Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 13 July 1912
At Wombwell
Precisely at 10 o’clock on Wednesday morning, the King and Queen left Wentworth Woodhouse (the seat of Earl Fitzwilliam, with whom they are staying) to continue the tour which they commenced on Monday. The first town through which they passed on their way to Barnsley and Wakefield was Wombwell, which presented a gay and festive appearance with its many declarations of flags, flowers and bunting.
The Royal car, which was preceded by one occupied by Mr Quest, deputy chief constable, reached the entrance about 10:15 am, and it slowed down as it passed by Park Street, where the children from the schools in the district when massed together to sing “God Save the King,” which was appreciatively recognised by the Royal visitors.
In the front of the Town Hall, facing High Street, had been erected a grand stand, draped with crimson, on which were seated some of the councillors and their wives, officials, members of the Education committee, and members of the Board of Guardians. Across the roadway at this point were suspended mottos, bearing the words: “Welcome”, “Long Live Their Majesties and “God save the King.”
The Salvation Army Band, which was on an adjoining stand, whiled away the time by giving a selection. Each side of the principal streets were barricaded, behind which were huge crowds, who enthusiastically cheered the King and Queen as they passed slowly through in their Limousine car, and they had a buoyant reception all along the route, their Majesties continually acknowledging, the Queen bowing while the King raised his hat.
A feature which seemed greatly to please was a motto across the bottom of John Street, “The Children’s Welcome,” when a portion of the scholars of the township were arranged, and who were waving banners of red, white and blue and lustily shouting “Hurrah’s,” to King George and Queen Mary, which echoed after they departed to Stairfoot.