Sense of community as Reepham celebrates Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Despite the poor weather over the weekend the rain did not dampen the community spirit in Reepham.
 

Photos: John Tym Photography & Framing

 
Unfortunately, the pageant parade, which was organised by Reepham & Wensum Valley Team Churches, had to be cancelled, but participants met in St Michael’s and then proceeded to St Mary’s, where a civic service of thanksgiving was held.
 
Some hardy souls camped on Stimpson’s Piece overnight and Funforce provided excellent family entertainment on the field on Saturday afternoon and, again, in the pavilion on Sunday.
 
The Jubilee tea party, which catered for 250 people, went ahead in three different venues in the town, all of which were decorated with bunting and superb table decorations made by members of Reepham WI.
 
The tea parties went very well with many people thanking the organisers for an enjoyable afternoon.
 
There was a real sense of the community coming together to celebrate the Queen’s 70-year reign.
 
All 250 rounds of sandwiches were provided and made by the Reepham Lions Club. The sandwiches were tasty and fresh and the cakes (again, sufficient for 250 people) were provided by Reepham WI.
 
The food looked and tasted great and was presented in an impressive way. Everyone had enough to eat and drink; a few people even brought a bottle!
 
Live music was provided at the scout hut by the Norwich Ukulele Society and there was a sing-song accompanied by the piano and plenty of flag-waving at St Michael’s.
 
Events ended with a rousing singing together of the National Anthem.
 
The weekend’s events were organised by a number of Reepham organisations, who have met regularly to plan the various activities.
 
Reepham Town Council and the Bircham Centre have worked together since last October to organise planning meetings in preparation for the celebrations.
 
They were well supported by Reepham Lions, Reepham & District Rotary Club, Reepham Festival of Light committee, the Reepham branch of British Legion, Reepham Tennis Club, Reepham churches, Funforce and Reepham Scouts, who kindly loaned their hall for one of the tea parties, which allowed the pavilion at Stimpson’s Piece to be used for the family activities.
 
During the week leading up to the Jubilee weekend, an exhibition by the Reepham Archive, showing past celebrations in the town, was on display at the Bircham Centre.
 
The raffle and other fundraising activities raised a total of £540 for local Reepham charities.
 
The organisers would like to thank Taverham Garden Centre, Robertson’s Butchers, Reepham Farm Shop & Deli, Blakemore Foundation (on behalf of Spar), Dee and Ken Taylor, Philip and Claudia Lowe, Reepham Co-op, Mott’s Pharmacy and Reepham Home Hardware who generously donated prizes.
 
Thanks also to Dee Taylor who knitted three superb Corgi soft toys, which were auctioned and raised a total of £70.
 
If you are a local Reepham charity and would like to bid for up to £50 to fund your work, please contact the town clerk on 01603 873355 or email.
 
Photographs of the events, taken by local photographer John Tym, can be viewed and ordered HERE.
 
Cllr Paul Mitchell, Chair, Reepham Town Council
 

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