"Didn't we have a lovely day the day we".................................................................. marked in style the late Queen's jubilee anniversaries.

Next time you are up at the Village Hall perhaps go a little earlier, or linger longer, and take a few moments to study the three mounted photo montages of the jubilee celebrations that have recently been hung along the kitchen wall in the entrance hall.

The montages were collated and then framed by Angie Archbold, one of the organisers of these highly successful and much appreciated celebrations. Together, they present a collection of pictures that were taken during the Golden, (2002) Diamond (2012) and Platinum Jubilee festivities.(2022)

Angie says “I decided to make a visible record of what went on rather than leave the pictures where no-one could see them to create a lovely photographic memory.” She modestly says ”This was really no more than just a few evenings work”.

A few evenings work it may have been, but the pleasure it will give to villagers is immeasurable as users of the hall can remind themselves of what went on during those three festive weekends, very busy ones in the village.

You will notice how children have grown up, remark on “were we really wearing that”, remember those who are, sadly, no longer with us, wonder how this or that person is doing nowadays and no doubt make a quiet comment or two, or even three, about the ageing process. So many happy reminiscences to share.

Recall the Golden Jubilee when a parade of “all things Bishop Monkton” was led by colourful Morris dancers followed by a float featuring that seventh century “mover and shaker”, St. Wilfrid himself. Much hilarity was caused among the many spectators as they watched a strenuous pram push through the beck while the sounds of Ripon City Brass Band echoed through the air.

The Diamond Jubilee parade, again led by Morris dancers, saw the Queen and Prince Philip waving from a magnificent open topped 1908 Talbot motor car. Amazing how these august personages always bore such a strong resemblance to well known villagers. Luckily the Methodist Chapel's magnificent Noah Ark float did not need to be requisitioned for its original purpose as the seemingly incessant rain of the days leading up to the celebrations did finally cease.

Over 400 booked their seats for the street party in 2022, 500 meters of bunting were put in place throughout the village and more than 35 homes signed up to be part of the decorated homes and garden trail. To mark the event a time capsule was buried by the village school children near the Village Hall.

During the four day weekend of Platinum celebrations there were various showings of a 30 minute film “The Village Loves to Party” Silver, Golden & Diamond Jubilees. This proved extremely popular and included archive footage from the Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees events in the village as well as other celebrations held during the late Queen’s 70+ years on the throne. It also includes interviews with a number of villagers about their memories of those events. To view this film click .

And finally, many thanks to Bob Upton for kindly hanging the pictures for all to see.