May Day (1909)

Post date: Jan 12, 2012 4:44:22 PM

The Wateringbury Parish Magazine of June 1909 reported:

May Day was celebrated in Wateringbury, thanks to the kindly thought, and liberal and careful effort of some of its most esteemed residents, in quite worthy fashion; and those who saw the procession wind down the hill from the school and pass up The Street to The Thatched Cottage must have felt that old English ways have not wholly passed away, and that, given will and effort, there is no lack of skill and ingenuity to produce out of the simplest materials a thoroughly satisfying and enjoyable entertainment.

Headed by the Drum and Fife Band, admirably correct in time and tune, the procession left the schools about 2.45 p.m. First came "Little Boy Blue" mounted on a splendidly caparisoned and begarlanded pony, led by a boy in a real smock and wide brimmed straw hat; as escort or squire was to be seen a dog of nondescript type, but well-known in the village, adorned with roses and led in a silken leash. Then followed 14 maidens all in white frocks, seven with pink and seven with blue sashes and ribbons in double file, drawing with coloured ribbons for reins the tiny May Queen, who sat in her baby carriage embowered with roses and spring flowers. Immediately behind followed a company of girls, their heads bound round with a wreath of marsh mallows, and then the long file of school children each bearing a short pole with a bunch of flowers (mostly wild) on the top, several of the nosegays showing much care and variety in preparation. The numbers in the procession were not much under 200, all children.

In due course the procession reached The Thatched Cottage, and, winding in front of the house through a pergola, filed on to the lawn, where they were received by their gracious hosts, and where a company of neighbours were assembled.

On the lawn was erected a substantial Maypole with coloured streamers.

The formal proceedings opened with some charming English Folk Songs sung by the Maidens with marsh mallow wreaths, who had been carefully trained, and were warmly applauded.

Next came the May Pole dancing. This was no haphazard romping, but a series of careful thought out and complex figures which were throughout executed in a way which reflected the greatest credit on the youthful performers and those who had taught them. It was quite clear that all thoroughly enjoyed the dancing, whether performers or onlookers. One of the prettiest figures was the plaiting of the streamers, a pattern being woven on the May Pole in a fascinating way by the movements of the dancers.

Then followed games, then a glorious tea, a very thunderburst ol crackers, more May Pole dances more games, and with a few felicitous words from the Vicar on behalf of the guests, and a happy reply from the Host* the proceedings terminated with ringing cheers, and so passed away the May Day Fete. Spite of an arctic temperature and biting wind, the sun shone, the spring was everywhere around visible and glorious, and good cause have all to congratulate themselves on the happy revival of an old English custom which it is hoped may be maintained.

In these, hurrying humdrum days it is good to have opportunities in which age and youth,well to do and poor can unite in effort and performance and feel thereby the quickening and strengthening of that "touch of nature " which "makes all world kin." —"Onlooker''

* Sir George Wolseley has kindly given the May Pole to the Village, committing it to the keeping of the Vicar for use on future occasions.—Ed.

'The Street' referred to above is the old name for 'Tonbridge Road'.

Lt. General Sir George Wolseley leased The Thatched House for 21 years in 1904 from the Fremlin family and changed its named from Swiss Cottage or Gracedieu to The Thatched House.

See also A Wateringbury Angel: Fanny Caldwell for more about his sister, who also lived at The Thatched House, and others in his family.

More information about Sir George is available in the article on him by Reg Clare in Wateringbury People and Places vol II.