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Queen Victoria′s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations

The occasion of the Queens Diamond Jubilee must have been a momentous event; a celebration not just for Britain but the whole of the British Empire. From all corners of the Empire the colonial prime ministers, and their families, were invited to come to London for the festivities and the procession and all came.

Throughout the whole of the Empire, from those smaller countries or colonies with no senior ministers, came militia in various forms; police, horse guards, artillery, and many other civil and military organisations, to represent their country and join the celebrations.

Representatives from over fifty foreign nations, including Italy, France, Germany, Spain, and Russia were also invited and all came.

On that day, like no other day before or since, the British people must have felt so very proud to be British and to be a part of an empire that stretched all around the world; one on which the sun, truly, never set.

It's very difficult, almost impossible, for people, today, to appreciate and understand the pride the Victorians had in their country, their Queen, and themselvesl we have, today, lost all that; yet I am old enough to remember and it saddens me to see what our country has become.

According to my grandfather, in his book, Records of Hooe the following is how the days events went:-

Hooe Diamond Jubilee Celebration

The Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victorias reign was duly celebrated in Hooe. On the Sunday, June 20th, there were special hymns and an anthem Happy are the People (Caleb Simpers) and a special preacher in the morning (Rev. W. Routh).

On Tuesday, June 22nd, 1897, a grand free meat tea, worthy of the auspicious and glorious event, was provided at the Grove.

Ninfield Volunteer Band led a procession of Hooe Cricket Club and the school children through the village, with banners, flags, and Coronation medals gleaming.

About 340 persons assembled - every resident in the Parish for the time being (including van-dwellers and tramps) being invited. Some were fetched. Those unable to be present received gifts in their homes.

There were sports for all. Balloons were sent up. Cricket and dancing were indulged in. Swings delighted the children. Cricket was played in Burgroves, and Stoolball in Kiln Field. The time was one unsullied round of delightful sociability, calculated to strengthen the harmony and well-being of the Parish, and thus to bind all hearts in loyalty to the beloved Queen whose record reign had brought about the gathering.

On the following evening a Service of Song, Queen Victoria, was rendered by a special choir of three dozen young people in the schoolroom. A good and appreciative audience assembled.

The following was a special hymn, of which hundreds of copies were printed and sold in London and elsewhere:

[JWNs Note! Below is the special hymn, as it appeared in my grandfather's book and, on the right, is a copy of the original hymn sheets, hand-written and hand-printed, by him.

We praise Thee for Thy goodness, Lord!
The earth is with its fulness stored!
We thank Thee that upon our Queen,
Thy choicest gifts bestowed have been!

Beloved Victoria’s happy reign,
To threescore years doth now attain!
Bless her! Preserve her! Grant her peace!
Her knowledge of Thyself increase!

Thy precious Holy Word we own,
Has been her source of strength alone;
By righteousness her kingdom stands,
A power and honour in all lands.

Around the earth with breaking morn,
On wings of faith to Thee upborne,
Her people’s prayers and praises soar
From ocean, land, from many a shore.

In every clime her servants move
To tell Thy great redeeming love;
Thy mercy doth their labour claim,
In saving souls to praise Thy name.

With this our humble song of praise,
The prayer God save the Queen we raise;
Grant her at last felicity,
Before Thy throne eternally.

We praise Thee from Whom blessings flow;
Praise be to Thee from all below,
From men and from the angel-host,
To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Hymn Sheet

J. J. N.

My grandfather was very proud of this hymn - because he wrote it!

The Bexhill Chronicle, on Saturday, 25th June 1897, reported the events on the previous Tuesday, as follows: -

"HOOE DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATION"

"Hooe Church was well attended last Sunday when special hymns and an anthem (Calee Simpers, "Happy are the people") were heartily sung and enjoyed."

"The morning sermon was preached by the Rev W. Routh; that in the evening by the Vicar from Proverbs, xvi. 15. An idea of his remarks may be gathered from the following lines:-"

"In the Light of the Kings Countenance is Life."

1"Amidst the clarion notes that rise"
"On wings exultant to the skies."
"Their glad reverberations circling round."
"Our hearts and minds in loyal glee are found."
"Reflecting, feel we are not the palpitations"
"Which hosts are joyous hopes anticipation"
"Our Diamond Jubilees bright celebration"
"Shall have Queens weather?"


2"And for our gracious Queen have care"
"Her health unshaken well may hear"
"Outbursts of acclamation? Heavens arm"
"Protect her! Peace of God, maintain her calm!"
"The people, shield from danger! God preserve her!"
"Our sympathy he speaks with glowing fervour,"
"God grant her more His mercies wonted favour!"
"Some fine Queens weather!"


3"But since the day of life declines,"
"The light that on our nation shines"
"Reveals (sad truth to tender loving heart!)"
"From earthly kingdom glory she will part."
"O, when from mortal scenes for life is breaking"
"A ransom soul its blissful fleeting taking,"
"May she in the eternal morn awaking"
"Enjoy Queens weather."

"A grand free meat tea, worthy of the auspicious and glorious events celebrated, was provided at The Grow, on Tuesday, the 22nd. Hooe Cricket Club and the schoolchildren accompanied by the Ninfield Volunteer Band, marched in procession through the village. Fond mothers, as they are wont, had lavished their care upon the little ones. With banners, flags, and medals added to their labours, the sight presented was a record one. The Grove was reached about half-past two. Generosity here had been freely exercised in preparing for the welcome villagers and friends."

"About 340 persons assembled and partook of the tea. Some of them had been kindly driven to the place. Others, who were unable to get out at all, received presents in their own homes."

"Races of many kinds were run. Prizes of toys, useful articles, tea, and money were given. Balloons were sent up. The Band played at intervals. Cricket, dancing, and other games were indulged in. A number of swings delighted the children. Before leaving, oranges, buns, biscuits, and sweets were liberally distributed. The time was one unsullied round of delightful sociability, calculated to strengthen the harmony and well-being of the parish, and thus to bind all hearts in loyalty to our beloved Queen, whose record reign had brought about the gathering. On the Wednesday evening a Service of Song entitled, "Queen Victoria" was rendered by a special choir of about three dozen young people and children. The Vicar kindly read the connecting portions. The schoolroom had been prettily decorated with flags and flowers for the occasion. A good and appreciative audience assembled. Refreshment were provided for those who took part. Our deepest gratitude is due to all the very kind friends who subscribe to and assisted in the above festivities; especially may we mention the Vicar's successful endeavour to promote a meat tea, his liberal subscription to the fund, and Mr Brand's large hearted hospitality at the Grove."

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