CORONATION CELEBRATIONS
Newspapers and the school log record some past celebrations for coronations. In 1838 for the coronation of Queen Victoria the newspaper stated that "At Trunch the poor were regaled with a supply of ale to drink her majesty's health".
The coronation of Edward VII in 1902 was postponed from June to August when the King had to have an urgent operation for a stomach problem. In Trunch this meant that the children had an extra day's holiday and they had to remember the Coronation Hymn that they had learnt in May. In addition the public feast that had been planned for June 26th. still had to be held but August 9th was also observed.
The newspaper reported that - A half-holiday was given by the farmers, and there was a service in the church at 2.30 when the proclamation was read, and prayers offered and Coronation hymns and anthems sung. After this a procession was formed mostly of the young people who all cheered loudly as they perambulated the village. On reaching the field kindly lent by Mr BLANCHFLOWER, the sports commenced and lasted till nearly dusk when the prizes were distributed by Mrs KIMM, the children’s prizes of books and cards having been distributed by Mrs FORREST who also prepared some flares to serve as a close to the festivities.
The coronation of George V took place on June 22nd. 1911 and in May a parish meeting was held to decide on the festivities and they resolved to have a dinner for the whole parish followed by sports and a committee was appointed to raise the funds. The school was closed for the day and the newspaper reported that - The Coronation was celebrated here in thorough-going style. A united service was held in the Parish Church, which was thronged to its utmost capacity. At 1.30 the whole parish sat down to dinner at tables which were 300 feet long. At the end the Rector proposed the health of the King and of the Queen and the Royal Family, for all of whom loud cheers were given. Then followed a long programme of activities, carried out with unflagging interest and amusement by a representative committee, the Rev.Cheshire being President; the judges, Messrs. R. Young, A. Greenhill, Tom Fuller C. Briggs, and H. Greenhill; and the starters, Rev. Cheshire and Mr. F. Powell. Tea interrupted the races for a time and they were then continued till dusk. At the close the prizes were presented by Mrs Cheshire, including two extra given by Mr. May. Coronation mugs were distributed earlier to the children; these were the gift of Mr. and Mrs. Briggs; also pictorial cards by the rector and handsome illuminated programmes by A. Greenhill. Votes of thanks and cheers were heard given for Mr. A. May for allowing the use of his field, for all who helped, for Mesrss Arthur and John Greenhill, and for Mr. And Mrs Cheshire. Cheers for the King ended the general proceedings, though dancing and singing afterwards took place on the lawn of the White House by the kindness of Mr. A . May, the gardens being illuminated.
I do not have any information about the celebrations in Trunch for the coronations of George VI in 1937 or Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 but if you have any that you could share please contact me.
Coronation of King Charles III 2023 Trunch had a street party, a portrait competition for a mug design and a cake making competition. The church was decorated with royal-themed flowers and there was a slide show of old Trunch photos, which included a slide of a Coronation fancy-dress competition in 1953.
Coronation of King Charles III 2023 Trunch had a street party, a portrait competition for a mug design and a cake making competition. The church was decorated with royal-themed flowers and there was a slide show of old Trunch photos, which included a slide of a Coronation fancy-dress competition in 1953.