PETER Sykes of Swanage believes Jim Clark's postcard captioned 'Coronation Day in Boscombe in 1911' printed on August 11 is not of Boscombe but of Christchurch High Street with the parade having just passed the decorated town hall on a wet Thursday. The picture was taken by John Rowan who had studios in Boscombe.

This was just one of many activities and events that took place in Christchurch to commemorate the end of the Edwardian era and the start of the Georgian period.

Christchurch Council used the occasion to create the 'Convent Walk', a footpath from Castle Street down to Christchurch Quay. The name comes from it being on part of the priory land, Convent Meadow or 'Covey Garden'. Robert Druitt, the Mayor of Christchurch from 1910 -1914, presided over the event which included the official opening of the nearby 'Gin Hatch Door' with a silver key and the Mayoress cut the ribbon across the path to formally open the 'Convent Walk'.

As can be seen in the picture, most of the shops entered into the spirit of the celebrations with flags, bunting and other decorations. The Mayor and Mayoress took part in the parade in an open landau and 'got somewhat damp'. Groups of children in fancy dress costumes and adults led the parade followed by those on horseback. Many decorated horse-drawn floats took part as well as a flotilla of decorated boats on the River Stour. Despite the weather, it was reported that everybody had a good time.

There were also many parades and pageants across Bournemouth, including a Children's Coronation Procession and children were given a commemorative china mug produced by Royal Doulton.