07/06/12…Thame undaunted celebrates the Jubilee

DESPITE the rain that fell for most of the weekend, the people of Thame were undaunted, and determined to make their celebrations of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee something really special and memorable.

Pupils, parents and staff at Barley Hill School kicked off the weekend with a whole school picnic and celebration, which included music, dancing and entertainment from each year group. Luckily, the weather was kind and the flag-waving and jollity was finally crowned with, what has become the traditional finale of Barley Hill events, the teachers on stage singing a song to entertain the children.

Thame’s St Joseph’s Primary School’s, Jubilee celebrations were also held on Friday (01/06) with the whole school dressed in red, white and blue outfits, taking part in Jubilee themed cooking, art and music activities. (Pupil, Lucia – picture right)

The afternoon ended with the National Anthem, a screening of Gary Barlow’s Commonwealth ‘Sing’ video and a whole school ‘flash mob’ dance to ‘Doh Ray Me’.

On Saturday evening (02/06), 21 teams of eight pitted their knowledge against each other at the Jubilee Quiz held in St Mary’s Church, Thame, entering into the spirit of the occasion by dressing in true Jubilee style and decorating their tables in patriotic style. The Queen of Quizmasters, Sue Boyle, dressed in a remarkable Union Jack printed long robe, was in charge, creating, in her own, inimitable way, an occasion full of fun with props and audience participation, with question rounds with a jubilee theme. Every time they heard the National Anthem, teams were encouraged to stand up and cheer and wave, in a bid to become the most loyal team!

Because of the rain, the Community picnic, planned for Saturday in Elms Park by the event co-ordinators, the Cornerstone Church, transferred to inside John Hampden School where up to 200 people throughout the day threw themselves into the traditional games and activities such as a tug of war, relay egg and spoon race and, not so traditional, a ‘Walk like a Queen’ competition! This involved walking a distance of three yards with a book on your head, turning around, sitting on a chair, standing up and going back again, giving a royal wave on the way! Young Ben Hopcraft was the eventual winner after several heats, for walking like a king, obviously.

During the afternoon an indoor football tournament kept the children busy and the adults took part in a Jubilee themed quiz, which was won by a team from Barley Hill Church. At 3pm, everything stopped for afternoon tea and slice from a one metre high, three tiered Jubilee cake baked by Jude Brown, a Thame lady now famous for her spectacular cakes. Christie Paver, aged 9, was crowned Jubilee Queen.

At the end of the afternoon, there was a very hearty rendition of The National Anthem, which was recorded by BBC Oxford and later broadcast along with several interviews recorded throughout the afternoon.

The Cornerstone Church also ran a cake competition which was won by John and Tess Hobson.

Several Thame communities, like those residents of Hunt Road, doggedly carried on with their street party, sheltering in open garages or under marquees to protect some wonderful homemade hats from the rain.

In the nearby village of Moreton, residents here too illustrated the great British tradition of carrying on regardless. Over 130 people sat around tables behind the newly painted village war memorial.

Afternoon tea at 4pm reflected the era with cucumber sandwiches, sausages and cheese straws. Cakes galore included rock cakes and jam tarts. Tea was served in cups and saucers along with traditional soft drinks like cream soda and dandelion and burdock. The festivities included a cake competition for both adults and children (judged by ‘Prince Philip’) and traditional games included splat the rat. Every child was given a souvenir coin to take home at the end of the day. as well. Thoughout the day a Big band played music from the six decades of the Queen’s rule.

Moreton’s celebrations continued into the evening with a showing of the Jubilee concert from The Mall on a big screen in a barn, with a supper of pork Baps with beer and wine.

Thame Market Traders held their annual Fun Day on Tuesday to coincide with the Diamond Jubilee. Local groups and charities had stalls, the Mix 96 FM Mega Slide was there and the Town Crier kept everyone’s spirits up!