The two churches in the Parish of Whitchurch and Ganarew joined together to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s record breaking achievement by becoming the longest ever reigning British monarch last week, 9th September.

Reflecting the Queen’s love of horses and horse racing, the churches staged a ‘Race Night’ in the Village Hall on Friday 11th September – just after ‘the big day’ when Queen Victoria’s record duration of reign was surpassed.

A letter from Buckingham Palace was read out. Written by Christopher Sandamas, Chief Clerk to the Queen, the message said: “Her Majesty has asked me to send her best wishes to you and all those participating in the celebrations for a most memorable and enjoyable day.”

One of the organisers, Sir Colin Shepherd, Churchwarden of St Swithin’s Ganarew said: “This was a very special moment and worthy of celebration. None of us alive today are likely to see the same again – truly a ‘once in a lifetime’ occasion.

“The evening’s festivities involved a full programme of eight races with supper.

“This was a full house gathering and we are enormously grateful to all who supported, both those who came and the many who helped in many other different ways.

“We greatly appreciated the generosity of Nimbus Records and Mr and Mrs Hamzi of Spar Filling Station at Daf-y-Nant who provided magnificent Draw Prizes.

“The third draw prize was a limited edition (263/500) commemorative Royal Collection porcelain ‘Longest Reign tray’.

“The event raised over £2,000 which will go to support the work of the churches – after all the Queen is also Governor of the Church of England.

“It costs over £10,000 each year to keep St Swithin’s and more than twice that to keep St Dubricius Church in Whitchurch going!

“In the words of a supermarket - every little helps!”