Hurstpierpoint Baptism Register Margin Notes

[djw]

Hi, I have just come across the Hurstpierpoint Baptism registers in the course of my research. In the 1845-1877 register there are occasional notes in the margin that I would expect to see, sometimes a date of birth and sometimes a P for a private baptism. However, when you reach 1850 they start recording names in the margin of each entry that often bear no obvious connection to the baptised. I just wondered if anyone with local knowledge has any experience of what was being recorded here? Are they witnesses?

Thanks for any info.

[Milliepede]

Are all the names different from each other?  If so probably not the person doing the baptism 

[rosie99]

I wondered if they were godparents names

[djw]

Usually three names recorded and different each time - I haven't come across it before. I think they must be witnesesses / godparents as one of the names appears on both baptisms from the same family that are three years apart which suggests there must be a connection.