Funds of over £8,000 for villages and communities celebrating the King’s Coronation

The King’s Coronation is a just under eight weeks away, but the finishing touches are being put to community celebrations, with support from West Suffolk councillors.

With the Coronation of King Charles III to take place on May 6, residents will be uniting to celebrate the historic day.

As of March 13, councillors have responded to over 20 requests from local organisations, for support and pledged more than £8,400 of locality budget funding towards community-led events and activities being held as part of the Coronation weekend.

Locality Budget funds are available to community groups for projects or activities that benefit residents in the ward area that a councillor represents.

Since it was formed in 2019, West Suffolk Council has, through councillor nominations, awarded more than £640,000 in Locality Budget funding. As well as supporting work to help people during the pandemic and more recently with the challenges around the cost of living, the money is also used to bring communities together at times of celebration.

In West Suffolk community activities include everything from a pre-school’s Coronation party in Chedburgh to commemorative medals for children in Hundon, as well as free food, fun, dancing and entertainment across a number of venues.

And with the environment close to the King’s heart there will also be tree planting in Tuddenham and red, white and blue plants to mark the occasion in Risby.

Robert Everitt, cabinet member for Families and Communities at West Suffolk Council, said: “We are proud to support the work taking place in our communities to help residents during the tough times and to bring them together during these moments of history and celebration. The Coronation is one such occasion and so I am delighted to hear that so many activities and events will be taking place to commemorate and celebrate our new King.

“I would encourage residents across West Suffolk, if they aren’t already aware or planning an event, to see what activities are being put on by their town or parish councils, village hall committees or residents associations. You can also find out what you need to do to put on your own celebration such as a street party, by visiting https://www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/community/his-majesty-king-charles-iiis-coronation.cfm .”

The £8,418.33 of locality funding that has been given towards Coronation events includes the following:

Barrow Village Hall Committee is organising celebration events using £1,750 of locality support from Ian Houder.

Chedburgh’s Little Tea Pots Pre School will be holding a Coronation party. Mike Chester is backing the event with £150 from his locality budget.

Culford, West Stow and Wordwell residents will enjoy a free barbecue and soft drinks to mark the King’s Coronation. The event in West Stow on May 6 is supported with £200 of locality from Susan Glossop.

Eriswell Parish Council has been backed with £300 from Stephen Frost for its community Coronation events.

Flempton and Hengrave will see the parish council use £200 from Susan Glossop to buy a commemorative momento for each child/household.

Gazeley Parish Council is organising a Coronation event supported by £200 from Roger Dicker.

Great Barton residents will start the Coronation celebrations on May 5 with a fish and chip supper organised by the Holy Innocence Church. The weekend celebrations then continue on the Saturday with a Coffee, Chat and Coronation event in the village hall followed by Afternoon Tea on the Sunday, again in the village hall. Beccy Hopfensperger and Sarah Broughton are both backing the events with a total of £850 from their locality budgets.

Higham Parish Council is organising a Coronation event supported by £200 from Roger Dicker.

Honington and Sapiston Parish Council is organising a village event including children’s tea party, games and an afternoon tea. It is backed with £500 from Andrew Smith.

Hundon has seen Nick Clarke give £400 for a free celebration event for villagers and a commemorative medal for children. The parish council is organising both.

Ingham Parish Council will similarly be using £200 from Susan Glossop to buy a commemorative packet of biscuits for every household and a celebration event.

Ixworth will host community celebrations backed with £669.33 of locality funding from John Griffiths.

Kedington Community Association has received a total of £350 from Karen Richardson and Marion Rushbrook to support its Coronation celebrations in the village.

Kentford Parish Council is organising a Coronation event supported by £200 from Roger Dicker

Lackford will host a barbecue and bar from 5pm on May 6 on land near to Lackford Church, followed by a ceilidh dance and live music from 7pm. The event has been organised by Lackford Community Council using £200 of funding from Susan Glossop.

Lakenheath Parish Council has received £700 from Stephen Frost for Coronation celebrations.

Moulton will see residents celebrate with a family picnic, children’s games and a bouncy castle, followed by live music and drinks. The event from 5pm to 10pm at the playing field and village hall has been organised by parish council and village hall, has the support of Roger Dicker who has given £200 from his locality budget.

Red Lodge parish council is to be supported with a total of £500 of locality budget funding from Dawn Dicker and Mick Bradshaw for King’s Coronation celebrations.

Risby will see red, white and blue plants in new larger wooden planters, along with a plaque, all supported with £200 from Susan Glossop to Risby Village Hall.

Tuddenham Parish Council will be planting two commemorative apple trees and a Coronation flagpole with £249 of funding support from Brian Harvey.

Worlington Parish Council has received £200 from Brian Harvey for a children’s tea party.