A poem believed to have been written by either Miss Barton of Stone Cottage, or the Rev'd Butler, (at the time of the Coronation).

Kettlebaston, 1422 -1937

When George VI. was crowned with Elizabeth his Queen,

The villages of Suffolk in gala form were seen; 

The streets were decked with bunting

And the people made good cheer,

By eating beef and pickles, and drinking Tolly's beer.

Each child received a flag and a chocolate souvenir,

a mug and a medal to commemorate the year.

Lemonade and ices and cakes and sweets galore,

And anything left over was given to the poor.

They "listened in" and heard the King addressing all his realm,

And some went to the Pictures for the Coronation film,

While others lighted beacons and danced into the night,

And when the fires were waning, turned on electric light.

Then they all  joined all hands together while they chanted "Auld Lang Syne",

And told each other more than once,

They'd had gorgeous time.

Upon the next day morning the newspapers did tell

How they'd celebrated royally, and done the King "right well".

Now the folk of Kettlebaston, who are always rather queer,

Didn't fancy beef and pickles, nor even Tolly's beer,

The children didn't want a tea although 'twas free to them,

 And the King began to wonder if they really wanted him!

Then the Rector and the Colonel said, for people so sublime,

The obvious thing to do, was, to erect a Village Sign.

So they called a Parish meeting and divulged the great idea,

And to the astonishment of both

The meeting said "Hear, hear," .

A design was then suggested, historical and grand,

King Henry VI. had granted to the owner of some land,

The Marquis then of Suffolk, Sir William de la Pole,

The right on all the manor to collect a certain toll.

Upon this one condition that homage must be done,

At the Royal Coronation, to the King upon his throne.

The Marquis must in token of fidelity and love,

Carry there before the King, a sceptre with a dove.

For an Artist skilled and willing we did not look in vain,

In S. Edmundsbury dwelling, a certain Ernest Payne

Did paint on sheet of copper, in colours rich and bold

A striking illustration of our Manor right of old.

A sturdy post of oak, with a bracket that can swing,

Was provided by the kindness of Messrs. Greene and King.

So by the help of many who did time and money spend,

The "great idea" was carried through, and we attained our end.

Our Symbol is a happy one, 'A Sceptre with a Dove",

Tells of justice dealt with mercy,

Of Peace, Goodwill, and Love.

Our "Public House" stands opposite where all may rest and pray.

And with water pure we'l1 toast our King, crowned on the 12th of May.

CB.

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