Thursday June 2nd 2022 – The Jubilee Tea
Sixty five people attended this event. They were welcomed with a glass of Prosecco to toast the Queen, followed by a cream tea of sandwiches, scones and cakes.
Of course the Queen was invited!
Wonderful to see so many people enjoying themselves again.
Guests were entertained by a variety of musical acts. The Cowbridge School Jazz Band opened the event.
Tom Evans, a student of the Royal College of Music and Drama, wowed the audience with his singing and guitar playing.
The Penybont UKulele Ensemble who played and sang familiar songs, encouraged audience participation.
John Phillips, Trustee of our Village Hall, and his wife Carol.
The final musical item saw Tom joining the Ukulele Band for a rousing rendition of the Jubilee Anthem “Sweet Caroline”
David Thursfield, YCSA Treasurer and Trustee of the Hall, gave a vote of thanks to Corinne and Keris, who were greatly helped by Moira and Alan Jackson. Also thanks went to our four young villagers, Izzy Phillips, Rhys Punter, Izzy and Phoebe Howells, who worked hard throughout the afternoon.
Everyone enjoyed this event and it was a great start to our Weekend of Jubilee Celebrations
Over a hundred residents arrived at the beautifully decorated Hall for supper, musical entertainment and dancing.
Saturday June 4th – Adult Evening with Live Music
This event was organised by Spencer Shields and a “Thank you” was given to him and all those who supported him.
The evening began with lots of chatting and catching up with neighbours and friends. These Jubilee Events were the first social gatherings of Village Residents in almost 3 years due to the Covid Pandemic. There was a lot of catching up to do!
Everyone enjoyed a tasty hog roast supper, and delicious desserts made by Flora.
“Thank you” to Rod ( Chair of the YCSA) and Moira for serving the food.
Paul Harvey played guitar and performed songs that got the villagers singing along. Chris Kelly opened the second half of the evening, with the audience now ready to get up and dance.
…..and did they dance!!
Sunday June 5th – Family Fun Day and Street Party
Before the main event, the Queen went on a walkabout and met some of the village children.
First prize for the best dressed Jubilee window went to the Earnshaw family and the Bullon family were runners up.
Thank you to our judges, Chris and joy Kipling
The weather was not going to dampen our wonderful weekend. Some events were moved indoors, but the Sports activities managed to dodge the showers with the children taking part in hockey, football, tennis, badminton and table tennis.
A big thank you to Jane Jones (Hardwick) for organising all the Sport and being a contact for this event.
On the Petanque Piste, Chris Howard and Graham Roberts talked some adults through the rules and then they tried their hand at throwing boules for the first time.
Debbie Thomas and her daughter organised the popular Treasure Hunt. Great clues to work out with stickers to collect and crowns to make.
Oliver and his Dad enjoyed working out the clues and collecting the stickers.
The busiest person today was Andrew, the Face Painter. He had a continual queue for two hours.
There were lots of happy children around, including 3 month old Millie Roberts.
The highlight of the day was the Street Party, which we had to move indoors. The children enjoyed their sandwiches, crisps fruit and cakes.
DJ Stirling arrived at 2pm full of energy and fantastic with the children. They all loved joining in.
We have had three wonderful days of Jubilee Celebrations and sincere thanks go to this hardworking couple, Moira and Alan. They turned up for all three events and kept the kitchen and the bar running flawlessly.We are so grateful and would have been lost without them.
A grant Application to the National Lottery Community Fund awarded the YCSA £1825 to be used for our Jubilee Celebrations. We believe that we were successful because our application was inclusive, providing events that covered all age groups.
This slate plaque has been purchased to sit alongside a special tree that will be planted in the Village Hall Grounds the Autumn. A lasting reminder of Ystradowen’s Celebrations marking our Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022.
The YCSA decided that after two years of very little contact, the Village Community needed three events to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee! With a lot of organising and help from Villagers, these events happened and were a great success. It has brought the Village together again. All ages were catered for and new friendships made.
Thanks to the following people:-
The YCSA Committee – Rod Howells (Chair), David Thursfield (Treasurer/Trustee), Helen Drane (Secretary), Felicity Quance (Trustee), Keris Howard, Corinne Roberts, Chris Kipling, Moira Howells, Alan Jackson, Hillary Hill, Spencer Shields, Jane Jones, Rebecca Millard, Fiona Sylver
Chris Howard – Grant Writer
The Jubilee Planning Committee – Becci Morteo, Katie Bullon, Laurie Griffiths, Debbie Thomas, Laura Cumming, Sian Yates.
Mike Davies – Photographer
Gerwyn Jones – Molson Coors Brewers
Charlotte Burch – for keeping our Hall spick and span.
Lastly, thank you to everyone who supported, helped and attended these events.
In Memory of our late Queen Elizabeth.
Ystradowen 