Celebrations for the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla brought out the very best across the Nation, the Commonwealth, and of course across the Constituency, as we came together to mark this historic and memorable occasion.
The response to the call for bunting flags to decorate the window s of my office was overwhelming, with almost 1,000 amazing designs received. A large selection went on display in the Constituency office windows and in my office in Parliament for all to see.
A huge thanks to everyone who has participated, and especially to our local schools and nurseries.
My weekend started with visits to Ryders Hayes School and Rushall Primary School to join in their Coronation Assemblies on Friday morning. It was a wonderful start to the Celebrations of the weekend.
With a big emphasis on communities, volunteering, and encouraging people to come together for the Coronation Celebrations it was a pleasure to then be able to join a very special ‘Thank You’ event organised by Jan Davies at Pelsall Village Centre, whilst enjoying a wonderful Sprinkles Tearoom afternoon tea!
On the eve of the Coronation, which is a deeply religious ceremony, St Michael and All Angels Church in Pelsall led an Ecumenical Vigil Service, together with Pelsall Methodist Church. For me this set the scene for the Coronation of King Charles III.
As the world watched as King Charles III was crowned at Westminster Abbey I joined Rev Nancy Ndoho and others at Aldridge Methodist Church to watch the Coronation Ceremony. It was a wonderful way to come together with the Nation for this truly historic and memorable occasion.
My Coronation weekend was then an action packed few days of attending community events, events with friends and family – My Coronation Memories.
On Saturday afternoon I was able to call in to the Friends of Streetly Library at the Streetly Library Fun Day, before heading to St Thomas Church in Aldridge, and then The Boathouse in Rushall, all of whom had organised Coronation activities, before ending the day lighting the Beacon in Aldridge.
Many will remember how volunteers from Aldridge Shed, and Aldridge Rotary, together with support from local businesses and individuals created a Beacon to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee. The Aldridge Shed and Manor Farm Community Association Electronics Club then transformed the Beacon for the Coronation of HM King Charles III, and it now stands proudly back at the top of the High Street.
Joined by Town Crier Stephen Green, Tim Bickley on the Trumpet, and members of 425 Aldridge Squadron RAF Cadets who provided the Guard of Honour, it was an honour to be invited to light the beacon once again.
As always, special thanks to all who supported the event and to those who were involved in the organisation including Rotary, North Aldridge Neighbourhood Watch, Street Watch, Russell Smith and Jewellery & Gifts Aldridge. And a big thank you to Aldridge Social Club too.
Sunday’s weather was very much on our side. With the sun shining and a big focus on communities and neighbourliness it was a pleasure to drop by many more events.
From Blackwood Pavilion and Park in Streetly to St Michael & All Angels Church, Pelsall, Whitehorse Road, Stewart Road and Ryders Hayes Lane – Street Parties to Tea Parties, Picnics to Garden Parties, and lots of games and activities, it was a wonderful day and one in which I caught up with many of you.
On Sunday evening like so many people I watched the Coronation Concert together with friends as we sang along and felt part of this spectacular event, as all eyes were on Windsor Castle.
As the Coronation Celebrations continued on Monday with a focus on The Big Help Out to encourage volunteering in communities it was lovely to meet up with some of our own local organisations who do so much to support our communities, and to do my bit, alongside Cllr Amanda Parkes, joining the St Thomas Church litter pick.
My day started by having breakfast with the Aldridge British Legion branch ( great bacon bap – thank you ) followed by calling in to the funday at St James’ Church, Brownhills, a Coronation funday in Catshill and catching up with volunteers at The THOMAS Project in Aldridge. The day was rounded off with a cream tea at Christ the King Church, Rushall.
We are very fortunate to have many organisations and many volunteers who support our local communities in many ways, and on a personal level I was so pleased and honoured to be able to join in the Big Help Out as we continued our Coronation Celebrations. Thank You.
Many of us have never seen a Coronation before. This weekend was truly historic and memorable. Each of us will have our own memories and reflections. We have truly lived a moment in history, and we owe a huge debt of gratitude and thanks to all those involved.
God Save the King!
