SANDFORD’S celebrations to mark the 90th birthday of the Queen got off to a great start last Saturday, with the Sandford Royal Street Market in and around Church Street.

As the weather was unhelpful the organisers, much like the EU Referendum, had to make up their minds IN (inside at the Parish Hall) or OUT (outside).

In the end the OUT majority won and it was held in and around Church Street and the Square on what turned out to be a showery day.

The sun did shine in time for the opening of the Street Market by Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Devon the Honourable Mrs Elizabeth D’Erlanger who praised Sandford for planning such a great weekend of celebrations.

She was introduced by the Crediton Town Crier Kevin Payne. The Chairman of Mid Devon District Council Cllr John Daw and Mrs Daw were also in attendance.

There were many stalls and the highlights were a Fairground Organ playing in the Square and the first appearance of the Sandford Orchards Lorry “Old Garge” introduced by Barny Butterfield.

Sandford School was also open displaying the 150 birthday cards for the Queen painted by all the pupils. Lois Briard, Headteacher commented: “I was pleasantly surprised by the number of people, some of whom were not parents of the school, who came to see the paintings and also to look around their old classroom when they were pupils here.”

Saturday evening saw a family Ceilidh and on Sunday a Celebration Service at St Swithun’s Church where several of Sandford Scouts attended showing their support.

This was followed by a Bring and Share lunch at Sandford Parish Hall.

Celebrations ended with a Loyal Toast by Barny Butterfield with Sandford Orchards Cider specially brewed for the celebration.

Everyone agreed that it had been a weekend to remember!

During the weekend a Village Trail was held and winners, who all won Sandford Stores vouchers, were: 1 Marilyn Winter, Pat Yeo, 3 Margaret Phillips.

Thanks goes to all who took part in the competition. Results will be published in The Crossing.

Sandford Playgroup ran a lucky dip, plus royal tattoos and souvenir badge-making.  

Ronald Somerville ran a plant stall with some very interesting new varieties of annuals that he had grown.

Malcolm Vallance

Parish Clerk