Church hosts tea party to mark Queen's 90th birthday

Internationally renowned musicians performed an impressive organ recital as a Maidenhead church held a tea party to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday.

Eton College organist David Goode and Matthew O’Donovan, head of academic music at the leading independent school, serenaded crowds at St Mary’s Church during the party on Saturday.

Both men, who are members of the High Street church, performed music from the monarch’s coronation in 1953 including famous works by William Walton and Edward Elgar.

Deborah Bean, who spent 40 years in Her Majesty’s service responding to the Queen’s personal correspondence, also gave an insightful talk about her career.

(From left) Reverend Will Stileman, Deborah Bean, David Goode and Matthew O’Donovan

The Rev Will Stileman, vicar of the High Street church, said: “There’s been lots of events going on in Windsor to celebrate the Queen’s birthday and we were conscious that there wasn’t much planned in Maidenhead.

“That’s why we thought we would put something on for the people in the town.”