ON a glorious Saturday morning as flags began to appear from cottage windows and an enthusiastic team fixed the bunting around the village, it was obvious that Bosbury was going to celebrate the Jubilee in style. On Sunday the Jubilee Songs of Praise led by the Reverend Sue Strutt followed the pattern of services held all over the country and included the reading of Princess Elizabeth's 21st birthday speech and the Queen's Christmas 2001 address to the nation. Following an Act of Dedication and the singing of the National Anthem, the service concluded with the final hymn - Guide me O Thou great Redeemer.

The disappointing weather early on Monday morning did nothing to dampen the spirits and the decision was taken to transfer the festivities from the school playing field to the parish hall. By 2pm an incredible spread of food, wonderfully decorated hats and imaginative entries for the garden on a plate and flowers in a jam jar competitions confirmed that this was a day the whole family would remember. Sporting youngsters ran races, tried to beat the goalie or queued to have their photo taken with the Queen. Meanwhile the WI were dispensing copious cups of tea and our master of ceremonies Robert Hood-Wright kept everyone informed of the ongoing activities. While the ever popular face painting held the attention of the children, tension was mounting outside with the start of the duck races on the Leadon. These proved a great success, a relief to the organiser James Boyce who had invested in new rare breed ducks for the occasion.

The winners were number 83 backed by Roger and Annie from the Bell Inn, number 86 chosen by Gerald Blandford and, in the children's race, George Watson won his £10 with number 43.

A group of willing volunteers manned the skittle alley, the parachute games, the welly wanging and the ping pong balls into jam jars.

In the decorated hat competition judge Philipa Anderson awarded 1st prize to Elizabeth Robson, 2nd to Jack Willgoose, 3rd to Thomas Sweet-Escott.

The U12s garden on a plate entries were of a very high standard and Mrs Pam Wilford-Smith awarded the following: 1st Kamilla Bosley, 2nd Rachel Mowbray, 3rd Elizabeth Robson, commended Stephanie Lane and Victoria Briggs.

Fortunately the weather did not affect the garden flowers in a jam jar competition and in the U12s Mrs Janet Biddulph awarded the following prizes: 1st Stephanie Lane, 2nd Jack Hopkins, 3rd Rachel Mowbray and a highly commended to Shannon Jones.

One of the joys of the afternoon was seeing young and old having such a good time together and the winning entries in the adult garden flower competition reflected this sense of community, all long term residents of Bosbury. 1st George Matthews of Long Acre, 2nd Barbara Fisher of Field Cottage and Jim Smith of Upper House.

At 3.30pm following a call to order from our MC and the singing of the National Anthem, the grand tea was underway. The afternoon concluded with the presentation of prizes and certificates, mementoes of a very special day.

A brief respite between the afternoon and evening activities enabled everyone to recharge their batteries and party to 1am to the music of the JDB Four and One Wild Night disco. Generous donations resulted in an excellent raffle during the evening and the proceeds will help to offset any remaining costs.

The organising committee would like to thank everyone who contributed in any way to a wonderful and memorable Bosbury Jubilee celebration and many of you have already voiced your appreciation of the efforts of the committee, not least for taking the initiative.