PATRIOTISM was alive and well in Wickwar as more than 200 members of the community came together on St George's Day to mark The Queen’s 90th birthday.

Young and old joined together on Saturday (April 23) for an afternoon tea party where they waved Union Jacks and watched traditional Morris dancing.

The event, in the Avon Crescent Community Rooms, was organised by the community and funded by Wickwar Parish Council, Cemex UK and Alderley Systems.

Parish council clerk Pat Trull said: “It was great fun.

“We came together with the community club and suggested maybe it would be great to hold event at the community rooms. Everyone said they were up for a party.

“Our stipulation was it had to be open to all the community.”

She said the party was ‘fantastic’.

“It went really well and was young and old together,” said Mrs Trull. “We had someone playing the organ and had a really good sing song, Morris dancing and a lovely buffet and some wine and beer.

“It was a good old fashioned party.”

The show of support for Her Majesty was also evident in the village on The Queen’s actual birthday, Thursday, April 21, when 300 people turned out to see the lighting of the Wickwar beacon. Families also enjoyed hot chocolate and cake at the same time as hundreds of other beacons were lit up and down the country.

“We are a really good community at celebrating national events,” said Mrs Trull. “We all know each other and we like a good party.”