The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Weekend in Henfield
On 6 February this year Her Majesty the Queen became the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, with an amazing 70 years of service to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth,. She came to the throne in 1952 aged just 25 after the death of her father King George VI.
All across the country communities are planning to come together to celebrate this unique anniversary over the bank holiday weekend, from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June. Henfield is no exception with a range of activities and events planned, even starting the proceeding weekend! Here is a snapshot of what is planned next month so that you can save some dates in your diary; we’ll be publishing more extensive information in the June issue of BN5.
Sunday 29 May
5.30pm, St Peters Church, Woodmancote
Proceeded at 4.30pm with tea embracing the Jubilee theme.
Thursday 2 June
11am-3pm, The Kingsfield, Henfield (next to Henfield Leisure Centre)
Free entry and activities, including sports, children’s games, arts & crafts, Jubilee crown making, trampolining, Karaoke in Henfield Youth Club, outdoor skills from Henfield guides and skateboard classes from a professional. There will be refreshments and ice-creams to purchase.
Thursday 2 June
Celebrations start at 7.30pm with the Beacon lit at 9.45pm, Rothery Field, Nep Town Road, Henfield
All are welcome to come and enjoy the famous B-P Guild beer tent and BBQ, which will start earlier in the evening. There are plans for some musical entertainment. Please try to walk or park in the village car parks as parking is extremely limited.
Friday 3 June
5.30pm, St Peter’s Church, Henfield
Friday 3 June
(Open to all) time tbc, Red Oaks Care Home, Henfield
Local knitters have made beautiful bunting for this Afternoon Tea, all are welcome to come along.
Friday 3 June
7.30pm, Henfield Hall
Any proceeds will go to Henfield Youth Club and the Henfield Haven.
Saturday 4 June
12 midday onwards
You’ll find Henfield High Street bedecked with bunting and decorated windows, with many of the shops and businesses joining in the celebrations! There’s a Coronation themed afternoon tea at Christina’s; crown making and children’s crafts at Goodness with red, white and blue smoothies; a display of Henfield past at the Henfield Club and the bar open; a street party with ice cream and tea at Stokes; fun children’s activities outside R&H Pets; a BBQ at the Post House café; children’s face-painting at the Evangelical Church; Indian tasters and treats outside Little India and street-food at Relish, plus lots more!
Sunday 5 June
11.15am, St Giles’, Shermanbury
Sunday 5 June
12 midday-6pm, Memorial Field, Henfield Common
Organised by Henfield Parish council, this is the real Jubilee headliner! Everyone is welcome to join in the fun with traditional games, picnics, afternoon teas with vintage / fancy dress optional. Dress up and picnic in style with your friends and family. Why not dig out your vintage; everyone is encouraged to dress up in period costume from the last 70 years with ‘styles of the decades’. There are children’s fancy dress competitions in three age categories (pre-school, KS1 and KS2). Homemade costumes are encouraged. Bring your own picnic (various Henfield cafes are providing picnic items, or you can purchase from the Artisan Food Market or pick up a pre-ordered picnic from Relish) and there are food stalls from Rushfields, Goodness and a pizza van plus delicious afternoon teas from the LadyBirds, an ice cream van and a bar with Silly Moo cider and Downlands Brewery. Traditional fun and games in the arena for children and adults (rosettes and prizes), a great trail through the woods from Henfield Joggers and Patcham Silver Band providing the musical accompaniment. Bring your own rugs or chairs and please remember, parking is very limited so walk if you can or park in a Henfield car park and catch the Community Minibus (departing from outside the Henfield Hall).
Sunday 5 June
7.52pm - 10.22pm
The talented bellringers from St Peter’s Church, Henfield will be spending half an hour ringing the bells between the highly symbolic times of 19.52 and 20.22!
Emma Cole