The Silver Jubilee of George V marked 25 years as his reign as King of the United Kingdom, the British Dominions and Emperor of India. There were planned events in London and throughout the UK. It was the first Silver Jubilee celebration of a British monarch in history.
This is how the Jubilee was celebrated in Benhall and Sternfield:-
Extract from letter written by Sophia Aslett, Ivy Cottage, Benhall Green to her son George Aslett, Queensland, Australia
Benhall, 14th May 1935
My Dear George,
We have had quite the week of Jubilee rejoicing. The weather was perfect and every little town and village was decorated. Leiston and Bungay were quite gay with fairy lights and flood lighting, homes and streets gaily decorated too – processions, fireworks and bonfires everywhere.
London itself baffled description. There has been such a sight. People have been here from everywhere! It has been a good thing as it provided work for many people and caused much money to be spent, and everything passed off well.
I wonder if you heard the King’s speech? We sometimes hear speeches from Australia. Wireless seems to shorten distance everywhere. In Benhall there was a general tea and all kinds of sport on the school meadow, with fireworks and bonfires, ending with dancing.
We are having electric lighting in Benhall which will be very convenient. They have it in Bungay and it has started here.
Ted Ayden was much in evidence on Jubilee day. And I must tell you that Bertie Howard’s wife caught the greasy pig which was presented by Mr. Sampson and Neams Sauders’s wife won the wheelbarrow race. She drove Mr. Knappel the schoolmaster in a wheelbarrow!
Your loving mother….
In Sternfield, from newspaper article 1935: The Jubilee Celebrations at Sternfield opened with the Service of Thanksgiving in the church at 10:30 pm. At 3:30 pm by kind permission of Mr. and Mrs. Cherniavsky, the grounds and gardens of “Glebes” were thrown open to the whole village and at 4:30 pm between 150-200 parishioners sat down to a sumptuous meat tea. The children were each presented with a Jubilee Mug by Mrs. Cherniavsky. The tea was admirably and efficiently arranged and served by the hard-working Ladies Committee, who had willing helpers among the men in dispensing beer and tea, and carving the splendid joints of meat. Mr. W.E. Long of Hurts Hall joined in the tea and said a few appropriate words.
The health of His Majesty King George V was drunk. During the evening at intervals Mr. Eade’s loud speaker discoursed suitable music. A varied programme of sports was enjoyed. Bowls was another great attraction, arranged by Messrs. Stannard who also provided the major portion of the prizes. Canon Dale was kept busy with the Putting Golf.
The Cherniavsky family outside their home in Sternfield, 1935 The Tatler
Perhaps a unique Jubilee attraction was a practically continuous cinema performance by the Messrs. D.W. and J.H. Scrimgeour in their private cinema. The pictures shown consisted of views of Sternfield and many of the inhabitants, and was a huge attraction.
A rare treat in the shape of a concert, by Mischel Cherniavsky and Miss Mary Read was a fitting climax to a never be forgotten day. That the playing of these two well-known artists was appreciated was shown by vociferous applause and hearty cheers being given for Mr. and Mrs. Cherniavsky.
The bonfire terminated the celebrations in Sternfield and everyone voting it the happiest day they had ever spent.
