Bedlingtons Peace Celebrations

The photograph Was taken On 19th July 1919 during Bedlingtons Peace Celebrations following World War 1.

"Bedlington celebrated the Peace on Saturday by entertaining the school children, the aged people over sixty, and all ex-servicemen to tea and sports. The children and ex-servicemen assembled in the Market Place at 1.30pm where they sang the National Anthem, and Councillor J. Caine, J.P., addressed those assembled. A procession was then formed, and headed by the Netherton Silver Prize Band, marched to the field for sports, the field being kindly granted by E. Gray, for the purpose, a fairly large programme of sports was enthusiastically gone through, not only by the children and ex-servicemen, but by the old people as well, prizes for each event being £1, 12/6d, and 7/6 respectively. At 3pm the old people sat down to a splendid tea in the Locke Hall, which was most tastefully decorated for the occasion, the tables also being beautifully adorned with flowers, and the various ladies who presided vying with each other for the best display. The comments of the old people showed how thoroughly they enjoyed the good things provided, Soldiers widows were entertained with the old people, each being presented by Councillor Caine on behalf of the committee with a 10/ note. The ex-servicemen sat down to tea at 4.30, and greatly taxed the efforts of Mr. Eadington and his staff of ladies to supply their wants. However like the proverbial "Bedlington Terriers" their tenacious efforts prevailed and the ex-servicemen were satisfied, and voted it a good tea: "couldn't be better", said one. The school children had tea in their own schools, the teaching staffs with various helpers attending to them. After tea all sports were resumed, being witnessed by huge crowds of the townspeople, who seemed to enjoy the sports equally with those who took part. Dancing was indulged in by the young folk both on the green and in the Locke Hall. At 11 pm, Mrs. Weeks set fire to a large bonfire in the colliery field which was built through the kindness of Mr. R.J. Weeks. A fireworks display was also given, these being purchased by the subscriptions of many of the public, Councillor Leathard and Mr. J. A. Chrisp being responsible. The proceedings from start to finish were declared perfect, and spoke well for the way in which each section was organised. Councillor J. Caine, J.P., acted as chairman and Mr. J. Eadington as secretary to whose efforts with those of the ladies and gentlemen who formed the committee, the success of the proceedings were due. The Bedlington dancing party, who have done so much for the boys while they were away fighting were represented on the committee, and were responsible for the tasteful way in which the hall was decorated.".