A large gathering of members of the Parish Community gathered on the Church Green on Saturday 4th June to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of her Majesty the Queen. The event organised by Christine Abrams and members of the church community was a great success, a very happy “Christleton Occasion” when everyone celebrated the wonderful reign for over 70years of Her Majesty the Queen. There was a great buzz all through the afternoon with many families and friends together for the first time since the pandemic. Entertainment was provided by Bob Jones our Church Organist on the keyboards and Richard Keech on the clarinet. A wonderful array of food was displayed for the party tea, and copious amounts of Pimms, a tasty fruit filled punch and other drinks were consumed. There was a face painting table and other attractions provided for children, but the whole occasion was a gentle reminder of other Jubilees that have taken place in the village over the years. The spirit of the afternoon was rather dampened by a sharp shower of rain and the proposed Jubilee Service had to be moved indoors, into St James’ Church. The short service was lead by the Rector, Rev. Dr. Stefan Collier and the address given by Rev. Rob. Croft. The organist was Bob Jones.

Christleton has a great tradition of celebrations, with Grand Fetes, Fairs and Bazzars started by the Rector, Canon Lionel Garnett in the 1870’s.

The first, in August 1875, was under the patronage of His Grace the Duke of Westminster K.G and the Mayor of Chester. Music was provided by the 30th Regimental Band and amusements included Punchinello, Magical, Musical and Ventriloquial wonders, and Balloon Ascents took place during the afternoon!!

Another event in 1878 promised Dancing on the Village Green and a firework display, and another featured the Band of the First Royal Cheshire Militia with a full programme of Athletic Sports and other activities.

Among the Royal Festivities held in Christleton that I have programmes for are;
The Coronation of King Edward VII on June 26th 1902
The Coronation of Their Majesties, King George V & Queen Mary
The Silver Jubilee of King George V & Queen Mary May 6th 1935
*The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on 2nd June 1953

Coronation Day June 2nd 1953
Although few photographs exist of the Coronation Service in 1953, the list of events organised in the Parish makes impressive reading.

Programme of Events
Sunday May 31st. Special services held in Church and Chapel
2.30 United Service and Pageant. This open air service was held on the Church Green Monday 1st June. Roman Catholic Service of Solemn High Mass held at 8.00pm at the Salvatorian College Christleton Coronation Day Tuesday 2nd June
8.00am Peal of Bells from St James Church
10.30am Television Show at The Women’s Institute for people over 65 years
2.00pm Peal of Bells from the Church Tower
2.15pm Muster of Children. (Scouts, Girl’s Friendly Society, etc) at Phoenix Park Procession to The Grange.
2.30pm Arrival of Procession & Divine Service at The Grange
2.55pm. Reading of Loyal address sent to Her Majesty Followed by Chairman’s Address
3.05pm Presentation by the Chairman to the Rector, The Rev. A A Guest Williams of the official record of the Beating and Perambulation of the Bounds.
3.10pm. Presentation of Souvenir Beakers and Sweets to the Children
3.20pm Children’s Sports and Opening of Sideshows.
4.45pm Distribution of Free Packed Teas, Ice Cream and lemonade to the children.
5.00pm Adult Sports
7.00pm Donations of Prizes for Sports & Competitions.
7.15pm Whist Drive in the Women’s Institute.
7.30pm Distribution of Buns and Milk to the children.
8.30pm Open Air Dancing at Phoenix Park to the music of Peggy Dawson & her Boys
9.15pm Torchlight Procession from the Men’s Institute to Windmill Hill
9.30pm Bonfire and Firework Display at Windmill Hill followed by Discharge of National Scout Chain Rocket at 10.00pm
10.00 Continuation of Open air Dancing at Phoenix Park to the Music of Peggy Dawson and her Boys.
12.00 (midnight) THE QUEEN

Saturday June 20th 1953
6.30pm Coronation Film Show at Women’s Institute for people over 65yrs. Refreshments.

Running Buffet _ Help yourself from 4-30pm
Tickets at the reduced charge of 1 shilling obtainable from the Area Collector. Otherwise 2/6d
Licensed Bar open from 3.00pm
Ice Cream & Minerals available from 3.15pm
Free Pony Rides for children throughout the afternoon.
Late transport will be provided to Littleton, Cotton Edmunds, Cotton Abbotts, Plough Lane and Rowton. Departing from Phoenix Park at Midnight.