Welcome
Are you old enough to remember those days when young women and girls dressed in white for the Whitsun Sunday service? This was often followed by an outing or treat on the bank holiday Monday (Whit Monday). I remember sitting on a bench on the back of a flat-bed lorry being taken from church to a field where a host of fun activities was set out. Today such a ride and many of the activities would be forbidden under health and safety regulations. We enjoyed a tea with ice-cream and we looked forward to the Whitsun treat each year with great anticipation.
So, what was this all about? You may be more familiar with the word Pentecost. This is the Christian Festival that takes place on the 49th day after Easter Day and commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles, coming ten days after Jesus’ Ascension into Heaven. In many countries around the world Pentecost / Whitsun is still recognised as a holiday and celebrations take place. The decision by the Government, in 1971, to formalise a trial (1965-1970) to set the date of the bank holiday as the last Monday in May, saw the demise of this tradition. We will have to wait until 2034 before the May Bank Holiday is also Whit Monday.
