It’s a picnic, and everyone – yes, everyone – is invited to join in
THE people of Reading have been invited to a party to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, writes James Hastings.
The free event, on Sunday, June 5, will be held at Christchurch Meadows and will include a service of celebration and a picnic.
The Bishop of Reading will join leaders from different churches in the town with music led by the Salvation Army.
The Revd Andy Storch from St John’s Church in Caversham is co-ordinating the event, and said it was open to everyone.
“We know many people will be organising a street party for the Platinum Jubilee but there will be some who don’t have anything planned,” he explained.
“So we say to anyone who wishes to come to the Meadows that you are more than welcome.
“There will be a marquee in case of rain and toilet facilities but no food available so please bring a picnic and a bottle and enjoy a day of celebration.”
The Diocese of Oxford has provided a grant of £2,500 to help pay for the party with the service starting at 2.30pm on the Meadows.
Mr Storch thanked the diocese adding the Queen’s Platinum
Jubilee was a “special and unique occasion.”
“We want to celebrate the Queen,” he said. “How often have we sang God Save the Queen, and God has, so that is something to celebrate. She is someone who has been anointed by God as monarch and she has lived a remarkable life of service and duty.
“Reading is a cosmopolitan town and one way we will mark this is everyone will be invited to recite the Lord’s Prayer simultaneously in any language or dialect they wish.”