'˜End of an era' for Heysham Rose Queen

The last ever St Peter’s Church Rose Queen will retire at a ceremony in the village later this month bringing an era to a close.

The Rose Queen has been a fixture of village life for many years. Isabelle Bland, 12, is the last Rose Queen and has spent the year appearing at community events and raised around £1800 for her chosen charity Save the Children.

Her proud mum Alison said: “She has really enjoyed it.

“It’s quite sad it’s the last one. It’s the end of an era.”

Rev Andrew Osborn of St Peter’s Church said they would be introducing four ‘ambassadors’ to replace the Rose Queen role.

The ambassadors would still be involved in charity and community work but the role would also be open to boys for the first time.

“We have discussed it with parents and children and I’m very excited about it,” said Rev Osborn.

“Many of the principles of the Rose Queen role will still be there. It’s a tweaking that’s more culturally appropriate.”

Alison has organised a reunion of past Rose Queens who will attend a reunion at St James’s Church on Saturday, June 25 starting at 1pm.

There will also be a procession around Heysham Village from 2pm and Isabelle’s 
retiring ceremony at 3pm.

All past Rose Queens are welcome to attend the reunion and bring a photo of themselves from when they were in the role.

Contact Alison at [email protected] for further details.