Coronation at Coleorton

Coronation celebrations at Coleorton
2 June 1953

Surprisingly there is nothing recorded in Viscount Beaumont's School Log Book about the death of King George VI or the Coronation. There are no entries between January 1953 and the new school year start in September 1953. This is likely because the headteacher George Leeds had been very ill. The new headteacher, Bernard Smith, commenced his post in January 1954.

However, the Manager's Minute book records:

Monday 3rd February 1953:

“Flag pole. For danger reasons the flag pole had been taken off the School building. It was decided to erect it in the front playground for the Coronation. The correspondent (Head Teacher, Mr Leeds) was asked to write to the County Architect to obtain a sketch and details of the best type of socket for the purpose.”

and also

“School lettings. It was agreed that the School be let for any special efforts by the Coronation Committee at the lower charge of 12/6. It was agreed on the proposal of Mr Clifford, seconded by Mr Capenor That a grant of £1 be made by the managers to the Coronation Committee funds.”

At the first meeting after the Coronation:

Tuesday 16th June 1953

“The correspondent reported that the old flag pole when examined had been found to be in bad condition. A new pole had been obtained and an order given to Mr Robinson to erect it in accordance with plans supplied by the County Architect. It had been impossible to get the fittings in time so the pole had been erected temporarily for the Coronation.”

So local skill and ingenuity triumphed over bureaucracy again!

Although no mentions in the Log Book the School pupils and families enjoyed some treats:

Judith Appleyard remembers:

On 2nd June 1953 my parents and I, along with friends and neighbours made our way to Viscount Beaumont's School to celebrate the Queen's Coronation. An afternoon of sporting events had been organised for the children on the school field. I and my friend Pearl both won prizes. On conclusion of the games everyone gathered in the school for a coronation tea.

Children in royal fancy dress outside Mrs Kidgers house, School Lane, Peggs Green

Elaine Oldham's memories:

Elaine was lucky enough to attend the Coronation in London.

KING GEORGE VI DIES

On a day in early February 1952, I was sat at a desk in the middle of a French lesson at my school in Kent, when a message came from the headmistress, Mrs Henshaw, for our class to proceed to the school hall. As we went we all whispered to one another what have we done this time? Were we in trouble again?! .. our class was known for spirited pranks!

However, when we arrived all the other classes were there. Miss Henshaw looked very stern standing on the stage in her usual gown, surrounded by other teachers similarly dressed. Once we were all assembled, she announced that she had some very sad news … the King had died. I don’t remember my immediate reaction, but I do remember the gasp of the girl next to me .. before Mrs Henshaw called us all to order and asked us to stand for a minute’s silence to remember our King. Around me I could hear suppressed snuffles and sniffs as classmates tried silently to catch their breath. Then the noise grew until many were openly sobbing.

QUEEN ELIZABETH II IS CROWNED

A year later, on June 2nd 1953, I was privileged to be one of the pupils to represent our school to travel up to London for the special day. My mother remembered better than me the early part of that day; getting me up at 4am and to the station to gather with the other small group from our school … we were all so very excited! In my satchel I carried not books, but a packed lunch, a cushion and an umbrella! … also a notepad in case it was needed. The weather forecast had not been a good one. The journey there was insignificant and we soon found the area we had been allocated and a policeman showed us where to group ourselves.

Even though our arrival was still early in the morning, there was so much activity: a variety of military forces marching, band playing, police getting people and themselves into position, more people arriving … and road sweepers clearing manure from prancing horses! Eventually the route in front of us was lined by police and armed forces all the way along the road: representatives from the navy, army and airforces from Britain and across the world. They looked so colourfully dashing. It started to rain really hard, but I hardly noticed. It was so enthralling the time flashed by.

It was after lunch when we heard distant bands as the beginning of the procession appeared. The crowds cheered and so did we! Our view was so clear. We counted eight horses pulling the Queen’s Golden Coach. It was going slowly enough for the Beefeaters to walk on either side. We all continued to cheer. The Duke of Edinburgh was waving and smiling warmly. He looked very smart in his military uniform and I remember the Queen in her beautiful crown looking so happy as she gave her regal wave … and then she was gone! The soldiers, some marching, some on horseback were all shining with rain on their splendid uniforms – so many colours: scarlet, gold, navy and white. The rain made everything shine. Coach after coach, band after band, followed. My memory is unclear, but the atmosphere was joyous, it was a wonderful procession! I do remember, as the rain poured down, our teacher pointed to a very large lady sitting in an open top carriage, laughingly smiling and waving, Queen Salote of Tonga. The man sitting next to her didn’t look so happy, but he waived too. I later learned that he was the Sultan of Zanzibar.

The cavalcade and marching men went on and on, but all too soon it was over. We were very wet, but we didn’t mind. The return journey in the train was a quiet sleepy one. Later, back at school, friends were full of questions and we all received a Coronation Mug and a copy of The Official Souvenir Programme for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.