IN just over two weeks' time the celebrations will begin.

People across Salisbury district and the New Forest will be partying and staging a host of events over the long jubilee bank holiday weekend - June 1-4 - to mark the 50th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne.

And we at the Journal still want to hear your memories of those golden years - including the occasions when the Queen and other members of the royal family have visited the area.

We want to hear your memories of what Salisbury was like in the '50s and how people lived then.

And, if you haven't yet informed us of the dates and times of the jubilee celebrations in your town or village, let us know soon.

Meanwhile, you still have until Monday (May 20) to win the chance for yourself and a guest to attend a Salisbury Guildhall civic lunch for the Earl and Countess of Wessex during their visit to the city on Sunday, June 2.

The Queen's youngest son and his wife will be the lunch guests of Cllr Sue Mallory, who by then will be mayor of Salisbury and who is making four free tickets available for non-dignitaries.

If you would like to attend the lunch and take someone along with you, then send a postcard to us here at the Journal with your name, address and telephone number on it.

Your card, marked Royal Lunch, should reach us at Rollestone House, Rollestone Street, Salisbury, Wilts SP1 1DY, by Monday - and the first two drawn by Cllr Mallory will win the free tickets.

As the occasion is strictly a city event, the draw is restricted to Salisbury residents.

Your royal memories and information about your jubilee events should be sent to us at the same address or by fax on 01722 321854, or by e-mail at newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk.