A NOSTALGIC celebration to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee brought back memories of times gone by for some of the Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre volunteers this week.

The Fabulous 50s day recalled an era of fedoras, pipes and Elvis as 50 people gathered for a vintage bus ride to Lacock followed by afternoon tea at the newly-revamped Yelde Hall.

Museum curator Melissa Barnett said even she had been surprised by the success of the day.

She said: “It was hosted for volunteers and friends, who said they had a wonderful time. It really took a lot of our guests back – many of our volunteers would have grown up in the 1950s, and the day made some of them remember what it was like to be young in that era.”

After singing 50 songs on the bus, the group returned for a feast of 1950s delights.

“Everyone who came brought a plate of food, so there were lots of lovely things to eat,” said Mrs Barnett.

“We had Spam and fish paste sandwiches, rock cakes and Victoria sponges – typical food from the time. We drank cloudy lemonade and tea too.”

The visitors, who included the newly-formed friends of the museum, also dressed up in 50s clothes to complete the experience.

The day heralded the beginning of an exhibition at the museum, looking at life in Chippenham at the time of the Queen’s coronation.

The public are being asked to contribute to the display, which runs until July 21.

For more information about the exhibition, call (01249) 705020 or visit www.chippenham.gov.uk The exhibition will be open from 10am until 4pm every day except Sundays.