A Lunch to Remember

One thing’s for sure — the pupils at Whitefriar’s Church of England Primary Academy in King’s Lynn won’t forget the Platinum Jubilee lunch which took place on Friday (May 27). The broad smiles of the staff say it all and the red-white-and-blue cakes are truly impressive. This was clearly put together with love!

“Her Majesty” Serves up Lunch in Harleston

The special Platinum Jubilee Lunch at Archbishop Sancroft High School was served by a remarkably familiar person… In fact, the entire catering staff turned out in similar regalia for the occasion!

Mattishall Rainbows Earn Jubilee Badge

We learn from Girlguiding Norfolk that some of their youngest members have been decorating Jubilee cupcakes quite beautifully. They have certainly earned their badge — and we’re very glad they took photos before (presumably) consuming their handiwork!

High Street Trail

Breckland Council recently launched the ingenious Platinum Jubilee High Street Trail which serves what we think is the triple purpose of getting people out and about, encouraging them to visit their local shops and businesses, and providing them with a lot of fun along the way. The Trail runs until 19 June and you will need to find at least 10 missing crowns (like the one pictured) hidden in shop windows along high streets in the area. The accompanying activity sheet can be downloaded here.

Education Bursary Launched

In honour of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, Breckland Council has launched a new £1,000 Education Bursary Scheme, providing financial assistance to residents who might otherwise struggle to access further education for reasons such as low income, care leaver, health status or vulnerability.

The £1,000 bursary scheme will apply to residents who want to study aged 16 and over, living in Breckland and studying a formal qualification in subjects that provide a contribution to enhance Breckland communities.

More information can be found here.

Challenge Award Badges have Arrived

Just in! The Platinum Jubilee Challenge Award badges are here! Everyone who completes all four of the Challenges (Physical, Sustainability, Learning and Community) will receive a badge and certificate to honour their achievement.

As well as receiving their Jubilee Coins from the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk this week, pupils at St Martin at Shouldham Primary Academy also enjoyed a Celebration picnic lunch (above). Everyone was wearing red, white and blue, and parents were invited. The weather couldn’t have been better — perfect Jubilee sunshine!

Gaywood Primary (right, or below on mobile) were also in celebratory mood this Friday (27 May) as they took part in a day of Jubilee activities. They certainly seem to be having fun! I know we keep saying it, but all the children are going to have some very special memories to cherish in times to come.

Swan Youth Bunting

The Swan Youth Project in Downham Market is a youth charity working in the South West Norfolk area and supports local young people and their families. They say, “Getting to know our young people really well and understanding what works for them is key to all of our support. One size does not fit all.” They offer a wealth of activities every week and we were very chuffed to see some of the creative and eye-catching bunting their members have been making this week. Well done to all!

Floral Jubilee Badge

A living, growing floral display has been created in King’s Lynn to mark the Platinum Jubilee. A specially designed badge bed in Tower Gardens, behind the King’s Lynn Library, marks the occasion with flowers.

You can see and hear more about the unveiling, which is “Just the start of some of the things that we’ve got going on in West Norfolk,” according to Cllr Brian Long, on their YouTube video marking the occasion. The video also features Gardener Jason Wells (pictured above, second from right), who has been planting floral badges for the Council for 20 years! He says that the Jubilee badge is a particularly special one for him.

Needlework Inspires

The exhibition of textiles and vestments at the Church of St Peter Mancroft in Norwich will be opening next week (on June 1), and we’ve now been allowed to catch a glimpse of some of the exhibits. Do follow St Peter Mancroft and the eloquent Verger if you’re on Twitter, to see more photos of the exhibition, and also to get a lovely feel for the life of this historic Church, its clergy and its parishioners.

The African Choir of Norfolk. Picture credit: Simon Finlay Photography

Round-Up of Events

The free Party In The Park in Norwich on Saturday June 4 has been organised by Norfolk Black History Month in collaboration with Norfolk County Council. The event will celebrate the diverse community in Norwich with live music, DJs, stalls, a craft market, a raffle, and global food. It will feature the African Choir of Norfolk who are also performing in the Royal Salute at the Norfolk Show on June 29 and 30.

The Mid-Norfolk Railway is planning two special running days in celebration of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, these will take place on Thursday 2 and Friday 3 June.

We’ve already mentioned the Summer on the Mag community celebration hosted by St Mary Magdalene in Gorleston on Thursday June 2. We thought you might also want to know about their Service of Thanksgiving on Sunday 5 June. All are welcome and it will feature a performance by the young voices of Ormiston Herman Academy choir.

Bells

The Norwich Diocesan Association of Ringers has alerted us to this event at Reedham Church — where you will be able to have a go at ringing a bell. As they say, “Anyone thought learning to ring sounds fun? Well yes it is and we love to show you the ropes.” (Though they said #learningtoring and #showyoutheropes which doesn’t quite work on here. Do try it on Twitter!)

Spotlight on the Committee

Laurie Hill

Laurie is the Norfolk Platinum Jubilee Treasurer

Laurie says, “It has been a brilliant opportunity to work with the Committee members and our supporters to ensure our fundraising efforts are monitored and we kept on top of our finances. We are incredibly grateful to all of our supporters for their fantastic generosity towards the Norfolk Jubilee celebrations. With the support of our donors we are aiming to create a lasting legacy to reflect Her Majesty’s outstanding service to the Country and I believe we are making strides towards achieving this.”

Laurie’s role outside of the Committee is Manager within the Farms and Landed Estates team at Larking Gowen LLP as well as a Director in the family farming business, both based in Norfolk.