FAMILIES and neighbours from Kingswood near Wotton turned out in force to celebrate the coronation of King Charles.
The picnic and family event was held at Kingswood village playing field on Sunday, May 7.
There was live music, a BBQ run by Wotton Rugby Club, a bar, teas and cakes, and various children's activities, including a fancy dress parade, all organised by the Kingswood Village Association.
Live music was provided by The Rosellys and Paul Clarky Clarke, meanwhile children’s entertainer Jon Hughes provided a fun mix of Punch & Judy and a magic show.
A week before the event volunteers from the local WI put dozens of yarn decorations up around the playing field.
Sally Harries, chair of Kingswood Village Association, said: “Families came out in force, some with many generations, some with their dogs to enjoy what was on offer, or just to sit and listen to the music.
“The weather played its part to the relief of the organisers, with sunshine all afternoon.
“On the day Rev’d Canon David Russell conducted a short dedication service to honour our New King.
“Making full use of the playing fields, the sporting activities were provided by the cricket club, football club and tubbs Turf tennis, with many local children taking the opportunity to try out a new sport for the first time.
“Our thanks also go to the Kingswood School Association, Playgroup and Messy Church who provided fun activities throughout the day and The Keepers who came along to promote the support they are bringing to Kingswood Village in the very near future.
“One of the highlights of the afternoon had to be the children’s fancy dress parade, and the crowning of the King and Queen of Kingswood.
“We were delighted that a true veteran of Kingswood, Rita Pollard aged 91 chose the winners – Toby Palmer aged 7 and Rosie Heeley aged 7, who as the new local celebrities have agreed to open the Kingswood village show day on September 2.
“Rita can remember not only the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II but showed the children a photograph of herself aged 5 and a half on 12 May, 1937 when she was in a parade for the Coronation of King George VI – in Kingswood!
"History really did repeat itself.”
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