1953 Queen Elizabeth's Coronation Celebrations

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1953 Coronation Fete

Harold Janes, Betty the pony & friend as 'Gentleman Squire' won a prize. Photo from Phyllis Matthews.

The following article was published in Hallmark in 1976 by the editor, Ted Janes:- . (click Celebrations for similar events)

"We have documentary proof of the cost of the village celebrations for the Queen Elizabeth's Coronation in 1953, and we remember quite plainly how cold it was.

Mary ? - 3rd prize. photo sent by Phyllis Matthews, nee Janes.

On that occasion £224.1s.2d was raised from Dances, Whist Drives, Drama performances, Jumble Sales, Donations and House-to-House collections.

£173.7s.2d was spent, including £62 on the village tea and £26 on a firework display.

Of the balance £32.2s.6d was spent on purchasing a flag staff with plaque and Union Jack and presented to the Village Hall, where it was erected (alas the flag staff has not survived), and the remaining £18.10s.5d was donated to Village Hall Funds."

In 2002 Ted Janes recalled the day in Hallmark as follows :-

"I can't remember much about our Coronation celebrations except that it was mid-summer, but as cold as Christmas."