A FORWARD-THINKING group wants to co-ordinate the town's Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2002 to ensure every event is a hit.

Droitwich Spa Heritage Project is holding a meeting to discover which organisations are planning events to mark the 50-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

Members hope to produce a free souvenir programme featuring a calendar of activities and history features. Project chairman Pam Davey said grants and sponsorship should cover production costs.

The Queen was crowned on June 2, 1952, and people all over the country joined in patriotic celebrations to mark the new Elizabethan era.

Pam, who is also Droitwich Spa Town Council's Tory leader, said: "The idea is that events will mainly take place in June.

"I'm aware there are plans for a water festival, organised by Droitwich Canals Trust, and I'm expecting to hear about many more exciting activities.

"It's important we co-ordinate celebrations to ensure they do not clash."

Droitwich mayor Maureen Lawley was living in Nechells, Birmingham, in 1952.

She said: "We celebrated the coronation with a huge street party.

"There was bunting along the street and we brought our radiogram and piano outside so everybody could play songs.

"Later, we had a bonfire in the road. Unfortunately, the street surface caught fire and we had to fetch the fire brigade. It was a memorable day."

Cllr Lawley said the council had jubilee plans in the pipeline but nothing concrete.

Groups and individuals planning an event can attend the heritage project's meeting on Tuesday December 11.

It begins at 7pm in Droitwich Spa Community Hall, Heritage Way.