DISTRICT NEWS – BADSEY
JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS
Festooned with flags and bunting, the village presented a gay sight on Monday. At 9.30 the ringers of the parish church rang peals on the bells. The church service was preceded by a parade which, assembling at the Pike, and headed by members of the local branch of the British Legion under Mr G S Aldrich, and consisting of members of the Ernie Thomas Lodge of the RAOB and other local bodies, together with a large number of children, marshalled under Mr G A King, marched through the village. The service was fully choral, the Vicar (Canon W C Allsebrook) officiating, while Mr L Sharp presided at the organ. The lessons were read by Mr C A Binyon. A collection was taken for the Jubilee Trust Fund. At 12.30 the old folks of the village were entertained to dinner in the Woodwork Room at the Council Schools, about 30 being present. A band of helpers had decorated the room with flags and flowers. Their hosts were the Vicar, Mr C A Binyon (Chairman of the Parish Council) and Mr W W Blake (District Councillor). For those unable to attend, the dinner was sent by car, and credit is due to the Dinner Committee for the way the arrangements were carried out. At 2.30 an entertainment by the school children was given in the playground where over 300 people gathered. Miss M McDonald supervised the dancing and singing. This was followed by a drill and gymnasium display by the senior boys, under Mr Page. Great credit is due to the Headmaster (Mr F E Amos) and his staff for the entertainment, at the close of which Mr Binyon, on behalf of the audience, expressed thanks. A comic cricket match was also held on the Recreation Ground when a team of ladies defeated the Cricket Club (who had to bat, catch and field left-handed, and bowl under-arm) by 11 runs. At 4.30- the children of the village under 15 years of age were entertained to tea in the Council Schools where they were well catered for. As the children left the School, each one was presented with a commemoration mug (provided by the Evesham Rural District Council) by Miss Allsebrook and Miss Amos. At 6 o’clock a programme of sports was arranged for the children and later for the adults on the Recreation Ground, the winners in the latter being:
- Gents’ slow cycle race, Mr N Hartwell 1, Mr T Sadler 2, Mr F Salter 3.
- Ladies’ flat race: Miss Jean Knight 1, Mrs A Langston 2, Mrs C Stewart 3.
- Gents’ flat race (over 60): Mr F Hill 1, Mr Savory 2, Messrs G Bell and G Moisey 3.
- Ladies’ egg-and-spoon race: Mrs G Crane 1, Mrs W Hatch 2.
- Men’s washing competition: Messrs G Jelfs and A Crane 1, Messrs P L Mayer and Rimell 2, Messrs B Jelfs and F Perkins 3.
Between 7 and 8 o’clock fancy dress competition, attracting an entry of 60, was held. At 8 o’clock a large audience listened to the King’s speech. The sports programme then concluded with a tug-of-war between members of the Committee. As it grew dark, a torchlight procession took place round the village. This over, a fireworks display was given. The day was concluded with a free dance in the Old Schools.