Sarah
Hawkins Genealogy Site
Newspaper
Articles
The Somerset County Gazette, Bristol Express, and Devonshire News Saturday 08 Sep 1883
Page 7 Column 3
NORTH PETHERTON.
CHURCH OF ENGLAND SUNDAY-SCHOOLS. - On Thursday last the children of the above schools, to the number of over 300 boys and girls, assembled in a field, kindly lent for the occasion by Mr. Ben TUCKER, of the North Petherton mills, when they were formed into procession and headed by several large flags, followed by the North Petherton brass band, walked through the principal streets of the town. Most of the children carried a flag or flowers, and there was a large supply of banners and flags carried by friends of the committee. Returning to the field, the children were seated in a large marquee, kindly lent by Mr. James CORAM, of the Swan Inn, and after grace was sung the children were bountifully supplied with tea and cake. The tea was made, by Mr. JENNINGS' kind permission, at the George Hotel. After they had all been satisfied they were sent into the field to amuse themselves, whilst the committee and the many kind friends who assisted them partook of tea in the marquee. Afterwards the cake that remained was given away to the poor people who were in the field. The bells now rang to let the youngsters know that it was time the sports commenced. The committee had provided about £4 worth of useful articles to be run for. The racing was very good, and was entered into with much spirit amongst the children, and was witnessed by a large company of spectators. The prizes gave the children and their parents every satisfaction. The remainder of the evening was spent in dancing, kiss-in-the-ring and other amusements. The committee also provided several swing-boats for the children to ride in free of charge. About eight o'clock the children were called together and gave three hearty cheers for Mr. TUCKER for the use of the field, and the band also enlivened the proceedings by playing “For he is a jolly good fellow.” The band then left the field playing a lively air and marched through the town, finishing at the top of Hammett-street with “God save the Queen.” The committee who carried out the programme of the treat this year were as follows:- Mr. S. PAYNE, chairman; Messrs. J. SHEPHERD, James WILLIAMS, High-street; Henry PAINTER, J. POCOCK, Henry PARKER and John BURSTON, jun., all of whom deserve the greatest praise for the manner in which they worked, and also for the most satisfactory manner in which everything connected with the treat was carried out. The committee wish to express their best thanks to all those friends who, in any way, contributed to make the treat of 1883 one of the most successful and pleasant days the children have ever had. The total amount collected for the treat was £12 18s. 6d.