Parish News - Cotton Parish

THE QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS IN BACTON
On the evening of 4 June the celebrations in Bacton began. The Variety
Show at the Middle School set the scene for the start of two very special
days where everyone in the village had the opportunity to come together
and make history in Bacton as the country celebrated the Queen’s
Diamond Jubilee.
Cllr Paul Howlett welcomed everyone to the variety show, where
professional entertainers, Charlie, Oli Day and Chris North brought show
time to Bacton and wowed the audience with their tremendous skills of
illusion and their magic and mirth. The Variety show audience was joined
by many others from the village on the meadow opposite the Manor for the
lighting of the beacon. We estimate about 500 people attended this event,
a tremendous turnout at 10 o’clock at night! The beacon was one of 4,200
others being lit that night that were registered in a book which will be
presented to the Queen. At precisely 10.15 pm the designated time, the
beacon was lit by the Beacon Master (Cllr Paul Wigglesworth) and with
the enormous full moon rising to the left of the beacon two orange glows lit
the sky. The fireworks by Bacton’s own Thunder Burst that followed defy
description as they danced in time with the music – a truly wonderful finale
to the first day of celebrations. As people turned to leave they walked
towards the Manor which was floodlit and the whole building took on a
wonderful blue hue!
The next day saw some glimpses of sunshine and thankfully no rain. At
the Manor the flags and bunting had just the right amount of breeze to
show them at their best, the marquee and side shows were set up around
the lawn and the Garden Party opened with the Stowmarket Brass Band
playing the National Anthem and the Union Flag being raised. Cllr Paul
Howlett welcomed everyone to the event and Cllr John Gooderham
helped us all look back over the last 60 years in Bacton. A lovely afternoon
followed with villagers of all ages joining in the activities and enjoying the
delicious refreshments. Jubilee coins were presented, the Royal Crowns
competition was judged as was the Fancy Dress Competition of Kings and
Queens. Enthusiastic competitors joined in especially Royal themed
children’s races. A wonderful craft exhibition took place in the church and
a photographic display of past celebrations and village events helped
some reminisce. A dance group also from the village performed a routine.
Continued on P.30
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