Coronation King Charles III

Shavington- cum-Gresty Parish Council decided that it would be a fitting tribute to commemorate the Accession to the throne and Coronation of King Charles III through the dedication of a commemorative stone and the addition of new roses to the gardens. This event took place on Sunday 7 May 2023.

Historical Information

The rose gardens, on the corner of Main Road and Barons Road were originally planted in 1977 to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, signifying her twenty-five years on the throne. This planting was organised by Shavinqton Village Festival Committee in conjunction with the Shavinqton-cum-Gresty Parish Council and local community groups and organisations.

Shavinqton-cum-Gresty Parish Council meeting minutes from 1 March 1977 document the Jubilee celebration plans.

The Secretary of the Jubilee committee, asked for ‘support by approving Commemorative Rose Beds at the corner of Barons and Main Road’ the minutes go on to explain that ‘The planning, preparation and maintenance was promised by Shavinqton School and will usefully involve the 11-16 year olds.’ It is reported that ‘The council gave the project its blessing and approved the scheme’

An extract from the programme of events for the Festival Day:-

’12.30 Commemoration of the rose beds, Service to be conducted on the site at the corner of Barons Road end Main Road by the Village Clergy, with Hymns accompanied by the Crewe Co-op Youth Band.’

For Queen Elizabeth’s II’s Golden Jubilee in 2002, the Festival Committee donated money to Shavington-cum-Gresty Parish Council to change the roses to those gold in colour.

Following these historical Parish events, Shavington- cum-Gresty Parish Council decided that it would be a fitting tribute to commemorate the Accession to the throne and Coronation of King Charles III through the dedication of a commemorative stone and the addition of new roses to the gardens.

Dedication Service

The service was opened by Benjamin Gibbs, Chair of Shavington-cum-Gresty Parish Council and Rachael Nicholls Headteacher at Shavington Primary School. Eleanor Anderson, President of the WI, spoke about the importance of community.  Rev Rachael Griffiths, Vicar at St Mark’s Church and Averil George from Shavington Methodist Church led the prayers and a reading.  After the dedication Rene Hancock, President of Shavington Village Festival Committee, led the community to sing the National Anthem.  Refreshments were served by Woodnoth-cum-Shavington WI in Shavington-cum-Gresty Village Hall after the service.

It was a well-attended celebration with almost one hundred Community members joining together for this historic occasion.