The sun shone and the forecast rain very considerately stayed away when Westminster Park celebrated its 80th anniversary on Saturday, 9 May. Thanks to the efforts of the Friends of Westminster Park volunteers, the park was looking its best and the GreenDay cafe erected a welcoming marquee and offered an excellent range of refreshments. The sports clubs laid on games and demonstrations and they and the several local residents associations had information stands in the marquee. It was a truly festive event with crowds of visitors of all ages throughout the afternoon. The Lord Mayor of Chester, the Sheriff of Chester and the Deputy Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council arrived about 1 pm and toured the park and visited the various clubs. They were followed at 2 pm by the Duke and Duchess of Westminster. Speeches in the marquee towards the end of the afternoon expressed gratitude to the earlier Duke of Westminster for his donation of the park in 1946 and appreciation of the great value and benefit of the park to the whole community.
Thanks to Chris and Sally Slater and Leslie Newman, Chester Croquet Club had a stand in the marquee with excellent pictures illustrating the history of the club and telling visitors more about the game. We were particularly pleased to welcome George Collin who was a founder member of the club in 1977 and happened to be visiting Chester on the day. Meanwhile at the croquet lawns, club chairman Tom Grievson welcomed the visiting civic dignatories and the Duke and Duchess of Westminster, and members of the club were welcoming and demonstrating the game to visitors. Altogether a very successful and enjoyable day.
