Knottingley township was in its most festive mood on Saturday. Not since the Coronation of King George has the spirit of enjoyment been so manifest throughout the town. The procession in the afternoon, the tea, and the sports, all lent themselves to making a happy time for all who cared to take part. Many householders and shopkeepers had been at great pains to decorate their premises, and there was bunting of some sort displayed from most of the buildings. The inhabitants made the most of a day’s jubilation, and light dresses and a multitude of hand flags gave a decidedly happy tone.

But beneath the gaiety of the crowd there was the shadow of the absence of the departed, and it was to be noted as the procession passed that there were glistening eyes of mother, widow, sister, or sweetheart in window and doorway. It was, after all, a day of grief and remembrance for some. The town was void of excitement throughout the morning, the only activity being the finishing of decorations by some at the eleventh hour. At 1 o’clock groups collected outside the Town hall, where the procession was to form, and from that time until 1.45 the crowd grew, as decorated wagons, drays, etc., increased in number, and the children were marched from their respective schools. By 2.15 the procession was formed, marshalled by Messrs G. Elliot and G. Baker on horseback. The bells of St. Botolph’s rang out a merry peal during the forming and marching of the procession.

The decorated drays were lined up and judged by Messrs C. Shepherd, J.T. Taylor and A. Morris. There were about ten vehicles to judge, and each was tastefully hung with bunting or laurels or flags, or all of these. Red, white and blue predominated in streamers or festoons, whilst several vehicles had Peace mottoes on, and appropriate inscriptions, with portraits of the King or the chiefs of the services. The prize winners were:

Two horse dray:
1. Mr G. Elliott (driver G. Elliott junr)
2. Messrs Bagley & Co (W. Rowley)

Single horse dray:
1. Messrs Bagley & Co (T. Link)
2. Messrs Smith Bros (J. Gillian)

There were also two very fine tableaux on lorries, one arranged by Scoutmaster R. Jackson and the Knottingley Troop of Boy Scouts, the other by G. Lockwood and inhabitants of The Holes, which took 1st and 2nd prizes respectively. The Scouts display represented a hospital scene, a wounded Tommy lying in a tent, cared for by nurses and orderlies. The second lorry contained an excellently arranged group representative of the services, land and sea, male and female, with Britannia (Miss Lily Starks) as the central figure. These tableaux evoked both favourable comment and applause.

When the procession moved off at 2.40, large crowds lined the route down to the Flatts, where another assemblage had gathered. The Knottingley Prize band (Mr. S. Marshall conductor) played lively martial airs at the head, and they were followed by the Organising Committee and members of the Urban District Council – the Revs. F.E. Egerton, H. Snowden, A. Barraclough, J.T. Hesleton, Capt C.A. Harmiston (Salvation Army), Crs. T. Worfolk, (Chairman), G.W. Reynolds, B. Arnold, H. Beaumont, J. Drinkwater, J.A. Goodwin, J.H. Harrison, J. Jackson and J Sproston, Mr W. Swaine (Clerk to the Council), Mr. T. Ingle (Surveyor), Mr. W. Southwell (Works Manager), and Lieut. W. Hirst RAMC and Mr. A. Berry (joint Hon. Secretary of the Committee).

There was a good muster of the Sir Wm. Whiteley Lodge of the RAOB in regalia, headed by primo R. Wood, P.G. Con. A company of over 200 members of the branch of Discharged Sailors and Soldiers Association followed, led by the President ex CSM Baker. Uniformed members of the services followed, and caused much laughter with a helmeted and booted effigy of the Kaiser, which they dragged along in a push-cart. Miss Nora Jackson as a courtier riding a pony was paired with her sister Miss Lilian Jackson (a flower girl), with a decorated bicycle. Two tiny tots, Master Geo Shaw and Lionel Bamford, were pleasing pictures on nicely decorated tri-cycles, and a goat wearing a union jack trotted serenely along led by another small boy.

