King Charles III Coronation - Watlington

A COMMUNITY picnic was held in the Paddock in Watlington on Sunday to celebrate the coronation.

Residents were invited to bring along their own food and drink and enjoy each other’s company.

There was a variety of coronation-themed activities including a “Cake fit for a king” competition, which was won by Megan Naber, 11.

Allen Beechey’s Bright Stars of Jazz played throughout the afternoon.

Event organiser and parish councillor Stephanie Halliwell said: “We wanted to do something which worked for everyone, young and older.

“It’s nice to do something on a shoestring which is reliant on community involvement. People have given up their time and put their energy and resources into it.

“I think the community coming together is a good representation of British values — the spirit of Watlington is what you see.”  Lillie Perkins, 11, said: “Even though you don’t know everyone you can still say ‘hi’.”

Rev Angie Paterson, who watched the ceremony at home on Saturday, said: “There were some very moving moments — I choked up at times.

“We had a church service on Sunday evening to thank people for the Big Help Out. So many people in this community do so much to help already, we can’t ask for more.

“In a community like this there are people who are doing stuff for others day in day out — people who shop for their neighbours, the hidden helpers.”

Villager Carolyn McCaffrey said: “It’s nice to all come together and celebrate the new king.”

Ruby Caffyn, 10, said:  “It’s good to be a part of history.”

The event was sponsored by the primary school PTA and the council.