Pupils enjoy right royal celebration
MEMBERS of a band had two reasons to celebrate as they marked the Queen’s 90th birthday and their 150th anniversary.
Water Band will be hosting a musical garden party on Sunday, June 12 at the home of Dawn and Ken Taylor, who open up their garden at Badger Corner to the public every year.
Founded in 1886, the band offers free tuition to anyone who wants to learn to play an instrument and funds itself through a series of concerts and other fundraising activities.
When they heard that the band were marking their 150th birthday, Dawn and her husband decided to add a musical theme to the event and to raise funds for the band.
Dawn said: “Last Christmas, they played carols outside the house and the sound was magical.
“When I heard that this year was their anniversary I thought it would be great to support the local band at our Garden Open Day and at the same time have a brass band in the gar- A RIGHT Royal party was held at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Bacup to celebrate Her Majesty’s 90th birthday.
Celebrations went on throughout school for the day and saw primary pupils playing games the Queen might have played as a child like beetle and marbles, learning about the life and reign of the monarch and using a fountain pen.
At lunch all of the school’s 147 children enjoyed a patriotic tea party in the hall with red, white and blue lunch boxes and specially decorated tables.
It was also non-uniform day with pupils able to pick which Royal they wanted to dress up as. ●● Members of Water Band’s Junior and Training Band at a practice session for the Garden Open Day den. It’s the sound of summer, and perfect for the Queen’s Birthday weekend.”
Water Band’s conductor Chris Pearce said: “The band members were delighted to be asked by Dawn and Ken.
“To perform outdoors on our own patch in the Whitewell Valley, is the ideal way to celebrate our big anniversary.
“The band have been practising special pieces including, of course, ‘The Floral Dance’.
Lexie Perry, seven, said: “We are celebrating the Queen’s birthday – she is 90. I don’t think I will get to 90. I like the Queen and I also like Princess Kate because she is nice and beautiful.
“We have been colouring on the top yard and also playing marbles.”
Headteacher Kathryn Bishop-Horsfield, who was dressed very regally with tiara and faux-fur wrap, said: “The children have had a wonderful day finding out about our Queen, since she has been on the throne and her life before.”
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“Dawn’s beautiful garden is a real surprise and is the perfect venue for a summer musical event.”
Dawn and her husband have been hosting open garden events over a number of years to raise funds for various different causes including the Heart of Lancashire Save a Life appeal.
The Garden Open Day, on Brockclough Road, near Whitewell Bottom Community Centre, will be held on Sunday, June 12 from 11am to 4pm with Water Band playing three sessions between 12noon and 2.30pm. An entry donation of £3 includes tea, coffee and biscuits, with home made cakes, cream teas, and plants from Dawn’s garden on sale as well.
ST Nicholas’ Church in Newchurch will be holding a festival for the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations, from Friday, June 10 to Tuesday, June 14. During the festival there will be an exhibition of wedding dresses through the decades and other items to help commemorate the Queen’s birthday.
Everyone is invited to the event and there is no charge for any of the events.
THE Church Hall of St Thomas Musbury Helmshore is hosting a celebration at 12.30pm on Sunday, June 12. There will be salmon and salad and strawberries and cream plus a birthday cake. ●● A right Royal tea party at St Mary’s in Bacup which was enjoyed by (inset) Kaidy Wilkinson and Layla Raby, both five