A chain of flaming beacons lit up the skies across the country and the Commonwealth on the night of Thursday 2 June at 9.45 p.m.

In Chiselborough the Holloway family had built an impressive bonfire atop Gawlers Hill, which Mervyn Langdon lit with Richard Holloway. A roar went up in the Cat Head garden as we saw the dramatic flames fan into the sky, and all joined voices in singing the National Anthem. Others were watching from Balham Hill and from around the village.

July update: The Jubilee Collage Picture is now on display in our village church (from 2 July)—pop over to take a look, it’s brilliant!

On Friday morning the church came into kaleidoscopic life as armfuls of flowers, and sculptures, models, vintage ornaments and many random treasures were carried in by a team of (somewhat anxious) florists. Under the encouraging and ever-calming stewardship of Louise Holloway, the creations started to take shape. The theme was, of course, our amazing Queen—and so thus appeared her handbag (Launer, of course, with Hot Lips Salvia lipstick inside), her castle (Windsor, with oak trees), her Royal Yacht Britannia, her gowns, her love of thoroughbred racehorses (depicted in a brilliant wire sculpture), and many other imaginative floral creations. The Flower Festival was opened to the public on Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Enjoy the photos below.

On Sunday 5 June, Chiselborough held a fantastic street party. Bunting was hung, a chair amnesty was declared, tables lined up, pavlovas and puddings were baked, the Queen waved (yes, really), fizz was poured into commemorative glasses and we all sat down together to enjoy a brilliant Jubilee picnic. Live music, games, poetry and some excellent drama added to the fun. And the rain stayed in the clouds for most of the happy event. Many thanks to Sarah and her team for a truly lovely party.

“We shall remember it for quite some time and the turnout was remarkable for such a tiny village but with a big heart”

Photographs by Tony, Deb, Amanda, Sally, Bonnie, Sarah B, Sarah T, Sara, Laura, Maureen, Roger, Louise, Teresa and Helen. Videos by Louise and Tony.