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Charlotte Bronte gives a description of Whitsuntide walks in Yorkshire in her novel "Shirley". Each church or chapel would march through the streets led by a brass band, some local, others hired for the occasion from outside the area. Following the band would be the church banner held high by the men and followed by the church members in their new clothes bought specially for the occasion, little girls in white frocks and boys in new suits - for most people this was their annual purchase of new clothes, carefully chosen as it would be "Sunday Best" for the rest of the year. Sometimes a small banner or flower garland would proclaim the Sunday School or Mothers Union sections - then the Brownies, Girl Guides, Cubs and Scouts marching proudly to their own drum and bugle band, bringing up the rear. The highlight of the procession would be the Drum Major at the head of the Band - especially if a military band - even better a Scottish military band in their kilts and tall bearskin headwear, carrying the mace he would prepare to toss it and on a shouted signal he would throw it high into the air and to the applause and cheers of the watching crowd would catch it easily and carry on marching along the road. Roads would be closed to traffic as the processions entered the town centre where they would all join together for an outdoor service with prayers and hymns before the journey home again. SD View the Holidays collection to find out more > |
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