Looking back to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II held on a rainy Tuesday, 2 June 1953, there were many celebrations held in Weaverham and a commemorative programme was printed. (If anyone still has a copy we would be happy to scan it to add to our archive).
The celebrations started with a procession which assembled at Russett Road at 1.45 pm, when the newly completed playing fields were officially opened by Mr H Dudley, Chairman of the Coronation Committee. The procession then walked via Forest Street to the war memorial at St Mary’s Church, where a service was led by the Rev Paterson-Morgan CBE, a wreath being placed at the foot of the Cenotaph by Mr Dudley.
Next came a visit to the Wallerscote Primary School, (now known as the Weaverham Primary Academy) on Northwich Road. An oak tree was planted in the grounds by Mr Dudley and this tree is still thriving.
Free teas were served in Church House and children were also provided with a sixpence and a paper ticket for a free ice cream.
The evening’s entertainment included assorted sports, a comic football match and a neat ankle competition. On Lakehouse Field there was a fair and at dusk there was a firework display and community singing followed by a dance held in the Church House.
It was a wonderful day for the village which included, of course, being able to hear the ceremony on the radio or, being the first coronation to be televised, you were perhaps able to follow the event on one of the newly available 14 inch screen black and white television sets. Maybe you were fortunate enough to receive a toy Coronation State Coach and horses.
The previous coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth was held on Wednesday, 12 May 1937.
In Weaverham some of the shopkeepers entered the competition being run by the Daily Mail for the best window display marking the coronation.
The celebrations continue.
If you have any photos or memories you would be willing to share from any of the coronations, we would be delighted to hear from you.
