After the death of Queen Victoria, in 1901, her son, the then Prince of Wales was to succeed to the throne and the coronation set for 26th June 1902. All around the country, towns, and villages planned their celebrations for that day but, unfortunately, two days before, on the 24th, the King developed appendicitis. While he wanted to go ahead, with the Coronation, his surgeon, Sir Frederick Treves, insisted that to go on would result in the King′s death and surgery was necessary. Treves was made famous by his involvement with the "Elephant Man", Joseph Carey Merrick, who, incidentally, was, on many occasions, including a film on his life, referred to, incorrectly, as "John" Merrick.
The actual Coronation date was postponed until 9th August but the King insisted that the celebrations should go ahead.
Hooe had planned their day well in advance and the village was excited and looking forward to the festivities. It was decided, however, that, on the Sunday before the event, an "Intercessory Service" (a Service where prayers are said for another rather than for oneself) would be held at the church.
My grandfather said of the Coronation: -
"We have records of the Coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in 1902. It may be remembered that the King, being taken ill with appendicitis, was unable to be crowned on the appointed day, 26th June, 1902, and the event was postponed until August 9th."
"The celebration in Hooe which cost £32, included a Service in the Church in the morning, sports in the afternoon, a Tea, open to all parishioners, a bonfire and fireworks. Hooe Village Band (then a Drum and Fife band) supplied the music on the field.
"At the Church service a hymn composed by the Vicar and organist was sung, also a special verse to the National Anthem."
It seems that just about everybody joined in the fun and, luckily for those of us, today, interested in family history, the good, old "Bexhill Observer" gave the following report. The first item, however, wrongly refers to "Last Sunday′s Service" which has to be incorrect as the King′s illness didn′t appear until the Tuesday after. My grandfather says that it was held in the morning, just before of the celebrations and this is much more likely.
The following two reports are from the Bexhill Observer, dated 28th June 1902
"HOOE"
"INTERCESSION FOR KING - Last Sunday′s services were rendered intercessory for the King by specially selected, suitable hymns and a special prayer."
THE CORONATION – In conforming to the Kings expressed wish, the Coronation festivities of Hooe were carried out, as far as was possible, under the sad circumstances. The spacious barn at Green farm (Mr W. Grant′s) was well arranged with six long tables and nicely decorated for the tea. A dozen swings were put up on the cricket field. The school was decorated with flags made by the girls, and with flags and the emblematic flowers, drawn on paper, and coloured by the boys. The latter were fastened on the school windows, under the prayer, "God save the King", which was also done on paper, in colours, by the boys. A cricket match began at noon between married and single men. About two o′clock the school children started in procession to the field from Hooe Common to the music of Hooe Drum and Fife band. The swings occupied the young people during the afternoon, while the cricket attracted the adults. About four o′clock tea was served to over 320 people, in three parties. The drink was unanimously declared to be excellent, and the cake and buns (supplied by Mr Page, of Bexhill) also won very high praise. In fact, in every way the meal was quite satisfactory and thoroughly enjoyed. Presents of tea, tobacco, oranges, and cake were given to those people were an able to be at the fête. Tea over, the races began, and were carried out as follows:–
Flat race (boys under eight years), 50 yards. 1st, drum and sticks; 2nd, box of bricks, - Frank Pilbeam and Geo. Neve.
Flat race (girls under eight), 50 yards. 1st, tea set; 2nd, coloured ball -Olive Luck and Eleanor Carey.
Flat race (boys eight to 14), 100 yards. 1st, walking stick; 2nd, pencil case - Albert Gander and Leslie Luck.
Flat race (girls eight to 14), 100 yards. 1st battledore set; 2nd coloured ball - Ada Lewis and Alice Markwick.
Needle-threading race (men) 100 yards. 1st, silk handkerchief; second, tobacco and pouch - C. Russell and Thos. Lewis, Jun.
Flat Race (boys 15 to 20), 100 yards. 1st, cricket bat; 2nd, ivory-handled pocket knife.-John Collins and Thos. Noakes.
Flat Race (girls 15 to 20), 100 yards – 1st, work¬box; 2nd, pedestal vase.-Harriet Potter and Alice Hutchinson.
Three-legged race (boys seven to 14), 100 yards. 1st, pencil walking-sticks; 2nd, silver pencil cases.-William Crouch and Levi Noakes, Frank Noakes and Leonard Gander.
Flat Race (men 21 to 40), 100 yards. 1st, brass inkstand; 2nd, ivory penknife.- H. Moore and F. Collins.
