Coronation Celebrations Reflections

God save the King

The Parish Council’s Coronation celebrations kicked off on a very wet and blustery 6th May. Despite the appalling weather hundreds of villagers, families and friends arrived in wellies and set up gazebos to enjoy the street food, bar, barn dance and band.

The food vans did a great job catering for hungry dancers, many thanks to Bhunnys BBQ for the hog roast, chicken and sausages, and Bao Buns for the delicious food. Once more the bar was run by Neil and Julie, and their fantastic team from the Village Club.

At 5.30pm Moves Afoot called young and old (and those in-between) to the first dance and we were joined by special guest, Claire Coutinho, our East Surrey MP, for lots of dosido-ing. It was an absolute joy to see how many families brought their young children and how much they enjoyed it. They were followed by Danny Mann’s band, Parallel Sky, who played the Jubilee Big Picnic last year, and they got everyone back on the dance floor for the remainder of the evening.

An amazing team of volunteers litter picked the Glebe on Sunday morning, and the sun came out for the Big Picnic at 12.30pm. Villagers set up gazebos and tables with picnics for friends, family and four-legged friends, whilst Croydon Brass Band played a variety of medley’s, including a fabulous rendition of a Lady Gaga song.

The Coronation events couldn’t have happened without the incredible volunteers and special thanks must go to Deborah Sherry, Chair of the Parish Council, for taking on the immense task of securing all the entertainment and refreshments, and the Glebe Trustees for hosting the celebrations. Thanks also go to Parish Councillor’s Peter Holbrook, Peter Hutchinson, and Alex Foulds, Karen Newman (Parish Clerk), Janine Battersby and Chris Higson, Sarah, Danny & Amy who all worked tirelessly across the weekend.

Carole North, Vice Chair,
Woldingham Parish Council