THESE were the scenes when people gathered in Evesham to hear the news of a new king 75 years ago.

The Journal of 1936 reported: “About 500 residents, including schoolchildren, Girl Guides and Boy Scouts, assembled at Market Place on Tuesday to hear the mayor, Coun A Johns, read the Proclamation of the accession of King George VI.

As on the occasion of the Proclamation of Edward VIII in January, a platform had been erected in front of the town hall and from this the mayor, supported by the Corporation and representatives of various public bodies, read the official document.

“Prior to the ceremony, town clerk Oliver Hunt had explained to aldermen, councillors and others who had gathered in the council chamber that it was the mayor’s intention to send a telegram to the King and Queen expressing, on behalf of the burgesses of the town, their loyalty and devotion and the hope for a long and happy reign. After the reading of the Proclamation the National Anthem was sung, the mayor called for three cheers and trumpeters sounded a fanfare.

The health of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth was drunk in the council chamber after the ceremony.”

The Journal’s report also recorded the mayor’s thoughts on the resolution of that year’s abdication crisis.

He said: “It is rather – what shall I say? – a wonderful thing for one mayor in 12 months to proclaim two kings.”