AS reported recently plans have been made for one of Farnham’s major celebrations of this milestone in the life of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Old Farnhamians, the old Farnham Girls Grammar School, Farnham Educational Foundation and Farnham Sixth Form College have joined forces to present a garden party on the lawns of the college on Sunday, June 5.

It was hoped that the event would attract 120 former pupils of the former grammar schools, but the organisers have had to think again as more than 130 tickets have been sold to date with a few weeks to go.

Former pupils of the Farnham Grammar Schools are travelling from all parts of the country, and some are even making sure that they are able to attend by fitting the event into their holiday programmes as they travel from abroad.

So far tickets have been purchased for former pupils living in Thailand, Switzerland and America. To add to the buffet lunch there will be a special royal raffle, with all prizes associated with the Queen and her family.

A special giant sized birthday cake has been made by Laura Batchelor, who is the daughter in law of a former grammar school teacher. For the entertainment there will a capella ladies choir, In Accord, who will be singing a popular song from each decade of the life of the monarch.

It all adds up to an enjoyable afternoon and any proceeds from the event will be presented later to Challengers. The event is open to all former pupils of the boys or girls grammar schools and their partners - for those wanting a ticket call the college’s reception on 01252 716988.