Decorated houses and streets and a general air of animation, proved that Huthwaite was willing and ready to play a wholehearted part in celebrations. The proceedings commenced with a devotional service in the Market Place in the morning, the Rev. A.L. Boulton officiating. All the churches were well-represented, the Sutton Road Methodists bringing their banner, while the children wore the medals presented by the County Education Committee. The gathering also included the lady and junior members of the Parish Church choir in their robes and surplices, the New Hucknall Colliery Ambulance Division (under C.O. Rallings and A.O.'s Jackson and Murfin), the Boy Scouts (Assist.-S.M. Golding), and the Girl Guides (Lieut. Hargreaves). The Mansfield S.A. Band attended, and played the accompaniments and Mr. N. Evans conducted the singing.
Thanksgiving.The Jubilee Committee was organised originally by Mr. H.A. Simpson, and the marshals for the day were Messrs. C. Bonsall, J. Wright and V. Crompton. The hymns and prayers of thanksgiving were recited by the Vicar, who also gave a brief address. He remarked that it was pleasing to see so many people present and all wearing a cheerful countenance. God had blessed the King and the nation, and they hoped he would be blessed for many more years. He was glad to see so many flags which were symbols of the unity of Empire, but there could be not unity without a foundation, and that foundation was the religious life.
A procession was then formed and the town paraded. Many of the children carried flags, and were accompanied by their Sunday School teachers, and great interest was taken in the proceedings by crowds of onlookers. Some of the decorations were exceptionally attractive, and a striking feature was supplied by Fishers' Radio establishment, where a powerful loud speaker broadcast the proceedings from London and aroused great interest thereby. For the first time in history a procession passed down Crossley Avenue and Lime Avenue, the construction fo the bungalow street (Beech Avenue) having made this possible. No doubt the dwellers in the bungalows appreciated the compliment. The procession returned down Sutton Road and all dispersed to their different churches.
In the afternoon practically the whole of the residents adjourned to the Park, where a comprehensive programme was carried out, the judges for the sports being Messrs. Bonsall, J. Wright, G. Dalton and Councillor Lowe. Others who assisted in various ways were Councillor Davies and V. Crompton. Athletic events resulted as follows:-
'Round the Houses' Race: J. Jones. Scooters and Skates- Girls. K. Betts, A. Osbourne, E. Wilson; Boys, W. Moakes, A. Smith, J. Turner.
Skipping Race: V. Needham, J. Wright, J. Bowler.
Boy's Flat Race: A. Allsop, A. Mitchell, J. Rimmington.
Ambulance Display: Sergt. Blow's Team and Corporal Ashley's Team gained equal points.
A delightful feature was the Maypole dance and the country dancing by Stds. 1 and 2 from the Common Road School, under the direction of Miss Kitchen (Headmistress) and Miss Goodall.
The May Queen was formally crowned, the following characters taking part in the ceremony:- May Queen, Rosie Cheetham; Attendants, Sheila Marshall and Freda Harris; Heralds, Alan Lineker and Sam Marriott; Crier, Derek Marriott; Standard Bearer, James Marriott.
Judges for the fancy dress parade were Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, Mr. S. Alcock and Miss Olive Bailey (Sutton). The winners were:- Jean Stringfellow (Chinese). Winnie Smith (Gipsy) and A. Stirland (Britannia). An exhibition of Morris dancing was given by Miss Searson's troupe (Std. II) with Miss M. Goodall as pianist, and a novel item called "Dodging the Bucket" was the most humorous feature of the day. A boys' "tug-of-war" created some interest, and the Mansfield S.A. Band played selections. Balloons were sent up, with the approach of dusk, the fireworks display commenced, to the general admiration. The last scene of all was the bonfire, the privilege of lighting it being entrusted to Councillor Lowe, who received the lighted torch from Mr. Jackson. The bonfire was built by the Boy Scouts.
Another feature of the Jubilee was the fancy dress dance held in the Drill Hall by the Hospital Committee, who had carried out an elaborate decorative scheme, most of the bunting having been made by Mrs. S.A. Clarke. Outdoor attractions diminished the attendance, but those who were present were exceedingly loyal, both to the Carnival Queen (Miss Hatton) and to the reigning royalties...
On Saturday the Villa F.C. held a dance in the Drill Hall, when there was again a very satisfactory attendance. Mr. H. Severns and Miss Etherington were the M.C.'s.
A whist drive was held in the new Social Service Centre on Saturday evening in aid of the funds. There was a good attendance, the organiser being Mrs. J. Ensor. The M.C. was Mr. T. Bradley, and the winners were: Mrs. Bostock; Mrs. Moulton; Mr. Clifton; Mr. Thornton.
At Thursday's meeting of the Social Service Council it was decided to request Mr. B. Smith to nominate a representative of the Notts. Industrial Union as a member of the Council. It was also decided to invite Mr. J. W. Tuner to be a member of the Council. A letter of thanks was sent to Mr. John Broughton for his assistance in wiring the Centre free of charge.
Much interest was taken in the above final between Huthwaite C.W.S. and Huthwaite Villa on the former's ground on Friday, when a large crowd saw the C.W.S. victorious in a keenly-contested game by three goals to two.
After the match, Mr. J. A. Tomlinson presented the cup and medals for the victors to Dallison (C.W.S. captain), whilst G. Reeves (captain of Villa) received the medals on behalf of the losers. Mrs. Tomlinson was unfortunately absent through illness. Teams:-
Huthwaite Villa.- Brooks; Allsop and Marshall; E. Reeves, Wilson and Barsby; G. Reeves, W. Cook, Marshall, R. Cook and Collins.
Huthwaite C.W.S.- Crompton; Dallison and Saxton; Pegg, Dyment and Herrod, Betts, Copley, Heath, Booth and Bunning.
Written 11 Feb 12 Revised 11 Feb 12 © by Gary Elliott