Charter Day Procession
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| Date Photo Taken | 19th September 1934 |
|---|---|
| Area | Mitcham |
| Picture Reference | Mit_Org_Events_13-25 |
| Original Format | Photo |
| Notes / History | This 'Mitcham Lavender' float was produced by local schoolchildren. The float was one of many decorated vahicles in the procession marking the official ceremony where the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey awarded a charter to the new Mayor of Mitcham, Robert Masters Chart, so conferring Borough status on the former Urban District. Local children were given time off their school work to watch the parade and ceremony, and listen to speeches. There was also music, dancing and a sports display. , Each child was presented with a lavender blue china mug, bearing the new Borough coat of arms, as a souvenir. Mitcham has a lengthy association with horticulture and the herbal industry. During the eighteenth century a vast acreage was used to cultivate scented plants such as mint, damask rose and chamomile for the production of perfumes and medicinal tonics. The premier crop was lavender, which was grown in north-east Mitcham. |
