Brenda Marler remembers . . .
The Women’s Institute was formed in 1915, and celebrated its 50th Golden Jubilee in 1965. The Tunstead branch of the Woman’s Institute (WI) held regular meetings in the Village Hall (long-since demolished to make way for more homes in Granary Way), and it was decided to celebrate the Jubilee by donating a sign, which now stands at the entrance of the village, on the corner of Market Street and Ashmanaugh Road. (more…)
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Jubilee celebration was the collection of photographs, artefacts and anecdotes of the older generation ’Tunstodians’ — a term John Rice so aptly coined — which was the catalyst for memories and recollections of life in and around the village, some dating back 90 years. (more…)
The children’s races were also themed along royal lines, with the traditional egg & spoon tweaked to become ‘orb & spoon’; the ‘wool-sack race’ was aggressively contested, with Jake Aldridge storming home, with Matty Mayes in hot hopping pursuit. The Right Royal Pick-up was a fight to the finish between the girls’ team and the boys’ team—foul play was suspected, and a re-run was ordered, which ended in a draw.
Maggie Richardson runs the Craft Club at the primary school, and she extended it to present a workshop at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee event, offering children the chance to make and decorate their own royal accessories, such as crowns, swords, shields and orbs. Maggie applied her skill, enthusiasm and patience continually throughout the afternoon.
Her efforts were greatly appreciated by children and parents equally. The Parish Council and the Friends of Tunstead School provided the funding for this activity, and extra money made will form part of the Council’s School Centenary. (more…)
