CHARLBURY MUSEUM: QUEEN VICTORIA'S DIAMOND JUBILEE 1897
QUEEN VICTORIA’S DIAMOND JUBILEE COMMEMORATION DAY 1897
From the Oxford Times
“Queen’s weather favoured the promoters of the festivities here. This consisted of a tea for the children, while a substantial meat tea was provided for the adults in the Board School (on the Playing Close); the guests at both numbered over 1,000. Mr Jones* catered for the young folk, who had their tea in a large field (Nine Acres) under the grateful shade of the trees, while a committee consisting of 132 willing helpers attended to needs of their elders.
The Charlbury YMCA String Band enhanced the pleasantness of the gathering by the excellence of their performance. After tea the children took part in various sports, and before they dispersed were further regaled with oranges and cakes.
In the evening a monster bonfire was lighted on Banbury Hill, built under the supervision of Messrs Jones and Castell, and for which materials were provided by Lord Dillon, and Messrs J W Richards and F Penson.
The Union Jack floated from the church tower and nearly every house was decorated with flags and bunting. At night Mr Baughan** had an illuminated star and V R formed of gas jets, and the White Hart was well lighted by candles in every window.”
* Mr G J Jones, baker and confectioner, whose shop was next to the Royal Oak in Church Street.
** The ironmonger, whose shop was on the corner of Church Street and Sheep Street.
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Janet Jeffs · Thu 2 Jun 2022, 17:13 · Link