The 1977 Royal Silver Jubilee

This part was spurred on by the Royal wedding of 29th April 2011 and by Ingbirchworth's 1977 memories in a special festival to mark the Royal Wedding.

The Queen's Silver Jubilee of 1977 commemorated 25 years since the her accession in 1952, on the death of her father George IV. She was crowned on 2nd June 1953. The Jubilee was marked with celebrations at every level throughout the country and Commonwealth. Although this was celebrated in June, the actual anniversary of the Queen's accession was Wednesday 6th February 1952. Special coins were struck and Jubilee stamps issued for the occasion.

The issuing of Jubilee Crowns was extremely popular, being cheap at 25p, but they could only be obtained directly from banks, although every junior school child was also given one each throughout the land. Although 1977 was after the decimalisation of UK money, the coins were genuine crowns worth five shillings in old money. In perfect condition, they would be worth about £1.50 now. Penistone Town Council also had commemorative plates specially made for the event and these were on sale for £1.25 each. You can view them in the Archive Group HQ, Lower Hall, Community Centre on Market days, 10am to noon.

Local people strongly supported this national event. Penistone Town Council arranged a variety of activities, including the 'Grand Silver Jubilee Ball', 'Penistone Entertains' variety show in the Town Hall, various junior school 6-a-side football matches, a Penistone Church FC football match for the 'Purdie Cup', a Penistone CC cricket match, Penistone 'Sing', a PGS Garden Party, a Youth Activity day, a dance, a bonfire, a parade and a service in Penistone Church. Some old familiar names are in the programme. Who can remember Arthur 'Spinner' Lee MBE?

Ingbirchworth's Jubilee Parade and Gala
The village of Ingbirchworth had a good time with a Jubilee Parade and Gala, as in the pictures below. The Parade went around in a large circular route, which took in the road by the reservoir and past 'The Rag' (Fountains Inn) and via Wellthorne Avenue. My memory of the Gala is now vague but it had a wonderful Fortune Teller, who otherwise ran a local Fish & Chip shop, and some horses were doing horsey things.

The Royal Visit to Cawthorne
Cawthorne was the great centre of attention, with a Royal visit. It was worth the four-mile walk from Penistone. The Queen and Prince Philip came to Cannon Hall and were welcomed by a large and enthusiastic crowd. You can see Penistone Majorettes in the picture, after they had given a show of their skills. You can bet that they hold these memories dear.