THELWALL’S 1100th anniversary celebrations got off to a great start on Saturday.
Bathed in bright sunshine, Rose Queen Kaysie Wright opened the Thelwall Arts, Heritage Crafts and Traditions exhibits and displays in the Parish Hall. Moving outside, the Thelwall Morris Men, celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, coaxed a hesitant group of volunteers to ‘have a go’, ending in an enjoyable, if chaotic, dancer.
The anniversary celebrations kicked off on Saturday Picture: Mike Moss Photography
In the hall visitors could learn more about Thelwall’s agricultural history and associated crafts with demonstrations of spinning wool and flax.
The Festival Art Gallery attracted 11 exhibition pieces and 41 competition entries including eight junior entries.
The anniversary celebrations kicked off on Saturday Picture: Mike Moss Photography
Certificates were awarded in each category and medium with prizes given to the overall winners: Abi Liput for her photograph of The Little Manor, Sammie Crozier’s painting, the Old Thelwall Post Office and the Grappenhall Library Craft Group for their applique wall hanging of the Buildings of Thelwall. A Junior/Family award went to Freya and Esme Taylor and dad, Matt, for their Skeleton Viking Longboat. The People’s Votes were cast in favour of Tony Marsh’s photograph of the Thelwall landing stage in snow and Mike Hoyles’ painting of the Old Post Office and Pickering Arms.
In the afternoon, Cllr John McQuillian, chairman of Grappenhall and Thelwall Parish Council and Julie McQuillian toured the displays in the Parish Hall before heading out onto Chaigeley Field to open Thelwall 1100 and the Party in the Park – celebrating Chaigeley Educational Foundation’s 75th anniversary.
The anniversary celebrations kicked off on Saturday Picture: Mike Moss Photography
The Kalamazoo Dance Band, Emma Mawdsley and the Vintage Class Singers had people singing, dancing and tapping their feet to the music of the 40s and 50s. In the dusk the stage light show was amazing as Kal’s Kats had people singing, swinging, jumping and jiving to the music. Partying went on till 9pm in this happy family atmosphere. The next morning a team of litter pickers of all ages ensured that Chaigeley Field and the surrounds of the Parish Hall were back in good order.
This coming weekend, the family treasure hunt starts from Baden Lodge Scout Hut on Saturday from 2pm and 4pm.
The anniversary celebrations kicked off on Saturday Picture: Mike Moss Photography
The following week is the build-up to the grande finale with the arrival of the Vikings on Saturday, September 23 and the Thanksgiving Service at All Saints’ on Sunday, September 24 at 10am. For further information on the last two weeks of celebrations go to thelwallcommunity.co.uk and visit the Thelwall 1100 page.
The organisers wish to acknowledge the practical and financial support of Grappenhall and Thelwall Parish Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The anniversary celebrations kicked off on Saturday Picture: Mike Moss Photography
The anniversary celebrations kicked off on Saturday Picture: Mike Moss Photography
The anniversary celebrations kicked off on Saturday Picture: Mike Moss Photography
The anniversary celebrations kicked off on Saturday Picture: Mike Moss Photography
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