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Coronation day at Torrington began with a united service at the Parish Church, the official parade being accompanied by Torrington Voluntary Silver Band.

12.6.1953 Torrington

The service was conducted by Rev C J Barker accompanied by Revs Lloyd Evans, A M Granger and T H Sheriff. The Mayor, Mr J H Long, addressed the Coronation parade.
The weather vastly improved during the afternoon and there was brilliant sunshine for the sports at the Secondary Modern School field.
Adult events results included: W Hopkins; H Baker; B Hearn; D Auberton; F J Gent; R Bennett; C Mules; S Stone; Harold Weeks; J Hill; M Daniels; H Oke; C Ayre; G Baker; C Mules; F Cornish and daughter; W J White and daughter; S Stone and daughter; C Oke, B Hearn.
Free teas for men over 65 and women over 60 were given at the Drill Hall. Children up to school leaving age received a bag of sweets with a Coronation mug as well as their teas.
The only street party on that day was held in Well Street and was staged in two sittings. At the East End the organisers were Mrs T Sussex and Mrs A Jury and a small committee. At the West End of the street, Mrs Alice Redd was crowned ‘Queen’ by Miss Pat Harris. Organisers of the West End party were Mrs G Weeks and Miss P Harris and a small committee.
Mrs George Greenwood entertained on her banjo, Mrs P Reed proposed the toast and Mrs L Drayton responded.
The entries for the carnival procession was rather disappointing. Highlight of the Carnival was the revival of Fred Karno’s Army, under Captain F S Kelly with their Regimental Band, under ‘Bandmaster’ C Mules. In the rear trailed the ‘Scrumpy Wagon’ under Sergt-Major Ernie Quick.
The children’s classes were judged by Mr and Mrs C T Davenport and Mrs and Mrs J Hampshire. Winners were: Jennifer Hoyle; Sandra and Ann Moreley; Jill Martin; Jean Mitchell; David Johns; Rosemary Thacker; Alison Johns and Ann Smith; David Martin; Ann Biddick and Elizabeth White; Lilian Hopkins; Wendy Rowtcliffe; Roy Copp, Dudley Westlake and David Kelly; Mrs E Babbington and Mr A Hoyle; Mrs E M Paton.
After olde tyme and modern dancing in the Square, the day ended when the band led floral dancers to the Old Bowling Green where the Mayoress of Torrington lit the mammoth bonfire.
The full Gazette article is dated 12 June 1953

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