On This Day in History & Tattenhall's Celebrations

Platinum Jubilee celebrations are set to take place later this year, honouring 70 years of service of our Monarch's reign; the longest-reigning British Monarch in history. Elizabeth was staying in Kenya with her husband Prince Philip when she heard of the unexpected death of her father King George VI.

*Accession Day is the day on which Elizabeth became Queen; 6 February 1952.
*Coronation Day is the day on which Elizabeth was officially crowned in a ceremony at Westminster Abbey the following year; 2 June 1953.

Times Past ....

Whilst looking through local history records, it is interesting to see that Tattenhall had a 'Tattenhall Coronation Committee' who oversaw the planned events for the year following the Accession, 1953. Tucked within these documents is an official 'Post Office Inland Telegram', signed by Mr J Salt, Chairman, which states '... May it please your Majesty ... (that) ... we your dutiful and loving subjects of Tattenhall, Chester, beg to offer our warm congratulations and loyal greetings ...'. The records also show that there was a Public Meeting held in the Barbour Institute '... for the purpose of carrying on with the arrangements for the Coronation Celebrations to be held on 2 June 1953 ...'.

The Committee comprised representatives from the Sports' Committee, the Women's Institute, the Barbour Institute Ladies' Committee, the Barbour Institute, the Recreation Club, the British Legion, the Whist Club, the Creamery Tattenhall, and representatives from Golborne Bellow and Newton by Tattenhall.

Interestingly, the Parish Council turned down the proposition of levying a rate to raise funds for the proposed celebrations, and it was resolved that house-to-house collections be organised to raise the necessary monies. It was also resolved that '... no fireworks be purchased ...'. This was later rescinded and it was agreed to hold a 'Bonfire with Fireworks' on the Flacca Field.

There was to be a tea for 'Aged People' and it was also suggested that (following the Coronation) they be conveyed to a Cinema to see the Coronation Film. The Women's Institute were to '... oversee this entertainment for parishioners of 65 years of age and over ...'.

The schedule of events included:

*A 'Radio Van' with public address equipment ... (at a cost of £12 and 10 shillings)
*Church Service at St Alban's Church
*Afternoon Tea and Entertainments
*Coronation Beakers for local children (up to school leaving age)
*That children receive a new 'May' Half-Crown piece (the Half-Crown was a denomination of British money, equivalent to two shillings and sixpence or one-eighth of a pound)
*Sports (with prizes)
*Dance at the Barbour Institute (with free admission)
*The provision of Beer and Port
*Bonfire and Fireworks on the Flacca

The time-table of events in the 1950s was not so very different to more recent celebrations it would seem.

Terri Hull, Tattenhall Local History.


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