|
|||
| Extract from the Northampton Mercury 2 September 1892 | |||
|
|||
|
|||
Holiday-making and festivity reign supreme at Burton Latimer this week, although up to the present the pleasure-seekers have had to contend with the most unfavourable atmospheric conditions. A more miserable feast week could scarcely be imagined so far as the weather has been concerned. On Saturday, when everybody was busy in anticipation and preparation, the rain came down in blinding showers; on Sunday and Monday it did the same for the greater part of each day, and on Tuesday, though it did not rain there was such a strong gale blowing that people were glad to keep indoors. But still it is feast week, and holiday must, according to wont, be kept; therefore, villagers, together with the many visitors from near and far, have made the best of bad circumstances, and have enjoyed themselves quietly, but thoroughly. The usual assembling place for the feast attractions - a field near the Cross - is filled with roundabouts, some modern and some otherwise, boxing booths, cocoanut shies, and all sorts of stalls; and there, when the weather permitted, the fun of the fair had been duly participated in. As a sort of prelude to the feast the two bands, the Britannia and the Town, paraded the place on Saturday evening, and again on Sunday the Britannia Band gave a sacred concert at the Cross, when a splendid programme was rendered, under the conductorship of Mr Walter Reynolds. On the last-named day the village was very full of visitors, who came from all the neighbouring places, and the publicans did a big trade. The various places of worship were also well attended, the Baptist Chapel being the chief point of attraction owing to the special services there being held in commencement of the series that marks the opening of the new class rooms just added to the schools opposite the Assembly Room. The preacher for the day was the Rev R A Selby, of Ringstead, who also addressed a scholars' service in the afternoon. Monday opened wretchedly wet, and although there were temporary clearances in the weather later, the out-door gatherings which had been arranged were held under very adverse circumstances. The Britannia band had a fete in Mr C Barlow's field, which was fairly well attended, and some sports, consisting of flat races, obstacle race, and skittle competition, were brought off whilst the band played selections. A garden party and sale of work in the Rectory grounds, which would have been most enjoyable in better weather, suffered very much from the wet, the sale having to be transferred to the St Crispin's room, where dancing also took place in the evening to the music of the Town Band. Elaborate arrangements were made for illuminating the grounds in the evening, and it was a pity, therefore, that the wet spoiled the fete, which was promoted with the object of aiding the parochial funds. On Tuesday there was another party in the Rectory grounds in aid of the Town Band, stalls being provided with various articles for sale, and dancing being engaged in at frequent intervals during the afternoon and evening. |
|||
|
|
|||
|
