A procession of the Eydon Branch of the Ancient Order of Foresters, presumably on their Feast Day on Whit Monday, heading up School Lane.
he Foresters were/are a Friendly Society, who helped their members when ill or off work and helped with burial insurance. Most men in the village were members of the local branch (called a Court) number 1514 "The United Brothers".
The Court was formed in 1842 by Robert Taylor, the then landlord of the Royal Oak, where the branch met. At some stage it lapsed and was reformed in 1894. Most of the benefits of membership of Friendly Societies were matched by the introduction of the Welfare State, so membership started to drop and "The United Brothers" amalgamated with a branch in Banbury in 1960. This photograph shows "The United Brothers" in the inter war years, led by a priest and a brass band. This was probably the Rev Robert Disney, who was Rector from 1929 to 1945, whist the usual band on these occasions was the Blakesley Silver Band. From the bystanders' clothes and the motor bike under the tree, this might have been taken in the 1930s.
Photographer: Unknown
Image lent by : Mrs Margie Davies
Connected Photos: DK009 | DK009a