Reunion of rose queens at church’s last crowning
The Bolton Evening News published two articles on 30th June 2003 and a week later on 8th July about the final Rose Queen celebration at St Thomas’s on Eskrick Street, Halliwell. The crowning took place at St Thomas’s as Holy Harbour, the traditional destination for the parade, had already been developed for housing:
“A church in Halliwell said farewell to its 80-year-old Rose Queen celebration with a sparkling parade.
The last ever Rose Queen Festival brought together previous queens from as far back as the 1920s for a traditional procession through the streets of Halliwell before a crowning ceremony at St Thomas’ on Eskrick Street.
The honour of the being the last queen went to Lucy Sanderson, and her crowning was watched by the church’s second rose queen, 94-year-old Winifred Crook, who was queen in 1924.
She said: “It’s very nice to come back and be part of it all again. It brings back some fond memories. Back in 1924 it was a very simple affair with a crowning and one or two hymns but times change. It’s a pity that the tradition has come to an end.”
Around 30 of the former queens, along with the current queens from Edenfield, Haslingden and Radcliffe, were led by the Bolton Scottish Pipers through the streets in a half-hour parade.
The parade was cheered along the route by proud parents, relatives and residents eager to catch a glimpse of the colourful spectacle for the last time. Retiring queen Caroline Bridge and rose queen elect Lucy Sanderson, aged 11, were followed by some of the queens from the last 55 years who were all invited back. Hundreds packed into the church to see Lucy, from St James’ School in Farnworth, crowned by church member Lillian Foster at a ceremony that included hymns and bible readings.
Mrs Anne Readett from the church said: “Rose queen ceremonies around the country seem to be dying out. We are one of the last in Bolton to have a queen. Young girls do not seem to be interested and it does not seem to fit in with modern life,”
Committee member Gill Aspinall said the church was no longer able to find support for the annual ceremony. “It’s a bit of a shame but we just can’t find the girls who are interested in getting involved any more,” she said.
“We invited all of the girls from the last 55 years and even some from before the war and we’re delighted at how many have turned up. It’s been a fantastic day. A lot of hard work has gone into the festival for today and every year before and I’m sure everyone will have lots of good memories.”
Lucy will end her reign next year with a special event at the church. “We want her to have her year and then we are planning to go out with a bang,” said Mrs Readett.
Rose queen festivals stem from the traditional May queen celebrations of the 16th century when young girls — often decorated in roses — were chosen to preside over May Day ceremonies which signalled the coming of spring.”