The Queens Platinum Jubilee - June 2nd to 5th
All the detail you need to know on what is happening is below:
Thursday 2nd June – Lighting of Shutford Beacon on Jesters Hill (9.45pm)
Forming part of the national lighting of beacons across the UK and commonwealth, locals are invited to gather on the village green at 7.30pm. Our very own Town Crier will announce a specially-written Proclamation heralding the lighting of the beacon. The Crier will then lead us all on foot* to Jesters Hill to join with delegations from Shutford and Tadmarton Parish. With kind permission of the Sandcroft-Bakers, light refreshments will be served from the barn close to the beacon and Deddington Brass Band will provide entertainment - striking up a good old sing song! There will also be fun for the youngsters, with children’s entertainer John Hayns juggling and his amazing magic tricks! The beacon will be lit at 9.45pm. For those that would prefer to drive parking will be available close to the site. There will also be on site toilet facilities.*A tractor with trailer will be on hand to ferry those who cannot walk/drive
Click here to let us know if you are attending
Friday 3rd June (4.00pm)
A family service of thanksgiving and celebration for the Queen’s reign will be held at the church of St Peter and St Paul, Swalcliffe and led by our Rector, the Revd. Neil Bowler
This will be an opportunity for us to come together to celebrate the life and service of Her Majesty The Queen. There will be some rousing patriotic hymns, readings and contributions from the whole village, followed by refreshments in the churchyard. We will be asking for the involvement of any children and adults who feel inspired to compose their own poem, draw a picture or recite an appropriate poem or prayer to celebrate this wonderful occasion. Watch out for requests for contributions soon.
For more information, contact Catherine Warrington on 07850 595387
Saturday 4th June – Party with the Palace at The Stags Head – (2.00pm onwards)
The Stags Head pub will be running a beer festival across the four-day weekend. On Saturday afternoon they will kick off the party atmosphere with the popular local singing star Pete Watkins, playing all the favourites to get everyone in the celebratory mood.
From 7.00pm there will be a live stream of the Platinum Party at the Palace. A concert that will bring together the world’s biggest entertainers to perform at Buckingham Palace and right here in Swalcliffe. Bring your deck chairs and blankets!
Sunday 5th June – The BIG THANK YOU LUNCH (1.00pm – 5.00pm)
Joining communities up and down the country, Swalcliffe Parish Council are sponsoring a Big Jubilee Lunch for villagers. This is an event not to be missed!
The setting outside the Tithe Barn will be festooned in glorious red, white, and blue. Trestle tables and chairs will be set-up for what we hope to be the biggest village get together we have ever had.
Starting promptly at 1.00pm, the Master of Ceremonies will run through the afternoon’s activities, whilst you, your family and friends are laying out your own picnics along the tables provided – who will impress the most with their fayre. Royal Jubilee themes fancy dress is encouraged – for those that do, you might win a prize!
Expect plenty of entertainment to get involved with, including giant Jenga, the washing line game and in good old Swalcliffe tradition – a TUG OF WAR. Fancy your photo being taken looking like the Queen, sitting on the throne. It will all be set up ready for you.
A ‘Last Night of The Proms’ singalong is planned – words will be provided!
Click here to let us know if you are attending
There are of course some barn rules you should be aware of CLICK HERE TO READ THEM
What else to look out for in advance of the celebratory weekend
We need your help dressing the village for the occasion. To inspire everyone, we will be arranging a best dressed house competition. Look out for further details of this online and through DellaDella emails.
To secure a permanent commemoration of Her Majesty’s milestone, the Parish Council will also be ‘Planting a Tree for the Jubilee’ as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative. Local farrier Ben Benson has been commissioned to make a circular bench to go around the tree. This will be officially unveiled on the Sunday.
Volunteer time to help over the weekend - Volunteers are still needed to help with the weekend events. If you can lend some time across the weekend or just for one of the events, please drop Karen Riordan an email – karen.rioran@swalcliffevillage.co.uk. If any first aiders volunteering could identify themselves that would also be helpful.