In search of a Queen of Herts

But in the past Borehamwood and Elstree residents would have been preparing for the annual May Day parade, which culminated in the crowning of the new May Queen.Ann Lawrence, trustee at the Elstree and Boreham Wood Museum, has spent the last two years researching the event.She said: "When the museum first opened, one of the volunteers brought in photographs of the May Day celebrations, and we put them on display in the museum. "Over time many people have come forward with photographs and stories of their time as the May Queen, as well as describing their memories of the event, resulting in the collection of accounts we now have."Although there is photographic evidence from the Twenties, the first recorded May Queen of Elstree was Nita Willets in 1936. But Mrs Lawrence's research shows it was originally thought Kath Gates was the first May Queen in 1932.The confusion arose when the aunt of Ms Gates told the organisers of the May Day event that her niece was from Elstree when she was in fact from Borehamwood. This meant Ms Gates' crown was not considered valid.The May Queen was chosen from the All Saints Church bible class, run by Mrs Bristol from her home in Mildred Avenue. The chosen queen was around 14 years old and was selected by her peers.Mrs Lawrence said: "It was seen as desirable for the chosen girl to be a teacher to younger children within the religious community."On May Day, a parade of decorated cars and floats followed a route from Chestnut Tree Drive, Aldenham, to Meadow Road Recreation Ground. It was customary for the vicar to present the newly-crowned May Queen with a Bible.In the Thirties, it was proposed there should be a special dress for the May Queen. It was made and embroidered with a cross, crown, and ribbon motif. Having last been worn in 1977, the whereabouts of the dress is now unknown.The town's film studios also played a part in the festivities. British International Pictures loaned its sound system and technicians to the event and sanctioned the appearance of the studio's fire engine. In 1936, the May Queen was crowned by Diane Napier, who appeared that year in the film Pagliacci, directed by Karl Grune.The May Day celebrations were used to raise money for projects within the local community. In 1936, the amount raised contributed to the building of All Saints school hall, which still exists on Shenley Road. In 1958 the funds contributed to a new tower for the church.As the community grew, attempts were made to involve other churches from the north London area in the celebrations, but because this was not successful, the event remained unique to Borehamwood and Elstree.The last May Queen is thought to have been Jaqui Rowson in 1977. Elstree and Boreham Wood Museum has collected details of all the May Queens from 1932 to 1977, to be preserved for posterity. But Mrs Lawrence is still looking for information about the May Queen of 1972. She said: "She seems to have disappeared without trace."If anyone has information as to who she was or wishes to find out more about the May Queens visit the museum at 1 Drayton Road, Borehamwood or call 020 8953 1258.