WATTON at STONE - QUEEN ELIZABETH'S DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS
3rd June 2012 - A DAY TO REMEMBER - BUT VERY WET
By Terry Askew
As in very many villages and communities throughout the land, early in 2012 a commitee was formed in Watton at Stone so that 3rd June would be a date to remember. This committee met regularly and, gradually, a day’s celebration for the enjoyment of all was pieced together..
Looking back to Queens Victoria’s diamond jubilee, it is sad that no photographs of Watton’s celebrations appear to have survived and it was resolved that this should not happen again. Accordingly the help of David Elson, a great friend of the village, local station ticket manager, and a former professional photographer was volunteered.
The event was held on the local cricket field and, as will go down in history, the weather on that day was appalling. However, the pictures capture the mood of the people of the village, young and old, who were determined to celebrate the occasion despite the cold, heavy rain all day, and thick mud under foot. David Elson, apart from producing pictures, very kindly also produced two albums which he donated to East Hertfordshire District Council and Hertfordshire Archives respectively. A representative selection of the photographs is reproduced here.
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