Queen’s jubilee past and present

The Queen’s Jubilee - looking back as preparations begin

Communities across North Devon are busy making plans for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June.

As we look forward to marking Her Majesty’s incredible 70 year reign, we’re taking a look back at some of the special commemorations since her Coronation.

While there have been several jubilees, it was perhaps the Silver Jubilee in June 1977 which was the most memorable, and photographer Gordon Bray has sent in these wonderful pictures from South Molton.

There is a four day bank holiday weekend for this year’s Platinum Jubilee from Thursday June 2nd to Sunday June 5th.

Mayoress Mrs Joyce Burgess, crowns Susan Weller as Festival Queen - photo by Gordon Bray

South Molton Town Council are working with local groups to plan a series of special events including street parties in The Square, music and themed jubilee markets.

Arts Destination South Molton is running a Heritage Crafts Day in the Pannier Market on Friday June 3rd. They’re looking for people working in rural heritage skills to join in - for example; hurdle making, willow weaving, ironwork and blacksmithing, beeswax candle making, felting & working with natural dyes. For information contact Stella Levy: publicity@artsdestination.co.uk

North Molton will have a beacon lighting on June 2nd, an evening performance by The Elderly Brothers on June 4th and a family fun day at the sports centre on June 5th, followed by a bring and share ‘big tea party’. If your community is organising a Platinum Jubilee event please email Molton Monthly.

Street party at Cooks Cross, South Molton - photo by Gordon Bray

Planning meals means planting in the weeks and months before