SIXTY friends of Alton’s Anna Chaplaincy met to enjoy ‘walking with friends’ to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday.

Almost six years ago a new form of chaplaincy was begun in Alton by the Greater Alton Project (GAP) to care for and involve the older residents of the town in the community. Originating in the Parish of the Resurrection, this innovative concept is now spreading across the country.

Spokesman Paddy Mendham said: “In Alton, we now have three chaplains – Debbie Thrower, Helen Jesty and Jonathan Rooke. Beside the parish members, people from Alton Methodist Church are involved and have leading roles. All local care homes have been brought on board, as have Altonians from private residences.”

He continued: “In discussion it was decided to celebrate the Queen’s birthday by bringing together the different arms of the Anna Chaplaincy in an open and enjoyable way.

“Kate Dando, who was deputy head of St Lawrence School, and is very involved with the Anna Chaplaincy and the All Saints Hard of Hearing Club volunteered to plan and run a birthday walk on the day. This was to be a ‘walk with friends’ and was not designed as a fundraising event, although individual donations were made by participants on the day.”

The walk took place last Thursday on the Queen’s ‘real’ birthday, as opposed to the monarch’s state birthday in June.

Walkers all had associations with the Anna Chaplaincy or they live or work in different nursing and retirement homes. They assembled in various residences, including The Lawn at Holybourne, Brendoncare, Orchard House, Borovere, Willow Court, Lady Place, Inwood Court and Marlfield.

“Staff at each place kindly supplied refreshments for everyone and adorned the homes with flags and bunting, making the whole event into an enjoyable occasion,” added Mr Mendham.

The walks finished at Alton Assembly Rooms, where town mayor Pam Jones gave a short welcoming address and cut a decorated birthday cake before a rousing rendition of the National Anthem and Happy Birthday.

Ms Dando was later heard to say that it was “such a happy, convivial day” and that she may arrange a fundraising walk for the Anna Chaplain next year.

Grateful thanks have been expressed to the care homes and the participants for their support, and in particular Ms Dando for all her hard work.