Identical twin farmers Tom and Harold Bickerton share something in common with the Queen – they have all enjoyed the same job for 60 years.
The Queen will celebrate her Diamond Jubilee this June, and this will provide an opportunity for the brothers to reminisce about the Queen’s Coronation, as well as their own foray into farming.
Today the pair, both 90, still ride tractors around the farm as well as feed the cattle, starting their day at dawn.
Harold said: “After carrying out the same job for 60 years or more, you know the job inside and out.
“I’d say the Queen has seen staff come and go and knows all the pitfalls of the role - just as we do in farming.”
The brothers remember they were working on their farm, Sunnyside Dairy Farm, in Leighton, Crewe when the Queen was crowned.
The brothers will be among many senior citizens across Cheshire East who, over the extended bank holiday between June 2 and 5, will remember living through 60 years of the Queen’s reign.
Cheshire East Council is setting the scene for a ‘summer of fun’ after the newly-formed Cheshire Community Foundation received a donation from the Duke of Westminster’s charitable fund, the Westminster Foundation, which will be distributed to Cheshire East communities on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis.
Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cabinet member with responsibility for safer and stronger communities, said: “There are many memories to share, which is why we’re helping communities to celebrate this royal occasion.
“To help create a party atmosphere and bring people together, we are dedicating funding of £100 per community group on a first-come, first-served basis.
“We would encourage as many people as possible to take advantage of this funding and throw a street party or use their local park or playing fields to host an event.
“Community groups should contact the council as soon as possible if they would like to take advantage of this funding, which has been kindly donated by the Duke of Westminster.”
To apply for the £100 funding, community groups should log on to: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/jubilee and click on the event notification/funding form. The deadline to apply for funding and road closures is Monday, April 9. Alternatively, contact Jane Kavanagh on 01270 685854
Buckingham Palace is encouraging communities to take part in ‘The Big Jubilee Lunch’ which is all about community, friendship and fun and offers ideas on what to do and how to make it a day to remember. For more information log on to: www.thebiglunch.com
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