Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 23 May 1902
Whitsuntide Festivities
The Whitsuntide festivities were held as usual this year. What with the singing of the various Sunday schools, more or less of a drawling monotony. and the screeching of the newly-formed Drum and Fife Band, not to mention the endless train of piano organs, we have had quite a fill of “music.”
The holidays commenced on Saturday, and with the holidays commenced pluvial weather. Tantalising showers fell on Sunday and Monday, quite damping the spirits as well as wearing apparel of the various denominations during the procession round the place. But they would not be beaten, and struggled through one way or other.
Sunday school processions are not what they used to be, but still the scholars lend their be behaviour to the occasion, and do as much as really ought or could be expected of them. The miner, if he is taken on the average has perhaps more pride in the appearance his off spring in public than plenty of the so-called better classes, and his bosom swells with pride to see his child in a bright new dress.
Well there were plenty of these bright new colours, amongst the little dears in the processions which wended their way through the village, stopping here and there to give vent to their vocal powers.
The Wesleyans have an increase of scholars and have considerably over 200 scholars on their register, and most of these turned out and did credit to their school and teachers. They were closely followed by the Primitives, whose scholars numbered about 250. Specially selected hymns had been practised for the occasion and although the effect was not exactly harmonius it was pretty.
Both sets had an ample supply of collecting boxes, and these contained—Wesleyans £2 10s, Primitives £3. As usual, the scholars had free tea, and joined in games in neighbouring fields, placed at their disposal. The Salvation Army also turned out in fairly strong force, and followed the example of the other denominations and then we turn to the Roman Catholics.
The Revs. Father Kavanah and Father Curran had quite a busy day with the children. The juniors were provided with a substantial tea, and afterwards sports, etc. were held in the grounds adjoining the church.
Last, but not least, canes the treat to the scholars of All Saints, who, as is their custom, went to the beautiful park at Thrybergh, which was kindly placed at their disposal by the Lord of the Manor.The children were conveyed on drays and lorries, lent by colliery and several local tradesmen. The roundabout course was taken, and the conveyances passed through Hill Top and Hooton Roberts. and after a good day’s outing returned via Old Denaby.