Today’s scheduled speaker was unavoidably detained, being involved in active fire-fighting duties on Marsden Moor, and his place was taken, at very short notice, by our own Brian Smith, who gave us a talk entitled “Meltham Celebration of the Coronation of King Edward 7th”.
These celebrations took place on 27th June 1902, following the death of Queen Victoria, when her son, Albert Edward ascended to the throne. He had always been known as Bertie, but refused to be named Albert 1st, instead taking the regnal name of Edward, the 7th of that name.
The burghers of Meltham produced a comprehensive booklet outlining the events taking place in the village, and it was particularly interesting to hear of the numerous businesses taking advertising space in the booklet, surely a much larger number than exists in the village today!
The church bells rang throughout the day, and many sporting events and competitions were held, from which it was evident that many more girls and ladies took part than their male counterparts. Perhaps this was influenced by the quality of prizes on offer to the victors! A large crowd processed through the village, with music provided by two brass bands, one from Meltham Mills, and the other from Hinchliffe Mill.
All students received a commemorative goblet, and the over 60’s were treated to a sit-down knife and fork tea!
A beacon was lit on Meltham Cop, accompanied by a firework display.
Even the efforts of the burgeoning Temperance Society didn’t diminish the day’s enjoyment!
However, on wakening the day after, the villagers were more than a little surprised to learn that the coronation did not take place the previous day. Bertie had been rushed in to hospital to undergo an appendectomy, so the actual coronation was postponed until 6th August 1902!
We still wonder whether the villagers enjoyed another celebratory day!