Nowadays, some people tend to frown upon the former British Empire as one of exploitation, slavery and racism. A century ago people glorified it. Empire Day was celebrated right across the country and in some British Commonwealth countries annually on May 24th, the date of Queen Victoria’s birthday.
The first Empire Day took place on May 24th 1902 but the Upchurch celebration was not fully recorded in the local press until 1909. Pupils from Holywell School and the Infant’s School played a big part in the village event.
Reverend Trew conducted a special service with prayers and hymns in the church on the Sunday before the celebration in 1909. The congregation then sang The National Anthem. On Empire Day pupils from the two village schools had a free day from lessons but they had to attend ‘The Crowning of the May Queen Ceremony’ in the Infant’s School.
Holywell headmaster Mr Maltravers opened the proceedings by leading the pupils with ‘Rule Britannia’ then the crowning of the May Queen followed. Eighteen girls dressed in white gathered around a floral throne. The May Queen’s maids of honour led her to the throne. She wore a floral crown made of white roses, narcissi and white lilac. A girl named Chrissie Cremer performed the coronation. After this pupils presented their floral tributes to the May Queen. These were later donated to the London Victoria Hospital.
The 1909 May Queen Lily Osborne and her consort Percy Packer were elected by pupils at Holywell School and their names were placed on the school honours board. After the crowning ceremony Reverend Trew presented the couple with a watch each. He then explained to the pupils present how the Union Jack was formed and how to perform the salute. When the string was pulled a huge Union Jack flag unfolded from the ceiling and dropped to the Infant’s School floor.
After the pupils had saluted the flag and then sung the National Anthem, Reverend Trew presented certificates to 34 pupils with exceptional school attendance. In 1909 Arthur Seamer completed seven years of unbroken attendance and became the first pupil to have his name inscribed on the Holywell School honours board for outstanding attendance.
Families attending the Empire Day celebrations in the Paddock.
Children Maypole Dancing in the Paddock for Empire Day.
After 1909 the event took place on The Paddock and not in the Infant’s School. Infants performed maypole dancing on The Paddock for the first time in 1913. Pupils watched the Union Jack flag being raised on a flagpole and sang patriotic songs. After this the crowning of the May Queen took place and the consort presented her with her crown. The May Queen maids then performed a special dance called ‘The Dance of the Babes.’ Finally, pupils from the infant’s School did maypole dancing and pupils from Holywell School demonstrated handbell ringing.
A new games contest appeared with the introduction of the Holywell Cup in 1927. Teams representing England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland competed for this. The team winning the best of six games won the cup.
A big crowd usually attended the event. In 1929 a record crowd of 600 demonstrated how popular the occasion had become.
The Empire Day celebrations in Upchurch ended in 1931 after being celebrated every year for 29 years. Holywell School announced that it could no longer participate and carried out its own ceremony on the school playground. This led to the main village event ending and only a church service taking place.
David Wood
About David
David Wood was born, raised and still lives in Upchurch today. He is able to write from personal experience about village life and the changes that have taken place over the years, making ‘Memories of Upchurch’ a very readable and detailed historical study of the village.
David's book is available from David at david3702001@yahoo.co.uk or from us here at Upchurch Matters. Price £12 + postage and packing.
