MELKSHAM Free Dining celebrated the Jubilee with friends, food, and fun!
Last week, the community came together to help celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee; festivities included competitions such as Best Decorated Jubilee Hat, old-time favourite meals, and joyful performances of nostalgic songs.
The group reports, “Veronica Sparrowhawk led the Jubilee celebrations on Wednesday at Melksham Free Dining, winning 1st prize for Best Decorated Jubilee Hat. Veronica had decorated her hat with RAF regalia from her time in H.M Forces.
“As the diners arrived for lunch on this very special occasion, they found the tables decked with Union Jacks enhancing the Royal atmosphere. They were treated to the old war-time favourite lunch of “corned beef hash” cooked by Melksham Free Dining chef, Pammie Jackson. An abundance of lavish fresh cream cakes was served, decorated with Union Jack flags, kindly baked by volunteer Lynn Stapleford.
“Joyful celebrations, led by Deedee Macleod, began with a lively quiz on post-war comedians, known to be the favourites of the queen. This was followed by a rapturous performance from the diners of Vera Lynn’s iconic song “The White Cliffs of Dover”. Memories were evoked and the conversation flowed. As the afternoon came to a close, the diners stood for a rendering of the National Anthem which had been recorded in Westminster Abbey in April 2011, at William and Kate’s wedding.
“Melksham Free Dining Jubilee celebrations were brought to a finale by Eve Crook, a staunch Royal supporter, as she called for ‘Three Cheers for the Queen’. The cheers echoed enthusiastically round the hall – a fitting end to a very special community Platinum Jubilee afternoon.”
