Whitsuntide Chapel Parade and Treat

Whitsuntide Chapel Parade and Treat

Photographs of the Whitsuntide Parade from the early 1900's to the 1930's :-

1. Whitsuntide Parade and Treat
2. Whitsuntide Parade and Treat, John Peacey leans over the harmonium which is being played by one of his daughters
3. Whitsuntide Parade and Treat, Mr Lewis is ready to play whilst John Peacey is probably choosing the Hymn
4. Wheelbarrow Race at the Treat
5. Whitsuntide Parade and Treat
6. Whitsuntide Parade and Treat
7. Whitsuntide Parade, 1920's John Peacey leaning over the Harmonium, one of his Daughters playing
8. Whitsuntide Parade and Treat
9. Whitsuntide Parade and Treat
10. Whitsuntide Parade and Treat, 1908
11. Whitsuntide Parade and Treat
12. Whitsuntide Parade and Treat
13. Whitsuntide Parade from the School
14. The Treat!, 1930's

An excerpt from 'Oakridge a History' by Pat Carrick :

There are many well-known and important figures that have done so much towards the welfare of the chapel and village life. John Peacey was one of them, who as a child had been carried in the arms of his parents to the same chapel where they worshipped, and where he worshipped without break over the whole period of his life.

At the early age of 18 he was secretary of the Oakridge Wesleyan Society and in that church and in the Sunday school he held every office in turn, save that of Sunday school superintendent, a post that he steadfastly declined. Beneath a quiet and reserved demeanour, with a stern appearance, was a warm, kind-hearted man who loved his fellow men. John did much good by stealth, and scorned comment of any sort on his many deeds of kindness, finding ample reward in their commission.

John played a major role in the Sunday School May Day celebrations, with his daughters, chapel members and followers. Kathleen Hunt and Edris Pankhurst, as did many others, remember the Whitsuntide treat:

This was an annual event for Sunday Schools organised by John Peacey, a remarkable man, he was always so kind. We would congregate with other children and members of the village and hamlets who wished to carry banners and flags.

Mr Peacey provided the portable harmonium which was carried around the village and played by his daughter or Mr Lewis. We used to follow the proces­sion stopping at various designated areas so that more people could join in and sing to the pieces of music played.

We used to stop at a lot of places, sometimes for a rest. With the end of the procession, we would then meet at the pleasure ground, everyone used to be so happy and excited. Sweets where thrown, which we had to catch and we had a picnic tea.

After tea came fun and games, e.g. races, egg and spoon, three legs, dancing and we must not forget wheelbarrow races for both chil­dren and adults. It was a wonderful community event, everyone enjoyed themselves and looked forward to the following year.

Oakridge History Group