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Messages - steviebee

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1
Bedfordshire / Re: Druids in Luton?
« on: Monday 08 November 21 12:39 GMT (UK)  »
Thanks KGarrad for the article.  Very interesting.  I noticed the crossed crooks on the medal of the Past Noble Arch Druid.  I didn't realise so many famous people were members, and now that includes my cousins!

2
Bedfordshire / Re: Druids in Luton?
« on: Monday 08 November 21 12:32 GMT (UK)  »
Thanks for the references which I have now looked up.  All very interesting!  In the May 1931 article, one of the toastmasters was A. McGeorge, which also happens to be the surname of Eric Day's bride - May McGeorge - so it is quite likely her brother, Arthur McGeorge.

Another question I have, in the same newspaper on 6 October 1931 there is an advert for a gramophone recital "to be held by Mr Eric Day assisted by Miss May McGeorge (soprano)", but this was 2 years after they were married.  It seems strange to refer to one's wife with her maiden name and the title Miss, or was this part of being a member of the "brotherhood"?

3
Bedfordshire / Re: Druids in Luton?
« on: Monday 08 November 21 10:15 GMT (UK)  »
Thanks for your replies so far.  Very enlightening.  From the "arch of crooks" and your mention of the Ancient Order of Druids, it seems likely that they were members of the Shepherds Friendly Society, but any further info would be great.

4
Bedfordshire / Re: Druids in Luton?
« on: Monday 08 November 21 10:04 GMT (UK)  »
So sorry  :-\.  Seems I missed out a crucial sentence in my request for information!   The wording on the newspaper cutting actually reads

"Mr Eric Day, brother of Haydn Day, was honoured with an arch of crooks from fellow Druids on the occasion of his wedding at Luton to Miss M. W. McGeorge, who is a vocalist"

Any information as to what this may be referring to would be very useful.  Who were these "Druids"? 

Many thanks.

5
Bedfordshire / Druids in Luton?
« on: Sunday 07 November 21 17:31 GMT (UK)  »
I recently came across a photo of a 2x removed 1st cousin of mine in the Beds and Herts Pictorial.  The article is dated 27 August 1929 and shows my cousin Eric Day and his newly wedded wife May Winifred McGeorge presumably outside a church just after they were wed.  The wording reads "Mr Eric Day, brother of Haydn Day, was honoured with an arch of crooks on the occasion of his wedding at Luton to Miss M. W. McGeorge, who is a vocalist".  Unfortunately, I have no idea which church they were married in, or what the reference to "Druids" is all about.  Can anyone enlighten me please?

6
Bedfordshire / Re: Arthur DAY - Piano Maker
« on: Sunday 07 November 21 17:17 GMT (UK)  »
Just picked up your post from last May.  What I can now say is that before the First World War, Arthur's music business was in Chapel Street, Luton.  After the war, his business grew rapidly and he moved into 41 George Street, which he initially shared with a dentist (Bertram Pannell), and subsequently Fleming Reid & Company, a wool repository.  Between 1920 and 1922 he put in plans for shop alterations for 41, 43 and 45 George Street, as he now owned all three properties.  From a survey done of the shop in 1928, it sounded huge, and even included a room for "public worship"!  As well as pianos, including those from other manufacturers, he also sold other instruments and gramophones.  From around 1930, when his sons, Haydn and Eric - both talented musicians in their own right - helped in the running of the business, Arthur also began to sell radios.  All of these buildings were demolished for some reason in September 1937, after which Arthur moved his business to 15-17 Upper George Street where it remained until its closure around 1953.

Hope this is interesting for you!

7
Bedfordshire / Re: Arthur DAY - Piano Maker
« on: Friday 30 November 18 14:05 GMT (UK)  »
So now you can see from these posts that your piano was made in Luton, England, by my great uncle's company!  Glad to have helped you out.  Incidentally, Arthur's brother, Francis Day, was a music teacher, so music was - and still is - an important part of my family.

8
Bedfordshire / Re: Arthur DAY - Piano Maker
« on: Monday 30 July 18 14:12 BST (UK)  »
So sorry to hear the sad news.  Many thanks for updating me.

9
Bedfordshire / Re: Arthur DAY - Piano Maker
« on: Thursday 05 February 15 16:33 GMT (UK)  »
It's good to hear there are still a few around.  Thanks for letting me know.

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