Flat race (women 21 to 35), 100 yards. 1st, set of jugs; 2nd, handkerchief box.-Mrs. Luck and Ella ′Smith.
Sack Race (boys under 14), 100 yards. 1st, photo frame; 2nd, silver pencil case.- Albert Col¬lins and Geo. Neve.
Flat Race (men 31 to 50), 100 yards. 1st, clothes brush; 2nd, leather purse.- Messrs. Bryant and Hutchinson.
Flat Race (women 36 to 55), 100 yards. 1st china teapot; 2nd, glove box.-Mrs, Bryant and Mrs. Cheale.
Potato Race (men and boys), 100 yards. 1st, cheese dish: 2nd, double photo frame.-James Deeprose and Arthur, Baker.
Flat Race (men 51 to 60), 100 yards. 1st, silver-mounted walking stick; 2nd pouch, Messrs. Tay¬lor and C. Collins.
High Jump.. 1st, metal penknife; 2nd, collar box.- Geo. Vitler, jun., and Hy. Moore.
Egg and Spoon Race (women and girls), 50 yards. 1st, pair of tall vases; 2nd, pedestal vase.- Lily Hutchinson and Alice Hutchinson.
Boot Race (men and boys), 100 yards. 1st, pocketbook; 2nd, pouch.- Arthur Baker and John Collins.
Tug of War (men), 12 a side, pair of tumblers each on winning side,- F. Sheather, Cheale, O. Grant, H. Stubberfield, H. Sheather, Hy. Taylor, G. Vitler, J. Vitler, jun., G. Vitler, jun., C. Vitler, A. Vitler, W. Vitler.
Consolation Races. Boys under 10: Leonard Gander, Alfred Taylor. Girls under 10: Dorothy Collins, Winifred Baker.
Much amusement was caused by a game of "rattle," played by Messrs. C. Russell and A. Grant. Mr. Munn acted as a "sweetman". Of course his jacket was soon assailed, and stripped of its bags of sweets. At the close, the prizes were distributed; also cake, buns, oranges, and toys. — In few, but well-chosen words, Mr. Lemmon thanked all who had assisted in the day′s programme, and explained how it was the festivities had been so far carried out, in spite of the Sove¬reign′s condition. Then, accompanied by the band, all joined in singing "God Save the King." — Mrs, Taylor was presented with a vase as a token of appreciation of, her devoted services; Mrs. Evenden a vase; Mrs. C. Collins had a break¬fast cruet, in recognition of her labours; Mr. Catt a walking stick and Mr. Grant a moustache cup and saucer. The committee responsible for the programme were: Mr. A. Lemmon (Chairman), Messrs. Catt, Catt, jun., Dodson, O. Grant, New¬port Ryan, F. Sheather, the Rev. C. Routh, and Mesdames C. Collins, Dodson, and Weston. Among friend′s who assisted were Messrs. Bryant and. Collins, Errey, A. Grant, Munn, Taylor, Bryant, F. Sheather, Hooker, T. Lewis, S. Lewis, G. Carey, and the Misses Errey, M. Smith, and S. Taylor. Mr. J. E. Brand, C.C., helped in the sports. Every child received a Coronation mug.
Thanks are due to Mr. Grant for the loan of his field, barn, and utensils; to Messrs. E. and S. Dodson for the loan of cups, saucers, cloths, etc.; to Mr. Taylor for scaffold poles and ropes; to Mr. Brand; for the use of his churns; to Mrs. Lemmon for making lemonade; and also to numerous other friends for loans and assistance.
The bonfire, fireworks, and patriotic concert were the items omitted from the original Coronation celebration scheme. The, joyousness of the event was marred by the King′s illness. Had it been his Coronation day, it would have been a very merry one. The weather and the situation of the field were ideal for the occasion. With regard to the cricket match, there were prizes of tobacco, etc., offered by, Mr. Weston to the best bowler, batter, and catcher. The winners were: Bowl¬ing, Harry Moore, who took six wickets for 29 runs; batting, William Deeprose, .who scored 42 runs; catching, Thos. Moore, Albert Moore, and Horace Taylor, who each made two catches. The prizes were distributed by Mr. E. Sheather.
Among my grandfather′s papers is an "Order of Service" for the Coronation of King Edward VII, which was to be held at Westminster Abbey on 26th June 1902. The document was hand-written, and printed, by my grandfather, on a single sheet of paper, measuring 9 inches by 7 inches, which was then folded in half to produce a 4 1/2 inch by 7 inch, "booklet".
