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The ‘Doctor's Room’ at The Beehive

This was the middle room to the right of the bar. This room had many uses. Firstly, it had a fireplace with an open grate - handy in cold weather. The fire would be lit, the serving hatch from the bar was opened and whenever a drink was needed you just stood your glass on the shelf, the hatch would open and your order was soon done.

Secondly, the Slate Club or TGWU subs were taken there, as were the Dart Club subs.

Thirdly, the village doctors' surgery was held there. On Wednesday it was the turn of the Newmarket doctors as some of the village people were registered with them. But most came under Wickhambrook practice.

Every Friday about 12 o'clock the doctor's car would arrive. If you were able to phone him beforehand he would bring your medical history card and what he thought would be the right medication. If this was not possible he would tell the dispensary at Wickhambrook, and off someone would go on their bike to get it!

I'm told that Jean's grandfather was often called on, day or night to take people to Wickhambrook in his pony and trap. (I have still got one lamp from that trap).

One story told by my late mother-in-law was of how she took Jean to the local surgery at the Beehive for a bottle of linctus. But the bottle that she was given was smaller than on the previous visit.

“Small bottle this time doctor!” said mother-in-law. The reply was “You can have a bigger bottle. It would just have more water in it!”

Those who came to see the doctor would either wait in the park or on summer days you sat on the seat outside stop.

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