ORLETON PARISH – CORONATION SPECIAL
The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla was a moment of special pride for the nation and no more so than in Orleton which celebrated the occasion with a series of magnificent community events.
The organisation coordinating all these activities was the Coronation Committee, chaired by Cllr Barry Rogers, ably supported by Marj Pritchard and Cllr Brian Powell.
The weekend began with the Coronation Concert at St George’s Church which had been magnificently prepared for the occasion by Anna Read and the flower ladies.
The Orleton Community Choir, led by John Berry and singing music from the four nations of the UK (selected by John and Liz McKay), provided an excellent contrast with the jaunty numbers sung by the Little Hereford Singers, while Sam Jenkins raised the roof with a medley of numbers – some delivered in Welsh! Especial thanks were expressed for the work of accompanist Sylvia Treacy and to Mark Simmons, who played two solo organ works by Elgar. Thanks are also due to Paul Burnham for his work in bringing the Little Hereford Singers to the event and to the Rev Matthew Burns for introducing and linking the performances. The refreshments provided by Ann and Alf Jenkins, Chris Norman and Chris Berry were greatly appreciated by all and the very successful fundraising raffle organised by Monika Morgan and Shirley Matthews raised much needed funds for the church.
On the Sunday, the Coronation Lunch provided a wonderful opportunity for the community to share their impressions of the Saturday’s events with their friends and neighbours. Nobody who attended the lunch could feel anything but admiration for the work of the volunteers who produced an excellent meal (with plenty of second helpings) and with great panache! Especial gratitude was expressed by the community for the work of Marj Pritchard, Angie and Billy Friswell, Glenys and Joe Apperley, Adrian and Jane Beaumont, and Charlotte and Sue Rogers, by Pauline Betteridge who spoke for all those who had attended the lunch. Our thanks to the Village Hall Committee who facilitated the event.
On Sunday evening the church bells were rung and a service of celebration held at St George’s Church featuring hymns chosen by the community and recollections of coronations past were provided by Ann and Alf Jenkins. Our thanks also to Sallie Peacock for playing the organ and to the Rev Sian Harris for conducting the service and organising this event with the Church Warden, Chris Norman.
The weekend culminated on Monday with two events: the unveiling of a plaque by Di Sparey on the recreation ground – and our thanks also go to Andrew Cadwallader of ORA who worked to identify a suitable location on the recreation ground. The second event was the Childrens Funday which, despite the rain, was an enormous success within the village hall. Thanks go to John Berry, Liz McKay, Charlotte and Sue Rogers, Emily Yoon, Kaye, Gail and Ella Harrison, George Rogers, Brian Powell and Marj Pritchard for their hard work in delivering a day of fun and happy memories for the children and for the Coffee Morning staff, Sarah, Janine, Mel, Lindy, Sue, Nicky, Marjan, Eileen, Cathy and Phil for providing the refreshments.
The three days of events were partially made possible by a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund obtained through the parish council. Thank you to Cllr Rogers for making that grant application on behalf of the committee. Private donations and contributions were also received as well as items for raffle. This was greatly valued and of much help towards making the events a success and raising money. Thank you to ORA and the Village Hall Committee for their provision of grounds and facilities.
What we can all draw from these events are memories that will endure. Orleton produced one of the most accomplished and enjoyable four days of events to celebrate this remarkable Coronation.
Thank you to everyone who made it such a success.
Long Live the King – and the Queen!
David Lane
Chairman Orleton Parish Council