Then came the children of the schools under the charge of their head teachers and staffs. Most of the girls wore white, and many of the children carried the flag of the nation or its allies, which they waved with enthusiasm en route. The head teachers were Mrs E Cramp, Mrs Hill, Miss Rawson, Messrs. Ellis Cramp, Mark Hill, Jackson Morris and Jno. T Poole. At the rear of the long string of happy children came the Knottingley Troop of Boy Scouts, with their band and banners, under Scoutmaster R Jackson. Finally came the wagons full of the tiny tots of the infants’ schools, some singing the National Anthem, and practically all attempting to wave their flags over the edges of the wagons.

The procession was very lengthy, but all were soon assembled on the Flatts, facing a platform on which members of the Celebration Committee were standing. The hymn “All people that on earth do dwell” was lustily sung, the baton being wielded By Mr R Rhodes, the band accompanying.

A pleasing presentation was made by Cr. Worfolk to C.S.M. A Penistone, 6th Y and L., of a M.M. for bravery in the field. In making the presentation Cr. Worfolk said he had come victoriously through the war by the courage and tenacity of our fighting men, who had stood between us and the foe (applause). Words failed to express our gratitude to these men. It was for the nation to help now to bring the happiness and unity which would make England more worthy of the heroes who had fought for us (applause). The medal was pinned to C.S.M. Penistone’s breast, and in replying the gallant soldier said he had done but his duty. He had, he said been ‘out’ over four years in the Dardanelles and France, and was entitled also to the Croix de Guerre and the 1914 star (applause). He should have received the V.C., but his “jam was out” (laughter and applause). He thanked them for his reception, and promised that if ever there was another war he would do his best again. – Three hearty cheers were given for the soldier, and the crowd lustily sang ‘For he’s a jolly good fellow.’ After the singing of the National Anthem the procession again moved off between lines of cheering people, and proceeded via Lower Aire Street, Marsh End, Low Green, Racca Green, Weeland Road, to the Town Hall. From here the children were walked or conveyed to the different schools, where tea was served.

The interiors of the schools had been prettily decorated, most with home made and painted bunting, and the children found their tea all ready laid for them as well as a presentation peace mug. Teachers of day and Sunday school and friends waited upon the young folk.

There was plenty of food, more than some of the guests could eat at the time. The numbers sitting down were roughly: Ropewalk School 650, National School 450, Weeland Road School 309, The Holes 250, and Chapel-street infants 100, making a total of 1,760. An excellent tea was apparently enjoyed by all, and the children then dispersed temporarily to their homes.

The day’s events were by no means over, however. At 6 o’clock a long programme of sports was commenced in a field in Bank’s Garth, lent by Mr Elliot. The children were present in force, and there was also a huge crowd of parents and other spectators. Thanks to the persons responsible for the sports, the programme went through without a hitch. Each event was enthusiastically entered and keenly contested, and everyone voted the proceedings a great success. An enormous number of entries had been received so that the finals only were to run on the present occasion. There were 21 events, mostly flat, and 63 prizes, mostly useful things, and including work baskets and writing cases for the girls, and Scouts’ equipment, fretwork outfits, books etc., for the boys. The winners were fairly evenly distributed amongst the schools, and pride of school entered largely into the competitions. The prizes, value about £20, were presented by Mrs T Worfolk. The Knottingley Band, under Mr S Marshall rendered selections of music, and all went well happily until the sky became overcast, and clouds rolled up about 9 o’clock. A short shower of rain during the prize distribution warned those present of more to follow, but the sports proceedings had concluded when it came. The events of the day were practically completed before the rain set in in earnest. Dancing had to be cancelled, but everyone had had a long and happy day, and no amount of rain could then dampen their spirits.

The sports events and results were as follows;

