JUBILEE CELEBRATION: West Dorset aims to turn red, white and blue for a right royal occasion (From Bridport and Lyme Regis News)

JUBILEE CELEBRATION: West Dorset aims to turn red, white and blue for a right royal occasion

10:22am Wednesday 30th May 2012 in Bridport By Anne Bell

JUBILEE fever will grip towns and villages this weekend as west Dorset turns red, white and blue.

A host of events and activities are planned to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Here, we list many of the events taking place over the bank holiday weekend but we also feature stories from readers looking forward to the celebrations.

THE QUEEN and the Duke of Edinburgh are to officially open the Jubilee Games at Lyme Regis.

Well, their lookalikes will, at least.

And Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans has also give the right royal carry-on his backing on his breakfast show.

The wacky Olympics style extravaganza will give ‘athletes’ the chance to win their own gold medal in a host of events – including an eight-legged race, mermaid race and a sprint nettle eating contest.

Organiser Hugh Dunford-Wood has arranged for ‘the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh’ to open the Games and present gold medals to the winners.

Mr Evans described the Games – dubbed the alternative to the Olympics – as ‘huge fun and a great laugh’ on his Radio 2 show.

A Mermaid Queen will hold court during the Games on the evening of Tuesday, June 5. There will altogether be ten events, starting at 5pm and ending at 7pm – although the last event is dependent upon the incoming tide.

Lyme’s events end with an open-air dance along the Marine Parade, from 8pm to 11pm.

LET'S CELEBRATE

All events may be subject to change and weather dependent.

Beaminster Sunday, June 3 11am, church service, St Mary’s Church.

12.45pm, tree dedication, Memorial Playing Field. 1.30pm to 6pm, Pageant, Pavilion, Memorial Playing Field.

Monday, June 4 3pm to 5pm Street Party. The Square.

BRADPOLE Saturday, June 2 Arts, crafts and flower display in the church, all weekend.

10am to 4pm, bell-ringing demonstrations.

Afternoon - free concert by local musicians.

Monday, June 4 3.30pm, village fete and bring and share tea, Orchard Field. Kings and Queens children’s fancy dress competition, story-telling.

6.30pm to 10pm, ceilidh with band Jeroka, hog roast and bar.

Sunday, June 5 5pm, Songs of Praise, Holy Trinity Church.

Bridport Sunday, June 3 11am, Church Service, St Mary’s Church, South Street.

Noon, Allington Hill: Big picnic lunch. Bouncy castle, pony rides, games, children’s fancy dress competition prince and princess. Treasure hunt, tombola, grand draw refreshment stalls. Free entry BYO picnic.

Entrance from Hospital Lane or Park Road (no parking – access and drop-off only).

Monday, June 4 Official Jubilee beacon lighting. Top of Allington Hill, (entrance Hospital Lane) 9.30pm for 10.15pm Tuesday, June 5 5pm to 9pm, Barrack Street. Street party.

BROADOAK Monday, June 4 7.30pm, Bonfire, barbecue and beacon lighting at 10.15pm, Denhay Hill.

BROADWINDSOR Saturday, June 2 9am to 10.30am, Big breakfast, Comrades Hall.

10am, cakes at Comrades Hall for judging.

10am, Scarecrows out for judging – maps available in hall.

10am to 5pm, Exhibition of quilts and flowers and memorabilia in the church.

2pm to 4pm, children’s games, Comrades Hall.

2pm to 4pm, village artwork, Lewesdon Room.

3pm to 5pm, Cream tea, churchyard (in church if wet).

6pm, Pram race around the village, starts at Comrades Hall.

Sunday, June 3 10am to 5pm, Exhibition of quilts and flowers and memorabilia in the church.

11am, Jubilee church service.

Afternoon party for Fullers residents.

Scarecrows around the village.

Monday, June 4 10am to 5pm, Exhibition of quilts and flowers and memorabilia in the church.

Scarecrows around the village.

11am to 2pm, Drop-off food in square to share.

Noon to midnight, West Street closed to traffic.

2.30pm, Parade of village shields from Comrades Hall around village to square.

3pm village street party, The Square, classic cars, stalls and sideshows.

4pm, Hamper draw 4pm, Scarecrow prizes presented.

From 6pm, live music and disco, The Square 7.30pm to 9pm, BBQ, The Square.

10pm, beacon lighting and fireworks on the allotments.

10.15pm to 11pm, live music 11pm to midnight, disco Tuesday, June 5 From 3pm, novelty rounders match, cricket pitch, Beaminster Road, with bar and BBQ.

BURTON BRADSTOCK Saturday, June 2 10am to 3pm, five-a-side football competition, bouncy castle, circus skills. Recreation Ground.

11am to 3pm, Dorset Museum bus, village green. Exhibition of 50s memorabilia (and Sunday), village hall.

4.30pm to 9pm, Party on the Beach, Hive Beach.

Sunday, June 3 11am, church service, St Mary’s Church.

12.45pm, group photograph of villagers taken from the church tower.

