Queen's Jubilee 2002

Whitchurch Golden Jubilee Celebrations - like many villages around the country Whitchurch joined in the celebrations for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee with a party. Organised by Whitchurch & Creslow Community Association there was a series of events over the Jubilee weekend. These started on Sunday, 2nd June, when a church service was held in the marquee in Glebe field to give thanks for the Queen’s reign. Later in the day more than fifty villagers, young and old, joined in the inaugural village circular walk.

The sun shone as they set off from the White Swan on a leisurely stroll past many of the important buildings and locations in Whitchurch. For the first time there is a leaflet to accompany the walk. Details of this leaflet are to be found in another area of this web site.

The main events of the long weekend took place on Monday, 3rd June. With the Youth Band of the Royal British Legion  

leading the way the parade set off from the Surgery car park in Oving Road. As well as the standard of the local branch of the Royal British Legion, and representatives from youth groups such as the Brownies and Guides, many villagers took heed of the invitation to dress in the style of the 1950s. It was noted in the local newspaper, the Bucks Herald, that one of the great mysteries of the world had been solved - Elvis IS alive and living in Whitchurch with his twin brothers.

Judging the fancy dress competition took place as soon as the parade arrived in Glebe field. This difficult task was undertaken by Nigel and Janet, of Rickyard Close, who represented Daewoo Cars Ltd. Sponsors of the evening’s firework display.

Following the line dancing traditional games such as the sack race and egg and spoon races took place in the field. Judging by the energy displayed by all competitors it was no wonder that they were ready for tea at 5.30 p.m. served in the marquee. Sitting at tables suitably decorated for the occasion children of the village tucked in to sandwiches and crisps and drank out of red, white and blue paper cups.

At 6.00 PM everyone present joined in a energetic singing of the National Anthem. On completion every child was presented with a souvenir mug, kindly provided by the Parish Council, depicting the Queens head and the words “Whitchurch Celebration 3 June 2002”.

Soon afterwards the Golden Jubilee cake, baked by Harold Newman and decorated by Dianne Shepherd, was cut and everyone was invited to share in this colourful Jubilee treat.

During this time families ate their picnics and barbecues and settled down to listen to music from the 50s. Soon after we were entertained by village duo, Sleepless, whose haunting songs mesmerised the crowd and by a pair of young Irish dancers who captivated their audience.

Then followed the announcement that the best dressed house competition, voted by all present , was Hope Cottage in the High Street, home of Vanessa Robinson.

In the cool of the evening more music was provided by Steve Rothery and his band and enjoyed by the large crowd that had gathered. The finale to a great day of entertainment was a superb firework display , the centrepiece of which said, simply, “ER 50” . Even as people headed home the strains of “God Save the Queen” could still be heard.