Cupcakes and celebrations for Queen’s 90th party

Sunshine, scones, and even a saxophone were the order of the day for the Garstang tea party held in celebration of the Queen’s 90th birthday.

Scores of local people turned out for the party, hosted by staff from Vincents Solicitors who provided cakes galore, with a little help from the Garstang WI.

Among the 60 or so guests were Vincents clients and members of the wider community who popped in for a cuppa and a chat. The event was organised by Lisa Lodge, head of Vincents’ Garstang office, as part of the firm’s drive to do more in the community, in particular the problem of loneliness among older people.

She said: “It was a really fantastic day, we were so pleased that so many people came along to join us and celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday. Many of the guests were Vincents clients and it was lovely to sit and have a chat and get to know them better. I think we made some new friends too as there were lots of people who were passing by and just dropped in when they saw the bunting and heard the music.

“I really can’t thank the team enough for the fantastic spread they put on, and for the cakes and scones provided by the ladies of the Garstang Cherestanc WI. We were also lucky enough to be entertained by a professional saxophonist John Gilmore, had a visit from the Town Cryer, so we all wished the Queen happy birthday in style.

“There was a very relaxed atmosphere and it was good to see people having a good time. We’d like to do this again later in the summer and also a Christmas party, and there seemed to be a lot of interest from guests who said they appreciated the chance to get out and meet some new people.”

Among the guests were Jack Lacey, 93, and his neighbor Daisy Horn. The pair were joined at their table by Derek Smethurst, all have been resident of the town for around 20 years. Derek said: “I’ve had a lovely time, it would be very nice to do this again some time.”

Jack, whose father worked on the Abbeystead Estate which the Queen is said to have visited privately a number of times, said: “I was very pleased to have been invited and I wanted to mark the occasion of the Queen’s Birthday. I have been a client of Vincents for around 20 years and have always found them very helpful and friendly, and Lisa is a really lovely person to deal with.”

And Daisy said: “We’re having a lovely time so far, the cakes are very nice. It’s good to have an opportunity to celebrate the Queen’s birthday and we will be watching the events on the television. I would like to think there might be a street party in Garstang sometime over the summer, that would be lots of fun.” With the tea pots washed and the crumbs brushed away, Lisa is already making plans for the next event. She added: “It’s important in today’s fast-paced world to stop and make time for other people. Loneliness and isolation are increasing within our society but growing old doesn’t mean having to be alone. We hope we can play a small part in helping bring people together to have some fun and make them feel that little bit more connected.”