1946 Blidworth Cradle Rocking (C.J. Dakin)

A new feature for this ancient custom

A report in the Mansfield CHAD newspaper of 7th February 1946 (p7) remarked that the ceremony that year had acquired a new feature.....

"A new feature was introduced to the ancient rocking ceremony at Blidworth parish church on Sunday afternoon.  The central figure for the first time in history was the son of an Army chaplain on active service.

"This years 'rocking' baby was Christopher John Dakin, the two-month-old and first born child of Major J.E.C. Dakin, senior chaplain to the forces, and serving with the 26th Indian Division, and Mrs Dakin (formerly Miss Joan Hooke, daughter of Councillor C. and the late Mrs Hooke).  Capt. J. Dakin CA, and Mrs Dakin of St. Andrews Mission are grandparents of the child.

"The old wooden cradle was tastefully decorated by Mrs W. war, with Christening roses, violets, azaleas, snowdrops, tulips and winter jasmine.

"The dedication ceremony having been performed by the vicar (Rev. W. Warr), the cradle was rocked by the vicar and the Rev. T.M. Oliver, who preached, made reference to the Biblical ceremony of the Presentation in the Temple of the Child Christ, and spoke especially of the responsibilities of parents in the present times.  He asked them not to pamper their children by giving them everything that money could buy.  What was most important of all was the development of the child's character.

"The hymns were 'Loving Shepherd of Thy Sheep', 'Hail to the Lord Who Comes', 'We Love the place O God', and 'Now thank we all our God'.  The offertories were for the Bishop's Forward Movement.  Miss H.M. Butler was the organist".