Platinum Jubilee – the last word from the Jubilators

A message on behalf of the Jubilators – the aptly named group who staged the Joint Villages’ Jubilee celebrations.

We hope you enjoyed the festivities and that there was something for everyone to appreciate, remember, and enjoy through this village tribute to Her Majesty.

As the bunting sags, the flags flap tiredly, the balloons deflate and the church flowers fade, we draw to a close our celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.  However a lasting legacy remains. In tangible, visible forms we can extend our memories and offer a lasting  tribute through:

– the commemorative bench for all to enjoy  – final position is yet to be decided.

– the tree planted as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative – a Malus (crab apple) variety “John Downie” with pale pink to white flowers and then red and orange fruits. The tree is planted on Royal Oak Lane.

– a time capsule whose contents are currently being gathered by Hemlocs who have very generously sponsored the whole project. This will be buried within the boundary of the village hall and marked with a special ceremony (details to  be announced).

– the planters with red white and blue flowers  which will continue to bloom throughout the summer.

– the areas of wild flowers in every corner of the village which will delight, inspire and lift spirits through this year and hopefully in years to come.

The memories and the legacies go beyond the physical as we reflect on:

– a generation of children who will remember what they were doing at The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee!

– the community spirit which emerged as preparations gathered momentum and was clearly displayed through the four-day celebration.

–  friendships formed or renewed and families having fun together together.

The events of those four days and the months leading up to it embraced all that it is great and special about living in this village.

From the Jubilators Group, thanks to everyone who supported us in bigs ways, small ways, unseen ways and for coming out in your hundreds to be part of Hemingford Abbots’ small contribution in support of the national effort to congratulate the Queen on 70 glorious, unbelievable, years of service.

So, with happy memories, we take our final bow and disappear for a marmalade sandwich.

Happy and Glorious…. .the ‘Jubilators’.