From Nottingham Evening Post, 5 February 1964:

Radford's 'sporting parson' will be back.

"They still talk of the 'sporting parson,' the Rev. H. M. ("Jim"), Blackett, in New Radford, though it is nearly a quarter-century since he left Nottingham and more than ten years since the church of which he was vicar was demolished.

"From 1927 to 1940, Mr. Blackett, now living in retirement at Hastings, was vicar of Christ Church, New Radford. In his ministry he devoted his energies particularly to helping the youth of the parish.

"He founded the Better Britain Brigade for lads there, under the leadership of Capt. J. Worthcote, of the Church Army. This later changed its style and title to the Church Lads' Brigade, complete with a brass band under Mr. Ernest Mills.

"In the later years of Mr. Blackett's stay, the name changed again, to the 13th Nottingham Company of the Boys' Brigade.

"All the members of these organisations, together with members of fhe choir, boys' club and athletic club - which ran four football teams - are now being contacted for the purpose of a reunion between Christ Church old boys.

"And the guest of honour at this unique and happy function will be Mr. Blackett.

"The organisers of the event want old boys to get in touch with them. They are Mr. J. Oswin, of 59 Eltham-drive, Bells-lane, Cinderhill, and Mr. C. Eyres, of 59 Farnborough-road, Clifton.

"Mr. Oswin, acting as secretary, tells me: 'Mr. Blackett brought so much sunshine to so many people in a very impoverished parish. Now, looking round New Radford, at the site of a once-homely church where there is nothing but emptiness, memories come flooding back. 'Many of the leaders of those young people's societies have died, but we know Mr. Blackett still pursues one of his hobbies — playing chess.'