Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, 1887
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These notes were written by Revd. W.B. Wilder
"At a Vestry Meeting held in the Parish Church on 23rd May 1887, it was resolved to celebrate the 'Queen's Jubilee' by giving the whole parish a dinner accompanied by games (and fireworks, funds permitting). Afterward, and for the carrying out of this scheme the following names were selected to act on the Committee - Rev. J. Wilder, D.K. Long, Josiah Nice, George Dawson, Joseph Mitchell, Frank Smith, C.V.F Risley and Richard Haywood and it was also agreed, should the festivities exceed the money collecetd the undersigned would make up the deficiency at the same relative rate as their former subscriptions. At a subsequent meeting held at the Rectory it was proposed and agreed to hold the Jubilee 'Demonstration' on Wednesday, 22nd June, with dinner at 4 o'clock, preceded by a short service at 3 o'clock |
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"On Wednesday, 22nd June, the day was observed chiefly as a holiday. The number of parishioners being just 300, 280 met on the Square opposite the Fox Inn at a quarter before 3 o'clock, headed by the Rector, the Clerk and the band playing 'God Save the Queen', the rear being brought up by the Donors of the Feast. Those people marched to the Parish Churchyard where a short service, authorised by the Archbishop of Canterbury, was held, the Church being too Small to accommodate so many on such a hot day. The Service concluded with the lesson being read, and all proceeded, headed by the band playing "Rule Britannia", to the park adjoining the Hall, kindly lent for the occasion by Mr. D.K. Long. Cold dinner was provided for everyone, all kinds of sports were indulged in and, during the afternoon, a meat tea was served and to finish up with, a splendid display of fireworks. It was Bradley Fair day so the swing boats were removed to the park (for the sum of 10/-s), which the children much enjoyed. The flesh was provided by voluntary subscriptions, the meat, vegetables and plum puddings were cooked at the several houses in the village, and to the credit of the parish there was not a single disturbance or the intoxicated person, though there was an abundance of beer and to spare. Tobacco, calico, tea and toys for the children were given as prizes and Mr. Pryke, butcher of Great Thurlow gave a shoulder of Mutton for the greasy pole which was won by Tim Gregory. The next day the meat puddings were distributed amongst the 20 persons who could not attend the feast.
The meat was supplied at 7/6d per stone by Mr. Pryke. Mr. Turner gave an 18 gallon cask of beer as a present, and the bread was supplied by Mr. J. Nice of the Mill at 5d per loaf. Subscriptions amounted to £29.0.6d. Expenditure was £28.15.10d, leaving a balance of 4/8d in hand. The band has not been paid, so it was agreed to make a collection for them and £1 was handed over to them."
The meat was supplied at 7/6d per stone by Mr. Pryke. Mr. Turner gave an 18 gallon cask of beer as a present, and the bread was supplied by Mr. J. Nice of the Mill at 5d per loaf. Subscriptions amounted to £29.0.6d. Expenditure was £28.15.10d, leaving a balance of 4/8d in hand. The band has not been paid, so it was agreed to make a collection for them and £1 was handed over to them."
