The Fownhope Heart of Oak Friendly Society was established in 1876; it’s purpose to help the rural workforce as an insurance should members suffer hardship whether through illness, bereavement or loss of work. Changes to the Financial Services Act 1989 made it too onerous to continue as a Friendly Society, the ‘friendly’ status (in the context of insurance) was no longer acceptable and so was dropped. But the Club Day tradition was to continue, members forming a social group...
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The Fownhope Heart of Oak Friendly Society was established in 1876; it’s purpose to help the rural workforce as an insurance should members suffer hardship whether through illness, bereavement or loss of work. Changes to the Financial Services Act 1989 made it too onerous to continue as a Friendly Society, the ‘friendly’ status (in the context of insurance) was no longer acceptable and so was dropped. But the Club Day tradition was to continue, members forming a social group enabling fund raising for local causes. The Club Day was originally held on 29th May, Oak Apple Day, one of the few days in the years that agricultural workers had a day off work. The holiday can be traced back to the restoration of King Charles II in 1660 and parliament declaring 29th May a public holiday in his honour. Club Walk day now takes place on the nearest Saturday to 29th May. At dawn an Oak tree bough is cut and dressed with red, white and blue ribbons. At 10.30 am it’s carried at the front of the parade, the Heart of Oak Society banner following, then the Drybrook band playing suitable marching music. Members; anyone can now join having paid a small subscription carry a floral stick that are unique to Fownhope. Taking up the rear are the Leominster Morris dancers. The procession leaves the New Inn and makes it way to St Mary’s Church for a short service of thanksgiving. The procession tours the village stopping at various ‘big’ houses where refreshment is provided and the floral sticks judged. Finally finishing up at the Whiterdine Field for competitive village sports and a pig roast.
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