A VILLAGE near Whitchurch held a tea party as it came together to celebrate the coronation of King Charles.
The Whixall Social Centre's King's Garden Party took place at the village's social centre on Monday, May 8 and people were able to enjoy sandwiches, cake, ice cream and tea.
North Shropshire MP, Helen Morgan was in attendance and she took part in the unveiling the Coronation Gate.
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Whixall Social Centre Committee chairman Steve Grogan was pleased with the turnout for the event and thanked local blacksmith, Adrian Reynolds for making the gate.
He said: "The point of today was to celebrate a great event. But also to bring our local community together.
"It has been a fantastic success."
He added: "We have unveiled our spectacular coronation gate which we were so fortunate to have made by Adrian Reynolds.
"It marks a very special and historic occasion and a reminder of this special event.
"That gate will be there for the next 100 years and it means something for the community. It enhances our social centre."
Steve spoke about how many wanted to see a coronation for the first time in their lives.
He said: "Many of us have never seen a coronation and will never see another one."
Steve said the town has celebrated previous royal events.
He said: "We have held Queen's Jubilees and similar events. This stacks up very well.
"Whenever we celebrate a royal event or occasion we celebrate it as best we can."
Ms Morgan said it was an honour to be invited to unveil the coronation gate.
She said: "Rural communities in Shropshire know how to have a good time, and the Whixall King’s Coronation Party was a really joyous event to be invited along to.
"It was a particular honour to be able to unveil their new Coronation Gate, made superbly here in Shropshire by a local blacksmith.
"It will no doubt be a proud fixture in Whixall for years to come.
"Thank you so much to all the residents I got the chance to speak to, and for the warm welcome.
"It is such a privilege to represent a part of the world with such a fantastic community spirit, where people take care of where they live and celebrate together."
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The Whixall Social Centre Committee chairman spoke about how events held there were important for raising funds to keep the centre open.
Steve said: "We are like all village halls and have lots of events to raise funds so that we can keep this wonderful old building operating and working and operating.
"We don't receive any funding and we rely on the community and events so we can contribute money so we can keep it going.
"People have contributed today and they always will."
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