Golden Jubilee Celebrations - Metheringham

On Monday 3rd June the St Wilfrid's church bells rang out at noon along with others all over the country, and our Jubilee Queen, Robyn Ballard, began her day's duties. The first job was to judge the 10 shop windows entered in the "Best Dressed" competition. The eventual winner was Bob's, the barbers shop. Bob had asked Playgroup for help with his window and there were contributions from children and the "Aunties!'. Other entries included the Golden Another Chance, the Royal News in the Video Shop, 1950s foodstuffs in the CO-OP, health and beauty treatments over the last fifty years at Touchline Therapies, 1950s butchery equipment at Andrews butchers and many other red white and blue themes.

Bunting and flags sprung up all over the village in time for the grand jubilee procession. The Starlite Twirlers led their first ever parade in their distinctive blue and silver uniform. The girls preceded a gold Rolls Royce taking 104 year old Alice Richardson to the playing field, which was set out for an afternoon of fun and games.

The Golden Jubilee Queen and her princesses, Paige Robinson and Becky Blackband were surrounded by flower girls on the float, and following them were the MAD ( Metheringham Amateur Dramatics)as Hi-de-Hi characters, the WI, the local History Group, an Austin 7, a 1950s Wolseley, a Matchless 500 motorbike and a little Grey Fergie tractor. At the end of the procession was a float from the Haven with a Rock and Roll 50s crowd including Elvis and Marilyn Monroe, a pony and trap, Dob Bin and the Metheringham retained fire engine and its crew. There appeared to be thousands of people lining the route and following the procession along Grange Road, Station Road, up the High Street and Prince's Street to the playing fields where, once the second float had been squeezed through the gate, Robyn and Alice Richardson officially opened the Jubilee Party.

A large arena decorated with flags and bunting was surrounded by stalls and attractions from many village organisations. The arena events began with the Starlite Twirlers first public display. Many in the crowd were stunned that the troupe had been together for such a short time. The display team of 18 girls are led by drum major Bethany Black, and trained by Clare MacDavid. Eight of the girls also performed a pom-pom routine to music from Grease.

As the girls left the arena Radio Lincolnshire arrived with their open-topped bus and provided over half an hour of music from two live bands, Hail and Thunder and Country Caftin, presented by Melvyn Prior and with interviews from Dylan Roys.

The Tug of War competition was split into ladies and men's teams - all of whom had fancy dressed for the occasion. The crate of beer for the best dressed went to Margaret's team from the Star and Garter but the eventual ladies' winners were the other Star and Garter team and the winning men were from the White Hart. The Fire Brigade, the Muppets and the Rockets also had teams.

Meanwhile MAD were conducting Hi-de-Hi style hula hoop and Knobbly Knees contests at the poolside. Ralph Timms won the Knobbly knees and prizes went to Shirley Gale for the adults and Kayleigh Foers in the under 15 for the hoops.

Football was taking place at the end of the playing fields with a Five-a-side tournament and skills competition. Winners of the five-a-side were Aaron Harrison's team of Aaron, Callum and Connor Steele, Liam McGowan and Matthew Wild, with runners up Edgar Shores, Miles Lynch, Jamie Kutzner, Sam Goodin and John Wright. Player of the tournament was Sam Goodin. There were also trophies for the football skills. In the 5-7 years category, passing and shooting was won by Miles Lynch and dribbling by Ben Goodin. In the 8-10 age group James Duggan won the dribbling and passing and Jarryd Adamson the shooting. In the 11-14s Jamie Cormack won the passing, John Miller the shooting and Pochin Cheung the dribbling.

Stalls and games around the field included the Village Hall crockery smashing stall, Splat the Rat, bags in the bucket, jam jars, board games and Pills for Auntie, The WI had a quiz for sale and a Make, Bake and Grow stall, and there were raffles, bric a brac, gifts, a barbecue at the swimming pool, and a bar and other refreshments in the pavilion. There was a display of 1950s and Royal memorabilia including the minutes of the Coronation Committee meetings in 1953 and various mugs and Silver Jubilee programmes. St Wilfrid's church launched their "Sponsor a Year" scheme to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the re-dedication of the church after the Great Fire of Metheringham.

The arena entertainment continued with children in an egg and spoon race won by Sinead Cook with Simon Payne second, and in the under 5s fancy dress Samantha Cleveland and Thomas Harding won. The arena events concluded with a demonstration by the local retained fire service. The MACLA Golden Jubilee Quiz was won by Marie McGrory.

Elsewhere in the village there were street parties, the Star and Garter had music and a hog roast and there was a cricket tournament at Blankney. Six teams turned out for a good days cricket, they were the Old Lincolnians, Martin, Norfolk'n Chance and Cavalier Nocton. The final was between Blankney and the holders Branston, with Branston retaining the trophy. Player of the tournament was Dave Grieves, the Branston wicket-keeper and batsman.

The Jubilee Street Party at the cross began at 7.15 with master of ceremonies Graeme Pembery warming the crowd up wiith a few songs. A family Fun Quiz was won by Dian Robinson's family and then the crowd were entertained by music from musicals of the last 50 years before joining in the Last Night of the Proms. The royal toast preceded the beacon lighting at around 10.00p.m. and then there was a 1950s singalong to conclude the evening.

Undoubtedly a celebration to remember. And, who knows, perhaps in ten years from now we'll be celebrating the Diamond Jubilee!

Many thanks to Dot Howes for this comprehensive account. Ed.

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