The Queen’s Jubilee - a day to remember - in spite of the weather!

There was a great turnout for all the events on Sunday, to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in Anna Valley, Red Rice and Upper Clatford.

The morning started with football at the Sports Field, where we had around 30 of all ages. Farleigh School very kindly lent us all the kit, including goals, balls and a fantastic rope for Tug Of War, all supported by a steady supply of bacon rolls. Charlie Barlow was on hand selling the Jubilee Mugs designed by Angie Wilkinson and tickets for the incredible list of Raffle prizes donated by locals and local businesses, sourced by Julia Shah.

Meanwhile a host of supporters prepared the Village Street laying out tables and chairs, in readiness for the Children's Tea Party. To initiate this stage, children and their parents gathered at Anna Valley Playground and to the sound of a single drummer and following a Vintage Fire Engine (organised by Kevin Francis) processed through the villages to the Crook and Shears, which would be the centre of events in the afternoon and evening.

After a Prayer by Reverend Teresa Townsend, our new Vicar, and the resounding rendition of God Save the Queen supported by Test Valley Brass, over 100 children tucked into a wonderful tea party organised by volunteers who had registered their willingness to help.

The Reverend Teresa then cut the magnificent and delicious Jubilee Cake, made and donated by Amy Laughton and her son Alie of Maggie's Bakery who lives in Anna Valley. It was then cut up by Charlie Barlow who distributed it to feed the masses.

The Bake Off was being judged by Amy, our Upper Clatford professional baker, with help of her son Alfie, the Test Valley Brass were playing, the crowds grew as we moved towards 5.30 pm when the winners of the Fancy Dress and Bake Off were announced and prizes handed out.

Seamlessly, at about 5pm, the Tea party was cleared up, tables and chairs packed away as the delicious smell of the Hog Roast permeated the surroundings!

All the prizes and the incredible list of Raffle prizes donated by locals and local businesses, were sourced by Julia Shah. Raffle tickets were selling like hot cakes and the Crook and Shears was doing brisk trade at the bar as well as the Pimms Table. At 5.30pm, Upper Clatford's own band led by John Baxter, Mostly Harmless kicked off outside the pub, the Hog Roast queue started to form and the rain….. held off.

By 6.30pm, even though the rain had set in, the Hog Roast was being served to those that had registered and Mostly Harmless moved into the Skittle Alley to protect the equipment. Many danced, over 320 Hog Roast meals were served and Emma and Jay reckon that more than 400 people bought drinks at the Crook and Shears.

The Committee have had many responses from residents who felt that the day’s events had been worthy of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Funding was gratefully received from the Hampshire County Council, Test Valley Borough Council and the Upper Clatford Parish Council. The Committee can confirm that in addition to funds raised from the Raffle, the sale of the Jubilee Mugs and bacon butties at the sports field, over £1,200 was raised. The Committee will meet to decide what to do with these funds, and any funds not distributed directly, will be distributed to the Community via the May Fayre Committee.

All this was possible only due to an army of volunteers who had registered their willingness to help set up and dismantle, prepare food, act as First Aiders and a Village, who love to and know how to, make a Great Community Event!

Thank you all.

For further information contact Charlie Barlow, Chairman Jubilee Committee at charlie.barlow@rockfirstcapital.com