Coronation Celebrations (1953)
One of the most remarkable mementoes of Tealing is the cine film of the village gala day to celebrate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth on 2 June 1953. The film was commissioned by the WRI and, over about fifteen minutes, it shows marvellous snapshots of the fun had on the day. Miss E. Bowie recalls that it was a very cold day, but in spite of that, parents and children took part in an outdoor programme that included a fancy dress competition for the children and a sports competition for adults and the children. The fancy dress parade featured all things patriotic - many kings and queens, with one wee boy even encasing the back of his tricycle in a Union Jack! Councillor Mudie, the Rev Harkness and Mrs Millar from Moatmill can all be seen busying themselves with the proceedings. Miss Bowie issues ice creams to eager children and they were all given commemorative coronation mugs. A celebratory lunch was had in Tealing Hall and the many helpers and participants are depicted, clearly having a good time. A television was also set up in the hall so that the proceedings in Westminster could be viewed. The cine film has been converted on to video and will be retained in the village archive.