FEW can have overlooked the major celebrations taking part across the UK and indeed the Commonwealth this weekend, marking the 60th year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Diamond Jubilee events are being held in each of our local villages, and are summarised below.
Seen on Lambley Lane, Lowdham, one of a pair of patriotic frogs prepare for the Diamond Jubilee
In Lambley, jubilee activities start at 5pm on Monday 4 June 2012 on the village playing fields behind Lambley Primary School, with a contingency to relocate to the village hall if the weather is poor. Organisers say there will be activities for all ages, including children’s games, bouncy castle, treasure hunt, short cricket, tug of war, coconut shy, and more. A barbecue will be provided by The Lambley, plus cakes, tea, and coffee from the WI, and entertainment from live musicians The Food Doctors.
The village is also staging a competition for the best decorated house. No specific entry is needed, just deck your home in a patriotic fervour and the judges will get to hear about it.
Also in Lambley, a hog roast is planned for Monday evening at The Woodlark, with live music provided by local band The Beaten Tracks.
Lambley Historical Society will stage a photo display of previous village celebrations, and hold a competition for the best image from this year’s royal event. Entries showing Diamond Jubilee festivities can be submitted via the society’s website or by post by Friday 6 July – the competition is free to enter, and the winner judged by Lambley Historical Society will receive a £10 prize and be displayed on the website.
Lowdham’s jubilee celebrations start on Sunday with a Lowdham Book Festival event Elizabeth I to Elizabeth II. The planned Diamond Ball, a swanky black tie affair on Saturday at the village hall, has been cancelled. Main activities are of course on Monday 4 June with a re-dedication of the village clock, a 1950s-themed afternoon tea at Lowdham village hall, and a range of attractions including stalls, vehicles, and fairground rides.
Meanwhile in Woodborough, the main village activities are on Sunday 3 June 2012, from 2pm to 6pm on the Governor’s Field. A fancy dress parade on the theme of ‘royalty through the ages’ will be held at 4pm, and garden games including skittles, hook-a-duck, boules, and table tennis will be available.
On Monday, Woodborough’s Four Bells Inn is holding a Jubilee Party and hog roast from 12noon. This will include stalls selling arts, crafts, and food, and live music from the Anthill Mobsters, acoustic artist Sophie Lee, and Dangerously Pink. Children will be entertained on the giant inflatable fun run, go-karts, and the pub’s new children’s play area. The Woodborough Millennium beacon will be lit at 10pm, although the planned release of Chinese lanterns has been called off after safety concerns.