Happy Birthday Your Majesty – from Thame

HUNDREDS of people gathered in Thame’s town centre last night, to commemorate the 90th birthday of Her Majesty The Queen.

After an inspection of 594 (Thame) Squadron Air Training Corps and Thame Army Cadet Force, and music from Thame Concert Band, the crowd watched the Mayor of Thame, Nichola Dixon, who had earlier in the year jumped out of an aeroplane for charity, nervously climb a ladder and light one of a thousand beacons, lit across the land to celebrate the birthday of the longest living, British monarch ever.

Deputy Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Marie-Jane Barnett DL, read out a birthday message from the Prince of Wales, sent from Clarence House. It read:

“I am delighted that so many people throughout the United Kingdom are coming together to light beacons in celebration of my mother, The Queen’s, ninetieth birthday. It is a wonderful gesture which I know has deeply touched Her Majesty.

“Beacons are to be lit on mountaintops, on beaches, in farmyards and on church towers, uniting us all in our heartfelt appreciation of The Queen’s lifetime of service to the United Kingdom and other Realms, and to the commonwealth.

“Since time immemorial, the light of beacons has relayed important messages across the land. This message we proclaim with the greatest pride and affection.

“Your Majesty, we all wish you a very Happy Birthday!”

The beacon lighting and good wishes were followed by singing from The Thame Pop choir, whose leader, Ian English, described a (huh hum!..you had to be there..) somewhat colourful imagining of how Her Majesty may – or may not – have really been celebrating her birthday, before leading a rousing rendition from everyone of the National Anthem and Land of Hope and Glory.

As the’ three cheers for the Queen’, lead by the Mayor died away, the crowds turned for home, many turning back to watch the beacon’s light burn on against the darkening sky. MORE pictures here: LINK