THE FOCUS of the Whitsuntide processions is the banners proudly announcing the name of the church or Sunday School and acting as a reminder that this is a religious occasion.
The banners are carried aloft by stout poles demanding two strong members of the congregation and this is also supported by ropes in case it’s windy with streamers for young children to proudly lead the processions.
The banners themselves are richly decorated in coloured fabric and embroidery – such finery was never cheap and each banner demanded the inevitable fundraising.
In 1901 for example, the Delph Wesleyan Sunday School over a period of a few months raised £25 – a fair sum then – for the purchase of a new banner.
In 1917 due to the First World War the papers recorded the sad fact that there were few men available for the event, whether for the carrying of banners or playing in the bands.
Saddleworth Museum has just one banner in its collection for Boarshurst Sunday School but would welcome more.
Get in touch with Saddleworth Museum Curator Peter Fox by e-mail curator@saddleworthuseum.co.uk or tel 01457 874093.
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