Village Jubilations Fit for a Queen

by the South Marston Jubilee Committee

Thanks to EVERYONE for supporting, helping, coming along and joining in. Together we made the celebrations in South Marston, a time to remember.

‘Thank you for the lovely photos I am so glad that they came out so well. They will be lovely to look back on.’

‘Thank you for your tremendous effort in making the whole weekend such a success. It was a mighty effort, but very well worth it.’

‘What a great event…it was a very special time.’

The Jubilee Committee, now disbanded, was a handful of experienced village volunteers who planned and delivered the events for our community. A special thank you to all those involved in the making of the glorious bunting which has now been gifted to the village hall and the church.

Well done to the Rec clear-up team and for recycling all the rubbish.

The Jubilee Committee is really grateful to:
• • • • The Marquee Team, Stacy Woolhouse (Photographer) and Spud (Sound Technician)
      • Robbie Taylor (pictured right) for drawing the raffle. All the winners have been notified
      • Our very own Queen, loved by all and even believed by some!!!

       

      The Jubilee celebrations in South Marston kicked off on Thursday at The Carpenters Arms with ‘The Big Lunch’. Good food and good company, with live music, created light-hearted and playful vibes. Clare and her team followed this with a Royal Party on the Friday night.Clare said, “Both events were very well supported and absolutely brilliant. Couldn’t have been better.”

      Thursday night, Team Carriers delivered a stellar night with a ‘Right Royal Quiz’ that struck just the right note. Wall-to-wall friendship, great company, and a good drink. “Like the old days on a Friday and Saturday night” people said.  

      The children’s party on Saturday was a sensation. The youngsters were bubbly and delightful and joined in wholeheartedly with the many and various activities.

      Great food, ice-cream and sweet treats were additional wow factors. 10/10 said the kids.

      “It was very good with lots to do. I enjoyed it very much” said Katy aged 9.
      “We were really impressed as parents. We had very happy children, which is all we care about. My compliments to your face painter for taking on any challenge.” Katy’s Mum.

      Next, the dog show, where there were 65 entries across the 8 classes. The Best in Show was the Great Dane, Shadow, handled by Donna Bathe, and Reserve Best in Show was the Pug, Peggy, handled by Ivor Gumm.

      A big thank you to Tony and Vanna Leathart who did it all, including the judging and supplying the rosettes. A great success. Thank you to those who contributed to the £200.76 raised for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

      Then came Saturday night fever. It seemed like everybody was struck with it. Smiles and laughter were contagious. What a fabulous night. On Sunday, Lionel Cave-Ayland escorted a group of residents on a walking tour of village landmarks, relating some history en route. It included, thanks to Roy Field, a rare glimpse inside of the Chapel on Chapel Lane. The walk culminated at the Church, for refreshments and the photographic display of South Marston in years gone by. Back at the Village Hall, The Queen, being eligible for a complimentary cream tea, appeared AGAIN, this time dropping in from a helicopter. ‘Our Majesty’ declared the event open, and there proceeded an afternoon tea party with Bingo. There were 9 lucky bingo winners plus a raffle, with the first prize a voucher for TT Linnets.

      We could not have delivered the events without our sponsors. Thank you to;

      Ab Fab Loos, Aldi at Stratton and Rodbourne, Carpenters Arms, Carriers Arms, Claire Fleming (Travel Plan Officer, SBC), Crocodile Packaging, Dandelion Financial Ltd, DW Turf, E.F.P /Dennis’s Removals, Harris Memorial Trust, Ian Clark I.T. Ltd, Josera Dog Food, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Marston Tyres, McKenzie & Co, Mitchy Motors, Morrisons at Dorcan, Practical Family Homes, Shave Consulting, South Marston Parish Council, The Lawn Doctor, The Old Post Office Guest House, Trans XL, TT Linnet, South Marston Recreation Association, South Marston Litter Picking Volunteers. Private donations including the families of; A Hudswell and J Dunn.

      
      Jubilee Planting

      by Barry Thunder

      Thanks to the thoughtful determination of Heather Bishop, the Parish Council funded this Jubilee planting in the central flower bed of the Village Garden War Memorial. Last year it was planted with roses and spring bulbs, though our four legged visitors nibbled their way through it.

      In a bid to deter the deer and rabbits feasting this year, Heather has placed a tower in the centre to which silver bunting has been attached, platinum being too expensive! Further thanks to Heather for donating a variety of plants to Lionel’s new wildlife and flower area under the Allotment site corner trees.