Birthday girls to crown Naomi (From Warrington Guardian)

Birthday girls to crown Naomi

TOGETHER they have seen it rain, snow and hail on Knutsford's Royal May Day procession.

But the eight friends who will buy the crown for this year's May Queen all agree the weather cannot spoil the fun of Knutsford's busiest day.

"It's special because it is not a carnival and is for the children," said Kathryn Johnson.

For more than 50 years the friends have shown an interest in the May Day celebrations.

First they were in it, then some of them helped on the committee. Now they are going to fork out £400 for Naomi Jade Murphy's crown to celebrate them all turning 60.

"We haven't started collecting for it yet and will probably wait for the pension to kick in," Judith Walker joked at last night's choosing.

"We just thought it was a fitting gesture to give something back to the May Day for all the happy memories we have of taking part." Kathryn, Judith, Kathryn Cotton, Rosalind Mullins, Catherine Tough, Pamela Cooper, Jackie Davies and Susan Hughes will all make a donation to the crown. They still meet for a drink at the pub after decades as friends.

Three of them have been Britannia, all have danced a little, but only Susan has been May Queen.

Last night they attended the choosing of the May Queen for the first time since they took part themselves when the ceremony was held in the ballroom at The Angel.

"There was nothing like walking up the stairs into the ballroom with everyone clapping," said Judith. It has snowed at least twice since the ladies were first involved.

Now their children have followed in their footsteps and walked the route around town.

The friends have even influenced tradition when they wrote to the Knutsford Royal May Day Committee and suggested a change.

"We were instrumental in having the maypole dance moved to the end," said Kathryn Cotton.

"When they did the dance first people were leaving before the crowning so we suggested they made it the last dance."