Guarlford History Group

Reminiscences

Queen's Diamond Jubilee 2012

The Village Jubilee Picnic

In June 2012 the country formally celebrated the 60th year of Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne, culminating in a special Trooping the Colour ceremony.

Locally, in celebration of the Jubilee the village of Guarlford held a village bring and share picnic jointly sponsored by Guarlford Parish Council and the Guarlford History Group and hosted by Peter and Liz Mayner in the paddock at Cherry Orchard.

Before the main event the new village bench, by the pond, was dedicated in memory of village historian Joan Bradshaw.

Here are some photos of the picnic lunch:-

The weather forecast was poor, so a large marquee was hired so everyone could take shelter if it rained and as the day of the picnic neared the decision was taken to bring across tables and chairs from the village hall.

And so it was that the event turned into an indoor street party, which was fortunate because as soon as we sat down to eat it poured with rain.

The centre piece of the buffet table was a large meringue cake made by Liz (see photo below)

As usual, villagers contributed a vast quantity of delicious food, a variety of savouries and sweets. There was plenty to go round and more.

In spite of the weather, villagers enjoyed a good chat and all the delicious food. All agreed it was a lovely way to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee.

The event was hosted by Doctor Peter Mayner who was as usual in good form (see photo below).

The success of the event was not least due to the many helpers who mowed the grass, organised the marquee and set up the gazebos, moved the tables and chairs from the village hall, decorated the marquee, provided food and helped clear up afterwards.

A special thank you to all and especially our hostess Liz for all her hard work (see opposite).

The new parish noticeboard

To coincide with the Diamond Jubilee the two small parish council and church noticeboards in the churchyard were replaced by a single large oak noticeboard near the postbox . The noticeboard was donated by the Guarlford History Group.

The new village Bench

At midday before the event villagers gathered outside Grange Farm Nursery for the dedication of a new bench by the pond. The bench was also donated by the Guarlford History Group in memory of Joan Bradshaw.

Click here to go to photographs of the dedication of the bench.