Queen’s 90th Birthday Tea

On June 11th, the Queen’s official 90th birthday, the Mayor of Warwick marked the occasion with a ‘Royal Celebration Afternoon Tea’ in the Court House ballroom, attended by neighbouring dignitaries. Warwick citizens who had also reached their ninetieth year were special guests.

Unlocking Warwick volunteers provided a display of pictures of the Queen, showing her childhood and early years, her service during WWII, her marriage, the coronation, family life and public duties around the world over more than 60 years.  

Edwina McConville provided a specially produced booklet of recipes from the rationing years.

Post-war rationing was still in force in 1953 when the coronation took place. 

The afternoon entertainment was provided by Warwick’s own mezzo soprano, Imogen Parker, accompanied by pianist Roger Haygreen.  Imogen sang popular show songs from the ten decades of the Queen’s life, including The Sound of Music, The Wizard of Oz, My Fair Lady and Showboat. 

Imogen had been supported in her training as an actress and singer by a grant from the Warwick Apprentice Charity. 

A raffle helped to raise funds for the Mayor’s charities.

At the end of the afternoon, the Mayor thanked the Unlocking Warwick volunteers for making her Royal Tea ‘such a memorable occasion’.