Whitsuntide traditions

[brian1941]

Hi Johnpm, Thanks For Putting that picture on here - loverly memories,

i was able to pick the few faces i knew myself and spotted a couple

i knew from my district. How times have change where did it go - why did

did it go. Had a walk round Grimesthorpe this sunday, did pass the

Reform Chaple and liked the daffodils at the main front door drive way. Brian.

[johnpm]

Hi Johnpm, Thanks For Putting that picture on here - loverly memories,

i was able to pick the few faces i knew myself and spotted a couple

i knew from my district. How times have change where did it go - why did

did it go. Had a walk round Grimesthorpe this sunday, did pass the

Reform Chaple and liked the daffodils at the main front door drive way. Brian.

 

Hi Brian, I keep in touch with Reform Chapel people & went to morning service a couple of years ago. Sad that they are down to about 10/12 or so in congregation I think. Amazing that they have kept it going so long though & its in good condition. It's changed a lot since our day with way through from chapel building direct to hall with extra toilets. About 60% of people who go travel from other side of town. John

[johnlittle]

I couldn't resist adding a little to this thread as the memories of Whitsuntide remain very detailed, precious and strong.

My father, Sydney (Sid) Thompson, used to do a great deal to organise the Sings in Firth Park being, as he was, an official for the area of the old Sheffield Sunday School Union at Montgomery Hall. He would always rise very early to see what the weather was doing as, if wet a decision had to be made as to whether the festivities must be held indoors. We marched in our new clothes from Low Shiregreen Methodist Church to Firth Park, led by the Boys' Brigade band, life boys (of which I was one)or else i could be found persuading local residents who came to their doors to put something in the collection boxes. The Sunday School Queen and her attendants followed on the back of a B&C Co-op milk lorry with the infants also seated there and the older children and congregation walking behind. Fortunately, it never seemed to rain (although I'm sure it sometimes did!). If memory serves me correctly I believe there were over thirty churches represented in the park and the crowds were up to the railings. My father is long gone but i know how much it would sadden him to know that this tradition is no more and that the church we attended has gone.

[sedith]

My nan used to knit me some jeans and a new shirt at Whitsuntide

[Ianrsomerset]

I remember new clothes but it was when we got our sandles, I think we used to see the bands going up the road with the Sunday school banners going up to and into Western Park?

[Daven]

I was born and bred in Stannington - proper Stannington that is above the old milestone at the Sportsman pub at the top of the hill and before Stannington became part of Sheffield.

Each of the churches - Stannington Parish, Stannington Methodist, Underbank Unitarian and Rivelin Glen and possibly Woodlands would turn out and walk behind their respective church banner and congregate at the head of the 'church fields' at the top of Oldfield Road where prayers were said and hymns sung. Each child would follow with other members of the Sunday School behind their banner dressed in their Sunday best. I don't remember getting new clothes but we did get new knickers and socks !

I attended Stannington Methodist Sunday school and was always a little embarrassed as we had the oldest banner which used to shed more paint in the brisk winds at the top of the hill every year. Each banner was carried by 2 adults and supported by 2 older children hanging onto ropes behind to prevent the banner from 'taking off' !

Later on that afternoon the churches held races and games for the children at the top of Stannington park and provided tea and plates of sandwiches and cake in the Lomas Hall.

Edited March 28, 2017 by Daven

[stephen 7]

I have a photo of myself, my older sister and my two cousins taken at Whitsuntide 1957ish and there's no way I'd publish it on here.

 

Basically, I'm in a suit with short, well pressed tousers (with turnups), a checked tie that is probably held in place by elastic, long socks with two dark hoops around the top and very shiny lace-up shoes.

 

Bet I wasn't allowed to wear that lot again until someone got Christened, married or died.

Why saxon 51 thats my last name almost and the year i was born

[johnpm]

Why saxon 51 thats my last name almost and the year i was born

 

Go on - now you have told us you must show the photo !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Edited March 29, 2017 by johnpm

[Pam Cherrington]

 I have very fond memories of Whitsun when I was growing up in Brightside in the 1950's and 60's; getting new clothes, parading through the streets and the Whit sing.

The Whitsuntide holiday was once such a big occasion, second only to Christmas for children. At Whitsuntide we were bought new clothes. It was new from top to toe and we felt the bees knees. For many of us it was the only time we did get new clothes rather than hand me downs. We would dress up in the clothes and then go round to neighbours, friends, relatives and say “I’ve come to show you my new clothes” and you’d do a twirl for them and they gave you money. It was great. Then we’d go out on the march with all the children dressed up to the nines parading through the streets, Sunday school banners and the brass bands.

The tradition of Whitsuntide is my favourite memory of childhood. Unfortunately this tradition is not celebrated as much now, so I wrote a song called 'Whitsuntide Clothes' and recorded it at home a few weeks ago during lockdown to help keep the memories alive.

I would like to share it with you, and for those who remember this tradition I hope it 'Whitsuntide Clothes' brings happy memories.📷 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQWQyv0ndL0

[Rollypolly]

Very good. Brought back happy memories.