Melton borough celebrates The Queen's 90th birthday

Baden Powell badge recipient Jess Seddon, of the 4th Melton Guides unit, and Mayor of Melton Jeanne Douglas celebrate their beacon lighting EMN-160422-111947001

About 70 people, including Age UK service users and those who use Gloucester House on a daily basis, had a great time at the party as they waved their flags and were entertained by singer Kerry Jean, of Syston, who raised everyone’s spirits by singing songs from around the time The Queen took to the throne.

The entertainment, buffet and two birthday cakes, which were cut by 90-year-old Barbara Tite, were kindly paid for by Jenny Barnes, of Richard Barnes Funeral Directors, which had also displayed a big picture of the Queen in the window of their Wilton Road premises.

Another local business, The Flower Basin on Burton Street, also celebrated The Queen’s 90th birthday with a special window display. It included a birthday banner featuring a picture of The Queen, bunting and they even loaned a real Busby hat to mark the occasion.

Cutting one of the cakes is 90-year-old Barbara Tite. Next to her is Kerry Jean, of Syston, who sang and provided entertainment at the party. On the back row, from left, are carer/driver Ingrid Horton, day care organiser Pam Wright holding tiny Evie-Rose Moss, Jenny Barnes, day care organiser Angie Perduno, who is holding her grandson William Frier, and Marie Perduno EMN-160421-171613001

Large crowds gathered at Melton Country Park yesterday where a range of royal-themed children’s activities took place before the lighting of two beacons last night to celebrate The Queen’s 90th birthday. They were lit by the Mayor of Melton Jeanne Douglas and the 4th Melton Guides.

Elsewhere in the borough beacon lighting ceremonies also drew crowds in Twyford and Bottesford.

And in Waltham last night the bell ringers at the church rang “Queens” - a sequence said to be a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I - in celebration of The Queen’s 90th birthday.