Paul and Pam - Whitsuntide Clothes - Pamela Ward & Paul Cherrington

Whitsuntide Clothes by Pamela Ward and Paul Cherrington is a song that remembers the festival of Whitsuntide and the Whit Walks.

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Pam was born and raised in the North of England, and we wrote "Whitsuntide Clothes" based on her childhood memories. She recalls,

‘The Whitsuntide holiday, also known as Pentecost, was such a big occasion, second only to Christmas for children. At Whitsuntide we were bought new clothes. It was new from top to toe and we felt the bees knees. For many of us it was the only time we did get new clothes rather than hand me downs. We would dress up in the clothes and then go round to neighbours, friends, relatives and say “I’ve come to show you my new clothes” and you’d do a twirl for them and they gave you money. It was great. Then we’d go out on the Whit Walks with all the children dressed up to the nines parading through the streets, with Sunday school banners and the brass bands. All the adults would line the roadside on the way and throw pennies for us as we went along. Then we would all meet together in the local park for a good old sing song round the bandstand.’

The Whitsuntide holiday is very much a thing of the past now. We think it’s a shame that traditions like these should die out so that is why we wrote the song; to try and keep those memories alive.

Verse 1
Down cobbled streets round Brightside Lane we’d walk hand in hand
All silk and lace we’d take our place behind the marching band
No hand me downs today but new from head to toe
We’re dressed in our Whitsuntide clothes

Verse 2
The old tin bath from the night before is dried and put away
All scrubbed up in frills and tucks we’re ready for the day
From hair bound in rags see how the ringlets flow
We’re dressed in our Whitsuntide clothes

Chorus
Old ones and young ones get together once again
The children are every mother’s pride
Brothers and sisters meet with family and friends
All gather round at Whitsuntide

Verse 3
Mam’s done her best with Provident Cheques to turn us out so fine
She’ll be paying them off at a shilling a week from now to Christmas time
She never seemed to mind, so proud and it showed
When we dressed in our Whitsuntide clothes

Verse 4
From every back to back appear small faces shiny bright
In starched white collars patent shoes and dresses laced up tight
We get pennies on the walk from everyone we know
‘Cause we’re dressed in our Whitsuntide clothes

Chorus
Each Whitsuntide just once a year proud children display
‘Neath silken banners Sunday schools parade along the way
At the bandstand in the park we’d sing and we’d pose
Dressed in our Whitsuntide clothes
At the bandstand in the park we’d sing and we’d pose
Dressed in our Whitsuntide clothes
Dressed in our Whitsuntide clothes

© Pamela Ward & Paul Cherrington

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cherrington-Ward-406263752842809
Website: http://cherringtonandward.co.uk
Email: [email protected]

#Whitsuntide #Whitsun #WhitWalks