Well, weren’t we lucky to have chosen the better day, of the whole weekend’s weather, to hold our celebrations. It was a lovely dry, sunny and warm afternoon, absolutely ideal for having some fun and running a few races!
The proceedings began with the Town Crier of Bromyard, Peder Nielsen, opening the afternoon’s celebrations for us, followed by a few words from the Chairman of the Parish Council. She welcomed everyone to this historic occasion and hoped that everyone would enjoy themselves and make some lasting memories of this community event. Everyone was then asked to adjourn to the outside to watch the fly past of the Red Arrows, which of course had been especially ordered by the Parish Council!! A presentation of a Commemorative Coin and Scroll to those children, 16 years and under that were present, then followed.
Our celebrity chef, Simon from the Plough, had a hard task judging the ‘The Queen’s Platinum Pudding’ competition. Eventually a decision was made and the winner of the Adult’s was Zoey Harper and the under 16’s Ellie Wise. Thank you to everyone who entered.
It was now time to see everyone’s competitive side by watching them enter the selection of races that Bridget had lined up, in the hope of winning a badge or two. It was lovely to see so many children with their t-shirts weighed down with a selection of different coloured badges hanging off! There was the running, three legged, wheelbarrow, obstacle, space hopper and the good old egg and spoon races, something for everyone, from the under 5’s to the over 70’s. Well done to everyone who took part. There was also some sideshows to entertain as well. We had skittles, splat the rat, a buzzer game and a treasure hunt. Thank you to those who manned these games.
Meanwhile back in the Hall ’The Good Time Tea Time Band’ had struck up and were entertaining those who were enjoying a sit down and catching up with friends and neighbours and some of the new residents of the village they had not had the pleasure of getting to know, before now. During the interval everyone was invited to tuck into the lovely afternoon tea that had been laid out. Thank you to each and every one of you who donated plates of sandwiches and cakes to enable us to have a feast fit for the Queen. As someone said, Stoke Lacy always knows how to cater! At this point we then had a parade of the Best Decorated Crown’s which was judged by Mrs Betty Davies. The winners were Lyla Woodyatt, under 16’s, and Tina Lifely, the Adult’s.
The Band commenced their second set with people taking to the floor for a bit of a boogie, well done the dancers. The proceedings then culminated with a rendition of Albert and the Lion by Neil Parker and God Save the Queen played on the flute by Lyla Woodyatt, and then some flag waving and a good old traditional sing song the Stoke Lacy way.
Finally, thanks must go to Wye Valley Brewery, NSA Events, The Plough Inn and WCM+A for your very generous donations towards our celebrations. Thank you to each and every one who helped in any way to make our Platinum Celebrations such a success. A special thank you must go to the ‘platinum planning team’ who over the last twelve weeks helped to make sure all the plans came to fruition. Thank you to everyone who attended and for all the lovely messages and comments we have received making us feel that the weeks of planning were very worthwhile. Stoke Lacy can be sure they did ‘Her Majesty’ proud.
Janet Ivison
Chairman of Stoke Lacy Parish Council