Royal celebrations in North Hampshire

Parties are in full swing in Kingsclere, Burghclere and Ashford Hill

LOVE was in the air across North Hampshire today.

After taking part in a pretend marriage ceremony at Kingsclere Primary School yesterday (Thursday), six-year-olds, Abbie Mills and Liam Osborne were among those who arrived at the village's Fieldgate Centre at 10am today (Friday) in a red, white and blue tuc tuc, before cutting a ribbon to officially declare the royal wedding celebrations open.

“It was really exciting for them - Liam was quite nervous,” said his mother, Mandy Osborne, while Liam admitted he had eaten his Haribo ring from the day before, which had been used as his ‘wedding ring' and said he most definitely would never marry: “It's football only for me,” he said.

The centre was crammed with about 200 people, including Barry Porton, who said: “Hopefully the kids will enjoy and remember it, being in a group.”

Recalling her own royal connections, was grandmother Pauline Tilley, who used to live at Highgrove.

“My husband, Michael Tilley, used to be the farm manager, but has retired now,” said Mrs Tilley.

Bridget Lawrence joined forces with friends and their children to watch the centre's big screen television.

“There are lots of events for children and a big tea party. We are very excited,” said Miss Lawrence.

Alan Hambidge, chairman of the charity which runs the centre, the Kingsclere Community Association, thanked committee members and the ‘army' of sandwich and cake makers.

“This is the best team of ‘doers' I've ever come across,” he said.

Down the road, in Ashford Hill, a life size cardboard cut-out of Prince William and Princess Catherine greeted guests arriving at the door of a community party inside St Paul's church, where villagers' contributons created a huge party spread.

David Chamings, of Headley, said they were “absolutely amazed and delighted” with the turn-out. “It shows Ashford Hill, with Headley, is alive with community spirit,” he said, also commenting on the generosity of those who had contributed food. “There's enough here to probably feed Kingsclere as well!” he added.

The party for Burghclere villagers started at 10.30am with a bacon butty, or tea and cake at the Carpenter's Arms, followed by a 12.30pm barrel race along the road from the pub to Burghclere Sports Club, followed by tractors to slow down traffic.

“It's a good turn out,” said landlady, Christine Chipperfield, while villager Madeleine Hogan said she and her children Helen, aged 13, and Willie, aged nine, were having a lovely time.

The fun in Burghclere continued between the pub and club, with rounders, a children's fancy dress procession, three-legged race, barbecue, and from 6pm onwards a wheel barrow race, tug-o-war, team prize giving, karaoke and disco.