Spectacle of the crowning of the May Queen and children dancing around the village maypole to return to Wellow this Bank Holiday Monday
On May 22nd 1923 a carpenter’s daughter came face to face with a Marchioness on the maypole green at Wellow.
History doesn’t record precisely what was said, but it was nevertheless a very big day for the village.
The Marquis of Titchfield, heir to Welbeck estate and the sitting MP for Newark, had been invited to officially open the brand new Memorial Hall, erected in memory of the men of the village who had served and fallen during the first world war (1914-18).
His wife the Marchioness agreed to be a part of the village’s Maypole Celebrations which were taking place on that day as well.
Thus it was that Ivy Cavendish-Bentinck crowned 13-year-old Mabel Bowman as Wellow May Queen, a tradition that has lasted 100 years.
With very few gaps, Wellow has continued to welcome visitors throughout this time to the annual spectacle of the children’s procession, the crowning of the May Queen and the children dancing around the red, white and blue painted maypole on the picturesque village green.
These days Wellow Maypole Celebrations offer an awful lot more to tempt the visitor. Ollerton Drum Corps will open this year’s event, followed by live music and Morris dancing, together with a raffle and tombola, lots of stalls and exhibits, children’s swing boats, plus hot and cold food, ice creams and our famous cake stall.
Live entertainment has presented more of a challenge this year because of ongoing bird flu restrictions.
However, the Maypole Committee has risen to the challenge and found a different type of act this year to entertain the audience – you’ll have to come along to find out what we have got in store.
This year’s May Queen, chosen by Wellow residents in the usual secret ballot several months ago is Charlotte Baugh.
Taking part in Maypole Day is a strong tradition in Charlotte’s family – she has an aunt, sisters, and cousins who have all taken part and two have been May Queen before her. Charlotte will be crowned by retiring May Queen Ellie Wilson, with this year’s mischievous Wellow Jack being Sophie Parkin.
The King’s Coronation is not the only crowning next month. Make a note in your diary now – Bank Holiday Monday is the date to remember. The fun starts at noon and goes on throughout the afternoon. Come along for a great free family day out – lots to see, raffle and tombola prizes to be won, souvenir programmes to buy and maybe a home-made cake or two to enjoy as well.
Car parking is available at Wellow House School and Wellow Dam.
