Discussions

In the pre-dawn hours of May 12th 1937 thousands of residents in Brandon and area arose from their sleep to listen for the first time in history to a radio broadcast from the majestic Westminster Abbey of an enthroning that was developed one thousand years earlier.  
 
Later under the threat of snow Allegiance to the Monarch triumphed with out door celebrations arranged by a Central Committee which extended from morning tree planting ceremonies around the city, a midday street parade, an afternoon patriotic display, and ending at night with a beacon fire on the North Hill.  
 
One year earlier in 1936 was the death of the British Monarch King George the Fifth, and in accordance with protocol the city of Brandon sent condolences to the new ruler King Edward the Eighth.  
 
Members of the Horticultural Society proposed that the North Hill, First to Eighteenth Street, (Brae Crest Drive) be suitably planted with trees and shrubs for making a scenic driveway, and be named the King George Memorial Avenue.  
 
The Wheat City held special events to celebrate this occasion, but they only culminated in the abduction by Edward because of his marriage to Mrs Simpson and the succession of the brother who chose the title, King George the Sixth.  
 
Exactly two months after the precedent setting moment began the organizing for the Coronation Day observances.  
 
Brandon Collegiate Institute student Ward Watson was one of two hundred chosen by ballot scholars chosen from across the Dominion of Canada to travel to London to observe the historic crowning ceremonies beneath Westminster Abbey’s aged spires.  
 
The Brandon Horticultural Society now proposed a tree-planting program in the West End of the city at Jubilee Park. Area residents quickly petitioned for a name change of the still undeveloped area from ‘Jubilee’ to ‘Coronation’ Park.  
 
This Park is north of Fleming School.  
 
At a pre Coronation service in the Arena the floor and gallery space was filled to capacity. A hallowing of King George the Sixth and his Consort Queen Elizabeth was the first of its kind in the lives of many citizens.  
 
The service was held under the auspices of the Brandon Ministerial Association. The town had its most festive appearance for many years with the aid of miles of decorative bunting, flags, stringers, and lights.  
 
Source: Brandon a City by G. F. Barker  
 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_VIII_of_the_United_Kingdom  
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KUKZ5y_Yss