Crowds turn out in droves for parties in Calne (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Crowds turn out in droves for parties in Calne

4:28pm Tuesday 5th June 2012 in Chippenham By Tom Mooney

The main Diamond Jubilee events in and around Calne largely escaped the deluge of rain in a weekend of celebration.

Several community events and street parties had residents out in their droves.

In Hilmarton, there was an old-fashioned street party, with hundreds of residents donning fancy dress and Union Jacks to mark the Queen’s remarkable achievement.

Geoff Proctor, who helped arrange the festivities, said: “We had a brilliant time, there was a wonderful turnout from people in the parish and we were delighted so many of them came along.

“We had loads of stuff going on. There was a dog show, skittles, various street games including musical chairs and an egg and spoon race.

“The flower arranging group made a beautiful crown out of flowers.

“Plus we had food and drinks all day and some jazz music in the evening.

“We had been round door-to-door selling programmes so everyone knew about it. It was lovely to see so much of the community out enjoying the day.”

In Calne, there were Jubilee tea parties at St Mary’s and Holy Trinity churches. And there was a special proclamation reading from the proclamation steps at St Mary’s, before they relayed the service from St Paul’s Cathedral in the church.

And there was a big street party in The Pippin, which was open to families in all the surrounding streets.

Geoff Brown, one of the party organisers, said: “It was great, we all had a good time between the rain showers - that just added some more fun to the day.

“The mayor came along and we were all playing silly games like egg and spoon races.

“We had people from all of the nearby streets attend and there was some good music and the barbecue was out all day.

“I think everyone enjoyed themselves and it is good to be patriotic and show their support for the Queen as she has had such a good 60 years.”