The Welshampton and Lyneal Community celebrated Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee over the weekend of Friday 3 to Sunday 5 June 2022 in style and the general consensus was that everybody enjoyed the events and the coming together.

The Friday night Frog Race Derby was a real multi-generational affair from children of 6 years to people in their 80’s …it was hard to tell who had the most fun.  The competition to win the races was fierce and hilarious in equal measure.   There was brisk bidding to enter the races and be a jockey.  In the final race the bidding was to become an ‘owner’, this was very fiercely fought, the final bids led to a very healthy payout on the tote!

The Parish Hall bar was open – and the Jubilee cocktail was very popular (and colourful!). Our fish and chip suppers were delivered by The Shropshire Fish Bar from Ellesmere, they were delicious and no washing up!!

The general consensus from those who attended was … “when’s the next one?”  Maybe watch this space?

On Jubilee Saturday there was a festive and tempting Platinum Pudding Competition held in Colemere Church.  The church looked lovely, decorated with bunting together with red, white and blue floral displays. The competition was well supported and there were many entries from children as well as adults.  The judges had an extremely difficult time in deciding the winners, all of the entries were beautifully decorated in the Jubilee theme and were definitely ‘fit for a queen’. The winners were Lola Stone aged 10 years and Di Hill, they both received a small prize. Pictures of the winning entries below.

 

And so we come to the Big Jubilee Lunch on Sunday which was due to be held in the school field … the marquee was up, the bunting was ready, the entertainment was rehearsed, and gazebos were at the ready … and then it rained, and rained again!!  It was just as well we had a plan B and the event was moved to the Parish Hall… and in the best British tradition a good time was had by all.  There were elaborate picnics and corks popping … and wonderful entertainment from our amazing Bonfire Committee.  They gave us some national and local history from each decade of HM’s reign and a song too. The audience was enthusiastic in joining in … most people knew at least some of the words and those that didn’t sang anyway.   The finale was a rousing rendition of Sweet Caroline and we were at least as good as Sir Rod Stewart and the London audience at the Jubilee concert the night before.

 

It was a lovely weekend and wonderful to see so much community spirit and enormous capacity to enjoy ourselves.

The Parish Council gave more than 140 Jubilee mugs to the children of the Parish, also many people were able to buy the lovely bone china mugs (it seems mostly for grandchildren !!).