The Unofficial
Website
Parades & Galas
I was reading something the other day when it occurred to me that
Rotherham no longer holds most of the parades or galas that were so popular in my youth. It's amazing how things slip away without you realising that they have gone.
Mayor's Parade
I have a sneaking suspicion that the Mayor's Parade might still take place but I haven't been able to find much out yet. You will be glad to read that I shall persevere. Yes there is a parade through Rotherham each year in May when the new mayor is installed.
Miners' Galas
It's not surprising that the Miners' Galas have gone since most of the miners have gone. The Galas were held in different towns in different years and I cannot recall when the last was held in Rotherham. In fact I never saw one as my mother would not go into town or permit any of us to go into town on Miners' Gala Day. The pubs were open from first thing in the morning till last thing at night (probably 10.30pm as normal) and according to Mother there were drunks on every street corner. (Grandmother and Mother were both Methodists and strongly opposed to drink). If there is somebody out there with memories please share them with me.
Remembrance Day Parade
The Remembrance Day Parade still takes place or did in November 2006. There is a service in the Minster and a parade of veterans and members of the various youth corps. I haven't managed to find much of the history but it seems likely there had been a parade each year since the First World War.
Whitsuntide Parade
I had all but forgotten the Whitsun Parade, despite being on the Broom Lane Methodist Church's float for many years in some capacity or other. The only one I truly remember was being browned up, dressed in a coarse robe, armed with a crook and playing a shepherd as the theme of the float that year was the Story of Christ. I think, but memory is a strange thing. Of course it wouldn't be allowed now - actors are not allowed to "black up" for parts in any play, musical etc. held in town as this is seem to be racially demeaning and the parts should be given to black actors.
By the way a 'Float' was a lorry, usually loaned for free by somebody who attended the Church, and covered with cloth or bunting so it seemed to float.
Many Rotherham churches entered floats in the parade and prizes were given for the best. I have ransacked my mother's photographs to try and find something for this page. Despite the fact that I feel sure Mother must have snapped my brother and me in our acting capacity I haven't been able to find one.
Rawmarsh and Parkgate had their own Whitsuntide Gala parades which traditionally began near the Commercial Hotel on Greasbrough Road and ended at Rosehill Park. These continued through the 1950s but died out some time after. I presume that many other areas held their own Whitsuntide Gala too.