Newbold Women’s Group met on Wednesday 6 July, to celebrate, a little belatedly, the Platinum Jubilee of her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth ll.
As we entered the Parish Room, she very graciously welcomed us in, dressed in a fetching pink/red dress with matching hat, and black accessories. Mind you, she didn’t actually speak or move since she was present as a life-sized cardboard cut-out lent to us by a member!
Ladies attending had all made the effort to dress in red, white and blue, and the room was decorated with more Union Flag bunting to that still on display from the St John’s celebration in June. A wonderful display of photos featuring The Queen from 1952 until the present day, and kindly loaned to us from the local library, was displayed on the walls.
Members had been encouraged to have a rummage in their lofts, and cupboards to seek out memorabilia they might still have about the Queen, and indeed her Coronation in 1953. These items were set out for all to see during the evening. So, we were able to have a look at a Coronation scrap book, a celebratory mug, and a couple of Bibles presented to schoolchildren at the time, as well as 5 copies of the book
entitled ‘Elizabeth our Queen’ by Richard Dimbleby. These had been presented by the local councils in Chesterfield, Portsmouth and Hastings in1953. Other items were 2 sets of silk woven by the silkworms in Lullingstone Castle in Kent, thimbles, plates, books, a jigsaw puzzle and photos from street parties held at the time. All in all, a great display to be enjoyed by all.
A couple of members had volunteered to share their memories of seeing the Queen in person, which led on to others reminiscing with their stories. One lady, spoke of a youngster, being a little disappointed when seeing the Queen because she wasn’t wearing a crown!
The evening moved on then to the important business of tucking into strawberries and cream and some delicious cakes, all courtesy of two Committee Members, and accompanied by both alcoholic and soft drinks with which we were able to raise our glasses with a toast to The Queen for her really long and remarkable reign. Celebratory music was played, in the background, to lend itself to the occasion. So ended a memorable and enjoyable evening.
As is customary, we don’t meet in August, so our next get together will be on Wednesday 7 September, when we will need to maybe tax our brains a little, with a Quiz being put together by another Committee Member.
The following meeting on 5 October will feature a talk given by a member of the Neighbourhood Safeguarding Team, covering both ‘Online Safety and Scam Awareness’.
For those of you who haven’t yet joined us, it would be good to have your company each month on the 1st Wednesday from 7pm until about 8.30/9pm. The cost is £2 to include refreshments (tea/coffee), and a ticket for the raffle. Do come along, everyone is welcome.
Until the next time, do hope you have a good summer break.
Wendy Drake