Anyone remember the parade in Darnall?

[tatty dumps]

Was it may day or whit sunday?- remember the man who used

to get dressed up in drag-? think he might have been called Ernest- just googled it think it was Darnall medical aid parade

 

I remember the Darnall medical Parade. I can't remember the drag queen but I can remember the Duke of Darnall. It was a lovely day out and there was so much work put into the floats.

Tatty Dumps:love:

[Redneck]

Hi, yes my Grandad knew Ernest,they'd worked together at some point, we used to follow the parade and Ernest and Lol Fenton raised loads of money for cancer research, We also used to go to the pantomimes at St. Marys Handsworth, and I remember Cilla Black officially opening the Darnall Medical Hall on Fisher lane I think 1971/2:thumbsup:

 

I wonder if Lol Fenton was the other female impersonator that I used to see now and again with Ernest. In the years that I saw the parade they raised money for the Medical Aid Society (not much money from the government). My Mum was the District nurse from about 1945 well into the 50's so, as kids, we were unpaid helpers every year until I left home.

[Wainy]

I watched the parade in the 1940's and Asa Smith was the colorful character we looked for back then. Does anyone else remember him?

Margaret

[parsleydiva]

The parade was on Whit Monday. Ernest had a side-kick who was also gay - don't remember his name. I was on the tram going to Handsworth when Ernest jumped on in Darnall, bumping his head in the process. " you'd better put some butter on that " said the conductor. " What do you think I am, a bleeding teacake? " replied Ernest. He was always good for a laugh and always upbeat - the Star of the parade.

 

I think the parade was Easter Monday, not Whit Monday. Whit Monday was for the Sunday School parades into High Hazels Park. I was the Medical Aid Queen in (I think!) 1966.

[manaman]

I think the parade was Easter Monday, not Whit Monday. Whit Monday was for the Sunday School parades into High Hazels Park. I was the Medical Aid Queen in (I think!) 1966.

 

Hi parsleydiva,

You are correct, the parade used to be on Easter Monday. The weather was not always the best, but in spite of this, the parade always went on, watched by an appreciative crowd. A tribute to the commitment and community spirit of that time.

[awoollen]

Was it may day or whit sunday?- remember the man who used

to get dressed up in drag-? think he might have been called Ernest- just googled it think it was Darnall medical aid parade

does this bring back mems

 

[Joanl]

Yes it was Easter Monday and after I left school in 57 used to be MY main social event of the year.....loved going off to it all dressed up to the nines and ALWAYS got off with some lad or another....I remember it so well:thumbsup:

[vhopkinson]

I watched the parade in the 1940's and Asa Smith was the colorful character we looked for back then. Does anyone else remember him?

Margaret

 

Hi Wainy, I remember Asa Smith he was off Candow St as well. My sister was usually in the retinue for the Queen at the parades. Remember at one time she was introduced to the film star Keiron Moore who was doing the judging I think. It was a great day and we always managed to have a drink at the little drink shop there was it Elliots?? My Dad always used to go to the pub Wellington??

Vera.

[PCInfield]

I'm the third generation of my family to be involved with the Darnall Medical Aid Parade.My Grandad,Charles Rosewarne,was the parade bandleader before the war,and my parents managed the DMA Skiffle Group in the fifties.My dad and myself looked after the van with the spare collecting tins,and I well remember the Wednesday players coming the week after they played in the 1966 Cup Final.My mother,who was a childhood friend of Ernest Morley, often told me about Keiron Moore's visit.

The parade moved to July in later years for the better weather,but lost support and was replaced by Darnall Carnival,which this year is on Saturday July 5th.

[coyleys]

My brother and sister-in-law played an active part in the medical aid for some years, John and Lynn Coyle, also a good friend of mine David T Ward.