Last week, the whole of the United Kingdom celebrated the Platinum Jubilee and for many, it was an opportunity to reflect on 70 years of committed public service by Her Majesty The Queen, writes Russell George MS.
Over four fantastic days, people across our nation and the Commonwealth came together to pay tributes to an inspirational Queen who has represented us in front of the entire world.
People came together from all walks of life, enjoying garden and street parties together to mark the big occasion.
Queen Elizabeth II is the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee and Her Majesty’s dignity, commitment and grace continues to inspire people all over the world.
The spotlight was on Great Britain, and the nation put on a spectacular show.
Jubilee celebrations in Welshpool. Picture by Gary Williams.
More great names were added to the honour’s list, famous faces put on a concert in front of Buckingham Palace and world leaders paid tribute to Her Majesty; but I think the best celebrations were created in streets, gardens, and communities up and down the country and here in mid Wales.
It was a very special evening on Thursday. I attended the lighting of the beacon on Town Hill, Montgomery, as beacons were lit across the UK and the Commonwealth in honour of Her Majesty’s impressive milestone.
At the Queen’s previous Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees, beacons have been a centre-point of the celebrations.
Montgomery Town Crier Sue Blower led the national anthems as we stood around the lighted beacon. It was a great experience to be able to view many other beacons being lit across the county, with much conversation about the location of the beacons that could be seen across Montgomeryshire and Shropshire.
I was also pleased to attend many other events, such as the British Garden Tea Party and quiz in Llys Glan yr Afon in Newtown. I sat in Clatter Community Centre on Sunday, enjoying cake and company at a Red, White, and Blue themed hat party, reminiscing about sitting in the same spot when I attended clatter school in the late 1970’s.
I was grateful to all that invited me to their Jubilee events but unfortunately there was so many celebrations across the whole of Montgomeryshire that I could not attend them all.
It was fantastic to see so many celebrations and people making the most of a joyous occasion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here