Iden Jubilee celebrations

A small group of Iden villagers decided that, after the last two years, it was time to celebrate with a Platinum Jubilee party in our beautiful park. We all know that whatever your plans, the weather cannot be relied upon and with dire forecasts of heavy rain, thunder and lightning we were keeping a close eye on the forecast. It was not until 8am on Sunday morning that we decided to go ahead. We set to, arranging long rows of tables and washing chairs that had been in store since the last Iden fete some years ago. The pavilion became the most amazing tea shop and the scene was set for our day of celebrations.

We started with a service in a packed All Saints Church, beautifully decorated with displays by village groups. Next was the tree planting: Iden WI had gifted a rowan tree to the parish and this was planted by Lynda Wood, President of Iden WI, near to the walnut tree which was planted to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee.

We then moved down the field for the picnic. People produced impressive spreads – one even arrived in a wheelbarrow – and it was good to be able to relax and chat to friends and neighbours. Next came the fun dog show: a surprising number of dogs had arrived for this very light-hearted competition kindly judged by Bernie Fiddimore of Iden Kennels.

There were races for the children and then some of the adults joined in too, obviously oblivious to the fact that you don’t hold on to your egg, or even a tomato, in an egg and spoon race. One small child promptly sat down at the end of his race and ate the egg!

Every child present was given a commemorative egg cup, kindly donated by three members of the committee. Tea and scrumptious cakes were served and the afternoon ended with an entertaining rounders game, which naturally ended in a draw, just before the rain arrived. We all agreed that it had been a wonderful old-fashioned village event and maybe we should do it all again next year?

Image Credits: Yvonne Metcalf .