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The Rag Taghillian replied on: 7/18/2005 6:19:14 PM The Gazette 8th July 1938 THE QUEEN CROWNED " And then away with the sober attractions and back to the real gaiety of Carnival on Monday, when the big event was the crowning of the Carnival Queen, MISS DOROTHY MEAKIN, the charming Langley young lady who has been selected to preside over Heanor Carnival revels. But here again the Clerk of the Weather decided to take a hand in his most tantalising manner. It had been arranged to crown Miss Meakin on the Town Ground at 7 o clock. A short rainstorm arrived at 6-30 but obligingly cleared away in time to raise hopes that the programme would be allowed to proceed as arranged. Preparations were made on the Town Ground. The rain clouds had only been rolling around the valley, however, and atthe time appointed for the ceremony a thunderstorm broke. It continued for an hour. Torrential rain accompanied it, quite the heaviest of the summer, and the large crowd which had gathered in the Market Place to witness the Queen's departure from the Town Hall scurried for shelter. In the Town Hall there was further excitement, again unrehearsed. Press photographers persuaded the queen and her attendants to pose for a photograph on the stage. One of the photographers, too eager to obtain a correct focus, fell off the stage into the orchestra pit! He was not injured, fortunately, but he afterwards disappeared before Mr Pynegar could get hold of him to persuade him to do this comedy turn every night in "Snow White". Away went the clouds at about 8 o clock and preparations began for the crowning to take place in the Market Place. Again, when all was ready the clouds came back and provided another shower of 40 minutes duration. Shortly before 9 o clock the rain ceased again, this time for a long period, although the dark clouds glowered threateningly overhead and threatened to unload another deluge all the time the crowning ceremony was in progress.It was amazing how many people had patiently waited through the stormand Miss Meakin found hundreds of her fellow residents waiting to greet her when at last she was able to proceed with the crowning.A guard of honourof members of the Ilson Middies Carnival Band lined the route to the large platform in the centr of the Market Place. The queen, alovely figure in a dress of white lace and with a red velvet cloak trimmed with fur, was attended by four senior and two junior maids of honour who carried her long train.The four senior maids were Miss Mildred Hancock of Langley Mill,Miss Gladys Cresswell of Crosshill,Miss Barbars Hancock of Heanor and Miss Gladys Hunt of Heanor.Two dainty junior attendants wereBeryl Holmes and Vera Bilby. All attendants were attired in dresses of ice blue net, cut ankle lenght and had been provided with rich purple capes as protection against the cols if necessary. In addition to the royal party, there were present on the platform Miss Isobel Boxall (Queen of the 1937 carnival), Mr L. Williamson, Mr A.A> Wilson and Coun L. Shipley.Miiss Boxall was introduced to her successor by Mr Williamson, with dignified ceremonial the maids then curtseyed in turn to the new Queen. Miss Meakin knellt on a velvet cushion and an attendant came forward with the crown, which she presented to Miss Boxall, who was to perform the crowning ceremony. Miss Boxall made a short speech before crowning her successor, performing both with the grace which marked her reign last year. "Today I relenquish with great regret the high office which I have proudly held during the past year," she said. "I thank you for the loyal way in which you have rallied round me in support of all the good causes in connection with Heanor's annual Carnival. "I have the very proudprivelege of placing this royal symbol upon the head of my successor with a fervent wish that her reign will be as happy as mine." The crown was placed to a fanfare from the guard of honour. The new queen was escorted to her throne by two of her maids and was presented with her sceptre of office. Little Beryl Holmes presented her with a bouquet and Vera Bilby gave a bouquet to Miss Boxall.Miss Meakin then made her first speech to her subjects, then Mr Williamson made a cheery remark to the audience of "It turned out wet again!" After the coronation the Queen toured the main streets of the town, escorted by the Middies, on her way to the Queen's Ball at I & R Morleys canteen. The ball was one of the most successful for some years. The room had been gaily decorated and the distribution of novelties during the evening added to the carnival atmosphere. The Queen was welcolmed by Mr C.J. Bassford joint governer of the Dance committee. Also present was Miss Joyce Skelton Ilkeston's carnival queen,. Music for dancing was presented by the Bestonians Dance Orchestra and there were spot waltzes to enhance the pleasure of the dancers. M.C's were Mr Bassford, Mr H hancock and Mr L. Kirk." next-Snow White

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