May Celebrations

This week I've celebrated being another year older!

Although I'm interested in genealogy and have done research
 on my own family history, I'm not the sort of person
 who looks back continuously at my own life except when thinking about
 how life has changed for me and for society in general.

However, I decided to link my birthday with reflections
 on a May custom which was part of my childhood primary school tradition

and is not so common these days except to recreate
 the nostalgia of times past at ye Olde English May Fayres. 

My school in a village near Sonning-on-Thames celebrated
its centenary in 1998
and, of course, still plays an important role in the community.
 It's a church school with the church in the grounds
 and what was once the manor house opposite.
Years later I taught there for a while.

Between 1910 and 1958 the May Day celebration was the highlight
of the year.  Preparations for the Day appeared well in advance
- the May Pole was decorated, country dances were practised
and flowers were gathered to make posies and garlands.
The May Queen and her attendants were elected - maids of honour,
a train bearer, a crown bearer, a herald and a guard of honour.

 When I was 7 years old I was chosen to carry a bouquet of flowers
to be presented to the vicar's wife.  Perhaps I was included because
it was also my birthday month?  I was told to hold the bunch of flowers up high
 and so the photograph shows me peeping from behind them!

However, the second photo at the bottom was taken after
 the crowning of the May Queen so there I am,
 my shy, rather solemn expression captured forever, as I glance for a moment
 at the photographer.
However, this photo is special because behind me, looking on,
 stands by smiling and proud maternal grandmother.

The top photo was taken the following year, 1953,
which was just as memorable because of the
Coronation of Elizabeth II celebration theme
and that year I took part in the country dancing.

What else do I remember about those May Day
events?  The preparations at the Manor House
and the Tudor-style interior and gallery, the head dresses of fresh flowers
and the procession in the gardens through pergola tunnels of fragrant
May blossom, especially wistaria.

I hope you enjoyed hearing about times gone by
and an occasion that has a special place in my memory.