The story of how Oldham came to be the location for a Queen's garden party in 1992 has been shared as the borough mourns the monarch.

John Battye was the leader of Oldham Council and chairman of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) on the day the Queen was to open the MetroLink from Altrincham to Bury in1992.

She would have lunch in Bury Town Hall and he was consulted on the arrangements by the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester Sir John Timmins.

John, currently a Saddleworth Parish Councillor, remembers: “The Lord Lieutenant said after lunch the Queen would host a Garden Party in the City of Manchester.

“I respectfully said to the Lord Lieutenant that as Chairman of AGMA Oldham was more than capable of organising a Royal Garden Party.

The Oldham Times: John Battye and his wife Annette greet the Queen at Alexandra Park in 1992John Battye and his wife Annette greet the Queen at Alexandra Park in 1992 (Image: John Battye)

“I suggested either Werneth Park or Alexandra Park.

"The Lord Lieutenant chose Alexandra Park as the gentle slope was better for guests to see the Queen.

"I seem to recall there were about 1,400 guests chosen by the 10 Greater Manchester Authorities and Voluntary Organisations."

He added: “The day went very well, it was sunny but quite windy meaning ladies had to hang on to their hats.

“After the Queen had met guests in the crowd she entered the Royal Marquee and I greeted her there on behalf of AGMA."

John, now 77 and a former mayor of Oldham, added: “Royal Garden Parties are either held at Buckingham Palace or Holyrood Palace Edinburgh.

"I believe the Oldham Royal Garden Party is the only one held other than at those two palaces (it certainly was at that time ).”

Among those there on that July day in 1992 was 11-year-old Shabana Sadiq, who was chosen to present Her Majesty with a posy of flowers.

The Oldham Times: Shabana Sadiq presenting flowers to the Queen at Alexandra Park in 1992Shabana Sadiq presenting flowers to the Queen at Alexandra Park in 1992 (Image: Shabana Sadiq)

Remembering the day during the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in June, she told the Oldham Times: 

“It was so exciting – I didn’t know what to expect.

“I did go with the head teacher to the park a few weeks before to practice my courtesy.

“It was all a big affair, and I was only little so it was quite mind-blowing."

The Year 6 Alexandra Park Junior School pupil was sworn to secrecy ahead of the big day and was warned not to "tell a soul" which, for an 11-year-old, was a heavy burden to shoulder.

She told her best friend at the time and confessed to breaking the promise to her head teacher which, fortunately, was forgiven and the secret remained under wraps before the announcement in assembly.

When the day came, the youngster was just one of six standing in line to meet the Queen with Ms Sadiq last in the queue after the mayor of Oldham, an MP and other dignitaries, including Mr Battye.

And despite heavily practising her courtesy in advance, Ms Sadiq said nerves got the better of her on the day and the practice sessions “went out of the window”.

“I was that nervous that I did half a bow and half a courtesy - I nearly headbutted her.

“But being born and bred in Glodwick, with Oldham being my hometown – I’m so proud to be an Oldhamer – it was so lovely.

“After I gave her the posey, she walked down the red carpet and did what she needed to do.

“I did speak to the Queen. She said ‘these are lovely, thank you’, referring to the flowers, but I just got so nervous.

“She spoke very gentle and quiet, and quite slowly.

“But it was amazing, it really was."