90th birthday celebrations for Market Rasen's home residents

As birthday celebrations for her Majesty The Queen took place across the nation, Market Rasen congratulated some of its own nonagenarians.
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Although not celebrating on the same day as Queen Elizabeth, residents of the town’s two care homes - who mark their 90th birthday this year - were recognised by the Town Council.

Town Mayor John Matthews and Coun Margaret Lakin-Whitworth visited The Poplars in Chapman Street.

They presented three red, white and blue birthday bouquets to residents Maria Wilkinson, Joan Thurman and Ida Stephenson.

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At Waterloo House in Walesby Road, Mayoress Jayne Matthews and Deputy Mayor Martin Harvey did the honours.

They made two presentations of the birthday bouquets to residents Joan Gash and to Betty Greathead.

Each home also received a specially made Queen’s birthday celebration cake to share among all the residents.

The cakes took pride of place as each home held its own indoor street party, with the homes festooned in red, white and blue flags, and bunting.

At Waterloo House, the presentation was made by the Deputy Mayor, Cloun Martin Harvey, accompanied by the Mayoress, Jayne Matthews to
Joan Gash and Betty Greathead (not pictured) EMN-160613-080055001At Waterloo House, the presentation was made by the Deputy Mayor, Cloun Martin Harvey, accompanied by the Mayoress, Jayne Matthews to
Joan Gash and Betty Greathead (not pictured) EMN-160613-080055001
At Waterloo House, the presentation was made by the Deputy Mayor, Cloun Martin Harvey, accompanied by the Mayoress, Jayne Matthews to Joan Gash and Betty Greathead (not pictured) EMN-160613-080055001

The Poplars also had some other special visitors on Saturday.

The very popular puppets from Market Rasen New Life Church, who were a big hit at the recent Festival Hall open day and last December’s Christmas Market in the town, went along to entertain.

“It was a wonderful puppet show, which even included Elton John straight from Lincoln,” said activities co-ordinator Sheila Pickering.

“On behalf of everyone at The Poplars, we send each and everyone of them a very big thank you and we can’t wait to see the Christmas Show.”

The specially commissioned town floral display at Market Rasen EMN-160613-080034001The specially commissioned town floral display at Market Rasen EMN-160613-080034001
The specially commissioned town floral display at Market Rasen EMN-160613-080034001

As well as making the presentations at The Poplars and Waterloo House, the Town Council also commissioned a floral display to acknowledge the 90 glorious years of our Queen.

“I felt we, the town, should do something to recognise Her Majesty’s 90th,” said mayor Coun Matthews.

“My preference was not for a two minute wonder.

“So, we came up with the idea of flowers and plants which everyone can appreciate.

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“This should enhance the town for some weeks to come.”

The floral display was unveiled on Saturday and now takes pride of place in the Market Place, opposite the bank, for residents, visitors and passersby to see.

“I am very grateful to Buildbase, Mole Country Stores and Roger Allenby for their generous contributions towards the floral display,” added Coun Matthews.