The Aftermath of War
The Aftermath of War
from The Barwicker No. 53
Mar. 1999
Back to the Main Historical Society page
Back to the Barwicker Contents page
On 18 May, 1937, the Barwick maypole was
successfully erected, less than a week after the
enjoyable Coronation celebrations in the locality
(see 'The Barwicker' No. 29 and No. 52).) It would
be ten years before a similar ceremony took place
again. In September 1939, what became known as
World War II began and many activities were
suspended 'for the duration'.
"The Maypole stayed up" until May 1945,
when the war in Europe was over, and although
that against Japan did not end until September of
that year, the people of Britain were
contemplating the return of their loved ones and
the resumption of normal activities. During the
eight years the maypole stood above the village,
the elements had taken their toll and it was
decided that the pole was too dangerous to be
lowered by traditional means and that it would be
taken down by expert woodcutters.