Saltash History and Heritage
Victoria Gardens, opened 1897
I sometimes sit and ponder a while in the beautiful and well established Victoria Gardens situated at the top of Saltash Fore Street, and give thanks for such a wonderful community facility.
Over the past 126 years, Victoria Gardens has been used for so many community events, Jubilees and festivities and moreover, it is the ‘Jewel in Saltash’s Crown’. In addition it is a place where folks can meet, talk and rest.
In Celebration
Victoria Gardens was built to celebrate the 60th anniversary of our late and beloved Queen Victoria’s long reign; and was officially opened on 21st June, 1897.
Hundreds of people attended and crowded the gardens, marking this momentous occasion of Saltash’s history and indeed, the jubilant celebrations, acknowledging Queen Victoria’s dedication to her subjects for six long decades.
Initiation
In accordance with historic periodicals and books that I have read, and in places that refer to Victoria Gardens; it all began with a public meeting to consider numerous suggestions.
A committee was formed, and when all the public ideas were discussed, the preferred site was a piece of waste land at the top of the town.
The Mayor at that time, Mr. Wm Dusting, headed the project, together with a distinguished committee to include – P.E.B. Porter and W.H. Mathew.
Fundraising
The committee went about raising the much needed funds from many sources, to include the locals of the fast growing Borough of Saltash. Donations were also received from around the District and overseas - and in a considerably short time a huge £300 was raised for the project. Thus, plans were drawn up and approved. The very grand opening was on 21st June, 1897.
Grand Opening and Celebrations
Accordingly, the weather was kind and fine, and the town was gloriously bedecked in all its finery with flags, evergreen, banners, Chinese lanterns and other celebratory decorations fittingly; also, paintings, and displays of the Corporation’s Arms and Seals.
Arches were erected throughout the High Street and other streets and also at the Waterside in recognition of its fishing industry. Tamar Street looked grand. There were boats and nets and crossed oars on display. The residents of the Waterside were also praised for all their efforts of the celebrations.
The grand opening of Victoria Gardens
Procession and Dignified Guests
The opening started with a peal of St Nicholas bells at 2.30pm, a procession was formed at Port View of Yeomanry, 100’s of school children from the churches, the Volunteer Band, volunteers, Band of I.T.S. (Mount Edgcumbe Training ship), School Board Members and the Mayor and Corporation, together with town officials and ministers, they all marched to the park.
When the Procession arrived in the park, and all were properly assembled – “God Save the Queen” was enthusiastically sung with gusto!
Other principal guests were Surgeon-Captain R.T. Meadows and Lieutenant G.S. Meadows. The children, led by Mr. D.E. Hawke, sang a special Jubilee hymn, followed by “Three Cheers” for the Queen led by the Mayor, who then preceded by the Volunteer Band and Yeomanry, proceeded to officially open the Victoria Gardens acquired as a memorial of the Jubilee.
Celebrations continued for the rest of the day within the Borough, including festivities on the Waterside with a carnival, bands and a closing display of fireworks and a bonfire attended by thousands of people with ships in the harbour all taking part in the overall celebrations of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria and the celebrations which brought about the attractive gardens named in her honour; indeed the gardens that Saltash still values immensely 125 years on!