HUNDREDS of people in Melksham and nearby villages threw a royal knees-up last weekend as they joined communities across the country in celebrating the Queen’s 90th birthday.
Street parties, picnics, tea, cake and Union Jacks were the order of the day as people celebrated the monarch’s birthday in true British style.
On Saturday people headed to Ebenezer Church for tea and cake, and a street party on Hawthorn Road braved the threat of rain for live music, food and fun and games.
Organiser Ian Durling said, “Over 100 turned out for the party; the rain held off until four-ish but being British, up went the brollies, and the festivities continued with the last stragglers leaving at around 9pm.
“We managed to raise £332.72 for our two charities, Wiltshire Air Ambulance and Help for Heroes. Huge thanks to all of our sponsors and committee members for making it happen.”
Then on Sunday Melksham’s big picnic went ahead in the Assembly Hall after a forecast of heavy rain. A service of thanksgiving was held in the park beforehand, taken by Pastor Anthony Brown and with music from pupils of Aloeric School.
Organiser Miriam Zaccarelli said, “It was lovely to see so many people come along despite the change of location; everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and it was a very fitting way to celebrate the Queen’s birthday!
“Thanks to everyone who helped set up and organise the event – the councillors, volunteers and Assembly Hall team.”
Shaw held its own fete at the village hall and saw games, stalls, lunch and a dog show.
Organiser Michelle Tattersall said, “It was a lovely day and the event was fantastic. We were worried about the rain but we risked it and it paid off! It was a great day, loads of people turned up and enjoyed it very much.
“Highlights for me were the dog show, welly wanging, and having all the children together for lunch. Thank you to all our sponsors, stallholders, and to everyone who came!”
Friends of Seend School (FOSS) held a fayre in the Lye Field and pavilion, with lunch, games, and a Victoria sponge competition.
Organiser Victoria Bowes said, “Our children’s tea party was a sell-out and we had 120 of them come for lunch, then enjoy some welly wanging, ‘whack the corgi’, a tug of war, and much more!
“It turned out to be a delightful day and we all had a fantastic time. It was great to see so many villagers turn out, from the school and others we didn’t know. Thank you to all who came along!”
Other celebrations included a special royal birthday lunch at Aloeric School on Friday, and a tea party at Atworth Over 55s’ Club last month.
Queen Elizabeth turned 90 in April and had her official celebrations – Trooping the Colour – on Saturday 11th June.
Parties took place up and down the country and people joined in celebrations with the Queen, who is the world’s longest-reigning and oldest monarch.
