The Royals
There seem to be a remarkable absence of royal visits to Steventon but many royal events have been marked in various ways….
1901 Death of Queen Victoria Despite stormy weather on January 27th the Church was very full as many villagers joined the nations sorrow for the Queen’s death.
1902 Coronation of King Edward VI There was a dinner for the over 14s (and tea for the under 14s) with all attendees asked to bring knife, fork, plate and glass, while those attending tea need only to provide a cup.
1935 Silver Jubilee for George V. ‘A whole afternoon of revelry beginning at 2.15 with the crowning of the May Queen, the judging of decorated cycles and fancy dresses, and a carnival procession round the village. After tea there were children’s sports, dancing on the green, an illuminated procession, and at 10 o’clock, a display of fireworks costing £10.’ Accounts shown for the event included costs of £4 each for children’s and adult’s teas, £1 for hire of a barrel organ and £7 for special Jubilee beakers.
1937 Coronation Day ‘Celebrations included an elaborate carnival parade arranged by Mrs Frank Smith. The Carnival Queen (Miss Sylvia Russell) was crowned by her predecessor. She and her maids of honour, Florrie Terry, Margaret Hutchings, Doris Huggins, Kathleen Midwinter, Joyce Dunsdon and Frances Strong, headed the parade. Striking tableaux included a bevy of little girls dressed to complete the effect of a basket of flowers, a gypsy scene and Britannia and her guard of sailors. Mr F Nobes, as drum major, led the procession.’
1977 Silver Jubilee for Elizabeth II ‘Tuesday dawned bright and sunny – too good to last: and sure enough as the glorious cavalcade of floats wound along the A34, the heavens opened but again we were spared, for suddenly it was blue skies, sunshine, egg and spoon races, tug o’ war, football, ice creams and other things that made this a real afternoon to remember when all Steventon came out to enjoy itself. Then, in the evening the Village Hall was open to those who still had strength left in them to dance until midnight when, finally, the music stopped, the lights went out and it was all over.’
1977 Silver Jubilee parade, Steventon
