UNION jacks will be flying and tea flowing when communities across Stratford come together to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday this summer – thanks to £10,000 in grants from Stratford Town Trust.
Charities, schools, organisations, clubs and neighbours around town were invited to apply for a grant of up to £400 to host a street or tea party for at least 20 people. In total £10,680 has been allocated to support 34 events.
Successful applicants included the Jubilee Club, which will hold the first event at Bishopton Community Centre in April.
Alveston Villagers Association will stage a party on The Green, with the residents of Bordon Place will host a party complete with live band.
There will also be a party on The Green in Tiddington, while in Shottery, grants have been given to residents in Tavern Lane and Pine Close. Shottery U3A will stage a party at the Methodist Community Centre, and St Andrew’s Church will host a Queen’s birthday lunch, following a church service.
Other parties aim to strengthen new communities – such as in The Avenue and Kipling Road.
Charities benefiting include Heart of England Mencap to support a party at Stratford Cricket Club, the Shakespeare Hospice for royal celebrations, Springfield Mind, and Escape Arts for a vintage tea at The Old Slaughterhouse, complete with royal hobby horse.
On Rowley Fields, the Friends of Rowley Fields will hold a ‘bring your own picnic’ party with a fairground organ and marquee.
And preparations are already well-underway in Albany Road and Wellesbourne Grove, with a newly formed group making bunting ahead of their event at Lifeways.
Claire Bowry, grants manager at Stratford Town Trust, said: “We were so impressed by applications we received, showing what a fantastic community spirit Stratford has.
“These celebrations will be a wonderful opportunity to mark the Queen’s 90th birthday, but also to strengthen that important sense of community, really bringing people together.”
The Queen’s 90th birthday will be officially marked across the world between June 10 and 12. Parties supported by Stratford Town Trust run between April and the end of June.
Stratford Town Trust is a grant-giving charity, awarding more than £1million each year to support the community, helping those in need and enriching the lives of people in Stratford.
