Have you ever seen so many scones, pots of tea, jugs of Pimms and little hand-held Union Jack flags in one weekend? Well, it was a long weekend at that - and it was certainly an exciting event in British history!
From Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June, the country and people across the world celebrated the Queen's Platinum Jubilee with a number of events and celebrations.
Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne immediately after her father, King George VI, passed away on 6th February 1952. She celebrated her coronation on 2nd June 1953 at Westminster Abbey.
In Bodmin, there was plenty to see and do to mark the occasion - from the big events organised by Bodmin Town Council and other local organisations, to low-key celebrations in residents’ gardens and even the front room!
The Rotary Club
The Rotary Club of Bodmin were involved with three main events to celebrate the jubilee. As well as supporting the town council with the fire beacon event on Thursday 2nd June, the club organised a
Music for All event on Saturday 4th June, with different genres of music taking place in different venues across the town during the day and late into the evening. On Sunday 5th June, their social car run was a huge hit with the community. Starting from Priory Park, 70 cars - one for each year of the Queen’s reign - travelled 70 miles to Penzance.
Peter Bray from Bodmin Rotary Club, said: “Bodmin Rotary and Bodmin Town Council would like to thank all our sponsors, supporters, helpers, local organisations and Bodmin Lions for making this such a fantastic memorable weekend.”
Bodmin Town Council
Thursday evening commenced with a lighting trail, stopping at historical sites throughout the town,
each in turn being illuminated red, white and blue. Crowds gathering on the Bodmin Beacon witnessed the lighting of the beacon fire, musical fanfare, followed by the National Anthem and the illumination of the Memorial obelisk in red, white and blue, which could be viewed for miles around.
On Friday there was a sports day in Priory Park, activities at the Shire Hall, Bodmin Museum and Steam Railway, The Keep and the Old Library
incorporating interactive walkabout performances throughout the town.
Saturday included a community fun day spread across Mount Folly and Priory Park, including a huge array of events put together by Bodmin's dedicated community groups providing accessible fun and performances for all. Circus, face painting, a myriad of music and stalls all proved very popular.
Sunday included the Big Jubilee Lunch where family and friends came together to enjoy their food and the music and entertainment on Mount Folly which was a great hit with the community.
St Petroc’s indoor street party
On Thursday, 150 people booked a spot at St Petroc’s indoor street party, with big tables lining the inside of the church.
Thanks to volunteers from the church and Bodmin’s Inner Wheel group, the party was made possible. Guests were able to view the special displays by Bodmin Town Museum and Bodmin Keep, dance to music by The Velvets and join in with the singing of the good old National Anthem!
Street parties and afternoon tea galore!
Residents lined their streets with tables, chairs, paper plates and plenty of fizz, Pimms, sandwiches and cakes to go around over the weekend. Amongst some of the neighbourhoods celebrating was the households of Meadows Place in Bodmin, who decorated their homes with bunting and put on a delicious spread. In the countryside, one local resident put on a beautiful afternoon tea in her garden. Tracey - aka, ‘my.cornishadventure’ on Instagram - got out her finest red, white and blue china, laid out some fantastic food - including a pretty impressive Victoria Sponge - and spent the afternoon soaking up the sunshine and indulging in some delicious treats for the jubilee.
A weekend to remember…
Overall, once again Bodmin delivered a fantastic few days packed with different events to suit everyone.
Mayor, Cllr Phil Cooper, is very proud of the community. He said: “The four days have been a huge success and I would like to thank everyone who has participated in any way to make this momentous occasion so special and inclusive. There are too many to mention but special thanks has to go to Bodmin Town staff, the Rotary Club, the Lions, FLEET and St Petroc's Church and Bodmin Camera Club.
“What a great way for me to start the civic year as mayor of our great town. You have all made me so proud.”