Jubilee Celebrations Success

By Jennifer Skipp

I’m sure everyone is in agreement that the Jubilee celebrations both locally and across the country were hugely successful and momentous occasions. Celebrating 70 years of the Queen’s reign was a very significant moment in the country’s history, and it was certainly marked accordingly.

An undoubted highlight of the village’s own celebrations was the beacon and fireworks at the Glebe Field. The event was brilliantly supported, with the field filling up as the evening went on and people waited for the beacon to be lit. The beacon itself was an impressive sight, even making its way onto BBC South Today news! A wooden ‘70’ had been cleverly crafted at the top of the wood pile to act as the beacon, which prompted cheers and applause from the crowd as it lit up. Many thanks to the group of local volunteers who worked to build this remarkable structure.

The fireworks seamlessly followed the lighting of the beacon, creating a highly effective show against the clear twilight sky. The remnants of an orange sunset and a bright crescent moon completed the picturesque scene. The wonderful fireworks, kindly sponsored by Blockbusters Fireworks Displays (Horsham), have been described by onlookers as “fantastic” and “magical” and prompted plenty of ‘oohs’ and ‘ahs’ from the crowd.

People gathered from all over the village, prior to the lighting of the beacon, to enjoy a sociable evening of chatting, games, food, drink and live music. There was a real sense of community and togetherness, which felt especially poignant after the past few years of not being able to gather all together. The burgers, hot dogs and drinks on offer were well-received, as were the red, white and blue glow bands on sale, with the event raising around £1700 to be put towards church funds.

Meanwhile, inside Holy Innocents, the fantastic exhibition of ‘Jubilee windowsills’ was on display. Each exhibit focused on an aspect of the Queen’s glorious reign: ‘the Coronation’, ‘Ireland and horse racing’, ‘the Commonwealth’, ‘Scotland and Balmoral’, ‘Wales’, ‘love of nature and trees’, ‘the Olympics’ and ‘garden parties’. Those who contributed their exhibitions include Southwater WI, Southwater Local History Group, the Guides, the Horticultural Society, Southwater Sports Club and the three local schools.

On Saturday, the sun shone and the crowds gathered, as the Ghyll sports field became alive with entertainment and celebrations. The Southwater Community Partnership team (all volunteers) put on a fabulous event to celebrate the Queen’s 70 year reign. There were activities and entertainment for all Southwater’s generations from gymnastic and dance to live music and fancy dress with local groups, clubs, Southwater businesses and bands showcasing their talent and hard work. A huge thank you to everyone who played a part in making the Jubilee bank holiday such a success. The various events held across thevillage were brilliantly received and will certainly be remembered as special moments in Southwater’s history.