Post-war
When the village of Leigh celebrated the Coronation in 1953, it was not alone in its festivities, for communities across the surrounding district marked the occasion in similar fashion. Leigh's own celebrations, however, had a distinctive centrepiece: a parade of decorated vehicles that became the highlight of the day.
Farm tractors and trailers featured prominently among the decorated entries, alongside box barrows. Two local farmers, Mr F Longhurst and Mr B Pankhurst, each entered a decorated tractor and trailer combination. Their efforts earned them the affectionate nickname of the Feather-bed farmers, and a report under that very title appeared in the Courier of 5 June 1953. The pair were awarded the only prize in their class, and the report itself went on to win a prize at Leigh.
The children had their own class, in which five prizes were presented. Among the young winners were Christine Hawkins, Susan Bridgen, Jane Fuller, Alison Hawkins and Susan Healey. In the decorated car category, prizes went to Mr D Houghton and Mr R Sharp, while the task of judging the entries fell to Mr and Mrs L F Hitchcock.
The parade was only part of a full programme. Sports and dancing were laid on for the celebrations, and a bonfire brought the festivities a memorable flourish. On the Thursday, the children enjoyed a tea party and each received a souvenir to take home. Plans were also made for the older generation: those aged over 65 were to be entertained to tea on the Saturday, followed by a film show.
Behind the scenes, a large committee made the day possible. Mr E James chaired the organising committee, with the Rev J B Eyre Walker as vice chairman, Mrs R Sharp as honorary secretary and Miss H Naish as honorary treasurer. Serving on the committee were Mr A Houghton, Mr F Whibley, Mr K Parrett, Mr E Crawford, Mrs S Wells, Mr F A Healy, Mr J Fitzjohn, Mr K Brooker, Mrs J Brooker and Mrs L A Biddle. The story of these celebrations was later recalled by Joyce Field in a Parish Magazine article published in June 2019.