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Photos and text kindly supplied by Winifred Pender (Nee Dale)

An exciting event took place in Godmanchester in July 1949

Earlier in that year a fund raiser by the name of Kirkland Bridge decided that this town was one of the places in England suitable to stage a week of events to raise money for the Merchant Navy Comforts Fund. With the co-operation of the Mayor, Councillor John Brading he set about the organisation of a week of events including a cricket match, fancy dress parade, whist drive, singing competitions etc.

During a Youth Night held at the Church Hall a Merchant Navy Queen and 4 attendants were chosen. These 5 girls were all aged 14 or 15 and had no idea that during that night of games and fun they were being singled out for this future event.

July proved to be fine and the town supported extremely well. Research may unearth the total money raised but at present that is unavailable. The Queen and attendants spent each day with collecting boxes as part of their duties so it probably was financially well supported.

The following pictures show some of the events which were all covered by the Hunts Post and brought out crowds of people every evening, culminating in a Garden Party held on the Recreation Ground on the final Saturday.

 

 

Click photos to enlarge and see descriptions.

The procession in the Avenue field near the War memorial led by Kirkland Bridge Pim Parker; Winifred Dale; Mr. Kirkland-Bridge; Pauline Day; Wendy Custance.
   
A local horse and carriage used all the week. Crowning of the Queen. Winifred dale