THE May Day procession started through the town centre, parading up all the main streets.

The first thing you heard was the sound of the local church bands, maybe three or four.

The first sight you caught was the band leader throwing his fancy painted baton in the air as he led the parade.

The noise would reach fever-pitch. Everyone lined the pavement waving flags or handkerchiefs, waiting for their youngster.

The band would pass, then the wagons, all 'dressed up fancy'.

Each church took pride, also the unions with their banners and sashes across their chests.

Thwaites, Whitbread and the Co-op all sponsored flat wagons with morris dancers trailing behind.

Fellows, pints in hand, would come out of the pub, laughing, cheering. Their sons would be in the church band or first aid, or cubs.

Then came the May Queen on her fancy throne.

Children holding hands, mothers wearing fancy hats, church bands, cubs, scouts, morris dancers, parents, church congregation following, leading up to the local field or school grounds.

Later, games, cakes, tea, pies etc. and sore feet. Great!

D BRIODY (MR), Bonsall Street, Mill Hill, Blackburn.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.