Quorn Down Under and their Celebrations

Quorn Down Under had a commercial weekly newspaper from 1895 until 1956, the "Quorn Mercury". Here are some of the stories from that paper that tell of the Accession and Coronation.

On Thursday 7th February 1952 it included a photograph of the then Princess Elizabeth with the following caption:

'A Lady On The Throne - Princess Elizabeth, who has been proclaimed Queen in Succession to her father, whose sudden death has shocked British people throughout the world. The tour of Australia and New Zealand on which Princess Elizabeth had embarked has been cancelled. '

A few issues later, the following short article appeared:

'In Memory Of King George VI - A very impressive service was conducted by Rev Arthur Jones at St. Matthew's Church of England, Quorn last Sunday evening, in remembrance of King George. Among the large congregation were members of the Quorn RSL [Returned Services League], the Girl Guides and a number of Boy Scouts. Mr Jones gave an inspiring sermon and expressed the deep condolences of the members of his church. "Abide with Me" was sung as the final hymn. '

On Thursday 5th February 1953, it was announced to Quorn that:

'Queen Has New Title - Now for the first time, we have a Sovereign directly designated as "Queen of Australia". On June 2nd she will dedicate herself to our service. Do we not owe her something in return? Issued by the "Call Committee". '

It looks like the Coronation Celebrations did not go quite as planned in Quorn Down Under.
'Coronation Celebrations: The Committee of Coronation Day celebrations advises that the procession, which was planned, has been abandoned.

The celebrations will begin at 1.30 at the oval. There will also be a lightning basketball [netball] premiership. The children will have races and competitions from 1.30 until 3 p.m. and will be given sweets and fruit. Quorn Football League will organize combined games, which will begin at 3 p.m. Afternoon tea and cool drinks will be available at the ground. '

But come Thursday 4th June 1953 the celebrations were going strong:

'Coronation At Quorn: Ball And Sports: The Coronation was celebrated with a ball on Monday night and sports on Tuesday. The ball was most successful, the proceeds being in the vicinity of £80. The hall was appropriately decorated.

During the festivities the Mayor, Mr J N White opened the new supper room. The sports meeting was well attended. Races were held for children of all ages and fruit and sweets were distributed.

Australs won a lightning football carnival. A trial match was played by footballers in running for selection to represent Quorn at Whyalla in the football carnival. '

On Thursday 2nd July 1953 details of the Quorn C.W.A. Coronation Social were reported:

'There was a large attendance at the Coronation social conducted by Quorn C.W.A. [Country Women's Association]. The rest room was decorated with flags, red, white and blue streamers, pictures, coronation models and crowns.

A musical programme was much appreciated. After the singing of the National Anthem and the Song of Australia, Mrs A Jeffries playing the overture [sic]. Other items were the community song, "Land of Hope and Glory," with Mrs W Hannan the soloist and a duet by Mesdames Carling and W Hannan. The "Queen's Poem" was read by Mrs K Ash. A party of primary school girls favoured with songs and rhythm. Coronation competitions were run by Mesdames A Bradbrook and F Willis. '

Ed: Our thanks to Ray Wood for collating these articles. After 18 months of contributions, Ray will now be passing on the Quorn Down Under correspondents pen - look out for a new name next issue. We would like to thank him for his contributions reflecting the 'other Quorn '.