LOCAL LEGENDS (8)
REV. IVOR JEFFREY-MACHIN

Dr. Machin and his wife Brenda came from Brockenhurst, he was a Schoolmaster and a non stipendary Priest. St. James' at West End was his first full time living. He was very musical and could play almost every instrument to a greater or lesser degree, an exceptionally clever man who never lorded it over his fellows.
In this Parish he is best remembered for his work with young people. He extended his predecessor's Junior Church and formed the Junior Church Council, with their own Churchwardens.
Ivor Machin founded the West End Little Theatre Club, sadly now defunct. Opened in 1945 the Club ran until 2005 when it became no longer a viable operation, closing with a play appropriately entitled "Curtain

Call". He was Chairman of WELTC from 1945 until 1952. During the Second World War he wrote regularly to all the local men serving in the Forces whilst on Active Service and also started the Pram service to encourage young mothers to come to Church and bring their babies. He wrote several theatrical productions for the Little Theatre Club and became "Brain of Britain" on the Radio series of the same name following his retirement from active work. An all round asset for West End during his time at St. James Church.