GOD SAVE THE KING! – Luccombe Coronation Festivities.
I have no written records of any Coronation celebrations in Luccombe pre-1953, however I have “personalised” Coronation mugs from both 1911 and 1937. I also have my Coronation spoon from 1953, but cannot show an image here, as it is stored away too well! It is a generic design, and does not have the word “Luccombe” on it.
The following is an account of Luccombe’s 1953 Coronation celebrations as reported in the “West Somerset Free Press”. I can remember going to the sports that took place in Three Gates Field. Bill Moore, who was tragically killed the night before, aged 22, lived with his father at Hillgate.
Views of Coronation mug from 1911 for Luccombe, Selworthy and Stoke Pero parishes
LUCCOMBE
A FULL PROGRAMME
Although the happiness of Luccombe was marred by the unfortunate death in a road accident the night before of Mr. Bill Moore, the day was spent by the many in celebration of the Queen attaining her full sovereignty. There were two services in the morning, the first being conducted by the Rev. F.N.G. Horth and the second by the Rector of Wootton Courtenay and Luccombe, the Rev. H. Jocelyn Davies. For the rest of the morning everybody in the village had their attention almost unswervingly fixed on radio and television sets. The weather was rather unfavourable for the children’s sports in the afternoon, and the organisers, headed by Mr. Witham, received full cooperation from the participants. Miss Thomas and her lady helpers arranged the tea celebration in the Village Hall. One fascinating facet was lighting of the bonfire on Iron Ore Hill.
The committee who organised the day was headed by Mr. P.H. Greig (chairman), Mr. R. Williams (hon. treasurer) and Miss Whitlock (hon secretary) and included Mesdames Greig, Gould, Miss Thomas, Messrs. A Bath, D. Chase, T. Hale, F. Partridge, E. Rowlands and R. Witham.
Views of Coronation mug from 1911 for Luccombe, Selworthy and Stoke Pero parishes
The sports which were organised by Mrs. Witham were a great success in spite of the somewhat inclement weather. Miss Thomas and her helpers worked unceasingly for the provision of a splendid repast and it was greatly appreciated by the 120 people who were present. Each of the 35 children was given a handsome Coronation spoon which was presented after the tea by Mrs. Jocelyn Davies. Mrs Greig gave away the prizes for the winners of the children’s sports.
Miss Whitlock had been at the church organ during the morning, and the bell ringers, led by Mr. F. Tame rang a fine peal before the service. At dusk the large bonfire was lit by Mr. E. Rowlands, who had previously arranged the transport of the fuel and the building up of the pile. He also organized the very popular Skittles fortnight which continues at the Men’s Club where a skittles alley had recently been made. The first prize for the Skittles will be a pig kindly presented by Mr C. W. Dascombe. An amusing “cartoon” poster drawing attention to the skittles was a humorous attraction outside the Men’s Club.
Mr. R. Williams was a tower of strength in his many capacities and Mr. T. Hale had put in countless hours to improve the appearance of the approach to the village. Miss Whitlock as secretary showed that nothing in connection with the Coronation was too much trouble for her.
Luccombe Coronation mug from 1937
SPORTS RESULTS
The results of the sports held during the wet afternoon were: – Children- Hurdle race, 12 to 15 years – 1. Betty Williams, 2. D. Paul. 11 to 9 years -1. D. Chase, 2. H. Paul. Juniors – 1. Tony Gibbons: 2. Mike Witham. Egg and spoon race, seniors – 1. Betty Williams and C. Paul: 2. Mike Witham: 3. Michael Davis. Three-legged race, senior – 1. Betty Williams and Betty Haywood: 2. J. Paul and O. Davis. Juniors – 1. D. Chase and B. Paul: 2. Tony Gibbons and Michael Davis. Seniors – 1. Betty Williams: 2. C. Paul. Juniors – 1. Mike Witham: 2. D Chase.
Adults, high jump – 1. Norman Williams: 2. Robin Cooksley. Obstacle race – 1. Norman Williams: 2. C. Paul: 3. A. Dascombe. Ladies’ race – 1. Betty Williams: 2. Mrs. Heywood: 3. Violet Wylds. Pillow fight – 1. Tony Dascombe: 2. W. Harding. Marathon race – 1. Tony Dascombe: 2. Norman Williams. 3. D. Chase.
Wychanger Cottage decorated with bunting, with myself, my mother, and our new car
Check out all of our previous pictures of the month and read more about Luccombe’s history
I am told that the cherry trees growing opposite the village green were planted in celebration of the coronation of QEII in 1953. Do you know if there is any evidence or photos of this?