Hello. Just thought i’d remind you that today we will be celebrating yesterday’s US independence day with a parade, followed by a rodeo on the sports field. Due to many of the visiting rodeoers and American marching bands getting delayed in Kent due to the French port workers strike we decided to put the event back by 24 hours… The parade will start at the library (at 11am) and is due to be led by our very own Beckworth cheerleading troupe and the scouts brass band.

And to quote Bill Christchurch of the Beckworth Historical Society: “Those of you who know your history will remember that some of the very first US settlers were originally from Beckworth, having fled the local landowners draconian Muffin and Cream Tea taxes. In those far off days the towns main export was these staple foodstuffs so the towns people were hit hard. Not to be defeated they packed up their baking ingredients and emigrated to America. They settled near what is now called New York and named their new village New Beckworth, with whom we are now twinned. For many years all went well, they even exported their high teas back to England. But the English back home got greedy and wanted all the scones and muffins for themselves. So they sent soldiers to the colonies, which led to bloody pitch battles on US soil, known as the War Of Afternoon Teas. These pioneering bakers fought hard against their former countrymen and in 1776 were declared the winners. With the UK runners-up. Thus they attained independence for their new country, and the copyright on Muffin recipes. Hence why we celebrate every 4th July. Or this year the 5th July.”

Fascinating stuff. Have a great day. G. Grimsby. Mayor

(Above) An artists impression of our 5th of July parade happening later today