Over the last long weekend, people from all across my constituency have come together to voice their congratulations to Her Majesty the Queen, on the occasion of her Platinum Jubilee. It has been a remarkable few days, with picnics, parties, and even a 1950s themed festival marking this amazing royal milestone. It has been my great pleasure to attend as many of these events as possible, and to see so many of my constituents. Thank you to everyone I've met for making this such a memorable and exciting time!
Her Majesty has not been a stranger to our area over the many years of her reign. The Queen has visited Buckinghamshire 22 times since she ascended to the throne in 1952. Her first recorded visit to Beaconsfield was as the seven year old Princess Elizabeth, visiting Bekonscot Model Village a day before her eighth birthday. Her Majesty visited again in 1934, with her Grandmother Queen Mary in 1936, and again with Princess Margaret Rose in 1940. After the Coronation, this tradition continued, as The Queen's children followed in her footsteps, visiting over the years.
I began my own Jubilee journey with the lighting of the Beacon in Hedgerley, which I was delighted to set ablaze at the appointed hour. Next up was Marlow's Party Like The Queen, an amazing 1950s themed event, with live music, fantastic food, and some brilliant 50s costume in evidence. The Beaconsfield Jubilee Dinks Party was a roaring success, it was fantastic to see so many of you there.
Saturday saw the brilliantly successful Gerrards Cross Picnic in the Park, supported by the community, local businesses, and local charities. On the Sunday of the Jubilee weekend I was honoured to be asked to read at the Beaconsfield Civic Service for the Platinum Jubilee. It is always great to be in Richings Park, and this weekend was no exception, it was wonderful to catch up with local residents and see the bowling green in action. I rounded out my Jubilee celebrations with a Royal Tea at St Peters Church in Iver Village.
I know that a great many people have been involved in organising these fabulous local events, either through local groups or with their communities. This is an incredibly important way for us to give back to our towns and villages, so I want to say a personal thank you to each and every one of you who had a hand in making the Platinum Jubilee such a success in the south of Buckinghamshire. This will be a once in a lifetime event and I really think that we can hold our heads up high, with a programme of celebration to rival anywhere else in the country.
God save the Queen.