1pm to 3pm, Big lunch street party.

Evening – Diamond Jubilee quiz, Three Horseshoes.

Monday, June 4 2pm to 4.30pm, village fair, Rectory Gardens.

Tuesday, June 5 Music in the afternoon, village hall.

Thursday, June 7 2pm, village walk.

Charmouth Saturday, June 2 Noon to 2pm, an “old fashioned street party” at Bymead House 2pm to 5pm, cream teas and homemade cakes at St Andrew’s Community hall Sunday, June 3 2.30pm to 5pm, street party in Lower Sea Lane with a Punch and Judy show, music and refreshments.

7pm to 10.30pm, “Party in the Park” at Charmouth playing fields with live music, BBQ, bar and firework display.

Monday, June 4 2pm, teas on the green at Seadown Holiday Park.

3pm, Charmouth PTA duck race at the seafront.

CHIDEOCK All events Clapps Mead playing field Saturday, June 2 1pm, flower festival and kids’ bake-off.

3pm, children’s party 7.30pm, party in the park.

Sunday, June 3 11am, service in the marquee.

Monday, June 4 1pm, art group exhibition and children’s painting session.

2pm, carriage race with “Queen” and footmen.

3pm, royal quiz.

CORSCOMBE Sunday, June 3 Noon, village photo: optional dress code 1950s or come as you like.

12.30pm, picnic lunch - bring your own food and invite your neighbours and friends to join you. There will also be a cash bar.

1.30pm, live music, country dancing and fun games for all ages, including a tug of war.

There will also be a kings and queens themed children’s fancy dress parade (for children of less than 12 years of age).

5.30pm, tea and cake in St Mary’s Church followed by ‘Jubilee Praise’ at 6pm.

7pm, shared supper in the village hall. Please bring finger food. There will also be a cash bar 7.30pm, dramatic musical presentations - over the years ‘52-‘12.

8.30pm, disco - music over the years and dancing for all ages.

EYPE DOWN Monday, June 4 10pm – 10.30pm, lighting of Jubilee beacon.

LITTLE BREDY Monday, June 4 Bridehead Cricket Ground.

Littlebredy Social Club fireworks, beer and wine tent, classic cars, bouncy castle, games and music with the Durnovaria Silver Band and Slipped Disc.

10.30pm, beacon lighting.

Ticket sales on the village website at littlebredy.com LITTON CHENEY Monday, June 4 4pm - 6pm, treasure hunt around the village, starting at Litton and Thorners Community Hall. Free event 6pm, live broadcast of the Jubilee concert from Buckingham Palace on a large screen and a royal quiz. Litton & Thorners Community Hall. Free event 7pm, Hog roast and bar at Litton & Thorners Community Hall.

Tickets for the hog roast will be on sale in advance from Thorners School.

LODERS All weekend – Scarecrow Festival.

Sunday, June 3 11am, church service and peal of bells.

1pm to 5pm, street party.

Monday, June 4 7.30pm, Best of British concert, Loders village hall.

LONG BREDY Sunday, June 3 Bell ringing and a special service with more events for the afternoon.

LYME REGIS Saturday, June 2 11am, civic parade and march past. There will be a civic parade and march past from Langmoor Gardens to Marine Parade.

2pm, Jubilee bowls match.

2.30pm, planting of memorial tree in Langmoor Gardens.

3pm, marching display and concert on the Marine Parade, Lyme Regis 7pm, there will be an Always Be England concert party at Woodmead Halls, Lyme Regis.

8pm, Old boys night at Lyme Regis FC.

Sunday, June 3 10am, service of thanksgiving at St Michael’s Parish Church.

Noon, The Big Sunday Lunch at Woodmead Halls. Two sittings at noon and 1.30pm. 2pm, period cricket match at George V playing field at Uplyme.

4pm, Jubilee cream teas at Lyme Regis Football Club.

7pm, a Jubilee evening with Instant Wit comedy and improvisation at the Marine Theatre.

Monday, June 4 10am to 4pm, maritime celebrations at the bay.

With gig club activities, power boat demonstrations, sailing club races.

3pm, 1950s tea party with a big band on the Marine Parade.

3pm, veterans’ football match at Lyme Regis FC.

5.30pm, maritime celebrations at the bay. Review of the Fleet followed by sail past and salute 9pm, Jubilee torchlight procession from Landmoor Gardens and Anning Road recreation ground to Cobb. Torches on sale from 8.30pm.

10pm to 10.30pm, lighting of the Jubilee beacon on the North Wall at the Cobb.

Tuesday, June 5 11am, children’s fancy dress with royal theme in Theatre Square.

Noon, marching display by the Lyme Regis Majorettes in Theatre Square and Taekwondo club.

3pm, street party in King’s Way.

5pm to 7pm, Jubilee games on the beach.

8pm to 11pm, open air dance. Marine Parade.

Wednesday, June 6 7.30pm, Friends of LymeRegisMuseum JubileeConcert by The Ware Quartet at the Malthouse.

