Special occasions in the forest (General)

by Jefff , West London, Middlesex, Friday, October 26, 2018, 23:41 (2010 days ago) @ Bridewell

Not unique to the Forest of course, but a quick browse thro' the excellent (and free!) Welsh Newspapers site looking for all things related to "Dean Forest" also gave me these old newspaper clippings, for example.

"DEAN FOREST.
All the collieries, mines, iron and tin works, mills and manufactories in this district were closed for the day, and even harvest and agricultural operations were suspended. The feature at Cinderford was the Baptist Sunday-school treat and demonstration. The 1,605 scholars and 65 teachers, with members of the church, made a formidable procession, which, headed by brass bands, paraded the streets, and then led the way to Double View, where there was a big tea, followed with a variety of amusements, and, finally, some fireworks. At Coleford the Foresters' Friendly Society held their annual meeting. After a public dinner in the Town hall there were sports, for which about £40 value in prizes were offered. At Newnham there were very similar proceedings, except that the scope of the undertakings was of a more limited nature. At Lydney the only attraction was the public tea in the park, kindly lent by Mr Chas Bathurst, and promoted for the benefit of the Cottage Hospital.
The Horse Show at Ross, where £350 was offered in prizes, and where all-round amusements were provided, attracted a great many Foresters; as also did the Berkeley Hunt Agricultural Show."

Cardiff Times, 6th August 1892

And also

"DEAN FOREST.
SABBATH SCHOOL CENTENARY:- On Thursday the Nonconformists of the Forest of Dean joined in a Sunday-school centenary celebration. Upwards of 5,000 children assembled at the Speechhouse. The schools taking part in the procession were from Coleford, Cinderford, Lydney-on- Severn, Whitecroft, Yorkley, Bream, Soudley, Oldcroft, Ruspidge, Blakeney Hill, Viney Hill, Berry Hill, and Nidsley Green. Special trains were run by the Severn and Wye Railway Company. The children and their teachers assembled, headed by several bands of music and banners. There was a general holiday through the Forest, and it was estimated that 20,000 people assembled. The surrounding woodlands are very massive and beautiful. Many of the visitors inspected the giant oaks, and rambled in the inviting shades where the ferns are especially luxuriant. The children were served with a bountiful supply of plum cake and tea, and subsequently addresses were delivered by the ministers and others, presided over by the venerable Mr Thomas Nicholson, the Forest philanthropist. In the Forest they had 10,000 Sabbath-school children of the working classes, 500 teachers, and 100 working men acceptable local preachers. The Rev T. Williams B. A., of Coleford; Rev C. Griffiths, Cinderford; Rev G. Clark, Lydney; Mr J. H. Best, and other gentlemen addressed the assemblage. Mr J. T. Adams, as hon. secretary, ably discharged his duties, and the celebration passed off successfully."

Cardiff Times, 21st August 1880

see http://newspapers.library.wales/view/3420569/3420577/238/dean%20forest%20parade

The Baptist parades were still very popular and well supported many years later, as shown by this photo from 1910.
https://forest-of-dean.net/joomla/index.php/cinderford