Southrepps Artist and Campaigner
Mary Young was born in North London in 1913 and moved to Southrepps with her family in 1968. They bought the old New Inn pub and renamed it Ham House after a favourite Dickens character from David Copperfield.
She had attended Hornsey School of Art. She taught art during WW2 and her work was displayed in several galleries as well as the Royal Academy.
She quickly became involved in Southrepps village life especially conservation. She fought against the removal of hedges and a bridleway.
Mary was also the driving force behind the Conservation Area in the centre of Upper Street.
In 1977 with other like minded villagers, she helped to set up the Southrepps Society, which is still flourishing. She was anxious to preserve the history of the village and her archive is the basis of the Southrepps History Hub. She became chairman of the Parish Council.
At Ham House, she set up a Pottery in the basement and ran classes, gave talks and held exhibitions. She also hosted lots of village fund-raising events.
She was an accomplished pianist and string player. She taught several children in the village. She would play the Church organ when necessary.
One of her legacies is the pair of village signs which she designed, carved and painted.
Another legacy are her china plates and mugs. She created the designs which were transposed on to fine china and sold to raise money for the Church and village.
Many households in Southrepps have a Mary Young plate. Although she died in 2003, she is still fondly remembered by older residents.
