The Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu is welcoming four individuals who are celebrating their 90th birthday this year as his special guests to the Party at the Palace tomorrow.

The new nonagenarians include Mrs Sylvia Bestford who is making the journey from County Durham with her friends for the party to mark the Queen’s Birthday at Bishopthorpe. Mrs Pam Shepherd from Copmanthorpe is to celebrate her 90th birthday in August; Mrs Cynthia Richardson from Seaford has celebrated being 90 in April and Mrs Elizabeth Lockwood from Harrogate celebrates her 90th birthday today.

The Archbishop of York said: “Mrs Lockwood is in good company – both she and I share our birthday with Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. Happy Birthday.”

The Archbishop has opened the grounds of Bishopthorpe Palace on Saturday 11 June to mark the Queen’s Birthday celebrations from 2.00pm onwards. Admission is by ticket only. This is a fundraising event for the St Leonards Hospice, an independent local charity providing care and support for local people with life threatening illnesses.

Mrs Elizabeth Lockwood said: “It is a privilege to join the Archbishop along with the other guests to mark the occasion of the Queen’s birthday – I’m delighted. I am looking forward to a fantastic day with the family who are travelling from Newcastle, Nottingham and Stroud to be with me at the Palace. It’s lovely to get together to mark occasions. I can’t believe I’m 90 – it’s remarkable really!”

Performances at the party will include children from Archbishop of York Junior School , The Shepherd Group Concert Band, HUGE, The Grand Old Uke of York, Adrian Lee-Stokes and his band. The Shepherd Group Senior Band will bring the evening to a close with a proms style finale and a spectacular firework display finishing around 10.00pm.

For more information about this event, please contact, Judy Wilson, Events Fundraiser at email:judy.wilson@stleonardshospice.nhs.uk

For photos following the event, please contact Elizabeth Addy at email: Elizabeth.addy@archbishopofyork.org