Wonderful day had by all at Thelwall Rose Queen

report and pictures by Paul Jackson

THANKFULLY some dry and warm weather greeted the day for this year’s Thelwall Rose Queen festival.

The floats began arriving at the Parish field accompanied by excited and busy participants, helpers, drivers and officials from the Parish Hall committee who were on hand to ensure a safe and successful parade.

The theme of this year’s parade was the letter T and there were some very imaginative ideas from the various groups designing and decorating their entries. From Tarzan to Timelords, a whole host of colourful and exciting contestants for float of the year.

This year’s Rose Queen was Erin Broadhurst who is 11 years old and attends Thelwall junior school , who was joianed by last year’s Rose Queen, Jennifer Tipping. The Queens looked resplendent on their thrones surrounded by their attendants, soldiers and crown bearers.

The procession, which travelled through the crowd lined village streets, was led off by the rousing strains of the Bolton Caledonia Pipe Band. People gathered at the Pickering Arms, the Little Manor and set up impromptu garden and street parties to celebrate the day and there was a wonderful party atmosphere throughout Thelwall. Local resident Karen Stilling set up a lovely Teddy bears picnic scene in her garden which she hopes will inspire friends and neighbours to do likewise. Along the route the Thelwall Morris men made regular stops to entertain the crowds with their historic and energetic dancing.

The parade made its way back to the Parish field where stalls , entertainments, refreshments and a fun fair were waiting.

On the main stage the Rose Queen and her entourage were welcomed by the Reverend Douglas Black who also gave thanks for the clement weather. After taking her place on the throne, Erin was crowned Rose Queen 2016 by Mrs. Janet Fowles.

Next into the parade ground came all the float competitors and the results were announced giving 3rd place to the 2nd Thelwall Rainbows with their Time and space themed float. In 2nd. came Thelwall Pre School with their Tarzan inspired entry. And taking the title of Float of the year 2016 were a very excited and happy Thelwall Infant school who designed and built their float using a theme of Toys.

After all the official proceedings were complete it was time for fun and entertainment for the hundreds of people at the festival. On offer were donkey rides, coconut shys, tombolas, competitions, inflatables, candy flos, and cakes. To entertain the crowd there was dancing from the Thelwall Morris Men and the Rosabeth Royals, a fun dog show, extreme mountain biking displays and Thelwall Juniors with their street dance.

All in all a wonderful day was had by all.