MORE THAN 2,000 people descended on the grounds of the Chateau Impney Hotel on Sunday for the free community picnic to celebrate what would have been the Salt King’s 200th birthday.
John Corbett did so much to make Droitwich a destination of choice and his legacy lives on today.
Earlier in the day walks between John Corbett’s graveside in Stoke Prior to the Chateau took place.
The official opening took place at 1pm with entertainer Malcolm Stent and 13 members of the Corbett family.
The picnic was the idea of local historian, Barbara Middlemass, who has just finished writing her third book about John Corbett and the Chateau Impney.
Wychavon Leisure Walking Group presented a ‘salt barrow’ to members of the Corbett Family in a symbolic gesture, marking the resurgence of the salt production in Droitwich.
There was also a special birthday cake in the shape of a picnic hamper which was cut by Barbara Middlemass, Stuart Denlegh-Maxwell, descendant of John Corbett, David Goode from the Norbury Theatre who was dressed as John Corbett and Peter Rosser from the Chateau Impney.
Droitwich Spa Mayor Coun Shaun Best and Worcestershire County Council Chairman Coun Liz Eyre also attended.
Coun Eyre said it was great to see Droitwich celebrating its brine heritage and now using its salt in a number of ways, including food production.
She pledged that Wychavon would help in whatever way it could to continue the traditions.
As well as the picnics, there were a number of stalls highlighting the life and times of John Corbett, some being ran by community groups and representatives from Tywyn and Amblecote which had links to the Salt King.
There was also live music, dance and poetry, some about John Corbett, along with entertainment for children and light refreshments.
Among those performing were the Voices Unlimited choir, the Droitwich Ukulele Band and the Stage Door Dance Academy.
Christine Martin, who had gone along with her family, told The Standard: “It is a fabulous day.
“It would have been worth paying for an event like this so the fact it is free is brilliant.
“There is a wonderful atmosphere here and it’s great to see the community coming together and enjoying themselves.”
On our Facebook page Karen Nicol wrote: “Wonderful afternoon, with a lovely family atmosphere. Fun, food and laughter. Thank you Chateau Impney.”
And Sonja Fisher added: “It was lovely. Please Chateau Impney we would like one every year?”
The organisers were delighted with the turnout for the event, as well as the genial manner of the attendees – it was fabulous to watch the families playing amongst themselves and having fun in glorious surroundings.
