1910s
Garden Party at Beaumanor Park
What an unforgettable day! As we arrived at the gates of Beaumanor Park, a wave of excitement and anticipation filled the air. The park itself was an enchanting sight—lush green lawns stretched as far as the eye could see, and the atmosphere buzzed with joy and laughter.
The day began with the lively melodies of the gramophone, setting the perfect tone as we gathered for a series of delightful entertainments. The air was filled with the sweet sound of music, while vibrant concerts added to the excitement of the afternoon. For those looking for a bit of friendly competition, the football, cricket, and croquet games were the perfect way to connect with old friends and make new ones. And who could resist the challenge of the cocoa-nut shies? Laughter echoed as we took aim, celebrating each small victory.
But it was the grand high tea in the large marquee that truly stole our hearts. Surrounded by friends and warm conversation, we savoured delicious treats and shared stories as the tea flowed freely. Just when we thought the day couldn’t get any better, we were given the rare privilege of exploring the magnificent grounds of Beaumanor Park—a breathtaking expanse of beauty that left us in awe.
It was a day that brought us closer together, filled with unforgettable moments of fun, friendship, and cherished memories. A day we would hold in our hearts forever.
Alexandra Day
On 28th June 1913, something truly remarkable happened. We received a letter from the London Executive of Alexandra Day, who had heard about the Guild’s work and invited us to take part in organising the day’s celebrations in Leicester. It was a chance we couldn’t let slip by, and we eagerly accepted the invitation.
The streets of Leicester were transformed as 600 ladies, dressed in stunning white, gathered to launch the day with a deep sense of pride and purpose. Their elegance was matched only by their determination as they began selling 250,000 brier roses, each one lovingly crafted by the hands of our own members. The response from the people of Leicester was overwhelming—generosity poured in from every corner, and in the end, we raised an astounding £1,653.
But the impact of this day didn’t stop at the money raised. The success of Alexandra Day enabled us to purchase land adjoining the Guild, opening the door to an exciting new chapter. In 1914, we were able to proudly open the Queen Alexandra Industrial Hall, a monumental achievement made possible by the support of our incredible community. What made this triumph even more special was that the hall opened debt-free, a testament to the hard work, dedication, and collective spirit that carried us this far.
That day was not just a milestone for the Guild—it was a moment of profound gratitude for every individual who helped us turn our dream into a reality.
Strength in partnership
In 1914, our committee decided to take things a step further by extending the success of Alexandra Day to include other charitable causes. We wanted to share the generosity we had experienced with those who needed it most.
The response was overwhelming. With the continued support of our community, we raised an extraordinary £2,000—a sum that exceeded all expectations. But rather than keeping it all for ourselves, we made the conscious decision to divide the proceeds among several organisations that shared our vision and commitment to helping others.
The funds were distributed between The Guild, the Children’s Hospital, the Boys’ and Girls’ Summer Camp, the Blind Societies, the District Nursing Association, and the Surgical Aid Society—each of these causes making a profound impact on the lives of those in need.
This wasn’t just a day to celebrate our success; it was a reminder that when we come together as a community, we have the power to create change on a grand scale. It was a day of giving, a day of unity, and a day that showed us the true meaning of collective impact.