Newtongrange &. District Children's Gala Day
July 1925
With arrangements that included due pomp and ceremony befitting a coronation, a Newtongrange schoolgirl queen was crowned on Saturday. The weather, could it also have been arranged, would not have been improved on. The crowning took place in the Square Park, and attracted a large gathering of parents, while among the interested spectators seated in front of the platform were Mr. Joseph Westwood MP, Mr. Mungo Mackay, Rev. W.G. Jeffrey, Mr. Anderson and Mr. Dougall.
Marching into the park, the children were drawn up round the platform on which the Queen was to be crowned just before 12 o'clock Miss Elizabeth Meek. Dux of Newbattle Public School. On whom the honour was to be conferred, appeared in her royal carriage to receive a hearty welcome from her loyal subjects.
Immediately following was the Queen's Court which comprised:
Maids of Honour - May Thomson. Beat Archibald;
Chief Maids - May Allan. Isa Kilburn;
Sceptre Bearer - John Thomson;
Herald - James Mitchell;
Crown Bearer - John Dodds,
Lady in Waiting - Marion Jenkins;
Pages - John Kirkwood. Peter McQue
The Crowning: The court having taken up its position on the platform the lady
in waiting descended the steps. took the Queen by the hand, led her to the
throne. Following the blast of a trumpet. the Herald read the Royal Proclamation.
The Proclamation being read. Mrs Mackay. who had kindly consented to perform
the Crowning Ceremony, then approached the throne and gracefully placed the
crown on Miss Meek's head. declaring her Queen of Newbattle Parish. Rising
from her kneeling position the Queen smilingly acknowledged the cheers of
her loyal subjects. In appreciation of the important duty she had so performed.
Mrs Mackay was presented with the Queen's bouquet flowers by Miss Lennie.
On the call of Mr. W. Fowler MA. Three rousing cheers were given
'Queen Elizabeth the Second'. Mr Fowler. on behalf of the Gala Committee.
then presented the Queen with a wristlet watch, while a watch was also presented
to John Todd. the Dux Boy of the School. All members of the Court received
a box of chocolates and in remembrance the crowning ceremony, the Queen received
a special gift of a volume of Tennyson's poems from Mrs Mackay. A telegram
of congratulations was received from Miss L Turnbull. a former teacher of
the Queen. The President. Mr. Walter Walker. said it gave him great pleasure
to see so many present. It showed that people were becoming more interested
so far as the education of the children was concerned. He extended to each
and all a hearty welcome. He congratulated the Committee on the work they
had done. Everyone had worked in harmony. The object of Gala day was twofold.
It was to give the children an opportunity of enjoying themselves and secondly
to create a greater interest in education. They wanted to see every child
receiving a full opportunity of a higher education. It was also his duty to
present to the Queen a shield on which the Dux pupils of Newbattle School
would have their names inscribed. The shield to be retained by the Queen for
one year. The Queen then descended from her throne into the park. followed
by her Court, and entering her carriage in which she was accompanied Mrs Mackay.
She took part in the procession which. headed by the Dalkeith Burgh Band.
proceeded through the town. music also being rendered by the Gorebridge &
Arniston Pipe Band. Throughout the town the Queen received salutations from
those lining the streets which she graciously acknowledged. Lively music was
played by the bands till Roans Dyke Park. kindly granted by Mr. Thos. Spears,
was reached and here each child received a bag of cakes and a penny. It was
intention of the Committee that the pennies should be brand new coins It was
discovered later on that this arrangement could not be carried out but this
did not dampen the enthusiasm of the children who, judging by the brisk business
done by the ice-cream fraternity. believed that money whether new or old.
was made to spend. Inside the park the children marshalled by their teachers,
were ranged on the grass and a large army of enthusiastic workers distributed
a generous supply of milk to wash down the dainties contained in the bag.
The Lothian Coal Company kindly lent assistance in laying out the field for
the sports and erecting marquees. After refreshments had been consumed a lengthy
programme of games and races was carried through under the convenorship of
Mr. Reed, who was ably assisted by Mr. Fowler, Headmaster of Newbattle Public
School, Rev. W.G. Jeffrey and Mr. Davidson. The success of the day was due
in a large measure to the untiring work of Mr. J. Smith, who as Secretary,
had the co-operation of an enthusiastic Committee.