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1902 - May. End of the Boer War.
75,000 lives had been lost, including 22,000 British Servicemen [15.000 from diseases]. The Traansval and Orange Free State were absorbed into the
British Empire. 1st June - Parish Magazine - Deep heartfelt thanks
pervaded the empire at the news that peace had been concluded by
Lord Kitchener and the Boer Generals. |
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Skelton, however, did not hear of it till next morning's post brought
in
the letters and newspapers. The place at once blossomed out with flags and the news soon spread to everyone. Later in the day the Parish Church bells joyously rang out their peal and the Volunteer and other Bands paraded the different villages of the Parish. Putting away the bitterness which so often follows War, Boer and Briton seem likely to work together in brotherhood, as never before, for the welfare of the South African Dominion of the British Empire. 26th June - Arrangements had long been made for the Coronation
of Edward VII, but on the 24th it was announced that he was suffering
from perityphlitis and needed an operation. The Coronation was
postponed to August 9th but local celebrations went ahead. |
 Opened1st July 1902, after many years of campaigning. In less than 30 years time, local bus services would start the process of its eventual closure. |
To join those who were assembled on Skelton Cross Green, where all
joined in singing one verse of the National Anthem,
which they did also at several points on the way as far as Yeoman
Street. The procession was a long and imposing one, the banners and sashes of the children making the scene bright and gay. From Yeoman St the long line of children retraced their steps and marched into the Kennels Field, where the cyclists paraded before the judges. The aged and the young immediately afterwards partook of tea in the various rooms set apart for this purpose and Coronation medals were given to the children before they left the tea tables. All adjourned to the field where the sports took place. During the evening balloons were sent up frequently. An additional attraction was the large bonfire, with fireworks etc on Flowston. 1st July - After many years of local lobbying, N Skelton
railway station, Hollybush, was opened. |
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it gives an excellent service of trains, no less than
twelve each way stopping to set down
and take up passengers.
The buildings though plain in appearance, inexpensive and simple in construction, are well adapted to our present requirements. The oil lamps are somewhat primitive and remind one of the dark ages, but they no doubt will give place to something more cheerful when our Urban Council has completed its plan with regard to Holly Bush Lane and the lighting thereof. Perhaps it is premature to expect the North Eastern to give us free delivery of goods and parcels, as it does at Brotton. 1st August - Our Church Lad's Brigade detachment left
Skelton to join the North Eastern Camp at Barnard Castle, for
a week under canvas. |
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The following was the time table for the day. 5.30, the
bugle summoned "get up"; 5.45 early coffee; 6.30, drill;
7.30 put beds out, fold blankets, scrape potatoes for dinner, tidy up
etc; 8.30 breakfast; 10.30 Commanding Officers
Parade until dinner; afternoon lads were free for games, walks etc; 5
tea; free time again for concerts; 9.45 last post;
9.50, church bell called for 3 minutes prayers in each tent; 10, lights
out. In spite of the broken weather the lads seem to have fully enjoyed themselves. 9th August - Two new bells have been placed in the Parish
Church Tower and will be rung for the first time on Aug 9, the
day fixed for the Coronation. One bears the inscription "Two treble
bells given by W H A Wharton to complete the peal given by the late J T
Wharton". |
| Our tower is now furnished with a "ring of 8 bells" second to none in the Cleveland district and will be heard with pleasure far and wide as they ring out their message. |