Spennymoor and the Boer War

Updates - May 1900

Presentation at Tudhoe Grange
(4th May 1900 Durham County Advertiser)
On Saturday night, at the Grand Hotel, Tudhoe Grange, Spennymoor, the members of G and H Companies (2nd VBDLI) presented Private S Harper with a watch, combination knife, fork, and spoon, collapsible drinking-cup, and a purse of money, on the occasion of his going to the front. The hope was expressed that Private Harper would always remember his comrades in the two Spennymoor companies, who wished him God-speed and a safe return, and also that he would live long to use the articles presented to him that night.
Private Harper feelingly responded, and said he hoped to do his duty, whatever it might be. He would always remember his Spennymoor comrades for their kindness.
After the loyal toasts had been drunk, a smoking concert was held.

Tudhoe Colliery Procession (20th May 1900)
(25th May 1900 Durham County Advertiser)
On Saturday the workmen of Tudhoe Colliery celebrated the relief of Mafeking by a grand comic bicycle parade and torchlight procession. At eight o’clock the procession started from the Union room, Tudhoe Colliery. It was preceded by men on horseback, followed by comically-attired cyclists. An effigy of old Kruger carrying a white flag was escorted by the Mount Pleasant Boy’s Brigade and the Sons of Temperance Brass band, the rear being brought up by thousands of the inhabitants carrying torches, banners, or flags.
The procession marched through Tudhoe Colliery down the Front Street and up the Back Street to the Wesleyan Chapel, where a halt was made. Here three hearty cheers were given for Baden-Powell and other leading men in South Africa, and the crowd sang the National Anthem. Then the procession re-formed and proceeded to Tudhoe Grange, through Durham Road, King Street, Cross Street, King James’ Street, Cheapside, and up High Street, Spennymoor, to the Railway Station, where a halt was again made, the crowd giving other three cheers for the gallent garrison of Mafeking, for Baden-Powell and others.
After the singing of the National Anthem, the procession restarted down High Street, Cheapside, and Barnfield to Mount Pleasant. At Half Moon Lane cheers were again given and after singing “God Save the Queen” the procession proceeded by way of Half Moon Lane, Upper Church Street and Weardale Street to the Vulcan Hotel, where cheers were raised for Baden-Powell and others, the crowd again singing the National Anthem. This brought to an end one of the best, most loyal, and most enthusiastic processions ever witnessed in this district.
The success is due to the interest the people have taken in the relief of the noble band of defenders who, encouraged by Baden-Powell, have kept the Britisg flag flying at Mafeking. The whole of the inhabitants turned out, and there was such a scene as was never before seen in the district. Mr Dakers, manager at the colliery, supplied five hundred torches, the effect of which greatly added to the success, as each of the processionists carried either banner, flag, or torch.
Spennymoor
Buzzers were blown at the collieries in the district, and a merry peal was rung on the bells of St Paul’s Church. The streets presented a most animated appearance. A large bonfire was lit on old Whitworth Pit heap, which illuminated the district for many miles around. Numerous bonfires werelit in the streets, and a large quantity of fireworks were set off. On Saturday the local collieries were idle. The main streets were gaily decorated with flags, bunting, &c.

Torchlight Procession at Spennymoor (23rd May 1900)
(24th May 1900 Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough)
Yesterday a comic bicycle parade and rorchlight procession was held under the auspices of the Spennymoor U.D.Council. The day throughout was observed as a general holiday in commemoration of the relief of Mafeking, the shops all being closed. The streets were gaily decorated with flags, bunting &c.
About 100 mounted men, dressed in all kinds of uniform, headed the procession;next followed a four-in-hand, containing the vice-chairman (Mr P Knox) and the members of the Urban Council. Tom Lindsay, the hero of Magersfontein, was seated in front, and all through the procession e received volley after volley of hearty good cheers. Then followed Vaux stout men and boys. Kenmir Bros. “Britannia”, the Fire Brigade, Boys’ Brigade, over 100 cyclists, then nearly 1,000 men with torches.
The route taken covered a distance of six miles, including Low Spennymoor, Tudhoe and Tudhoe Colliery. St. Paul’s Church bells were rung and St Charles’ bells at Tudhoe. A halt was made near the Town Hall, where the National Anthem was sung, and ringing cheers given for Baden-Powell and Tommy Lindsay, a wounded hero from Magersfontein. Whitworth Band and the Sons of Temperance Bands headed the procession.
The proceedings wound up about half-past ten by the united bands playing the National Anthem. Thousands of people lined the streets en-route, and excellent order and behaviour was observed.

Rev. J Martindale Peart
(25th May 1900 Sunderland Daily Echo)
The Rev. J Martindale Peart, in charge of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Mafeking, is the son of Mr and Mrs Peart, of Spennymoor.