While the Royal family were leading the celebrations in London over the Diamond Jubilee long weekend from 2nd to 5th June 2012, the rest of the country were joining in with street parties, concerts and other events to mark Queen Elizabeth's 60 year reign on the throne. The UK went into Diamond Jubilee meltdown. As a nation we all got into the spirit of it and it really was fun and I loved being a part of it. When asked by neighbours and friends what we (my family and I) might participate in, I said the whole lot. And we did, including my dear old 86 year old mum Andy (bless her, she's got advanced parkinsons and lewy body dementia) and she loved it too.
If you don't live in the UK or any of the countries of the Commonwealth, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or the Overseas UK Territories, would you like to get some idea of what we all got up to? Want to be a fly on the wall and take a look for yourself?
In the village of Halberton in Devon where my family and I live, a special Diamond Jubilee Concert led the four day celebrations followed by a four day Flower Festival in our local Church – St Andrews, a Hog Roast and Beacon lighting and a Tea Party which ended up in the Village Hall due to the weather deteriorating. That's England for you.
Much fun was had by all as you will see from the pictures. Let's start with the concert where locals were drafted in to entertain. My dear old uncle Johnny played the keyboard (not bad for 90 eh?) The concert was an absolute joy and set a high standard for the rest of the celebrations. You may have already heard my daughter Jess reciting a Diamond Jubilee poem we made up, Easy Viral PDF Brander
want to see Jess and her friends recite the poem in a previous blog post.
Next was the Flower Festival at our local church, St Andrew's. Beautiful church and what an exhibition. So many wonderful floral arrangements including a hand made tapestry depicting places of interest in and around Halberton (you'll see mum and Jess in those pictures).
Then came the Hog Roast and Beacon lighting and that was great as around 300 people from the village and surrounding areas turned out. (I'm beside the bonfire in one picture and my good friends from childhood are in another). The Beacon lighting was one of the 4000 official Beacons to be lit around the UK with Her Majesty The Queen lighting the one in London. The weather held and the beacon was enormous. There was a really happy atmoshphere amongst the villagers and the night was an enormous success. We all wished we didn't have to wait for a Jubilee to have this kind of fun.
Finally came the village tea party and because the weather was bad, it had to be held in the Village Hall. Large numbers turned out and it was a fun afternoon, nevertheless. Our former post-mistress had made a huge Diamond Jubilee cake and it was delicious. To top of the afternoon, the children were all given a Diamond Jubilee commemorative mug so went off happily.
I hope my post has given you a flavour of what we all did over the Diamond Jubilee. It was a very special time and I've never known anything quite like it. Even the Golden Jubilee wasn't quite so spectacular. I'm sure you watched some of the celebrations on the TV. I'd love to hear your comments so please leave them below. Many thanks.
Marking 60 years of Queen Elizabeth II's reign, Diamond Jubilee events are being held throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, the Commonwealth and UK Overseas Territories over the long weekend from 2nd to 5th June 2012.
What Are The Royal Family Doing For The Queen's Diamond Jubilee?
No doubt you've already seen on TV – the Royal party at Epsom for the Derby on Saturday 2nd June, on the River Thames in London along the 7 miles on the Royal Barge with 1000 vessels in the flotilla on Sunday 3rd June, the forthcoming concert at Buckingham Palace organised by Gary Barlow on Monday 4th June, the Jubilee Beacons where over 4000 beacons will be lit by communities throughout the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, the Commonwealth and the UK Overseas Territories on Monday 4th June with the Queen lighting one in London, then the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London on Tuesday 5th June followed by a processsional route by carriage to Buckingham Palace for the Royal party to appear on the balcony with an RAF fly-past to follow.
What Are The Rest Of Us Doing?
So much going on and entire communities celebrating together and where I live in Devon in the South West of England, a special Diamond Jubilee musical concert was held in the Village Hall (Sat 2nd June) to celebrate the 60 year reign of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Amongst the many musical items performed by members of the community ranging in age from 9 to 90, a poem in tribute was recited by my daughter Jess and her friends. Here goes:
They gathered together in the Village Hall
Jubilee celebrations for one and all
2012 is the Jubilee year
Villagers came from far and near
To celebrate the reign of our glorious Queen
60 years on the throne she’s been”
“God Save Our Gracious Queen,” we sing
No one we hold in higher esteem
Talented artists from the community performed
They sang, they played, recitals and more
They raised the roof to joyous applause
In the Village Hall for this 'Royal' cause
To all who attended this community evening
Wonderful entertainment that raised the ceiling
The community spirit brought us closer together
At this Diamond Jubilee – 60 years – Remember!
To Terry who organised this incredible event
Our grateful thanks, we’re delighted it meant….
…So much to so many, what a wonderful mix
For the folks who’ve enjoyed this basket of tricks
To sum up what was a memorable night
We toast our Queen, so deserving and right
We'll remember her well, for all she's done
We celebrate her reign, a very long one
So farewell dear friends as we part and go
What fun we had and OH…..what a show
So off to eat, for more is in store
It’s not over yet, there’s more for us all
Let’s meet again at the Jubilee Tea
The Hog Roast, the Church, YES – You and Me!
The weekend is full with much to do
So lets get together and celebrate through
If you've enjoyed this short poem I wrote, I'd welcome your comments. Many thanks. Lindsey.
PS. Lots more happening so if you want to get a flavour of what us Brits are up to, then stay tuned. There's a beacon lighting tonight at 10.30pm then tomorrow it's the whole village Tea Party in the Rec or Village Hall if raining. I'll try and get some pictures out.
Much fun was had by all as you will see from the pictures. Let's start with the concert where locals were drafted in to entertain. My dear old uncle Johnny played the keyboard (not bad for 90 eh?) The concert was an absolute joy and set a high standard for the rest of the celebrations. You may have already heard my daughter Jess reciting a Diamond Jubilee poem we made up, Easy Viral PDF Brander 
