Report and Pictures Paul Jackson
UMBRELLAS were the order of the day at the start of Grappenhall Walking Day as Reverend Jane Proudfoot from St. Wilfrids Church was on hand to conduct the service – and to ask for better weather.
This year’s Rose Queen Gabrielle Groves, and Rose Bud Natalie Finegan were joined by their predecessors, Izzy Collins and Mia Gilby at the village hall to prepare for the day.
Also joining them was their retinue of attendants Katie Lowe, Lucia Marshall, Tilly Trimble, Lilly Weall, Annie Axon Hazel, Imogen Fitzpatrick, Emily Davis, Claudia Rudkin, Rose Derbyshire and Crown bearer Brian Swindell.
As Rev. Proudfoot led a rousing rendition of “all things bright and beautiful” it seemed that the prayers had been answered, the rain stopped, sunglasses replaced brollies and the procession through the village streets got off to a bright and sunny start.
The Queens and their attendants were joined on the walk by the Dobcross Youth Band, Church members, The Scouts, Cubs, Beavers, Grappenhall Rainbows, Grappenhall pre school, St. Wilfred’s School, and many local residents. Local people came out to show their support for the walkers. After parading through the village it was back to the school field for the crowning of the new Queen and Rosebud.
Once the formalities were complete it was time for some good old fashioned family fun and well-earned refreshments. With tombolas, a coconut shy, hook a duck, cake sales, BBQ, beer tent, face painting, a demolition zone, The great Grappenhall bakeoff Dragon Martial Arts, School choir, dance stars, budding gymnasts and many more stalls, activities and entertainments there really was something for everyone and the sunshine was a Godsend!
Rose Bud Natalie Finegan with attendants Imogen Fitzpatrick, Emily Davis, Claudia Rudkin, Rose Derbyshire PICTURE PAUL JACKSON
Rose Queen 2016 Gabrielle Groves with attendants Katie Lowe, Lucia Marshall, Tilly Trimble, Lilly Weall, Annie Axon Hazel and Crown bearer Brian Swindell PICTURE PAUL JACKSON
Selfie time for the new Grappenhall Rose Queen – Picture Paul Jackson
Grappenhall Rainbows enjoying the walk PICTURE PAUL JACKSON
Crowning glory PICTURE PAUL JACKSON
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