John cherishes a very special day in Alexandra Park

John Battye was leader of Oldham Council and chairman of the Association of Greater Manchester Authoritiex (AGMA) on the day the Queen was to open the MetroLink from Altrincham to Bury in1992.

She would have lunch in Bury Town Hall and he was consulted on the arrangements by the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester Sir John Timmins.

John, currently a Saddleworth Parish Councillor, recalls: “The Lord Lieutenant said after lunch the Queen would host a Garden Party in the City of Manchester.

“I respectfully said to the Lord Lieutenant that as Chairman of AGMA, Oldham was more than capable of organising a Royal Garden Party.

“I suggested either Werneth Park or Alexandra Park.

"The Lord Lieutenant chose Alexandra Park as the gentle slope was better for guests to see the Queen.

"I seem to recall there were about 1,400 guests chosen by the 10 Greater Manchester Authorities and Voluntary Organisations.

“The day went very well, it was sunny but quite windy, meaning ladies had to hang on to their hats .

“After the Queen had met guests in the crowd she entered the Royal Marquee and I greeted her there on behalf of AGMA .

“I explained the history of Alexandra Park.

"It was built during the Cotton Famine which was caused by the American Civil War.

"The mill owners in Oldham paid some of their male workers to build the municipal park during the famine to alleviate some of the poverty in the town.

“Eventually the park was named after Queen Victoria’s daughter in law Princess Alexandra.

"I also explained that Oldham’s drinking water was very soft, thus producing a very good cup of tea, which she appreciated.”

John, now 77 and a former Mayor of Oldham, added: “Royal Garden Parties are either held at Buckingham Palace or Holyrood Palace Edinburgh.

"I believe the Oldham Royal Garden Party is the only one held other than at those two palaces (it certainly was at that time).”

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