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‘SUTTON’S RECORD PROCESSION – GAY SCENES AT SHERDLEY’

       The procession held in connection with the Sutton parish fete attained record dimensions, and the streets of the district wore an unwonted festive appearance with ribbons and colours flying, and a brass band playing merry airs. The gay column assembled at the Sutton National Schools on Saturday afternoon before proceeding through the various streets to the Sherdley Hall grounds, the residence of Col. Michael Hughes, for the fete and sports. The weather was glorious and the usual spectacular sight provided by the different hues of dresses transformed Ellamsbridge-road into a fairyland. Prompt at two o’clock the Clock Face Colliery Band took their place at the head of the procession, which very quickly formed behind them. With the beat of the drum and a shrill note on the cornet, the happy band of children and adults, numbering some 1,200, started on their way to the field via Ellamsbridge-road, Peckers Hill-road, Robins-lane and Marshalls Cross-road. Mrs. Walsh, Mrs. Hunter and the Rev. Yorke Lodge led the procession together with Standard I girls. The girls presented a charming appearance in their beautiful dresses, which were enhanced by the gay colours and the flowers most of them carried. The beautiful banner at the head of the procession, which was publicly used for the first time, was the gift of the late Mr. John William Rigby, of Robins-lane, and the work of the Church Army Banner and Art department. Mr. Rigby also gave a new Communion Table, which was placed in St.Nicholas’s Church and dedicated a short time ago. Mr. Rigby passed away recently.

The Men’s Bible Class followed, led by Mr. J. Taylor, and also the Young Men’s Bible Class under their secretary, Mr. H. Hill. The Women’s Fellowship, under Mrs. Kain, the Young People’s Guild, the girls of the Sunday and day schools, led by Miss Roscoe and Sutton Manor Colliery band, and the boys of the Sunday and day schools, under Mr. Kenwright and Mr. Plews, the chief marshal, brought the huge procession to a close with the exception of a number of lorries carrying the younger children, who were really enjoying themselves and making others en route feel happy with them. When the grounds were reached, the announcement that tea was ready was received with loud cheers, and for at least half-an-hour the happy youngsters took part in what they considered the best part of the programme. They were spoken to by the Vicar (Rev. W. E. Colegrove) and three hearty cheers for Col. Michael Hughes brought the party to a close, everyone feeling much better and in a fitter condition for the sports, which were due to commence. Although most of the runners were very young, the running was surprisingly keen, especially amongst the girls, and one or two were lucky enough to secure two prizes. The starters of the races are to be congratulated on the manner in which the races were run off. One imagined that one was at an A.A.A. sports meeting, where hardly one minute separates each event. The running was hardly on the same scale, but nevertheless was well above last year’s standard. No sooner were the sports over than the country dances commenced. These were indeed very picturesque, and the dresses of the girls did much to make event three on the programme one of the most popular. Much credit was reflected on the teachers, especially Mrs. Washbourne, who was responsible for the training of the children….There were almost one hundred dancers in all. The prizes for the sports were presented by the Vicar, the Rev. W. E. Colegrove, who thanked all present for the assistance they had given and he proposed a vote of thanks to Col. Michael Hughes for lending them the grounds. He said it had been a splendid afternoon, and he hoped that everyone had enjoyed themselves.     

St.Helens Reporter July 18th, 1930 - courtesy St.Helens Local History & Archives Library

'Sutton In The News This Week' describing events in Sutton's heritage is updated on Sunday