Thank you to all of you who supported and took part in Girton Jubilee Celebrations

Read all about it below!

1. Platinum Jubilee Celebrations in Girton by Mary Rodger    

Preparations for the Jubilee began a week in advance, with a group of volunteers hanging bunting around the centre of the village – thanks to Alan and Alan of the Tennis Club, plus Parish Council volunteers, for their help with this. Thanks also to Rowena Barnes and the Feast Committee, who not only provided the bunting, but produced beautiful posters for us to put up around the village, advertising Jubilee events.

The Jubilee celebrations kicked off on Thursday, with an afternoon tea party held in the North Room of the Church. The sun shone, and we took tables and chairs outside, where our guests were able to sit and talk to each other, reminiscing over old times in Girton, renewing old acquaintances and making new ones. A team of volunteers made sumptuous cakes, which were enjoyed by everyone. Graham and Judy Clare were our guests of honour, as people who had been in Girton at the time of the Accession in 1952, but in fact during the course of the afternoon we discovered many more people who were around at that time. It was fascinating listening to them talking about their experiences, and how the village has changed.

Saturday was the long awaited Platinum Pudding Day! Eighteen gorgeous puddings arrived in the morning, and were judged by County Councillor Edna Murphy, Hannah Wyborn (President of Girton WI), and Lexi, of Lexi’s Pop-Up Café. A chocolate mousse cake from Anna Santarsieri came out top, with Helen Mclachan’s lemon posset in second place, and Ruby Kendrew’s union jack pavlova a close third. Congratulations to these three winners, but of course to all the entrants. In the afternoon, villagers were invited to come along and taste the puddings, which they did with great gusto.

Alongside the puddings, the children of Girton Glebe School each produced a piece of art work, or written work, to celebrate the Jubilee. These were an absolute delight for everyone to enjoy. Cllr Ann Muston had the almost impossible task of judging these, but First, Second and Third places were eventually chosen, with nine more Highly Commended. These 12 children were presented with medals at School Assembly, and all the children of Girton Glebe will be given a commemorative mug, courtesy of the Parish Council.

A raffle was also arranged by the Parish Clerk, Yvonne Murray. Grateful thanks to The Co-op, Tesco, and Hains Celestial, for providing hampers as prizes. Cllr Douglas de Lacey managed the draw, which took place on Platinum Pudding day.

Both the Tea Party and Platinum Pudding Day raised money by donations from visitors, totalling over £200. A fantastic effort!

Sunday dawned wet and cold, but Michael Bigg, the Rector, kindly opened the Cotton Hall for our use. So the Big Village Picnic was able to be under cover. A long table, old friends chatting, new friends getting to know each other, and squeals of delight from children in the adjoining room just having fun. A lovely event, which could have been a disaster. Thank you Michael!

The Jubilee celebrations came to an end in St Andrew’s Church, with a service of celebration and gratitude to The Queen. A book of good wishes from the village will be sent to The Queen in due course.

I should mention how beautiful the flowering tubs around the village have been looking, decked out in their red, white and blue, and the floral phone box in purple and silver. Very many thanks to Carol Noble and all concerned.

Grateful thanks to Julie and Alan Dashwood, Brian and Gill Cockley, Anne Kettle, Karen Richardson, Margaret Wheatley, Carol Noble, Douglas de Lacey, Patricia Johnston, Ann Muston, Yvonne Murray, Rowena Barnes, and all who so willingly helped out with these events.

Thanks also to Girton Co-op for providing tea and coffee, to St Andrew’s Church for the use of the North Room and Cotton Hall, and Girton Glebe School for the use of their hall. We would also like to thank Girton College and Girton Parish Council for their generous cash donations which helped us to get the celebrations up and running.

Our community website has proved a great way to advertise all these events, and will continue to do so in the future. Check it out on https://www.girton-cambs.org.uk.

Girton has done Her Majesty proud. We thank her for 70 years of outstanding service to us all, and send her our warmest good wishes.

Mary Rodger

2. Tea Dance at the William Collyn Community Centre by Max Ruddock

The William Collyn Community Centre hosted Girton Town Charity’s very own celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a tea dance held on Friday 3rd June, which included a number of dances lead by the fabulous Youlie Mouzafiarova and her husband, David.

Dances included several classics as well as guided line dances for those who have gotten a little rusty over the years, or are new to dancing. Halfway through the event tea with a selection of cakes and refreshments were provided for the guests, followed by a demonstration of dances by Youlie and David that wowed the attendees. After the demonstration, the dancefloor was opened up for everyone to freestyle dance as they chose, before Youlie once again led guided dances.

Age UK Older Residents’ Co-ordinator, Patricia Johnson attended to encourage some of the more apprehensive guests to join in dancing on their chairs before taking to the floor.  She also reports that a regular monthly tea dance would be welcomed.  Watch this space for further details

All in, the event was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Max Ruddock
Manager, William Collyn Community Centre