Rose Queen

Rose Queen – 1942

British Legion Rose Queen, Guiseley.

Judith Wood dressed as a posy bearer for the Rose Queen Dorothy Bairstow and her personal account of the days proceedings. The dress has been donated to Aireborough Historical Society.

Donated by Judith M Wood.

On 30 June 1942 I was a posy-bearer to Guiseley’s Roase Queen. My dress was bright pink taffeta under white lace with matching pink headdress. The other posy-bearer’s dress was identical in style, but pale blue. The small boy whom was cushion-bearer wore asuit of sage-green velvet with a cream frilled shirt. The entourage made its way to the Rectory Gardens where the crowning ceromony took place. Photographs were obtained from the function itself, supplemented by a studio portrait taken by Mr Brown of Beech Hill, Otley. The occasion was reported in the Wharfedale & Airedale Observer.

On 1 June 1943, subsequent to my starting school at St. Oswald’d the previous September, I wore the dress, now relined in white taffeta and with new salmon pink trimmings (to compliment a similarly coloured train and fabric crown, both embroidered with pearls), at an open afternoon held in the Rectory Grounds to which parents and friends were invited during the school’s Wings for Victory Week. As Savings Queen I walked with my attendants and was crowned by Miss Barlow, a former headmistress. Songs were sung and children danced the national dances, English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh – in costume.

Despite having a cough (undiagnosed whooping-cough) I made a perfect speech. As Miss Barlow placed the crown on my head, she said ‘mind the pins dear’, as it had had to be adjusted. I think we subsequently adjourned to the Parish Hall. I do not remember any photographs being taken on this occasion nor did there appear to be any press report.

From choice, the bright pink trimmings were later replaced.