大象传媒

My sister Lillian was selected by the Rhyl May Day Committee to be the May Queen in 1945. At that time May Day celebrations were a very important part of life for the towns of North Wales. Preparations went on throughout the year. It was always held on Thursday because it was half day closing day and everyone could attend. It meant everyone - family and friends - saved their clothing coupons to provide enough to purchase materials to make costumes for the Queen and her Court, which contained a lot of children.

As the day approached everyone became very excited as the war was coming to an end. The people of Rhyl hoped that Peace would be declared on May Day - May 5th - and that Lillian would be crowned Peace Queen. Unfortunately that did not happen until May 8th.

I remember there were many floats, all beautifully decorated with hundreds of paper flowers. Visiting Queens from along the North Wales coast came to pay court to the new Queen. The ceremony was held at the Rhyl Pavillion on the promenade which our grandfather had helped to build in 1908, now sadly demolished. It was performed by Lady Mainwaring, who announced after the crowning, "That Berlin had fallen". My brother was the crown bearer and I was in her court. I remember sitting on a decorated float riding through the streets of Rhyl and then being on stage for the entertainment and the crowning ceremony.

Sadly my sister died two years ago, but being May Queen 1945 was a very important and happy time for her. It has often been talked about by family and friends through the years, particularly this year with so many celebrations and memories being recalled. We still have momentos and her husband still has the crown she cherished.

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