Girls under 10 - 60 yards skipping:
1.Hilda Link, 2. Lizzie Smeaton, 3. Nancy Lockwood
10 and 11 years:
1. Marion Parker, 2. Doris Burkitt, 3. Lilian Link
12 and 13 years:
1. Maud Horn, 2. Edith Burdin, 3. Edna Hawkins
80 yards skipping:
1. Adelaide Glen, 2. Doris Arkless, 3. Mary Baker
100 yards hoop race 12 and 13:
1. Edith Durham, 2. Violet Peaker, 3. Ida Parker
60 yards egg and spoon under 10:
1. Alice Barker, 2. Betsy Pickersgill, 3. Alice Schofield
ditto 10 and 11 years:
1. Doris Burkitt, 2. Annie Poole, 3. Gwennie Hayton
ditto 12 and 13 years:
1. Ena Pruss, 2. Ethel Durham, 3. Hannah Holroyd
ditto over 14:
1. Mona Cook, 2. Mary Tomlinson, 3. Sallie Baxter
Boys 80 yards flat under 10:
1. Geo Halcrow, 2. Isaac Bedwith, 3. Clifford Metcalfe
100 yards flat 10 and 11:
1. Chas Link, 2. Geo Rhodes, 3. Wm Addy
100 yards 12 and 13 years:
1. Harold Cooper, 2. Amos Savage, 3. Ernest Turton
14 and over:
1. Fred Miller, 2. Norman Robinson, 3. Harry Furniss
100 yards Scouts flat race:
1. Geo Wray, 2. H Whitwell, 3. Sowley Burton
80 yards sack race 11, 12 and 13:
1. Rotsey Spencer, 2. Joe Morrill, 3. Lewis Bedford
100 yards sack race Scouts:
1. W. Skelton, 2. R. Cawthorn, 3. H. Whitwell
160 yards obstacle under 12:
1. Joe Morrill, 2. Rotsey Spencer, 3. Lewis Bedford
ditto 12 and 13 years:
1. Frank Weale, 2. Jos Bedwith, 3. Chas Wilson
220 yards obstacle 14 and over:
1. W. Skelton, 2. W. Hawkins, 3. F. Miller
40 yards potato race 12 and 13:
1. Sam Stones, 2. Sam Turner, 3. Lawrence Earl
ditto 14 and over:
1. H. Whitwell, 2. W. Skelton, 3. F. Miller.

In the tug of war semi-final the National School beat Ropewalk Council School, and Weeland Road beat The Holes. In the final Weeland Road School were victorious.

The course officials were – Judges: Crs. B. Arnold, J. Jackson, G.W. Reynolds, J.H. Harrison, Mr C. Harris, and Mr T.W. Coates; starter, Mr Percy Thompson; handicapper, Mr. W. Hollingsworth. The teachers were stewards of the course.

The prizes for the best decorated premises were given as follows:

shops – 1. Mr. J T. Taylor, butcher, Aire Street; 2. White’s drapery establishment, Aire Street. 
Houses – 1. Mr Holmes, Cow Lane, 2. Russells Buildings (Mr J. Thorpe and Mrs R. Parker) The Holes. 
The judges were Mesdames Wm Bagley, J.W. Bentley and T. Jackson. 
There was only one decorated bicycle, that of Miss L. Jackson and she was awarded the prize.

The Town Hall was decorated by Capt Arnold.

A souvenir programme of the day’s proceedings, nicely printed in blue and red was issued by the Celebration Committee. That the day was such an unqualified success was due to the energy and capability of the large committee responsible for all arrangements. Their names are: Crs T Worfolk JP, G W Reynolds, B Arnold, H Beaumont, J Drinkwater, J A Goodwin, J H Harrison, J Jackson, and J Sproston; Revs F E Egerton, H Snowden, A Barraclough, J T Heselton, Captain C A Harmston, Mrs Cramp, Mrs Hill, Miss Rawson, Messrs Ellis Cramp, Mark Hill, Jackson Morris and Jno T Poole, Messrs J H Harrison, J Wake, F Bramham, J F White, G Andrews, T Ford, and W Warde. Mr Arthur Berry and Mr Ellis Cramp were hon. secs., and Cr Worfolk was chairman.

United Service of Thanksgiving:

In connection with the official peace celebration all the ministers of religion in the town joined in conducting a service of thanksgiving in the Town Hall on Sunday evening, after the service held at the various places of worship. The Assembly Room was filled with a reverent congregation who entered heartily into the service. The Rev. A Barraclough presided; supported by the other ministers and Crs T Worfolk JP, J Jackson and J H Harrison. The singing of the National Anthem was followed by the hymn ‘ Praise the Lord’ after which Scripture was read from St. John’s Gospel, ch. xiv., by the Rev H Snowdon. Another hymn was then sung and a short thoughtful address was given by the Rev. J T Heselton. The Rev. gentleman said we had cause for rejoicing because the nation had a brighter outlook than ever before, because our neighbours were well disposed towards us; other countries were looking up to us; and because our children would receive a richer heritage in education and religion. Society had in the past been built on caste; in the future it would be built on ability; and in time it would be built on goodness. This would only come about, the speaker concluded, by the mass of mankind being reconciled to God through the redeemed in Christ. The dawn of peace was breaking, and we must look to a noon of unspeakable glory.

