Diamond Jubilee Family Fun Day

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The whole village got together on Saturday 16th June to hold a Family Fun day on the Lorkin Daniell Playing Field in the village. The organisers and volunteers turned up to set out the fayre from very early on Saturday morning and were determined to put on a show to remember despite the very windy conditions.

Our event began as planned with an assembly of our children at Heathlands School all having decorated their scooters and “jubilee rides” ready for the parade to the playing field and ultimately the judging competition. Many were clutching their favourite Teddy Bears ready in expectation of the Teddy Bears picnic they would all enjoy following the scooter competition.

 The parade was led by Terry Doonan a long time resident of West Bergholt with his highly decorated mobility scooter who at times struggled to keep his powerful “ride” ahead of the excited children’s parade. As the parade entered the specially prepared field and arena they were greeted by the sound of Chariots of Fire and the applause of proud parents and spectators alike.

The winners of the decorated “ride” competitions were presented with their prizes by Neil Mathews, Head Teacher of Heathlands and the winners were;

• Caitlin & Leandra Williams-Macklin – Best Decorated Scooter
• Ben & Max Lemmon – Best Dressed Winners
• Alexis – Best Overall Winner – Dressed as a Queen Bee

Over 250 children sat down to the Teddy Bears picnic where each child was presented with a Diamond Jubilee celebratory box of goodies including hat, flag, cake and drink all lovingly prepared by the Blue Bell team and village volunteers.

At the end of the picnic we were all treated to the sight and sound of an impressive fly past by the Royal Air Force who obviously hearing of our family event appeared to divert from their usual flight path to attend our fayre on the way to greeting Her Majesty on her official birthday.

We were all then treated to series of displays by the West Bergholt Dance Troupe, Zumba Class and Heathlands Choir where all were encouraged to take part at the appropriate time. To add further excitement we held our traditional family games competition including a Tug o War, Sack Race and Egg and Spoon Race with prizes for the winners in all categories.

During the afternoon the Woman’s Institute announced the winners of the Diamond Jubilee Card Competition where children were asked to design the front and inside of the card and a verse composed by an adult was selected to complete the greeting card which is to be sent to the Queen on behalf of the village to mark her Diamond Jubilee year. The winners were;

• Front cover drawing – Olivia Knight 
• Inside cover drawing – Lily Tyler 
• Verse written by – Susan Walby (Barker)

Front cover drawing – Olivia Knight

Inside cover drawing – Lily Tyler

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Your Majesty,
This card is sent on your Diamond Jubilee
with the heartfelt good wishes of the
people of West Bergholt, Essex

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Thank you for your dedication,
Always working for our nation,
Doing lots to aid world peace
Constant schedules without cease.

Enjoy the love, the joy, the cheer,
In this Celebration Year.
West Bergholt folk would like to say
God Speed, Three Cheers, hip, hip Hooray!

Verse written by – Susan Walby (Barker)

The awards were announced by Susan Leng WI President and presented to the winners by John Gili-Ross Chairman of the Parish Council.