Street parties and Jubilee Big Lunches took place across Purbeck to mark 70 years of the Queen’s reign, undeterred by the forecast of showers.
While Swanage went early and had its street party on Friday 3rd June 2022, the majority of tea parties including the villages of Studland, Langton Matravers, Corfe Castle and Church Knowle took place on Sunday 5th June 2022.
The Queen put in a surprise appearance at the Church Knowle jubilee party
Her Majesty also attended the Studland street party with the vicar… there’s a joke in there somewhere!
Plenty of fun and welcome jollity
Volunteers put in lots of hard work organising the jubilee parties, creating the opportunity for plenty of fun and welcome jollity, which even the weather couldn’t dampen.
Rain had been forecast for the day but in the event it held off until later in the afternoon, allowing most to eat their lunch without getting too wet.
Of course there’s nothing more English than umbrellas and soggy sandwiches at a picnic, although some went the whole hog and enjoyed a pig roast!
Some were determined not to let the rain dampen their spirits at Corfe Castle!
Studland
Church Road was the venue for the Studland street party where everyone was invited to bring their own picnic, with teas and coffee available from the church hall.
A good turn out for the Studland street party
Langton Matravers
The residents, friends and family of Langton Matravers enjoyed a village picnic on the school field with games and music.
One of the organisers Nicky Glassock said:
“Grateful thanks to all the hard-working volunteers who have spent the last few months organising it all, and to everyone who has helped to make sure the event ran smoothly.
“Thanks also to the May Day Singers for their lovely singing, The Kings Arms pub in Langton for the bar and hog roast, and to Dorset Rose ice-cream. Such a shame the rain couldn’t hold off until the end but we had a superb time anyway!”
Entertainment, cake and a hog roast at Langton Matravers
Corfe Castle
This was a traditional jubilee gathering at the Millennium Sports Field in West Street. Family and friends were invited to bring their own picnics with tea, coffee, Purbeck Ice Cream and cakes provided.
Entertainment was provided by the U3A Ukulele Band, a circus performer and some very silly but competitive games!
Fun and games at Corfe Castle
Church Knowle
There was plenty of bunting and patriotic flags at the Church Knowle jubilee tea party that took place in a marquee, next to the village hall.
There was also plenty to eat with a hog roast, puddings and festive fizz!
The marquee kept the worst of the weather at bay at Church Knowle’s jubilee party
