Archived Extracts

  Unaffected by adverse conditions the annual Whitsuntide festivals were as great a success as ever. One of the few remaining possessions of the populace seems to be a resolute intention to put the best face on things, and not let the children down. Consequently, although the industrial outlook has never been so discouraging, there was no sign of it in the eager crowds of sightseers and in the hundreds of brightly dressed and happy children who thronged the streets on Monday and Tuesday.
  The weather was gloriously fine, and the temperature too near a record to be altogether comfortable. There were occasional breezes, but they were hardly felt near the ground, though they made a few of the banner bearers wish they had left the job to somebody else. The youngsters would have preferred ice-cream to cake and bread and butter at tea time (though it seems they made a good meal all the same). The bandsmen had a warm time of it and it was comforting there was an assistant to help with the big drum.

  Quite a number of people in the market place hoisted umbrellas and sunshades, which, if not of the latest fashion, afforded useful protection from the heat, and were all the better for an airing. The display throughout, with its many colours, its banners, and four bands (all in different uniforms) was a thing of surpassing brightness and beauty, and motorists in a hurry did not mind being held up for a space because it was one of the best features of their outing.
  The programme was in no way curtailed because of the heat, but what a blessing and a relief the water cart would have been up and down the streets half an hour before the procession came along. Any sort of liquid would have evaporated quickly on Monday, but a liberal sprinkling would have rendered the surface of the baking streets cooler easier to the tender feet of the toddlers who strove so cheerfully to "stick the distance." It was amusing to see how even very young children met the situation. Some improvised paper eye-shades, and stuck them under their caps to mitigate the glare of the sun, while a few took off their jackets, tucked them under their arms, and stepped out more blithely than every. Many were glad of a sip from the flasks of the sympathetic "first aid" men who were friends in need in many ways, and not above giving a tired youngster a lift here and there, although everybody in uniform on such a day had plenty to carry as it was.

  This year the procession was led by the Gospel Mission Church, which had a record number of followers and had brightened up their banner in honour of the occasion by adding a fringe. They were headed by Mansfield British Legion Band under bandmaster Tooth.
  They were followed down Sherwood Street by Huthwaite Prize Band (Bandmaster Cooper) and the Sherwood Street Methodists, New Fall Street Methodists fell in next with Welbeck Colliery Band (Bandmaster S. Smith), and the rear was brought up by Sutton Road Methodists and Sutton Temperance Band (Bandmaster England). The whole then proceeded to the Market Place by ways of Main Street.
  The market place presented a picturesque scene when all were assembled. On the platform were representatives of each church, Messrs. Vardy, Drabble, Iball and Lupton. The first-named conducted, the accompaniments being played by the Mansfield band.
  After the Doxology the procession was re-formed and passed up to the Sutton boundary and back, large crowds lining the route. On their return, all the children were entertained to tea in their respective schools, and afterwards disported themselves on the "Park."

  On Tuesday the Parish Church demonstration was held and again perfect weather prevailed. The procession was a rather more impressive one than formerly, for the whole of the junior and senior children, and the cross bearer made their first public parade in new scarlet cassocks with their white surplices, a very effective improvement on the old custom. The young lade members of the choir, also, who have never had a uniform dress before, were in dark robes and suitable headgear. This double innovation attracted a great deal of attention, and was greatly admired on all hands.
  The churchwardens, Messrs. Lee and Goodall, led the procession, with the Huthwaite band, and they were followed by the processional cross, the choir, the Vicar, sidesmen and church officials, and members of the congregation. The Bible classes, Sunday scholars and teachers concluded a display that equalled any of its predecessors in charm, interest and magnitude.
  The Market Place proceedings were followed with close attention. Four hymns were sung, the children being conducted by Mrs. J. Shaw. For a lady to direct the music is by way of being another innovation, but it was done none the less efficiently on that account. The Vicar offered the prayers customary to the occasion, and in a brief speech thanked Mrs. Shaw for training the children for the event, and the other teachers for the assistance they had rendered. The route then lay through Main Street, New Street, Newcastle Street, Sutton Road, Unwin Street, High Street, North Street, Sutton Road again to the boundary and back to the Blackwell Road Schools, where tea was provided. The children spent the evening on Huthwaite Park.

  On both days the processions were well organised and passed off without any untoward incident. Urgent representations had been made respecting the control of traffic, and although it was not entirely held up, owing to the absence of an alternative route, extra police were drafted in to deal with emergencies. As stated, local "first aid" men, under Corps Officer Murfin, rendered most valuable and timely services and give up their own holiday into the bargain.
  Apart from being an illustration of solidity and development, the proceedings also made plain the readiness and ability of the multitude to rise superior to discouraging conditions.
  One cannot let the festival pass this year without remarking with regret on the absence of Councillor Alfred Wilson, of the Sutton Road Church. This would have made his 64th appearance, and although that is a wonderful record, his many friends would have liked to have seen it extended. As a matter of fact Mr. Wilson has been lately under medical advice, and although he is carrying on with church duties he is wise in not attempting too much. All in the locality, which has benefited in one way or another by his life-long labours, will hope that he may be speedily restored to complete health and strength.
  Another veteran at "walking round" who was in his accustomed place was Mr. A. Drabble (Sherwood Street Church). This occasion is believed to make his 58th year in unbroken succession, but in records of such length a year more or less is not of great importance. The outstanding fact is that they will take a lot of beating.