Wilmslow and Handforth party for Queen's 90th birthday

Undeterred by the awful weather local residents organised parties across Wilmslow and Handforth over the weekend in celebration of HM Queen Elizabeth's 90th birthday.

Rebecca Lee, along with a team of residents, organised a street party on Northward Road. Over 100 people joined them for the party, including 36 children who enjoyed a treasure hunt, wellie wanging, chalk drawing and lots of other activities.

Neighbours rallied round to prepare for the event, ensuring there enough tables and chairs and plenty of food, with everyone supplying something different.

Whilst the organisers got wet setting up and clearing away, fortunately the rain held off for the party.

Rebecca told wilmslow.co.uk "There are five houses who are too elderly to have joined us, so we took the cake to them and they were absolutely thrilled."

She added "It was a very successful day. Hugely stressful organising, but so delighted at everyone's enthusiasm and willingness to get stuck in help out. We have lived on Northward Road for 10 years and met people who we have never seen before."

Having received a £100 grant from Cheshire East Council, Madeline Clemens, her husband Nick and their friends in the local community pitched in to help organise a party to celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday. The party should have been held in Madeline's garden but due to the heavy rain they had to find an indoor venue at last minute.

Madeline explained "We put up the gazebos but the weather was so bad, we managed to get a venue at Carnival Fields Scout Hut at 9pm on the Friday evening, so our party could start at 3pm on the Saturday."

The Friends of the Parish also celebrated the official 90th birthday of Her Majesty the Queen in style. One hundred parishioners came to St. Bartholomew's Church not for a service, but for tea. The church had been decorated with red, white and blue balloons, and miles of bunting. Those who came were also dressed in red, white and blue.

Guests arrived to the National Anthem played by Berry Northen, which drew a spontaneous applause, and once seated they were given a glass of fizz.

Jonathan Meadmore, Chairman of The Friends of the Parish of Wilmslow, said "The scrumptious tea was organised by Maxine Stott and her wonderful team. The sandwiches of salmon and cucumber, egg and cress, coronation chicken and cream cheese and celery tasted magnificent and this was followed by trifle, lemon mouse or raspberry mouse. Then there were cakes of every description. Tea flowed in plenty and everyone had a great time.

"Entertainment was provided by Alistair King who presented a Punch and Judy Show especially for the occasion. It was a magnificent afternoon which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. Our thanks go to the Friends of the Parish and particularly to Maxine and her team for producing such a wonderful tea."

Ashdene Primary School held a special day of celebrations on Thursday, 9th June, when Year 6 pupils visited all of the younger classes in school to help every child build a kite.

Mr Phil Carpenter said "It was all systems go at 10.30am as we gathered on the KS2 playground to the background music of Mary Poppins' 'Let's Go Fly A Kite' with our Union Jack kites. The children were assembled into an outline of E II R before singing a full remediation of 'Let's Go Fly A Kite.'

"The fun didn't end there, however, as throughout the day, classes went on to the field to fly their kites before having an Ashdene family picnic on the field where children and staff enjoyed either a hot dog or 'hot fish' roll."

Local fundraising group, Healthy Hearts, and Wilmslow's British Heart Foundation joined forces to celebrate the Queen's birthday on Sunday, 12th June. After six years of holding its annual garden parties under canvass, the organisers admitted defeat in the face of the unpredictable British weather and retreated to the safer sanctuary of Chorley Village Hall.

After an initial glass of sparkling wine the 50 participants enjoyed a 'heart healthy' cream tea of scones, strawberries, clotted cream, and cakes. Entertainment was provided by a quiz on Elizabeth II and a word puzzle on the letters A-G-E followed by a raffle with over twenty prizes.

In her closing remarks, Joan Cracknell, BHF Branch Chairman, thanked everyone who had helped, including Cheshire East Council for its Queen's birthday grant that had covered the hire of the hall, and announced that the event had raised £450 for the British Heart Foundation.

Residents and students at David Lewis held an afternoon tea party on Friday, 10th June, to join with the national celebrations.

Michelle Hinselwood said "It was a brilliant event with a real street party feel. There was a fantastic effort of cakes and crowns by all who attended. We were delighted to be participating in the magnificent celebrations seen up and down the country."

The great British summertime weather didn't prevent the folks of Handforth coming out and celebrating the Queens 90th Birthday in Stanley Hall Park. Despite frequent downpours, visitors enjoyed afternoon tea, fairground rides, face painting, bouncy castle and a visit from our Queen for the Day and her Ladies in Waiting who arrived in style on a float of flowers provided by Shenton's Farm.

Janet Taylor said "The 'Queen' officially opened the event and the newly installed picnic area before entertainment was provided by the Oakmere Singers and Dance Addicts, a great time was had by all and FoSHP would like to thank everyone for their support."

The Mobility Access Group (MAG) held a late celebration of the Queen's 90th Birthday on Monday, 13th June, in order not to clash with other functions occurring in and around the Handforth area over the weekend. Throughout the day around sixty people attended the event held in Oakmere, Handforth, including Cheshire East Ward Councillors, Handforth Parish Councillors, local vicar's, church representatives and local residents.

Beryl Chapman said "The event was a resounding success, with a buffet, entertainment provided by the U3A Dancing Group and featuring singer Geoff Stax, who wooed the audience with his wonderful voice. A huge thank you to all the volunteers and funders."

Handforth photos are courtesy of Martin Vincent.