Queen's 90th Birthday: Hodnet family fun day celebrates big day

Villagers in Hodnet in north Shropshire held a summer fete at the recreation ground, using the Queen's 90th birthday celebrations as an excuse for a party.

The weather proved kind ,with the rain that put a dampener on many weekend festivities holding off for much of Saturday afternoon. Those who took part said such an event was something that Hodnet had been lacking.

Many of the local organisations and groups joined forces to organise the event, from manning a stall to providing music or refreshments.

The area's 999 services joined in. Local police officers held an exhibition at the recreation ground while the village fire station was open throughout the afternoon. A crew from RAF Shawbury flew a helicopter into Hodnet to allow visitors to climb up into the cockpit and pretend to take the controls.

One of the organisations involved was the 1st Hodnet Guides, with members running a teddy bear stall to help raise funds.

Members of the Women's Institute were busy baking for a cake stall, while a local young musician took along members of the group she belongs to, Percussion Unlimited, to provide the entertainment.

There was also a vintage vehicle show and the local gardening club held a produce show.

One of the volunteer organisers, Vicki Cadwell, said it had been a great success.

"I wouldn't like to guess at how many people came along but the field was busy all afternoon and we were very lucky with the weather.

"It was felt that the village really needed an event like this to bring people together.

"The village organisations all did their bit and we are very grateful to everyone who helped out."