A LONG-STANDING church tradition has continued in Lees as St Thomas’ Leesfield welcomed its 12th Harvest Queen at a special crowning ceremony.
Family, friends and parishioners gathered at the church to see Loganne crowned by retiring Harvest Queen Grace during a service led by the Rev Kirsten Stott.
The occasion marked another chapter in a tradition stretching back generations.
Before the introduction of Harvest Queens in 2011, St Thomas’ had Silver Queens dating back to at least the 1940s.
Parishioner Pat Hellon recalled being crowned Silver Queen in 1953, when she was just 14 years old, describing the experience as “such special times”.
Among those attending the ceremony were two visiting queens, Brownie Queen Isabella from St George’s Church in Mossley and the 116th Rose Queen Ada from Oldham Garden Suburbs Association.
Both were accompanied by their retinues, joining Loganne and her attendants for the celebrations.
Following the service, guests gathered in the school hall for refreshments and stalls, with the new Harvest Queen already beginning her fundraising activities.
Loganne said: “I am very excited about the year ahead and what it will bring. The crowning was magical and we have already made a great start today with our first fundraiser.”
Her first official engagement followed at the church’s Parish Harvest Service and Lunch, where she and her retinue joined members of the church and school community.
Together, they collected food donations for a local food bank to support people in need.
The church community has thanked everyone who supported the celebrations and wished Loganne and her retinue every success during their year ahead.
Pictures: PicturefulOfMemories.
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