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6 The Villager August 10, 2018 nhvillagernewspaper.com

Honored guest and historian of the Henniker family Geoffrey Robinson
addresses the crowd on Saturday, along with wife Janette and the
Honorable Jane Elizabeth Henniker-Major. (Michael Pon photo)
Happy Birthday Henniker

from across the pond

By Michael Pon
6 The Villager
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Henniker’s 250 anniversary of being incorporated under the name of Sir John
Henniker went well despite the threat of rain on Saturday. A light mist cleared as the
parade made its way down Rush Road into the town square headed by a Rolls Royce
convertible with the Honorable Jane Elizabeth Henniker-Major as the parade’s Grand
Marshall. Two small flags, the U.S. and the British, flew from its fenders, celebrating
the relationship between the two countries.
Lady Jane flew in from Britain with honorary guests Geoffrey and Janette
Robinson, who have become historians well-versed in the Henniker lineage. They
were also standing beside her in the Rolls, as they all were waving to the crowds
gathered on either side of the streets. They were followed by one float after another
commemorating the town’s history and culture.
Lady Jane is sister to Lord Mark Henniker, the ninth Lord Henniker since the town
was named after the first in 1768 by then Governor Benning Wentworth. Although
Cyan Magenta Yellow Black
her brother Sir Mark could not make the trip, Lady Jane recalls that her father, the
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eighth Lord Henniker, did attend the last Henniker celebration of its 225 year.
“My dad came back 25 years ago and he couldn’t stop talking about it,” she
explained after the parade outside of the Lee Clement Ice Arena.
She admitted to being a bit overwhelmed by seeing her name highlighted in so
many places – the fire and police stations, the town hall, the pharmacy, everywhere
she looked.
“That’s the weird bit, and it’s everywhere,” Lady Jane said of her name. “It’s
potentially big head making.”
At home in Britain, Lady Jane leads her life without sporting the title of ‘honorable.’
She pointed out that no money comes with the title. She is a trained social worker and
a presiding family judge in family court for now 33 years.
“The ‘honorable’ is something you keep quiet,” said Lady Jane. “But here I am
an ‘honorable,’ coming out of the cupboard. It’s only 10:30 and it’s been the best
day of my life. It’s really important how thriving small communities are. It is a real
community.”
“It’s got a real sense of community – so proud,” Janette Robinson agreed.
“The people are really friendly,” Lady Jane said emphatically.
“A random woman ran up to the car to welcome us – lovely, really lovely,” said
Geoffrey Robinson. “When our executives talk about a special relationship, that is
The Pats Peak float was awarded the ‘Most Elaborate.” The Fire Department’s also at the towns’ level. It’s the people who matter.”
float was one of the more involved floats in the parade, complete with water Geoffrey also focused on the history between the two countries. While here, they
spurting from a hydrant and a firefighter opening a crashed car with the jaws of had also made it down to Portsmouth where the timbers from the great white pines
life. On Sunday morning many Henniker celebrants took time out with a breakfast the Royal Navy used for masts were loaded onto ships going back to Britain. He was
on New England College’s covered bridge.Opposite page:Country Spirit restaurant looking forward to seeing the great white pines in the Henniker area.
owner Chris Bremer with wife Sarah Bass made for a great period couple in a “There is a sense of heritage everywhere,” said Geoffrey of the history he sees in
carriage. The Boy Scouts of Pack 76 were pumped up. The wife carry competition New England which many of us may take for granted.
was the most unusual event. Heather Shaw sported two awards for best woman’s Inside the arena, crafters, vendors and organizations with displays lined the
costume and the most patriotic float put on by Hollyhocks Henniker Florist. Will perimeter of the rink. The fab-three from Britain were first seen inside amid dozens
Auer had the most original beard. Edmunds Hardware float had the best community of bubbles sprayed over the area, where popcorn and other foods were being served.
They made their way around the arena, paying attention to every display and offering
spirit with its Happy Birthday sentiment and Fuel company Ayer & Goss had their they came across.
mannequin in rain gear. (photos by Michael Pon and Gwen Airgood)