Jubilee

As we approach the Diamond Jubilee weekend, marking sixty years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, it got me thinking of the three previous coronations partaken in, since the Together Trust was founded in 1870. The coronation of a new King or Queen was an opportunity for communities to come together and celebrate. This was true for the Refuge who saw it as an opportunity to reach out to children beyond those being cared for in their various homes.

Invitation to a Coronation Day Party in June 1902

For Edward VII’s reign disabled children from Manchester and Salford, aged between 6 to 15 years, who were not resident in any of the charity’s homes were invited to attend a Coronation Day party at the Bethesda Home, Cheetham Hill.

“The children are to assemble in the grounds of Bethesda at noon. An hour and a half later they will be served with dinner. Afterwards there will be music, dissolving views and simple outdoor and indoor games for the entertainment and pastime of the youngsters, and at 5oclock they will partake of tea together. Every poor crippled child in the city and borough will receive a card of invitation on their names and addresses being forward to Mr. Leonard K. Shaw."

- Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser - (2 June 1902)

Waiting for guests - Jubilee party at the Refuge in 1902

Each invited child received six pence to pay for the fare to Bethesda. The party was particularly significant as it was the last work of the charity’s founder. Leonard Shaw had a particular fondness for the Bethesda Home and its inhabitants and was continually working to improve the home and increase its capacity. Shaw passed away on the 22nd June 1902, four days before the celebrations, but the presence of 210 children at the party on 26th June 1902 showed the success of his last work for the charity.

Happy Jubilee weekend to all our followers!