THE PEOPLE of Droitwich have today (Thursday, November 28) feasted on the history of one of it’s most historically significant figures – Edward Winslow – on the town’s inaugural celebration day in honour of him.
Residents and visitors to the town enjoyed exhibits showcasing the iconic journey of Edward Winslow on the Mayflower in 1620 and even shared Thanksgiving dinner in honour of his attendance at what is regarded as the first ever Thanksgiving in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Edward Winslow Day was organised by a team of organisations within Droitwich thanks to an idea mooted and supported by Droitwich Spa Town councillor Richard Morris.
The day was kicked off by a United States flag raising ceremony hosted by Droitwich Spa mayor, councillor Alex Sinton outside St Richards House.
Droitwich Salvation Army and Woodland View Care Home hosted their very own Thanksgiving feasts for the community and residents.
Arguably the highlight of the day was an interactive virtual reality walkthrough of Plymouth, England and the iconic Mayflower Ship. Those who put on the virtual reality headset in the Droitwich Arts Network Hub – where the experience was showcased – saw the ship in all its glory as it before it set sail for the shores of the United States.
The experience was created by University of Birmingham emeritus professor, Bob Stone – a ‘veteran’ in the world of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality – back in 2017 and was showcased at the hub with the support of Dr. Vish Shingari, a research fellow at the same university.
Bob, a native of Plymouth, England where the Mayflower set sail from in the 1620, spoke of his excitement at being able to share his creation to the people of Droitwich.
He told the Standard: “Bringing the experience out of semi-retirement has been an absolute delight.”
The interactive virtual reality experience was debuted in Plymouth, England in 2020 and Bob seemed very pleased he was able to share the walkthrough video once again.
Dr. Shingari added: “It’s great to be able to show it to people who aren’t able to go and see these things themselves.”
Among those to provide live music entertainment across the day was Droitwich Folk Club, The Salties, Ghecko Folk Club, The Coppice Shanty Crew, The Village Quartet from U3A Droitwich, and the Rock Choir.
The celebrations also included a statue dressing at the town’s Edward Winslow memorial and will be rounded by a 6pm church service at St Peter’s Church where Edward Winslow was baptised in the early 17th century, and more.
Contributing organisations included Droitwich Arts Network, Droitwich Spa Civic Society, Droitwich Lions Club and many more.
Orchestrator of the celebrations – Droitwich Spa Town Councillor Richard Morris – wanted to make the day about giving in the spirit of Thanksgiving Day.
Droitwich Lions Club donated to Droitwich Spa Foodbank and visitors to the celebrations were encouraged to donate to various foodbanks and pantries including Droitwich Spa Foodbank, Moving Forward, and Droitwich Spa Community Pantry and Fridge.
Droitwich Foodbank receive a donation from Droitwich Lions. Picture by Marcus Mingins 4924002MMR
Toy donations were also asked to be made to the town’s salvation army.
