The Queen & Prince Philip
visit
Nether Stowey?
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The Stowey's celebrations were brilliant and this was mainly due to the hard work of Parish Council chairpersons Joyce Standring of Nether Stowey and Hazel Oates of Over Stowey and their band of merry men and women. A special thanks must go to the new parish clerk Ainslie Ensor who has certainly been given a baptism of fire. There are many others who helped make this a weekend to remember but especial thanks must go to Bob Debarr and Sara Evans. Lastly to all the villagers of both villages a big thank you for without their support the Jubilee weekend would not have been such a great success.
Saturday 1st June
The weekend of Jubilee celebrations began on Saturday 1st June with a Street Fair, the many stall holders did a roaring trade especially the local school's PTA. The Portrait of the Queen had a number of different faces during the course of the afternoon! There was something to suit everyone over the course of the day, local talent was again on display at the cross. The school choir led by Alison Foyle gave another heart-warming performance, the voices of the children was intermix with individual performances from a number of instrumentalist's, Jamie Foyle on trumpet, Matthew Llewyn on saxophone. This was followed by a display of children's dancing from the Manda Clark School of Dance. Entertainment was also provided by the Taunton Concert Band and the ever popular Morris Dances as well as the village's Line Dancing troop.
The focus of the evening was the marquee which had been erected in Nether Stowey's playing field, where a host of local talent provided a fun packed night of music. The scratch orchestra, led again by Alison Foyle, started the performance this was followed by the Irish Band (who can be heard every other Tuesday at the Shurton Inn). A Junior folk band, formed especially for the Jubilee showed what talented youngsters the two villages have, they played some fast and furious pieces from France, England and Ireland. The local band 'Hopping Mad' then took centre stage and bewitched the audience into dancing. The final band to perform was 'Nuff Sed' who played a mixture of sixty's and seventies music (a reminder of the last jubilee celebrations) The evening was just brilliant and great thanks must be given to Bob DeBarr for arranging it all. Every one involved enjoyed the great mix of music and was amazed at the number of talented musicians that there are living in the Stowey villages. The George provided a bar which certainly helped to make sure there was enough liquid refreshment for everyone.
Musical Extravaganza
Family Sports
Sunday 2nd June
On Sunday the marquee was in use firstly for the Church Service, the smell of beer may have intoxicated the congregation somewhat for the singing nearly raised the roof!! In the afternoon John Friend organised an afternoon of fun and games for the children and some insane parents. Whilst in the marquee a more dignified crowd enjoyed a very civilised cream tea. Over a Hundred and sixty of our more glamorous inhabitants had a lovely time chatting and eating their delicious tea. Outside the marquee mayhem reigned, here over a hundred children ran amuck, (Some were definitely over 21!) The football games provided more entertainment value than the English team in their match against Sweden, plenty of action but not many goals. Some of the adults have lasting scars of their involvement in the sporting event of the Jubilee weekend.
Cream Teas
Open to all residents who had lived throughout the Queens' reign.
Children's Party
Monday 3rd June
The morning started wet but still they came for the car boot sale. Not as many as usual but there were a number of old faithful's attracted by the amazing cakes and refreshments that the Playing field committee members provide in the porta cabin, where else can you get a cup of tea and cakes for under a pound. The afternoon was for the children,a number of activate were provided for their entertainment, badge making and crowns, as well as face painting by our great Liz Ashwell and Hannah Branch in the marquee. Outside parachute games and balloon games. The main entertainment was provided by Stewart Ashman after the fantastic tea, he kept over two hundred children enthralled with his tricks and circus skills. Organised chaos reigned, 200 children spent a fantastic afternoon and again the weather was brilliant not a drop of rain fell. Parents provided the most amazing spread of food there was more than enough for everyone and everyone helped to make it an afternoon to remember. The School play ground was the place to be for the best view of the lighting of the Beacon, this was where we all went for the evening. Unfortunately it was a bit cold although sprits were high after such a Fantastic weekend, the children again had a great time running all over the field playing football the adults congregated around the Bar and food tent to keep warm. At ten o'clock the Beacon on the mount was lit and every one down below formed a circle and finished the evening with song. Those brave souls who managed to climb to the top of the mount were amply rewarded by the fantastic sight of other beacons and fireworks which lit up the evening sky.(It was also allot warmer standing next to the beacon)
