On the day when Her Majesty the Queen celebrates her 90th Birthday the people of Sleaford gathered at their parish church, St Denys, to offer their thanks for her long and illustrious life.
As part of the celebration of the Queen’s life a project was started some months ago to produce an illustrated book of loyal greetings from individuals and groups from the diverse population of Sleaford to send as a gift to Her Majesty. As a prominent and successful local group, 2160 Sleaford Squadron was invited to participate, an offer they were quick to respond to.
So on Thursday the 21st April Cadet Flight Sergeant Matt Meikle and Wing Commander Steve Hullott (Retd) attended the service of thanksgiving to represent 2160. In addition to the book itself the organisers had created display boards of all the entries within it. These were prominently displayed throughout the church.
The event itself attracted a large congregation including the local MP Mr Stephen Philips QC, The Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire Toby Dennis Esq, Councillors from North Kesteven District Council and the Mayor of Sleaford Cllr Garry Titmus.
Following the singing of National Anthem, and less formally singing ‘Happy Birthday’ the congregation toasted the queen’s health. Formal proceedings now concluded people began to view the various displays whilst enjoying a locally produced birthday cake with tea and coffee.
Cadet Flight Sergeant Meikle said:- “It was really great to see such a diverse collection of stories and photographs from the people of Sleaford and to meet some of the amazing people represented by them. As the Padre commented, for most of the people present the Queen is the only monarch they have known, it really brought it home how long she has reigned.”