NETTLECOMBE Sunday, June 3 Jubilee celebrations, The Marquis of Lorne band “Sidekicks” will be playing in the garden, outside bar and BBQ.

PUNCKNOWLE Sunday, June 3 Big Sunday lunch party, Hoopers Lane.

SHIPTON GORGE Saturday, June 2 1pm to 5pm, summer fete and Great Shipton bake-off. The New Inn.

Monday, June 4 Jubilee celebration in the field next to the village hall with marquee and music.

SYMONDSBURY Monday, June 4 3pm, street party opening by Sir John and Lady Colfox.

7pm, barbecue, Ilchester Arms.

UPLODERS Friday, June 1 10am to 8pm, art show, Plaintiles.

7pm, music, The Crown.

WEST MILTON Sunday, June 3 Jubilee lunch.

WHITCHURCH CANONICORUM, MORECOMBELAKE AND RYALL Thursday, May 31 6.45pm, film night, showing the Young Victoria at the village hall.

Saturday, June 2 6pm, bring and share Jubilee party, village hall.

Sunday, June 3 Scarecrow competition prize-giving, free eXchange cafe in the church. See the Jubilee Bell.

Friday, June 8 to Sunday, June 10 Jubilee flower festival in the church.

Sunday, June 10 6.30pm, Jubilee Songs of Praise.

WOOTTON FITZPAINE Sunday, June 4 1.30pm, Diamond Jubilee Fete.

Honeysuckle dog agility display team, Charmouth fire brigade, St Swithun’s Band and children’s fancy dress. Other attractions will include refreshments stalls, games, arts, crafts. Entry £1.50 for adults, children free.

BEAT BOBBY'S ROYAL START TO POLICE CAREER

AS A young bobby on the beat Vernon Welch from Bridport had a memorable start to his career when he was drafted in for crowd control for a royal visit to the town.

Vernon is now 80 and lives in Wareham, and the photo of him on duty at the grammar school in Coronation Year 1953 when Princess Margaret visited Bridport forms part of a Jubilee exhibition in the town.

The Allington celebrations take place on the weekend of June 9 and 10 and one of the highlights is set to be the display of photos and memorabilia of old Allington and the royal family.

The exhibition on Saturday and Sunday and the weekend’s other events will be held in St Swithun’s Church.

They include children’s activities, a teddy bears’ picnic, parish walk and tea dance on Saturday and church services at 8am and 9.30am, a parish street party at 3pm and songs of praise at 6pm on Sunday, June 10.

MARY REMEMBERS ROYAL OCCASIONS

NEWLY-retired Mary Allsopp is looking forward to watching all the Jubilee celebrations on TV at her Bridport home – with her own memories of many special royal occasions.

As a young woman in the 1960s Mary, of Magdalen Lane, worked for “Joe” Lyons’ catering company as a waitress at many high society functions in London.

“I worked on several Buckingham Palace garden parties,” Mary recalls.

“We wore the original “Nippy” uniform; a black dress with two rows of tiny buttons, a white collar and apron and very smart they were too.

“At the final garden party we would line up in front of the tea tents and the Queen would walk past and inspect us and she would stop and speak to every tenth girl so that is how I met the Queen.

“As a very nervous and excited 23-year-old from Tipperary I felt it a great honour.”

Mrs Allsopp said that the rules for the girls, who were trained in silver service, were very strict.

The uniform, carried in a special brown case, required seamed stockings, no make-up, hair not touching the collar and on royal occasions a housekeeper would inspect the line of waitresses.

Mary recalls how the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh once walked along the line of serving staff, a very young Prince Edward followed, mimicking his father, hands clasped behind his back.

“We all just looked and smiled at each other,” said Mary.

Mary’s husband Bruce has his own “royal” history.

As a member of the Coldstream Guards he was based in Wellington Barracks, just a few hundred yards from Buckingham Palace and spent many hours on guard duty in the late 1950s, seeing the comings and goings of the royal family.

INVITE TO PALACE GARDEN PARTY

NOT many proud mums can say they saw the palace garden where their sons used to play with the royal corgis – but for Wendy Smart from Bradpole, that’s exactly what happened on her never-to-be forgotten day at Buckingham Palace.

Wendy’s son Michael was a palace footman and when his turn came to attend a garden party last summer and take a guest, he picked his mum.

“Michael worked at the palace for three and a half years and after three years’ service the staff can bring a guest to a garden party, and he always promised that he would take me,” Wendy recalls.

“I didn’t actually get to meet the Queen although of course she was there, just a few yards away. But Michael showed me the garden where he used to play with the dogs and where he used to sit and groom them.

“And we went inside and I could picture him in the state rooms and get an idea of what he did.

“And of course I had to buy a new dress, shoes and a hat – the first hat I ever bought.

“And it was a lovely tea, with little sandwiches and cakes, although I didn’t eat much, because there was so much going on.”

Michael, 28, is now working locally and seeking a position as a butler.

Wendy is semi-retired and now works part-time at Parnham House in Beaminster.