CELEBRATIONS ~ The Diamond Jubilee Long Weekend

Downing Street decorated for the Diamond Jubilee
photo from the Prime Minister's Office



Diamond Jubilee Decorations in our village

The official logo

There are some things in life which you know you will only have the privilege to witness once. We should not miss them.

Having always loved history, and especially British history I feel privilged to be here for the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.

For a nation who normally show reserve it is heartwarming to see how so many are celebrating and have made the effort to show their support for their monarchy, their families, friends and neighbours - and their country. 

Cities, towns and villages are decorated like I've never seen them. On Sunday there are fetes all over Britain where people will be sharing food, drinks and good company with neighbours and friends at picnics and street parties. Grandmothers have been asked to share their secret recipes for trifle and the Pimms will be ready. Gardens are in full bloom and hopefully the sun will shine for everyone.

It all kicks off on Saturday with her usual visit to The Derby where Her Majesty is always warmly welcomed by the racegoers. Well, it is, after all, The Sport of Kings. (And Queens, of course!)  And who should win it this year? The Queen does not have a runner in the race this year but should the favourite Camelot win, it would be quite an appropriate name in this Diamond Jubilee year.

The Queen celebrating a winner at Epsom on Derby day. Photo by Kent Gavin.

We feel sad to miss the celebrations in our own little village, but we're going to London on Sunday to see the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant, which should be spectacular. Imagine the possibility of nearly 1,000 boats from across the UK, the Commonwealth and around the world with The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh in the 'Gloriana', the Royal Barge as the centrepiece of the flotilla.  The flotilla will include Venetian gondolas, a Chinese dragon boat, kayaks, motorboats and a 19th century French trading ship. A million people are expected to line the riverbanks during the three-hour event. A sight like this has not been seen since 1662 when King Charles II used The Thames to introduce his country to his new bride, Queen ­Catherine of Braganza.

 Read more about the pageant here:

But this does not take anything away from the humble celebrations of Her Majesty's subjects.

Getting out the bunting!
Photo from the Daily Mail