A Poem for the Coronation 1937 ..Engraved Watches for All?

Posted by Lord Wandsworth Admin on 22 Apr 2024

Modified by Lord Wandsworth Admin on 25 Apr 2024

Coronation Poem

A wonderful poem was printed in ‘The Sower’ by Marjorie A. Short; 
when she graduated from LWC, she became was an assistant mistress at Longlevens, Gloucester in 1942 
and then in 1943 married Charles Cole of the College.

The poem was very interesting, as it listed all that happened in L.W.C. on Coronation day, May 12th 1937. 

It also says; that everyone received an engraved watch to commemorate the day… You will find an image of the watch on the historical time line and below.

Do you have one of these watches? let us know

Below is the Poem, click here to see the edition of ‘The Sower’ it is in

 

The Poem

CORONATION DAY.
May the Twelfth was a glorious day.
Over to Long Sutton, we all knew the way,
Gliding along through decorated streets,
All anticipating a marvellous treat.


On arriving there the service began,
The girls got out of the bus and ran ;
We soon settled down in the cosy hall.
Listening and straining to hear it all.


We sat and heard the service out :
" Now for the baths ! " with one great shout;
The huts were filled with eager girls
Not troubling a bit about their curls !


Boys and girls to the dining-room,
Hurry up ! There's a lot to consume :
Peas and potatoes and carrots and meat—
You'll have to be quick if you want a seat.


The dinner is over—oh! look at the rain;
Back we all run to the hall again.
The Sports are cancelled, there may be a chance,
Tell the C.O. Band and we'll have a dance.


Fox-trot, two-step, waltzes too,
Learn to dance and you'll never rue;
The afternoon gone, it's tea-time now,
You must get ready, but don't make a row.


A super tea that we all enjoyed,
Now with costumes to be employed;
With " Infamous Quads " and " Armoured Knights "
And heaps of other funny sights.


Prizes were given to all the best,
The winners marched up with greatest zest ;
Look on the platform, a big surprise :
" Well, what's inside? " Just use your eyes.


The box was opened and there inside
Hundreds of watches we espied;
Our name on each engraved so neat,
With yells of delight : " Oh, what a treat! "


Each one with his watch complete
Out in the garden did retreat;
A marvellous bonfire piled up high—
The flames they seemed to reach the sky.


The bonfire still burning bright,
'Twas with regret we said " Good night " ;
And thanks to the Trustees for a marvellous day :
We'll always remember the Twelfth of May.
 

MARJORIE A. SHORT.