Our Communities pulled out all the stops to celebrate the Queens Platinum Jubilee of 70 years on the throne. The longest reigning monarch since Louis IX in 17^th Cent.

The Jubilee has been the impetus for us to shake off the covid lockdown and emerge once again.

Two ladies I met at a Jubilee Tea had worked closely together on the WI for over 30 years. This weekend event was the first time they had spoken face to face for two and a half years! This was a pattern repeated at Welbourn Hall, where residents of the home were able to leave their rooms and enjoy a Jubilee tea with entertainment, together with family and friends in a marquee. It was a happy and moving event.

To build on the community spirit enjoyed over the weekend, there are a number of coffee mornings and lunch clubs revived and refreshed, building a foundation for some some bigger events on the way. There are grants available for bringing communities together and providing support. Please get in touch.

The Lincolnshire Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight took part in launching the Queens celebrations in London. The Red Arrows came to Coleby Parish Council recently to introduce themselves and explain that they are moving back to Waddington this year but continue to train in the air space at RAF Scampton. They are also away a lot, training or displaying. Scampton is closing at the end of this year and the Councils await applications for its reuse, ranging widely.

While Sleaford held a brilliant Forties Weekend, attended up over 2000 people, many local venues held afternoon music and entertainment and a ceilidh in Welbourn.  The well-attended synchronized beacon lighting in many of our villages, was visible from Wellingore Beacon on the Cliff Edge.

Special Jubilee services were held in our Cathedral, Churches and Chapels.

Many villages held a special Jubilee afternoon tea, with live music, including an organ at Thorpe on the Hill!

Some of our villages had a non-stop programme throughout the 4-day weekend, such as Coleby, Welbourn and Wellingore.  Bassingham, Beckingham and Brant Broughton held brilliant events mainly on the Saturday.

Events ranged from a village Ceilidh and demonstration ball-room dancing to a whole fete of activities and a ring with everythig from Welly-wanging, dog shows and our own Queen Doris arriving on a tractor at Wellingore.

It was a tough job judging the fancy dress and scarecrow competitions. In presenting the Prizes, I included Sir David Attenborough and Sir Edmund Hilary, both born the same year as the Queen. The Forge opened too, with apprentices also at work.

Welbourn: Julie Ward leading the children’s fancy dress procession to visit the two residential homes. Afterwards, I presented prizes at the Joiner’s Arms, which was followed by a bouncy castle and tea, thanks to Sally and Jeremy at the Joiner’s Arms.  Our local Barbers Shop Quartet followed that eveming. Dancing, hog roast, Church Fete, the forge working and a thankgiving service and picnic all made for a fantastic weekend.

 

Supporting the Big Opening of Jubilee Park, Swinderby

Bassingham evening Concert and dancing

Welbourn Hall Jubilee Tea –

Barber’s Shop Quartet Reunited and Burt was able to remember the words and sing along to great applause