Franklin celebrates its Yorkshire traditions
A historic day in English history was celebrated again in New Zealand this year with a large gathering of ex pat Yorkshire people in the Pukekohe Cosmopolitan Club and a Skype link the next day with the large civic event in Halifax, Yorkshire.
This was the seventh year the event was held in New Zealand and the 40th in United Kingdom. The venue was decorated by the organising committee and featured Yorkshire bunting, a large screen on which videos of Yorkshire, both past and present,were shown.
One large table had souvenirs for sale and the other with a collection of Yorkshire memorabilia. The Pukekohe event started with registrations, and was followed by the ceremonial arrival of the Yorkshire flag. A traditional meal of fish chips and mushy peas was served and this was followed by a Yorkshire quiz.
A special cake was made and had a detailed Yorkshire coat of alms on top and in keeping with tradition was cut by two of the eldest people present Ethel Holton, 98, and Bernard Batty, 81. The Papakura Brass Band then entertained with items typically played by the coal mine brass bands of South Yorkshire some of which featured in the movie and the last item ensured that all present had good singing voices.