In 2022, Her Majesty The Queen will become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, seventy years of service, having acceded to the throne on 6th February 1952 when Her Majesty was 25 years old.
An extended bank holiday, from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June, will provide an opportunity for communities and people throughout the United Kingdom to come together to celebrate the historic milestone. The four days of celebrations will include public events and community activities, as well as national moments of reflection on The Queen’s 70 years of service.
On Saturday I met with Margaret, Rosemary and Sheila under a Jubilee canopy keeping dry as the heavens opened up in Clare at the market. They are leading a working group, that I have agreed to join, to prepare for the celebrations next year. And boy have they got some great ideas.
Email clarejubilee2022@gmail.com if you have ideas or can help.
Some of the ideas being explored are as follows:
A Memories Board where people can post photo’s and personal memories of the Queen’s accession and could include other memories of the silver, golden and diamond jubilees.
Bunting to be made locally and hung around the town. A simple template could be suggested, pieces made and delivered to a central collection point and stitched together by volunteers.
The town planters and hanging baskets to be planted in red, white and blue.
Yarn bombing various places in Clare – again in red, white and blue. Suggestions have also included iconic items from the 1950’s – phone boxes, post boxes etc.
A community project to renovate the historic Swann Inn sign.
A self-led trail around the Country Park.
An event featuring music from the 1950’s – a “sing along” possibly.
An old time Music Hall evening.
An art show.
A dog show.
A family picnic featuring live music together with some of the games from the old Clare Carnival.
Party in the Park and beacons lit.
Several volunteers have already come forward for these projects but more will be required. Email clarejubilee2022@gmail.com if you have ideas or can help.
Nick Clarke 