In the build up to tomorrow’s coronation of King Charles III, Stirling Archives have been reflecting upon the local coronation celebrations of the last 185 years.
A selection of photographs, newspaper articles and minute excerpts have been brought together which focus on local celebrations of the coronations of Queen Victoria, George V and Elizabeth II.
For the coronation of Elizabeth II in June 1953 an illustrated souvenir book was distributed to local primary and secondary schoolchildren. Covering topics including the Royal Regalia, The Coronation, The Historic Ceremony and its Development and the coronation of Elizabeth’s father George VI, the book was only one of a number of souvenirs and treats handed down as part of the celebrations.
A note from the Coronation Souvenir Supply boasted ‘a range of nearly 200 souvenirs’ including mugs, pencils and rosettes.
For the coronation of George V in 1911, it had been planned that a ‘procession of the children of all the schools in the burgh’ would ‘march to the Kings Park’, where they would watch on as the Provost’s daughter planted a ceremonial oak.
Although it was noted in St Ninians School log book that ‘Unfortunately the morning was very wet’ and as a result ‘the children were kept in school’, the rain did not completely dampen pupils’ fun as ‘Each was presented with a box of chocolate and buns and lemonade’.
Click here for more news and sport from the Stirling area.
Numerous local events, celebrations and displays have been held here over the years in celebration of royal coronations, ranging from formal town processions to children’s parties and parades.
And for this latest milestone, a number of local groups and organisations across Stirling and Clackmannanshire have been organising their own events.
Many churches are holding special services and events, including Drymen Church, which is hosting a Good Companions Coronation Lunch on Monday, (open to all but call 01360 660361 to reserve).
In Gartmore the local development trust and the Black Bull are offering villagers the opportunity to watch the build up and ceremony on the big screen in the Village Hall tomorrow with tea served courtesy of the Hub Tea Team onwards from 10am. From 1-4pm everyone is then invited to the pub with family, friends and neighbours.
The RVS café in Stirling Health & Care Village, whose volunteers support NHS workers and local communities, recently involved a local primary school to help celebrate the coming coronation.
In Clackmannanshire, Provost Donald Balsillie and Lord Lieutenant Johnny Stewart are inviting residents to attend an ecumenical service of thanksgiving in St Mungo’s RC Church in Mar Street, Alloa, on Sunday at 6pm.
Lecropt Kirk, meanwhile, is having a “King’s Coronation watch together” in Lecropt Hall tomorrow, with refreshments. To join in call 07882 785182 or email lottiemckie@btinternet.com.
Menstrie Parish Church is holding a flower festival in the church today and tomorrow. The opening times are: 10am-noon and 2-4.30pm today and 2-4.30pm tomorrow.
On a slightly different note, the Fubar in Stirling is getting in on the coronation act with their over-18s only “King Charles’ Coronation Gaff” event on Sunday from 10pm.
Tickets cost from £5 and they say: “The big man’s making it official and we’re celebrating for him! There’s a ‘meet and greet with the man himself, King Charles in the VIP
room.’”
To mark the crowning, thousands of organisations across the country are also getting together to give people the chance to help out in their own local communities and on Monday, Camphill Blair Drummond is planning to take part in The Big Help Out Day.
Camphill Blair Drummond offers homes, activities and opportunities to adults with learning disabilities and other special needs and more than 200 people live and work in the community as day students, employees and volunteers, and on Sunday a number of volunteers will be helping out with jobs across the community from fence painting to weeding flower beds.
For more information on volunteering visit https://thebighelpout.org.uk/join-in.
To see more of the Stirling Archives collections visit: http://www.stirlingarchives.scot/2023/05/01/royal-coronation-celebrations-at-stirling.
- If you have any plans to mark the coronation, either by volunteering, holding a street party or garden party, or any other event, let us know by emailing: news@stirlingobserver.co.uk
