As the nation prepares to celebrate the 90th birthday of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, so does the Ancient Town of Winchelsea. However, questions are being asked about what has been planned to date.
For the day of the Queen’s birthday, Winchelsea Corporation have planned a thanksgiving service, followed by “drinks and crisps” at the New Hall and then a procession across the fields, following a bagpiper, to watch the unelected mayor light the Winchelsea beacon.
Meanwhile, Icklesham Parish Council have voted in favour of a proposal by Cllr Stanford to plant 90 daffodil bulbs at the entrance to each of the four villages in the parish.
Some in the Ancient Town feel underwhelmed or embarrassed. One resident commented, “90 years and all they be bothered to get up is a drink and crisps party. It’s a pretty tawdry effort.” Someone else bemoaned “Another dismal event organised by an anonymous committee of the self-appointed great and good. Why couldn’t we build on the excellent Jubilee celebrations in 2012?”
There was also bemusement about the appearance yet again at a civic event of a bagpiper. “Why a Scottish bagpiper in deepest Sussex? It makes one very sympathetic to politically correct complaints about cultural appropriation.”
There were also some choice comments about the parish council’s daffodils. “Winchelsea is awash with the bloody things. No one will notice another 90.” “Another gratuitous waste of public money.” And “the bulbs won’t flower until next year, so they’ll actually be celebrating the Queen’s 91st birthday! Icklesham Parish Council strikes again.”
But not all residents were so critical. One suggested that the Corporation and Council were trying their best.
Photo montage: Richard Commotto