Feasts and treats

The Weslyan Methodist Sunday School treat at the Wellhead field in 1914

The annual Sunday School treat was an event we looked forward to each summer during my childhood in the 1930s because it meant cakes and sandwiches and endless cups of tea, a welcome addition to the diet of those who came from working class families where money and therefore food was often short.

Treats were an enticement to regular attendance at Sunday School during the year and usually consisted of tea and often entertainment and sometimes both, but whatever the reason for them being held, children always looked forward to them as events of immense enjoyment because they were not only getting an extra meal, but they were also the centre of attention.

There are still treats today for schoolchildren but somehow I do not think they are provided in the grand manner of yesteryear or are as gratefully received and as an example, here are some reports from the Stamford Mercury of the annual treat for children from the National and Infants' Schools in Bourne held during the 19th century:

Thursday 30th June 1859: At 2 o'clock, the children, to the number of about 270, assembled at the National School and, accompanied by the Vicar [the Rev Joseph Dodsworth] and others, and preceded by a band from Stamford under the leadership of Mr Wells, walked in procession with flags &c. to the Abbey gardens. The children were regaled with cake and tea and were amused with various outdoor sports in the Abbey Lawn and garden. In the evening, the grounds were thrown open to the inhabitants, many of whom were present, and some evidently added to their own happiness by their efforts to increase the enjoyment of the children. At the close of the amusements, the Vicar briefly addressed the scholars, and each was presented with a bun on leaving the ground.

Tuesday 14th July 1863: On Tuesday last, this feast took place on the Abbey Lawn which was as usual kindly lent for the day by the vicar. The weather was highly favourable and, notwithstanding counter attractions in several neighbouring places, the attendance was very numerous, and towards the close of the afternoon the scene was very animated. At half past two the children (400 in number) belonging to the various schools in connection with the church, were arranged four abreast and carrying flags, at the school house in North Street, each child wearing a pink rosette as a distinguishing mark, upon the left shoulder. They then proceeded to the Abbey grounds headed by the drum and fife band of the Stamford Rifle Volunteers. At four o'clock, tea was liberally dispensed to the children on tables placed in front of the Abbey and at five, the parents and others were provided with the same beverage in a marquee erected on the grass, the heavy duties of tea makers being well fulfilled by the ladies of the parish. An extensive selection of dance and other music was performed by the band during which dancing and various sports were indulged in by elders and juveniles alike. Buns having been distributed among the children, and "God Save the Queen" sung, the business of the day was brought to a close by a very splendid display of fireworks, the various pieces of which were duly appreciated and applauded by what was at this time a vast assemblage. At ten o'clock all departed in the most orderly manner. Great credit is due to the committee of gentlemen, upon whom devolved the arrangements, for the admirable manner in which they were carried out.

Tuesday 23rd July 1867: The town was enlivened by the ringing of the church bells and the display of several flags upon high trees in the Abbey grounds and upon the church. At three o'clock, the children (about 350 in number), with flags and accompanied by the vicar and other gentlemen and ladies, headed by the Rifle Corps band, went in procession from the National School to the Abbey. The weather up to nearly three o'clock was wet and unfavourable but about that time, the sun again began to shine and afforded hope to the "many dear children" who look forward to this occasion as a great holiday. At four o'clock, the children were regaled with cakes and tea, the tables being placed in front of the Abbey. A variety of outdoor sports were provided in the vicar's large field adjoining the lawn and each scholar on leaving was presented with a bun. Upon the lawn, in the shades of the evening, "children of a larger growth" danced to the strains of the Bourne brass band. About nine o'clock, a good display of fireworks, under the direction of Mr John Evans, took place and was witnessed by a very large number of persons.

The previous Christmas, in December 1866, there had been an additional treat but this time it was for all children living in the parish of Bourne between the ages of four and 12 and was partly financed with the income from penny readings that had been held at the Assembly Rooms in the Angel Hotel, a form of entertainment that necessitated a one penny admission fee to hear readings from popular novels and other literary works of the time. These readings, before the age of television and the cinema, were the only forms of mass entertainment at that time and attracted large audiences and, as in this case, the profits were often used for charitable purposes. The income however was insufficient to pay the bill for such a large party and so a public subscription was opened to augment the cost, headed by William Parker of Hanthorpe Hall, then a justice of the peace sitting on the Bourne bench of magistrates, with a donation of two guineas.

The event was an astounding success. Seven hundred children were entertained at the Assembly Rooms that had been specially illuminated with gas lighting for the occasion by Mr Henry Bott, landlord of the Angel Hotel, a director of the Bourne Gas Light and Coke Company and also the town's official gas inspector. The children were given tea and entertained by a Punch and Judy show and on leaving for home, each was presented with a toy, a bun and an orange. Small pleasures and a glimpse of life from a simpler and less hurried age.

Tuesday 20th January 1885: Through the liberality of Mr R M Mills, the children attending the church Sunday schools, together with their parents, were given a splendid treat in the Corn Exchange. In the afternoon, a substantial tea was provided, at which nearly 500 were present. After tea, the contents of a Christmas tree (provided by the kindness of several lady members of the church congregation) were distributed among the children, a number of whom also received prizes for regular attendance and good conduct. During the evening, vocal and instrumental music was given by several friends.

Friday 19th July 1889: The annual treat was held when the scholars of the Eastgate and North Street Sunday schools assembled at the North Street schoolroom and marched in procession, headed by the Bourne Brass Band, to the Abbey Lawn where tea was provided. About 250 sat down, including the parents of some of the children, all of whom had been invited. After tea, the children went into the Abbey field for amusements, the teachers being indefatigable in organising races and superintending swings. The music infused additional liveliness into the proceedings and at about 8 o'clock, the younger children having been dismissed with a bun, dancing commenced and was carried on with spirit until 10.30 when the grounds were cleared. The weather was fine throughout and the treat was a thorough success.

See also    

The Congregational Sunday School treat of 1912

Sunday Schools     Penny Readings     J J Davies

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