On 16^th June 2022 we held our Platinum Jubilee Celebration. We held this after the Jubilee weekend to ensure more people could attend as there were many community events happening in the Watford and Three Rivers area. We were incredibly thankful to receive extra funding from Herts County Council which increased our total budget for this event.

We wanted this to be a fun and friendly celebration bringing together our members from all local areas in celebration of The Queen. We had 11 members of staff working alongside 3 volunteers which meant we had a big enough team to ensure drinks were kept filled, food was served efficiently, and guests felt looked after.  

We decorated the hall in Jubilee themed decorations, and painted Buckingham Palace as a feature on one of the large walls. We took inspiration from classic street party celebrations throughout the years and draped flags across the stage and hung bunting throughout.

Each table had a centre piece consisting of balloons, jubilee flags and a crown (which some attendees decided to wear!) We also brought a commemorative jubilee badge for everyone which included a small jubilee chocolate to mark the momentous occasion. This badge was also given to all the staff and volunteers who helped on the day.

Entertainment was a focus for us, so we hired four     different performers. Brian who plays bagpipes, Victoria Sponge, Buddy Ash and The Rock Bottom Band. Guests were greeted with Brian who played bagpipes in the entrance for half an hour as we wanted the atmosphere to start the moment they walked in. Victoria Sponge was our brilliant host introducing all our acts and keeping the guests entertained. As our guests had lunch, we had the wonderful Buddy Ash perform, who sang songs from an array of genres and eras. Finally, The Rock Bottom Band performed 60s music which the attendees loved and even got some up dancing!

Mavis and Norman, freemasons of Watford, attended the event, and it was lovely to have them. They enjoyed some cod and chips alongside the attendees, had a dance and Norman very kindly came to the stage to give a small speech. Alongside the Queens celebration he mentioned some other local milestones including Watford FC at Vicarage Road and his 60-year wedding anniversary.

We ended the event with two songs led by Karen Bell and The Rock Bottom Band - A Land of Hope and Glory and then the National Anthem.

We received some brilliant feedback from members who spoke to staff, this included:

"You’ve all worked so hard, we have had a wonderful time! A party the queen would have loved"

"It’s so nice to be back at a Getting Together event with all my friends"

"Just wow!"

"It’s amazing how much work has gone into this"

“We can’t say thank you enough! Well done!”

“Thank you so much for organising a fabulous outing. I had a really great time, scrummy food and drink and great company. They are such a friendly bunch as are all you helpers. Thanks again.”

“Thank you all - staff, volunteers and entertainers for a smashing Jubilee Party. So much hard work, much appreciated!”

“Thank you all for a lovely day. We appreciate all the hard work and planning that goes into the organising all that you do for us.”

“I had a lovely time, thank you so much for all your hard work.”