Memories of the Coronation Celebrations in 1953
SEAVINGTON CORONATION CELEBRATIONS - 1953
(from the Seavington News 1982)
It will be thirty years on February 6th since the Queen came to the throne and here are some memories of the celebrations held in the two Seavingtons to mark the Coronation which took place the following year on June 2nd. We started the day early with a Combined Service of Church and Chapel held in the field behind the Chapel where, later in the day, we held our Sports.
About mid-morning we had a Carnival which started in the parking place at Seavington St. Michael and went from there down to Seavington St. Mary and around the village. The Carnival was led by the Mayor, the late Mr. Fred Hutchins who I drove in my car, and there were many entries, but I cannot remember all of them. One of the highlights was “The Archers” on our farm lorry driven by Mr. Sidney Male and the various characters were represented by the following ~ Amy Chub, Mary Scott, Frank (Shep) Male, Mr. and Mrs. Cyril Lawrence, Mr. and Mrs. George Derrick,Harrv Dravton, Richard Swann, Mrs. Sydney Male and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Clarke - the group photograph lies in from of me as I write!
We had e tea for everyone at the Hall followed by Sports for children and adults and a tug of war between the two Seavingtons though I can’t remember who won! To finish the day a large bonfire was lit above Manor Farm by the stone quarry and there were fireworks and drinks. In spite of it being a very cold day, everyone enjoyed themselves.
F. R. Madge
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