Worplesdon Lights Beacon To Mark Queen’s 90th Birthday

Published on: 22 Apr, 2016
Updated on: 24 Apr, 2016

Worplesdon played its part in the celebrations on Thursday (April 21) to mark the Queen’s 90th birthday with the lighting of a beacon from the tower of St Mary’s Church at Perry Hill.

The beacon was lit at the top of the tower of St Mary’s Church.

About 150 people attended the evening event and the beacon was lit by Surrey Deputy Lord Lieutenant David Hyper OBE, who climbed the steps to the top of the church tower.

About 150 people attended the celebration.

The event was organised by Worplesdon Parish Council and parish councillor Jan Messinger said: “Climbing the steps of the tower is no easy task, but David did it. During the evening Kenneth Thomson played many tunes on his bagpipes including Happy Birthday to Her Majesty.

“The White Lyon & Dragon provided excellent refreshments of chicken satay, mini fish and chis, beer, wine and soft drinks.”

Keith Dewey of photashoot.com was on hand and took the photos, some of which are are included here.

From left: the chairman of Worplesdon Parish Council, Dr Paul Cragg; piper Kenneth Thomson; and parish clerk Gaynor White.

Jan Messinger (centre) talks to Surrey Deputy Lieutenant, David Hyper.

Jan Messinger (centre) talks to Surrey Deputy Lord Lieutenant, David Hyper.

The lighted beacon on the church tower.

Responses to Worplesdon Lights Beacon To Mark Queen’s 90th Birthday

John Lomas Reply

April 22, 2016 at 10:58 pm

I believe Her Majesty had a direct connection to Worplesdon.

I seem to remember that on the occasion of her visit for the 700th anniversary celebrations of the Charter, she had lunch at the vicarage where she would have been entertained by a relative, a cousin I believe.

The Rev Hon ACV Elphinstone was the younger son of the 16th Lord Elphinstone and his wife Lady Mary Bowes-Lyon, a sister of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.
Norman Hamshere Reply

April 24, 2016 at 9:37 am

The Union Flag on the church tower is upside down.

Well noticed! Perhaps there was an emergency? And perhaps that is what the Deputy Lord Lieutenant is pointing out to the Rev Brothwell in another photo? Ed