Photos: Alan Mak MP with St Faith's Rector Tom Kennar / Mr Mak joins Cllr Tim Pike at the Stride Centre opening
Havant MP Alan Mak joined celebrations across the constituency last weekend to mark Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th birthday. Mak joined local residents at a wonderful array of events from St Faith’s Church in Havant to Leigh Park’s Greywell Centre and celebrations in Denvilles, Emsworth and Hayling Island.
The Havant MP was a guest of honour at the opening of the Stride Community Centre’s party in Denvilles, where he cut the cake alongside Cllr Tim Pike and a number of 90-year-old residents to celebrate the royal birthday. The vast cake, in the shape of the crown, was donated by local residents.
Picnics and music were on hand as hundreds of residents came to see the Stride Centre unveiled. Alan Mak has been a keen supporter of the project throughout its construction, having visited the site with Housing Minister Brandon Lewis in February 2016. The Havant MP praised the project’s local resonance, backing the Community Interest Company who will run Stride for the benefit of local residents.
In a busy weekend, Mak was also present at St Faith’s Church in Havant, where Canon Tom Kennar led a street party awash with bell-ringing, bunting and choir songs. The Havant MP praised the church for putting on the excellent community event.
Mr Mak was also a guest at the Greywell Shopping Centre in Leigh Park, where Her Majesty’s birthday was commemorated with a street party including free activities and food for children under 11. Face painting and donkey rides outside the retail centre added to a carnival atmosphere across the local area.
Mak ended the weekend by visiting North Hayling Residents’ Association in Northney on Sunday afternoon where residents enjoyed homemade cakes as they celebrated the Queen’s Official Birthday. He then joined Emsworth Business Association for their lunch for older people, complete with a cardboard cut-out of Her Majesty at the Methodist Church in Emsworth.
Mak said: “I was delighted to attend a range of street parties, picnics and cake-cuttings to celebrate this special occasion across the constituency. We have great community spirit, and it was terrific to see residents coming out in force to commemorate Her Majesty’s 90th birthday – thanks to the volunteers who made this possible.”
“It was a very busy Saturday and Sunday for me joining residents at their community celebrations in every corner of the constituency. We didn’t let the rain dampen our spirits as we honoured the Queen’s service to the nation!”
Dave Dowland, Chairman of the Warblington and Denvilles Residents’ Association (WDRA), added: “It is terrific to see Alan supporting the street parties, which have given a real feel-good factor to the local community this weekend. We are excited to unveil the Stride Community Centre, which will be a real hub for residents in the years to come.”
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