Residents of villages around the district pulled out all the stops to provide food, drink, entertainment and a chance to get together to celebrate the crowning of King Charles III.
In Hook Norton hundreds turned out to enjoy food together in the High Street which was closed off to traffic for the celebrations. Villagers enjoyed music of all kinds, from the Hooky choir outside St Peter’s Church to the Hook Norton Brass Band and talented bands who entertained through the afternoon.
There were fancy dress competitions, make yourself a crown, biscuit icing and quizzes. The Sun Inn prepared and handed out 320 free picnic boxes.
The event included a visit by the Hook Norton Brewery dray, a traction engine, a dog show and other entertainments.
Labrador Poppy won first prize in the fancy dress catagory at Hook Norton dog show during the village celebrations. Dressed in a regal crown and robe she was shown in the ring by Emily and Henry Benton. The dog show was held in honour of Hooky teenager Oscar Hawthorne, a huge lover of dogs, who recently lost his life to cancer.
The street party was funded by the parish council.
Meanwhile in Adderbury, visitors to the Party in the Park made the most of one of the warmest days so far this year. Patients and staff at Katharine House Hospice enjoyed the Coronation celebrations with a tea party, including delicious homemade sandwiches, cakes and scones - all topped off with some Buck’s Fizz.
A KHH stall at the Party in the Park shared news about the hospice and the benefits of volunteering and signed entrants up for the forthcoming fundraiser, the Moonlight Walk on May 20.
In Middleton Cheney children enjoyed a Coronation trail and villagers admired special brightly coloured knitted and crochet decorations on their church, the post box and lamp posts – all with a Royal theme.
In Bloxham the residents of Chipperfield Park Road held a street party complete with delicious dishes, tasty sandwiches and cakes with bunting all around.
Today (Monday) villagers in North Newington were treated to a wonderful afternoon tea to celebrate the Coronation, in a specially decorated marquee. Around 100 residents enjoyed a sparkling toast along with sandwiches, scones, cup-cakes tea and a beautiful Union Jack cake. The event was provided and organised by the Village Improvement Group.
In Chipping Warden a commemorative oak tree was planted by Alex Guest, a pupil of the village school, together with other schoolchildren. Bill Ludgate, formerly of Chipping Warden and a former pupil of the school, together with old school friends, were present for the planting and Mr Ludgate put a plaque on the 70-year-old oak tree planted to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
The village watched the Coronation on the big screen in the village hall which was followed by a Coronation Cream Tea Commemorative mugs were presented to the children.
On Sunday a barbecue was held on the cricket field where there were many children’s activities, a bar and teas. Finally, the community watched the Coronation Concert on the big screen to round off a wonderful weekend.
1. MHBG-09-05-23- Hooky Dog Show winner Poppy -CENUPload.JPG
Emily and Henry Benton with Poppy, who won the dogs' fancy dress competition at Hook Norton Photo: Gill Bray
2. MHBG-09-05-23- Coronation Crown Biscuits -CENUpload.jpg
The children of Hook Norton created some wonderful Royal designs when they iced biscuits for the Coronation celebration Photo: Kevin Hope
3. MHBG-09-05-23- Traction Engine -CENUpload.JPG
Always a favourite - Hook Norton's traction engine made an appearance at the Coronation street party Photo: Janeen
4. People having Fun at the Street Party Hook Norton Oxfordshire England uk 7 th May 2023 Credit: MELVIN GREEN
The crowd made the most of the sun at the Hook Norton Coronation Party Photo: MELVIN GREEN