MORE than 200 children braved heavy rain to join members of Neston Female Society for the town’s historic ladies’ day.
Women and girls carrying white staves garlanded in flowers and ribbons formed the procession, which led from the Malt Shovel along the high street to the parish church.
The parade was once again headed by a 7ft banner displaying the motto ‘Bear Ye One Another’s Burdens’, taken from St Paul’s letter to the Galatians.
The society has staged the annual walk on the first Thursday in June every year since 1814 – with the exception of war years.
For the first time the town centre was closed to traffic throughout the afternoon to allow for a festival of street entertainment organised by Community Activities in Neston (CAN).
Neston’s newest resident – a 15ft Queen Elizabeth giant made to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee – joined the parade, while the Gershwin Gang, CH64 Community Singers and Felix Ngindu and Muzika World performed at The Cross before and after.
Neston mayor Pat Hughes, Cheshire West and Chester Council deputy chairman Cllr Jill Houlbrook, members of the local clergy and dignitaries also joined the walk as guests of the society.
Cllr Pat Hughes said: “I would like to thank the Neston Female Society for their organisation of the parade and welcoming residents and visitors to this unique and historic celebration.
“I hope we will be able to use the increased celebrations this year as a foundation for the bicentenary in 2014.”
Cllr Jill Houlbrook added: “I was delighted to be invited to participate in ladies’ day by the Neston Female Society. This was one of my first official roles as deputy chairman.”
