summary of the matter and should be read alongside:

• Council Notice Seeking Possession, 6 June 1997.
• Statement Of Long-Term Occupation, 2 July 1997.
• Chapel Users’ Constitution.

• All later periodic community asset evidence reports.

1. Introduction

This statement records the continued occupation and ordinary use of the Chapel of St Letus Salata by former members of the congregation and local users.

The Chapel has not been abandoned by those who use it. Its formal religious arrangements lapsed, but its community use, social function, maintenance, and local importance continued.

2. Background

In the early 1990s, the remaining religious leaders stepped down and no replacement was appointed. The congregation was not formally disbanded. No clear instruction was given as to the future of the building, keys, contents, records, noticeboard, or ordinary arrangements.

During the period of reduced use, members continued to check the building and still regard it as their Chapel.

3. Resumption Of Ordinary Use

On 14 April 1996, former members met at the Chapel and agreed to resume limited ordinary use.

This included:

• Sunday gatherings.
• Meetings.
• Cleaning.
• Seasonal events.
• Refreshments.
• Building checks.
• Local social use.

Please see the Minutes for more information.

No attempt has been made to conduct formal worship without authority. Gatherings have proceeded as non-doctrinal observances, community meetings, and Chapel business.

4. Evidence Of Use

Evidence available includes:

• Attendance sheets.
• Refreshment rota notes.
• Keyholder notes.
• Cleaning records.
• Informal minutes.
• Donations and collection records.
• Notices placed at the Chapel.
• Repairs and inspections undertaken by users.
• Witness accounts from regular attendees.

Some records are incomplete because no one from the Council provided proper forms at the time.

5. Maintenance And Responsibility

Chapel users have:

• Opened and closed the premises.
• Kept the building ventilated where possible.
• Moved buckets under leaks.
• Removed spoiled paper and damp hymn books.
• Checked doors and windows.
• Cleared leaves from the entrance.
• Maintained the tea area.
• Reported or discussed repairs.

The building would be in worse condition had local users not continued to attend to it.

6. Community Benefit

The Chapel remains valuable because it provides:

• A familiar place for regular company.
• Low-cost social gatherings.
• Seasonal events.
• A meeting place for neighbours.
• Practical support among older and isolated residents.
• Continuity with local history.
• A reason for people to leave the house, which should not be underestimated.

The loss felt most keenly during the period of reduced use was not administrative. It was the loss of company, routine, tea, seasonal gatherings, and seeing familiar faces.

7. Position Of Chapel Users

The Chapel users do not accept that the building is abandoned. They have occupied, used, maintained, and valued it over a long period.

The users ask the Council to recognise the continued community use of the Chapel and to refrain from seeking possession where no practical community benefit would result from removing the people who are keeping it alive.

Prepared for retention with Chapel records.

Members of the congregation are advised that, following the recent departure of the remaining persons authorised to conduct ordinary worship at the Chapel of St Letus Salata, no replacement appointment has been made.

The Committee has been informed that enquiries may continue through the proper channels. No timescale has been provided, and members should not make separate approaches unless specifically asked to do so.

For the avoidance of doubt, this notice does not close the Chapel permanently. It does not transfer the building, furnishings, records or other Chapel effects to any outside body.

Until further instruction is received, ordinary worship cannot continue at this location.

The Chapel may still be accessed by authorised keyholders for inspection, cleaning, checking of post, and other necessary purposes, on the condition that nothing is removed from the building.

Further notices will be placed on the Chapel noticeboard as and when there is something definite to report.

Signed
Acting Secretary
Chapel of St Letus Salata

The newly erected Chapel of St Letus Salata was opened on Thursday afternoon in the presence of a small gathering of residents from the surrounding district. The building, which stands beside the lane near the parish boundary, has been provided to meet the needs of a scattered local population for whom regular attendance at more distant places of worship has often proved difficult.

The chapel is of corrugated iron construction, a form of building which has come into wide use in recent years where speed of erection and moderate cost are important considerations. The structure was supplied in sections and assembled on site upon a prepared base. Though modest in scale, it is neatly finished, with pointed windows, timber framing, a small bell-cote, and accommodation sufficient for ordinary services and local meetings.

The undertaking has been made possible through local subscription, private gifts, and voluntary labour. Several residents have contributed materials or assisted with the preparation of the ground, while others have undertaken to help with the upkeep of the building and its fittings. A small adjoining room has been provided for storage and for the use of those conducting services.

At the opening, Mr George Banks gave an address in which he spoke of the value of a local place of worship and assembly, particularly in rural districts where distance and weather may prevent regular attendance elsewhere. He expressed the hope that the chapel would serve not only as a place for services, but also as a centre of fellowship and practical assistance among neighbours.

The proceedings included hymns and a short reading, after which those present inspected the building. Favourable comment was made on the lightness of the interior and the simplicity of the arrangements.

The Chapel of St Letus Salata is expected to be of considerable benefit to residents in the immediate neighbourhood, and its supporters hope that it will become a valued part of community life.