After the hymn ‘Great Ruler of the Nations’ had been sung, the Rev. F E Egerton gave a stirring and eloquent address speaking of War and Peace, and the need for unity and concord in the future. He showed that foremost thanks must be rendered to God, however much we gratefully acknowledged the bravery, honour and self sacrifice of our sailors, soldiers and airmen.

Whilst we were ever mindful of what our brave men had done we must ascribe to Almighty God all the glory and honour of victory. The Rev. gentleman painted a vivid contrast showing what defeat would have meant, and spoke of the present degradation and disgrace of Germany. The cost of victory Mr Egerton went on, had been very great; but while we mourned the loss we gave thanks that by their efforts we had attained victory and peace. Let them now pray, therefore, that God would make them worthy of peace and of the great sacrifice that that peace had cost, then the fruits, unity and goodwill must come. After the singing of another hymn the Benediction was pronounced and the meeting closed.

Old People's Entertainment

The people of the town of 60 years and upwards had their treat on Tuesday. In the afternoon they were entertained at the Picture House by the kindness of Mr J Harris, and afterwards between 160 and 170 sat down to a substantial tea in the Town Hall. The wives of the councillors, ministers of religion, and friends were responsible for all arrangements, and also dispensed the meal. Cr. T Worfolk (Chairman of the Council) was present, and also Mrs Worfolk. An enjoyable concert was afterwards given by the Frolics Concert Party, under the direction of Mr Bert Thompson. The artists were Misses Bertha and Hetty Turpin, Gladys Smith, E Burns, H Smith, J Harker, and V Winterbottom. The programme was long and varied, and included the farcical sketch ‘Nymphs.’ Mr Percy Thompson and Mr Val Gill also contributed to the programme. Mr Bert Thompson and Mr Mark Hill were accompanists. The men in the audience were supplied with an ounce of tobacco each. After the concert light refreshments were handed round and an impromptu and informal dance was held. The guests spoke very highly of the whole proceedings, which they apparently thoroughly enjoyed.

The final part of the public Peace celebrations was held in the Town Hall, Knottingley, on Tuesday when nearly 500 ex-servicemen spent a highly enjoyable evening at an excellent smoking concert, which had been arranged by Mr. Percy Thompson.

The programme commenced with the loyal toast and the singing of the National Anthem. Cr. Worfolk, J.P. Chairman of The Celebration Committee presided and welcomed the men on behalf of the townsfolk. During an interval light refreshments were handed round by the lady members of the Christmas Parcels Committee. Whilst the beverages were attended by the male helpers, tobacco and cigarettes were also supplied and the men's applause and enthusiasm expressed the sincerity of their appreciation. Col C. C. Moxon, C.M.G. D.S.O., had a rousing welcome on appearing to sing and was not allowed to go until the calls for a speech had been answered.

The Col in a happy speech, said how pleased he was to be present and to see again so many men of the 1st 5th K.O.Y.L.I. with whom he had served in France and who he would like to thank for their gallant services. At the close of the concert the Chairman thanked the entertainers and Mr. Percy Thompson called for thanks to the ladies of the Parcels fund. The motions were enthusiastically carried.

The entertainment was long and varied and enjoyable. Mr. F. Heptinstall sang sentimental ballads and Mr. H. Stewart rendered comic songs. Duets by Miss Phyliss Clayton and Mr. Percy Thompson won great applause and Miss Jessie Davis proved a really capable violinist.

Miss Dorothy Gregg sang a pleasing selection from ''Betty'' and Mr. Willie Wood and Mr. Jack Addy contributed popular songs. The 'turn' of the evening was given by Mr. Stanley Riley, a conjurer and entertainer of a high order, who won tremendous applause. Mr. Bert Thompson in his engaging style also added a vocal item - Mr. H. Gregg also accompanied. The whole evening was pleasant, being greatly enjoyable.

Reproduced from the Pontefract and Castleford Express