A CELEBRATION of one of Droitwich’s most prominent and historically significant residents is now just weeks away from its debut.
The inaugural Edward Winslow Day on Thursday, November 28 will celebrate the life and times of the Droitwich born man who became one of the first English natives to set sail for the shores of the United States in search of freedom from religious oppression in the 17th century.
Among the celebrations will be a United States of America flag raising, exhibitions including interactive experiences, live music and entertainment, displays, Thanksgiving meals across the town, a statue dressing, a church service and much more.
To commemorate Edward Winslow’s Thanksgiving spirit, Coun Morris hopes to ‘Get Droitwich Giving’ on the special day.
A host of contributors have chipped in to make the event a day to remember. The day is the brainchild of Droitwich Spa Town councillor Richard Morris, who has had support from various organisations in the town including the library, Droitwich Arts Network, Droitwich Spa Civic Society, St Peter’s Church, Saltway Church, a University of Birmingham professor, Droitwich Lions Club, Droitwich Spa Food Bank and more.
Who was Edward Winslow?
Edward Winslow Jr. son of Edward Winslow Sr. also of Droitwich was baptised at St Peter’s Church on October 20, 1595 just a couple of days after his birth on October 18.
He would go on to join the English exile Separatist church in Leiden, Holland becoming a leading separatist among the movement, with a significant disdain for then King James I’s repressive regime in England.
Searching for pastures new, amid dreams of a more free society where his Protestant religious believes would not be repressed, he joined The Mayflower voyage to the United States of America, setting sail from Plymouth, England in September 1620.
Within roughly 12 weeks of setting sail alongside his wife, Elizabeth, younger brother Gilbert, family servant George Soule and around 100 passengers and 30 crew, the ship anchored at Cape Cod hook, now called Provincetown Harbor, Massachusetts.
They established Plymouth Colony and signed the Mayflower Compact – a document to establish legal order within the colony – on the day of their arrival.
Edward Winslow went onto become one of several senior leaders of the colony, serving in a number of governmental positions.
He would also go on to be remembered for attending what is regarded as the first Thanksgiving Dinner in 1621 – now a national holiday in the US – grown from Edward Winslow and other Pilgrims’ Harvest Festival traditions.
He passed in 1655 on an English naval expedition in the Caribbean against the Spanish, after marrying twice and having five children.
His significance is both felt and celebrated here in Droitwich, England and in Plymouth, Massachusetts as well as various other states around the US where it is believed he has plenty of living relatives.
Entertainment
Droitwich’s mayor, councillor Alex Sinton, will mark the start of the Edward Winslow festivities at 11am on Thursday, November 28 with the flag raising ceremony. United States natives or those with a connection to the US who live locally are encouraged to join Droitwich residents as the Star-Spangled Banner is raised outside St Richard’s House.
There is also a large array of live music entertainment from 10am to 4.30pm in the town to accompany the Edward Winslow Day celebrations. Droitwich Folk Club and The Salties will be up first from 10am to 12 noon.
Ghecko Folk Song Duo will take the stage next from 12 noon until 12.30pm, followed by The Coppice Shanty Crew from 12.30pm until 1pm.
The Village Quartet from U3A Droitwich are up next from 1pm to 3pm. And closing out the live music will be Rock Choir from 4pm to 4.30pm.
The music will be taking place outside the Droitwich Arts Network Hub, St Andrew’s Shopping Centre. Music will be accompanied by the Hub’s dressing of the Edward Winslow statue.
Exhibitions
There will be a selection of exhibits and displays showcasing the rich history of Edward Winslow’s voyage to the States.
Droitwich Spa Library in Victoria Square will be hosting an Edward Winslow display featuring historical information, documents, clippings, photographs, paintings and more. The exhibition will open on Monday, November 18 and run until November 30. The Library will unfortunately be closed on Edward Winslow Day, so visiting the display is encouraged prior to or following the event.
The display will be accessible during the libraries typical open hours. Those who are not Libraries Unlocked members will be required to visit during normal staffed hours.
An interactive exhibit is also expected to be on display in the Droitwich Arts Network Hub, providing a visually striking virtual reality walk through of the famous Mayflower ship as it was on the day of arrival at Cape Cod, Plymouth, Massachusetts. The interactive experience was created by University of Birmingham professor, Bob Stone in 2016.
It is roughly five minutes long and features a 3D model of Edward Winslow and renders of the ship, and shoreline landscapes of both Plymouth, England and Plymouth, Massachusetts.
The experience is also expected to be available to view via video in the library, although not through the full virtual reality experience.
Thanksgiving meals
As part of the celebrations on November 28, Woodland View care home is hosting its own community Thanksgiving feast.
Local historian, Howard Robinson, will also offer a presentation and talk on Winslow’s part in the first ever Thanksgiving in 1621.
Places for the meal are limited, so booking is required. Contact Woodland View via email woodland.view@hc-one.co.uk or phone 01905917358 to book. Alternatively, visit the home for a chat.
And Droitwich Salvation Army will be hosting their own Thanksgiving dinner celebrations. This event is fully booked.
Church Service
St Peter’s Church will be hosting a Thanksgiving service at 6pm on Edward Winslow Day (Thursday, November 28). Edward Winslow was baptised at the church on October 20, 1595 just a couple of days after his birth on October 18.
A small choir from Westacre Middle School will be performing three songs during the service.
Fundraising and donations
In the spirit of Edward Winslow’s involvement in what is thought to be the first ever Thanksgiving dinner, organiser of the special day – Councillor Richard Morris – is urging residents and those getting involved to give on the day.
Attendees are asked to make food donations to community foodbanks and pantries including Droitwich Spa Foodbank, Moving Forward, and Droitwich Spa Community Pantry and Fridge. Toy donations are being asked to be made to the town’s salvation army. See event posters for details on how and where to donate.
