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Coronation - Northam - 11th May 1937

11.5.1937 Coronation Northam
 

Northam - Pageant of Empire

The pealing of the Church Bells, at an early hour, will let residents of Northam know that the great day has arrived. From then until late at night a splendid programme of events has been drawn up by the Coronation Celebrations Committee, with Mr C E Palmer as Chairman, Captain F C Barton M.C. Hon. Secretary, and Mr B G Billingham, Hon
Treasurer. Councillors, officials, British Legion and other bodies will march in procession to the Church at 9.45am for a united service at the close of which the Coronation Ceremony will be broadcast.
The special feature of the day, and one which has been cardfully planned, commences at 2pm when over 180 children and adults will take part in a "Pageant of Empire". Rev. A E Green is pageant master and this should prove the event of the day. The procession commences at the Square and marches to the Vicarage Field via North Street, North-East Street, Cross Street, and Fore Street. Tea for adult residents comes at 4pm and while they are having tea the children's sports will take place. At 5pm the children are to have tea. From 6-7pm there be adult sports.
A novelty, and one that promises to be a great success, takes place at 7pm - a free entertainment for residents in the Church Hall. The King's Speech will be broadcast during the entertainment. A fireworks display will be given at 10pm and from then until the "wee small hours" residents only will join in a free dance in the Church Hall. Side shows will be open from 4-7pm. 
The Committee were well-equipped with funds for the day's celebrations, thanks especially to the people themselves, who gave generously to a house-to-house collection, and to donations from the Burrows Committee, RN Devon Golf Club, Northam Ladies Golf Club, R.A.O.B, Northam Chamber of Trade, and the Junior Imperial League. The funds were helped by a share, amounting to £39 1s 3d, of the penny rate given by the Northam Urban District Council. The amount from collecting boxes was £2 4s 6d, and from the house-to-house collection £27.

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